Loveland Magazine

The Coming of the Light Advent Celebration at Grailville

Forty Nativity Scenes From Around the World

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

In this darkest months of the year we celebrate the season of Advent. The cold, dark days turn our focus inward to the spiritual preparation of our heart and hearth.  On Sunday, December 4, 2011, from 3:30 - 5pm Grailville Retreat and Program Center in Loveland, Ohio will observe the Advent Season with an afternoon of family and friends, song and prayer. Please come to view Grailville’s unique collection of over forty Nativity scenes from around the world.

We will mark and celebrate the season with prayers, songs, readings and the opening of our International Crèche Exhibit. Artist, author and Grail Member, Trina Paulus will share with us experiences of her time at Grailville, her artwork and reflections on the modern day relevance of Advent. Come in from the cold for a peaceful afternoon with plenty of time for visiting and something hot to drink.

The Advent season will continue with our International Crèche Exhibit and Luncheon Series held Monday-Thursday, December 5, 6, 7, and 8, Saturday, December 10 (as requested by the public!) and Wednesday-Friday, December 14, 15, and 16, 2011, from Noon to 2:30 pm. A delicious holiday luncheon will be followed by a short presentation. Members of the Grailville staff will speak on the origin of the Nativity scene and talk about the history and background of many of the Nativity sets in the Grailville International Crèche Collection. The luncheon is $15 person and $10 for children 10 and under. Reservations required for both groups and individuals.

Please join us for Grailville’s The Coming of the Light Advent Celebration on Sunday, December 4th from 3:30 - 5 pm at Grailville, 932 O’ Bannonville Road, Loveland OH. The celebration is free to the public.  Reservations are highly recommended. Contact (513) 683-2340 or www.grailville.org to register or for more information.

Sincerely,

Morgan Lyn

Loveland High School’s Jeff Zidron Discusses Competitive Balance in Sports

Change Not in Near Future

Loveland, Ohio - In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE HD VIDEO Loveland High School Athletic Director, Jeff Zidron talks with Sports Reporter, Ricky Mulvey about the recent decision of the Board of the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA ) that no changes be made at the current time to change the way high schools are assigned to State tournament play. Even though under the current system Loveland must compete against schools three times their size, Loveland joined others in voting against the proposed changes. Zidron explains why.

Based on data received from a survey with member school principals this fall, the Board accepted a recommendation from the OHSAA’s Competitive Balance Subcommittee that no changes be made to the current system.

Last May, the membership voted down a referendum proposal that would have allowed the OHSAA to use a new formula to assign schools to divisions. The formula, if approved, would have taken into account the school’s enrollment along with three factors, including how students are obtained (boundary factor), a socioeconomic aspect, and success in postseason play during the last four years. The Competitive Balance Subcommittee will reconvene in April 2012, but no proposal is expected to be made for member schools to vote on during the May 2012 referendum voting period.

In announcing their decision, the Board said, “The subcommittee strongly supports the OHSAA’s decision to form a Division I Committee, which will study possible solutions to the wide disparity in enrollment between the smallest and largest Division I schools that occurs within the Association’s tournament structure.” Loveland High School competes in Division I.

 

Winter Art Show Begins Friday

The Loveland Arts Council will be holding their annual Winter Art Show at the Loveland Artist Studios on Main.

An opening reception will be this Friday at 6 PM, Including entertainment, appetizers and cocktails.

There will also be a silent auction of Christmas Trees decorated by various artists. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Respite Center for the Homeless.

The show will be open on the following schedule:

Opening Reception - Friday December 2nd from 6 to 9 PM
Including entertainment, appetizers and cocktails.

Kids Art Show Opening Saturday December 3rd from 11 AM to 2 PM

Daily art show hours - December 3rd through 17th, 11 AM to 5 PM (Closed Sundays)

“The Hammer” Actor in Contention for NAACP Image Award

by Ricky Mulvey

Actor Michael Anthony Spady who played “Jay” in “The Hammer” (or “Hamill the Movie”) is looking to be nominated for the NAACP Image Award for Best Supporting Actor.  The movie is about Loveland native and Loveland High School graduate, Matt Hamill.

