Loveland Magazine

The Middle of Nowhere: Chateau LaRoche

The Loveland Castle, also known as the Chateau LaRoche. It's located near Cincinnati, in Loveland, Ohio. When I was looking for things to do in the Cincinnati area, I saw this listed as one of the area attractions and knew immediately that I had to go and see it. I'm fascinated by castles and what it must have been like to live in one. And I never realized that an actual castle like this one was built in the United States. It was made by hand, mostly by one man, who continued to work on it until he died at the age of 91. Read on... The Middle of Nowhere: Chateau LaRoche.

Carolyn Maupin: “There was a Prisoner of Worry”

LOVELAND, OHIO – Gold Star mom, Carolyn Maupin was the guest speaker at Monday's Memorial Day service. Maupin's son Matt, was murdered in Iraq after being captured by insurgents. She spoke about finding out how many people didn't know what the terms, Blue Star, Gold Star, and POW/MIA was. She said that on finding out that her son had been captured, there was not only a Prisoner of War, “But there was a prisoner of Worry.”

A Blue Star Service Banner contains a blue star for each family member who is on active duty and in harm's way. The Gold Star Banner can be flown, displayed, or worn when a family member died during that service. The POW/MIA flag is an American flag designed as a symbol of citizen concern about United States military personnel taken as prisoners of war (POWs) or listed as missing in action (MIA).

Maupin's very short speech was full of personal emotion as she talked about the trials she has gone through during the time of her son being reported captured, and his return in a coffin last year. She waited for four years, “But, Matt didn't walk off that plane that day.”

She thanked the community for all of the prayers of support for her, and her son, and said, “Our troops haven't given up on us. So... let's not give up on them." She urged everyone to keep flying the American flag, and, “put out those yellow bows.”

She said, “God can get you through trials and tribulations that you would never dream you could go through.”

“God bless all of you, our troops, and America.”

Reds Sweep Astros

CINCINNATI, OHIO - Jay Bruce went 3-for-4 with two homers, a triple and four RBIs, against his hometown team, the Houston Astros, on Wednesday night in the Red's 6-1 win for a three-game series sweep. It was Bruce's 13th and 14th home runs of the season.

Bronson Arroyo threw his first complete game of the season. Now at 7-3, he leads the National league in wins. Arroyo gave up five hits, four singles and a double, with three strikeouts, and one walk.

The Reds now head into a seven-game road trip against the two teams ahead of them in the National League Central – first-place St. Louis Cardinals, and second-place, Milwaukee Brewers. The win put the Reds six games over .500, and are 17-9 in the Central.

The Reds are 1-½ games behind the Cardinals, and a half-game behind the Brewers. They play three games in Milwaukee, then four in St. Louis.

Career Transitioning Ministry May 26th Meeting

Key Tips for Financial Security During a Transition

The Career Transitioning Ministry (CTM) offers practical, personal and
spiritual support for individuals who have lost their jobs or are concerned
about losing their jobs. It is open to the public, free of charge and
requires no pre-registration to attend. This ministry is being offered
through Epiphany United Methodist Church and River Hills Christian Church.

Meetings are held each Tuesday from 7-8:30 PM. On the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays,
we will meet at Epiphany UMC (6635 Loveland Miamiville Rd.). The 2nd and 4th Tuesdays we will meet at RHCC (6300 Price Rd.).

May 26th Topic at RHCC:

Key Tips for Financial Security During a Transition

• Joseph P. Kuethe, Investment Representative with Edward Jones in Milford
• Steve Daniels, business owner with a history of senior executive management in banking..
• Marsha Byrum, CDPE, (Certified Distressed Property Expert)

We ask from those who have not shared our pain and suffering...

By Staff Sergeant Tom Vormwald,

All Americans should take the time to reflect what the Veterans of this great nation have sacrificed. If you like the freedoms you have today than take time from your busy schedule to thank a Veteran for them, or say a prayer for the families they left behind.

For he or she has done the job that you could not, or would not (because of religious beliefs or other reasons) have done.  It's part of who and what we are, those that did their time in the service of this great nation and paid for it with their sweat, blood and their tears.

On Memorial Day we honor those that have paid the supreme sacrifice so that this nation and its people would survive. We as Veterans are all bonded by many things, a place, or a time in history. On Memorial Day we honor our comrades that have left our ranks for the final muster.
We assemble many times a year to pay homage to our fallen comrades who have left our ranks. This is the burden we carry as survivors of the campaigns and battles to never ever forget the ultimate price they paid for the freedoms all Americans enjoy today.

