Loveland Magazine

Future Planning for the Library System

The Public Library Prepares for the Future by Laying the Groundwork for a New Strategic Plan

Now that Election Day has passed, the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton is refocusing on preparing for the future and considering how to best continue to serve the community. Key to this is developing a new strategic plan as soon as possible to ensure efficiency and build on previous success.

Though the passage in November of the much needed 1 mil levy will help keep branches open and enable the Library to provide a diversity of services to children, seniors, and families, the funds generated by the levy only replace the funding lost as a result of declining State revenues. The Library will not be able to build or expand branch libraries, increase its hours of operation, or take on additional operating expenses. “Our funding from the State of Ohio continues to drop and is projected to drop even further in 2010 so we must be prudent with our expenditures if we are to continue to avoid future service reductions,” said Kim Fender, Executive Director for the Library.

“The Library has proven itself to be a good steward of public funding for more than 150 years, and we will be good stewards of local tax dollars as well,” promised Ms.Fender. "But being a good steward cannot be accomplished without good planning.” The Library is planning to update its current five-year Strategic Plan in 2010. The 2004-2009 Strategic Plan identified four priorities: Relevant Services, Financial Strength, Community Awareness and Dynamic Organization. 

Despite ongoing financial challenges during the past five years, the Library made many of the recommended service changes to meet the goals and objectives stated in the Strategic Plan. “Our last plan was very useful in deciding what needed to be done to best serve our community and we made many improvements as a result of the feedback we received during the planning process,” said Ms. Fender. “We truly did use the plan to set priorities for the Library. We expect to have at least as much, if not more, community involvement in developing this new plan.”

As with its previous plan, the Library will solicit input from community leaders and Library users across the county using one-on-one interviews, surveys, and focus groups. Moreover, throughout the levy campaign various community members expressed opinions on policy, facility and collection changes to be considered.  These opinions, along with additional input from all communities served by the Library, will help guide how its services, collections and facilities can be changed to better meet the needs of the community.

To help with the completion of this task the Library Board has approved the formation of an Ad Hoc Planning Committee consisting of three members of the Board, the chairs of the Finance & Audit, Library Services & Administration and Facilities committees.  The duties of this committee will be to oversee the development of a Strategic Plan for the Library.  In addition, an advisory committee of community leaders and library users will be created to provide additional guidance through the planning process. 

The committee will serve until the plan is completed. “This same process was used in the development of our current plan and resulted in widespread community input and the achievement of many of the goals outlined in the plan,” explained Ms. Fender. “Developing a good Strategic Plan is a time consuming process and we estimate that it will be six to nine months before a new plan is presented to the full Library Board for approval. We look forward to spending the next few months planning for the Library’s future and are excited about the changes we will be making to better meet the ever-changing needs of our community.”

Brandon L. Palmer Basic Training Grad

Air Force Airman Brandon L. Palmer graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Brandon has completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Brandon is the son of Sandra Armacost of Park Ave., Loveland, and Steve Palmer of Parker Road, Goshen, and is a 2008 graduate of Cozaddale Baptist Academy, Goshen.

H1N1 VACCINE AVAILABLE AT SITES ACROSS HAMITLON COUNTY

HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO – Hamilton County Public Health is working with local communities to provide free H1N1 vaccine to anyone interested. For the last few years, Hamilton County Public Health has been working with local cities, villages and townships to develop a plan that would utilize familiar local places at Points of Dispensing should the need for mass medication or vaccine distribution arise during a public health emergency. By utilizing several Points of Dispensing, called PODs, travel and wait time will be minimal.

Individuals should pre-register on the following Web site https://h1n1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov and also complete the medical questionnaire at www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org for easy registration at the clinic. The following locations will administer free H1N1 vaccine to the general public:

Monday, December 21
Time: 3:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Sycamore High School, 7400 Cornell Road 45242
Must have appointment. To receive appointment: Send an e-mail to montgomerypod@hamilton-co.org. Include the clinic date in the subject line of the e-mail. Also include the name and age* of anyone being vaccinated in the e-mail message.

