Loveland Magazine

Milford High School Open House: Asbestos Abatement and Other Improvements

Carcinogenic asbestos to be abated during spring break

Mesothelioma.com News - During the upcoming spring break, workers will descend on Milford High School in Milford, Ohio in order to remove asbestos. The removal of asbestos is very important, as it can cause serious health problems. Asbestos exposure is conclusively linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, and while there are palliative treatment methods available, including chemo, there is no known cure. The disease typically lies dormant for up to fifty years before an individual begins to suffer from mesothelioma symptoms, and the majority of patients lose their battle with this cancer in less than two years.

The asbestos removal work is just part of a larger series of improvements under way at the school. All of these improvements will be showcased to the public during an upcoming open house, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, February 27.

"We've planned to have tours when different sections of the construction open up," said Superintendent Bob Farrell. "We want to involve the public as much as they want to be involved. We want them to be able to see the stuff behind the scenes before it's completely ready."

Operations manager Jeff Johnson added, "They will be able to walk through the existing building and be able to take a look at the classrooms," he said. "Not all the classrooms will be ready and we probably won't have furniture is some areas, but the walls will be painted and they're going to get a pretty good idea of what the building is going to look like ... in August."

Be On The Look Out - Thefts from Sheds

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,
 
There have been several thefts from sheds in Miami Township over the last few days. This is primarily occurring in the northern part of the township, however we have no idea where they will hit next. There have also been similar reports in several other surrounding communities. The thefts are occurring during the overnight hours and we believe the suspects may be driving a truck or van capable of hauling generators, etc.
 
Miami Township Police ask that you report any and all suspicious activity immediately.
Dispatch non-emergency Ph 732-2231
Emergency  Ph 911
We appreciate your assistance.
 
Best Regards,
The Miami Township SafetyNet Team

Governor Lowers Flags in Honor of Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Andrew C. Baldridge

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement and a proclamation lowering flags to half-staff in honor of Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Andrew C. Baldridge.

“Frances and I ask all Ohioans to join us in keeping Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Andrew Baldridge and his family in their thoughts and prayers.  I had the opportunity to hear Trooper Baldridge speak at the recent cadet graduation, which was a tremendous honor bestowed upon him by his classmates.  I was deeply impressed by his sincerity and thoughtfulness.  This is a terrible tragedy and we offer our sincerest condolences to all those whose lives were touched by this young man.”

The complete proclamation is below:

On behalf of the people of Ohio I would like to offer my sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers to the Baldridge family, and all those whose lives were touched by Trooper Andrew C. Baldridge of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Every day, throughout the State of Ohio, our dedicated law enforcement officers put themselves at risk to keep their fellow citizens safe. We remember the courageous men and women who have lost their lives protecting us, and we honor all those who wear the badge and keep the peace.

In honor of the life and service of Trooper Baldridge, I hereby proclaim, by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Ohio by the Ohio Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flags of the United States of America and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio upon the issuance of this order until sunset on Monday, February 8, 2010.

Trooper Andrew C. Baldridge, of the Bucyrus Post, passed away February 4 following a one-vehicle crash in Wyandot County.

The crash occurred on Township Road 95, just south of state Route 103, just west of the village of Carey, at approximately 6:05 p.m. Baldridge and a passenger, Trooper Mark McLaughlin, also of the Bucyrus Post, were heading southbound on TR 95 when their Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor drove off the right side of the road and rolled.

McLaughlin was injured in the crash and transported via helicopter to Toledo St. Vincent Hospital, where he is listed in fair condition. “This is a tragedy for the Patrol and the Department of Public Safety, our young trooper’s family and all who knew and worked with this promising young man. Our prayers go out to him and his family tonight, as well as to Trooper McLaughlin and his family,” said Colonel David W. Dicken, Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent.

Baldridge and McLaughlin were responding to a mutual aid call from a Wyandot County Sheriff’s deputy.

Baldridge, 25, graduated as a member of the 149th Academy Class in December 2009.  McLaughlin, 33, is a member of the 137th Academy Class.

Statewide Strike on School Funding Proposed by Little Miami Teacher

MORROW, OHIO - A grassroots effort is underway to force a change in Ohio’s school funding system, but lawmakers are offering little alternatives.

Jeff Peters, a Little Miami intervention specialist who lives in Lebanon, is calling for a statewide strike on Feb. 19, encouraging students, parents, school boards, teacher unions and others to protest in Columbus or at a state representative’s office.

