Loveland Magazine

Jeff Berkoff: Loveland Homecoming Grand Marshall

by David Miller

LOVELAND, OHIO - “Jeff Berkoff has shown a great deal of loyalty to our Community , Athletic department, our education process and has been very involved with the Loveland Athletic Boosters for years,” said Jeff Williams, President of the Loveland Athletic Boosters.

Berkoff was selected as the Grand Marshall of the 2009 Loveland Homecoming Parade.

“Jeff has always been a great contributor and supporter of LAB,” said Williams.

Williams said that Berkoff taught history and physical education at Loveland High School for 35 years. During that time at Loveland, he successfully has coached a number of varsity teams including:

• Wrestling for 9 years
• 18 years as the Boys Varsity Tennis Coach
• Started and coached the Girls Varsity Tennis Team for 10 years
• Coached Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country for 3 seasons
• Coached the first ever Girls Track Team in 1977
• Coached the first ever Girls slow pitch softball in 1985 – 1987

In 2006, Berkoff was elected to the Greater Cincinnati's Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame. Berkoff is also a wrestling official.

Jeff has been married to Joanne for 18 years and has two daughters attending Loveland High School: Amy is a junior and Laura, a freshman.

Laura, a 9th grader, traveled across Greater Cincinnati in a helicopter with her dad to deliver the game ball to Tiger Stadium before the Homecoming game against Glen Este. She said "It was really a fun helicopter ride."

Jeff Berkoff  said he felt “very honored” to be chosen as Grand Marshal and told Loveland Magazine he tanked the football team for a great victory over Glen Este, whom the Tigers have not beaten since being in the Buckeye division of the FAVC. “The helicopter ride was fantastic as we toured the city before landing. Again, thanks to all."

Still time to sponsor Loveland Student, Timmy Clawson!

Cincinnati Walks for Kids is Saturday

Cincinnati Walks for Kids is tomorrow, Saturday, October 10 at Coney Island. Click here for directions and an event map.

Last Chance to Register and Donate Online to Help Loveland Student Timmy Clawson raise money to give other children their voice.

The deadline to register and donate online has been extended. The web site will remain open until midnight tonight! There is still time to sponsor Timmy online or register to join him at the walk.

Thank you for your generosity, kindness, and support of Timmy & the Find A Voice Fund!

Click on Timothy's Page to Donate Now

Protect Your Pet with a Low Cost Rabies Shot

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - Does your dog or cat need a rabies shot?  The Clermont County General Health District, in partnership with Family Animal Hospital of Batavia, will hold a low cost rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, October 24, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Live Oaks Campus, located at 5956 Buckwheat Road in Milford.  All dogs must be on a leash; all cats must be contained in a carrier.

The shots cost $5 and are payable in cash only.  A three year vaccination will be given to animals, if the owner can provide current vaccination status; all others will receive a one year vaccine.  A rabies tag is not sufficient proof to obtain a three year vaccination.

According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), rabies is a preventable viral disease that causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The virus exists in the saliva of mammals and is usually transmitted from animal to animal or from animal to human by biting. The virus can also be spread by licking, when infected saliva makes contact with open cuts or wounds, the mouth, eyes and nose. If left untreated in humans and animals, rabies is fatal.Each year in Clermont County, more than 300 potential rabies exposures are reported to the General Health District.  Thus far in 2009, the ODH reports one confirmed rabies case in the county, involving a bat.  Bats, raccoons, and skunks are animals most often found to have rabies in Ohio.  Last year across the state, 55 bats tested positive.  Because household pets often come in contact with wild animals, some of them infected with the rabies virus, they should be protected with a vaccination for rabies.

For additional information about the rabies vaccination clinic, call the Clermont County General Health District at (513) 732-7499.

 

Milford: A Community Litter Pick Up is Planned on Saturday, October 24

Make a Difference in Clermont County

“First impressions are important and I think this sign makes a good one,” said Clermont Clean and Green Program Director Becky Ploucha, admiring the colorful flowers and plants blooming around the Welcome to Clermont County sign located at the corner of SR 125 and I-275 in Withamsville.  “This is one of five projects around the county that volunteers will work on for Make a Difference Day on Saturday, October 24, 2009,” she said.

