Loveland Magazine

Loveland Women vs Withthrow

LOVELAND, OHIO - This video is highlights fom the January 27 contest between the Loveland Tigers Womens Basketball game against the Withthow Tigers.

 

Dr. Lee Ann Watson and Virginia Dennis Talk About Suicide Prevention

On this segment of Clermont County Today, host Kathy Lehr talked with Dr. Lee Ann Watson, Mental Health and Recovery Board and Virginia Dennis, Suicide Prevention Coalition, about measures their organizations are taking to reduce the number of teen suicides locally.

(Editor's Note: This video has previously been published in Loveland Magazine, and the Town Hall meeting talked about in the video has already taken place. Never-the-less, important information about the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Clermont County is discussed here.)

If you are in crisis or know someone in crisis:
Help is available! The Clermont Crisis Line is staffed 24 hours with trained mental health professionals. Call 528-SAVE. For more information on the signs of suicide:
www.ohiospf.org. The Clermont Survivors of Suicide Support Group meets weekly on Mondays at 6:00 at The Mental Health and Recovery Board. The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Clermont County is actively involved in providing the community with education in the hopes of preventing more suicides. For more information on the Suicide Prevention Coalition, contact Lee Ann Watson at (513) 732-5406.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death among 25-34 year olds, and the third leading cause of death among 15- to 24-year olds.  In 2009, six youth committed suicide in Clermont County.

A sucide prevention and awareness group is forming at Epiphany United Methodist Church in Miami Township. Participants are all ages including teens. For more information contact Pastor Lisa Kerwin at 677-9866 or via e-mail.

 

Four Tips for Sticking with Tough Challenges

by Fran Hendirck

The New Year, like a fresh unspoiled snow, invites new beginnings.  But it’s amazing how quickly a beautiful blanket of snow becomes dingy and the weather begins to feel just plain cold!  The same thing can happen to your hopes for the new year, if you don’t know how to keep the energy sparkling in your intentions.

In this post, you’ll find insights and tips to help you move forward in bringing your wishes for the new year into reality.

So – hang on to your optimism, and let’s get started!  Read on...

Catholic Schools Week

Heroin Abuse Has Big Impact on Local Child Abuse Cases

51 percent increase

Many Children Removed From Mothers at the Hospital

Number of Physical Abuse Cases up 50%

308 Children Currently in County Custody

"Clermont County is critically in need of foster parents," said Tim Dick.  In 2010, the Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services’ (DJFS) Children’s Protective Services (CPS) division removed 235 children from homes, because of abuse or neglect; that is a 51 percent increase over 2009.  “Heroin abuse has had a big impact on this situation,” said CPS Deputy Director Tim Dick.  “Too many times law enforcement has called our staff to the scene where a parent has overdosed and the child was there to see it, living in filthy conditions.  There have even been cases where the child has pricked himself with a heroin needle he picked up at his home or ingested prescription drugs that had been obtained illegally.  It is sad.”

  DJFS Director Mike Pride added that many of the children in CPS custody were removed from their mothers at the hospital, shortly after they were born.  “Many of these children are born addicted to drugs, including heroin,” said Pride.  “These children face numerous physical and developmental difficulties because their parents made bad choices.”

“While we strive to keep children with other members of the family, we are finding that in some cases, they too are addicted to drugs,” added Dick.  He said the number of physical abuse cases among children locally is also up.  “In 2008, we had 208 cases.  Last year, we had 427 cases,” he said, adding that drug abuse by the parents had a significant impact on the numbers.

“We encourage the community to contact us if they witness or suspect a child is being abused,” said Pride.  “We will not reveal your name to the families we investigate.”  He is also asking that citizens consider becoming a foster parent to ensure children-in-need receive a safe, loving, and nurturing environment.  Call (513) 732-7173 or visit the website www.ClermontSupportsKids.org for more information on child abuse or becoming a foster parent.