This would be huge, not only for Spady, or “The Hammer,” but the entire deaf community. If he wins, he would be the first deaf person to take home the award. However, him making history should not overshadow his performance, which is worthy of accolades in itself. When I spoke with Spady he said “It is my dream (to win this award.) I have worked hard, and put in a lot of passion to get here, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Producer Eben Kostbar is pushing for him too, “He is such a good actor that he beat out every other Caucasian actor who auditioned for the role (Note: the film is a biopic and he plays a person who in real life is Caucasian)… Michael nailed the role of Jay Jakubowski.” Michael was able to overcome being typecast to put on a stunning performance, and all who saw the film were pleased he got the job. 

There are several ways to help Spady win this prestigious award. On Facebook, you can write on the NAACP Image Awards wall at http://www.facebook.com/naacpimageaward to show your support. If you’re on twitter, tweet @naacp or @naacpimageaward using #imageaward.

Holiday Spiritwear Sale by Loveland Athletic Boosters

When: Saturday, Dec. 3rd

Where: Loveland High School

Time: 9 AM – 1 PM

Will You Volunteer to Research Internship Possibilities?

Loveland, Ohio - Roberta Paolo said, "Granny's Garden School has many opportunities that would offer relevant learning experiences for college interns." She mentions the University of Cincinnati, Miami University and other organizations of higher learning in our areaand said that they are always searching for opportunities for their students for unpaid internships. "I am searching for a volunteer to help develop our internship program.  Please respond if you think this is something you might find interesting."

You can contact Paolo via E-Mail.

Granny's Garden School, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non profit based at Loveland Elementary School in Loveland, Ohio. Founded in 2002.

Greek Feast AT Little Miami Junior High School

Morrow, Ohio - The hall outside of teacher Josh Butler's room held the unmistakable fragrance of olives as his students at Little Miami Junior High School partook of a Greek feast to wrap up a unit on Greek history and culture. Students got to sample a variety of Greek foods like hummus, different olives, tuna jerky, salt fish and baklava. Students also wrote up and illustrated menus for their own Greek restaurant. Pictured here with plates of Greek food and sweets are seventh graders (left to right) Daniel Birdsall, Ethan Briggs, Connor Kincaid, Morgan Nagel and Ana Clevenger.

Christmas in Loveland Saturday December 17

Click HERE for details.

Growing Up Gifted: Complimentary Seminar

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Be sure to register for...

 

 

"Growing Up Gifted:

the self development needs of gifted kids"

 

When: Wednesday, November 30, 7-8 PM

Where: The Self Development Place

210 W. Loveland Ave. in Historic Loveland

Cost: Complimentary -- but reservations required

 

It's not too late to register for "Growing Up Gifted -- the self development needs of gifted kids".  This is a complimentary seminar and a great opportunity to learn more about the unique needs of kids who are both academically very, very quick -- and still are, developmentally, just kids!

 

Here's the agenda:

• You'll learn about five specific hurdles that gifted students face.
• You'll be able to create a "Gifts & Challenges" Profile for your own student.
• We'll then talk about specific strategies that you can implement immediately.

Reservations are required for this seminar.  There are two ways to register:

1. Call 677-9800. Please leave your name, phone number and number of participants.
2. Register online here.

 

You'll find information below on upcoming

Free Seminars at The Self Development Place. 

Would you be so kind as to pass along the word

by forwarding this email to a friend

or utilizing these buttons?

 

 

 

I hope to see you there!

 

City Releases Proposed Code Change for Spot Zoning Prohibition Repeal

City Pursues Commercial Spot Zoning on Residential Lebanon Road

 Specifics of Change Revealed One Day Before Public Hearing

The City of Loveland Planning & Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing Tuesday, November 29, 2011, at and around 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at Loveland City Hall, 120 W. Loveland Ave., Loveland, Ohio 45140.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comments on a request for a Zoning Code text amendment to Section 1115.06(a)B which states: No residentially zoned district shall be rezoned to a non-residential district unless such proposed rezoning site is contiguous to land in the proposed zoning district classification. Information about the proposed amendment is available for review in the City’s Building & Zoning Department during business hours, Monday through Friday.

Interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposed amendment. Comments may also be submitted in writing to Eva Parker, Building and Zoning Supervisor, 120 W. Loveland Avenue, Loveland, OH  45140 or emailed to eparker@lovelandoh.com.