Ploucha is looking for volunteers to “make a difference” in the community by taking part in flower plantings or litter pick-ups that are scheduled on Make a Difference Day.  “In addition to planting new flowers and bulbs around the county sign, daylilies and daffodils will be planted around the riverfront bandstand in New Richmond, and at locations in Batavia Township and Stonelick Township.  In Milford, a community litter pick up is planned,” she said.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate and are encouraged to dress for the weather and the task they will be tackling.  Garbage bags and gloves will be provided; H.J. Benkens Florist and Greenhouse will provide the plants.  “This is a great opportunity for families, church groups, businesses, Scout troops, and neighbors to work on projects that will have a lasting impact on the community,” said Ploucha.  For more information about Make a Difference Day in Clermont County, call (513) 753-9222 or e-mail CleanAndGreen@clermont2020.org.

Pictured above: Becky Ploucha with Clermont Clean and Green, works in the flower garden surrounding the Welcome to Clermont County sign in Withamsville.

Free Halloween Hike

What creatures roam the wooded areas at Sycamore Park?  You’ll be able to find out, by taking the Animals of Halloween Fall Night Hike on Friday, October 23, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Batavia park.  A Clermont Parks’ naturalist will lead you on a non-scary, free, family friendly hike along Sycamore Park’s paved trail to look and listen for nocturnal animals.

“Before the hike, I’ll be giving a short presentation about bats, owls, spiders, and other animals, their beneficial qualities, and how they relate to Halloween,” said Clermont Parks Naturalist Laura Hoople.  “We’ll call for owls, and listen for other nocturnal creatures, like insects, mice, skunks, opossum, and raccoons.”

There’s a chance those on the Sycamore Park hike could spot an Eastern Screech Owl.  These are the smallest owls that can be found in Ohio, with a wing span of 20 inches, and weighing in at only 6 ounces.  Eastern Screech Owls have one of the most varied diets of any North American owl, eating things like snakes, lizards, crayfish, and insects.

For more information about this or other Clermont County Park District events, visit the Web site www.parks.ClermontCountyOhio.gov, or call (513) 876-9013.

Pictured above: Eastern Screech Owl

Cook Cabin restoration update

by Jim Poe

The restoration company selected by the Goshen Township Historical Society has completed several phases of the Cook Cabin restoration process.

First with the tremendous help of the local citizen/volunteers the major demolition of the add on structures and the siding removal was completed.

After a long research time on different ways to "attack" the project including travel to Tranquility, Ohio to witness a cabin restoration project where individual logs were replaced by jacking up different sections of the structure it was decided to have the Cook cabin totally "un-stacked" and to rebuild the structure with the existing good logs and also with replacements for the rotted logs.

Mr. Ken Klosterman was appointed by the board to direct and oversee the project. At that time a restoration professional Antique American Log Cabins of Athens, Ohio was retained to complete the majority of the project.

Over the past two weeks the cabin was "tagged" and taken down log by log. A crawl space was excavated, modern concrete footers were poured, a block foundation was laid and was capped with stone. The stone is the only visible part of the new foundation. A new sub floor was put down over manufactured floor joists. This "modern" construction will not be visible after completion.

Between October 3rd through Monday October 5th the logs were "re-stacked" and the cabin was topped off with the last logs late this afternoon. The cabin crew will be leaving our site for the next couple of weeks to complete a started project in North Carolina.

This will give us time to catch our breaths and to make some decisions for the next phases.

A. We will probably go with a metal roof. That style and material does relate to the second roof on the cabin...probably mid 1800's. A shake roof is horribly expensive adding $4000.00 to $6000.00 to the project.

B. Fireplace and chimney size and design. We will have the new chimney and fireplace constructed of stone.. Some from the property, some imported from Brown County and some that was purchased. The fireplace will be a large cooking style with crane.

C. The rear addition. As we "dug into" the project it soon became apparent that the lean-to addition was not original to the structure mainly because we are almost 100% sure that the cabin was moved to the present spot from the other side of O'Bannion Creek. We are in the process of attempting to locate the original foundation. It is being considered at this time to re-deck this area over the existing cellar and to construct a porch roof over the deck for the time being with a possible enclosure at a later date.

