Loveland Magazine

Rescue Dogs Trained to Sniff Out Invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle

At Burke Park in Bethel for a demonstration on how trained dogs can detect the scent of the ALB, USDA-APHIS Training Specialist Monica Errico with R.J., USDA- APHIS Ohio ALB Project Manager Dr. Phillip Baldauf, dog handler Kathleen Warfield with Blaze, and dog handler Joseph Chopko with Thunder.

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) newest weapon in the war against the destructive Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) has four legs.  Three ALB-sniffing dogs are on the job in Clermont County’s Tate Township.  “All three were rescued from animal shelters,” said USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Training Specialist Monica Errico.  “Thunder, a beagle, and two lab-mixes, R.J. and Blaze will be on the job in the county through June 8, 2012.  They are specially trained to detect the scent of the beetle and have been very effective in finding it during testing thus far.”

On this sunny May afternoon at Burke Park in Bethel, Errico is demonstrating how quickly the dogs can find pieces of wood that have the ALB scent on them.  In this case, Thunder, quickly led his handler Joseph Chopko to two locations where the wood pieces were hidden.  “We are finding that dogs, with their keen sense of smell and ability to move quickly, can find the ALB faster than humans.  Testing in Massachusetts has gone quite well; I expect they will also do a good job here locating the beetle.”

USDA-APHIS ALB Ohio Project Manager Dr. Phillip Baldauf said the dogs’ work will be studied to determine how best to utilize their skills in augmenting eradication efforts.  “Over the next few weeks, the dogs will search residential trees, trees in wooded lots, and stacks of firewood in Tate Township for evidence of the beetle,” he said.  For more information about the ALB, visit the website www.BeetleBusters.info.

In this Clermont Today video, host, Kathy Lehr shows the the ALB-sniffing dogs in action.

Smog Alert for Saturday and Sunday

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency has issued a SMOG ALERT for Saturday, May 19 through Sunday, May 20 for the Loveland, Ohio Area. 

The Agency expects to see levels of ozone in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Precautions to take during a Smog Alert

Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid all outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit outdoor exertion.

On Smog Alert days, you can help reduce smog formation by taking the following actions:

• Taking the bus (METRO: 513-621-4455 or TANK: 859-331-8265)
• Carpooling or vanpooling (RideShare: 513-241-RIDE) 
• Riding a bike or rollerblading instead of driving  
• Avoiding use of gasoline powered lawn equipment 
• Keeping your vehicle maintained 
• Combining trips or eliminating unnecessary vehicle trips 
• Refueling your vehicle after sunset 
• Do not top off when refueling 
• Avoiding use of oil-based paints and stains 
• Saving electricity 
• Spreading the word

For more information, please call the Air Quality Index Hotline at 513-946-7753.

LaRosa Benefit for Debbie Whitaker

This Flyer Must be Presented to Server, Cashier, or Delivery Driver - Download LaRosas-Benefit-for-Debbie-Whitaker-May-29th-1-1

 

 

First Boys Track Title in 9 Years for Loveland

Loveland, Ohio - On their own track, the Loveland boys captured the FAVC title in dramatic fashion last Friday night, wining the last race of the evening, the 4 X 400 meter relay, edging out 2nd place finisher Turpin at the finish line. Loveland won the FAVC by 0.5 points over Turpin - the closest margin of victory in the history of the FAVC. Turpin closed a 37 point gap, almost winning the meet.

Event winners included Giovanni Ricci in the high jump and Nathan Slagel in the long jump.

Luke Cummings, Anthony Johnson, Beau Ngu, and Jake Junod established a new school record, 1:31.71 in the 4X200 meter relay.

The winning 4X100 meter relay of Luke Cummings, Anthony Johnson, Luke Walker, and Nate Slagel set a new school record as well at 43.68.

Loveland Head Coach Jim Vanatsky has been named FAVC East Division Coach of the Year.

Which Kids' Sunscreens Should You Avoid?