Loveland, Ohio - Documents released today by the Loveland Zoning Department reveal that Assistant City Manager Gary Vidmar's proposal to the Loveland Planning and Zoning Commission is to repeal in its entirety current provisions in the Loveland Zoning Code that prohibit "Spot Zoning" in the City. In a Memorandum dated November 23, Vidmar proposes to replace the prohibition against "Spot Zoning" with what he terms, a "Special Exception Use."

Vidmar said in the memo that current zoning is, "... preventing the location of an
orthodontist’s office at 11050 Lebanon Road between the Loveland Middle School and North Star Church." The single family home that Dr. Gerald Johnson, a resident of Mason, has an option to purchase is currently zoned for residential use is also bordered on two sides by other single family homes. Johnson currently has offices at 1010 Ohio Pike in Withamsville and at 6499 Mason Montgomery Road in Mason. He would like to have the office open by next Summer. City Hall has agreed to help him get the broad code change he needs. In order to do that, City Hall must approve an amendment to the code that will affect the entire City. If that change is approved, then Johnson can seek to have the single family home on Lebanon Road re-zoned for his commercial purposes.

Johnson hopes to convince the City that his orthodontist’s office, that is “primarily focused on children” is a compatible use, because it will be next to the two Loveland schools on Lebanon Road - his customers.

The section of code that Vidmar recommends be deleted reads as follows:

Loveland’s Zoning Code §1115.06 (a) B reads as follows:

“No residentially zoned district shall be rezoned to a non-residential district unless such proposed rezoning site is contiguous to land in the proposed zoning district classification.”

You can read Vidmar's full proposal here: Download Spot zoning part 1 and Download Spot zoning part 2.

In this memo, Vidmar says, "In a community that is mostly built out, §1115.06 (a) B is extremely and unnecessarily limiting in terms of facilitating adaptive reuses of property which, among other things, generate new revenue sources and community services through commercial development."

Website of Johnson Orthodontics

The 3.73 acre Lebanon Road home is described this way on www.sibcycline.com:

Elegance and charm is what you will find in the spectacular country estate located in the city! Convenient location min from everything! Beautiful hardwood fls, spacious formal rooms, lg deck and patio for entertaining, Barn & more!

The property has a listing price of $400,000 and a sale is “Pending.”

Read background story: City Pursues Commercial Spot Zoning on Residential Lebanon Road

“Anybody - hop a’board" the Over-the Rhine Freedom Train

 

“There’s nothing like a friendship forged through struggle.”

 

by David Miller

This LOVELAND MAGAZINE HD VIDEO is of Bonnie Neumeier speaking to a crowd of nearly 200 people, gathered at the Drop Inn Center on the fifteenth anniversary of the shooting death of Buddy Gray on November 15.

Gray, a founder of the Drop Inn Center on 12th Street in Cincinnati, was shot in 1996 with a hand gun in his office at the center by a mentally ill man that Buddy had taken off the streets and found an apartment for. The shooting death came after an intense hate campaign targeting Gray, with signs being posted on telephone poles that said, “Stop Buddy Gray”. The “official” excuse for shooting Buddy was that the man believed Buddy was pumping poisonous gas into the the man’s apartment. Gray was 46-years old.

Neumeier said that she walked and worked side-by-side with Buddy for twenty-three years. She said, “There’s nothing like a friendship forged through struggle.”

She describes Gray as a very intense man with great passion and soul who loved the people in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. “Over-the Rhine was in his soul, and Buddy’s soul is in this land, in this place, on this corner, in this city, and across this United States and the world.”

Neumeier also said that, “Buddy was a simple man who loved simple things. He saved his shoes so he could remember places where he had been.”

Gray once told me that he also loved Loveland, Ohio where he came to visit at Grailville and to fish on the Little Miami River near Nisbet Park.

Pointing to a long time-line stretching along the wall of the Drop Inn Center, Neumeier said that she and Buddy described the “Over-the Rhine People’s Movement” as a freedom train, and they would say to each other, “Anybody - hop a’board.” She concludes her remarks by reading a letter that Buddy had written to her about hope.

