Loveland Magazine

Symmes Township Storm Debris Info

Symmes Township contracts with LA Supply, 10776 Loveland Madeira Road (683-9398) to handle their yard waste program.  The program runs from March through November.  The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM and on Saturday from 8 AM to 3:00 PM.  There is no charge to residents and proof of residency must be provided.

Greiwe Releases Options on Buying Important Downtown Real Estate

 

Apartments on East Loveland Avenue and Third Street go by the Wayside

Church of God Saved for Now

Loveland, Ohio - In an E-mail to Loveland City Council and City Administrators, developer Rick Greiwe said on June 29, that he has lost the support of his financiers, North American Properties.

He said in the E-mail, “Since their decision, I have met with several qualified developers to find a new partner. Each one, after completing their due diligence, came to the same conclusion as NAP. They also stressed the need to secure additional parking if the project is going to be successful.”

Greiwe has also released the “options” he had on properties he planned to build apartments on at Third Street and East Loveland Avenue; the Church of God on Third Street, and two homes on East Loveland Avenue. This part of the planned Loveland Station project in Historic Downtown was to be the future site of 32 apartments, part of the larger project.

Greiwe still has plans to go forward with building 90 apartment units in the core downtown area that has been paved for parking. This is the area where the Loveland Farmer’s Market locates on Tuesdays.

He told Loveland Magazine today, “Additional parking has to be secured before the project can commence on the Loveland Station property so the apartment residents have adequate parking as well as the commercial tenants.” The City has been in negotiations with the CXS Railroad to acquire this additional parking.

Greiwe also said in the E-Mail, “I have had negotiations with Martin Schickel and his purchase price continues to increase with the delay of the project.” Schickel owns the only remaining building still standing in the project area. “Tom Carroll attempted to assist me to hold down the cost of this last critical parcel. Unfortunately, I am not in the position to enter into a contract on this property or the East Loveland properties until I have a partner and a signed development agreement with the City.”

Greiwe said that he has recently met with two additional companies to pursue the remainder of the project and hopes to secure a new partner soon. Greiwe said, “Greiwe Development remains committed to the site and to the city of Loveland.” He also expressed appreciation for the partnership of the City “...and your patience.”

Dedicating Loveland Box Lacrosse Arena

 

"First and only dedicated outdoor box lacrosse arena outside of the east coast."

 

Symmes Township, Ohio - On June 23, what is billed as the the first and only dedicated outdoor box lacrosse arena outside of the east coast was opened for play. It is the new home of the Loveland Summer Box Lacrosse League. “The league features 200-250 local youth through high school players,” said Director, Michael Cotsonas. “This is the largest summer lacrosse league (box or field) in Southern Ohio.”

The box is located at Royal Field Park on Union Cemetery Road, Symmes Township (1/4 mile up from the corner of Lebanon & Union Cemetery Roads). For more information about the league CLICK.

The day was filled with exhibition games, and just a chance for area youth to be among the first to play in the box on opening day.

In these exclusive LOVELAND MAGAZINE HD VIDEOS you can watch Cotsonas announce the opening of play and how the field came about. Also the President of the Kentucky Stickhorses, Anthony Chase makes some congratulatory remarks. Loveland Lacrosse League President, Jeannie Clements talks about the difference between box and field lacrosse. Also, fifth-grader, Jacob Cotsonas talks about scoring the first goal in the new box. The league will keep the ball for their history case, printed with the day and occasion, along with acknowledging Jacob’s first goal.

 

 

 

 

Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul & Mary to Perform at Lakeview UCC in October

The Lakeview United Church of Christ in Maineville, Ohio, has announced it will present a two-night event featuring Noel Paul Stookey, of the famous Peter, Paul and Mary trio, October 19 and 20, 2012.

Photos From Loveland's Fourth of July Celebration

You can purchase these images by clicking on the large photo.

 Photos © David Miller/Loveland Magazine 2012

Smog Alert for Saturday

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency has extended the current SMOG ALERT.

 The SMOG ALERT will remain in effect Saturday, July 7 for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky. The Agency expects to see levels of ozone in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Needed This Week at L.I.F.E. Food Pantry

This week the LIFE food pantry is in need of all types of soap, baking mixes (corn muffin, pancake, Bisquick), and spaghetti sauce. Bring your excess produce from your garden as well.