Ahhh, May. Time to don your sunnies, dig out the sandals, and head for the nearest beach or park for about the next four months. By now, you've probably been lectured enough about the perils of sunburn and skin cancer to bring a tube of sunscreen along, too. But while the stuff is important for staying safe from harmful UV rays, there are still enough confusing labels, dangerous ingredients, and misleading SPF designations in so many common products that you may want to opt for a day under the nearest tree instead. Or pay very close attention to exactly what's in your sunscreen, and how often you'll want to reapply. So says the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which today released its 2012 Sunscreen Guide. Read on at Mother Jones...

Competitive Balance Proposal Fails, Other 13 Items Pass

Proposed Competitive Balance Issue Using ‘Athletic Counts’ for Team Sports Fails Again By Slim Margin

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thirteen of the 14 proposed Ohio High School Athletic Association Constitution and Bylaw revisions passed as voted upon by OHSAA member schools, Commissioner Daniel B. Ross, Ph.D., has announced. Changes were approved to three Constitution items and 10 Bylaw items.

The bylaw issue that did not pass for the second consecutive year was a proposal to change how schools are assigned to tournament divisions in the team sports of football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball and softball to address competitive balance. Rather than place schools into OHSAA tournament divisions based strictly on male or female enrollment, a proposal to develop a sport-by-sport athletic count would have used enrollment as the initial factor and then potentially added enrollment based on a boundary factor (how a school secures students) and a tradition factor (sport-by-sport success in reaching the regional and/or state tournament over an eight-year period), and then potentially lost enrollment based on a socioeconomic factor (the number of students involved in the free lunch program). The athletic count proposal to address competitive balance in OHSAA tournaments failed 339 to 301 (53 percent to 47 percent). A similar proposal failed 332 to 303 (52 percent to 48 percent) in May 2011.

“As was the case last year, we anticipated the vote would be close,” Ross said. “We tried the Competitive Balance Committee’s proposal two years in a row but the schools have spoken. I don’t anticipate getting the committee back together and bringing another proposal back to the membership, but at the same time I don’t anticipate competitive balance going away since this issue has engendered a lot of conversation among a lot of people. It’s an issue that a lot of state associations across the country are also dealing with and working on.

“I want to give special thanks to the Competitive Balance Committee, which was made up of school people, and those on our staff who worked on the proposal,” Ross said. “A lot of time and effort was put in to try to help make the proposal fair for all schools with the ultimate goal of ensuring that it was a proposal that made our tournament system better for the student-athletes in Ohio.”

All 14 proposals in 2012 were placed up for referendum vote by the OHSAA Board of Directors. High school principals had between May 1 and 15 to cast their votes, and a simple majority is all that is required for a proposed amendment to be adopted. The referendum issues that passed become effective August 1 unless noted.

The complete final voting results are available on the OHSAA web site (www.ohsaa.org), and the 2012-13 Constitution and Bylaws will be posted on the site sometime in late June or early July.

Little Miami Announces Elementary Attendance Map

Which elementary school will your kindergarten, first or second grade student attend?

The Little Miami Board of Education reviewed the new elementary attendance zones at last night’s meeting. The LM transportation department released a map showing how the district has been divided to determine which students will attend Harlan-Butlerville, Hamilton-Maineville and Salem Twp. Elementary Schools.

See the map here and more information here.

School start and end times also released
The Board of Education also released the start and end times for the district’s schools for the 2012-2013 school year. Click here to see what time school starts for your student.

Patriots Needed to Complete Park Honoring Veterans

Korean War veterans Robert Sterling, Bill Knepp, and R.J. Vilardo with an etching of the Korean War Memorial planned at the Spirit of 76 Memorial Gardens and Arboretum in Miami Township.

Miami Township, Ohio - A trio of Korean War veterans needs help from the community to ensure that the Spirit of ’76 Memorial Gardens and Arboretum in Miami Township is completed by July 26, 2013.  “That is the sixtieth anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War,” said Bill Knepp of Miami Township.  “I know that people will come forward and help us complete the project at Miami Meadows Park.  It honors all those who have served in military conflicts, dating back to the Revolutionary War.”  The veterans are hoping to find 100 people willing to donate $500 each to be part of the Gathering of Patriots; those individuals will sign a document, similar to the Declaration of Independence, that will be on display as you enter the 8 ½ acre park within a park.

