Loveland Magazine

Deerfield Clean-Up Days Cancelled

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP, OHIO - The Township Public Works Department has announced that the annual Clean-Up Days usually held at the end of April has been cancelled.

"In order to adhere to budgetary constraints and to be more fiscally responsible, the Board of Trustees decided to eliminate the annual event."

Residents are encouraged to contact their trash hauler to dispose of items. Residents may also visit the Warren County website, and go to Solid Waste for a list of waste hauler vendors, recycling outlets and other information.

March Madness at Hoxworth Blood Center

 Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati is celebrating March Madness and we invite the whole city to join the fun.  “It doesn’t matter if you “bleed red for UC” or “blue for Xavier”.  We have a great raffle incentive for blood donors during the March Madness basketball frenzy” reports Alecia Lipton, Hoxworth spokesperson.

Donate blood between Monday, Mar 15 and Sunday, Mar 21 and you will be automatically registered to win a framed/signed poster of either the UC Basketball Team or the XU Basketball Team.  Show your team spirit and become a blood donor during March Madness.

How to Donate:

You must be at least 17- years-old (16-years old with a signed parental consent) and in good health. You must weigh at least 110 pounds and bring identification to donate. It is recommended that donors eat a good meal and drink plenty of water within four hours before donating. To schedule your appointment to donate, call (513) 451-0910 or visit us online at www.hoxworth.org.  Appointments to donate blood are recommended.  Walk-ins are always welcome.

 

Auditor Places the Little Miami Local School District in Fiscal Watch

MORROW, OHIO - Auditor of State Mary Taylor placed the Little Miami Local School District in "Fiscal Watch" on Thursday, March 11, moving it one step closer to state takeover. The declaration was made because the district is projecting a deficit that could climb to as much as $10 million.

"Little Miami Local School officials face some tough financial decisions in the weeks and months ahead," Ms. Taylor said.

The district has already implemented extensive cuts over the last several years, totaling approximately $7 million. However, a decline in state funding has meant troubling times for the growing district.

"Little Miami is gaining attention around the state," said Superintendent Dan Bennett. "We are an excellently-rated, growing district, but we aren't surviving financially. We are an anomaly, and we’ve gotten the attention of the Governor and State Superintendent."

The Auditor of State’s office completed a performance audit for the district in November 2009, offering recommendations on improved efficiencies and an estimated cost savings of $399,500, which represents about 1.3 percent of the entire district budget.

According to the audit, "Overall, LMLSD is a high functioning District operating with solid management practices. Administrators have exhibited prudent fiscal and operational decision-making in managing its projected General Fund deficit. Prior to, and during, this performance audit, the Board of Education and District administrators were proactive in making difficult decisions to deeply reduce overall expenditures and lessen future operating deficits."

"We are interested in decreasing costs, especially those outside the classroom, but reducing expenses by nearly $400,000 won't eliminate a multi-million dollar deficit," Treasurer Shaun Bevan explained.

The Ohio Department of Education initially placed the Little Miami Local School District in "Fiscal Caution" on November 14, 2009 following the results of a five-year financial forecast.

Since the declaration placing the district in "Fiscal Watch," Little Miami officials must submit a financial recovery plan outlining steps they will take to eliminate the deficit. An acceptable plan for the Auditor of State must show a balanced budget and cannot include revenue from anticipated levies.

Little Miami to Outline Plan for 2010-2011 School Year

Plan to be Unveiled March 23

A message to the community from the Little Miami Board of Education:

The Little Miami Board of Education and Administration have been hard at work preparing for the district’s impending placement into "fiscal emergency." After meeting with representatives from the Ohio Department of Education, they are working to develop a plan regarding academic offerings, school day structure, extracurricular activities and staff.

"We know the state commission will have the final say on the future direction of the district. However, having a plan in place will help the commission in the decision-making process," explained Superintendent Dan Bennett.

The district plans to outline its plan at the March 23 board meeting, which will be held at 7 p.m. in the Little Miami High School media center. Until then, the administration will continue to work with planning teams to make recommendations to the board.