I realize that this is a long explanation but we really want to keep the Society, the media and the community as updated as possible. Thanks to all who have helped, donated and, mostly, to those who have kept prodding.  The Crown Jewel of the Cook Farm will be a great asset to our children and to our community.

 

If you would like to support the Cook Log House project or the Goshen Township Historical Society, contact  goshenhistory@fuse.net

The Stroup-Cook Log House, circa 1804

Located next to Goshen High School, the Stroup-Cook log house is owned by the Goshen School District and will be operated by the Goshen Township Historical Society. The Society ia restoring the house as a part of our community's history and heritage, and as an educational facility for the students of the school district. The Society is currently restoring the log house to the original 1800's authentictiy.

It is believed the log house was built around 1804 by German craftsmen for Jacob Stroup. The house and farm were purchased by James Cook in 1875. The Cooks lived and farmed this property in Goshen for over 100 years. Miss Aurelia E. Cook was a revered teacher in the Goshen School system, heir and member of the original Cook family. Miss Cook devoted her life to the education of the Goshen community. She lived on the farm in the log house until her death in 1995. It is interesting that Miss Cook's life's work in education can be viewed from her home.

If you would like to support the Cook Log House project or the Goshen Township Historical Society, contact  goshenhistory@fuse.net

Saturday: District A Street Festival →where arts+community meet

 Loveland Musician, Ellen Mershon with Kindred Spirits will Open the Show

On October 10, 2009, District A celebrates our 1st birthday and the party’s on!  District A (not your ordinary art district) is an arts collaborative, a clearinghouse, a catalyst to strengthen community and spur economic development along the Montgomery Road Corridor connecting Pleasant Ridge and Kennedy Heights in Cincinnati, Ohio.
 
From NOON to 7 PM on Saturday, October 10th, they will be serving up all kinds of performing arts and music, an art show and sale, and hands-on community art up and down Montgomery Road from Losantiville to Kennedy Ave.  Restaurants feature specialties of the day, and 'festival food' service begins at 1 PM.  Before noon and after 7 PM, some venues will offer still more programs and partying.

“DON’T MISS our hands-on, in-person celebration of Phillip Nagle’s unique bike ride across the USA.”  His Go 48 in 48 adventure will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and take him through the 48 continental states in 48 days!  Phillip showed his pottery at the 2008 District A Street Festival, and on October 10th, he’ll share the art and science of Go 48 in 48, as you see the country from the lens on his bike.  Until then, track his progress and support his journey at www.go48in48.com

Tigers Put Themselves in Playoff Hunt With 35-6 Pounding

by: Chris Shoals

If you had Adam Engel in your high school fantasy roster, you would have received 45 points. If you had the Loveland defense in your starting line-up, you would have scored 26 points. All together, the Tigers simply got it done vs. Glen Este, and improved to 4-2 on the year, and put together the pieces to their fourth straight win.

In the first few weeks of the year, Loveland could not find the corner pieces to the fifth grade level puzzle. But now, as the competition has increased, the Tigers have stepped up. Not only have they found the corner pieces to a more challenging puzzle, but they are beginning to fill in the middle.

The victory on Friday night was a landmark win, as the Tigers topped the Glen Este Trojans by a score of 35-6. The Tigers bolted out to a quick 7-0 lead, and never looked back. Their defense was stellar all night long creating two turnovers, and also allowing a measly 6 points and a predominantly running team to only 59 yards on the ground. It was an impeccable job all night by the defensive unit to get off the field on third down, and get penetration to the quarterback.

Adam Engel was kind of good as well. You know, the typical 169 yard rushing game, with 3 touchdowns, as well as 94 yards through the air. Engel had touchdown runs of 7, 41, and 22 yards, as well as an interception off of a deflection, and a blocked PAT attempt. Engel had 2 touchdowns called back due to penalties as well. The Tigers offense had a season high 94 passing yards.