Monday, December 21
Time: 4 - 9 p.m.

Location: The Anderson Center 7850 Five Mile Road 45230
Must have appointment. To receive appointment: Send and e-mail to andersonpod@hamilton-co.org. Include the clinic date in the subject line of the e-mail. Also include the name and age* of anyone being vaccinated in the e-mail message.

Monday, December 21
Time: 4 - 9 p.m.

Location: Oak Hills High School, 3200 Ebenezer Road 45248
Must have appointment. To receive appointment: Send an e-mail to greenpod@hamilton-co.org. Include the clinic date in the subject line of the e-mail. Also include the name and age* of anyone being vaccinated in the e-mail message.

Monday, December 21
Time: 3 - 9 p.m.

Location: Harrison Activity Center 9999 West Road 45030
Must have appointment. To receive appointment: Send an e-mail to harrisonpod@hamilton-co.org. Include the clinic date in the subject line of the e-mail. Also include the name and age* of anyone being vaccinated in the e-mail message.

Children nine and younger should receive two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine – separated by four weeks – in order to achieve optimal protection. *If you are requesting a second dose for your child 9 or younger, also indicate the date of the child's first H1N1 vaccination.

H1N1 vaccine is available in two forms – injectable and nasal spray. The injectable is a killed virus and is appropriate for most people to receive. The nasal spray (FluMist) is a live, but weakened virus vaccine and only available for healthy people 2 – 49 who are not pregnant. Both types of vaccine are used yearly to prevent seasonal flu and are very safe. Medical dispensing staff screens individuals in order to provide the appropriate form of vaccine.

In addition to being vaccinated, everyone can help stop the spread of illness by washing hands thoroughly and often; covering mouths when sneezing or coughing; and staying home from work or school if sick.

Milford's Bryan Hawkins Running for Congress

The stakes are simply too high to trust our future to incumbency, name recognition, or a belief that the Second District is simply too Republican to change.  This seat is in jeopardy, and we have to be proactive and make the necessary changes in the primary.  Read on...

Call 677-LOVE... for Loveland Fitness

LOVELAND, OHIO - It was Lohrum's Gym for four years, and co-owner Darian Gains thinks it quite an accomplishment for an exercise gym to be open that many consecutive years. They never had a formal grand opening in 2004, so with recent changes, and a brand new name, Loveland Fitness threw a party on November 12 to celebrate.

Loveland Fitness is located on the Loveland Bike Trail at 106 Karl Brown Way. There is plenty of lighted parking in front and back of the building as well as in the neighborhood. Gains said, “Our hours of operation are 5 AM till midnight, 365 days a year.”

“Our fitness facility is a clean, safe, monitored, affordable, key card access, community gym.  By ‘community gym’, we mean a gym for anyone and everyone who wants to invest in a healthy lifestyle. Our memberships provide you access to the gym, discounts on exercise classes, free monthly self help seminars, supplements, and more.  No contracts, no hidden fees.” Loveland Fitness also offers Personal Training.

Co-owner, Scott Lohrum said they decided to changed the name, “Just to create a little buzz.” He said they didn’t want to “get pigeonhole” into a perception of being just a boy's club or a little hole in the wall gym - when they enjoy and welcome everyone. “We didn’t do a grand opening when we started, and we made a few recent changes so we decided to change the name at the same time.” He said they thought Loveland Fitness would be a little easier to say, and it might be more recognizable.

“We have never really done any advertising, and we wanted to get in some more clients and change the atmosphere a bit."Lohrum  said, “We have changed the rates a little bit and rearranged the workout equipment. We wanted a name that was maybe a little more marketable.”

When asked why a person should choose Loveland Fitness over a national chain, Lohrum said, “I don’t think we offer any more than any other gym, but we are local and we are close.” He wants people who are considering a workout center to know that Loveland Fitness is family owned, and family oriented. “We are for the person who doesn't like the big box gym. Most people who work out here, know each other by name and recognize each other at the local supermarket.”