While it is too early to tell whether the number of drug-abuse/children-abuse cases will increase in 2011, Dick is concerned.  There are 308 children currently in county custody.  “This behavior has got to stop,” he said.  “These people have got to start thinking about how their behavior is hurting, even destroying their children.”

Pictured above: CPS Deputy Director Tim Dick and DJFS Director Mike Pride look over a recent report on local child abuse cases.

In Hamilton County call 241-KIDS or go to HCJFS Children’s Services Division.

In  Warren County call: Call your local children services agency or local law enforcement agency to make a report about the abuse. In Warren County, Warren County Children Services can be contacted Monday through Friday,8:00am-5:00pm at (513)695-1546. During evenings, weekends, and holidays, call (513)695-1600. In the event of an immediate emergency, call 911. Child Advocacy Center of Warren County.

Ohio University students not fans of fees going for sports

By Jim Phillips

FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Less than 6 percent of OU students responding to the survey named athletics as their top choice to get money from student fees.

ATHENS, Ohio - A new survey suggests that many Ohio University students would like to see less of their student fees going to support varsity sports.   Read on...

Healthy Living Curriculum at Children's Meetinghouse Montessori School

by Bonnie McNett

 Children's Meetinghouse Montessori School has implemented a new Healthy Living curriculum.  Teachers read about several scientific studies showing that students who exercised as part of their daily routine performed better in the classroom than those students who did not exercise.  The faculty also wanted to help students make good diet and exercise choices to help avoid later health problems that are associated with lack of exercise and a poor diet.

The first through sixth graders spend at least 15 minutes walking, jogging, skipping,
or running on the circular drive every morning.  Teacher John Phenix said, "The goal is to get kids up and moving and feeling good.  After our morning exercise, I see my students' energy focused on their work.  They have greater attention spans, have higher concentration levels, and are doing better than before we implemented the exercise plan."

The school has also started a running club on Thursdays after school.  The program begins with stretching and warm up walking.  Students then run, jog or walk for nearly an hour.  The students also play games or run relays to help increase their endurance.  "We encourage kids to set their own goals.  A student might try to run one more lap than last time or to work toward doing a 5K." said program co-leader and teacher Karen Whitlock.

In addition to increasing activity levels, elementary students enjoy fruit and vegetables every day. First through third grades have 'Fruit Sharing' in the afternoon, where students wash, slice, and distribute fruit to their classmates.  The activity fosters good eating habits, as well as the motor skills required to carefully prepare the fruit.  The older children have a fruit and vegetable tray every morning.  Fifth grader Jacob Eicher said, "It is great!  Kids really like carrots, grapes, watermelon, cucumbers, and pomegranates.  We even had star fruit and cactus pears!"

Montessori Students learn about Pioneer Life

by Bonnie McNett

The students at Children's Meeting House Montessori School took a step back in time when they visited the historical site at Shawnee Lookout.  First the students visited a log cabin and heard a period interpreter describe how early people made soap, cooked their meals over an open fire, and turned wool into yarn and then into cloth.  The students learned that settlers planted three crops together: corn, beans, and squash, which were known as 'the three sisters'.  The tall corn acted as a lattice for the vining pole beans to climb and the squash wound itself directly on the ground.  Next, the children saw an outdoor fire site and learned how early people used charcoal and flint to make a fire.  They saw skins from skunk, fox, beaver, deer, rabbits, and other local animals and learned how these pelts were traded with Native Americans to acquire goods.  Finally, they toured the one room school house and were surprised to learn that students had to answer questions with a "yes, ma'am" or "yes, sir".  The students were even more surprised to learn that school was predominantly for boys, as the girls were often home doing chores, such as washing, weaving, cooking, or carrying water.  For more information about Shawnee Lookout visit:  http://www.greatparks.org/parks/shawnee.htm

In the photo: A period interpreter helps Marissa Handler put on the clothing a child would have worn two hundred years ago.  The students were surprised to learn that the small log cabin was home to a family with nine children.