Peters has seen his school district’s services get cut as voters have rejected the last four operating levies. He’s also encouraging school districts to withhold the Ohio Graduation Test results from the state and calling for a state referendum to force a change.  Read on...

US 22 & 3 Sidewalk Project Begins April 5 in Deerfield Township

DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Walking to stores and visiting parks in Deerfield Township will be easier with the addition of nearly six miles of sidewalk along US 22 & 3 (Montgomery Road).

Prus Construction Company will begin the 22 & 3 Sidewalk Project this spring, and when completed by October 1, sidewalks will link communities with parks and shopping. Eighty percent of the funding for this project was provided by the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana (OKI) Regional Council of Governments Transportation Enhancement Funding.

Work will begin on April 5, on the southeast side of US 22 & 3 and progress north. Then work will continue south on the west side of US 22 & 3.

Opinions Sought for Next Loveland School District Superintendent

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland School District will be soliciting community opinion during the selection process of hiring a new Superintendent.

For Parent Leaders of School-Related Organizations
Thursday, February 11 - 7 PM

Loveland Intermediate School Media Center

Public Forum-Open Session with the Board

Tuesday, February 16 - 6 until 7 PM

Loveland Intermediate School Media Center

The Board has also created an on-line survey. The survey will be posted until February 26. Results will be posted on the District web site by March 12.

The District will be accepting applications until Saturday, March 6. ”The Board will then review each applicant’s credentials and determine those most qualified to proceed in the process. A series of interviews will be conducted, starting in March. It is the Board’s goal to name the Superintendent no later than May 1.”

Loveland High School: Winter College Signings

LOVELAND, OHIO - On Thursday afternoon a large crowd of coaches, students, team mates, and families gathered for a reception at Loveland High School, where seven student athletes, who will be committing to play interscholastic athletics at the college level, were honored.

Samantha Burpee – Elmhurst College, Volleyball
4 year varsity letter winner
Named Best Offensive Player 2009
1st Team All FAVC
All FAVC Academic Team
Link Crew, Partners Club, Journalism and Athletic Leadership
3.5 GPA plans on studying nursing

Isaac Spence – Hillsdale College, Football
3 year varsity letter winner
Named Iron Tiger Award Winner 2009
1st Team all FAVC
All FAVC Academic Team
Member of Link Crew
Plays Lacrosse
3.8 GPA

Mason Scheeler – University of Charleston (WV), Football
3 year varsity letter winner
Named Co-Offensive MVP 2009
1st Team All FAVC for 2009
Plans to study sports management

Dustin Brown – Georgetown College, Football
3 year varsity letter winner
Named Co-Offensive MVP 2009
1st Team All FAVC
All FAVC Academic Team
All conference Wrestler
3.1 GPA and plans to major in Education

Forrest Behne – Washington and Lee University, Swimming
4 year varsity letter winner
2008-09 District Qualifier
2nd Team All FAVC – 500 yd freestyle, 400 yd freestyle relay
All FAVC Academic Team
National Honor Society
Treasurer of Student Council
4.23 GPA majoring in biology

Sarah Fisher – Washington University, Cross Country
4 year varsity letter winner cross country and track
MVP 2008 and 2009
3 Time 1st Team All FAVC in Cross Country
3 Time All FAVC in Track
All Ohio 2009
All FAVC Academic Team
National Honor Society
Student Representative to School Board
4.0 GPA major in health sciences

Matt Eltringham - Hillsdale College, football
2 year varsity letter winner
2010 - 3 of 4 FG and 31 of 34 extra points
Finished 3rd in recent National Kicking Combine
All FAVC Academic Team
3.9 GPA and plans to study business

Interview With Misty May-Treanor and Amber Peters

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Olympic Gold Medalist, Misty May-Treanor conducted a Volleyball clinic on January 9 at the Grand Sands Indoor Volleyball facility on Loveland Madeira Road in Symmes Township. In this video, she comments on the new facility, and her Loveland, Ohio friend, Amber Peters, who attended the clinic.

Peters, who plays for her Loveland High School team, was seriously injured in an automobile accident in 2005. She says that she doesn’t know how her recovery would have been possible, without the inspiration and friendship of May-Treanor.

