Loveland Magazine

Pastor Tom Stroeh concerned that historic Black church might be demolished

 

 

 

 

 

(An Open Letter to City Manager and Members of City Council)

 

African-American residents have always been a vital part of our identity as a community.

 

Tom Carroll, Loveland City Manager
120 West Loveland Avenue
Loveland, Ohio  45140

Dear Tom:

I recently talked with Joe Schickel and Paula Mitchell Oguah regarding the future of the Predestinarian Baptist Church building.  As a citizen of Loveland since 1971 and a retired pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, I’m concerned that we might lose a valuable part of the religious heritage of our community if the church is demolished or even moved to another area of town.  (Perhaps the fact that this month marks the 50th anniversary of the organization of Prince of Peace Church has only deepened my appreciation for the contribution our churches have made to the people of this area.)

The Predestinarian Baptist Church is located in the heart of what was the African-American residential nieghborhood of Loveland.   Cobb’s Grocery Store, a center of business and social exchange, was located nearby.   There is vital history in that neighborhood of which many newer Lovelanders may not be aware.   To the best of my knowledge there is presently no building or designated site preserved to help us remember that period of Loveland life.

The African-American residents may not represent a large portion of our Loveland population but are (and always have been) a vital part of our identity as a community.   I have fond memories of ecumenical worship services that involved members of Predestinarian Baptist Church. 

It’s my understanding that the Loveland Predestinarian Church Preservation Committee has already gathered significant commitments of financial support that would enable the purchasing of the building from the City of Loveland and the renovation of its interior.   There are many creative ways the building could be used (e.g. perhaps as an extension of the neighboring arts facility) while still keeping its historical importance.   (I would hope that inside the church there would be a display commemorating the church’s ministry and its place in the context of the black community.)

I’m sure that many other Loveland clergy would agree with me as I encourage you and the Loveland Council to give serious consideration to the preservation of the Predestinarian Baptist Church and the property on which it is strategically located.  Please allow the Preservation Committee to obtain it and develop its potential for so much good in our city and our memory of its past.

Appreciative of the challenges and opportunities you face daily at City Hall,

Pastor Tom Stroeh

c.c. Members of City Council

Tom Stroeh is a resident of Loveland and was for many years the senior pastor of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Loveland

 

 

Focus on what is right, not who is right

 

 

 

 

 

If that happens here — this outstanding project, which can do much for the economic, social, and cultural future of our fair city — will move forward.

 

by Joseph Schickel

 

The Loveland Predestinarian Church Preservation Committee event last Saturday night was a remarkable and memorable event.  About 150 people attended and enjoyed a fun evening of live music, light refreshments, poetry and prose readings, book singings, and informational updates on the progress of Church Preservation efforts.   It was gratifying to see a good number of people with personal connections to the church pore over old photos, renew acquaintances, and grow and bond in the hopeful belief that this important piece of Loveland history, and their personal history, would be appropriately preserved and celebrated.  

Thanks go out to Artists Studios on Main who provided a wonderful location for our event, which was surrounded by the beautiful art of many local artisans. Robert Murphy, Larry Hamilton, and Aleasha Whitney Wilson shared their wonderful literary creations. Tom Schickel and Emily Moore made beautiful music.   And I would be remiss if I did not thank Committee President Paula Mitchell Oguah for her gracious hospitality and outstanding leadership of this effort.

As Fundraising Chair of the Committee I am happy to report that things are going very well.  We raised another $1,500 in cash and pledges at the event.  Our committee is a position that is utterly new and unique for me: fundraising is not a problem!  We already have well over $66,000 in grants, cash, and pledges, and that number is growing.  Public support is also not a problem, it is palpable and growing.   We have an excellent working partnership with Hamilton County Land Bank for this project.  Are there, you might ask, any problems?

Well yes.  Our problem is small town politics. Old grudges are wagging the policy dog at City hall. Red herring, and mostly red herring, are trotted out as policy cover  — cost, safety, access, other ... — but it’s not hard to see the huff behind the bluff.  It brings to mind some advice I was given when I was  Loveland Vice Mayor, struggling with a difficult issue. “Focus on what is right, not who is right.”  If that happens here — this outstanding project, which can do much for the economic, social, and cultural future of our fair city — will move forward.  

Please urge City Council to support the Chestnut St. preservation effort.

 

Joseph Schickel is the Fundraising Chair of Loveland Predestinarian Church Preservation Committee and a former Loveland Vice Mayor

 

Related articles

$65K pledged to restore Historic Black Church

Preservation Group Presents Plan for saving historic Black church

Author Joe Schickel to speak to Kenwood Woman's Club about father William Schickel

Enhancing instruction in Loveland schools

 

 

 

 

By Kimberly Miller,

 

It’s a question every parent should ask: Is my child growing?

At the Loveland City School District, it’s a question our teachers will be able to answer with certainty. The district has started implementation of a game-changing assessment called Measures of Academic Progress, or MAP, a web-based assessment in reading and math.

MAP provides true individualized assessment of our students by adapting to each student’s skills and knowledge level with questions that become progressively harder or easier depending on correct answers. This allows teachers and parents to know exactly what skills a child has mastered and what skills a child is ready to learn. It provides immediate feedback to each student at the end of the testing session and shortly thereafter to teachers and parents.

This tool gives the district the ability to measure each child’s growth over time, for the first time. This is the first tool that provides the same data from kindergarten through high school. In addition, it makes financial sense for the district. MAP has replaced Stanford tests, which cost the district $30,000 per year to only test two grade levels once a year. At a cost of $12.50 per student, a little less than $50,000 per year, MAP allows the district to test grades kindergarten through nine three times a year.

The district also continues to make strides in providing multiple opportunities for students to learn in settings outside the traditional classroom. The integration of technology into instruction allows for this menu of options for students. The administration anticipates having a recommendation to parents who want to purchase a device for their children by the end of the school year. Using technology to enhance and transform learning will continue to be a priority for the district.

Finally, I want to make you aware that Loveland will partner with the University of Cincinnati during the 2013-2014 school year to offer dual credit options for our seniors. Full details on the offerings will be in place soon.

As the assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, the question I ask myself – just like any parent – is are our students growing? With the plans we have in place, I can assure you with confidence the answer is yes, and we will continue to look for opportunities as a district to enhance instructional opportunities for all students.

If you have any questions on the district’s teaching and learning vision, I encourage you to contact me.

Thank you.  

 

Kimberly Miller is Assistant Superintendent, Teaching and Learning of the Loveland School District

She can be reached at: millerki@lovelandschools.org

“Let’s Move On”

 

 

 

 

April 4th will mark the 45th infamous anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

 

by Larry Hamilton

Several years ago, on the week prior to MLK Day, my pastor, who happens to be black (a point that may or may not be relevant depending on your perspective) prefaced his remarks with I know I’m going to be in trouble over the controversial statement that I’m about to make but I believe that if Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today…he wouldn’t be continuing to march about social injustices and civil rights! 

He implied that that battle was won… there is no need for talk of reparations and we (blacks) needed to forgive and move on.   My pastor, whom I dearly love, was absolutely right… about the part of trouble and controversy.   These statements of contemporary hypothetical suppositions based upon historical snippets and ideological talking points are likely to encounter the demand of a different perspective and so I offered another point of view.  Now, one could argue that the Sunday Morning Worship Service is not the time for a congregational debate- but, let’s move on. 

It is difficult for us as Americans to talk for any extended period about difficult times and relationships.  And politics, race and religion are like a matching trifecta for a potentially explosive discourse in which raw unexposed feelings can lead to an angry and frustrated venting and/or the more remote possibility of a harmonious reconciliation.  

Putting race aside for the moment (transference) if a man in the pulpit (black or white) made a social commentary on all of the current spousal infidelities of athletes and politicians by declaring that their wives needed to just “get over it”, well needless to say that could potentially be a “game changer” (to use a typical male athletic cliché) in the romantic and intimate conversations likely to occur later.  But make no mistake about it, that is a discussion that will take place and the outcome is likely to affect many marital relationships. 

Those men operating from a historical vantage point of power and privilege, who simply and often unrealistically say we don’t do that anymore, don’t understand the traumatic and desperate impact that statement is likely to play out.  They confuse and conflate a change in behavior (or law) with being all that is needed to repair a breach of trust and historical infidelity.  They just want to move on. 

More often than not they are solely fixated on their own future happiness and want to forget about the past indiscretions.  But without investing in the time, effort and conversation necessary to assure a level of shared intimacy, they undermine the happiness they say they covet. 

Coexisting in the same household doesn’t mean the presence of love and a relationship of mutual respect, and without an understanding of the healing necessary for that spouse they impede the progress they desire. 

She may have done absolutely nothing but she is victimized nevertheless- fighting depression and pondering self worth.  If I had only had his dinner prepared, if I had only worn that sexy outfit, if I had only loss that weight gained from having our baby… She is the one that is made to question her dignity, respect and social acceptability.  

But, hey, he can just say let’s move on.

Historically in U.S history it’s the same mode of operation.  After a declaration that all men are created equal, the “founding fathers”  after fighting their war of liberation and then faced with the difficulty of forming a “more perfect union” decided to compromise their principles and moved on leaving a fifth of the nation enslaved.

With each gathering storm cloud represented politically by the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850 the political leaders shouted and argued but decided to forget about the past and move on. 

What they would soon move on to would be a calamitousness Civil War with untold suffering on both sides.  But after a little while, talk of 40 acres and a mule was all but forgotten as the newly won rights of the black man was all but eroded away with the Compromise of 1877 as the nation moved on with nearly a hundred years of acceptance of Jim Crow segregation. 
But with the passage of the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights restored (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEflaaOh4I8), we can forget about the race riots and the King assassination of the sixties and just move on.