“We want to remember all those who didn’t make it back home,” said Korean veteran R. J. Vilardo.  The centerpiece of the park will feature a replica of Old Baldy, a battle site during the Korean War.  “I get emotional when I visit the site,” he added.  “I want all veterans to know we appreciate their sacrifices, as they visit the memorials and enjoy the beautiful blooming trees that commemorate the original 13 colonies.”

Robert Sterling, the third member of the Korean veterans group behind the project, said it will be a place where all veterans and their families can talk about what happened, or sit quietly and reflect.  “We will make sure they are remembered,” he said.  “I have seen a number of veterans at the park already; I hope it can give them some closure.”

“We believe the Spirit of ’76 Memorial Gardens and Arboretum will serve as an educational tool that will help young people learn about the wars fought by their fathers and grandfathers,” said Knepp.  Although the park will honor all veterans, the Korean War will serve as the memorial’s centerpiece.  “It’s no longer the forgotten war,” he said.  “Sixty years is a long time, but we finally have a living, green park that will stand as a backdrop to the Korean and other memorials that will honor those who gave all.  We owe those brave men and women that.”  To become a member of the Gathering of Patriots, contact Knepp at 831-2932.

Leanne Osborne Graduates Army Basic Training

Army Pvt. Leanne N. Osborne has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

During the nine weeks of training, she studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Osborne is the daughter of Carla Osborne of Cemetery Road, Goshen, and Dean Osborne of Mohican Road, Loveland. She is a 2007 graduate of Goshen High School.

Alzheimer's: Know the 10 Signs... Early Detection Matters

Loveland United Methodist Church’s Senior’s Ministry is hosting Janet Milne, from the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of Alzheimer’s Assocation, who will be presenting an educational session on “Knowing the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s – Early Detection Matters”. This free community educational event  will take place on Thursday, May 31st from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.

There will be a welcome reception with coffee and light refreshments from 6:30 – 7 PM in the church’s Gathering Area. At 7 PM, guests will be invited inside the sanctuary for the presentation, which will focus on recognizing changes that may lead to early detection of Alzheimers and other dementias, providing guidance in the next steps in early diagnosis and testing, and discussiong of treatment options.

Loveland United Methodist Church
10975 South Lebanon Rd
Loveland, OH 45140
513-683-1738
lovelandumc.org

Autism Speaks’ 5th Annual Walk Now for Autism Speaks

Saturday - May 19, 2012 at Coney Island

Organizers hope to raise $400,000 to support local and national efforts of autism research, awareness, advocacy and family services

WHAT: The Fifth Annual Cincinnati Walk Now for Autism Speaks will increase awareness about the growing autism epidemic and raise funds for research, family services and advocacy in Cincinnati and nationwide.  The day includes an optional 1.5 mile walk, family entertainment, children’s activities, community resource fair with educational resources for families affected by autism and the Coney Island Classic Rides free of charge.

WHO: Over 8,000 walkers affected by autism; teams include corporate teams, school teams, autism community teams, family and friend teams and individual supporters
    *Jenn Jordan with radio Q102 to host event
    *Special Guest Grand Marshall’s Bootsy and Patti Collins

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 2012
    8:00am    Registration Begins
    10:00am    Walk Starts
    11:00am-1:00pm    Coney Classic Rides open

WHERE: Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45228
   

More than 8,000 walkers and supporters will come together to raise much-needed funds for critical autism research and to increase awareness about a growing health crisis that now affects 1 in every 88 children on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at Coney Island.  All proceeds from the event will benefit Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading autism advocacy organization.  The Cincinnati Walk is expected to raise over $400,000.

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships.  Autism Speaks is a national autism advocacy organization dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism, and to advocating for the needs of affected families.  For more information about the Cincinnati Walk Now for Autism Speaks event, visit www.WalkNowForAutismSpeaks.org/Cincinnati.  Please register on-line to walk, support a walker or team, or register in person at the event.