May-Treanor and teammate Kerri Walsh, won back-to-back Gold Medals in beach volleyball in 2004 and 2008. The Beijing Summer Olympic win marked their 108th straight match win.

The pair have made appearances in the American Volleyball Professional tournament held at Mason, Ohio. Kerri Walsh is now an expectant mom, however in the interview, May-Treanor she said she intends to play in Mason this summer with her new partner.

WATCH THE INTERVIEW

Break the Chains of Toxic Pesticides and Child Slavery on Valentine's Day

Now is the time of year when more than 20 million Americans are buying sweets and flowers for their loved ones on Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, these tokens of love aren't as sweet or pure as they may appear. Over 40 percent of the world's conventional chocolate (i.e. non-organic and non-Fair Trade) comes from Africa's Ivory Coast, where the International Labor Organization and US State Department have reported widespread instances of child slavery.

Meanwhile, commercial flowers, most of which are produced in countries such as Colombia, are the most toxic and heavily sprayed agricultural crops on Earth. Supplying the global market, poorly paid workers in Third World countries put in up to 18 hour work days for poverty wages during peak flower buying times such as Valentine's Day.

But don't let the bad news squelch your Valentine's plans. Show your love by choosing Fair Trade and organic flowers and chocolate for your Valentine's Day gifts.

Paul V. Kelley Joins U. S. Army

LOVELAND, OHIO - Paul V. Kelley has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program.  The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay entering active duty for up to one year.

The enlistment gives the Kelley the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $50,000 toward a college education.  After completion of basic military training, he will receive advanced individual training in their career job specialty prior to being assigned to their first permanent duty station.

Kelley, a 2001 graduate of Goshen High School, Ohio, will report to Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C., for basic training in April 2010. He is the son of Teresa Schu of Prospect Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, and Kenneth Kelley of Blackhawk Trail, Loveland, Ohio.

Boy’s Basketball Beginning to Hit Stride

by Chris Shoals

It’s always, better late than never.

That statement is 100% correct; and the Loveland High School Boy’s Basketball team is beginning to play good solid basketball. This is the best time to be playing the best basketball you have played all year, than a handful of days before the tournament starts.

The Tigers have now won 3 games in a row, against ninth ranked Glen Este, Kings, and Anderson.

The Tigers played rival Kings on Tuesday night in a home match-up with the Knights…but the game was played at Kings. Yes, a home game played in the opposing team’s gym. That was because one of the baskets in the LHS gym would not descend down from an upright position, forcing Athletic Director Jeff Zidron to move the game to Kings. “We can’t thank the Kings Athletic Department enough for their help in moving the game. The changes had to be made within hours of the freshman game, and we can’t thank them enough for all their efforts. “Zidron said. “That is what being a conference member is all about.”

But, the players could have cared a less, and they played like it all night long. Tony Hamann remained sidelined with a bad ankle, and back problem, so he was unable to play for Loveland. However, seniors Greg Pitman, and Spencer Vance both stepped up in big ways. Pitman is one of the three best shooters on this team, and he showed it by knocking down 2 very timely three point shots that kept the Tigers in front by 6-10 points for the whole game.

Vance, who has played as well as anyone this past month, had his first double-digit point effort of the season, lighting the scoreboard up for 10 points, and battling extremely hard on the inside boards. Spencer was an efficient 5-7 shooting, and grabbed 5 rebounds for the Tigers.

The underclassmen also stepped up, as sophomore Anthony LaMacchia scored a team high 13 points, followed by a break out performance from junior Eric Ross who had a season high 11 points.

Loveland led the Knights 29-15 at the half, and did not relinquish the lead for the rest of the evening as the Tigers improved to 3-9.

Loveland would next take the court on Friday night in a road contest with Anderson. Coming into the game, Anderson was one of the 3 wins on the Tigers record. Loveland defeated the Redskins 56-47 back in December.

One of the main reasons the Tigers won, was because of the defense of Andrew Claybourn who had the task of guarding Mike Wilkison. Wilkison is the best shooter in the Buckeye division, and is averaging over 23 points per game.

Claybourn did another impeccable job, and managed to hold Wilkison to a season low 6 points.

Wes Kyles lead the scoring charge for Loveland with 10 points, and also contributed 4 assists. Loveland was very balanced on the scoring chart with Claybourn scoring 9 points, Moran adding 6, and LaMacchia contributing 5.