"There is a lot of anxiety about the unknowns within the district and in the community as we head into next school year in ‘fiscal emergency,’" said Mr. Bennett. "Our goal is to get information out as quickly as possible."

Show Me A Story

A Grailville Art Exhibit Opening and Sunday Supper

On Sunday, May 2, 2010 Grailville Retreat and Program Center invites you to join us for a special afternoon celebrating story as a visual art form, followed by a delicious Grailville Sunday Supper.

At 3:30 PM Grailville presents an opening reception for Show Me A Story, a multi-media exhibit of art that tells stories by Jennifer Choto and Janet Zack.  Jennifer Choto uses art to capture family narratives and stories from her mother's family here in the US and her father's family in Zimbabwe. Janet Zack uses a wide range of media, from found objects to wood carving and collage to create shrines that explore and engage the spiritual nature of life. The program includes a presentation by the artists and music by harpist Lin Grieser.  This afternoon event is free and open to the public; no reservations are required.
 
As you enjoy the art the delicious aroma of food most artfully prepared wafts from the adjacent kitchen. Why not stay for supper? At 5:30 PM Grailville serves up the first of its 2010 public Sunday Suppers, A Spring Feast featuring Grailville-grown food and other seasonal delights. The cost of the Sunday Supper is $15/$10 children. Prepaid reservations are required. (Call early! Recent suppers have sold out!)

This event takes place at Grailville, 932 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland OH. To reserve or for more information contact 513-683-2340 or www.grailville.org.

Sincerely,

Pauletta Hansel

Attention Perennial Lovers

Are you bonkers for begonias?

Do you dig daylilies? 

If so, the annual Southwest Ohio Perennial School is for you.  This one-day workshop, sponsored by Ohio State University (OSU) Extension-Clermont, will be held on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at the Clermont County Fairgrounds multi-purpose building, located at 1000 Locust Street in Owensville.  Registration begins at 8 a.m.; the workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. through 3:15 p.m.

“Perennial School is perfect for beginners or individuals who have been gardening for years,” said OSU Extension-Clermont Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator Cindy Burskey.  “We will have experts presenting on a variety of topics, including gardening for shady areas, landscaping to attract wildlife, daylilies, and how to incorporate annuals into your perennial garden.  There will also be a trade show, where you can see examples of some of the newest products in gardening!”

The cost of the workshop is $40; lunch will be provided.  The deadline to register is Friday, March 19, 2010.  For more information or to register, call OSU Extension-Clermont at (513) 732-7070, email Cindy Burskey at Burskey.2@osu.edu, or download a registration form at www.clermont.osu.edu.

No Easter Egg Hunting at Miami Township "Easter Extravaganza"

Easter Bunny Will Do All The Work

Bring the whole family to this fun, FREE EVENT when the Easter Bunny makes a very special visit to Miami Township Civic Center.  He has invited children to come and make crafts, decorate cookies, face painting, & games to play.  NO EGG HUNT.  Eggs will be distributed by the Easter Bunny & helpers.  Parents bring your cameras to take that special picture.

March 27, 2010 ~ 10.00 am - 12.00 pm

6101 Meijer Drive

Hamilton Township Easter Egg Hunt- April 3

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, OHIO - The Township has an Easter Egg hunt every year on the Saturday before Easter. The Boy Scouts of the area hide the eggs and there are several volunteers that color the 150 dozen of eggs for them to hide.

There are age groups areas that are set up - toddler through 11 years old.

Special eggs are marked for prizes for each participant. There is something for everyone involved.

This event takes place at 1PM at Hamilton Township's Testerman Park located at 8373 Maineville Road.

LOVELAND YOGA STUDIO TO OPEN EARLY MAY

Twenty-Year Cincinnati Resident, Julie Dolbier, is the Owner

LOVELAND, OHIO -  On May 1, local residents will be able to enjoy a variety of yoga classes at the Loveland Yoga Loft located in Historic Downtown Loveland. The yoga studio will open its doors at 112 N. Second St., Apt. B.