Public Library Offers Streaming Music Service

Music lovers, take note of an exciting new service from the Library. Rdio's online streaming music service offers you access to millions songs from major and indepedent labels. Choose what you want to play and listen as much as you want from the web or your mobile device.

Rdio Features

• Listen to over 12 million songs, including current Billboard Top 40 hits, classical, children's, world, and folk music
• Listen on-the-go with the Rdio mobile apps
• Sync music to your device and listen while you're offline
• Share your playlists with friends and others
• Discover new music through your friends, followers, "influencers," and people with similar tastes

Getting Started

1. First time users will need to visit Rdio and to register and create a free account. If you already have an Rdio account, you’ll need to sign in before going to Step 2.
2. Once you've created your account, return to the Library's Rdio access page, enter your email address and Rdio user name. Then select your service level (web only or unlimited).
3. You'll then be given a code that you can redeem on the Rdio website for 30 days of service.
4. Start listening to music on Rdio!

Please note, you will receive a reminder email from Rdio on the day your subscription expires prompting you to return to the Library's Rdio access page and redeem another code.

Help Resources

Select the "FAQ" tab on the the Library's Rdio access page for assistance with general questions. You'll also find a link to a detailed "User Guide" on our Rdio access page. If you're unable to find an answer to your question, email Rdio technical support.

May 15, 2012

Advertisement

Accepting registrations for:   Youth Summer Camps   June 4 - 8     9:00am - 12:00pm Fantastic Function / Makin' a Macin' Meal Time Make every meal special by creating your own dishes to eat from.   Cups, bowls, plates, mugs ... anyway you'd like to serve them up! Ages 8 - 13 $220 per student (includes all clay material, tools, and instruction)     Adult/Child Clay Time   June 2, 9, 16 and 23 10:00am - 12:00pm $160 for two (one adult and one child)     Cocktails & Clay   May 18   7:00pm - 9:00pm Herb Box $35 per person We provide the wine, beer and light snacks --- all you need to do is enjoy and create! (one week early due to Memorial Day weekend)

Think local and hand made.   Whistle Stop Clay Works Gift Certificates are now available!

Whistle Stop Clay Works   119 Harrison Loveland, Ohio 45140   513.683.CLAY (2529) www.whistlestopclayworks.com

2012 Chamber Annual Dinner

“Throwing for Billy” - Help Veteran of Gulf War Battle Second Fight With Cancer

“Throwing for Billy”

A Cornhole Tournament to benefit cancer patient Billy Judd

Saturday June 23

Starts at Noon

Miami Meadows Park
1546 State Rte 131
Milford, OH 45150

Join us for friends, food and fun while we raise money for Billy and Sheila Judd.  The goal of the event is too raise money to assist them with their medical bills that have accumulated due to Billy’s cancer diagnosis.

$25 per person to participate in the cornhole tournament

There will be a silent auction and split the pot so be prepared to bid on some wonderful items

The event is bring your own drinks, but we will have food available for $5 per person

This is Billy Judd’s second fight with cancer. He has not only survived his first fight, but is a veteran of the Gulf War

Join us for this afternoon of fun while raising money for a good cause

What better way to thank Billy for his service than by participating in the benefit.

Please call to make your cornhole tournament registrations today.  Call Sheila at 513-600-2372

Milford Frontier Days Celebration Celebrating 50th Anniversary

Don’t Miss Frog Jumping and Noodle Eating Competitions

A frog jumping contest and a spaghetti eating competition will be among the many events planned during the 50^th anniversary of Frontier Days in Milford.  “We expect 30,000 people to visit the Clermont County event that runs May 31 through June 3, 2012,” said Wayne Florea, who was among the organizers of the first Frontier Days celebration.  “Back then we brought grills and cold drinks to the banks of the Little Miami as a way to honor winners of canoe races.  Today, it no longer features canoe races, but there is a huge parade, great food, and all kinds of rides and competitions.”

“People begin setting up chairs along US 50 around six in the morning to get a good spot to watch the parade,” said Frontier Days Chairman Charles Evans.  “The parade usually lasts over two hours and has lots of Shriners in crazy cars, marching bands, floats, youth groups, and much more.  The parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. and will run to the intersection of Main and Locust Streets.  The parade grand marshal is Wayne Florea.  “I am honored to have been selected to lead the parade,” said the 79-year-old Miami Township man, who seems just a little sad he will have to view the parade from a car, instead of his traditional perch announcing parade participants.