The Tigers outwitted, outplayed, and outlasted Anderson, pulling out their third straight victory 42-27.

Has this team quit? No

Has this team given up? No

Are they currently playing their best basketball of the season? I think so. Even without Tony Hamnn, the Tigers are continuing to fight, and when he returns, this team can only get better, and better. It might have taken a little longer than some expected to win games, but it is always better late than never.

Krikorian Unveils Proposed Financial Reform

David Krikorian "is an entrepreneur and devoted family man involved in local civic affairs." He is running as a Democrat candidate for Ohio's 2nd Congressional seat now held by Jean Schmidt, "Because he believes that the people in Ohio's 2nd district deserve better representation than what they are currently receiving"

Krikorian today unveiled a set of proposed reforms "aimed at strengthening our financial system."

As a general statement, there can be no sustained economic recovery until the major banks have been restructured and our financial system is reformed.

In order to do this, we must honestly address the systemic flaws in our financial system and implement structural changes including:

• Separating commercial and investment banking activities
• Eliminating the use of extreme leverage
• Addressing “too big to fail” and reinstituting moral hazard
• Implementing transparency and oversight to derivative securities
• Practicing sound, non-politicized monetary policy

You can view Krikorian's complete proposal HERE.

Watch Krikorian's announcement to run as a Democrat in 2010

Cory Tipton to Play Div I Soccer at Bucknell

LOVELAND, OHIO - Loveland resident, Corey Tipton, 17, who is a senior in the Class of 2010 at Cincinnati Country Day (CCD) will be playing Division I women's college soccer this fall for Bucknell University in the Patriot League.
 
She made a verbal commitment to play soccer for Bucknell University in July 2009, received a scholarship offer of admission in December, and will formally sign her official letter of intent in February.
 
Tipton is the team captain for the CCD Indians and was selected 1st Team All City (Southwest Ohio) both in her junior and senior years as well as 1st Team All MVC in her junior and senior years.  In addition, she was selected as a Cincinnati Enquirer All Star also in her junior and senior years. 
 
This fall, Tipton will report to Bucknell University where she will play for Bison Head Coach Ben Landis, (Bucknell Class of '95).  Coach Landis was head coach at Dartmouth University before returning home to his alma mater in 2005. Bucknell is a member of the Patriot League which also includes Colgate, Lafayette, Lehigh, USMA-West Point, USNA-Annapolis, American, and Holy Cross.
 
Tipton said she is "Grateful for the tutelage, instruction, integrity, and character" exemplified by her CCD Head Coach and Athletic Director Theresa Hirschauer who led the Indians over the last two years to 25 wins, Miami Valley Conference and Sectional Titles, "all the while showing incredible determination and courage in her fight against ovarian cancer." Tipton said she is also appreciative for the leadership and support from the coaching staff of her club team, the Cincinnati Soccer Alliance (CSA) U-18 Elite Panthers led by Head Coach Greg Fallon.
 
In addition to Bucknell, Tipton was also recruited by many other NCAA Div. 1 institutions including: Northwestern, The University of Massachusetts, Central Michigan, Lafayette College, American University, Elon University, Eastern Kentucky, Belmont, and Marquette. 

When she heads off to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania this fall, Tipton will follow in the footsteps of her two older sisters who also are collegiate student athletes as Hillary, 20, runs cross country and track at Oberlin College, while Claire, 19, plays rugby at Elon University. 

Tipton is the daughter of Laurel and Bill Tipton of Loveland.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama to visit Miami

His Holiness the Dalai Lama, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and the Congressional Gold Medal for championing the people of Tibet, will visit Miami University Oct. 20-22. He will meet with students as well as give a public address.

Ham. Co. Waste District Wants Your Opinion

The Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District is in the process of updating its Solid Waste Management Plan to help the County manage the solid waste that will be generated during the next 15 years. A large portion of the Plan will outline the types of recycling programs offered to residents, schools, businesses, and local governments. To help determine the types of programs offered by the District, they are seeking your input.

The District encourages you to complete one of the following surveys. "Your input is crucial." All responses will help the District improve current recycling programs and develop other waste reduction initiatives to meet your needs.