Love for our country drives us to join the services, which guard our country and our way of life.

Pain and suffering with our brethren is our burden and our bane. We shall carry this burden as long as we trudge through this life on Earth.

We ask from those who have not shared our pain and suffering ---

Remember those we left behind on the fields of honor on this Memorial Day and every Memorial Day each year.

Never forget the sacrifices they made so that this great nation and its people could have the freedoms they enjoy.

Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful)

Editor's Note:
Vormwald, a resident of Loveland, Ohio, enlisted in the US Marine Corps on 29 September 1980 and served with B Company 8th Tank Battalion reserves. He reenlisted 3 January 1983 on Active duty with C. Company 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC.  In 1983 He deployed multiple times overseas with the Battalion attached to infantry units.

Vormwald then went on to the 3rd Marine Division for a year with C. Company 1st Tracked Vehicle Battalion Okinawa, Japan and rotated back to the United States to Camp Pendleton, CA. He reenlisted at Camp Pendleton, CA and received orders back to Camp Lejeune, NC in 1986.  He said, “I spent 4-plus more years at Camp Lejeune, NC when I decided my Family meant more to me then my career.”

In 2006 his son Thomas served in Iraq with 3rd Battalion 8th Marines 2nd Marine Division, Ramadi, Iraq. “I decided it’s not right to send your sons to war when you still can do it. So... I now serve with the 123rd Air Control Squadron, Ohio Air National Guard.  Blue Ash. Ohio, as a Staff Sergeant, Computer Systems Operations Specialist.

Vormwald's son Matt will be deploying to Afghanistan in July. The elder Vormwald said, “So I do not know what will happen in the coming months.”

Free Brain Tumor Conference Spotlights Treatment, Support

CINCINNATI, OHIO - The 2009 Midwest Regional Brain Tumor Conference, a free educational event for patients, caregivers and family members, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington.

 

The conference, titled “Hope, Innovation, Progress, Support,” is presented by the Brain Tumor Center at the University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Institute, in partnership with the National Brain Tumor Society.

 

The conference will provide patients, survivors and caregivers with an opportunity to mingle with each other and to acquire information from brain tumor specialists and allied health professionals. The conference will offer formal presentations and informational displays. Topics will include the origins of brain tumors, advances in treatment, management of treatment side effects, long-term survivorship, rehabilitation, the patient’s “bill of rights” and financial resources.

 

Breakout sessions will focus on brain tumor types, including pituitary adenoma, acoustic neuroma, low-grade glioma, astrocytoma, glioblastoma and meningioma. Metastatic tumors also will be covered.

 

Featured speakers include:

 

• Ronald Warnick, MD, director of the Brain Tumor Center at the UC Neuroscience Institute.
• John Tew, MD, clinical director of the UC Neuroscience Institute
• Myles Pensak, MD, chair of the UC Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
• John Breneman, MD, professor of radiation oncology and neurosurgery at the UC Neuroscience Institute.
• Christopher McPherson, MD, director of surgical neuro-oncology at the Brain Tumor Center.
• Connie Menefee, caregiver.

The conference is directed by McPherson.

 

Fifteen-minute physician consults also will be available. Patients wishing a consult should contact Tara Orgon Stamper by June 10 at (513) 558-8649.

 

Although the symposium is free, participants are asked to register in advance by calling (513) 569-5354 or by sending an e-mail to eries@mayfieldclinic.com. Additional information, including a downloadable brochure and registration form, is available online at ucbraintumorcenter.com.

 

The Northern Kentucky Convention Center is located at One West RiverCenter Blvd., Covington, Ky, 41011.

 

The UC Neuroscience Institute, a regional center of excellence at UC and University Hospital, is dedicated to patient care, research, education and the development of new treatments for stroke, brain and spinal tumors, epilepsy, traumatic brain and spinal injury, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, disorders of the senses (swallowing, voice, hearing, pain, taste and smell) and psychiatric conditions (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression).

Annual Railroad Days events kick off the festival season

The 35th annual Little Miami Railroad Days will be June 3-6 in Morrow at the Morrow Depot

The festival will kick off June 3 with food, fun, carnival rides and live music at 6 p.m. by Refuge at the depot stage. Miracle Amusements will provide carnival rides, and June 4-5 will be family nights. Armbands for all-you-can ride access will be sold for $12. Read on...Annual Railroad Days events kick off the festival season.