The event is staffed by volunteers; many, like Florea, have been doing it for years.  “It is an opportunity to give back to the community,” he said.  Evans notes that local Boy Scouts and other non profits sell food at the festival; the monies help them fund their activities for the rest of the year.  “Generations of families attend Frontier Days together,” said Evans.  “It’s a little like a family reunion, where people who grew up in the area come back and visit with friends, neighbors, and former classmates.”

Please: Keep Your Eyes on the Kids

Area Firefighters Kick Off The Summer Season of Child Drowning Prevention

 

by Deputy Fire Chief Billy Goldfeder, EFO

Loveland-Symmes Fire Department

Northeast Fire Collaborative

 

The Spring has traditionally been celebrated across our beautiful greater Cincinnati area as the beginning of the summer season. This time of year means vacations and many families take their first dip in the backyard, neighborhood or community swimming pool. Many vacations or stay-cations revolve around water whether it is at the community pool, clubs, local beaches, or even water-parks.

 

WE ARE YOUR Firefighter/Paramedics of the Northeast Fire Collaborative (consisting of the fire departments of Blue Ash, Loveland-Symmes, Mason, Sharonville and Sycamore Township) and we URGE you to take a few moments to insure that our services are never required in what we consider the most tragic of responses: DROWNINGS-and especially CHILD DROWNINGS.

  

DID YOU KNOW?

• Six  people drown in pools nationally every day.
• Drowning is the 4th leading cause of accidental death in the United States, claiming 4,000 lives annually. Approximately one-third are children under the age of 14.
• Drowning is the second-leading cause of death to children ages 1-4 in the United States.
• How fast can a child drown? In the time that it takes to answer a phone, send a text or simply not pay attention-for a moment.
• A child is 14 times more likely to drown than be involved in a vehicular accident.
• The highest drowning rates are for children under 5 and teens between the ages of 15-24.
• Ohio youth’s drowning risk increases substantially (119 percent) during summer months. On average, 34 Ohio children and youth aged 1 to 19 drown each year.
• Drowning deaths among Ohio youth increases 119 percent in the summer months (May – August) over the average annual monthly rate.
• Three out of four (73 percent) drowning deaths among Ohio youth occur in the summer months.
• In many cases, drowning is a silent event, without splashing or a call for help.
• In most areas of the country, the majority of child drownings occur in backyard pools, spas and hot tubs
• For every single child that has drowned, 4 more are put into the hospital for almost drowning. An estimated 5,000 children ages 14 and under are hospitalized due to near-drownings each year; 15 percent die in the hospital and as many as 20 percent suffer severe, permanent neurological disability.

 

LAYERS OF PROTECTION

Multiple strategies are needed to prevent drowning. Using "layers of protection" is the best way to enjoy the water safety. Each layer is used to compliment the others, so that no single strategy or approach is used.

  

In addition to certified swimming and water survival and safety lessons, be sure to also include:

  

Supervision

• ALWAYS know where children are. ALWAYS.
•  Never leave a child unattended in or near water in a pool, tub, lake, river, canal or ocean, even when lifeguards are present.
• ALWAYS be aware of potential dangers in all environments, such as when away from home.
• Never leave your child in an environment with unprotected water hazards.
• Instruct babysitters and caregivers about potential pool hazards and emphasize the need for constant supervision of children and barriers.
•  If a child is missing, always check the pool or spa first but do not hesitate to call 9-1-1-it is better to have us on the way-and not need us than have a delay.
• Whenever infants and toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within an arm's length, providing "touch supervision."
• In addition to parental supervision, designate a "Water Watcher" to maintain constant watch over children in or near the water. The "Water Watcher" should not talk on the phone, read, cook, clean, or engage in any other distracting activity. After fifteen minutes, a new "Water Watcher" should be designated so that supervision stays fresh. Ensure that the "Water Watcher" is a sober adult who knows CPR and has basic swimming skills.
• Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision. "Water wings" or "floaties," inflatable water rings, and other pool toys are NOT safety devices. Only US Coast Guard approved life jackets are designed and tested for safety.