Loveland lead 21-7 with :28 seconds left to go in the half, and with the ball on their own 35 yard line, and the lead, most people were off to get in line for their hot dog before all the people in the stadium had the same idea. But, offensive coordinator Jeff Shepherd had different plans. He allowed Engel to scramble out of the pocket, and hit a 53 yard bomb to Andrew Newbold, which set up the dagger in the Trojans heart. Adam Engel capped off a 21 point quarter, and a 28 point half with a 22 yard touchdown run, giving the Tigers a 28-7 lead at the half.

The offensive and defensive lines were phenomenal all night, giving Engel, Spence, and Knabe gaping holes that created 329 yards on the ground for the Tigers which was a season high.  Loveland continued their balanced running attack with Knabe gaining 60 yards, Spence gaining 52 yards, and Mullins adding 48.

The defense after a rough start has not given up more than 14 points a game since. The bottom line is, if the defense can limit teams offensively, the offense is going to score points, and the Tigers are going to win football games. Loveland is putting themselves in positions to win games by pounding the rock, and playing relentless defense. As they say, “offense sells tickets, defense wins championships.” Loveland can win a lot of games with defensive play like this.

 Loveland is currently 11th in the coaches poll heading into the showdown with #5 Anderson. Anderson is 6-0, and fresh off a win against highly talented Winton Woods 52-38. The Tigers will face a stiff test against Anderson’s Kyle Slater who is 5th in the FAVC in rushing yards with 756. Adam Engel is only 5 yards behind with 751 yards good enough for 6th in the conference. Loveland can win this game. I will say it again, Loveland can win this game. Make sure to show up at 7:30 on Friday night at Loveland High School for a titanic game.

Katie Jarvis: Commits to UC Lacrosse

First Loveland Lacrosse player (girls or boys) to play Division I

by David Miller

LOVELAND, OHIO - “Her mother, Kim, and I are extremely proud of her. She quickly fell in love with the game of lacrosse five years ago and worked extremely hard to achieve her goal to play Division I lacrosse,” said Art Jarvis, father of Katie Jarvis when learning about his daughter's verbal commitment to play for the  University of Cincinnati. Katie Jarvis will be the first Loveland High School lacrosse player (girls or boys) to play at the Division I level. “She easily works 18-20 hours every week on lacrosse skills and conditioning,” said her father. She does this while carrying an 3.8 GPA in school.

“I chose UC because I really liked the coaches and the girls on the team, “ said Katie Jarvis. “Also, I really liked how close it was to home, but I still can live on campus, yet be away.” She said she also “really” wanted to play Division I lacrosse, and wanted to be challenged both on the field and off. Jarvis said she feels UC would meet both goals. “UC has such a wide variety of majors. I have a few interests at the moment for majors, and UC has programs in all of them.” She said lacrosse first caught her attention when her brother started playing when she was in 6th grade, and she wanted to try it. This year will be her 5th season.

“We look forward to watching her excel at UC under coaches Lellie Swords, Lo Schwarzmann, and Christy Finch,” said Art Jarvis.

UC Assistant Lacrosse Coach Lauren Schwarzmann said that she is delighted Katie Jarvis is getting some attention, but could not comment further because, “Unfortunately, per NCAA rules, we are not allowed to give you any quotes about Katie or our program.”

In her sophomore year at Loveland High School, Jarvis won the Tiger Award (offensive MVP), and First Team All-State. She was 6th in Ohio for Assists (34) and 22nd for total points (21).

Last season, she again won the Tiger Award (offensive MVP). She received the Varsity MVP Award, and was named to 2nd Team All-District. She was 10th in Ohio for total points (75), 11th for assists (27), and 15th for goals scored (48).

Marc Verhoef, the Assistant Coach of Loveland Girls Lacrosse said that Katie is a very team oriented player. “Over the past two seasons she has led the team in assists, consistently passing up shots she could have taken and involving her team mates by passing to them for goal scoring opportunities.” He said that even though Jarvis was one of the team’s best shooters and had the most opportunities to score, she led in assists. He said that Katie possesses a unique passion for the game, and has worked “incredibly hard” to bring her game up to NCAA Division 1 caliber. “Coming from a school which is a virtual unknown in girls lacrosse and being offered a Division 1 lacrosse scholarship says much about her work ethic and lacrosse skills. Katie is the very first recipient of a college lacrosse scholarship to come out of the Loveland Lacrosse Club.” Verhoef also commented on how much Katie has contributed to the community. “For the past two years she has organized Shootin for a Cure, a breast cancer fund raising lacrosse tournament.”