Please click on a link below to access the survey that best applies to you:

Hamilton County Resident

Hamilton County Business

Hamilton County Teacher

Hamilton County Local Government

2010 Loveland Chamber Valentine Card painting by Monica Anne Achberger

Sweetheart of a Raffle

LOVELAND, OHIO - It’s a sweetheart of a deal. You could win the award-winning original oil painting created by Symmes Township artist Monica Anne Achberger for this year’s Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce Valentine card.  “We couldn’t be more pleased that Monica Achberger graciously donated her original oil painting to the Chamber of Commerce to be raffled off to a lucky person in our community,” said Paulette Leeper, Executive Director of the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce.  Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00, and are available for sale, now through Thursday, February 11 at:

Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce
442 W. Loveland Ave. from 9 AM to 2 PM

Loveland Post Office
10 AM to 4 PM

Pizazz Studios
Saturday February 6 from 1to 3 PM
Bonnie Larson, 2010 Valentine Lady in appearance

Union Savings Bank
9 AM to 5 PM
510 W. Loveland Ave.

“I am delighted my artwork was selected for this year’s Valentine Card but even more tickled to be able to raffle it and to see who will be the lucky winner. Good Luck to everyone,” said Monica Achberger.

The winner will be selected on Friday February 12 at the Loveland Area Chamber / Oasis Conference Center Valentine Breakfast.  “We are so pleased that an artist of Monica Achberger’s caliber submitted her art for the contest and even more thrilled to be able to raffle the original artwork,”  said Leeper. Proceeds from the raffle benefit the activities and programs of the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce.  For more information, please contact the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce www.lovelandchamber.org or the artist, Monica Achberger, at 513-379-8778 MonicaAnne@fuse.net. Click to learn more about Achberger.

Little Miami Board Reacts to Levy Defeat

ELECTION OUTCOME

This is a very critical time for our district, and Tuesday’s results are quite devastating for our students, schools and staff. It's hard to feel positive about the future, when the vote was another step in destroying a community and dismantling an excellent school district. It's difficult not to take this loss as an indication that our students, staff and schools are not valued. Thank you to the 4,925 voters who supported our levy.

While state involvement in Little Miami’s finances is already a reality, we will begin preparing for our next steps. The administration and board will meet to discuss the options – should we consider another ballot issue this spring or simply wait for the state to place the district in “fiscal emergency” and take over this summer? Since we are under “fiscal caution,” the Ohio Department of Education will continue monthly monitoring reports of the district’s finances.

Without passage of a levy, the district faces “fiscal emergency” as early as summer 2010. The state's oversight commission, rather than the local district, ultimately would be responsible for developing a recovery plan which would include numerous cuts. Under fiscal emergency, the district can make recommendations, but the state will get to decide how to move forward.

We believe the outcome of this election emphasizes the need for a school funding reform in the state of Ohio. Districts are forced to continually return to their local communities, asking for support of tax issues. The result is division.

Indulgance by Birds: Necessary Bingeing

Could You Eat Half of Your Body Weight in One Day?

 
MASON, OHIO  – Flying wild birds must eat, at a minimum, half of their body weight in food each day.  Because wild birds do everything quickly, fly quickly, run quickly, even their hearts beat quickly – they must continuously eat throughout the day.  For birds like the Great Bustard this can be as much as 15 pounds or for the Ruby Throated Hummingbird as little as two-tenths of an ounce.

According to Patrick McCollum, Naturalist at the Wild Bird Center of Mason, “Maintaining this level of food intake, is especially important during cold winter months when birds, warm blooded animals, need the energy and nutrition to help their metabolism maintain a level that is heat producing." He said birds literally spend the majority of their waking hours in search of food.”

To tell someone that they eat like a bird is an often misused phrase, according to McCollum. "Birds have enormous appetites and exhibit ravenous behavior – literally they are ready to eat just about anything in sight. In fact, ravenous comes from the eating habits of the raven, a big and hungry relative of the crow."  McCollum said that hummingbirds eat about every 10 minutes and the rest of the bird kingdom eats when they can find food.

There are almost as many kinds of bird diets as there are birds. Robins eat earthworms, sparrows eat seeds, owls eat mice, herons eat frogs, and oystercatchers eat…well you guessed it –oysters. The elf owl of the American Southwest eats scorpions while the tawny eagle of Africa eats everything from locusts to dead elephants. And geese eat grass.