Barriers for swimming pools - fencing:

• Install "isolation fencing" which completely separates the pool or spa area from the house or other structures. An isolation fence restricts unauthorized access from neighbors' yards, other nearby buildings, and from inside the house. Isolation fencing is the preferred configuration for pool and spa protection.
• Choose fencing materials that are appropriate for your environment.
•  If you have a removable mesh fence, ensure that it is designed properly, installed correctly, and maintained according to the manufacturers' instructions. Keep the fence in place, especially during parties and other gatherings. Gates on removable mesh fencing should still be self-closing and self-latching.
• All fences must be non-climbable, meet all applicable local safety codes, and should be at least 60" tall, with vertical bars set close to one another so that a small child cannot squeeze through (no more than 4 inches of space) and horizontal bars far enough apart that they cannot act as a "ladder" to climb over. The horizontal bar closest to the ground should also not allow enough room for a child to crawl under the fence.
• Gates should be self-closing and self-latching and accommodate a locking device. Gates should open away from the pool and should never be propped open. Check your gate regularly to make sure it operates correctly.
• The gate latch should be out of the reach of children, at least 54" from the ground. Use a locking latch, and keep it locked when pool is not in use. Store the key out of children's reach and make sure all adults know where the key is kept.
• Keep anything that can be climbed, such as chairs, tables, storage bins, playground -equipment, ice chests, etc. inside the fence area.
• Make sure that children and animals are not able to dig soil loose from under the pool fence.
• Keep trees trimmed so that children cannot use them to climb over a pool fence. Do not plant trees close to the pool fence area.
• All doors providing direct access from the home to the swimming pool should be equipped with a self-closing, self latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor.

Barriers for swimming pools - in addition to fencing:

• Any type of "pool cover," including mechanical covers and nets, requires diligent commitment by pool owners. Replace the cover when the pool is not in use, and check frequently to make sure the cover is in good condition and operates correctly.
• Choose pool and spa safety covers that meet the ASTM International voluntary standard F1346-9. Covers should be properly used and maintained. Rain water that collects on top of the cover should be promptly removed. Keep children and pets off of all safety covers.
• Solar / floating pool covers are not safety devices and are a serious entrapment hazard. If solar covers are used, they should be removed COMPLETELY before swimming or using the spa.
• Above-ground pool ladders, when not in use, should be secured and locked, or removed. Ladders should never be accessible to children without adult supervision.
• Alarms are an important addition to creating a safer environment. Alarms can be added to windows, doors, gates and the pool to alert an adult of unauthorized access. In the home, doors and windows that open to the pool area should be alarmed to alert adults when opened. The preferred system has a momentary shut off at the door located beyond the reach of children.
• Swimming Lessons:
• All adults and children should learn to swim.
• Adults should be smart and aware; never consider children "drown proof" because they've had swim lessons. Nothing will ever eliminate the risk of drowning. Even an Olympic Swimmer can drown.
• Speak with your pediatrician before considering any water safety/swimming lessons for children. With the right instruction, children can gain skills and a love for the water even at a young age. Ensure that swim instruction includes water safety and survival education at the appropriate developmental level.
• Check if the instructor is trained in swim instruction, child development, and currently certified in CPR. Lessons should be continuous, year-round, not taken for just one season.
• Preparing for Emergencies:
• Keep a phone poolside for emergency use, so that an adult can call for help if needed.
• Anyone who lives in a home with a pool should learn CPR and rescue breathing. Ensure that babysitters have current CPR training and certification. CPR training and certification should be refreshed every one to two years.
• Pool owners and operators should enroll in a local water safety course that teaches proper rescue techniques.
• Keep a life-saving ring and shepherd's hook at poolside. CPR instructions should be posted poolside. Know how to use the rescue equipment and perform CPR.
• Entrapment Prevention:
• The Virginia Graeme Baker Federal Pool & Spa Safety Act of 2008 requires that public pools and spas be equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers by 12/19/08. Residential pools and spas should also install anti-entrapment devices on all drains, including vacuum hose drains. www.poolsafety.gov
• Ensure that swimming pool drains, in the bottom and sides of pools and spas, have anti-entrapment drain covers and a suction valve release mechanism and that all screws and bolts are secured.