Jeff Adler, who owns American Fighter, an apparel company which sells mixed martial arts gear, attended the reception. Adler uses the gym two or three days a week. He just finished his first year at the gym and has signed up for a second. He said he uses the facility for convenience because he lives “just up the street.” He likes the gym because of its size and that it has nearly everything he needs. “I can come here almost twenty-four hours a day.” He said the changes have made the gym more efficient. “It’s nice in there. It’s great.”

Gains said, “Visit our website at lovelandfitness.com or call us at 677-LOVE (5683).”

LITTLE MIAMI ROBOTICS TEAM EARNS STATE INVITE

MORROW, OHIO - Team Logic, a community team from the Little Miami School District, recently competed in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Smart Move Challenge Regional tournament in Dayton. The team includes Little Miami students Nick Donahue, Hunter Evans, Catherine and Johnathon Evers Smith and Grayson Wells and teammate Madelyn Person. They are coached by Steven Donahue and Linda Evers Smith.

Little Miami District Meetings

PANTHER PRIDE TO HOLD COMMUNITY FORUM

Mark your calendars for a community forum on the 16.95-mill Little Miami School District Emergency Operating Levy to be held at Valley Vineyards on Wednesday, December 16 from 7-9 p.m. After meeting with district officials to discuss Little Miami’s financial situation and state funding reform, State Representative Ron Maag plans to attend this community forum.

UPCOMING BOARD DATES

The Little Miami Board of Education is scheduled to meet on the following dates:

• December 15, Regular Board Meeting, Little Miami Junior High School, 7 p.m.
• January 5, Organizational Meeting, Little Miami Intermediate School, 7 p.m.
• January 19, Regular Board Meeting, Little Miami High School, 7 p.m.

Clermont Offering Free H1N1 Vaccinations to Citizens

CORRECTED RELEASE

Free H1N1 Vaccinations to the General Public, Seniors, and College Age Students

 

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - The Clermont County General Health District is opening up the free H1N1 vaccinations to the general public, beginning Monday, January 14, 2009.  “We encourage those who are considering the vaccination to call the Health District and make an appointment,” said Clermont Health Commissioner Marty Lambert.  The number to call and schedule an appointment for an H1N1 vaccination is (513) 735-8400.

Lambert says the Health District has an adequate supply of the vaccine and it is also now available at many private providers.  “Because many college age students are home for a holiday break, this is a great opportunity to ensure they are vaccinated and protected from contracting this virus,” she said.   “We’ve also had strong interest from our over 65 population and we’re thrilled we can now offer the vaccination to our senior citizens.”

The Clermont County General Health District is currently taking appointments for the H1N1 vaccinations through the remainder of December and into early January 2010.  The shots will be able at the Health District’s Nursing Division, located at 2400 Clermont Center Drive in Batavia.  

Alka-Seltzer Plus® Day & Night Cold Formula Liquid Gels Recalled

Bayer’s Consumer Care division has begun a recall of a single product lot of the combination package of Alka-Seltzer Plus® Day & Night Cold Formula Liquid Gels.  Read on...

Matt Hamill Featured in SI.com

With a grandfather enshrined in the State of Ohio Coaches Hall of Fame after years as the head coach for Loveland High's football, baseball and junior varsity basketball teams, with his phys-ed coach mom, a state champion powerlifter father, and a step-dad who coached wrestling, the pedigree certainly seemed to be there.

"Just being around all these athletes and having athletics in my family is a driving force for how I am," Hamill said. "I picked up my mentality from all of them, my grandfather being the main driving force."  Read the full story...

H1N1 VACCINE AVAILABLE FOR GENERAL PUBLIC

Clinics Planned in Hamilton County Communities

HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO – Local health departments in Hamilton County have been advised that H1N1 flu vaccine will be available for the general public beginning December 14. Priority groups at high risk for serious complications from H1N1 flu have largely been served and now vaccine will be available for anyone interested.

Vaccine will be offered free of charge to the public at selected locations as vaccine supply permits. H1N1 vaccine is a federal asset therefore, no residency restrictions can be applied at H1N1 vaccine clinics. Local health departments may have different registration requirements.