Candy Drive for U.S. troops

by Bonnie McNett

Students from Children's Meeting House Montessori School held a candy drive for U.S. troops stationed overseas to help boost morale and to make them feel appreciated this holiday season. The drive collected 300 pounds of candy for the Yellow Ribbon Support Center (YRSC) in Batavia, Ohio. After the delivery, the students were given an informative tour of the center by Keith Maupin and learned about scholarships the YRSC offers in memory of fallen soldiers and other work preformed by the center. The Yellow Ribbon Support Center, which was started in 2004, has sent almost seven thousand care packages to troops stationed overseas.

In the photo above: Ryan Eicher, Matthew Weinstein, David Weinstein, Alex Eicher, Racheal Weinstein, Michael Weinstein, and Jacob Eicher pose with Keith Maupin during their tour of the Yellow Ribbon Support Center in Batavia, Ohio.

Loveland Music Academy adds two to Staff

Ingrid Keller, pianist, is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. She received her Bachelor of Music degree, magna cum laude, from Northwestern University. While there, she was nominated by the faculty as one of their most outstanding pianists to participate in the 2002 Thaivu-Isaac Competition, which she won.
 
Keller earned a Master of Music degree and a Performer Diploma, both with high distinction, at Indiana University’s prestigious Jacobs School of Music, under the tutelage of Menahem Pressler. She has received numerous prizes and honors including first place in the MTNA East Central Division in 2004.
 
In 2008, she participated in the Kennedy Center’s Conservatory Project representing the IU Jacobs School of Music. Keller has been the resident coach/accompanist for Indianapolis Opera’s Young Artist Program and was a Piano Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in the 2009 season. There she appeared as a soloist with the Mark Morris Dance Group, critics describing her performance as “Superbly performed, Keller bringing richness and transparency to the challenging score.” Ms. Keller is currently an active recitalist, collaborative artist, and teacher and is a doctoral candidate at Indiana University.

Elaine Whitaker is a new Piano, Guitar and Adaptive Lessons Teacher at Loveland Music Academy. Whitaker graduated with a degree in Music Therapy from the University of Dayton in May 2009. She finished her internship at Big Bend Hospice in Tallahassee, FL in May 2010 and passed the CBMT board exam in early September 2010. She has completed practicum semesters in nursing homes, psychiatric facilities, high school special education classrooms, early intervention preschool classrooms, and hospice wings in hospitals.

Whitaker has been playing piano since age 7 and guitar for the past 5 years. Classically trained, she also has taken three years of jazz piano. She has been singing "as long as she can remember" and has sung in school choirs, school musicals, and in a Sweet Adeline barbershop chorus. Whitaker also cantors in church and has competed in barbershop quartet competitions for 4 years. Her present barbershop quartet won the regional competition this year and will move on to  Internationals in the Fall.  Whitaker played flute in her grade school band and played recorder and other historical instruments as part of a medieval and Renaissance ensemble in college. She also took percussion lessons in college as part of her degree. Her newest ambitions are the ukulele and the violin. 

Whitaker started teaching piano lessons her freshmen year of high school in 2001 at the Music Station in Loveland and now gives private lessons in the home. She has been giving private guitar lessons since 2009.

Her dream is to make it possible for anybody to learn to play an instrument, no matter what difficulties they are facing. Her motto can be anybody's motto, "If I can't play it yet, I will soon."

Grailville Hosts Poetry Workshop/Weekend with George Ella Lyon

Grailville Retreat and Program Center invites men and women to Write with the Voice You Have: A Poetry Weekend with George Ella Lyon and Pauletta Hansel held February 12-13, which includes a daylong workshop for men and women with the option of an overnight retreat for women only.

About her writing workshops, George Ella said, “My approach is always that writing comes from abundance. We all have a wealth of feelings and experiences to write from and we all have a voice we can trust in putting words on paper.”

Saturday, February 12 10-4 pm

Poetry Workshop: Men and women are invited to explore their creativity through poetry in this one day workshop with George Ella Lyon and Pauletta Hansel. There will be opportunities for writing and receiving feedback from other poets. Lunch is included. $60

Saturday, February 12, 10 am –Sunday, February 13, noon.