Other Types of Water in the Home:

• Never leave water in buckets, unused aquariums or coolers.
•  Never leave infants, toddlers or young children in a bath tub alone or with another child, not even for a second. Bath seats are not a substitute for adult supervision.
• Ensure that spas have childproof safety covers and are locked when not in use. Check cover locks regularly for needed maintenance.
• Secure or place barriers between children and man-made (ex: fountains or decorative ponds) or natural (ex: creeks, retention ponds) sources of water so that children cannot gain access without adult supervision.
• Keep toilet lids locked and shut when an infant or toddler is expected to be present. Keep bathroom doors closed.

 

Additional Recommendations:

• Neither adults nor children should swim alone, regardless of the age or ability of the swimmer.
• Talk with teenagers about "risky behavior," including diving or swimming in unfamiliar water, and the dangers of alcohol or drug use when engaging in recreational water sports or swimming.
• Remove toys from in and around the pool when not in use. Don't use floating chlorine dispensers that look like toys.

This time of year, with vacations, holidays and time with family and friends is what creates wonderful times and great memories. PLEASE take a few minutes to review the above suggestions as applicable in your home, neighborhood pool, clubhouse, community center or anywhere that drowning is a possibility.

 

While swimming lessons are critical to a child (or any persons survival), constant reliable supervision and reliable barriers can contribute the prevention of drowning.

 

For additional information go to:

www.ChildDrowningPrevention.com

www.SafeKids.org

http://www.cdc.gov/safechild/Drowning/index.html

10 Bike-Related Recalls to Check Out Before You Hit the Road This Spring

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Now that spring is here, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is reminding consumers to check to see if their bicycles, bicycle components or accessories have been recalled before using them. Recalled bicycles, components and accessories can be dangerous and cause an accident, resulting in injury or even death. If you have a recalled product, contact the firm for the remedy. Once that’s taken care of, remember to properly strap on your bike helmet.

Check out these recent bicycle-related recalls...

Ricky Mulvey Talks About His Young Writing Career

Loveland, Ohio - Ricky Mulvey took to the microphone during the Loveland Magazine $500, "What did you say..." Poetry Slam held April 14. This LOVELAND MAGAZINE HD VIDEO was taken during the time the Judges were sequestered in the Loveland Magazine office to decide which of the poets would receive cash prizes.

Mulvey emceed the Poetry Slam. He is a sixteen year-old sports and column writer for Loveland Magazine. In this video he shares his experiences in pursuing his writing career, which includes interviews with national political and entertainment figures.

 

Loveland vs. Elder Thursday

Sam Timmerman pitching against Anderson

by Dan Timmerman

The Loveland Tigers Varsity Baseball team suffered a disappointing defeat last week in losing their last conference game of the season to Anderson, 10-3. The loss combined with Milford’s 3-0 extra inning win at Little Miami dropped the Tigers out of the conference lead for the first time this year to place 2nd behind Eagles in the final FAVC East standings.  After defeating Anderson on Wednesday in a slugfest, this game was suspended at Loveland due to weather from the previous Friday over the weekend to be completed on Monday with the game 0-0 with the Redskins batting in the top of the 2nd inning with 1 out and a man on 3rd.    When play resumed the runner on third scored on a 2 out single giving the Redskins a 1-0 lead.  The Tigers tied the game at 1-1 in the 3rd when Reid Waddell scored after singling on an RBI ground out by Ryan Altman.  The Redskins went back in the lead 2-1 in the 4th but that lead was short lived as the Tigers again tied the score when Mitch Lendenski scored on a throwing error after singling.  In the 5th Anderson broke the game open sending 10 batters to the plate and scoring 6 runs to take an 8-2 lead.  A single run by the Tigers scoring Altman on a single by Lendenski in the 5th and 2 more runs by Anderson in the 6th would complete the scoring.