Cole Schlesner's parents give up-date and thanks

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

On Sunday May 17th, our son Cole was pitching for the Cincinnati STIX 14U baseball team, something he loved to do more than anything else in his life.  Right after he released a pitch he was in a vulnerable position (still bent over) and a hard line-drive was hit back directly at him.  He tried to duck under it, but the ball struck him in the head just above his hairline.  He was originally conscious and coherent, but fortunately a nurse with a background in neurology was at the game and she called 911 as a precaution.  However, within 5-6 minutes Cole’s condition dramatically changed and it became apparent he was seriously injured.

The Loveland Symmes Fire & Rescue team showed up and they made a critical decision to call Air Care.  This call was smart, and the flight physician was able to intubate Cole to maintain an airway and stabilize him before he was flown to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.  Upon arriving at the hospital a CT scan revealed that he had a fractured skull and blood was building up from the brain bruise.  He immediately went into surgery.  He has been kept in a drug-induced coma since surgery to allow his brain to heal.  His Neurosurgeon planned to keep him in this state through this Friday, since 36-72 hours after the injury is the time when the swelling is/was expected to peak.

Over the past couple of days, Cole has begun taking the some encouraging steps on his road to recovery.  Recent head scans have shown improvement and his other vitals are stable and strong.  On Tuesday, May 19th he moved all of his arms and legs, and was able to squeeze his Grandmother’s hand when she saw him for the first time.  On Wednesday, May 20th he started to respond to commands, and was able to make a “thumbs up” and “peace sign.”   These are small gains, but all indicate that Cole is moving in the right direction.   He’s expected to be brought out of the coma and taken off the ventilator on Friday, May 22nd 

Needless to say, our paradigm of life’s priorities has changed dramatically.  At noon on Sunday I was worrying about how Cole would perform as the starting pitcher, and at 3 PM I was literally praying for him to survive.  The entire ordeal was surreal.  Some of Cole’s brothers were playing ball on neighboring fields listening to sirens and the helicopter hovering on a field ½ mile away, with no idea what was going on or who was hurt.  However, they’re all handling the situation well and have made me very proud.  Thursday night a prayer vigil was held for Cole at the Loveland Middle School.  There were hundreds of folks in attendance, local TV stations and other media were there, and it was overwhelming to see the love and support of friends and families who came to pray for Cole.

We don’t know what the future holds for Cole.  When I was racing downtown to the hospital I asked God for two things:  The first was for Cole to survive the trauma and anticipated surgery.  God answered this prayer, and for that we’ll be eternally grateful.  The second prayer was for Cole to have a full and complete recovery.  Post-surgery his Neurosurgeon told us this is possible, so we’re 100% focused on remaining positive and hopeful so that someday this goal will be achieved.  We realize that it may be a long and difficult journey, but we’re determined to make Cole a success story.

We want to also emphasize that we view this entire tragedy as an unfortunate accident, and there is nobody to point the finger at or blame.  In particular, we want to make it clear that the player who hit the baseball is not at fault, and should feel no guilt for what happened.  We are praying for him, and don’t want this accident negatively affect him in any way. 

Finally, we want to thank: The Loveland-Symmes Fire & Rescue Paramedics.  Their quick thinking and care positioned Cole to receive the best care possible.  We thank: District Chief Books, Greg Wehrum, Brian Dowers, Russ Stanzel (EMT), and the fire truck crew who supported the Air Care helicopter landing. We also want to recognize the Air Care personnel who transported Cole via helicopter, and all of the fantastic clinicians at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. And we thank the mom from the Tri-County Twins who called 911, and the nurse who quickly assessed Cole immediately after he was hit.

We’ve launched a webpage for Cole and would appreciate you visiting and posting positive thoughts and prayers so Cole can read them when he’s able.  Go to  www.carepages.com  and type Cole4 as the search term.

Thanks for your love and support up to now, and please keep praying for Cole’s continued recovery!

Scott & Wendy Schlesner

(Read about the Prayer Vigil for Cole)

Branch Hill Coffee Company

BRANCH HILL, OHIO - This Photo was taken in front of the Branch Hill Coffee Company last Saturday.

State News

Miss Ohio pairs up with state rep. on tanning ban.

Miss Ohio joined a local lawmaker and others today, May 20, in backing a bill aimed at curtailing youth tanning and recognizing May as melanoma/skin cancer detection and prevention month.

Ban hurting business? No, study says

School board member deals with mess

It's odd enough that a Bedford, Ohio, father would call police after arguing with his son about cleaning his room.

Stranger still, the sloppy son is 28 years old and serves on the Bedford school board.