Poetry Retreat. (Women Only) Delve deeper into poetry through a weekend of writing, reflection and community. Saturday evening and Sunday morning sessions led by George Ella and/or Pauletta will focus on poetry as a spiritual practice.

$150 Double Occupancy, $175 Single, $125 commuter

George Ella Lyon’s most recent collection of poems is Back, from Wind Publications. She is an author of books for children and young adults, as well as a novelist, memoirist and editor. George Ella’s work is featured in the PBS series, "The United States of Poetry;" she travels throughout the country leading programs for writers, teachers and children. Pauletta Hansel, MFA is a poet, teacher and author of Divining and First Person. She leads Grailville’s Practice of Poetry programs for women and men.

George Ella Lyon and Pauletta Hansel will read at Thomas More College’s Outloud Festival, Sunday, February 13 2:00-5:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. For information call 859-344-3375.

Visit www.grailville.org for more information.

Calling all Dancers

 arts innovation movement: aim cincinnati

announces auditions for

Lord of the Jungle

 Saturday February 12th and Sunday February 13th

CINCINNATI, OHIO -  arts innovation movement: aim cincinnati, formerly ballet tech cincinnati invites dancers, tumblers and gymnasts of all ages and dance genres to audition for its 10th Season Series Leaping for Literacy production, the World Premiere of Lord of the Jungle on Friday and Saturday, April 15-16.

Lord of the Jungle will feature community and pre-professional dancers and gymnasts from age 5-60+, a great soundtrack, stunning sets and costumes and original choreography. Join the arts innovation movement and be a part of this Family Friendly show that highlights the Tarzan Stories by Edgar Rice Burroughs. 

Auditions will be on Saturday and Sunday, February 12-13th  from 2-6PM.  February 12th, 2-3:30PM Auditions for dancers, tumblers and gymnasts age 5-10 and 4-6PM for age 11 and up; and on Sunday, February 13th, 2-3:30PM Auditions for dancers, tumblers and gymnasts age 5-10 and 4-6PM for age 11 and up. 3:30PM Cast/Parent meeting each day to answer questions and provide show information. 

All auditions will be held at the arts innovation movement: aim cincinnati, World Headquarters and Community Arts Center in Kennedy Heights, 6543 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45213. Dancers should bring ballet, jazz, tap or pointe shoes, if qualified.

Rehearsals will start in late February with weekend rehearsals up to the April 15th Premiere.

The performances will be at the Aronoff Center on Friday, April 15, 2011 at 10AM for SchoolTime Performance and 8PM and Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 2PM and 8PM.

20th Annual Habitat “Souper” Bowl Bean Soup Sale

MILFORD, OHIO - J. O’Neal Johnston said, "Delicious homemade bean soup will be available as carryout orders." The 20th Annual Habitat “Souper” Bowl Bean Soup Sale will be on Friday, February 4 and Saturday, February 5 from 10 AM until 4 PM and Sunday, February 6, from 10 AM until 12:30 PM, at Milford First United Methodist Church Welcome Center, 541 Main Street, Milford, OH 45150 for a minimum donation of $4.00/quart. 

Soup crew leader, Johnston, said “The bean soup fund raising project was conceived by Anna Campbell, an original Board Member of the Clermont County Habitat for Humanity Chapter, in 1991 to draw attention of the need to eliminate sub-standard housing in our community as a contrarian focus to the hoopla associated with the Super Bowl Football Championship.”  In recent years, a Habitat for Humanity House has been built during Super Bowl week in the host city by football players and fans. 

Johnston said, "Anna, who had worked as a food manager in the Milford Schools, prepared the wonderful bean and ham soup recipe that could be prepared in 60 quart volume for community churches to use as a fund raising effort to support Habitat house construction in Clermont County." 