At the time of his assassination Dr. King was leading a Poor People’s Campaign and was actually talking about new ways of wealth distribution. 

I could be wrong, but it just seems to me that had he lived unto this present time he would still be marching in protest of the further consolidation of wealth in the hands of a smaller and smaller percentage of the American people, the bailout of Wall Street at the expense of Main Street, the home foreclosures that disproportionately impacted the poor and minority communities, the staggering unemployment and wage discrimination. 

Dr. King also clearly stated “the time is always right to do what is right”.  But let’s move on…  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fNxlo7y86k)

A search for the word "remember" resulted in 148 matches in the King James Version of  The Holy Bible and the word forgive is mentioned 56 times.  I’ m not sure what that means but let’s move on.

You know, if JESUS were alive today he probably wouldn’t be preaching the gospel to the poor, he’d be targeting a different demographic entirely and ready to move on…

 

A native of Loveland, author Larry Hamilton Hamilton graduated from Loveland High School in 1967, before enrolling at Central State University where he was graduated in 1971. He earned a master’s degree from Wright State University in 1978, and taught World History, African American History and Current Events at Piqua High School from 1971 to 2001. Hamilton lives in Piqua.

 

 

Our new superintendent: Chad Hilliker, a proven educator

 

 

 

 

By Christine Olsen

As a Loveland resident for 20 years, it’s been my privilege to serve this community as a member of the Loveland City Schools Board of Education the past 12 years. During my tenure,

Christine Olsen Board of Education President annoucing the selection of Chad Hilliker as Loveland's next superintendent

we have enjoyed outstanding leadership which has established our district as an Ohio leader in academic excellence. We are forward thinking on instruction, filled with vibrant extra-curricular opportunities for our students, and supported by a community that understands the importance of being a partner in education. As our partner, I wanted to take the time to offer you some perspective on the recent superintendent announcement.

One of the most important responsibilities of a Board is hiring an outstanding superintendent who can lead the district. When we were notified that Dr. John Marschhausen was leaving, the Board met to discuss our plan.

We had been informed that the search for any superintendent in Ohio is a very challenging venture. There are many superintendent vacancies open, possibly due to the large number of superintendents retiring. There are also the challenges of family relocation, residency requirements and quite frankly the wish of many applicants to scope out the possibility of retirement/rehire. A search usually takes 60 to 90 days with no guarantee that it will conclude successfully. We would be unwilling to settle; we wanted to make sure the right person is in place.

We also considered where we are as a district. We believed Dr. Marschhausen started us on an excellent path of growth through incorporating technology to enhance instruction, implementing game-changing student assessments and cultivating a culture that embraces change.

Given the information, we turned our attention to Chad Hilliker, a proven educator and administrator with 22 years of experience, who has worked in the Loveland City School District the past 10 years, and served with Dr. Marschhausen as an assistant superintendent. Mr. Hilliker worked with Dr. Marschhausen to strengthen our administration and leadership team, by bringing at least five key administrators to Loveland creating a strong, ambitious team. He has been a resident of Loveland the past 22 years; he is part of the fabric of this community.

We met with Chad, and after our meeting, we came to full agreement he was our person. We also realized, with his resume, we could lose him to superintendence at another district. 

At the March 19 Board of Education business meeting – in a unanimous vote – board members approved Chad Hilliker as superintendent.

He is the right fit for Loveland.

As Board President, I want to welcome Chad Hilliker as the new leader of the Tiger Family; my hope is that you – as our partner – will also embrace this seasoned educator who has brought and will continue to bring innovative ideas to our district. Chad is a Tiger at heart, and we should all feel proud he is the new leader of our pack.

Respectfully,
Christine Olsen
Board of Education President Loveland City School District olsench@lovelandschools.org

 

 

2013 Ohio Severe Weather Awareness Week March 3rd – 9th

 

 

 

 

 

by Pam Broughton, Clermont Emergency Management Agency Director

 

This year, the Ohio Severe Weather Awareness Week is scheduled for March 3^rd through March 9th. Citizens are encouraged to prepare for the tornados and strong storms that typically occur during spring and summer.  The March 2, 2012 tornado is a reminder that severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere. Individuals, families, schools, and businesses should have a disaster plan and take the time to practice it.  It is important that people know where to go when severe weather threatens our area.

As part of the observance of Severe Weather Awareness Week, there will be a statewide tornado drill and test of the Emergency Alert System scheduled to occur at 9:50 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2013.  However, Clermont County will not be testing the outdoor warning sirens at that time. The County will activate the outdoor warning sirens at noon on March 6th during the normal monthly siren test. The County tests the outdoor warning sirens on the first Wednesday of each month at 12:00 p.m. 

The Clermont County EMA will be hosting a Weather Spotter Training on Wednesday, March 6th, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.  The training will be held at the Grant Career Center, located at 718 West Plane Street, Bethel, Ohio 45106.   To register, contact the Clermont County EMA at 513-732-7661 or e-mail clermontema@clermontcountyohio.gov. 

The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness reports the safest place to be during a tornado or strong storm is in a basement.  If the building has no basement or cellar, go to a small, room that is centrally located on the lowest level of the building.  This can be an area such as a closet or bathroom.  If you are in a vehicle or mobile home, get out immediately and go to go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter.  For additional information on severe weather safety and preparedness, visit the website www.weathersafety.ohio.gov. 

 

 

There is Still LOVE in Loveland

 

 

 

 

This year, as is done every year, a breakfast was served at the Oasis Conference Center to celebrate a very special day, Valentine’s Day, and to introduce the 2013 Valentine Lady, Marge Henderson, and the designer of the 2013 Loveland Valentine card, Robin Moro.  As part of the celebration, a quartet from the Delta Kings sang to the Valentine Lady and to the surprise of everyone present, the Loveland/Symmes Fire Department sent ten of their finest firemen to present all the present and past Valentine Ladies with a dozen roses - what a surprise that was!  It was a beautiful day as we listened to the poetry winners, ranging from elementary students to adults, read what they had written about love and Valentine’s Day.  

The Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Valentine program each year, and we, the Valentine Ladies, want to thank them, the firemen, all the people that volunteered and worked at the post office, and mostly the citizens of Loveland and those around the country that sent valentines to our post office to be stamped and re-mailed all around the world. 

Thank you LOVEland!!!!
Loveland Valentine Ladies
Loveland, Ohio

 

 

Henderson: "First, you HAVE to buy a red jacket."

 

 

 

2013 Valentine Lady Marge Henderson sent along the remarks she made at the Annual Valentine Day Breakfast. Henderson said, "Here is what I wrote for my speech at the breakfast on Valentines Day. I tried to sum up what it was like to be the Loveland Valentines Lady."

 

I have definitely learned quite a bit as THE 2013 VALENTINE LADY.

And I thought that I would share some of that knowledge with you this morning.

First, I learned that you HAVE to buy a red jacket.

Next, I learned that you can buy a very lovely Valentine scarf at amazon.com.

I learned that I had forgotten how to set my alarm clock and that I am looking forward to renewing my friendship with my morning cup of coffee and the crossword puzzle.

My husband learned how to survive on leftovers.

I learned that being the Valentine Lady is very strenuous.

I learned that stamping hundreds, no thousands, of Valentines is hazardous to your health…that the muscles in my arms and neck will take weeks to recover.

I learned that even the most beautifully written children’s book can become very tiresome when read aloud 87 times.

I learned that within the walls of our schools are hundreds of students eager to listen and learn.

I learned that within those walls are many caring, and devoted teachers.

I learned that I LOVE the TITLE  “Retired Teacher!”

I learned how delightful it is to sit and engage in a conversation with a senior citizen.

I learned that…thanks to Facebook…you can connect with over a hundred former students who have some very amusing memories of the time we spent together.

I learned that, even in this day and age of texts, Tweets and emails, many Valentines are still being sent the old fashioned way.

I learned that I am extremely fortunate to live in Loveland.

I learned that the Loveland Valentine Ladies were and are very active, vital members of this community.

And finally, I learned that the friendships I have within this group of distinguished women are deep and abiding.

I thank them and the Chamber for the opportunity to be the Loveland Valentine Lady.

Thank You!

Marge Henderson

Helping Ohio Workers Compete in a Global Economy

 

 

 

by Sen Sherrod Brown

At the President’s State of the Union address, I was joined by Cookie Hall, a second-generation Cleveland steelworker who knows from experience that American workers are the most productive in the world. Cookie works at Cleveland Works, a steel plant owned by ArcelorMittal North America. Workers at this plant produce one ton of steel per each man hour of work – making it the most efficient steel plant in the world. There is no disputing that our workers are the most productive in the world, but there are steps we must take make them the most innovative.

In his speech, President Obama echoed my call for the creation of a National Network of Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI). Using Youngstown’s first-of-its-kind manufacturing innovation institute as a model, the President announced the launch of three more manufacturing hubs and called on Congress to help him create a network of 15 additional centers. Every region and every state has a role to play in helping maintain our innovative edge and these new hubs will help.

I’ve been working with small businesses, industry leaders, universities, and research institutions on legislation to create these important NNMI institutes. This network will retain U.S. leadership in a range of next-generation technologies, capitalize on our investment in basic research, and create thousands of high pay, high tech manufacturing jobs. By leveraging existing infrastructure and pockets of innovation across the country, NNMI provides small businesses with access to the tools and expertise needed to compete in the global economy. This will create regional magnets for cutting-edge research, talented students, and additional investments.

And we’ve already started to bring people and organizations together to spur 21^st century innovation. Last year, we were able to bring the first-of-its-kind National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII) to the Mahoning Valley – to the “Tech Belt” that extends from Cleveland to Pittsburgh. NAMII is a $70 million public-private partnership that can make Youngstown a world leader in new manufacturing technology – like 3-D printing. As the President mentioned in his address, “A once shuttered warehouse [in Youngstown] is now a state of the art lab where new workers are mastering the 3-D printing that has the positional to revolutionize the way we make almost everything.”