Bill would increase Ohio's speed limit to 70 mph

Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra Memorial Day Concert

Blue Ash Youth Symphony Orchestra will also perform

The Orchestra will present music that will appeal to a wide range of tastes. A moving tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price of war, Hymn to the Fallen by John Williams contrasts with Morton Gould’s American Salute as the Orchestra remembers the ranks of veterans of all branches of the armed services. The program continues its study of contrasts with the ravishing slow movement from Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony paired with the InfernalDance and Finale from Stravinsky’s Firebird.  Be prepared to finish this set breathless!

As is traditional, the Blue Ash Youth Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Dale Swisher, will also perform.  Playing selections from the music of the Lord of the Rings by Howard Shore, Sibelius’s Finlandia and the Toccata and Fugue in G Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach, these young musicians will amaze you with their talent and vitality.  The concert will include the annual Armed Forces Salute, played by both Orchestras, where our many area veterans are honored for their service to our country.

BAMSO’s annual Memorial Day Concert at the Blue Ash Towne Square (Rain Site: Sycamore Junior High, 5757 Cooper Road) on Monday, May 25 at 6 PM. Directions

Loveland Stage Company Theater Courtyard?

LOVELAND, OHIO – Deidra Dyson (left) and Pat Furterer were hard at work last Saturday morning cleaning the Loveland Stage Company Theater to make it ready for a “relatively impromptu 'Meet and Greet” event planned for later this week. Dyson is LSC Fundraising Committee Chair and Miss Saigon Director, and  Furterer is LSC President and Miss Saigon Producer.

The private, and sure to be glitzy affair, will be held in what they jokingly now call the Theater Courtyard. The community theater was gutted by a fire last October. The “Meet and Greet” is to introduce the media and press to the Miss Saigon Cast and Crew as well as their fundraising and renovation teams.

The company has embarked on a “REBUILD & Play On!” campaign with the lofty goal of getting the theater open by November 6 for the premier of Miss Saigon. This will not only be their first production in the renovated theater, but it is also the very first time a community theater group will produce this show in Ohio.

The inside of the theater has been cleared and prepared, and the walls are repaired and ready to accept the new roof installation - scheduled for May 26. Once the roof is on, all interior finish work will begin.

Click to donate to the “REBUILD & Play On!” effort.

No acquittal, but new trial an option for Widmer

Ryan Widmer will not receive an acquittal, a judge has ruled, but there is still a chance the convicted murderer could receive a new trial.

Warren County Common Please Judge Neal Bronson denied the defense’s request for an acquittal, but said he would consider juror affidavits before he makes a decision on granting a new trial. Read on...No acquittal, but new trial an option for Widmer.

Decision in Widmer bathtub murder coming today

Warren County Common Pleas Judge Neal Bronson has ruled in the Ryan Widmer bathtub murder case and the decision regarding a new trial will be released later today, May 20.  Decision in Widmer bathtub murder coming today.

Cole Schlesner Prayer Vigil

LOVELAND, OHIO – Cole Schlesner, an eighth-grade student at the Loveland Middle School was struck in the head by a ball while pitching for his 14u STIX team Sunday. He was “life-flighted” to Cincinnati's Children's Hospital, where he underwent surgery. He was then put into a drug-induced coma as is normal for these injuries to assist his healing.

On Tuesday night at dusk, hundreds attended a candle light vigil for him at the soccer stadium at the Loveland Middle School. The back parking lot of the school was nearly full as parents and children streamed into the stadium as the sun was about to set. Many children were in baseball and other team uniforms, coming to the vigil straight from their own games and practices.

Cole was originally listed in critical condition, but reports are that the internal bleeding has ceased, and he is in “stable condition.” Those gathered, were told that the family was "cautiously optimistic" about Cole's recovery.

Pastor Bill Hounshell from New Hope Baptist Church and Chaplin for the Loveland/Symmes Fire Department led the crowd in spoken and silent prayer as hundreds of candles illuminated the faces of worried teammate, classmates, and parents.

Hounshell urged people to keep the boy who batted the ball in their prayers. “It is important that this young man knows that he is not to blame. He was only playing - the game. It is important that this young man knows that you are praying for him too.”

Two, very large “Get Well Soon Cole” cards were taped to the outside of the stadium concession stand that said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you!” Hundreds of children and adults stopped to sign their name and leave a personal message to Cole.