I sobbed uncontrollably the afternoon I got home from work and learned that my friend had been assassinated. My explanation for the shooting was that the shooter had lost sight of reality and was simply answering the call - the man was doing what he felt was a favor for the neighborhood - “Stop Buddy Gray”.

I knew Buddy as the man who saved countless lives, including his assassin's. His Center, was from my experience working there off-and-on for several years, a hospital of last resort. It was where hopeless, destitute, men and women ended when all the other agencies and the area’s finest families, hospitals and police departments failed. Early in the 1970's, Gray began to invite homeless people into his own home to prevent them from dying on the streets. In 1973, he began operating evening shelters in various storefronts, moving to the 12th Street location in 1978.

The Drop Inn Center works becauuse they take people from where they are - and, shelter, feed, and clothe them first. Then whenever possible, provide recovery programing, such as transitional housing, case management, medical care for physical and mental needs, and job assistance. Their doors never close.

The hospital that goes by the name, Drop Inn Center is still on 12th Street, still going strong, even stronger than ever. But, more than ever it still needs your help. Not because it’s the Christmas season, but because of the unemployment and housing crisis of the “Great Recession” and the coming of winter.

After watching this video, please visit their Web Site and learn more about the work they do. Then volunteer and send money, and place yourself into the Over-the Rhine People’s Movement time line and “Hop a’board” the Freedom Train.

 

Christmas Services at Epiphany United Methodist Church

Christmas Eve
 Saturday, December 24

Family Service - 4:30 PM

Contemporary Candlelight Service - 7 PM

Traditional Candlelight Service - 11 PM

Christmas Day Sunday December 25

11 AM Family Service

Epiphany is located at 6635 Loveland-Miamiville Rd

The 23rd Lebanon Carriage Parade and Christmas Festival

The 23rd Lebanon Carriage Parade and Christmas Festival will be on Saturday, December 3, at 1pm and 7pm for the afternoon and evening parades where you will be able to view 100 plus carriages pulled by miniature horses, ponies, Belgians, Percherons, Clydesdales decorated for the holidays. 

In between parades go downtown for the Christmas Festival on Mulberry and Broadway from 10am-8pm where you can enjoy live entertainment throughout the day featuring local favorites The Haddix Family and Jessie Lyn and the TNT Band. 

There will be more than 50 food and craft vendors.  Other activities worth checking out are the  Live Nativity at the Lebanon Presbyterian Church, Christmas at Glendower Mansion, The North Pole Express, and the Warren County History Center Christmas Craftsmen and Artisan Fair. 

Ohio Senate Republicans plan to move 'heartbeat' bill

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Senate Republicans, under pressure from an anti-abortion group to act, will move a bill that bans abortions in Ohio once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, says Senate President Tom Niehaus.  Read on at Cleveland.com

Holiday Events at Loveland and Symmes Libraries

HOLIDAY MOVIE TIME!

Childrens Programs/Family Programs

Enjoy a kids' movie. Popcorn and lemonade provided

Children, Families

Symmes Township Branch Meeting Room

Thursday, December 01, 2011 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Deck the Branch

Holiday/Childrens Programs/Family Programs

Come decorate our branch for the holidays.
Celebrate family holiday traditions with Hazel Cole Kendle, author of Cole Famly Christmas at 1pm

Children, Families, All Ages

Loveland Branch

Saturday, December 03, 2011 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

What is the Nutcracker Ballet?

Childrens Programs/Family Programs

Join Carol Kirkeng of Broadway Bound Dance and her ballet students as they show and explain the story of the Nutcracker Ballet.

Children, Families

Symmes Township Branch Meeting Room

Saturday, December 03, 2011 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Loveland High School First Quarter Honors List

Download LovelandHighSchoolHonorRollList

Addressing Hunger in America

by Sen. Sherrod Brown

At a local food pantry, I met an Ohio family who were long-time volunteers. While they were used to collecting canned goods and sorting through boxes of donations for their neighbors in need, they were not used to turning to the food bank for help themselves. Unfortunately, due to economic hard times, this family went from being volunteers at the food banks to recipients of assistance from the food banks.

This holiday season, some Ohio families will share a Thanksgiving meal with new neighbors after losing a home to foreclosure. Others may find themselves beginning new traditions because a parent has lost a job. Some others may not have a warm meal at all.