Collaboration is critical for our success – and an NNMI would provide small businesses and research institutions access to the tools and expertise needed to compete in the global economy. And it can also spur the creation of regional hubs of advanced manufacturing throughout the U.S.

American workers have the drive, the creative thinking, and the determination to out-innovate the rest of the world. We just need to make certain that they have the opportunity to do so.

Adoption STAR Opens in Loveland

 

 

 

 

 

Ohio Program Director Angela Laman writes about her journey to Adoption STAR and the Ohio Grand Opening

 

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Hello, I would like to introduce myself: I am Angela Laman, a Licensed Social Worker, Adoption Assessor and the Program Director of Adoption STAR in Ohio. I have been employed with Adoption STAR for the past three years.

Prior to this, I served as Executive Director for Worlds Together adoption agency where I worked primarily with families who were interested in pursuing international adoptions. I became acquainted with Adoption STAR during my work with Worlds Together. I decided to join efforts with Adoption STAR and close Worlds Together to expand my interest in domestic adoptions as well as international placements.

In 2009, I began writing the policies for bringing Adoption STAR to Ohio. It took a good long year before Adoption STAR was approved as an official private child placing agency in January 2010.

Once the state of Ohio approved Adoption STAR as a private child placing agency in 2010, I closed Worlds Together and began working solely for Adoption STAR. This work was conducted out of my home office until August 2012. I worked mainly out of Panera and Starbucks when facilitating meetings with prospective adoptive parents as well as facilitating a placement!

A larger office space was needed with the growth occurring with Adoption STAR.

With this move to an official office space for Adoption STAR in Ohio, I am excited to announce our first Open House on March 5th from 4 to 6 p.m. at 433 West Loveland Avenue, Loveland, OH 45140. My favorite part about the new office space is having a place to meet with clients as well as hold informational sessions. I also love being able to share the office space with our newest part-time staff member, Tara Schamel. We hope you will find enjoy our wall of photos of the many families Ohio has been able to help create!

Sincerely,

Angela Laman

 

You are Invited to the Grand Opening of The Loveland Office

 

Tuesday March 5th 2013 from 4pm-6pm

The Ribbon Cutting will be held at 4:45 p.m. 

Join Us for the Open House and Ribbon Cutting of Our New Office Space in Loveland, Ohio 

Local Ohio staff and staff from the Adoption STAR main office in NYS will be present including the Founder and CEO, Michele Fried.

Food and drinks will be provided by such places as Mimi's Café, Panera, The Dessert Fairy and more. And look for raffle baskets!

RSVP to Angela@adoptionstar.com or call 513-631-3900 

Adoption STAR's Ohio office: 433 W. Loveland Ave., 1st Floor, Loveland, OH 45140

 

Ready, Willing & ABLE To Save Tax-Free For Your Child With Autism?

 

 

 

 

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Would you like to be ABLE to save tax-free for the future needs of your child with autism? Bipartisan legislation has just been reintroduced in the new Congress that would allow you to set up a tax-free savings account that would work just like a college savings account. And the new accounts would not jeopardize your child's eligibility for Medicaid, supplemental SSI or other benefits.

The legislation is called the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) and enjoys wide bipartisan support. The same bill in the last Congress attracted a majority of the House and 40 Senators as co-sponsors.

Ask your Members of Congress below to co-sponsor the new ABLE bill in this year's Congress! If they supported it last year, you will ask them to sign on again. If they did not or were just elected to Congress, you will ask them for their support.

Please take action today! 

Here is How YOU Can Help:

1) EMAIL YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS HERE We let you know whether or not your House Representative and your state's U.S. Senators co-sponsored last year's ABLE bill. We have a message created for you, but add a sentence or two to relate your family's experience.  2) ASK YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO HELP Share this link below on your Facebook and/or Twitter account and ask them to send in a letter on your behalf. "Bipartisan legislation has just been reintroduced in Congress that would help people wuth disabilities, such as autism, to save tax-free for their future needs. Could you go on the link below and ask your Members of Congress to sign on to the ABLE Act? Then write DONE below so I can thank you." LINK TO ABLE

 

Let's get ABLE done this year to level the playing field for all people with disabilities!

Shelley Hendrix
Director, Grassroots Development 
Autism Speaks

 

Standing Up for Ohio Manufacturers

 

 

 

 

 

by Sen. Sherrod Brown

 

We know Ohio workers and Ohio manufacturers can compete with anyone. We have skilled, productive workers and world-class infrastructure. But for years, we’ve seen evidence of unfair trade practices – like currency manipulation – costing Americans jobs.

Currency manipulation occurs when a country undervalues its currency to effectively subsidize its exports. This allows countries—like China—to sell their exports for cheaper, which is why so many low-cost goods are “Made in China.” And when countries like China don’t play by the rules, it drives American companies out-of-business ­and harms our economy. The price of U.S. made goods is artificially inflated and as a result cheap imports flood our markets. Ultimately, currency manipulation isn’t just cheating, it costs Americans jobs.

In a new report, the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) argues that eliminating currency manipulation can reduce our trade deficit and create jobs in Ohio. Specifically, by cutting down on cheating, the U.S. goods trade deficit could be reduce by up to $400 billion – over the course of a few years. The report also found that eliminating global currency manipulation in three years could reduce Ohio’s unemployment rate by up to 2.7 percentage points, increase Ohio GDP by between $8 billion and $17 billion, and create up to 75,900 Ohio manufacturing jobs.

That’s why I plan to re-introduce currency legislation this year. In 2011, my bipartisan legislation, the Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act, passed the Senate, but never got a vote in the House. By treating currency manipulation as an unfair subsidy and an illegal trade practice and providing our government with the tools to impose duties on these products flooding our markets, this bill seeks to stop Chinese currency manipulation to ensure a fair and level playing field for American manufacturers. It is my hope that the new EPI report reminds officials why it is important for us to act now.

Ohio jobs can be created when trade laws are enforced. But we need to ensure our trade partners uphold the same labor, environmental, and human rights standards that we do. This means that Ohio workers – be they employees at auto companies or small manufacturers – have a chance to compete on a level playing field. 

Workers and manufacturers have endured years of talking and no action. Now, it’s time that the House stands up to the Chinese, and helps fight the war waged on American manufacturing.

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Securing a Better Deal for Ohio Homeowners

 

 

 

In 2011, Jeanne Brigner reached out to my office after her mortgage servicer misapplied her monthly mortgage payment – an action which led her into foreclosure. Unlike many Ohioans, Jeanne was able to keep her home, but only after paying thousands of dollars in unnecessary fees. Unfortunately, the state of mortgage servicing is so bad that Jeanne is considered one of the lucky ones.

Last week, in Columbus, Youngstown, and Toledo, I heard from Jeanne and other homeowners who were unjustly foreclosed on – upending families and economically depressing local communities. We all know the devastation that foreclosures inflict on our communities, homeowners, and families.

From fraudulent legal documents to scheming mortgage servicers, U.S. homeowners have endured egregious violations by big banks. Enough is enough.

In 2010, America discovered that the same Wall Street banks that had brought our economy to the brink of collapse were taking advantage of homeowners to pad their own pockets.

While one in 10 Ohioans was out-of-work, the nation’s largest banks were generating billions in profits by ignoring the law and foreclosing on homeowners who were trying their hardest to pay their bills on time. And today, middle-class families are still suffering from mortgage lenders’ malfeasance.

Earlier this month, 10 of our nation’s largest banks reached an agreement to pay $8.5 billion to homeowners who were affected by unlawful foreclosures. The settlement money will be divided among all 4.4 million eligible homeowners—including about 96,000 Ohioans. Resources will be split between mortgage relief for borrowers, including loan modifications, and direct payments to homeowners. While borrowers will be contacted by the end of March if they are eligible, I also urge you to contact the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, a housing counselor, or my office if you believe you are eligible but have not been contacted.

Though each borrower is eligible for up to $125,000 in relief, most will receive much less than that. If every eligible borrower were provided equal relief, each household would only receive about $2,200. This would hardly compensate families who lost countless hours in disputes and possibly their homes as a result of wrongful foreclosure proceedings.

That’s why I’m calling for some common sense reforms that will make this a better deal for homeowners.

Last week, I sent a letter to regulators demanding that every dollar distributed gives homeowners the maximum benefit and prevents banks from avoiding their responsibilities.

But while these payments will provide some relief to homeowners, we must also stop these abuses before they start. That’s why I’m urging regulators to use the lessons learned from the foreclosure review process to fix a broken mortgage servicing model. 

If we’re going to shore up our economy, we need reforms like those in my Foreclosure Fraud and Homeowner Abuse Prevention Act. The reforms I have proposed would require banks to provide meaningful protections for borrowers before they near the point of defaulting; participate in loan modifications; stop foreclosures when borrowers are trying to work with banks to pay their bills on time; and hire enough staff to work with homeowners instead of issuing default judgments on foreclosures.

As the recent bank settlement shows, this bill would have prevented bank abuses if it had been in place in 2009 and 2010. Congress must pass this important legislation.

The truth is that we all have a stake in this fight. Even the most responsible homeowner can get caught up in the web created by sloppy mortgage servicing practices. And entire neighborhoods see their property values decline when foreclosures increase. That’s why we all benefit when these big banks take responsibility for their actions.

We must provide relief to the millions of homeowners forced into foreclosure. Now is the time to move forward and correct the problems in our housing market to protect future borrowers.

 

Staying Healthy During Flu Season

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following tragic reports of deaths from the flu in Ohio, Connie and I send our thoughts and prayers to the families of those who have lost a loved one to this terrible and sudden illness. At the same time, we must actively take steps to prevent the illness from spreading. My office has been briefed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on new information about this season’s flu and the preventive steps Ohioans can take. Through sharing this information, it is my hope that each of us will do everything we can to avert another flu-related death in our community. 