I Vote for Saving the Historic Black Church

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

 If you are taking a vote of saving the historical buildings in Loveland, please count mine. (Historic Review of Chestnut Street Church)

 I was born in Loveland in a little house near the post office. I graduated at Loveland High School. I went to many services at the little church on Chestnut Street and am currently a member of First Missionary Baptist church, just about two-hundred feet away .

 Why can't you preserve that historic black church which happens to be on the street where I lived for 16 years. I believe that there is no reason why it can't be saved. If you made a museum where for a small fee people could go inside and visit or revisit the past it would make much more sense than to demolish it.

 Sincerely,

Stella M. Dunson

Air Alert Continues into Friday

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency (Agency) has issued a SMOG ALERT for Friday, July 6 for the Loveland Area, including Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky. 

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

Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Precautions to take on Smog Alert days include:

• Take the bus (METRO: 513-621-4455 or TANK: 859-331-8265)
• Carpool or vanpool (RideShare: 513-241-RIDE)
• Ride a bike, in-line skate or walk instead of driving
• Combine trips or eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips
• Refuel your vehicle after 8 p.m.; do not top off when refueling and tighten the gas cap
• Do not idle your vehicle
• Avoid quick accelerations and sudden stops as they increase fuel consumption
• Keep your vehicle maintained with properly inflated tires and timely oil changes
• Avoid use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment
• Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains
• Conserve electricity
• Spread the word

Cable TV Customers Without Cable Service Should Report Service Outage to Cable Company

Cable TV customers without cable service – following the severe storms and high winds in Ohio in recent days – should report the outage to their cable company.

When a customer reports a weather-related service interruption that lasts more than 24 consecutive hours, the customer can receive a credit for each hour of the disruption.

“You must speak to a customer service representative to receive the credit,” said David Goodman, Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. “Even if a recording notes the company’s efforts to restore service, the customer must report the disruption to a cable company staff member to receive the credit.”

In some instances, cable service may be available, but the customers cannot receive it due to the electrical outage.  The only way to determine this is to call the cable company.

Customers can find their cable company’s customer service phone number HERE.

Lagniappe at Julian's Deli

 

 

Loveland, Ohio - Lagniappe bills itself as Cincinnati’s only Cajun/New Orleans Jazz band. They played on the patio of Julian’s Deli on the Fourth of July.

They will be at Julian’s again on Sunday, July 15 and August 5 from 7 - 10 PM.

Julian’s Deli and Spirits is at 200 West Loveland Avenue.

LAGNIAPPE (pronounced Lan-yap) means a little something extra in Cajun French.

Air Quality Alert

Although there was no Air Quality Alert issued for today, already at 8 AM the air is full of particles that make the air quality UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS. The index reads 117.

The particles that are making the air unhealthey this morning are the residual of last night's fireworks.

Health Message: People with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion.

The Ozone levels are predicted to be in the Moderate range throughout the day.

Fireworks Over Julian's Deli

 

This photo was taken tonight in Historic Downtown Loveland across the street from Julian's Deli and Spirits during Loveland's annual Forth of July celebration and fireworks display.

Rick's Slow Day But Keeps His Fans Happy Anyway

Rick Paul (left) owns the Olde Loveland Barbershop in Historic Downtown Loveland. He was across the street from his shop on the Loveland Bike Trail this morning handing out fans. Next to him is Greg Williams from Amberly Village who was in Loveland to ride his bike on the trail. Williams asked Rick if he was losing customers by not being in his shop.

Rick said, "Well, men really don't get a lot of hair cuts on the Fourth of July."

 

Peace is the Real Muscle

Tackle Trade Days at Lake Isabella

Reel in a deal during Tackle Trade Days at Lake Isabella on Saturday, July 14th, August 11th, and October 6th from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

A variety of new and used vintage lures, rods, reels and more will be available for the experienced and amateur angler.

Tackle Trade Days will showcase local fishing equipment vendors in a flea-market style setting. Anglers are sure to find that right fishing pole or lure from the large selection of bargain gear.