Springdale Health Department:

Appointment-only vaccination clinic on December 18 from 12:30 – 4 p.m. For more information visit www.springdale.org.

Sharonville Health Department:

More information: Visit www.ci.sharonville.oh.us.

Norwood Health Department:

Appointment-only vaccination clinics planned. Individuals should pre-register on the following Web site https://h1n1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov and also complete the consent form at www.norwoodhealth.org for easy registration at the clinic. More information: Call 513-458-4600 or visit www.norwoodhealth.org.

Cincinnati Health Department:

Walk-in clinics available weekly Monday through Thursday from 4 – 7 p.m. for any member of the general public starting December 14. More information: Call 513-357-7499 or visit http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/health/pages/-37989-/.

Hamilton County Public Health:

Appointment-only vaccination clinic on Monday, December 14 from 2 – 7 p.m. Visit www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org for details and registration instructions. Individuals should pre-register on the following Web site https://h1n1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov and also complete the medical questionnaire at www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org for easy registration at the clinic. Additional clinics are planned for locations across the county in Harrison Twp, Green Twp, Anderson Twp and Montgomery. More information: Visit www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org.

H1N1 vaccine is available in two forms – injectable and nasal spray. The injectable is a killed virus and is appropriate for most people to receive. The nasal spray (FluMist) is a live, but weakened virus vaccine and only available for healthy people 2 – 49 who are not pregnant. Both types of vaccine are used yearly to prevent seasonal flu and are very safe. Medical dispensing staff screens individuals in order to provide the appropriate form of vaccine.

Children nine and younger should receive two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine – separated by four weeks – in order to achieve optimal protection.

In addition to being vaccinated, everyone can help stop the spread of illness by washing hands thoroughly and often; covering mouths when sneezing or coughing; and staying home from work or school if sick.

Ghosts of Christmas Present

LOVELAND, OHIO - This photo was taken early Sunday evening as the sun was going down on the Living Nativity at the Loveland United Methodist Church.

Pat McCarty Says Twitter is Here to Stay

Pat McCarty is Epiphany United Methodist Church's contemporary and youth music director. He not only has experience leading contemporary worship, but has acted as a consultant with numerous churches in Cincinnati, helping to build their praise bands, contemporary worship services, and music programs. McCarty also writes and composes music. He lives in Loveland with his wife Peggy (in photo) and children Chelsea and Thomas. In addition, he is the president of CJT Digital Design, a web design firm based in Loveland.

Twitter is Here to Stay

by Pat McCarty

What on earth is Twitter, you may ask? How can it help my website and my business grow? Isn't this just a little toy that allows people to "tweet" what they are doing at any given moment? (i.e. "eating a bagel right now. Delicious")

Welcome to the speed of light, internet version. Twitter has only been around for what seems like less than a year, and so far it still seems to sit just on the periphery of usefulness. But make no mistake about it, Twitter is about to become one of the most important marketing tools your website can employ, and it is wise to get on board and equip your site before the train takes off.

Now, again, what IS Twitter? Twitter falls into the social networking category...along the lines of Facebook, MySpace, Digg, etc. Every social networking site has a purpose, that is, once the dust settles and the novelty wears off, each new internet sensation seems to find its own niche in the usefulness market.

Twitter is basically a "status update"...nothing more, nothing less. People often refer to it as "like Facebook, with just the status part." Users have exactly 140 characters to describe what they are doing at any given moment.

Boring, right? After all, who is going to "follow" you, and why would you "follow" someone else just to see whether they are enjoying a ham sandwich or watching the Lakers game?

Ah, but it is slowly but surely becoming so much more than that! Twitter is becoming a method by which savvy businesses can increase their exposure on the internet and, accordingly, increase hits, clicks, and sales.

The key to exploiting the value of Twitter is to realize several things:

1. Using your phone to tweet and to receive tweets is much more effective than using your computer.
2. You can feed your tweets directly to your website with just the right "widget," thus instantly updating your website on the go.
3. Google now indexes tweets, so having valuable content on your Twitter site becomes a new chunk of "content" to permeate the internet and thus potentially lead to your website.