Seasonal flu in Ohio is already widespread. To put it into perspective, in the first week of 2013, 694 confirmed flu-associated hospitalizations were reported. This time last year, there were under 50 flu-associated hospitalizations.

In order to ensure citizens are up-to-date with information, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes weekly updates about current activity and a summary of the flu’s status. The link is available here: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm.

The CDC also recommends everyone six months and older receive a flu vaccine. Individuals with medical conditions, pregnant women, and people over 65 are especially encouraged to get vaccinated, as are medical professionals and people who live with the aforementioned individuals.

Terry Allan, RS, MPH, Cuyahoga County Board of Health Commissioner, and President-Elect of the of National Association of County and City Health Officials, says that the flu shot is an important tool in fighting spread of the illness.  Most patients being seen by health professionals have not had the flu shot.  He reminds us that, “There is still plenty of time to get vaccinated, and plenty of vaccine available. Cases can peak in late January or February, and new cases can be found into March and even April.  Shots are available from your doctor’s office, health department, or local drug store.” He also encourages calling your physician if symptoms persist or worsen, especially high fever or listlessness. He explains that, “A doctor can help you decide whether an emergency room visit is warranted. In most cases, you can ride the flu out at home.”

In addition to the recommended vaccine, there are several other precautionary measures individuals can take toward preventing the flu.  Some simple steps you can take to stay healthy during the flu season include: 

• Washing your hands with soap and warm water for about 20 seconds.
• Covering your cough with your elbow and using a tissue when sneezing.
• Practicing healthy habits like eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables; drinking plenty of water; exercising regularly; getting adequate rest; and staying away from sick people.

Also, public health experts advise that individuals or children who get sick stay home from work or school and childcare if they become infected.

The State of Ohio through the Ohio Department of Health is also monitoring this season’s flu.  More state specific information as well as links to your local health department is available at: http://www.odh.ohio.gov/features/odhfeatures/seasflu/seasonalinfluenza.aspx.

I encourage all Ohioans—parents and teachers, employers and workers—to learn how to protect themselves and their family from the flu. Together, we can work to prevent the illness from spreading and tragically taking another life.

 

 

Children's Meeting House Montessori School Open House Jan. 27

 

 

 

by Bonnie NcNett

 

Students learn about the adaptations, behavior, and coloration of a Carolina Chickadee at Children's Meeting House Montessori School in Loveland.

Children's Meeting House Montessori School (CMH) is pleased to invite prospective parents and potential students to an informative Open House on Sunday, January 27^th from 2:00 - 4:00p.m.  Experienced, certified Montessori teachers and administrators will be available to answer questions and to discuss the school's educational philosophy and the fundamental principles of the Montessori Educational Method.  Classrooms will be open so parents can learn about the hands-on materials that create inquisitive, cooperative, and nurturing learning environments both in the school building and in the great outdoors.  

 

Prospective parents and children are invited to tour the beautiful eight-acre campus, which includes flower and fruit gardens, a pond, a creek, a bird blind, trails, and a raspberry and apple orchard.  The school's dedication to the natural world is evident in their intensive study and focus on native birds and animals, local plants, insects, and geology.

Offering programs for children age three through sixth grade, CMH is a non-profit institution that provides a rigorous academic curriculum, focuses on the development of the whole child, and fosters a lifelong love of learning.  The school includes enrichment programs with Spanish, music, library, health and wellness, yoga, chess club, running club, and outdoor education programs to ensure children receive a balanced, well-rounded education. 

Children’s Meeting House is celebrating 40 years of providing excellent, authentic Montessori education.  Montessori students attain a deep understanding of core academic subjects and acquire real-world life skills tailored to fit each child's educational needs.  Nestled on a sprawling 8-acre campus, CMH is conveniently located less than a mile from downtown Loveland.  For more information, please call CMH admissions at (513) 683-4757 or visit: www.childrensmeetinghousemontessori.com

Kincaid urges public meetings be absolutely packed with concerned mothers, fathers, and property owners

 

 

 

by Valerie Kincaid

This is a open letter to my fellow residents of the Loveland School District regarding the new gun range that has been proposed for property diagonally adjacent to Loveland Primary School/Loveland Elementary School on Loveland-Madeira Road.

If the project moves forward at this location, please consider these four topics as our community learns more about this project and the impact it could have on school safety for our community’s children and residential property values for all homeowners.


GUN RANGE WOULD BE NAMED “SLING N' GUNS”

It appears that the business owner, who is a federally licensed firearms dealer who lives in our school district, has already named his new proposed shooting range “Sling N Guns”, according to a company website and a listing on Yelp.com.

If you click on the filtered review link on the Sling N Guns’ Yelp listing, you’ll see that shooters at his proposed business will be allowed to practice with any caliber pistol and up to a .223 caliber rifle. In addition, shooters will also be able to rent guns for target practice on-site. Most guns at the proposed target shooting range will rent for $10 or $5.

Machine gun rental will be a bit more expensive. “Machine Guns: $35 with One Full Clip of 25-30 rounds depending on the gun type”, according to Sling N Guns’ Yelp listing.

You can see the logo for this new business for yourselves by visiting www.slingnguns.com. Details about this gentleman's other gun-related businesses, which are all perfectly legal, and are in addition to his proposed target range can be found at www.onling.com or by searching for Onling Guns on Facebook.

Some examples of his other legal and licensed gun-related services already conducted through his existing home-based business, Onling Guns, are:

    •Plans to bring a new line of gun silencers, which are legal in Ohio and dramatically reduce the loud “boom” guns typically make when fired, to sell here.
  
    •Handling out-of-state gun transfers for prices of either $15 or $50 depending on the type of gun for people purchasing guns from dealers based outside Ohio.

Would those gun silencers be on sale across the street from LPS/LES if that’s the location he selects for his Sling N Guns shooting range? Will that proposed location become a regional destination for out-of-state gun transfers? Only the gun business owner can say for sure, and he’s unfortunately refused so far to grant interviews to local media.


GUN RANGES ARE PERFECTLY LEGAL, BUT SHOULD THEY BE SO CLOSE TO AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL?

As someone who grew up with handguns, rifles, and a shotgun in my family’s home, went target shooting as a teenager, and was taught basic gun safety beginning in childhood, it was my hope that the owner of “Sling N Guns” and “Onling Guns” would reconsider his first choice for the location of his gun range.

The gun ranges I shot at as a teen were always either in industrial areas, out in the country for outdoor ranges, or in some other remote location. I don’t recall any of them ever being across the street from an elementary school. That’s just common sense, in my opinion.

Unfortunately, I and a group of concerned residents who are following this issue closely, learned this week that while the gun business owner is considering other possible, more appropriate locations around Loveland for his shooting range business, he has so far declined to confirm to Loveland City officials that the property adjacent to the schools is definitely off his list of possible locations.

So it’s still possible that “Sling N Guns” could be opening soon across the street from the school campus where more than 1,000 of Loveland’s children in grades 1-4 attend school.


PARENTS AND OTHER CONCERNED PROPERTY OWNERS NEED TO SHOW UP FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS ON THIS ISSUE
 
As a result of the obvious school safety concerns, the Loveland School Board and our Superintendent Dr. Marschhausen will be discussing their concerns on this proposal at the upcoming School Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 8th beginning at 6 p.m. in the media center (library) at the Loveland Intermediate School/Middle School campus on Lebanon  Road.

I am asking every fellow resident who is concerned about this gun range’s proposed location next to a school to PLEASE ATTEND THIS SCHOOL BOARD MEETING to show our school board members and the Greater Loveland community our strong support for them in addressing this critical school safety issue. The school board is scheduled to discuss and vote on a document (Resolution of Concern) regarding this issue that will be forwarded to Loveland City Council, which has the real say in what kinds of businesses can be located adjacent to any of our community’s schools.

We have learned that the City of Loveland council members have apparently authorized their council attorney to attend the school board meeting and formally accept the school board’s document to take immediately to Loveland City Council.

You do not have to publicly speak at the school board meeting if you prefer not to, but a simple show of unified support by attending the meeting could help make a real difference.

Your presence will send a clear message to our school board members that we support their concerns and efforts to protect our community’s children. It will also send an unambiguous message to elected officials with the City of Loveland, and possibly to the gun business owner; that many people here are deeply concerned with the current proposed location of the gun range and are closely following this issue.

In addition, there is an 8 p.m. meeting that same evening – Tuesday, Jan. 8 – of the Loveland City Council.

After the school board addresses the proposed gun range issue, our family and a group of other concerned parents will be moving on to the Loveland City Council meeting to follow their reaction to the school board’s document outlining the school district’s concerns on this issue.

Again, no one has to speak at the Loveland City Council meeting if you prefer not to – although anyone who wishes to address Loveland City Council will have that opportunity during the Open Public Forum section of the meeting.

I think it would be wonderful if the Loveland City Council Chambers down at Loveland City Hall near the bike trail is absolutely packed with concerned mothers, fathers and other property owners on January 8th at 8 p.m.

COULD THE PROPERTY VALUES OF OUR HOMES BE AFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE?
 
While my chief concern is the safety of our community’s children who attend LPS/LES, I cannot help but also be deeply worried about our community’s residential home values. What impact could having the “Sling N Guns” shooting range diagonally adjacent to Loveland’s primary/elementary schools have on our home values?

Imagine a married couple with young school-aged children who are looking to move to one of the great school district communities in Cincinnati’s Northeastern suburbs. Picture them as they research the different communities, and maybe even drive past the elementary schools for districts such as Sycamore, Mason, and Loveland.

If you were that young couple, would having “Sling N Guns” shooting range across the street from Loveland Primary/Elementary schools affect your decision on which school district to buy a home in?