Any dealers or individuals who would like to sell their gently used fishing gear are asked to call the Lake Isabella boathouse at (513) 791-1663 to reserve a spot for only $10.

Tackle Trade Days is free and open to the public.

Retire Your Tattered Flag at Loveland Union Savings Bank

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Union Savings Bank branch in Loveland in conjunction with Loveland Magazine is a collection point for torn and tattered U.S. flags.

So, what’s a patriotic American to do with the old? Fold it and store it in the basement, moving it around once in a while wondering what you will ever do with it?

The Loveland Union Savings Branch is at 510 West Loveland Avenue and is open:

• Monday 9 AM-5 PM (Drive-Thru Open Until 6 PM)
• Tuesday-Thursday 9 AM-5 PM
• Friday 9 AM-6 PM
• Saturday 9 AM-1 PM

Questions: Editor@LovelandMagazine.com

 

Order a New American Flag

As a member of Congress, Jean Schmidt is able to arrange for an American flag to be flown over the United States Capitol. This page will provide you with information on how to order a United States Flag through her Washington office. To order flags, you must either be a resident of the 2nd Congressional district, or sending the flags to a person who is in the district.

Flags may be flown on any day of the year and for special occasions or events. Each flag that is flown is accompanied by a certificate confirming that it was flown over the U.S. Capitol. The certificate reads: "This is to certify that the accompanying flag was flown over the United States Capitol on [Month, Date, Year] at the request of the Honorable Jean Schmidt, Member of Congress." You may also request additional text personalizing the certificate (i.e., birthday greeting, retirement, Eagle Scout award, etc.).

At this WEB SITE, you will be asked to fill out information on an order form. You can then print the form, put in an envelope with a check, and mail it to Schmidt's Washington office.

Size	Material	Quantity Flown Over the Capitol	Quantity NOT Flown Over the Capitol
3'x5'	Nylon	@ $13.05	@ $9.00
3'x5'	Cotton	@ $13.30	@ $9.25
3'x5'	Recycled	@ $26.55	@ $22.50
4'x6'	Nylon	@ $17.55	@ $13.50
5'x8'	Nylon	@ $22.05	@ $18.00
5'x8'	Cotton	@ $24.05	@ $20.00
8'x12'	Cotton	@ $109.05	@ $105.00

Dirty Air on 4th of July

Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency has extended the current SMOG ALERT for the Loveland area.

The SMOG ALERT will remain in effect Wednesday, July 4 for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky. The Agency expects to see levels of ozone in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

 

 

Antiques Road Show in Cincinnati

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Duke Energy Convention Center
525 Elm Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW will be located in Exhibit Halls A & B.

Please use the main entrance to the building on 5th Street.

If you need to use the drop-off area prior to parking, please use the drop-off area on Elm Street near the corner of 5th Street.

Cincinnati venue information coming soon.

Like ANTIQUES ROADSHOW on Facebook to be alerted when more details about the Cincinnati event become available.

MORE INFO

Join Loveland Fifty Forward at Reds vs. Arizona

Thursday, July 19

Reds vs. Arizona

When and Where: meet at 11:00 a.m. -- New Hope Baptist Church parking lot to board the air-conditioned bus

Cost: $30 per person (includes ticket to the game and transportation.) These are great seats, folks!

How: Make checks payable to: City of Loveland Mail or drop off your check to: 120 W. Loveland Avenue Loveland 45140 RSVP with payment by Wednesday, July 11

Who: The June outing was so much fun, everyone wants to do it again! Join the Loveland Fifty Forward group for a day of fun watching the Cincinnati Reds in action.

Deerfield Township Extends Brush Removal Service Due to Storm

Deerfield Township, Ohio - Due to the recent storms, Deerfield Township will be extending its brush removal service by one additional week. For the month of July, brush removal will begin on July 16th and will continue through July 27th .

For the month of July, they will not begin removal of brush prior to July 16th, so they can ensure that all residents have adequate time to get their brush cleaned up and placed at the curb.

Brush pick-up is designed to handle typical residential type yard trimmings.

All limbs, vines and brush smaller than one (1) inch in diameter, must be tied together with string, and placed in bundles not to exceed one (1) foot in diameter. Anything with thorns must also be in bundles.