Scarcity is a fact of life for too many Americans in urban areas, rural communities, small towns, and big cities alike. Today more than 1.7 million Ohioans live in poverty and sixteen percent of Ohio families don’t know where they will get their next meal. One out of every twelve of Ohio’s senior citizens lives in poverty.

Alleviating hunger in America – including hunger for food, work, and a fair shot at providing for loved ones – requires addressing the shortages many working and middle class families face.

Here’s what we can do: as citizens, we can tutor, spend time with an elderly neighbor, and donate items to local food pantries. We can work to improve economic conditions that keep talented students from receiving a college education. As citizens, we can also volunteer at community centers, places of worship, schools, and senior citizen homes to make sure our neighbors have enough to eat during the holiday season and throughout the year.

But private citizens shouldn’t have to go it alone. In Washington, we need to address the rising income inequality that has led to a shrinking middle class and slow economic recovery. That comes down to priorities – do we continue to support extra tax breaks for millionaires or do we invest in resources that create jobs and help Americans who are struggling?

In 1965, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the commencement address at Antioch University in Yellow Springs, Ohio, the alma mater of his wife, Coretta Scott King. On the moral question of confronting poverty, Dr. King said, “There is no deficit in human resources.  The deficit is in human will.”

Our nation’s prosperity depends on a strong middle class, and the opportunity for Americans to join the middle class.

And our state’s strength has always been rooted in our residents and their rich spirit of volunteerism and service. As Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaches, Connie and I are grateful for the Ohioans who spend their time working in food pantries and food banks, and in schools, hospitals, and senior centers. Such citizens are making heroic efforts to fight poverty and hunger.

To our servicemembers returning home for the holidays, and to our troops serving overseas, our thoughts and prayers remain with you and your families.

These selfless Americans, like the family who continued to give back in their hour of need, remind us that across Ohio, there is no deficit of will. It reflects the fundamental character of who we are as Americans, and we affirm this each holiday season. Women and men in uniform who continue to serve our nation, families who continue to serve meals to our neighbors, and public servants who work to keep our communities safe prove that we have the will.

Go Here to Apply for Assistance.

Occupy The Holiday's Three days of Thanksgiving!

A Thanksgiving Message From Occupy Cincinnati

Thursday November 24th 5pm-2: 30am
Occupy Cincinnati and Food Not Bombs Thanksgiving Day Celebration:

This Thanksgiving weekend kicks off the Occupy the holiday season! Join us Thanksgiving night for a potluck gathering and protest. Food Not Bombs will be there as well as many folks who are taking back the holidays. Thanksgiving was traditionally celebrated as a three-day event, to rejoice in the things we are thankful for. As Americans we have worked hard to improve the daily lives of generations. Join us in this grand celebration to stand together for a new future for America. Bring potluck foods to help feed the hungry. Share camaraderie and merriment. A new world is possible!

Thursday night/11pm. Occupy Black Friday Kick off:
Roll into Black Friday. Stores open their doors starting at 12am.

In 1941 Franklin Roosevelt made a deal with the president of Macys to extend the holiday shopping season by moving Thanksgiving and making Black Friday a consumer holiday. As a result, we see small businesses grind into the ground and corporate retail flourish with the help of big brother. This is our opportunity to stage direction action with “99% off your conscience coupons”, gift exempt cards, occupying the corporate stores and mic check the greed!!!!

Friday November 25th 5pm-10pm. Buy Nothing Day (BND):
Climate change grows more ominous and capitalism rages unchecked. Let’s rethink our excessive consumption. Stop turning a blind eye and stare this problem dead in the face. Everything we buy has an impact on the environment and psyche. BND highlights the environmental and ethical consequences of consumerism. 20% of the world population-consumes 80% of the earth's natural resources causing a disproportionate level of environmental damage, and an unfair distribution of wealth. Question the products we buy and challenge the companies who produce them. Join us in Piatt Park, enjoy a meal with Food Not Bombs write letters to Santa asking for the real changes we wish to see. We will hand deliver the letters to Macy's “Letters To Santa Mail Box “(see sample letter) in the downtown store. Each letter earns a $1 contribution to MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION! Dress in your holiday best (Santa, elves etc.…). “Macy’s Lights Up The Square” celebration is happening right around the corner in the heart of the Occupation and BND movement We’ll join in and spread our holiday spirit with candy canes, BND fliers. Come help mic check this message, carol/ ice skate and ride your bike down to Occupy Black Friday downtown.