How many parents would be excited to buy a house in the Loveland School District, knowing that from first grade through fourth grade, their children will be in school and out on a playground that is just a few hundred feet from the front door of “Sling N Guns”, if the gun range goes in at the proposed location on Loveland-Madeira Road?

Even for Loveland families who send their kids to our community’s great private and parochial schools and would never have a child at the LPS/LES campus, could there be a financial impact? Anyone who owns a home in the Loveland School District could be affected financially if our community’s home values are impacted by the proposed location of this shooting range.


As the reputation and desirability of living in the Loveland School District goes up or down, so goes the market value of our homes.

On January 8th, our family will be at those two public meetings.

I hope those of you who share my concerns will join me, and encourage other concerned parents and property owners to be there as well.

 

 

Shooting Range Near Elementary School: "This cannot happen... not in Loveland."

 

 

 

 

An Open Letter to the Loveland City Council

 

Dear Loveland City Council,

I wanted to express my disappointment in the level of engagement by the Council at Tuesday night’s meeting on the topic of the proposed Gun Range. (Proposed Shooting Range Next to Loveland Primary and Elementary School)

For the exception of Mr. Fitzgerald who at least opened the possibility to re-looking at this issue via way of zoning, the balance of the council either sat in silence or essentially repeated the history of why the laws and zoning requirements prevented action. There was zero...we cannot let this happen...type of resolve coming from the Council. I and the others in attendance found this very disappointing as we discussed and further organized after the meeting.

I am pleased to hear reports that through the work of the media the potential business owner in this case is now considering other locations.* That is the only reasonable outcome. However, it should not be assumed that he will choose an alternative location nor should it be assumed that even if he does, that this is the last discussion on this topic. Clearly as Mr. Fitzgerald suggested we need to have a holistic solution as to why we cannot let a gun range open 250 feet from the school. I sincerely hope you agree with me on this....we cannot let this happen now or in the future. I will offer my support to the Council and the City Management in any way needed.

The concerned parents and residents of this community will need your leadership to ensure that our school communities are safe now and in years to come. Times have changed and we must react accordingly. I will be interested to hear regular updates on this at future council meetings. In the meantime, we will continue to organize broad based community support and use all possible outlets to drive successful action.

As you can tell by the media coverage which was generated in short order as the news became public, this is a lightning rod topic which will generate overwhelming support from parents and residents of this community. We must get it right.

I and my family have lived in the Loveland School District for almost five years now. Returning to the US after 5 years abroad; we could have lived anywhere, but we decided to live in Loveland. I'm thankful we did. There is nowhere else I and my wife would rather raise our children. We have a beautiful community with unmatched assets. The parents, schools and residents of this community need this Council and City Management to take strong leadership to say...this cannot happen...not in Loveland.

Regards,
Brian Wint
Symmes Township resident and parent of three Loveland students

Editor’s Note: Wint also sent this letter to: Loveland Chamber of Commerce, Loveland City City Manager, Loveland Assistant City Manager, Loveland PTA President, and the Loveland School Superintendent.

*Since Loveland Magazine broke this story on December 17, Loveland Magazine has repeatedly tried to reach the owner of Onling Guns, who proposes the shooting range. Attempts to reach Mr. Ling by telephone have not been successful.

Weapons of war don’t belong on our streets

 

 

by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)

I am horrified and incensed by today’s tragedy in Connecticut. These massacres don’t seem to stop—they continue on and on.

When senseless mass shootings reach into our kindergartens and elementary schools, one has to question what is happening to America. Gun violence took the lives of more than 8,000 Americans last year, and today claimed the lives of at least 18 children.

As I have said many times before—and now repeat in the wake of yet another tragedy—weapons of war don’t belong on our streets or in our theaters, shopping malls and, most of all, our schools.

I hope and trust that in the next session of Congress there will be sustained and thoughtful debate about America’s gun culture and our responsibility to prevent more loss of life.”

But today we mourn for those who have been killed and the families that have been devastated.

Women stand up and fight for your children!

 

 

 

 

I would no more put a diabetic in a room full of brownies, than I would a shooting range around children!

 

by Mother (Purveyor of Life) This Miami Township mom wishes to remain anonymous.

 

Let's not forget that shooting ranges (Shooting Range May Open in Loveland in a Retail Strip Center on Loveland Madeira Road) also teach persons how to murder and even encourage it under the ruse of self-defense.  Why should we have targets of people?  It does not take a rocket scientist to pull a trigger in self-defense.

The gun industry makes copious amounts of money scaring people into a self-fulfilling prophecy.  BTW we wouldn't need to practice self-defense so much if there weren't so many guns to start with. The Columbine shooters and the shooter in this school both actively practiced at shooting ranges. Don't you think after all of that practice they wanted a chance to show off their skills with a full recital? 

Please I implore you to study and understand basic neurology and psychological development.  Boys do not even fully develop their pre-frontal lobes of their brain until 26 years of age.  Even car insurance companies understand this. This is why teens engage in such seemingly destructive and naive behaviors.  They truly lack the judgment and foresight of a normal adult-that is, an educated and mentally competent adult.  But who really is the judge of mental competence? I work with  inner city youth who think killing is a badge of honor and male prowess, autistic and mentally handicapped children who have access but lack the mental competence to "safely judge when to use a gun" and regular kids who are just plain on the edge due to exposure to so much violence in media.  I also work with young boys who's mothers and fathers find it easier to throw them in front of violent video games and movies rather than to engage them in higher level thinking skills through thoughtful investment in their constructive development.  If you feed a brain junk food that is what you get out. 

Destruction is a lower level brain function.  In other words it’s easier to be destructive than constructive! Teens and young adults are mostly reactionary due to hormonal changes.  We cannot naively think they we can just train them to “use a gun safely”.   I can train a 12 year old to use a car safely, but it does not mean they are emotionally capable to handle it.  Many adults can’t even handle it!

As to your and many others belief that if we arm everyone, someone is likely to be able to defend you, while in some circumstances that may be true, but how many people are shot from behind, should we know how mirrors attached to our backs? How many children in classrooms should carry guns?  Should we now send our kids to school in a bullet proof vest in case “little Johnny was having a bad day and got his feelings hurt?”  Should teachers carry guns, knowing that it could accidentally discharge or be left in a desk where a child can find it?  What happens with road rage when you accidentally cut someone off and they think it intentional?

While I understand gun owners who feel they have the right to defend themselves and their so called constitutional right, the rest of us have a basic right to safety without the fear of being shot anywhere anytime by any emotionally distressed or misunderstood individual.  Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs for Psychological Development cites the need for safety as the foundation for all higher learning.  More guns equals more opportunities to act out on our aggressions instead of developing alternative ways of dealing with anger.

And if you are the type of person who does not respond to emotion and feeling, perhaps think about the millions of dollars wasted on gun violence every year.  How many trillions of our tax dollars go to the judicial system, incarceration, military, health care due to gun violence all because we are too lazy and frankly not smart enough to respect the fragility of the human brain.

You can hold your head as high as you want knowing you are a responsible gun owner, but living right next door to you is a young person who sustained a minor head injury, or is taking steroids, or is taking drugs, or is being abused, or has only seen violence and not love and they are just waiting for that quick sale off the internet to get even.  It's not just about you! There are more psychologically precarious individuals out there than you could ever believe.

Tougher gun laws and psychological programs should be implemented, but nothing will solve the ease of access unless people decide it to be so.  I would no more put a diabetic in a room full of brownies, than I would a shooting range around children.  I too will boycott any business anywhere near a range.  It's time we stop being so egocentric in this country and think of others who have never had the chance to begin to realize their potential. I think it's just a little more important that we save our children vs. kill a deer!  I have more faith in men and women that they can find something more constructive to do with their brains.

Shame on us if we let the NRA turn into the KGB of our nation.  I’m a patriot and I don’t need a gun to prove it.

The gun industry is making money hand over fist by instilling fear and supplying the reason to be fearful.  It’s time to stop letting our children pay for their profits.

Women stand up and fight for your children!  Gun violence is the ultimate disrespect to women.  We have endured years on our periods, labor, and child rearing to raise and cultivate a beautiful life.  This is not the world we envisioned that day when we welcomed a new life into this world.

We cannot allow people that are attracted to violence determine our children’s and indeed our own fate.   Do the right thing and help your boys learn things that will grow their minds.  There is so much genius yet to be discovered in man, but not if all of humanity is destroyed before our potential is realized.

The only way out of this is through EDUCATION! EDUCATION! EDUCATION!  None of us came into this world with a gun in our hands for a reason.

 

 

Claiming Tax Refunds, Protecting Tax Cuts

 

 

 

Unclaimed Tax Refunds May be Owed to You

 

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown

Good communication is important, and poor communication can be costly. Unfortunately, miscommunication between Washington and Ohio could cost families in Wilmington and Orville up to $3,700 next year.

As the New Year quickly approaches, it’s critical that Ohio families are aware of the unclaimed tax refunds that may be owed to them by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Often times, inaccurate addresses have caused these funds to be returned by the U.S. Postal Service. And in fact, last year, more than 2,000 Ohioans were eligible to claim tax refunds.  In 2011, undelivered refund checks were worth more than $1,500 on average.

Ohioans have always worked hard and played by the rules.  But every year, millions of Americans don’t receive their tax returns because of postal errors. Taxpayers deserve to easily receive the money that the government owes them, and shouldn’t lose money just because their checks got lost in the mail. 

Fortunately, claiming a tax refund is an easy process if you are eligible. According to the IRS, if a refund check is returned to the IRS as undelivered, taxpayers can generally update their addresses with the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov. The Tool also enables taxpayers to check the status of their refunds. A taxpayer must submit his or her Social Security number, filing status, and amount of refund shown on their 2011 return. The tool will provide the status of their refund and, in some cases, instructions on how to resolve delivery problems.