Julie Dolbier's, Loveland Yoga Loft will offer four classes a day Monday through Friday and two additional classes Saturday and Sunday. The Loft will offer Vinyasa yoga, Anusara yoga and Ashtanga yoga. Pricing is competitive with other yoga studios in the city with discounts given to students, seniors, and military personnel.

Following an accident several years ago, Julie turned to the healing tenants of yoga to return to wellness. Once involved with yoga, and experiencing the positive assistance to her life, Julie trained to become a yoga instructor, thus being able to share those benefits with others. Julie has instructed six or more classes a week across the Cincinnati community since her first certification in 2003. She also serves as a yoga instructor for Xavier’s ladies’ volleyball team.

Loveland Yoga Loft’s philosophies are: 

Yoga is not about the perfect pose. Yoga should be simple, approachable, and fun. Yoga’s purpose is to feel good…about yourself and others. Lastly, respecting one’s body and listening to it will help one find the inner spirit where the journey to total wellness takes place.

An Open House is scheduled to take place April 30, from 6-9 PM.

ArtReach Touring Theatre Cooks Some Fun at Loveland Intermediate

LOVELAND, OHIO - The ArtReach Touring Theatre productions are performed by professional actors who travel to schools and theaters throughout the region. They have been to Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. They are a division of the Children’s Theater of Cincinnati.

On Wednesday they were at the Loveland Intermediate School courtesy of the Loveland Arts Council and the Loveland Firefighters, to preform their modern version of Hansel & Gretel.

The ArtReach Touring Theatre was founded by Kathryn Schultz Miller and Barry Miller in 1976. At that time, the company was an “innovation” in the arts community: a professional theater for young audiences focused on touring to schools throughout the region. ArtReach was named Best New Children's Theatre in the United States by the Children's Theatre Association of America in 1983. The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati's rich history began over 80 years ago.

After their performance, the actors answered many questions from their audience about costuming, props, and how long it takes to rehearse their productions.

"How do you change clothes so fast?"

"How was that giant gingerbread cookie made?"

"How are the backdrops made?"

The actors are:

Carly Crawford, is originally from Memphis, TN, and graduated from UNC-Asheville (Asheville, NC) with degrees in Theatre and English.

Taryn Bryant, is from Hunstville, AL, graduated from Shorter College (Rome, GA) with a degree in Musical Theatre and an MBA from Everest University.

Stevyn Carmona, from Trinidad and Tobago, graduated from Frostburg State (Frostburg, MD) with a degree in Theatre.

Kevin McDaniel, from Loveland, Ohio and graduated from Ball State (Muncie, IN) with a degree in Musical Theatre.

 

 

Easter Egg Hunt in Symmes Township

Symmes Township says, "Join us on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. at Symmes Elementary (11820 Enyart Road) for The Great Symmes Egg Hunt."

There is a promise of plenty of colorful eggs to find along with lots of surprises. "Come early and enjoy face painting, a game and a visit from the Easter Bunny."

The egg hunt is appropriate for children age 10 and under.

Refreshments will be sold by the Symmes Township Historical Society.

For more information, please contact the Township office at 683-6644.

Loveland Magazine Girls Basketball 2009-2010 Awards

by Chris Shoals

Here are awards for the players of the Loveland High School girls basketball team for 2009-10.

Team MVP

Ellie Iaciofano - MVP stands for Most Valuable Player…not the best player. This team went as Ellie went, and she carried them for many crucial stretches of the season, and was one of the leaders on this team.

Best Scorer

Abby McIver - If I’m down 2 points, I want Abby touching the ball at least 1 time every possession down the court. Her game is very versatile in that she can hit the three point shot as well as anyone, and she is probably the best post player in the division.

Defensive MVP

Erin Randall - The stats clearly show that the best player on the court in defensive situations was Erin Randall. When she was on the floor, the opponents only scored 1 out of every 4 times. She also carries the uncanny ability to take charges.

Most Improved

Emily Holzderber - She improved so much, this was a no brainer. Emily played great defense all year, and improved her post game becoming a starter at the quarter mark of the season.