Saturday, November 26th 1pm-10pm @ Recovery Hotel 1225 Vine St. downtown
Really Really Free Market (RRFM):100% free, noncommercial holiday event.

Because: there is enough for everyone and sharing is more fulfilling than owning. Because scarcity is a myth to keep us at the mercy of the economy. Because "free trade" is a contradiction of terms. Because no one should have to live without food, shelter, happiness and community.

RRFM is a potluck for whatever you want to give or take away. We all have skills, objects, smiles, talent, friendship, excitement, discussions, wishes, and warmth. When we bring them together at RRFM, we create more balanced, fuller lives for everyone. As a community we have more resources than we do as isolated individuals. Collectively we use less of the Earths resources, and expend fewer wage slave hours. Forget about trading, bartering and money. Leave the business cards at home and remember the joy of giving for the sake of giving.

We will have tables set up for folks to bring give always, jam session stage, and spaces for discussions and workshops Just show up with whatever you want to do or give. You’ve got plenty- pass some around!

You can watch the Alana Johnson/Loveland Magazine interviews with Occupy Cincinnati participants from October 8.

Wilderness Skills Taught by Hamilton County Park District

Do you know what it takes to survive in the great outdoors? When the time comes, will you be prepared for anything? The Wilderness Skills programs by the University of the Great Outdoors (UGO) will teach everything you need to know about surviving in nature, from first aid to fire. For a small fee, you can put your outdoor skills to the test! Registration is required for each program.

Living Nativity at Loveland United Methodist Church

Loveland, Ohio - Pat Blankenship said, “Excitement is in the air,” for the Loveland United Methodist Church’s 10th annual presentation of "The Living Nativity".

It is on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December from 4:30 - 7:30 PM.

The Living Nativity is an outside guided walking tour thru 21 stations featuring a dramatic presentation, through drama and song, of the story of Jesus' birth. After the tour, which lasts around 30 minutes, guests are invited to visit with the live animals, including donkeys, goats, sheep and alpacas.

Hot cocoa and cookies will be served inside.
Blankenship said, “This Christmas offering is our free gift to you. From the people of Loveland United Methodist Church.”

The Church is located at 10975 South Lebanon Rd.

For information call 513-683-1738 or E-Mail Blankenship. She said, “Looking forward to welcoming you to Bethlehem. Please share this invite with your email and Facebook friends.

Victorian Christmas Open House at Loveland Museum

Loveland, Ohio - The public is invited to a Victorian Christmas Open House on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 1 to 4 PM at the Greater Loveland Historical Museum, 201 Riverside Drive.
 
The event features a visit with Santa, music, including the Four Hoarsemen Barbershop Quartet, children's activities in the Rich Log Cabin, refreshments, the vintage toy exhibit, a moving train exhibit, and the Museum Gift Shop with Loveland memorabilia other gifts.
 
The Christmas Decorations and Toy Exhibit will remain open on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 PM until Christmas and is free to the public (donations accepted).  Weekday appointments are available - to schedule or ask questions, call 683-5692.

Santa Attends Loveland High School

Download Breakfast With Santa Regristration Form

Portman Statement on Deficit Reduction Committee

U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) issued the following statement on the work of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction:

“I am deeply disappointed that the Joint Select Committee could not come to an agreement on the best way to reach $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction over the next ten years. This was the chance to begin to seriously address our record debt and deficits, give the economy a shot in the arm and help regain some confidence in our representative government.

“I believe Republicans worked in good faith to find common ground, including offering new revenue as part of an agreement that included pro-growth tax reform, avoiding the risk of a massive tax increase a year from now, and significant reforms to help sustain our important entitlement programs.  While Democrats agreed that reforms need to be made to entitlement programs, they only offered such changes in exchange for over a trillion dollars in tax increases and more stimulus spending.

“It was unfortunate that President Obama was absent during these negotiations. Instead, he made the job even harder by insisting the Select Committee pay for his new spending programs and by issuing a veto threat if the Select Committee didn’t follow the guidelines he set out.   