Ohio taxpayers checking on a refund over the phone will receive instructions on how to update their addresses. Taxpayers can access a telephone version of “Where’s My Refund?” by calling 1-800-829-1954. They can also go to the Where’s My Refund? online tool to check the status of their refund by clicking on https://sa1.www4.irs.gov/irfof/lang/en/irfofgetstatus.jsp.

Ohioans can also take two simple steps to avoid the risk that their refund could get lost in the mail.  They can start by signing up to have their tax returns directly deposited to their bank accounts, eliminating the potential for postal errors.  Next, they can file their taxes electronically. In addition to reducing the potential for miscommunication, e-filing reduces errors on tax returns and speeds up the refund process.  

 

Protecting Tax Cuts

But while ensuring Ohio families receive the refunds they are owed is important, it’s also crucial that we fight to guarantee middle class families across the country don’t see their taxes rise altogether.

Right now, taxes will automatically rise for all Americans on January 1 unless Congress acts.

Both the President and I campaigned on maintaining tax rates for 99 percent of Ohio families, and on November 6^th, you strongly supported this position. But, more than a month later, some conservative politicians in Washington still haven’t gotten the message.  They are still protecting the wealthiest one percent, at the expense of the middle class.

In July, the Senate passed the Middle Class Tax Cut Act, which would prevent 99 percent of Ohio families – and all Americans making less than $250,000 per year – from paying higher taxes. Under the bill, the median income Ohio households would save an average of $2,200 on their taxes next year.  Leaders in the House of Representatives have failed to schedule a vote on the bill – in part, because it asks the wealthiest two percent of American households to pay the same tax rates they paid during the Clinton years, when our economy added 22 million jobs. It’s time for the House of Representatives to stop holding hostage middle class tax cuts and pass the bill.

It’s our duty to ensure that taxes will not go up for the millions of Ohioans who wake up early, send their children off to school, keep our assembly lines productive, tend to our vast agricultural areas, and stand up behind a counter serving customers for eight hours or more each day.

Let’s move forward with our economic recovery and ensure that Ohioans have the resources they need to support their families. By accessing unclaimed tax credits, and providing tax cuts that bolster middle class families, we can continue to make our country stronger.

 

Don't let this happen without a fight!

 

 

 

Historic Black Church Should be Saved

To the readers of Loveland Magazine, citizens of Loveland, Ohio, and the dear members of the committee to save the Loveland Predestinarian Baptist Church.

My name is George Geder and I'm an evangelist for African Ancestored Genealogy and Family History. As such, when I become aware of events and activities that impact our communities, history and culture, I get concerned and involved. (Sankofa: Looking Back to Save Historic Loveland Church)

It is my understanding that the Loveland Predestinarian Baptist Church is a testament, landmark, and icon to the Loveland community and that city administrators are considering demolishing the 118 Year-old Historic Black Church.

I'm certain that local members of the Loveland community are protesting and fighting this consideration. Concerned peoples around the nation must raise their voices and lend support to the effort to preserve and restore the Loveland Predestinarian Baptist Church.

Please be cautioned; if the demolition of a treasured African American landmark can be considered in this community, it can be considered about historical African American landmarks in your community.

Don't let this happen without a fight! Give your support to preserve the Loveland Predestinarian Baptist Church.

Peace and Blessings, "Guided by the Ancestors" 

George Geder

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you

By U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt,

Ohio’s Second Congressional District

The two case workers in my office estimate that they have received a total of about 6,300 requests for constituent services since I came to Congress in 2005.  That’s not counting the hundreds of questions that the case workers have answered each year for constituents without having to open case files.

Responding to the needs of the people who live in the seven counties that make up Ohio’s Second Congressional District has been one of my top priorities as your representative in Washington over the last 7½ years.

My current term will conclude January 3. My Hamilton County and Adams County offices are wrapping up several cases involving constituent services, but future requests for such help will be referred to the offices of Ohio’s two senators, Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown.

My staff has done an extraordinary job of navigating the federal bureaucracy on behalf of the thousands of people who have telephoned or written to request help over the years.

Some cases, such as requests to expedite passports or visas, can be handled in a few days or weeks. More complex matters, such as those involving immigration, can take six months to three years to resolve. “It can be frustrating at times, but it’s always rewarding,” one of my case workers said.

Many times, my office has been the last hope for people facing financial difficulties. Common issues have included delays by the Internal Revenue Service in processing tax refunds, or demands for additional paperwork to process the payment of Medicare bills. In one case, we helped a constituent get long-overdue Social Security benefits that totaled $68,000.

Other times, my office has helped veterans or their families obtain the medals earned years ago for military service. My office has also cut through red tape to help veterans or their widows obtain tens of thousands of dollars in overdue VA benefits. Other times, my office intervened to help resolve pay or retirement issues for active-duty members of the military.

My case workers also have helped constituents with claims involving thousands of dollars in compensation and medical benefits related to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.

People who have waited on claims for months or even years have been amazed that something could be done to speed things up once a congressional office made a phone call or sent an email.

I’ve also worked closely with local and state officials to obtain federal funding for public works projects that have benefited residents throughout Ohio’s Second Congressional District, which encompasses Adams County, Brown County, Clermont County, Pike County, and parts of Hamilton County, Warren County, and Scioto County. These include the Interstate 275 interchange improvements in Eastgate and Cincinnati’s central riverfront street grid project.

I’m particularly proud that I was able to help line up federal funding for the Banks project along the Ohio River, which is a vital part of the redevelopment of downtown Cincinnati.

Other beneficiaries include Shawnee State University, the Parker House in Brown County, the Portsmouth Industrial Park redevelopment, Talbert House drug treatment programs in Warren County and Hamilton County, and the Cincinnati Police Department.

I’ve gone to battle for farmers in Southern Ohio, opposing undue regulations and pushing for programs that ensure that our nation has the safest and most stable food supply in the world.

I’ve pushed for reforms for the food stamp program, but argued against drastic cuts that would force many Americans to go hungry. Child-nutrition issues have been a major concern of mine.

I also have championed many projects related to jobs and getting our economy back on track, including the lengthy fight to prod the administration of President Obama to support the USEC uranium-enrichment plant in Pike County.

The importance of constituent services is something I recognized long before becoming the first woman to represent Southern Ohio in Congress. Previously, I spent four years as a state representative in the Ohio House, and I was a Miami Township trustee in my native Clermont County for 11 years.

For each of those 22 years, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve you.

Sankofa: Looking Back to Save Historic Loveland Church

 

 

 

 

The congregation of the Loveland Predestinarian Baptist Church in 1926. Historian Larry Hamilton has identified everyone in this photo.

 

by Larry Hamilton

 

A disappointing message about  the declining prospects for saving the Loveland Predestinarian Baptist Church made me pause in reflection upon my personal remembrances and the family legacy associated with that church.

I had attended the Loveland Predestinarian Baptist Church as a child, as my father, Lawrence Sr., had before me and his mother, grandma Esther, had been my Sunday School teacher.  Her mother Cynthia had also briefly taught after attending Berea College but soon afterwards married John W. Hannon who would pastor the Loveland church for nearly fifty years.  Cynthia's, mother was Lucy Sams Ross who was born a slave in Kentucky and had weathered many storms of life in the form of personal losses, social indignities and political denials but her faith was her refuge and shortly after migrating to Ohio she became a founding member of the Loveland Predestinarian Baptist Church in 1892.  (Read: Historic Review of Chestnut Street Church)

After meditating for some time my attention turned suddenly to contemplating the task at hand and I wrote to David Miller, Publisher of Loveland Magazine, and those that had formed a committee to save the church the following:

 

Thank you for the update. There is little to be optimistic about in this account, or what am I missing? However, I am not without a measure of faith. I still believe that I/we can make a difference. I've never been an inspirational speaker but that has seldom stopped me from sharing and/or fighting the good fight. The Vernon Johns Story, a movie about the struggle for civil rights contained the command "Son, if you see a good fight, get in it!" As a father and a teacher I further encouraged my children and students with the following:

 

A Mission Statement

I am only one,
but I am one,
I can't do everything,
but I can do something,
What I can do,
I ought to do,
And what I ought to do,
By the grace of GOD
I will do.

Author unknown

In the release of my Book III of Lucy's Story the cover will depict two women-one white and one black (Helen Medert and Mary Sidney Wells) fighting back as 'prayer warriors' during the 1913 Loveland Flood.

There are of course a number of themes in sharing this family history narrative but chief among them are 'keeping the faith' and doing the RIGHT thing. I am committed to doing both and my role in part will be to fight the good fight in challenging the City of Loveland to do the RIGHT thing and challenging the family and Black community to be more than talkers of faith but to become walkers in the conviction of their faith.

My slave ancestor who helped build the Loveland Predestinarian Baptist Church exercised her faith and fought the good fight in realizing "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) but her descendants, not so much.  Because of personal family matters I had already decided to use the following as a FOREWORD to Book III...

Thank all of you for doing what you have done and those of you so inclined to continue doing what you will do ...by the grace of GOD.

 

Sincerely,

Larry Hamilton

 

Larry Hamilton was raised in Loveland. He is a historian and retired Piqua High School teacher. He has recently published a sequel to his first book “Lucy’s Story” – titled “Between Two Suns: The Berean Experience”. The latest book is “the continuing saga of a family history narrative handed down from generations of the Hamilton family of Loveland, Ohio. Read more about Hamilton HERE.

 

 

Introduction to Book III of Lucy's Story

Family Gatherings:  So, Who do you think you are?

August has become the month that is chosen for many Family Reunions, especially since the efforts of Dorothy Height to formalize nationally the Black Family Reunion Celebration.