The reason for this is to allow passage and handling of smaller brush through chipper opening. Do not tie the bundles with wire or electric cord as this will damage chipper and blades. Due to the large amount of area that one (1) truck and one (1) crew covers within the week and to help with the speed and ease of handling of brush, all limbs should be neatly stacked at the curb with all cut ends facing the same direction.

To allow chipper blades to grab limbs without side branches getting caught, large limbs should have side branches removed four (4) feet back from the cut end of limbs so the branches can reach the blades.

Stumps, roots, limbs over six (6) inches in diameter; old firewood or fence posts cannot be put through chipper. Please check to see that there are no nails or metal of any kind mixed in with brush; as this will cause damage to the chipper.

The next regular brush removal after July will begin on August 27.

Your brush will NOT be picked up if any of the following reasons apply:

Not tied in bundles; tied with wire or electric cord; bundles or limbs too large for chipper; stumps or roots; firewood or fence post; sticker bushes not bundled; cut ends not facing the same direction.

Where is the outcry about this?

 

by Catie O'Keefe,

Wow. What a rich history and that photo is beautiful--a picture is truly worth a thousand words. (Historic Review of Chestnut Street Church)

The fact that someone can name all the people in the photo is heart warming. Thanks, Loveland Magazine, for putting such effort into the reporting of this article and for making sure Loveland citizens are aware of what is going on with this historic landmark.

My question is: Where is the outcry about this? I am a newbie to the area and I am horrified about the potential demise of the church and spoke up about it at a recent city council meeting. While a few other people (like Paula Oguah) also spoke out, where was everybody else? It seems every time I have a conversation around here, people proudly tell me how many generations of their families have grown up in and around Loveland; there should be hundreds voicing opinions on this topic. In fact, if I had a nickel for every story I've been told, I could buy the church myself!

Lovelanders, it's time to defend. In the short time I've been here (three years) two of your oldest churches have been threatened with demolition.

Do you really want to allow important iconic symbols of your history to be lost? While new development of Loveland is great (and is one of the reasons we moved here) it absolutely can be done without mowing down old buildings. Look at some of the best city plans across the country and you will see old and new buildings woven together, creating a beautiful balance between a rich past and a future of innovation and progress.

While by no means do I think there is a nefarious plan afoot to wipe out Loveland's history, I feel a general sense of passivity by Loveland leadership and citizenry on the subject. More specifically, there is a lack of overall creativity in the vision for Loveland's future and a tendency to devalue ecclectic, organically evolving development in favor of knock down the old and worn and start all over with shiny buildings that have been design-guidelined into banality.

The photo of the proposed development ofLoveland Station in our historic downtown looks like Montgomery to me (nice city, but it's no Loveland).

The city is not necessarily going to help here and perhaps it's not its place. It's our place, as Loveland citizens, to come up with a viable solution that makes saving the church a win for everyone and not ask the city to foot the bill for it. It's not a pricey piece of property, and its modest .175 acre footprint is most certainly not blocking an entrance to any future development of the 8 city-owned acres it abuts. Chestnut Church stakeholders, please call a meeting and advertise it via Loveland Magazine and elsewhere and let's get a big group of smart people together, including city leadership if they are interested, and get some great ideas percolating.

Let's kill two birds with one stone: perhaps the folks interested in preserving the church on Third St., might want to join forces with the Chestnut group and work to save both these important buildings at one time.

Last, and this regards Martin Schickel's building downtown. Frankly, I hope he hangs onto that building. The economy and financing is stopping the downtown development, not his building. City leadership should have demanded that the new project incorporate some of the older buildings, such as his, into its design as a nod to Loveland's past. His building, opposite the old hotel anchoring the west end of the square offers balance and context. Preserving a few old buildings would have made for a more architecturally interesting project. When the square was completed people would go into town and marvel at the new shops but also say, "There's the old whatever building; my grandfather used to work there ... "

My husband and I have a contract on 108 S Third St., which is rumored to be the parsonage of the threatened Third St. Church. If it passes inspection and we take ownership of it, you better believe we will be researching its history and if it warrants it, gracing its lovely porch with a plaque that details its history.

Loveland High School Junior Sydney Dudley Verbals to Ohio State

Loveland, Ohio - Loveland junior Sydney Dudley, class of 2014 has verbally committed to The Ohio State University to play women's soccer.