Hitting leaders in the game for Loveland include: Altman 2-4, R, RBI; Lendenski 1-3, R, RBI.

The Tigers Varsity baseball team completes their conference schedule with a record of 12-4, second place in the FAVC East.

 
The Tiger’s began the State Tournament the next day hosting Colerain and emerged with a 5-2 first round victory.  Reed Schlesner (W, 4-2) was the Loveland starting pitcher and got the win, throwing 6 scoreless innings at the Cardinals while recording 9 strikeouts.  Meanwhile the offense got going for the Tigers in the 4th when Joe Moran led off the inning by reaching on an error and advanced to 3rd on 2 wild pitches.  Mitch Lendenski walked, then stole 2nd to put runners on 2nd and 3rd.  Darren Sackett followed with a single scoring Moran.  Aaron Malloy was then called upon for a suicide squeeze the bunt for which he dropped past the pitcher’s reach, scoring Lendenski easily, and having to be fielded by the second baseman. During the ensuing throw to 1st trying unsuccessfully to get Malloy out, Sackett never stopped running around third and also scored on the play to make the score 3-0.  In the 5th the Tigers would score 2 more runs.  Schlesner singled and was thrown out at second with Ryan Altman at the plate with 2 strikes on him.  The pitch to Altman was apparently strike 3, but was neglected by the umpires and scorer’s as  Altman was allowed to continue his at bat eventually reaching first base on an error. Moran then tripled scoring Altman and later scored himself on a single by Jacob Meyer.  After Lendenski walked the Colerain coaching staff brought the 3rd strike on Altman to the attention of the umpire.  Realizing their mistake, but only after 3 batters had come to the plate for the Tigers with Altman’s run scoring, the only call the umpires could make was to say the Tigers batted out of order and awarded the out but keeping the run and a 5-0 lead for the Tigers. In the 7th inning and with Schlesner the Cardinals were able to push 2 runs across after loading the bases on 3 singles and a couple of walks.  Sam Timmerman (S, 4) came in and got the last 2 outs to complete the Loveland win.

Hitting leaders in the game for Loveland include: Schlesner 2-4: Meyer 2-3 2B, RBI; Sackett 1-2, R, RBI; Malloy 2RBI.

In Thursday’s second round game the Tigers faced FAVC arch rival Kings, a team who they had swept in their conference season series at the very beginning of the year.  A tough draw for the Tigers considering the rivalry the game was tight throughout with the Tigers prevailing 14-10. Loveland took a 2-1 lead in the 1st on aggressive base running by both Reed Schlesner and Joe Moran on separate plays after the Knights had scored a run in the top of the inning.  Kings came back with 4 more runs in the third on some shoddy fielding by the Tigers for a 5-2 Kings lead.  But although the game would remain tight that would be the last lead the Knights would enjoy on this day as the Tigers sent 11 batters to the plate in the bottom of the inning scoring 7 runs.  Joe Moran began the inning with a single and capped the inning with a 2 run single. Hits by Lendenski, Sackett and Malloy (RBI) followed Moran’s first single with a walk to Terry and a 2 RBI single by Reid Waddell.   The Tigers got another run in the 4th on an RBi single by Terry which scored Landenski.  Kings closed within one scoring 4 runs in the 5th but the Tigers got 4 of their own in the bottom of that inning highlighted by back to back 2 RBI singles from Lendenski and Sackett.  Kings added a run in the 7th for the 14-10 final score.

Michael Louis (W,4-2) started for Loveland and got the win.  Brian Bullock pitched 2-1/3 solid innings in relief of Louis before giving away to Sam Timmerman who got the last 2 outs of the game for the Tigers.

Hitting leaders in the game for Loveland include: Schlesner 2-4, 3R: Moran 2-4, 3R, 3RBI; Lendenski 2-3, 3R, 2RBI  Sackett 2-3, R, 2RBI; Waddell 1-3, 2RBI; Malloy RBI.

Loveland faces Elder Thursday May 17 at LaSalle High School in the next round of the Tournament.