Biggest Surprise

Quick starts - Loveland was one of the best teams all year at getting off to fast starts. Just to give you an idea; the Lady Tigers outscored their opponents 238-136 in the first quarter of play this season.

Biggest Disappointment

Overtime - This team’s season could have changed if they could have beaten #4 Walnut Hills, and #8 Anderson. Both of those games were in overtime.

Best Junior

Alex Kamm - Alex had a great season. She is a very solid player that will give you valuable minutes at the “1” position. She also sees the floor well, and is able to see plays develop on the offensive and defensive ends.

This was a fun team to follow all year, and when you look at the experienced team coach Ashley Brothers will have back next year, don’t expect this program to hiccup at all.

The March cover photo for Loveland Magazine features Carly Crawford who performed with the touring group, ArtReach, in a production of Hansel & Gretel at the Loveland Intermediate School on March 10. Photo by David Miller.

View other photos of ArtReach :

ArtReach Touring Theatre Cooks Some Fun at Loveland Intermediate

Steven Zimmerman: 2X State Swim Champ

MORROW, OHIO - Little Miami High School junior Steven Zimmerman won the 200 IM and 100 backstroke titles to become the area's lone double-winner at the recent Division I state competition. Zimmerman took the 200 IM in 1:51.54, and then came back later to capture the 100 backstroke in 49.25.

"I'm shocked really," said Zimmerman. "It's such a great experience and honor to win two events at one of the fastest meets in the country. My coach and I have worked hard at trying to fix my stroke, and I just wanted to prove myself."

Tyler Benner placed fifth in the 100 backstroke for Little Miami with a time of 52.51 seconds and seventh in the 500 yard freestyle by posting a result of 4:42.44.

A Reading by Appalachian Poets

Grailville Retreat and Program Center invites you to attend A Reading by Appalachian Poets George Ella Lyon and Frank X Walker on Sunday, May 16, at 2 PM. This event is part of Grailville’s new Third Sunday Poetry Series, offering monthly opportunities for poets and poetry lovers to gather for readings, performances and discussions, followed by an optional poetry craft workshop led by poet and Grailville co-director Pauletta Hansel.
 
Hansel said, "You can celebrate Appalachian Month with two of the region’s most popular poets".  George Ella Lyon has published two collections of poems, Mountain and Catalpa, as well as the poetry primer Where I’m From, plus twenty-two picture books, five novels for young readers, an autobiography, a book of stories for adult new readers and a novel.  The editor of three anthologies of Appalachian writers, George Ella’s work is featured in the PBS series, "The United States of Poetry."
 
Frank X Walker, author, educator and Affrilachian poet, is author of four poetry collections: When Winter Come: the Ascension of York; Black Box; Buffalo Dance: the Journey of York and Affrilachia. He has recently served as Writer in Residence and lecturer of English at Northern Kentucky University and is now teaches creative writing at the University of Kentucky. Frank is the proud editor and publisher of PLUCK!, the new Journal of Affrilachian Art & Culture.
 
Grailville’s Third Sunday Poetry Series is co-sponsored by Cincinnati Writers Project, Dos Madres Press, Greater Cincinnati Writers League and InkTank. Spend Sunday afternoon with learning from and with accomplished poets from the Cincinnati area and beyond! There is a $15 fee for the 2:00 pm reading. The Poetry Workshop, beginning at 3:30 pm is by donation. Workshop participants should bring five copies on up to three poems.
 
All programs are at Grailville, 932 O’Bannonville Road, Loveland OH. For information or to register contact visit www.grailville.org or call 513-683-2340. Supported in part by the Tomcinoh Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

Possible Burglary Suspect from Cook Road Area

MIAMI TOWNSHIO, OHIO - The Miami Township Police Department said, "We have been experiencing a number of daytime burglaries and shed break-ins in the past month."

A burglary occurred on Cook Rd. on 2/4/10 where three handguns were stolen.  During the investigation the detective located a neighbor who had also been burglarized and who did not report a credit card missing from her residence and her residence is directly to the rear of the other burglary victim house on Cook Rd.  The credit card was then used at the Holiday House Liquor Store in Newport, KY by a white male.