"Feeding birds isn’t just a wintertime activity. You can enjoy feeder bird watching year round."  McCollum suggests placing out the following foods to satisfy your backyard birds’ appetite:

• Black oil sunflower seeds, shelled peanuts, or white proso millet
• Dried ears of corn
• Meal worms
• Apples, pear, orange halves, squashed grapes and even blueberries
• Cheerios and oatmeal
• Peanut Butter and Suet

McCollum said that a great way to introduce kids to bird feeding is to make an edible bird feeder. Smear peanut butter on a bagel, tie a string on it, and then dip the peanut butter side of the bagel in wild bird seed. "Hang the bagel outside near a window so you can watch the birds and enjoy the connection with nature."

A lifelong nature lover, Cincinnatian, and owner of the Wild Bird Center in Mason, McCollum, a Naturalist, is known locally as the “Bird and Bug Guy.” McCollum and his staff offer many free community educational programs for people of all ages.  They are always available to answer any questions you may have about birding, or to offer tips or advice about the diverse wildlife found in our area. You may contact McCollum and his staff at 513-234-0789, mason@wildbird.com or www.wildbird.com/mas.

Kids Nature and Craft Programs

Little Miami Voters Reject Levy Request

MORROW — Little Miami voters have rejected a five-year emergency operating levy, according to unofficial results from the Warren County Board of Elections.

With all precincts counted, 55 percent voted against the measure and 45 percent voted for it. At 57 percent, voter turnout was high for a special election.The levy failure means the state will take over managing the district. Read on... 

Tax Forms & Free Tax Help @ Your Public Library

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County offers a wide range of resources that can help you this tax season. Pick up copies of current tax forms or access them online at any of the Library’s 41 locations across Hamilton County. And, beginning the weekend of Friday, January 29 and Saturday, January 30, volunteers from two area organizations will be at the Main Library to help people prepare their 2009 taxes.

Interested in Starting a School Garden Program?

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Southern Ohio Schoolyard Nature Network, operating under the umbrella of Granny's Garden School, is offering a two-hour introductory workshop for educators considering establishing a school garden program.  The first workshop is scheduled for Saturday, February 20th, 9-11 AM. ($15 per person.) The workshop will repeat February 27th.

The workshop, Introduction to Establishing a Plant Based Environmental Education Program on School Grounds, includes a tour of the school gardens in Loveland, an overview of how the gardens and educational components support each other and the nuts and bolts of establishing and maintaining a school garden. These are the first in a series of monthly workshops regarding various aspects of the establishing and operating a school garden program.

To register or for more information about this and other workshops, send an email to schoolgarden@fuse.net.

The purpose of the School Garden Network of Southern Ohio is to support the development and sustainability of hands-on learning experiences for children through plant based programs i.e.school gardens and other nature focused programs. The network supports the people who are developing the programs through how-to workshops and networking opportunities.

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Yoga benefits Montessori Children

Robyn Adair, yoga instructor for CMH Montessori, leads a group of students in a yoga pose that strengthens core muscles and promotes balance and poise.

by Bonnie McNett

In addition to the core subjects of reading, writing, science and math, Children's Meeting House Montessori School offers yoga classes, which helps students gain coordination, rhythm, balance, flexibility, and poise.  The school's yoga instructor, Robyn Adair, offers a unique yoga program developed over her ten years of teaching yoga at CMH Montessori. 

Adair, who has been practicing yoga for thirty five years and has her own studio, said, "Dr. Maria Montessori felt that yoga is well integrated into a Montessori program."  Her students receive holistic, age appropriate yoga instruction and enjoy their favorite poses, such as the 'snake charmer', 'lumber jack sneezes' and the 'three legged dog'.  The students play games like 'Mother Trees' and 'Crocodile Hunter' and students study the anatomy of the human skeleton and major muscles involved in many yoga poses.

Adair sees yoga as a way to strengthen core muscles, develop strong bones, and increase flexibility.  She uses yoga to help children reduce stress and concentrate on breathing, thereby creating centeredness and focus.  Adair said "Yoga poses were developed from natural objects, like majestic trees, having qualities of serene beauty and balance.  My hope is that when children do these yoga poses they will learn to stand up to the winds of life and see themselves as beautiful expressions of nature."

Pure Romance Valentine Warehouse Sale

The Pure Romance Valentine Warehouse Sale is February 5 - 14, from 10 AM until 8 PM. Pure Romance is located at 161 Commerce Boulevard, in Loveland, Ohio. (MAP)

Mention the word "Romance" at checkout and you receive a free gift.