Loveland Music Academy Expands

Open House on Sunday, May 31

 

LOVELAND, OHIO – The Loveland Music Academy (LMA) is quite excited to be moving to a new, larger space as of June 1. Currently located above the Blue Chip Cookie Company at the corner of West Loveland and the bike trail, LMA is moving across the street to the Brown building, into the space that was formerly occupied by an architectural firm above the EdwardsJones Investments company.  "We are so pleased that we have the need for more space and additional studios" says Co-owner Linda Henn Bergholz.  The new studios at 209 West Loveland Avenue Suite 200 occupies 3000 sq. ft. and hosts 9 individual studios for both private and group instruction as well as three waiting areas, one of which large enough for small ensembles to perform.

Founded in 2007 by Aaron O'Keefe and Linda Henn Bergholz, both private instructors, LMA offers instruction in piano, guitar, bass guitar, voice, acting, percussion, strings, flute, clarinet, banjo, mandolin and brass (they are in current need of a saxophone instructor), as well as an off-site harp teacher and a traveling piano instructor.

O'Keefe, who specializes in "bands"--putting together various students in groups - felt, as did Bergholz, that the Loveland area was in need of a place for instruction, both private and group, where "Andy can take guitar, Katie can take voice, and Diane can take piano lessons while a parent can run errands, walk on the bike trail, or relax with a book".  While both had a full student load teaching from studios in their homes, they were limited by the amount of individual lessons they were able to teach, often having to turn away interested students as they hadn't any available time in their schedules.  And, as being self-employed is limiting in interaction with others in your field of expertise, they often found themselves "brain storming" about various teaching methods, materials, techniques, motivation, etc.  And, being musicians, they wanted to be able to encourage students in all venues of music, not merely their own instrument “And the neighbors were beginning to tire of the "noise" and traffic,” said Bergholz.

After months of searching available rental space, LMA officially opened in June, 2007, with Bergholz, O'Keefe, and four other instructors sharing four studios, eventually expanding to seven studios and 13 instructors.  With the addition of the two new studios, four more instructors have joined the faculty, and LMA is anticipating hiring several more over the summer.

The LMA faculty, in addition to partners O'Keefe (guitar, bass, percussion, keyboards) and Bergholz (piano, keyboards, flute, theory), are Kristin Agee (percussion,piano), Hannah Balash (voice and acting), Meg Cornelius (voice, acting), Eric Evans (guitar, mandolin, banjo), Kate Giraud (guitar, piano, strings), Laura Hoevenaar (voice), Rick Humphreys (piano, vocal coaching), Jeong-In Kim (piano, vocal coaching), Andy Mclain (guitar, bass, percussion, recording and sound engineering), Eva Scheetz (viola, violin, clarinet), Nell Schaffer (piano), Adam Shaver (guitar, bass, percussion), Adam Syed (strings), Julia Wilcox (piano), Heather Witter (harp), and Stacey Nabors Zeschin (flute, piano, penny-whistle).

For more information about the instructors, availability, rates, and methods, please go to www.lovelandmusicacademy.com or call 513.294.4094 or email.

There will be an Open House on Sunday, May 31 from 2 – 4 PM.  Instructors will be available to give information about their availability and instrument and you will be able to tour the newly decorated studios and enjoy light refreshments.

Loveland High School Athletes Spring Collegiate Signings

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO – Each Spring, in a ceremony held immediately after school, teachers, coaches, team-mates, and family gather to honor Loveland High School students who have been awarded college scholarships to further their athletic careers. On May 12, the following students were recognized:

RYAN HENKE 

Parents-Deb and Russ Henke

Ryan is a two time varsity and two time all FAVC soccer player.  As a two year starter in goal, Ryan has won both the Most Improved Player Award and the Tiger Award for commitment and effort.  Ryan led the varsity soccer team to the round of 16 in this year’s state tournament, the deepest we have been in eight years. Ryan will continue his soccer career at High Point University in North Carolina and plans to study business or pre-law.

EMILY KOWALCHIK

Parents-Eleanor and John Kowalchik

Emily is a member of the Loveland National Honor Society and Link Crew.  She is ranked 4th in her class with a GPA of 4.37.  She is a member of Beckett Run Equestrian team and recently became a National individual champion in varsity open fences and member of a National Champion team.  Emily will continue to ride for Cornell University majoring in business with a minor in Spanish

ALEX POHL 

Parents-Marilyn and Bill Pohl

 
Alex is a member of Link Crew, the Partners club and the Student Athletic Leadership Team and choir secretary.  As an athlete she is one of the most decorated in Loveland history.  A 12 time varsity letter winner in volleyball, basketball and track, she was first team all conference this past year in both volleyball and basketball.  Alex was also a member of the All FAVC Academic Team.  Alex will continue both her volleyball and basketball career at Shawnee State studying pre-law.
 