Toomey Natural Foods has donated 150 pounds of great northern beans and Placon, Inc. provided quart food containers. Over the years almost 7,500 quarts of Souper Bowl Bean Soup have been prepared which provided funds to purchase construction materials for each of 36 Habitat houses built in Clermont County according to Johnston.

A Habitat Partner family will be helping prepare the soup as part of their pre-construction “sweat equity” hours to qualify for the housing program. Their new home will be build on property from a bank-donated, foreclosed, abandoned house. 

Johnston said, "The new Habitat house will remove a community eyesore and provide unique opportunity for a family to achieve a life-long dream. Habitat not only builds homes but builds lives and community – one family at a time."

TriState Habitat for Humanity builds "affordable, simple housing" for working low-income families in Clermont County and seven other counties in the tri-state area. The families perform 500 hours of sweat equity on Habitat projects as part of their down payment. Habitat Families purchase these homes with zero interest loans at cost, which is further reduced by volunteer labor and donated materials. Their mortgage payments to Habitat are applied to the construction of additional homes.  "Thus, a gift to Habitat works in perpetuity, reinforcing the cycle of community responsibility and improvement," said Johnston.

TriState Habitat for Humanity has built more than 200 Habitat house in their 8-county service area and tithed funds to support construction of over 200 International Habitat Houses. For more information contact:  TriState Habitat office at 513-942-9211; or www.habitat-tristate.org.

Colonel David Volkman Featured in Army News Report

ZAIDON, IRAQ - Lt. Colonel David Volkman is on military leave as a Loveland High School government teacher and has been serving in Iraq. He is featured in this news report about the re-opening of the Zaidon Milk Factory in Zaidon Iraq. Volkman previously served a tour of duty in Afganistan.

 

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 Friday, January 28, volunteers from the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) will be at the Main Library to help people prepare their 2010 taxes.

Free Tax Assistance at the Main Library, 800 Vine Street, Downtown
AARP | American Association for Retired Persons

Who: Taxpayers age 50 and up
When: Fridays: January 28 – April 8, 9:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.
Where: Main Library, 800 Vine St. - Room 2A
How: Service available by appointment only. Call 369-6900 to schedule. Appointments will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

More Tax Resources at Your Public Library

The Main Library’s Information and Reference Department has an extensive  collection of current copies of most federal individual tax forms, either for free distribution or for photocopying. In addition to federal forms, the department distributes Ohio tax forms, and City of Cincinnati forms are available for customers to photocopy. Most of the Library’s tax forms are for individuals only, but selected forms for corporations, small businesses, and non-profit organizations are also available.

During tax season, selected copies of current tax forms are available for both reproduction and free distribution at all branch libraries.

Tech. Sgt. Michael A. Maurer - Senior Airman Joseph A. Farrell : Promoted

Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt. Michael A. Maurer has been promoted to the rank of Technical Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Maurer, an air transportation specialist with 21 years of military service, is assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He is the son of Michael and Pam Maurer of Wards-Corner Road, Loveland, Ohio, and graduated in 1989 from Loveland High School.

Joseph A. Farrell has been promoted to the rank of Senior Airman in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Farrell, an electrician warfare technician with one year of military service, is assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He is the son of Joseph and Kathleen Farrell of Waynoka Drive, Sardina, Ohio, and graduated in 2008 from Milford High School.

Little Miami goes for 8th levy attempt

By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer 8:27 PM Thursday, January 27, 2011

HAMILTON TWP. — Little Miami voters will decide in May on the district’s eighth attempt to increase school revenue and emerge from insolvency.

The state-appointed commission overseeing the district’s finances and operations while it remains in fiscal emergency approved resolutions Thursday to put a five-year levy on the May 3 ballot. Read on...

 

Blacks ask Senate to reject Kasich's all-white cabinet

By Jim Siegel THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Black state lawmakers blasted Gov. John Kasich yesterday over the absence of racial diversity in his cabinet and called on the Senate to reject his appointments until he takes steps to add minorities to his leadership team.