Loveland Music Academy Records at Chicago Recording Company

Stop Draggin' My Heart Around

Hey - This is really good stuff...

On Saturday, October 24th 2008 Aaron O’Keefe  took 24 students of the Loveland Music Academy to the Chicago Recording Company in Chicago, Illinois. O’Keefe  said, “Everything at this studio is top notch.” The singers used a vintage AKG C12 microphone that is valued at $25,000.  The students also used the same Bosendorfer piano that Coldplay used to record an album.  O’Keefe  said that Madonna, Smashing Pumpkins, Jay-Z, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Stone Temple Pilots, Sting, and countless other major artists have recorded at this studio.

The following Loveland Music Academy students performed on "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around": Zac Sego, Colin Johnson, Sierrah Jones, Drew Lowry, Joe Hubbell, Nate Sego, Haley Clutters, Tori Bechtold, Dean Lowry.

O’Keefe is getting ready to take 40 students to another studio on Saturday, Feb 20th.  "We're going to the Saint Claire Recording Company which is a 3 million dollar studio in Lexington, Kentucky."

O’Keefe videotaped the Chicago performance with 5 cameras and then edited the footage using his computer.

Watch the Video

Six Inducted Into Loveland High School Athletic Hall of Fame

New members of the Loveland High School Athletic Hall of Fame that were inducted on December 18 are:

Bryan Williams

Bryan graduated from Loveland in 1980. He played football, basketball and ran track. In football, Bryan was Honorable Mention All League his junior year, 1st Team All League his senior year. He was 1st Team All Southwest Ohio, 3rd Team All State, Cincinnati Post Honorable Mention, and won the Loveland Claw Man Award. In track. Bryan was league champion in the 300 meter hurdles for 3 years, sectional champion 2 yrs, a district qualifier, and a state qualifier 1 year. He was a Cincinnati and Ohio All Star Champion. In the 120 yard high hurdles, Bryan was sectional and district runner up and a state qualifier. He was also a district qualifier in the 1600 and 400 meter relays and was Ohio Indoor Champion. Bryan still holds Loveland records in the 120 yard high hurdles and the 300 meter low hurdles. After high school, Bryan ran track at the University of Cincinnati. He still lives in Loveland with his wife Carolyn, daughter Morgan and son Griffin. He is employed with Donegal Insurance Group and serves as an assistant track coach at Loveland High School.

John and Sue Richardson

John and Sue were honored for "Outstanding Athletic Service to Loveland High School." They both served the Athletic Boosters from 1982 to 1996 where they chaired the concessions, worked on the Floats, Tall Stacks and Fireworks committees. Sue served as a Vice President and President of the Boosters, Chaired the Craft Fair, Homecoming Parade, and was the Founder of the Football Parents Club in 1989. John and Sue still live in Loveland and are enjoying retirement.

Herb Mihalik

Herb graduated from Loveland in 1974. He played baseball, basketball and football. In basketball, Herb was All League, All Southwest Ohio District, and All State Honorable Mention. During his varsity basketball career the team record was 36 and 2. In football, Herb was All-City place kicker, and won the Claw Man and Tiger Man Awards. Herb went to Holy Cross University on a 4 year scholarship for football where he played defensive back.  He now lives in Hillsboro with his wife Darlene, daughters Jennifer, Julie and son Josh. He teaches and coaches girls basketball at Hillsboro High School and coaches football at Batavia High School.

Rob Polly

Rob graduated from Loveland in 1987 where he played baseball, basketball and soccer. In baseball Rob was 1st Team All League (2 years), Cincinnati Enquirer 2nd Team All City (2 years), Southwest Ohio Coaches Classic (1 year). In basketball, Rob was Honorable Mention All League (1 year).  In soccer Rob was 1st Team All League (2 years). Rob still holds baseball records for a single season in hits, runs, at bats, stolen bases, games played, and stolen bases. After high school, Rob went to Miami University and now lives in Redmond, Washington with wife Laura, and two children, Ella and Cole. He is employed with Microsoft Corporation.

Mike Ferone

Mike was the Boys Varsity Basketball Coach at Loveland High School from 1984 to 2002. Coach Ferone’s overall record was 229 wins and 166 loses. He coached five League Championships (1989, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002), four Sectional championships (1992, 1997, 2001, 2002), four District finals (1992, 1997, 2001, 2002), one District championship (1993), and one Regional final (1993). Coach Ferone lives in Anderson with his wife Janie. He has two daughters Jennifer and Jobeth. Coach Ferone still teaches at Loveland High School.