Glenn Namian used to coach the Lakota West Girls’ Lacrosse team and is now a "non-parent coach" for Loveland. He was also the driving force behind Katie in setting up the Annual Shootin’ for a Cure tournament, said Art Jarvis. Namian said he watched Katie play since she was a Freshman at Loveland High School, three of those seasons as an opposing coach with Lakota. “I told my players that she played hard, was always around the ball, and when she had the ball was not afraid to make a difference.” He said that Jarvis has grown and matured, has shown leadership, and a selfless team oriented approach. He said that Jarvis has a very intense desire to do her best and implore her team to work hard. “That she was recruited to play in college came as no surprise to me.” Namian is glad she will be at UC, so he can see her play from time to time.

Namian said that what impressed him most about Katie Jarvis was how she reached out to him for ideas and help when she was putting together a tournament to memorialize her grandmother, Rita Berlage. “She communicated as an adult, she had a vision, and all the drive and determination to make it work. And it did.” The Rita Berlage “Shootin’ for a Cure” tournament has had two very successful events and has raised significant funds that were donated to Cancer research said Namian. “As a coach, the measure of a player in not always about the game, it includes intangibles such as character, 'coachability', and depth. Katie is a very impressive young woman with a bright future.”

Jarvis has also played volleyball since 5th grade and still currently plays for Loveland High School. She played basketball since 2nd grade, but decided not to last year so she could concentrate on winter lacrosse. She was on the high school power lifting team as a junior and got first place in her weight class. Coach VerHoef said that she continues to play lacrosse during the summer months against national quality competition.

Katie's Varsity Volleyball Coach, Mary Luning said in a college recommendation letter, “Katie’s personality is so easy to coach, no attitude of being better, just a kid who loves what she does and wants others around her to appreciate the pleasure and privilege of being able to compete. She knows when things are to be taken seriously and when you can lighten up.”

Loveland High School Basketball, Head Coach Steve Sears said in a recomendation letter to prospective colleges for Jarvis, “Her speed and agility are far above most girls her size and age. She commands respect from teammates without demanding it. Her abilities as an athlete will make her a compliment to any program.” Sears describes Jarvis as a model citizen in the community that can be counted on to make the right choices and decisions as it relates to being a representative of her college program. “She is an excellent student athlete.”

Namian, the former Lakota coach said that Katie represents her team, her school, her community, and her family well. “I am glad I have had the chance to be a part of her lacrosse experience.”

New trial date set for Ryan Widmer

The new trial for Ryan Widmer  for the murder of his wife, Sarah Widmer, has been scheduled to start March 15, 2010.

Judge Neal Bronson Bronson granted a new trial to Widmer, who was convicted in April of drowning his wife in the bathtub of their Hamilton Twp. home in August 2008, after ruling there was juror misconduct during deliberations.  Read on...

LHS Drama Department Presents Beauty and the Beast

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland High School Drama Department will be presenting the hit Broadway musical Beauty and the Beast. This enchanted musical, based on Disney’s Academy-Award winning animated feature, has entertained Broadway audiences for over 13 years and includes all of the songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman along with new songs by  Menken and Tim Rice.

Loveland audience members will be transported to the heart of provincial life in a lovely French town where Belle, the story’s heroine lives. When Maurice, Belle’s father, becomes lost in the woods on the way to the fair, he seeks shelter in an old castle, but the master of the castle is a horrible beast that takes him captive. Belle must then give up her freedom to save his life. But Belle's taming of the unfortunate Beast leads to his ultimate transformation back into a handsome prince.

This 'tale as old as time' is filled with spectacular costumes, sets, props and special effects. It brings to life all the favorite characters of the animated film including Gaston, Lefou, Mrs. Potts, Chip, Lumiere, Cogsworth, the Wardrobe and many more. Beauty and the Beast offers a great opportunity to families to see theater at its best.

Tickets are: $8.00 for students/children and senior citizens $10.00 for adults
Groups of 20 or more receive a special discounted rate of $6.00 per person.