"Today in 2011 it feels more like 1811 in the state of Ohio under a governor who just does not get it," said Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland.  Read on...

Bells of the World at Loveland Historical Society

LOVELAND, OHIO - A collection of bells from around the world by bell collector Marilyn Grismere of Miamiville will be the 2011 opening display at the Greater Loveland Historical Society Museum, beginning February 5.
 
Grismere has been collecting bells from around the world since 2004.  Many of them are antiques and quite unique.  "Not only is she a collector, but also the editor of The Bell Tower, the official publication of the American Bell Association International, Inc.," said Janis Fogle.
 
In her spare time, Ms. Grismere teaches three computer classes at Raymond Walters and an Ocher Lifelong Learning Institute class for students 55 or older.  She spends a lot of time researching bells and where to find them on the Internet and travels to various bell conventions and shows around the country.
 
Bells made of brass, porcelain, crystal, silver and copper are included in the collection.  It includes hotel bells, wedding bells, toy bells, Christmas bells, plus bells collected from many famous companies, including Fenton Glass, Pairpoint, Wedgewood, Murano, Meissen and Dresden.
 
Visit the Greater Loveland Historical Society and Museum located at 201 Riverside Drive.  Museum hours are Saturday and Sunday 1 until 4:30 PM and by appointment, by calling 683-5692.

The Organic Elite Surrenders to Monsanto: What Now?

By Ronnie Cummins
Organic Consumers Association

 

"The policy set for GE alfalfa will most likely guide policies for other GE crops as well. True coexistence is a must."   -  Whole Foods Market, Jan. 21, 2011

In the wake of a 12-year battle to keep Monsanto's Genetically Engineered (GE) crops from contaminating the nation's 25,000 organic farms and ranches, America's organic consumers and producers are facing betrayal. A self-appointed cabal of the Organic Elite, spearheaded by Whole Foods Market, Organic Valley, and Stonyfield Farm, has decided it's time to surrender to Monsanto. Top executives from these companies have publicly admitted that they no longer oppose the mass commercialization of GE crops, such as Monsanto's controversial Roundup Ready alfalfa, and are prepared to sit down and cut a deal for "coexistence" with Monsanto and USDA biotech cheerleader Tom Vilsack.   Read on...

Hundreds of Yankton, South Dakota Birds Poisoned by USDA

KTIV Newschannel 4 - IA, Jan 18, 2011

It's happened in places like Louisiana, Arkansas and Kentucky. Hundreds of birds mysteriously found dead.

Folks in Yankton, South Dakota, thought they were being added to the list after hundreds of dead birds were found there on Monday.  Turns out the unpleasant feathered discovery has a solid explanation.  They were poisoned.

Some had thought 200 starlings found dead in Yankton's Riverside park had frozen to death. But they were actually poisoned on purpose, by the US Department of Agriculture.

Many of the European Starlings discovered by a passerby, were lying on the ground or frozen in trees. Officials first thought the birds were late to migrate and froze to death during the recent cold spell.

But that theory changed after Yankton police received a phone call from a USDA official who said the birds had been poisoned.

"They say that they had poisoned the birds about ten miles south of Yankton and they were surprised they came to Yankton like they did and died in our park," says Yankton Animal Control Officer Lisa Brasel.  Watch News Clip from KTIV.com

 

Kids Night Out Clay Adventure

LOVELAND, OHIO - Kids get a night out while parents take some time out at the Whistle Stop Clay Works on Thursday, February 3 if you sign up for their KNO clay adventure. Kay Bolin O'Grady says to, “Drop the kids off for a fun and creative KNO clay adventure.” The February's KNO will focus on creating a Valentine Delight. “Parents get time to peruse local shops, enjoy time on the bike trail or dine at one of Loveland's great eateries,” said Bolin O'Grady.

The class is on Thursday, February 3 from 6 until 8 PM, and the cost is $30.00 per child which includes all materials and firings. Bolin O'Grady said that space is limited, so pre-registration is required.    