Grailville Offers Programs for Loveland Area Girls

Grailville Retreat and Program Center in Loveland is offering two programs in February geared toward girls

by Elizabeth Murphy

A Mother/Daughter Yoga workshop led by Tracy Jo Duckworth will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 10 am–1 pm. Relax in the company of women! Girls and women aged 11 and up (with or without their moms or daughters) are invited to experience this relaxing workshop with postures you can do at home for creating health and vitality in your life.  Learn simple meditative techniques to calm your mind and some postures that mothers and daughters can do together. Tuition (which includes lunch) is $25 for an individual and $40 for an intergenerational pair.

Next, Grailville invites teen girls to join a weekly workshop that encourages their passion   for writing and inspires and challenges them to write their hearts out. Led by published poet Pauletta Hansel, Writing for the Love of It: A Weekly Workshop For Girls Who Love to Write is held Thursday afternoons, February 25-March 25, from 4-5:30 pm. Activities include: looking together at work in a variety of genres; writing time both with prompts offered and the option of free-writing; sharing writing with each other and gentle, constructive suggestions for individual girls to use in revising their pieces, if they so desire. Tuition is $75 for the five week series.

Scholarships are available for both programs. For information about this or any Rites of Passage program, or to register contact 513-683-2340 or www.grailville.org. 

These gatherings are part of Grailville’s Rites of Passage program, designed to support the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual journey of girls on the path to womanhood. Programs help girls make a positive, healthy, self-aware and self-sufficient transition into young adulthood. Join us for sharing, transformation and celebration of the women our girls are becoming! Rites of Passage activities are sponsored by Grailville and Nzuzu, a life coaching organization.  Scholarships are available for both programs. For information about this or any Rites of Passage program, or to register contact 513-683-2340 or www.grailville.org. 

Grailville is a center of The Grail, an international movement of women committed to spiritual search, social actions, ecological sustainability and the release of women’s creative energy throughout the world. Located on 300 acres of woodlands, pastures and organic gardens, Grailville is a diverse community offering spiritual, cultural and educational opportunities for the public, as well as providing guest facilities for meetings, lodging and dining. 

Byki Online

Parlez-vous français? ¿Habla usted español? Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

Are you interested in learning to speak a foreign language? Now, thanks to Byki Online, the latest addition to the Hamilton County Public Library collection of databases, you can learn a foreign language from the comfort of home.

The Byki (“Before You Know It”) personalized online language instruction program uses flashcards to help you memorize words and phrases in a new language, including their meanings and proper pronunciation. In addition to building your vocabulary, Byki offers specialized tools to help you perfect your pronunciation skills, as well as providing individual progress reports and proficiency tests. Over 70 foreign and ESL languages are represented in Byki, including Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.

To use Byki from home, you will need a valid library card number and PIN. New users will need to create an account with Byki the first time they log in.

Kilburn pitches his honesty as key to Congress

Says Washington is in need of his outspokeness and small-town values

LEBANON — He calls himself a “poor boy from Morrow,” but Warren County’s outspoken conservative Commissioner Mike Kilburn believes his small-town values are what is needed in the U.S. Congress.  Read on...

VALENTINE'S CONCERT

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2010 - 7:00 PM

The Church of the Saviour
8005 Pfeiffer Road

Treat your Valentine to the Blue Ash/Montgomery Symphony Orchestra's annual Valentine's Concert, with Beethoven's Corialian Overture, Barcarole from Offenbach's Tales of Hoffman, the romantic music of Michel LeGrand and, as a special treat, two movements from Rachmonioff's Third Concerto with Kevin Bao, a BAMSO Young Artist Competition Winner, as the piano soloist.

The concert is FREE  Directions

Howard Zinn Dies

Author of 'People's History' and left-wing historian, dies at 87 in California

Howard Zinn, an author, teacher and political activist whose leftist "" became a million-selling alternative to mainstream texts and a favorite of such celebrities as Bruce Springsteen and Ben Affleck, died Wednesday. He was 87.

Zinn died of a heart attack in Santa Monica, Calif., daughter Myla Kabat-Zinn said. The historian was a resident of Auburndale, Mass.  Read on...