Attached and shown below are several photos from the video from the store. "We believe this man could be connected to the other burglaries and possibly the shed break-ins," said the Police Department. "Please keep an eye out for any suspicious vehicles or suspicious persons around the neighborhoods."  Union Township Police recently stopped some suspicious men who were moving about residential neighborhoods in the daytime on the pretense of soliciting tree trimming work. Their story is doubted by the police. "Don’t be lulled into believing such an explanation if you encounter a suspicious person."

Legitimate door to door vendors all have Miami Township issued Solicitor permits which they must show you on demand.

Contact Miami Township detectives at  248-3721 Monday through Friday if you have information to share.

Call 732-2231 or 911 immediately if you witness anything suspicious and ask for an officer to respond to investigate and speak with you.

James P. Callahan Jr. Commissioned Second Lieutenant

James P. Callahan Jr. has graduated from Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga., and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

During the 14 weeks of training, Callahan received "basic soldiering" instruction in leadership, professional ethics, soldier team development, combined arms tactics, weapons defense, combat water survival, squad drill, intelligence, field training exercises, day and night land navigation, confidence obstacle course, common core tasks, communications, staff and general military subjects, and physical fitness tests which include three, four and five-mile runs, and foot marches between 5-10 mile routes.

Callahan was tested on leadership skills and team work abilities required of a commissioned officer.  He learned to utilize acquired skills to function in "leader and follower" positions in squad and platoon sized elements, and evaluated in various leadership garrison positions while in a stressful and demanding field environment.

Callahan is an armor officer.

He is the son of James P. and Denise G. Callahan of Paxton Woods Drive, Miami Township. The lieutenant Callahan graduated in 2005 from Loveland High School, and received a bachelor's degree in 2009 from Bowling Green State University, Ohio.

Price Road Closure March 29 - May 28

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Price Road will be closed March 29 through May 28, for a culvert replacement.

Location: 6113 Price Road (Lower entrance to the Boyscout Camp)

Miami Township said, "Please plan ahead for this closure and see the attached detour map for Price Road."

The length of detour is approximately 9.5 miles.

Click on the map to see a larger view of the detour.

"The Mouse That Roared" at Loveland High School

Loveland High School's Drama Department is presenting "The Mouse That Roared" this weekend at the Loveland High School Auditorium.   

Show Times

March 11, 12, 13 at 7:30 pm

March 14 at 3 pm

Reserved Seating:  Adults $10, Seniors/Students $8

For tickets, please call (513) 774-9320 or email LHSDrama@gmail.com

Loveland's Kessler Studios Awarded Mosaic Commission

Largo Commission Approves Mosaic Design for New Community Center

The Feb. 2 meeting ended with a cliffhanger for artist Cindy Kessler, who was watching Largo commissioners decide the fate of her mosaic proposal on a computer screen 1,000 miles away in Loveland, Ohio.

She couldn't help but silently protest their scepticism.

"I went online and watched the commissioners' reactions," she said. "There were so many instances where I found myself talking to the computer."  Read on...

View the Kessler's work at their web site...

Kessler Studios Architectural Stained Glass and Mosaics

Lovelnd Area Man Crashes Plane in Athens County

ALBANY — A small plane went down in a wooded area in Albany just off Washington Road Thursday evening. Its pilot, the lone occupant, survived the crash.

The 1981 single-engine four-seater Cessna plane crashed around 7 p.m.

According to Athens County Sheriff Patrick Kelly, the pilot, identified as Joseph Habermehl of Loveland, Ohio, flew from Cincinnati and his destination was the Ohio University Airport, which is just across Route 50 from the crash site.Habermehl was taken from the scene by ambulance to O’Bleness Memorial Hospital in Athens for treatment of visible injuries. First responders said he was able to walk with help to the ambulance.  Read on...

Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza April 3rd at Cottell Park

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP, OHIO - It will be a scramble to see who can collect the most eggs at the Easter Egg Hunt Eggstravaganza at 11 a.m. at Deerfield Cottell Park on Saturday, April 3rd.