Sydney is ranked by Top Drawer Soccer as one of the top 50 midfielders in the country for the class of 2014. She is a two time All FAVC selection who plays club soccer for Ohio Elite. She led Ohio Elite to back to back state championships and to the Elite Club National Championships (ECNL) this summer.

“I find plans to demolish this historic building completely unacceptable"

Rally Held to Save 190 Year-Old Landmark

A public rally to build awareness and demonstrate support for preserving and protecting the Twenty Mile House was held on the sidewalk Tuesday, June 19 in front of the 190 year-old Deerfield Township landmark.

This LOVELAND MAGAZINE HD VIDEO is an interview with Steve Link, Presdent of Friends of The Twenty Mile House, Inc.

Kim Grant, Vice-President of Friends of The Twenty Mile House, said, “I find plans to demolish this historic building completely unacceptable...this building is an irreplaceable treasure that should be preserved for the betterment of our community. It is an important and prominent landmark built in 1822. Historically it has been the "Heart" of Deerfield Township.”

Now that Speedway has lost interest in building a convince store and gas station, supporters have focused on finding a solution for the current owner and for the community. Link said, “Of course, we all support property owners’ rights, but this 190 year old building is a rare jewel that has a rich history dating back to the formation of our state.” He urges people to join their efforts to continue to look for support in the form of funding, creative ideas and public awareness. “The property is actively being marketed for sale or lease and the building could be bulldozed into oblivion at the owner’s discretion,” Link said.

Demolition of the Twenty Mile House does not sit well with many residents in Warren and surrounding counties, but local, county and state governments have yet to step up to help prevent it from happening.

“Someone once said ‘Most people’s historical perspective begins with the day of their birth.’ How sad is that,” Link noted.

For more information to learn more about the Twenty Mile House, call 583-5829 or visit the FAQ page at www.FriendsofTheTwentyMileHouse.org.

 

Jerrecco: Waiting Child for the Month of July

A 13-year old boy who is an all-around sports star is Hamilton County Job and Family Services Waiting Child for the month of July.

County spotlights some of the children it has available for adoption with monthly releases to local media. “We’re looking at innovative ways of getting our children before the public so we

Jerrecco

can find them safe, loving homes,” said Moira Weir, director of the department. “Every child deserves a permanent home and we know there are hundreds of loving families throughout this community that would be willing to open up their doors and their hearts to our children.”

Thirteen-year-old Jerrecco is a talented running back on two football teams and also loves to play basketball. He also performs well in school and is proud of his steady stream of A’s on his report card.

Jerrecco describes himself as outgoing and friendly. He enjoys watching comedies and has a great sense of humor.  He helps around the house, especially when it’s time to bring in the groceries. 

When it comes to a family, Jerrico knows what he wants- a strong bond and good communication. He says he is looking for a loving, caring and supportive family. Since sports are important to Jerreco, a family that likes to stay involved would mean a great deal to him.

Hamilton County currently has about 190 children available for adoption. The county’s Children’s Services Division often must take custody of children who are the victims of abuse or neglect and cannot be safely reunited with their families. Those interested in adopting can learn more at: www.hcadopt.org or by calling (513) 632-6366 or e-mailing.

Also, follow Hamilton County JFS Foster Care and Adoption recruitment on Facebook.

About Hamilton County Job and Family Services

Hamilton County Job and Family Services administers federal, state and local programs for those in need. The Department helps with local child protection, elderly protection, child care, child support enforcement, workforce development, cash assistance, food assistance and Medicaid disbursement. Servicing Hamilton County since 1947, the Department helps hundreds of thousands each year and is accredited by the Council on Accreditation, an international, independent, not-for-profit child and family service accrediting organization.

Clermont County Library Helps Patrons Build Attention-Grabbing Resumes

The Clermont County Public Library has acquired Cypress Resume, an online tool that helps you effortlessly create a professional resume in just a few minutes.

It’s easy-to-use format assures you won’t spend hours trying to perfect your document—all the hard work is done for you.

Simply plug in your basic information (as little or as much as you’d like), and Cypress Resume creates a perfectly formatted document to help you land that dream job.