KIRK MORRA

Parents-Julie and Brian Morra

Kirk is a member of the National Honor Society while also participating in track and power lifting.   He is a three year arsity football player being named captain this past season.  Kirk was named 2nd team all conference and was a member of the All FAVC Academic Team.  Kirk was a recent winner of the Loveland Edward Jones Student Athlete award.  Kirk will continue his football career at Centre College and study pre-med.

JIMMIE WALERIUS 

Parents-Kathy and Daryl Walerius

Jimmie is a four year Lacrosse letter winner and a three year varsity football player.  He was named defensive MVP for the 2009 season.  Jimmie was also an All FAVC Academic recipient.  Jimmie will continue his career at Denison University and plans on studying pre-med.

HALEY NUTTER

Parents Roger and Vikkie

Haley is a three year varsity tennis player.  She is a member of the Thespian Society and Show Choir.  Haley was named MVP of the conference winning tennis team.  She has led the tennis team to back-to-back conference championships while being a two time first  team All Conference recipient.   Haley is also an All FAVC academic winner.  Haley will continue her tennis career at Johnson and Wales University majoring in culinary arts.

Photos by David Miller

Loveland: Memorial Day is so “Bazaar”

 
Tootsie Roll Amnesty Day proposed

When did Memorial Day in Loveland turn so Bazaar? I don't know the exact date, but it was somewhere between the terrorist attacks in September 2001, and the death of long time Memorial Day organizer, George Anderson. George never brought out large throngs of people, but he always gave the community a grave, solemn and dignified effort. And, people stayed for the sober service.

I always get into a funk on Memorial Day, always did, and suspect – always will. It is appropriate I think to get into a funk at a funeral service. I lost buddies in Vietnam, my buddies had moms and dads, and wives and girlfriends. I get in a funk thinking about them too. I have a friend that lost her three best friends to the Vietnam war, and I will spend the day wondering how she is handling Memorial Day. I will remember local Veterans like George Anderson, and Kenny Shurts, who lived in my neighborhood - and their dedication to building the Loveland's Veterans' Memorial. Their families will be in attendance also. They have always been there paying respect to the war dead and wounded. George and Kenny are both dead now – I will pay my respect for their service during war, and to their contributions to Loveland when they came home.

This year, Gold Star mom, Carolyn Maupin will be the keynote speaker, and I congratulate those who have arranged her appearance. I anxiously await her talk, but acknowledge it will probably add to my funk.

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, and I acknowledge the hard work, and sincere effort of the community volunteers and Veterans in charge, however, I will try respectfully, to suggest a few changes.

I have a couple thousand small American flags in my basement collecting dust. They are slightly used; used by thousands of school children in a welcoming home event that I organized for injured Iraqi Veteran Sammy Gorton when he returned to his home town of Loveland. And used to honor Matt Maupin's death last year. I want all the ball teams, scouts, and others to trade in their Tootsie Rolls, and instead of tossing the candy to the crowd, pass out these flags to those along the parade route. I am asking the tumblers, that last year somersaulted down the parade route to pass out these flags instead. Anyone interested, can e-mail me and I will deliver the flags.

Last year's parade included politicians asking people for votes, commercial enterprises, asking people to buy, and even a bazaar at the corner of West Loveland Avenue and Loveland Madeira Road.

I applaud and appreciate those scouts, and community groups in the parade last year, that did not participate in the candy throwing frenzy.

I am always one of the last persons to actually get to the Memorial, because I stay until the end of the parade, taking photos. The last few years, I have noticed how hard it is to walk “towards” the Memorial, because there are more people leaving the parade than staying for the sober activities that follow.

I believe the nature of things now is that people feel this is a “support the troops” event. Well that is fine, but I would suggest supporting the troops, by walking solemnly to the Memorial and paying somber tribute to their war dead buddies, and Gold Star moms. I am not sure how the Tootsie Roll throwing, somersaults, and commercialization on Memorial Day supports our troops. July 4th and Veterans Day might be a better venue.

I am not alone with my feelings; after talking to many people about the nature of the parade in the last few years, they also express quiet dismay.

As a seventeen-year old snare drummer in my High School marching band, I remember practicing for weeks a Funeral Dirge Cadence that I was privileged to drum in a somber Memorial Day walk to the local cemetery where wreaths were laid, and prayers spoken. I remember tuning my drum, and spending hours carefully muffling the drum snares so it had just the right sound. You also need to choose just the right drum sticks. I remember hearing the same muffled drum sounds that November on TV as I watched the procession in Washington D.C. for John F. Kennedy.