Tickets must be purchased together, in advance, for the same performance.

Show dates are:

• Thursday, October 15 Curtain at 7:30 PM
• Friday, October 16 Curtain at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, October 17 Curtain at 3:30 PMand 7:30 PM
• Sunday, October 18 Curtain at 3:30 PM

Call the Loveland Drama Department Box Office at 774-9320 to make reservations.
Or email catscatscats@cinci.rr.com

Cash and Checks only

PRINCESS PARTY on October 10

The Loveland High School Drama Department is sponsoring a PRINCESS PARTY on October 10, at 1:00 PM in the LHS cafeteria as a fundraiser. Many friends of Belle will be in attendance. There will be a coloring contest, a sing-a-long with Belle, cookies and punch, and Belle will share one of her favorite books.

Tickets are $10.00.

Children are encouraged to wear a princess costume or to come in a favorite
party dress.

For more information call Princess Angela at 513-535-4963.

Mail your reservation to Princess Angela, 4040 Mohican Drive, Loveland, OH 45140.

Be sure to include your child’s name*, age, and contact information (email and telephone number).

Please make check payable to LHS Drama.

*One chaperon per child: Please include chaperon name in reservation.

“THE” University of Cincinnati Bearcats: # 8 in AP Poll

Bearcats beat Oxford and Columbus on Saturday

by David Miller

OXFORD, OHIO – It's been more than half a century (1958) since “The” University of Cincinnati (5-0) football team has been nationally ranked higher than the Columbus (4-1) team. So the game at the Miami University' RedHawks' Yager Stadium on Saturday wasn't just about beating what some describe as the “oldest rivalry west of the Allegheny Mountains” - UC vs. Miami.

It was about beating Ohio State. UC fans have waited since mid-way through last season to hear the news they heard the Monday after beating Miami.

Now 5-0, after beating Miami on Saturday 37-13, the number 8 ranking is the highest in school history. UC is 8, and Ohio State is 9 in the AP poll , but still behind Ohio State in the USA Today Poll (8 and 10).

The Bearcats came out of the half-time locker room with a 23-7 lead. But Miami surged strong against the Big East champs and the game suddenly got close when Andre Bratton took a 19 yard pass from redshirt freshman, Zac Dysert into the end zone for the only score of the 3rd quarter. After the kick failed, the score was 23-13. Miami then recovered their onside kick and were again quickly driving to the end zone. Throwing from the 3-yard, Line, Dysert for a moment had Redhawks fans adding 7 more points to bring them to within a field goal, when he lost his footing and Bearcat J.K. Schaffer intercepted and ran it out of the end zone. The Miami surge ended, and UC scored twice more in the last quarter to put the game out of reach.

For the second week in a row, the Bearcat offense was largely absent from the playing field, but while there - impressive. Last week, they were only on the field for 16 minutes in a 28-20 win over Fresno State. On Saturday, they warmed the bench for 19 minutes.

Jacob Ramsey ran for 103 yards and three touchdowns. Tony Pike didn't bring his A-game going 23 of 42 for 270 yards, but if 37 pts. in 19 minutes is the B-game, It's still the best in Ohio.

UC has a week off and next plays the University of South Florida on October 16 in Tampa. USF is ranked 23 in the AP Poll and is 4-1.

 

 

Speaker Dr. Carol Stephenson: Federal Job Opportunities

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Dr. Carol Stephenson will speak about Federal Job Opportunities at the October 6 meeting of The Career Transitioning Ministry (CTM).

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 offered through Epiphany United Methodist Church and River Hills Christian Church.

Meetings are held on Tuesdays from 7-8:30 PM. They meet at Epiphany UMC
(6635 Loveland Miamiville Rd.) or River Hills CC (6300 Price Rd.)

The next meeting is Oct. 6th, at Epiphany UMC.

The Honorable Deputy Joren Dickerson

Chris and Mollie Kuramoto: Loveland Homecoming King and Queen

 

LOVELAND, OHIO - One seemed as surprised as the other. Chris and Mollie Kuramoto, the brother and sister act, were crowned King and Queen of the 2009 Loveland High School Homecoming on Friday night. Royalty