Let's look at each of those items above individually.

Phone: First of all, logging on to the Twitter website is still a little odd and perhaps a bit cumbersome. It's just not a really "user friendly" interface. Using your phone, however, simplifies a lot. You can register your phone as the device that will allow you to not only tweet, but also receive tweets from people you are following. If you want to follow, say, Brian Williams from NBC News, you can "follow" him, and then note that you want to receive his tweets on your mobile device.

Now, most of the news/business organizations who are "tweeting" have moved past the "I just ate a bagel" tweets. They have migrated to news updates such as "featuring special story about economic turnaround on Nightly News," or "2:00 hour will feature debate on health care." Those are merely alerts that may prompt you to tune in. If a million people are "following" NBC news, they have just reached a million people instantly with a promo for their program.

Depending on your business, people may or may not decide to follow you via their phones. It all depends on whether you have compelling information to disseminate. If it's up-to-the-minute sales pricing for your products, then perhaps they will.

But more than that, your phone allows you to tweet much more efficiently. You can be a passenger in a car or waiting for the dentist, and send a tweet that will go directly to your Twitter page, and, if you have the latest tools....

Directly to Your Website: Imagine having the ability to update your website any time you want, on the go, using your phone. If you have installed the right tool (or "widget"), you can route your Twitter feed directly to your website in a live, streaming format. Imagine sitting on the tarmac of a flight waiting to pull away from the gate, and tweeting "Thanksgiving sale starts Monday at 6:00 a.m." and having that tweet go not only to your Twitter page, but also directly to your website, right on the front page, at the top of your tweet list. You have effectively updated your website and sent out a marketing promotion, all from row 34B on the flight bound for LAX.

This kind of tool has many applications, the most important of which is the instant method by which you can update content on your website. As we all know, updated content means freshness, better search results, more time spent on the site, and ultimately, better sales. But better yet...

Google Indexes Tweets: Google and Bing, MSN's reincarnation of a search engine, now index tweets. Read this article from PC Magazine for more. That means more exposure, plain and simple. You tweet about your products, services, sales, etc., and Google and Bing pick it up and index it. If someone searching for your product—be it eyeglasses, sweaters, web design or roofing—locates your tweet, and ultimately clicks through to your website, you win.

It's all about harnessing the value of the new media, which are continually being created, finding their voice, and then allowing you to get on board to use them to improve your sales.

If you have questions about this article or wish to discuss getting Twitter integrated into your website, do not hesitate to contact me at 513-349-9756. Meanwhile, follow me on Twitter! Search for cjtdigital.

Pat McCarty
CJT Digital Design

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_1265166_4.html

Occupation: Web Developer

Pat is the owner and principal developer at CJT Digital Design, a cutting-edge web design company located in Cincinnati Oh. CJT Digital helps customers large and small with websites that work, including social bookmarking integration like Twitter and Facebook, SEO and more.

http://www.cjtdigital.com

Linda Cox Takes Council Oath

 LOVELAND, OHIO - Linda Cox is the newest member of Loveland City Council after taking the oath of office on Monday night. Cox is a newcomer to the office. She, and current office holders, David Bednar, Rob Weisgerber, and Brent Zuc gained office when the four ran for four open seats in the November election.

Also during the “organizational meeting”, Weisgerber was again elected by his fellow council members to serve as Mayor for another two years. Bednar was again elected Vice-Mayor.

Also serving on Loveland Council are Paul Elliott, Mark Fitzgerald, and Todd Osborne. These three now begin the third year of their four year term.

McIver & Iaciofano Lead Girls to Hot Start

McIver 20 against McNick

22 against Glen Este

by Chris Shoals

LOVELAND, OHIO - It was looking good just 3 minutes into the game at Loveland High School on December 2 as Loveland jumped out to a quick 13-2 lead on McNicholas, and by the end of the first quarter, it was 22-11.