I applaud all those who come out for the parade, but suggest that it be more of a funeral procession. And, wish that all the young folks and their parents would stay for the memorial service - to truly understand that soldiers die in war, and that their mothers, families, friends, and war buddies never stop mourning.

I haven't stopped mourning, the drum still beats in my head, and I don't really mind rain on Memorial Day.

Memorial Day in Loveland

LOVELAND, OHIO - On May 25, Memorial Day remembrances in the City begin at 9 AM when a parade leaves the Loveland Elementary School on Loveland Madeira Road and ends at the Veterans' Memorial at Riverside, where an official program will be held.

Carolyn Maupin, who lost her son Matt, when he was murdered in Iraq will be the guest speaker.

Read: Loveland: Memorial Day is so “Bazaar”

Little Miami State and National Scenic River

Jason Husband said, "This photo was taken on the Little Miami River just east of the bike path area near Paxton's in Loveland." The Little Miami is designated as a State and National Scenic River in Loveland.

Husband's web site is here, where you van view more photos of wildlife, and panorama photos of Cincinnati's skyline.

You can read what Husband's contemporaries said on the photo sharing site Flicker, here.

NOTE TO EDITOR:

I moved away from Loveland in 1959 when I was  12 yrs old. I am having trouble finding the place I grew up on along the Little Laimi River. We lived right below the Crane Mansion and farm.

I would love to find a map from that time to show me what it looks like now. If you can help contact sandy at sandyb@hscis.net. t

Thank you very much.

Sandy McVicker Gerrell

s

Exclaiming and Proclaiming

A modern-day town crier provides a voice for his community

by Marti Attoun

Waving a handbell above his white powdered wig and tricorn hat, Bill Knepp commands attention in Milford, Ohio (pop. 6,284). "Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye," he bellows. "Presenting the 46th annual Frontier Days Parade. Let's hear it for America!"  Read on...

Congress votes database

This site, washingtonpost.com's U.S. Congress Votes Database, is a deep database of every vote in the United States Congress since the 102nd Congress (1991). It lets you browse votes in a variety of ways -- both in aggregate and for individual members of Congress.

Browse the database by drilling down to a particular Congress (e.g. 109th Congress) or particular member (e.g. 109th Congress senators).

This site publishes an RSS feed of recent votes by each member of Congress, and a feed of the most recent votes in both chambers. See the RSS page for full details.

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Granny Says Thanks

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Thank you Loveland and all who helped make Granny's Spring Garden Party and Plant Sale a huge success this year.

We raised nearly $10,000 for the school garden program.

Though not the only one, this is our largest fundraiser. Granny's Garden School collaborates with the Loveland City School district to provide hands on environmental education opportunities for our first through fourth grade students. Students come out as part of their school day and work in their class gardens where the process of growing vegetables is used to teach across the curriculum's. The produce is used for the students to taste (We are actually turning kids on to eating vegetables!), served in the cafeteria and donated to local food pantries. We provide this service to the schools at no cost to taxpayers.

Sincerely,

Roberta Paolo (a.k.a. "Granny")

Meijer Supports Tiger Turf

...Please Support Meijer

Hi Loveland,

The purpose of this letter is to inform you Meijer Stores, and in particular, Meijer Store #150 at Fields Ertel Road, have contributed $15,000 toward the Tiger Turf Fund Raising Campaign to install field turf at Loveland High School. Over the past year, Meijer has also indicated they would like to be able to further contribute at a higher level.  This will be based on the economy improving and our community rallying to support this promising new partnership with Meijer.

Here’s an easy way you can help:  Each time you shop at Meijer, please take the time to call the 800# (or even better, log onto their website) at the bottom of your receipt to complete a short survey.  At the end of the survey, thank Meijer for their generous donation to Loveland’s Tiger Turf Fundraising Campaign. Follow the prompts and press the star * button for an opportunity to win a $1000 Meijer gift card.

Meijer Store #150 Director (and all around great guy!) John Purkiss, has told us Meijer takes these surveys very seriously and they can go a long way toward supporting our cause. Please remember, 5’s are good and 1’s are bad, when taking the survey.

A special thanks to Jeff Williams, President Loveland Athletic Boosters, for helping to make this partnership happen, and Loveland Youth Football Coach, James Sherlock, for the original idea to approach Meijer. As John Purkiss recently stated, “This is for the kids.”

Please spread the word.  The more positive energy put toward the Meijer partnership, the better.  Thanks for your support!

Respectfully,

Jeff Wagner

To learn more about the Tiger Turf Campaign, CLICK.