There will be special giveaways and ten Easter baskets to be given away at random.  There will be four separate age groups for Easter egg hunts (look for signs for age group locations): 4 and under; 5-6; 7-8; and 9-12. Bring the whole family to 5847 Irwin-Simpson Road for goodies and fun. The Easter Bunny will also be there and they promise an "egg-cellent" time for all. The public is invited, and registration is not necessary for this free event.

Clermont Looking for Feedback on H1N1 Response

How Did They Do?

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - The Clermont County General Health District needs your help.  The county health district is interested in obtaining feedback pertaining to how the county responded to the H1N1 flu strain.  While vaccinations are still offered, information is being collected to make improvements for the future; planning for such emergencies involves a continuous cycle of developing a plan, training, exercising/implementing the plan, and incorporating lessons learned into the updated plan.  Your response is very important in helping the health community enhance their local response plan.

Even if you did not receive a vaccination, you are invited to complete a brief anonymous survey at www.ClermontHealthDistrict.org; click on the H1N1 Public Survey in the Hot Topics area.

If you do not have internet access, please contact the Clermont County General Health District at (513)732-7499 and a copy of the survey will be mailed to you.

Leaves of Learning Offering Early Childhood Education

Leaves of Learning will be offering an Early Childhood Education program for 2010-2011 school year.

 

Loveland, Ohio - Leaves of Learning (LOL), a non-profit educational program located on East Kemper Road in Loveland Ohio, is currently accepting registrations for their new Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program. ECE is for three, four, and five year old students Classes commence in September of 2010.

Classroom instruction is available four days a week (T-F) during morning and afternoon classes. Parents can customize a two - four day-a-week program, including a lunch hour. Class size is limited to a 10 students per session.

An Early Education Information Night is scheduled for Wednesday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m. at Leaves of Learning.

LOL Director Diana Osborn said that he ECE Program will utilize a Reggio Emilia -inspired approach which will allow the youngest students to help direct their own education in a rich inspiring atmosphere. She said that experienced teachers will be there to guide and nurture them on their journey. "The Reggio Emilia approach to education is committed to the creation of a learning environment that will enhance and facilitate children's construction of his or her own powers of thinking."

 Osborn listed the benefits of the ECE Program:

• A classroom atmosphere of playfulness and joy in a community of compassionate learners
• An environment rich with possibilities and provocations that invite children to undertake extended exploration and problem solving.
• In-Depth experiences that intermingle Science, Literacy, Mathematics, Social Studies and the Arts
• A responsive,  emergent curriculum that promotes deep thinking and the creative expression of ideas
• An active connection with parents supported by documentation on how each child learns

(http://www.brainy-child.com/article/reggioemilia.html)

 
Osborn said that since 1997, Leaves of Learning has offered a wide range of academic and enrichment classes that encourage students to become involved in the process of their own education. "The program embraces homeschoolers and traditional students, recognizing each student as an individual with different interests, strengths, learning styles, and abilities."

 

Contact:
Diana Osborn
(513) 697-9021
10084 East Kemper Road
Loveland, OH 45140
leavesoflearning@fuse.net
www.leavesoflearning.org

Mason, OH's Angela Bizzarri Division I’s Female Cross Country Scholar-Athlete of the Year

Illinois' Angela Bizzarri

Mason, Ohio native, Angela Bizzarri has been named as Division I’s female cross country Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the 2009 season as announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Monday. Bizzarri is also among 104 given All-Academic status for the previous cross country season for their efforts in the classroom and on nation’s cross country courses.

At Illinois University, Bizzarri has a 3.62 cumulative GPA in the field of Molecular and Cellular Biology. The Scholar-Athlete of the Year award goes to the highest individual finisher from the previous year’s NCAA Cross Country Championship among those given USTFCCCA All-Academic status.