Loveland was able to control everything including the paint, the clock, and the free throw line. Loveland shot 70% from the charity strike, making the game much easier for the Lady Tigers to maintain the lead.

Abby McIver led the game with 20 points and a solid 7-9 from the free throw line. She was complimented by the guard play of fellow senior Ellie Iaciofano who contributed 16 points of her own. Loveland crashed the glass all night leading the rebounding category by a whopping margin of 53-23.

Mc Nicholas closed the gap after halftime, making the score 43-39 at the conclusion of the third quarter, led by good shooting from the Rocket’s Lauren Mazzaro.

However, Loveland pummeled the Rockets in the fourth quarter by playing solid defense and outscoring Mc Nicholas 24-7. McNick did not make a field goal for the final 10 minutes of the game. That is a true testament to the solid defense of Emily Holzderber, Ali Dee, and Alex Kamm, who had a game of her own, adding 11 points to the Tigers total of 67.

McNicholas had been ranked #1 in the Division II-IV pre-season coaches’ poll.

Loveland took their record to 1-0 with a final score of 67-47.

The Lady Tigers would improve to 2-0 with a 56-44 win over Glen Este on Saturday afternoon. McIver again lead the way with 22 points, and 8 rebounds. Iaciofano also added 11, and Presley Benzinger hit some key three’s, accumulating to a 10 point effort form the Junior.

The Lady Tigers took control after halftime outscoring the Lady Trojans 20-11 in the third quarter.

Loveland had the lead for the final 22 minutes of the game, and really had no trouble defending Glen Este all afternoon.

The Tigers were 6-14 from 3 point land, leading to a good night of overall shooting.

Loveland will next face Little Miami on Wednesday evening at home, and then travel to Anderson for a mammoth game vs. the Redskins that could give Loveland the keys to the division championship driver’s seat.

You can click on the photos below to purchase them.

Kings Firecrackers Performance Postponed Until Jan. 8

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Kings Firecrackers jump rope team has rescheduled their performance at Loveland High School for the Boy's game with Winton Woods on January 8th.

They had originally been scheduled to perform on December

Second Round of Clermont H1N1Vaccination Clinics This Week

The Clermont County General Health District reminds parents that children under the age of 10 need to receive two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine to achieve protection against pandemic flu.  “Children are at high risk for H1N1 infection,” said Clermont Health Commissioner Marty Lambert.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends this age group get two doses of H1N1 vaccine that are separated by 28 days to be effective.  The first dose “primes” the immune system, while the second dose provides the actual immune protection.  Children who only get one dose but need two doses can have reduced or no protection from a single dose of flu vaccine.  Those 10 years of age and older need only one dose to be protected.

In addition to being vaccinated, Ohioans can help stop the spread of illness by washing hands thoroughly and often; covering mouths when sneezing or coughing; and staying home from work or school if sick.

The Clermont General Health District will begin second dose vaccination clinics in the schools this week; these clinics are for students and their younger siblings.  The week of December 7, 2009, the second doses will be offered at Bethel Middle School (for Bick and Ebon C. Hill schools), Goshen’s  Marr/Cook ( for Marr/Cook and Spaulding schools),  CNE Early Childhood Educational Center (for CNE Elementary and St. Louis schools), Milford Pattison School (for Pattison and Seipelt schools), Milford McCormick School (for McCormick and Smith schools), Milford Meadowview School (for Meadowview and Mulberry schools), Batavia High School (for Batavia Elementary School), and St. Elizabeth Seton (for Seton, St. Marks, Milford Christian Academy, Ohio Valley Voices, and Children’s Meeting House schools).  “Vaccinations will also be available for children who missed the first round of school shot clinics, as well as pregnant staff members, and pregnant mothers of elementary students,” said Lambert.  

Army Pvt. Joseph E. Shipp has graduated Infantryman Training

Army Pvt. Joseph E. Shipp has graduated from the Infantryman One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.  The training consists of Basic Infantry Training and Advanced Individual Training.