In conjunction with this Height - NCNW initiative, Cincinnati has become a destination site for many Black family groups, and this year the August 17th and 18th event at Sawyer Point has chosen the theme “Bringing Families Together”.  This activity will draw tens of thousands of people or family groups that share a blood line but unfortunately have little else in common.  Many more small family gatherings and reunions will be taking place but again a commonality of purpose particularly associated with the Sankofa experience is clearly to be questioned. 

This website: http://goblackcentral.com/ chose as its symbol the Sankofa- a bird looking back or behind to represent ‘us’ as a people and signify the importance of looking back to understand our history so we can move forward.  It is vital for people to know their heritage, history and culture….a person who knows their history is like a tree with strong roots. To the contrary, an individual who does not respect their history or their ancestors is like a tree without roots. We must deepen our roots, so that we may grow stronger…SANKOFA!

Within my own family group(s) the reality is that there is a growing chorus of discontent expressed by some who question the worth of bringing the family together, challenge why it is important to promote heritage, history and culture when all that stuff is boring and besides our people never did anything important anyhow.  Even the usual questions of cost associated with family dues and hotel reunion expenses are giving way to more sinister and personalized allegations of pimping grandma’s legacy.

We all know family members who have a knack for saying the wrong thing at just the right time to provoke ‘family dramas’ but fortunately most of us know that while we can’t chose are relatives or make them culturally sensitive to want to do the RIGHT thing, we can nevertheless, chose to put into place that which grandma urged and practiced, and that was to love us all unconditionally.  So, family is family and perhaps it’s better left to the spirit of the elders to judge the relevance and import of the extension of dignity, honor and respect given unto them. http://omaviasalipublishing.com/right-choices/ 

 

YOUR ANCESTORS

If you could see your ancestors all standing in a row.
Would you be proud of them? Or don't you really know.
Strange discoveries are often made, climbing the family tree.
Sometimes one is found in line who shocks the progeny.
If you could see your ancestors all standing in a row.
Perhaps there might be one or two you wouldn’t care to know.
Now turn the question right about and take another view.
When you shall meet your ancestors, will they be proud of you?
(Author unknown)

Watch: The Family Memorial Day Observance

Introductory remarks by Larry Hamilton for a family Memorial Day celebration and Flagpole Monument Dedication at Piqua, OH in 2007.

 

 

 

Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor Explains Ohio’s Decision on Obamacare

 

 

 

State Leadership and Congressional Oversight Are Key to Stopping ObamaCare

 

 

by John Boehner

Speaker of the House

 

President Obama has won re-election, but his health care law is still driving up costs and making it harder for small businesses to hire workers.  As was the case before the election, ObamaCare has to go. 

As I told Diane Sawyer of ABC News in an interview following the election, the tactics of our repeal efforts will have to change.  But the strategic imperative remains the same.  If we’re serious about getting our economy moving again, solving our debt, and restoring prosperity for American families, we need to repeal ObamaCare and enact common-sense, step-by-step reforms that start with lowering the cost of health care.

The president’s health care law adds a massive, expensive, unworkable government program at a time when our national debt already exceeds the size of our country’s entire economy.  We can’t afford it, and we can’t afford to leave it intact.  That’s why I’ve been clear that the law has to stay on the table as both parties discuss ways to solve our nation’s massive debt challenge.

Congress has a constitutional responsibility to conduct thorough oversight of the Executive Branch, and congressional oversight will play a critical role in repealing ObamaCare going forward.  

Over the past couple of years, I have noted there are essentially three major routes to repeal of the president’s law: the courts, the presidential election process, and the congressional oversight process.  With two of those three routes having come up short, the third and final one becomes more important than ever.

Vigorous oversight of the health care law by the House can be expected, and in fact is already underway.  The House Ways & Means Committee recently issued a subpoena directing that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) turn over any and all information regarding how taxpayer dollars have been used to promote ObamaCare. 

It’s the second subpoena [HHS Secretary Kathleen] Sebelius has faced from congressional Republicans in as many months,’ according to POLITICO, which notes that ‘the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee subpoenaed the agency to turn over documents to determine if funds from a Medicare Advantage demonstration program are being used improperly.’

One state that has acted clearly and decisively with respect to ObamaCare is our own state of Ohio.  Gov. John Kasich announced November 16 that Ohio will not implement one of the government-run ‘exchanges’ mandated under the president’s health care law, and will preserve our state’s ability to regulate health insurance on its own. 

Governor John Kasich and Lt. Governor Mary Taylor want every Ohioan to have health care coverage and believe the route to achieving that is a market-based system that encourages both high quality and low costs,’ noted the announcement from the Office of the Governor.  ‘A rigid, prescriptive health insurance exchange that reduces choices and drives up costs does not align with the Kasich Administration’s health policy goals.’

I’m proud of our governor and lieutenant governor for taking this stand and resisting the federal takeover of health care in Ohio.  Repeal of the president’s health care law is critically important to the economic future of our country.

With President Obama and his party still in control of most of Washington, stopping ObamaCare will require both bold state leadership and vigorous oversight by Members of the House of Representatives.  Such action will be critical in protecting the American people and our economy from the impact of this disastrous federal law.”

Boehner represents Ohio’s 8th District, which includes all of Darke, Miami, and Preble counties, most of Butler and Mercer counties, and the northeastern corner of Montgomery County. He was first elected to Congress in 1990.

Saluting Ohio’s Spirit of Volunteerism

 

 

 

by Sen. Sherrod Brown

 

My mother, a schoolteacher in Mansfield, taught her sons that no matter what your station is in life, no one is too important or too busy to serve.

This holiday season, I’m grateful for that lesson – and for the example set each day by so many in their communities. And I am most heartened by the sacrifices of hardworking Ohioans who struggle to make ends meet yet still make time to give to others.

A couple of years ago, I met an Ohio family who was bagging groceries for neighbors at a local food pantry. While they were long time volunteers at the food pantry, they recently had turned to its services themselves due to job loss. 

It’s that indelible Ohio spirit – the eagerness to give back, to lend a helping hand even when times are hard – that encourages me.

Although Ohio’s unemployment rate dropped below 7 percent last week, there is still much more to be done. Scarcity is a fact of life for too many Americans in urban areas, rural communities, small towns, and big cities alike. Today more than 1.8 million Ohioans live in poverty and nearly one in six Ohioans don’t know where they will get their next meal.

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. We can also volunteer at community centers, places of worship, schools, and senior 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?

Our nation’s prosperity depends on a strong middle class, and the equality of opportunity that allows all people to join the middle class.

Today, more Ohioans are back at work, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do to ensure that every American who wants to work can find a job that allows them to take care of their families.

During this Thanksgiving season, I salute the spirit of volunteerism in our state and encourage all of you to reach out and volunteer. 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 it 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 first responders who work to keep our communities safe prove that we have the will.

Connie and I wish all of you a safe Thanksgiving holiday.

Autism Insurance Reform: In order to make this a reality, we will need your help

 

 

 

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

We are pleased to announce that two bills have been introduced in the Ohio State Legislature to obtain autism insurance reform for Ohio families before the end of 2012!

We are so thankful to the bill sponsors including state Representatives Lou Terhar (Green Township) and Cheryl Grossman (Grove City) who co-sponsored HB 598 and Senator Bill Seitz (Cincinnati) who sponsored SB 381 for taking up this important initiative.

Ohio is one of 18 remaining states in the country -- and the only state in the Midwest -- that has not taken steps to end autism insurance discrimination and provide people with autism the access to medical  treatments and therapies they need to lead more independent lives.

In order to make this a reality, we will need your help after the Thanksgiving holidays to give it all you've got. We must let the Ohio legislature know that your 1 in 88 can't wait any longer for autism insurance reform.

We are hopeful that we will be able to announce the first hearing in the House very soon so stay tuned and be on the lookout for action alerts. Working together, we will pass this bill this time and make Ohio the 33rd state to achieve reform!

Happy Thanksgiving from Autism Votes & Autism Speaks!

Shelley Hendrix
Director, Grassroots Development
Autism Speaks

TO LEARN MORE:
Autism Speaks Endorses Ohio Autism Insurance Reform Bills

Say a Thanksgiving prayer for those less fortunate

 

 

By U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt,

Ohio’s Second Congressional District

The laughter and love of family members gathered around the dinner table at Thanksgiving provide food for the soul.

If all you have is a loving family, then you have been blessed. We who also have warm homes and sturdy tables at which our family members can share stories as well as a few slices of turkey and pie have even more to celebrate.

As you give thanks to God for your blessings this holiday, please remember in your prayers those less fortunate.

Many families in Southern Ohio and elsewhere have been hit hard by the economic downturn. The number of people on food stamps has spiked in recent years, largely because of unemployment.

The forces of nature also have proven costly. Many in the Clermont County village of Moscow were displaced this past March, when a tornado ripped through the community of about 296 people. Nearly 100 homes were hit hard, and several people were killed.

Progress has been made in cleanup efforts related to several March tornadoes that destroyed or damaged hundreds of homes and other structures in Clermont County – as well as some property in Adams County, Brown County, and Scioto County. But work remains to be done.

That puts into perspective the task that lies ahead for our fellow Americans along the East Coast, whose lives were disrupted last month by Hurricane Sandy.

Homes, businesses, and hospitals were flooded as a result of the storm, with some structures knocked off their foundations and others crumbling or catching fire. Also damaged were bridges, tunnels, subways, and commuter rail lines.

More than 100 lives were lost, and about 1 million people had to be evacuated. 

The cleanup will be a massive undertaking, costing tens of billions of dollars. The halt in business activity will result in lost revenue totaling tens of billions of dollars more.

Numerous federal agencies have deployed thousands of government workers to help, and Congress might consider increasing disaster funds to afflicted states. But it could take years for some areas to return to normal.