Finished work will be ready for pick-up on February 12th.  A minimum of 4 is required for event to make.

The Whistle Stop Clay Works is at 119 Harrison Avenue in Loveland. Phone: 683-CLAY

Sloppy first responder records focus of Widmer trial today

By Denise G. Callahan, Staff Writer Updated 7:59 AM Thursday, January 27, 2011

LEBANON — Ryan Widmer’s defense is expected today during testimony to highlight sloppy first responder records following Sarah Widmer’s death.  Read on at Western Star...

Intoxicated Widmer admitted killing wife, witness will say

Defense says Iowa woman made up confession; cites addiction, criminal record

By Denise G. Callahan, Staff Writer Updated 8:14 AM Thursday, January 27, 2011

LEBANON — The former manager of an Iowa gentlemen’s club was revealed Wednesday as the mystery witness who will testify that Ryan Widmer admitted to her that he killed his wife, a prosecutor told a jury on the first day of Widmer’s third trial.

Warren County Assistant Prosecutor Travis Vieux, in his opening statement, said Widmer, now 30, was intoxicated one night and admitted to Jennifer Crew that he killed Sarah Widmer, 24, because she was going to leave him after four months of marriage.  Read on at Western Star...

New Grant Funding O’Bannon Creek Nature Trail Improvements

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, OHIO - The Clermont County General Health District, in collaboration with the Goshen Local School District, has received a $25,000 grant to make improvements to the O’Bannon Creek Nature Trail in Goshen Township.  Access to the trail is near the Marr Education Center at Cook Farm, located southeast of the High School on Goshen Road; the grant will enable a handicapped portion of the trail to be constructed.

“Clermont County was one of only two Ohio projects selected for funding, through Hamilton County Public Health as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Strategic Alliance for Health program,” said Clermont General Health District Assistant Health Commissioner Julianne Nesbit.  The grant was a result of collaborative efforts with the Clermont Coalition for Activity and Nutrition also known as Clermont CAN. Clermont Can’s mission is to create opportunities and promote action through member organizations to support the coalition’s vision to “Be Active, Eat Smart.”  According to Davey Brown, Goshen High School science teacher, “The trail will not only be used as a place for physical activity but also as an outdoor laboratory.  Goshen students have the opportunity to become active learners and students with disabilities will soon be able to take advantage of the area along with their peers.”

Grant funds can be utilized for materials, but not for actual construction of the trail. The project will involve making improvements to all existing trails including grading and drainage, placement of signs and mile markers, and making a portion of the trail handicapped accessible.  Goshen Schools needs volunteers to help with the actual construction of the trail as the grant can only pay for materials. Improvements are expected to be completed by August 2011.

The O’Bannon Creek Nature Trail is open to the community and is currently used for Goshen schools athletics and other outdoor activities.  Parking for those interested in walking the trail is available at Goshen High School.

Pictured above: This trail will soon become a handicapped-accessible portion of the O’Bannon Creek Nature Trail

Loveland's a Rat Race! - on April 16

 

LOVELAND, OHIO - 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the Rat Race, and it is promised that 2011 will be a special one for you.

April 16

5:30 PM

Historic Downtown Loveland

5K Run or Walk or 10K Run with a party afterwards

Proceeds from the Rat Race will benefit Cancer-Free Kids and Hospice of Cincinnati. The goal is to raise $20,000 in support of these two charities. See more details here.

 Post Party in Nisbet Park

Family and friends are welcome to cheer participants along the course. Kid’s activities will be available before and during the race, so feel free to bring the kids along.

Immediately following the race will be a post-event party with refreshments, beer, food, live music, and a Health Expo featuring Fleet Feet Sports.

Pre-registered participants are eligible to win door prizes, but you must be present to win.

Non-race attendees may purchase entry into the post-race party ($20 for adults and $5 for children under 10).

A driver’s license will be required to drink beer for all party attendees, so be sure to bring your ID.

Visit www.cinciratrace.org for more details, training programs for either the 5K or the 10K and to register.