“We failed to reach agreement because, despite good intentions on both sides, we simply couldn't bridge fundamental policy differences that reflect a broader disagreement in the Congress and country as a whole over the size and scope of government.

“With a record debt of $15 trillion and a projected debt increase over the next 10 years of between $6 and $10 trillion more, Washington continues to promise more than the nation can afford.  While I am deeply frustrated by the outcome and believe both sides will regret this lost opportunity, I will continue to fight for spending reforms and pro-jobs policies to address our fiscal crisis and get the economy moving.”

Sarah Conwell Platelet Payback Blood Drive

"Like" Sarah Conwell Platelet Payback Blood Drive on Facebook

 

Downtown Rezoning Passes

Loveland, Ohio - The rezoning of Historic Downtown Loveland passed tonight buy a 5-0 vote. Mayor Rob Weisgerber did not vote because of a stated conflict of interest because he lives close to the proposed development, and Mark Fitzgerald was not in attendance. Vice-Mayor David Bednar said that he recently resigned his position as a board member of the Loveland Stage Company and was therefore now eligible to chair the discussion, the public hearing, and cast a vote.

This is the zoning developer Rick Greiwe wanted in order to build apartments at Loveland Station and on Third Street. The zoning also allows some commercial space to be constructed at Loveland Station.

The Administration has delayed revealing financial details, even to City Council, of the land transfer to Griewe Development at Loveland Station.

The decision tonight also delays the possible destruction of Loveland's oldest church, the Church of God on Third Street until a Mayor appointed committee can research finding a prospective buyer to redevelop the building. Griewe will at the present time, build apartments only on the church parking lot. Griewe has a pending contract to purchase the entire property. He told Loveland Magazine that if the committee can find a buyer, he will sell the church for his purchase price, plus his "carry costs."

 

Expect Long Delays on Cook Road

Cook Road is scheduled to be paved on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of this week from Business 28 to Branch Hill Guinea.

The road will remain open to two-way traffic, but drivers can expect long delays.

Reaction From Little Miami District on Levy Vote Count

This Statement was Issuued Today by the Little Miami School District

LITTLE MIAMI LEVY OFFICIALLY PASSES!

The Little Miami Local School District has much to celebrate as the official results from the Warren County Board of Elections confirm passage of the district's emergency operating levy.

"We can’t thank our community enough for this tremendous gift that places us on the path to recovery," said Little Miami Interim Superintendent Greg Power regarding the passage of Issue 10. "These results affirm that this community takes pride in their schools. Our residents believe in preserving our district and retaking control from Columbus."

"The last two weeks have been stressful as we waited for the official election outcome," he added. "We are relieved the levy has passed; we are ready to move forward with the work of returning services to our families."

While the levy will provide much needed operating dollars for the district’s survival, Mr. Power said the district will continue to seek ways to be financially responsible.

"Our path to recovery begins today. However, the ultimate success lies in continuing to provide high quality opportunities for students with reduced teaching and support staff," he explained. "We hope this process demonstrates the district's creativity and fiscal stewardship as we continue to strive for excellence in all we do."

Passage of the levy also means the district will move forward with implementing:

Full busing — high school and within a two-mile radius, beginning in early 2012;

Everyday half-day kindergarten returning for the 2012-2013 school year;

Specials in grades K-8 and some programming at the high school in fall 2012; and

Neighborhood elementary schools for grades K-2 beginning with the 2012-2013 school year.

The transportation department immediately will begin planning for the return of full service busing.

A state oversight commission took control of the district during the summer of 2010 when Little Miami fell into “Fiscal Emergency.” As a result, Little Miami has been forced to borrow more than $11 million from the state – an amount that would continue to climb rapidly without passage of the levy.

"It is encouraging to know passage of this levy will break the vicious cycle of borrowing from the state,” Mr. Power said. “Now we are on the path to regaining local control. We are so appreciative to our community and look forward to focusing our full attention to the business of educating students."

Little Miami Levy Passes by 70 Votes, Official Count Shows

"Yes" Margin Wide Enough to By-pass Re-Count

Little Miami’s closely contested levy has passed by a mere 70 votes, according to the Warren County Board of Elections.  READ ON AT WESTERN STAR...