In November, Bizzarri, the USTFCCCA National Cross Country Athlete of the Year, became the first women from Illinois to win the NCAA Division I cross country national title. Bizzarri set a new personal best on the LaVern Gibson national-championship course running 13 seconds better than she did at the 2008 championships. Bizzarri, also the USTFCCCA Midwest Region Athlete of the Year in 2009 earned her first regional title after finishing as the runner-up the previous three seasons at the Midwest Region meet. The award honors those student-athletes who have succeeded both academically and athletically. To be eligible for the award a student-athlete must carry a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average and must finish among the top 15 finishers (or top 10 percent) of the field at their respective NCAA regional meet.

Votes are in for K of C Chili Fest Contest

By Ruthy Trusler

The St. Columban Knights of Columbus 4th annual Chili Fest contest brought out the best in Chili along with a "thumbs up"! The judges were: Executive Director, Loveland Chamber of Commerce, Paulette Leeper; Loveland Police Chief, Tim Sabrawski; and Loveland Mayor, Rob Weisgerber.

This year's winners are: 
Best Tasting - Sue Bonnette
Most Original - Mike Whitehead
Spiciest - Rob Smethurst. 
The K of C wishes to thank this year's sponsors: The Works, Shooters, and Paxtons.


Coming Soon! April 18
St. Columban Pancake Breakfast. This parish favorite will be hosted by the K of C and Scouts Troop 55. Look for details at www.stcolumban.org.

Loveland School District “Kindergarten Round-up”

Kindergarten Registration has begun

LOVELAND, OHIO - Enrollment packets for kindergarten for the 2010-11 school year are available at Loveland Early Childhood Center, 6740 Loveland Miamiville Road.

Packets are available for pick-up at the school office between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The following information is required at the time of packet pick-up: student name, address, county of residence, phone number and the name of the person receiving the packet. 

An adult other than the child’s parent may pick-up a packet, but they will need the information as noted above.

There will be an informational meeting for parents of children entering the kindergarten program on Thursday, April 22, from 6-7 p.m. at LECC.   This session called  “Kindergarten Round-up” will be an opportunity to learn more and ask questions about the kindergarten program.

For more information, call LECC at 683-4200.

Online Chat About Assistance Available to Struggling Hamilton County Residents

Hamilton County residents struggling with the high cost of gas, food,
health care and other items can learn more about assistance available to
them in a March 10 online chat with Hamilton County’s Department of
Job and Family Services.

The chat is an opportunity to ask questions about public assistance
programs. Many who are working but making lower incomes do not realize
they are eligible for a debit card to help pay for food. Also, the
elderly and many low-income children are eligible for health care
assistance. And those in between jobs can receive cash assistance to
help them back on their feet. 

Jim Ashmore, a manager in Performance Improvement, will discuss
Medicaid, food assistance, cash assistance and other programs from 10
a.m. to 11 a.m. on March 10. 

To participate, visit www.hcjfs.org and click on the link posted under
Today at HCJFS. Also, an e-mail will be sent to subscribers to the HCJFS
Update newsletter and to followers of the agency on Facebook and Twitter
(hamiltoncojfs). To sign up for the newsletter, visit www.hcjfs.org.

Governor Establishes Ohio Council on Women and Girls

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland will sign an executive order establishing the Ohio Council on Women and Girls today at Momentum 2010 – the Ohio Women’s Summit.

The council will work to advance the status of women and girls particularly in the areas of economic development, education, and health care.

Suspects Sought in Criminal Child Enticement Investigation

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP, OHIO - The Warren County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects in a Criminal Child Enticement Investigation in Deerfield Township. On Sunday, March 7, 2010, around 2:15 p.m., a white male suspect approached two young girls on Windsor Park Drive in Deerfield Township. The male suspect stopped and offered candy to each of the girls. 
 
The girls refused the candy, and ran down the street where other children were playing.  The suspect left the area; however, he had also been noticed driving through the neighborhood by two different children riding their bicycles at the time. One adult witness, who was in his front yard, also confirmed the vehicle in the area.

The first suspect is described as an older white male, balding, heavy set, and wearing a white shirt and jeans. The second suspect, a passenger in the vehicle, was described as an older white female, no clothing description was given.

The suspect’s vehicle was described as a newer gold mini-van, possibly a Chrysler or Dodge. Anyone who may have information regarding this offense is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040 or the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at 513-695-1280.