Clermont County Tapped to Host National Underground Railroad Conference

The annual National Underground Railroad Conference will be held in Clermont County from June 15-18.  The four-day conference that will be held at the Holiday Inn-Eastgate, brings together scholars, archivists, community researchers, student artists, and enthusiasts from across the nation and will include educational workshops and tours of local museums and historic sites.  This year’s theme is Pathways to Freedom:  Presenting the Underground Railroad through Education, Interpretation, and Heritage Tourism.

“We are pleased that the conference will be held in Clermont County,” said Clermont Board of Commissioners President Ed Humphrey.  “The conference is a great fit for Clermont County,” added Clermont Convention and Visitors Bureau Director June Creager.  “We have 33 identified Underground Railroad and abolitionist sites in the county and we invite the conference participants and the entire community to tour the Freedom Trail locations here.”  For more information about the Freedom Trail sites in Clermont County, visit the website www.VisitClermontOhio.com and click on Attractions and Events.

According to a press release issued by the County, "This year’s National Underground Railroad Conference will explore modern efforts to disseminate the inspiring history of the Underground Railroad, looking at ways scholars, site stewards, educators, and others balance the need for accuracy, authenticity, and respect while telling an engaging story of the quest for freedom."

The annual conference is sponsored by the National Park Service, National Underground Railroad, and the Network to Freedom Program (NTF), working in partnership with the Clermont County Convention and Visitors Bureau and a nation-wide planning committee.

A news conference and reception will be held on Thursday, January 27, to announce further details of the conference.

Sensory Sunday: Stories, Songs and Fun for You and Your Little One

Sensory Sundays are private interactive playgroups, offered twice a month for Jewish families with children 18 months and younger at the Gymboree in Mason.

These playgroups are free and feature, "The popular Miss Meliss, who keeps babies and their parents engaged and entertained with her unique brand of fun."

Sensory Sundays are offered on the first and third Sunday of every month and begin on February 6 and include a snack and take place from 2-3 PM at Gymboree in Mason, Ohio. RSVP by February 4th at  www.myshalomfamily.org.  Shalom Family is an initiative of The Mayerson Foundation for families in the Jewish Community with children ten and under.

Twelve Angry Women at Loveland High Starts February 3

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland High School Drama will present the American classic drama, Twelve Angry Women.  Performances are February 3, 4, 5, at 7 PM and February 6 at 2:30 PM.  Tickets are $8.00 for students and senior citizens, and $10.00 for adults.  Tickets:  LHSDramaTickets@gmail.com or 774-9320, Alice.

This drama  examines how personal experiences and social background affects how  jurors vote in determining the fate of a nineteen year old boy charged with murder.

A 19-year-old man has just stood trail for the fatal stabbing of his father.  "He doesn't stand a chance," mutters the guard as he leads the jurors off to deliberate.  It looks like an open-and-shut case - until one of the jurors begins opening the others' eyes to the facts.  "This is a remarkable thing about democracy," says the foreign-born juror, "that we are notified by mail to come down to this place - and decide on the guilt or innocence of a man; of a man we have not known before.  We have nothing to gain or lose by our verdict.  We should not make it a personal thing."  But personal it does become, with each juror revealing her own character as the various testimonies are-examined, the murder is re-enacted and a new murder threat is born before your eyes.  Tempers get short, arguments grow heated and the jurors become 12 angry women.  The final verdict and how it is reached -- in tense scenes that will electrify audiences and keep them on the edge of their seats--add  up to an exceptional piece of dramatic literature.
 

Twelve Angry Women was rehearsed during an Actors Workshop designed for students who were not involved in other activities after school during the month of January.  During the intense five week workshop, the actors  used journaling, researching, acting and ensemble building exercises, and discussions to develop their characters and  to examine the social/political message of the show.   They  also worked on acting techniques and learned how important it is to develop and use  an acting journal.  This journal became their professional diary that they used as a tool in self-improvement, as a working notebook, and mirror.

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