During the nine weeks of basic combat training, Shipp received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons employment, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid skills, and Army history, core values and traditions.  Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experienced use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

The Advanced Individual Training course is designed to train infantry soldiers to perform reconnaissance operations; employ, fire and recover anti-personnel and anti-tank mines; locate and neutralize land mines and operate target and sight equipment; operate and maintain communications equipment and radio networks; construct field firing aids for infantry weapons; and perform infantry combat exercises and dismounted battle drills, which includes survival procedures in a nuclear, biological or chemical contaminated area.

Shipp is the son of Toby Shipp of Bayhill Lane, Miami Township, and graduated in 2009 from Loveland High School.

Editors note: Toby Shipp has informed Loveland Magazine that her son has since graduated from Airborne School, and is currently training to be an Army Ranger.

Southern State Community College Names Dr. Kevin Boys Next President

In unanimous vote, board of trustees offers position to Loveland City School District Superintendent

 
LOVELAND, OHIO - In a unanimous decision, on Friday, December. 4, the board of Southern State Community College voted to offer Dr. Kevin Boys a three-year contract with an annual salary of $155,000. Current superintendent of the Loveland City School District, Dr. Boys has accepted the position of president effective January 1, and will be sworn in at the trustees’ next regular meeting Jan. 13.

Boys has been Superintendent of the Loveland City Schools for eight years.

According to Loveland School District President Dr. Kathern Lorenz, “The Board of Education currently does not have a meeting scheduled until January 12, 2010, so the Board is unable to comment at this point regarding an Interim Superintendent and the search for a new Superintendent.”

Southern State Community College is a two-year institution founded in 1975 and serving some 2,500 students in Adams, Brown, Clinton, Fayette, and Highland Counties with satellite campuses and centers in Sardinia, Washington Court House, Wilmington, and Winchester.

College Inn: Recall of Canned Chicken Broth Products due to Mislabeling

Read on...

Governor Announces New Unemployment Compensation Eligibility to Educate More Ohioans for Jobs

Out-of-Work Ohioans no longer have to declare themselves “able, available and actively seeking” work while they receive benefits

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Doug Lumpkin and Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut today announced that the Strickland Administration has expanded unemployment compensation (UC) eligibility so that out-of-work Ohioans can continue to receive benefits while enrolled in full-time education and training programs.

“To build a robust economic recovery from the ground up, Ohio’s working people must have every opportunity to get the education and training they need to land the new kinds of jobs our economy is creating,” Strickland said. “This policy change will help those Ohioans hardest hit by the recession to obtain job training skills without sacrificing their ability to continue providing for their families.”

Previously, only those UC beneficiaries enrolled in certain approved training programs were exempt from the unemployment compensation program’s work-search requirements. Now, claimants enrolled in any full-time accredited training program no longer have to declare themselves “able, available and actively seeking” work while they receive benefits.

“This change in eligibility will help eliminate obstacles and open doors, just when Ohio’s unemployed workers need it most,” said ODJFS Director Douglas Lumpkin. “It will allow unemployed Ohioans to get the skills and training they need, in the industries that need them, so they can make a better future for their families.”

Additionally, the Obama Administration is permitting UC claimants to receive special consideration for financial aid to pay for job training or education. These unemployed workers may be eligible for federal Pell Grants, which provide need-based aid to low-income students to help cover education and training expenses.

Pell Grants are accepted at most universities and community colleges as well as many trade and technical schools and adult career centers. They are available to full- or part-time students who do not have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

"Providing affordable options to Ohioans for education is one of the state's top priorities," said Chancellor Fingerhut. "Helping unemployed workers access the skills and education they need for a good-paying job will not only improve the lives of Ohioans, but it will further Ohio's goal of creating the most competitive workforce in the world."ODJFS Director Lumpkin is sending a letter to all individuals receiving unemployment compensation, which explains both opportunities and verifies them as UC beneficiaries.

The letter includes instructions for those interested in applying for financial aid assistance. Claimants should take the letter to their schools’ financial aid offices.

While the federal program does not guarantee that all UC claimants will be approved for Pell or other grants, schools may adjust financial aid packages for claimants meeting eligibility criteria.