Some officials have suggested donations of money to agencies such as the American Red Cross. Here in Ohio’s Second Congressional District, the Blue Ash-based charity Matthew 25: Ministries also can accept supplies to aid in the relief efforts. (For information about recovery efforts and how you can help, visit this federal government website: www.usa.gov/Topics/Weather/Hurricane/sandy.shtml)

The good news in Southern Ohio is that many compassionate people are trying to help out those less fortunate, perhaps through donations to charities such as the Salvation Army or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

If you can’t afford to donate money or goods, then consider giving some of your time.

I’ll be among hundreds who will volunteer an hour or more next week to pack food for the needy at the Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

Last year, the work included toting 10-pound sacks of potatoes, five-pound bags of apples, and onion sacks that weighed about two pounds. Some of the food ended up with families as far away as Scioto County – one of seven counties in Ohio’s Second Congressional District, which I represent.

While based in Hamilton County, the Freestore Foodbank helps people in 20 counties through food pantries, including residents of Clermont County, Brown County, Adams County, and Pike County. Over a three-day period before Thanksgiving last year, about 700 volunteers packed 10,200 boxes of food for distribution – including a turkey or chicken in each one. That was enough to feed more than 25,000 individuals, including 13,000 children.

At times like this, it is important to remember that we are the United States of America – with an emphasis on “United.” The strength of our Union, combined with the blessings of God, enables us to overcome tragedies

Despite the unexpected trials that arise, we will carry on – working together to rebuild.

Honoring Ohio’s Veterans

 

 

I can help cut through red tape

On Veterans Day, and every day, we must remember to express our gratitude to the men and women that have served our country in uniform. In a ceremony on Veterans Day, more than 67 years after his service in World War II, North Olmsted resident U.S. Army Corporal (Ret.) Dewey Limpert received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star along with several other overdue medals. After being contacted by Mr. Limpert’s daughter, my office worked with the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) and the U.S. Army to track down the long overdue medals he deserved. Ohio’s veterans—like Mr. Limpert—have made invaluable contributions protecting our freedom.

Tracking down overdue medals is just one of many ways our office can help veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned. As your Senator, one of my most important jobs is helping veterans cut through red tape when dealing with the federal government. Whether it’s health services, assistance with obtaining disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, or employment support, too many veterans encounter excessive delays in getting a response from the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). That’s why my offices located in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Lorain are open every business day to serve you. With field offices in every region of the state – including rural areas in Southeast and Northwest Ohio – my top priority is constituent services. Veterans in need of assistance can visit http://brown.senate.gov/ohio/constituent_services/ or call my office toll-free at 1-888-896-OHIO (6446).

And while my office is always available to help constituents cut through red tape, we need to ensure that veterans have access to a system that works with, not against them.  Right now, the VA faces a staggering backlog of nearly 900,000 disability claims – including more than 25,000 backlogged claims from Ohio.

Far too many veterans return home to their communities and can’t access the benefits they’ve earned in a timely fashion. In fact, more veterans than ever are contacting the VA to secure their benefits—since 2008, the department has seen a 48 percent increase in claims. Last year, the VA processed 1 million claims from our nation’s veterans, but 1.3 million new claims were submitted to VA. But too many of these claims, especially those from Ohio veterans, are backlogged.

This means that veterans—many of whom are seeking assistance to deal with service-connected injuries—are left waiting. These delays are compounded by that the fact that too often veterans must wade through the VA application on their own.  Yet, help is often available – from other veterans – in the communities where veterans live.

That’s why I introduced the Veterans Services Outreach Act, which would require the VA to notify veterans filing for claims electronically that there are advocates standing by who are ready to help.  Specifically, the bill would require the VA to provide information about important, time-saving assistance available from VA-approved organizations including Ohio’s county-based veterans’ service commissions and veterans’ service organizations (VSOs).

I’ve heard from many of these organizations – groups that have supported America’s veterans for decades – that the new electronic filing system does not inform applicants about their services, preventing veterans from getting all available help. To eliminate some common problems that create the backlog, like erroneously completed forms or incomplete documentation, veterans and VSOs can work together to correct common mistakes.

But we must do more than help veterans access VA services. Just as we invest in our servicemembers while they’re on the battlefield, we should do the same when they return home. But despite their service to our nation, an unacceptably high number of veterans struggle to find work. That’s why it’s imperative that we do a better job of connecting veterans with the support resources they deserve.

Among them is the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP), a joint Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Labor training initiative that is a component of the recently passed VOW to Hire Heroes Act. VRAP provides unemployed veterans between the ages of 35 and 60 the opportunity to pursue training for new careers in high demand occupations. From welders, to paralegals, to teacher’s aides, VRAP offers wide ranging opportunities for veterans seeking work. However, as the program is limited to 99,000 participants through March 31, 2014—and more than 62,000 applications have already been approved nationwide—it’s crucial that Ohio’s veterans apply quickly for these vital benefits. It’s our duty to Ohio’s heroes that we spread the word to all eligible participants.

Eligible veterans must be at least 35 but no more than 60 years of age; unemployed; received an other than dishonorable discharge; not eligible for any other VA education benefit program; not receiving VA compensation due to being unemployed; and not enrolled in a federal or state job training program.

As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I support providing our nation’s veterans with the resources and services they need.  In addition to supporting enhanced education and job training benefits, I will continue to fight for assured funding for all VA services and benefits.  Funding for our veterans should always be a top federal priority.

Each November 11, we celebrate the story and history of our nation’s veterans.  On Veterans Day, reach out to grandparents, parents, neighbors, and friends who have served and ask them about their service.  From deployments to welcome home ceremonies, to medal presentations and parades, we learn about the courage, honor, and sacrifice exemplified by our servicemembers and veterans.  From the newly-sworn in soldier and the children of military parents, to our veterans young and old, we learn about the greatness – and history – of our country.  As the holidays approach, our thoughts and prayers are with those returning home as well as those still serving overseas.  On behalf of a grateful state, I thank all Ohio veterans and their families on this Veterans Day. It’s an honor serving those who serve us.

 

How Region and Nation Can Come Together

 

First and foremost, congratulations to President Obama for winning a second term. I truly hope that he finds ways to work across the isles to create working solutions for our troubled nation. I also congratulate all those who won their “seats” and pray for the all the leaders – old and new – that you will lead our great nation to the promise and prosperity that we all dream of.

I am avid reader of the Wall Street Journal either in print or on one of my electronic devices, but must admit that I’m old school and love nothing better than pouring through the paper version every morning. One of the reasons I enjoy the paper version is the pictorials are so much more powerful than a small framed electronic version. The morning edition of the WSJ didn’t disappoint with a map of the United States by county showing the margins of victory shaded lighter or darker blue and red based on the voting tallies for President Obama and Governor Romney.

As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words!

Outside of a few pockets - the Northeast, some border areas, and the left coast – President Obama’s concentration of voters were in the larger more populous cities vs. Governor Romney picking up a majority of everything else. If you were to look at this map not understanding the Electoral College, you’d sure think that RED is it. Those that watched on Tuesday night and understand the voting process in the United States know very differently.

The voting polls heading into Election Day showed a race too close to call – virtually every poll had either President Obama or Governor Romney winning depending on which way the margin of error went. By now we all know which way it went.

The other observation that an “outsider” might have is a nation’s voting of nearly 50-50 split is a well-balanced nation. Here’s where I think we have troubles as a nation. As we move closer and closer to 50-50, the more polarized as a nation in our beliefs for the direction of the country we become. Regardless of which side of the 50 you support, you cannot argue that the last 4 years represented the most polarized term in our history. With a split Congress setting up for the foreseeable future, I suspect we’ll see more of the same over the next 4 years with each side digging in harder and harder versus working towards the middle – I hope I’m wrong!

We don’t need to look too far from Clermont Country understand our own polarization with nearly 70% of Clermont Country voting for Governor Romney, yet Hamilton County going big for President Obama. I for one drove back and forth to work each day, choosing a different route to count yards signs mentally keep track. Romney-Ryan signs out-numbered Obama-Biden signs as many as 27 – 6 on one route home. Again, election results proved very different.

What can we learn from all of this? I, for one, need to be much more aware of my surroundings and understand what makes up that polarization in my community or more likely in my own mind. We are definitely a country that is divided, but how big is the real gap? Mainstream media doesn’t help matters – you’ll never hear Chris Matthews or his cronies on MSNBC give a compliment to Governor Romney and conversely I doubt you’ll hear Sean Hannity praise President Obama. However, I do believe as a nation we have much to learn to understand the gaps. As an American, I’m not asking anyone to pick sides and dig in for the next four years, I am suggesting that we all need to listen and learn what the other side is saying – are there ways for each side to moderately move towards each other – radical thinking I know!

This past election we have President Obama who sits very far to the “left” as the most polarized president in recent times versus Governor Romney who sat about as far to the “right” as to completely counter the Democrats. So what do we get in a 2-party country……about a 50-50 split! As I reflected Wednesday morning on the debates, the campaigns, the election and the results, I asked myself what I’d do if I were in charge of either party. Regardless of which side I debated, I came to one conclusion – we need to close the gaps that exist across our great nation with more moderate positions that represent the country regardless of demographic. We need candidates that provide solutions and appeals that address America – not just the rural and suburbanites – and not just the urban dwellers.

Is it too hard for each party to grow more moderate in their thinking? Must each side continue with the hard-line historical stereotypes? I certainly have my opinions and views of where our nation should go, but this is not the time for debate of those. Rather, I believe we all should spend some time learning the understanding where our nation can come together versus becoming more divided as we have over the past few years. My challenge to each of you is to learn the “other side” and be educated on your opinions and not just think along the stereotypical party lines. You have just under 4 years to get educated! GO!

Proud American,

Steve Max

(Editor's Note: Steve Max left this comment for readers after reading Loveland Magazine's election rusults that were published Wednesday morning.)