A resume needs to grab the attention of an employer almost immediately in order to have the best chance of making it through the weeding process. Cypress Resume’s gigantic library of tens of thousands of professional statements is designed to do exactly that. It’s database covers virtually all professions, grouping job types by core tasks.

With Cypress Resume, there is no need to compose anything, ever. Simply type basic information about yourself and leave the difficult task of writing concise, descriptive statements detailing your abilities to the resume builder.

To access Cypress Resume, visit the library website at www.clermontlibrary.org.

Farmers Market Coupons for WIC Recipients

The WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program will begin August 1. Children between ages 1 to 5, and women who are active on the WIC program may pick up coupons worth $15 for free fruits and vegetables from local farmers. Farmer’s Market coupons are in addition to your WIC Fruit and Vegetable Vouchers.

Pick up your coupons at the market for a chance to win King’s Island tickets. You must bring
your yellow WIC ID card with you to the Farmers’ Market to pick up your coupons at one of the following times:

Milford Market - 1005 Lila Ave. (Milford Garden Center in Milford Plaza)

• Wednesday, August 1, 2012 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday, August 4, 2012 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Saturday, August 11, 2012 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2012 Clermont County Fair July 22 - July 28 in Owensville

The 2012 Clermont County Fair will be Sunday, July 22 through Saturday, July 28, at the county fairgrounds, located at 1000 Locust Street in Owensville.

The festivities will begin at 1PM on Sunday with the annual Fair Parade, sponsored by the Stonelick Township Firefighters Association. Visitors are welcome to watch the parade from the grandstand at no charge. If you have questions about participating in the parade, call 732-1136.

Also on Sunday, July 22 will be the annual “Salute to Veterans and our Troops” at the grandstand, beginning at 6 PM. During the entire week of the fair, all veterans and active duty military personnel will be admitted to the fair for free, if wearing their uniform or can present a military identification card.

Wednesday, July 25, is Senior’s Day - all seniors age 60 and up are admitted to the fair for the discount price of $3. Special activities are planned that day for seniors.

This year, on Tuesday of fair week, you can see the Amazing Portable Circus at the grandstand, beginning at 7:30 PM.

On Saturday of fair week, you can enter the Cornhole Tournament in the Multi-Purpose Building at 7 PM; the entry fee is $20 per team. Wednesday night will be the karaoke contest, also in the Multi-Purpose Building, beginning at 6 PM. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.

Family Day will be on Tuesday of fair week,where admission will only be $5 all day, making it easier for large families to attend! That day has special kids’ activites planned, including the Portable Circus, an appearance by Ronald McDonald, and a petting zoo.

Annual fair favorite, the Demolition Derby, will be on Thursday and Saturday of fair week, beginning at 7:30 PM at the grandstand.

Admission for the 2012 fair will be $10 per person, which includes free parking, grandstand events, and all mechanical rides.

For more information or to download a 2012 Fair Book, visit the WEBSITE.

Free Teen Safe Driving Program Offered at Loveland High School

Key to Safe Teen Driving, a free in-classroom and behind-the-wheel program designed to improve teen driving skills and raise awareness about the importance of proper training for young drivers, will be held at Loveland High School,  on July 19. The program is sponsored by KeyBank and Kumho Tire U.S.A. and features professional driving instructors from The Mid-Ohio School.

Nearly 5,000 U.S. teens die each year in traffic accidents, and motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15-to-20-year-olds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Driving instructors at The Mid-Ohio School note that the average 16-year-old soccer player has had 1,500 hours of coaching, while the average 16-year-old driver has had only 50 hours of driver training.

Key to Safe Teen Driving is a condensed version of The Mid-Ohio School’s Honda Teen Defensive Driving Program. Participants receive classroom instruction and the chance to practice wet braking and emergency lane change maneuvers in their own vehicles under the watchful eyes of Mid-Ohio instructors. Students will also drive the Honda Skid Car, which simulates driving in slippery conditions.

The Loveland High School event will take place July 19 and will accommodate up to 120 students each day, with drivers split into four groups. Each group will take approximately three hours to complete the program.

Parents may register their teen driver for the program at www.keytosafeteendriving.com. Parents may also call 877-793-TMOS (8667) for more information.