Local Library News

Bells On Their Toes
Children/Music & Movement Storytime
Ages 1-5
Loveland Branch Library
May 20
11:00 AM

11th Annual Loveland Branch Library Quilt Show
Adults/Fiber Arts & Needle Crafts
Admire the quilts, and special programs
throughout the month of May.

Arthur Katz, author of From the Embers Rising, will detail his
experiences through a reading and book signing. From the Embers Rising
is about a Jewish American GI and a German Protestant girl who meet post
WWII and fall in love.

Adults
Symmes Township Branch Library
May 23
 2:00-3:30 PM

Baby Rhyme & Sign
Baby activities, nursery rhymes & baby sign language
Ages 6-18 months
Symmes Township Branch Library
May 20
11:30 AM
Loveland Branch Library
May 20
11:00 AM

Book Club
Adults/Book Clubs
Midwives by Chris Bohjalian
Loveland Branch Library
May 19
10:00-11:00 AM

Upcoming Used Book Sale

The Friends of the Public Library hope to maintain the momentum of a record-breaking 2008 with the 37th Annual Friends— Used Book Sale at the Main Library, Sunday, May 31 through Friday, June 5. Last June, the Friends raised $84,470, making the 36th Annual Sale its most successful ever. Stock up for summer and support your Public Library at the same time! Details

Kelly Miller Circus Photos

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - The Loveland Arts Council brought to town the Kelly Miller Circus on Friday. (Continue to view 23 more photos)

 

State News

IRS tries to avoid tax-time shocker.

To help retirees avoid a rude surprise at tax time next year, the IRS is changing the rules for federal tax withholding on pension plans.

The agency also announced yesterday that it is launching a campaign to inform all taxpayers who might face a higher tax bill in 2010 as a consequence of an income-tax cut that was part of the federal stimulus package passed in February.

The IRS is encouraging taxpayers, especially married couples with two incomes and individuals with multiple jobs, to check their withholding to ensure it is appropriate for their circumstances.

Lawmakers call for FDA regulation of tobacco mints

A tobacco-packed mint being test-marketed in Ohio is firing up congressional calls for tobacco-industry regulation.

Joe Camel's inventors are selling Camel Orbs in Columbus and several other test markets. Made of ground tobacco, they're the size of small breath mints and are packaged in metal tins that look like mint containers. They dissolve in the mouth, like candy, but pack a nicotine punch.

Tobacco companies say Orbs and other newly introduced tobacco products are sold only to adults, contain health warnings and are designed for use in places where cigarette smoke -- or the spitting associated with chewing tobacco -- would be unwelcome.

Kings Firecrackers Video at Army Navy Game

FREE COMMUNITY SHRED DAY

Shred It, Then Forget It

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - Don’t be a victim of identity theft; shred documents you don’t need that contain sensitive information, like your Social Security number, date of birth, or bank account numbers.  “Every year our office investigates over 50 complaints of identity theft,” said Clermont Sheriff’s Office investigator Matt Farmer.  “There are people among us that are always digging through trash and burglarizing homes in search of such information.  They can do a lot of damage to you financially in a very short time.”  With that in mind, the Clermont County Records Center, in cooperation with Cintas Document Management, will hold a free community shred day on Saturday, May 30.  The event will be held between 9 AM and 1:30 PM in the parking lot of the Medical Social Services Building, located at 2400 Clermont Center Drive in Batavia Township.

“We invite citizens and local businesses to bring the documents they want to dispose of safely and then watch as those items are pulverized,” said Barb Brown, manager of the Clermont County Records Center.  “Our goal is to demonstrate the importance of destroying old information that is no longer needed, so that it does not wind up in the wrong hands.”

The Clermont County Records Center provides offsite storage to over 37 county offices and agencies, storing thousands of boxes of information each year, and shredding thousands of others that are no longer needed.  “We make sure that sensitive information that is collected by county offices is destroyed when it is no longer needed and cannot be utilized by others,” said Brown.

“It’s amazing what people will do to obtain this information,” said Detective Farmer.  “We’ve had cases where they dig through the trash of homes and businesses, and where burglaries were for the sole purpose of stealing personal information.  I recommend shredding those unwanted credit card offers you get in the mail immediately, along with old records to make sure you don’t become a victim of identity theft.”

Safety Fair Canceled

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO — Township officials have canceled their annual Safety Fair on Saturday, May 16 due to the possibility of bad weather. "Forecasters predict heavy thunderstorms throughout the day," said Police Chief Steve Bailey. The event will not be rescheduled. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused."