Loveland Magazine

School Garden Developer Training Workshops

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

 

Through the Schoolyard Nature Network we are offering two half-day workshops in February for school garden program developers.   You will come away with practical knowledge to guide you through the process of developing a school garden program.  If you have already started a school garden and gone through a season, you may have already realized that establishing the garden is the easy part. It is a bigger challenge to establish the program that will make effective use of the garden.  You may have also learned that because you build it does not necessary mean teachers will flock to use the garden.  And, perhaps you learned as I did when I started Granny's Garden School ten years ago, that parent volunteers disappear in the summer.

 

Jody Maher, our Education Director, will join me in sharing what we have learned in the last ten years we have spent making the journey you are just starting.  We do not have solutions to all of your problems but perhaps we can help identify potential pit falls and guide you around some of the rough spots. Check out this short video  of comments from school garden developers who attended some of our other workshops.   More information and to register.

 

Sincerely,

Granny

 

School garden developer workshop #1- The Facts and Fantasy about starting a school garden program, including:  the nuts and bolts of establishing and maintaining a school garden;  a tour of the school gardens in Loveland;  making the all important connections between the garden and classroom; an overview of how the gardens and educational components support each other; fundraising ideas and how to utilize the resources unique to your school to secure the supplies you need. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

February 11 $25

School garden developer workshop #2- How to build on the success/overcome the challenges of your first year.  Writing a grant proposal, planning for the future,  9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

February 25 $25

School Garden Developer Training Workshops

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Through the Schoolyard Nature Network we are offering two half-day workshops in February for school garden program developers.   You will come away with practical knowledge to guide you through the process of developing a school garden program.  If you have already started a school garden and gone through a season, you may have already realized that establishing the garden is the easy part. It is a bigger challenge to establish the program that will make effective use of the garden.  You may have also learned that because you build it does not necessary mean teachers will flock to use the garden.  And, perhaps you learned as I did when I started Granny's Garden School ten years ago, that parent volunteers disappear in the summer.

Jody Maher, our Education Director, will join me in sharing what we have learned in the last ten years we have spent making the journey you are just starting.  We do not have solutions to all of your problems but perhaps we can help identify potential pit falls and guide you around some of the rough spots. Check out this short video of comments from school garden developers who attended some of our other workshops.   More information and to register.

Granny

 

This Week the LIFE Food Pantry Needs...

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

This week the LIFE food pantry needs dishwashing liquid, laundry
detergent, or general cleaning supplies.

The pantry supplies our clients with groceries, soap, paper products,
etc to take home for use. We do not do any cooking for the clients at
the pantry. Clients may come once a month and are given a week's worth
of groceries.

Thank you for supporting the LIFE food pantry, located at 101 South Lebanon Rd, Loveland.

Sincerely,

Janis Fogle

David Krikorian Responds to State of Union Address

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Last night I joined millions of my fellow Americans in watching President Obama's State of the Union Address. much of the speech deserves our applause and appreciation.

I am proud to join the President in honoring the SEALs who took down Osama Bin Laden and just yesterday saved an American hostage. Their incredible strength and resolve to protect this nation make us all proud to be Americans. Indeed, all of our fighting men and women, along with all military veterans deserve our utmost gratitude. Along with our Commander-in-Chief, I am honored to thank each and every one of them for their service to us all.

Moreover, the President twice specifically mentioned the importance of bringing jobs and manufacturing back to Ohio. I could not agree more. We in the Second District, having the state's highest unemployment rate, must work together to bring jobs back to Southern Ohio. The best way to do this is by strategically encouraging the private sector in ways that are prudent and fiscally responsible.

But job growth is only one side of the economic problem. In order to have an economy that works for all Americans, we must have a taxation system that works for all Americans. This means fair taxation for Main Street Ohioans. I strongly support the "Buffet Rule" that would require all millionaires to pay a tax rate of at least 30%, rather than the rate of some wealthy individuals who pay less than 15%. I hope these revenues are used to decrease the tax burden of the middle class, to reduce our national debt, and to fund worthwhile job creation initiatives. However our problems cannot be solved by raising revenues alone. Congress must aggressively cut spending and reduce government intervention in many areas to ensure the fiscal security of our nation.

Finally I want to address the critical issue of energy reform. Production of American energy has been a hallmark of Southern Ohio for generations. After an economic downturn and the collapse of Southern Ohio's energy production infrastructure, we must restore the integrity of this vital industry in our region.

My specific energy production plan for this region will soon be released here. We cannot do so by throwing good money after bad but by fundamentally reengineering the way in which we encourage energy production. This must include education, innovation, and stimulation of our power producing entities. Our president was right in saying that these are neither Republican problems nor Democratic problems but American problems. And we must find solutions that are neither Republican nor Democratic but American.

I look forward to working with you as your Congressman and throughout this campaign to accomplish these truly critical goals.  Please visit my campaign website and consider showing your support.

Yours in Solidarity,

David Krikorian

 

 

On December 30th David Krikorian filed petitions to run for U.S. Representative for Ohio’s second congressional district.  David has run previously as an Independent and Democrat and will seek the Democratic Party nomination in the March 6, 2012 primary election.

Jeff Reese Very Impressed Coach Stan McCoy

(Editor's Note: This letter was sent to Loveland Middle School Principal, Chris Burke by parent, Jeff Reese.)

Dear Mr. Burke,

It would be great if you could make an announcement about the Orange Team’s victory over rival Kings 8^th grade team last night. The team beat Kings 33-32 in overtime as Drew Austin banked in a three-point shot at the buzzer. Disney couldn’t have written a better script!

This has been Jonathan Reese’s second year on the Orange Team, and our family has been very impressed with the job coach Stan McCoy does to teach teamwork, good sportsmanship, and basketball to the boys. The progress this year’s team made between the first game when they got blown out by Hamilton County Math and Science to last night’s finale has been incredible. The method that he uses to divide the squad into three even units and give each team and each person equal playing time is commendable and truly makes it so each person (17 of them this year) is an integral part of the team’s success. It must have been tempting in overtime of the final game to put his best five players on the court to secure victory, but coach McCoy played each of the 3 squads for one minute of the three-minute OT.

I realize that the Orange Team doesn’t get as much publicity as the 8^th grade and 7^th grade A teams, but Coach McCoy’s program is an incredible asset for your school.

Best regards,

Jeff Reese

Montessori School welcomes Prospective Families for Open House

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Children's Meeting House Montessori School (CMH) is pleased to invite prospective parents and potential students to an informative Open House on Sunday, January 22^nd from 2:00 - 4:00p.m.  Experienced, certified Montessori teachers and administrators will be available to answer questions, give insight into the school's educational philosophy and discuss the fundamental principles of the Montessori Educational Method.   All classrooms will be open and 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 on their own or with a school representative.  The campus includes multiple flower and fruit gardens, a large butterfly garden, a pond, creek, a bird blind, trails, and a raspberry and apple orchard. 

Offering preschool for children age three through sixth grade education, CMH prides itself on having a Montessori program in an enriched natural setting providing indoor and outdoor learning opportunities. 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, French, music, library, yoga, chess club, running club, and outdoor education programs to ensure children receive a balanced, well-rounded education. 

This year, Children’s Meeting House celebrates 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 the CMH admissions coordinator, Casey Reed, at (513) 683-4757 or visit: www.childrensmeetinghousemontessori.com

Sincerly,

Bonnie McNett

 

$515,500 Tiger Turf Paid in Full

Loveland, Ohio - On September 30 before the kickoff of the football game at Tiger Stadium, the Loveland Athletic Boosters announced that they had paid off the debt on installing the “Tiger Turf”.

In a ceremonial “Burning the Mortgage” their debt was torn into pieces and tossed into the Fall air.

The $515,500 cost of the installation was a gift to the school system and athletes and no cost was incurred to the District budget. The campaign started in May of 2008. At that time the Boosters said, “In fact the turf will save the District money by reducing the high cost of maintaining a grass surface, and eliminate the need throughout the entire community of building more athletic playing and practice fields. The new playing surface can be used 24/7, 12 months of the year by athletic and other community events.” The turf field surface will serve over 10,000 Loveland students over its expected life-span.

In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE HD VIDEO you will see the pre-game ceremony, and Booster President Jeff Williams and Booster Treasurer Art Jarvis talking about how the project was paid for in such a short amount of time, during the height of “The Great Recession.” Both Williams and Jarvis give credit to the generosity of the entire community.

 

TIGER FALL FIESTA: "Great Benefit to Loveland Schools

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

I would like to tell you a little about an event being held in Loveland next Friday which will be of great benefit to Loveland Schools.  The Loveland Middle/Intermediate PTSA will present their annual Fundraiser on November  4th from 7 p.m. until 11:30 at the Oasis Conference Center.  It’s a fun, casual night of dancing to local band the Perpetrators, sipping margaritas and great hors d’oeuvres.

Cost for this year’s event is $20 per person with mailed RSVP or $25 at the door the night of the event.  This year’s event – TIGER FALL FIESTA– will feature a silent auction, several raffles, and live music by local band, The Perpetrators.  This is the main fundraiser for the Middle and Intermediate School PTSA. 

The money we raise at this event helps fund programs such as Science Day, Tiger Bash, Camp Kern Pi Day, Career Day, Smart Boards for the classrooms, signage for the schools and many other things that take place at our schools. 

Some of this year’s silent auction Items Include: Air hockey and foosball table from Watson's; I-pad 2 from BKD Accounting; Topaz and diamond ring from Eddie Lane Jewelers; $199.00 birthday party from Recreation Outlet; wine cooler and restaurant gift cards from Shooter’s, Tony's, Tano's, Stone Creek and many more!  Other items include baskets created by many of the Loveland Middle and Intermediate school teachers by donations from their classroom.

For more information, please contact this year’s Chairperson - Laura Padgett -683-9845.

Thanks,

Melissa Lutz

Council Change is Long Overdue

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

 

Time is running out for Loveland residents to choose what direction their government representatives will take them in the next few years.   Obviously the current majority "leadership" has failed us as our debt rises, overspending on frivolous projects, lawsuits, personnel positions, and more continues. Unless voters wake up to the fact that nothing will change for the better until real changes in a council majority occur, we will have the same-old-same-old which has proven absolutely disastrous to our city's ecomonic and community health.

 

We voters have the opportunity to make this change. Fresh faces in council membership will hopefully lead to a new change in council leadership, from the mayor's seat to the city manager.  Certain incumbents' support of the city manager and their collective incompetent development plans and failed economic strategies is baffling.  Only a change in the status quo can halt the inevitable fee/rate/tax increases, further tax subsidies to private businesses, and outright ludicrous policy decisions that have the average citizen scratching their head in disbelief.  Join with me to make a change at city hall.

 

It is long overdue. 

 

Paul Elliott

Cordero Trail

Loveland OH

Please Ride Kilometers for Kenya

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Hello, I am a senior at Indian Hill high school and volunteer for SOTENI. We are hosting a bike ride this Sunday on the Loveland Bike Trail.

Kilometers for Kenya is a 10K or 20K ride/walk/run on the Little Miami Bike Trail.  Proceeds from the event will benefit SOTENI’s Sponsorship Program, which enables 40 AIDS orphans in Kenya to go to school.  SOTENI’s sponsored children are some of the most destitute and at-risk young people in our four Villages of Hope.

By participating in Kilometers for Kenya, you can make a difference in these student’s lives.

• This bike ride is so crucial because it allows us to raise enough money to continue to support the villages we have in Kenya
• $20, the cost of the bike ride, has significant implications for the children in the areas of Kenya that SOTENI works in. It could buy a uniform and a pair of shoes for an orphan to go to school, enough food for a student for a month, or even necessary school supplies so each child can properly succeed.
• Indian Hill High School and Cincinnati Country Day have come together to raise funds for these students and we’re hoping for a great showing on Sunday
• No one can deny how important an education is, and with just $20, you can have a significant and personal impact on a Kenyan orphan that has been directly impacted by the AIDS epidemic in Africa. Very few things, if any, can have such a significant impact on someone’s life and education with just a basic $20

Thanks,

Aloke Desai

 

WHO: SOTENI International with Indian Hill High School and Cincinnati Country Day School SOTENI Clubs.

WHAT: A non-competitive bike ride for the whole family.

WHEN: THIS SUNDAY -- October 23, 2011 – 10 AM to noon

WHERE: Check-in is in the parking lot of the new Loveland Montgomery Cyclery Store -- 116 Karl Brown Way (45140).

Pre-registration fee is $15 for 13 years & older and $10 for 12 years and younger.  You can register and get more information on our website.  Day of event registration is $20.

Website:  www.soteni.org

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/SOTENI  then click on Events in the left column.

Children's Meeting House Montessori School Open House

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Children's Meeting House Montessori School (CMH) is pleased to invite prospective parents and potential students to an informative Open House on Sunday, October 16^th from 2:00 - 4:00p.m.  Experienced, certified Montessori teachers and administrators will be available to answer questions, give insight into the school's educational philosophy and discuss the fundamental principles of the Montessori Educational Method.   All classrooms will be open and 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 six-acre campus on their own or with a school representative.  The campus includes multiple flower and fruit gardens, a large butterfly garden, a pond, creek, a bird blind, trails, and a raspberry and apple orchard. 

Offering preschool for children age three through sixth grade education, CMH prides itself on having a Montessori program in an enriched natural setting providing indoor and outdoor learning opportunities. 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, yoga, chess club, running club, and outdoor education programs to ensure children receive a balanced, well-rounded education. 

In 2012, the Children’s Meeting House will celebrate 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 6-acre campus, CMH is conveniently located less than a mile from downtown Loveland.  For more information, please call the CMH admissions coordinator, Casey Reed, at (513) 683-4757 or visit: www.childrensmeetinghousemontessori.com

Sincerely,

Bonnie McNett

It Just Makes You Wonder

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

They are choosing to give away $50,000 of the taxpayer's money with no justification. (Auto Exec’s Statement Disputes City Manager’s Claim Over Need to Give Him $50K)

I want to know why all SEVEN members voted 'Yea' after being told the move would happen with or without that money. "Weisgerber also told Loveland Magazine that the $50,000 would come out of the “General Fund.” The fund that as discussed earlier in the same meeting was expected to face a $600,000 shortfall and that taxes would likely have to be raised to cover much of the deficit."

As for that - it just makes you wonder what the heck this Council is trying to accomplish.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Lee

$693 Million in New Federal Funding for Autism Research Awaits President’s Signature

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Autism Speaks, on Monday hailed the passage of The Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011 which passed by unanimous consent in the United States Senate. The bill now heads to President Obama's desk for signature and enactment.

We could not have done this without your help! We thank you so much for gladly receiving all of these eblast notices for action but more importantly for taking the time to act at every point along the way!

Now our community has $693 Million in new dedicated Federal funding for autism research and treatment for the next three years.

Congratulations autism community!

 Congratulations on a job well done!

The Government Relations Team
Autism Speaks

Wendy and Scott Ask for Prayers for Cole

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Next week Cole’s going to have the first of two major surgeries. 

On Tuesday (Sept 20th), he’s having his skull repaired at the Cleveland Clinic to strengthen a number of weak spots that have developed over time.  This procedure is required so that Cole’s skull will be strong enough to protect his brain.  The bonus for Cole is that it should allow him to safely play baseball again, which he hasn’t been able to do for three years.  The procedure is straight-forward, and the biggest risk is potential infection.  He’ll remain in the hospital for 3-5 days, but won’t be able to attend school for two weeks due to expected swelling and to reduce the risk of infection.  Unfortunately, Cole’s going to get his head shaved and be pretty sore, but this is a small sacrifice in the whole scheme of things.  Please say a prayer for Cole to get through this procedure safely and successfully! 

Roughly three weeks later, on Monday, October 10th, Cole is going to have his second surgery at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.  As most of you know, Cole went through an extensive evaluation there last spring to determine the cause of his hemidystonia, the cruel, secondary condition that has caused him significant problems with his right-side neuromuscular coordination and speech.  The good news is they were able to identify the area of his brain causing the problem.  Better yet, Mayo selected him as a candidate for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).  In layman’s terms, DBS is a procedure where they install a pacemaker in his brain, and if successful, will block the aberrant brain signals that are causing his involuntary muscle contractions and resulting rigidity.  The folks at Mayo believe this procedure will go a long way in addressing the symptoms he’s experienced, but as with any medical procedure, there are no guarantees.  Cole and our family believe the potential benefits outweigh the risks, and we’re unanimous that we want to move forward.  We’ll likely have to make numerous trips back to Mayo over the next six months in order for them to “program” and adjust the DBS device to maximize it’s effectiveness. 

We’re praying for a safe and successful outcome for both procedures.  We’ve traveled a long road to get to this point, so it’s both exciting and nerve wracking to be in the home stretch.  We’ll keep you posted on how things go from here, but Wendy and I want you to know how much we appreciate the continued support and prayers for Cole and our family!

Sincerely,

Wendy and Scott Schlesner

 

Editor's Note:

Cole was injured in 2009 when a baseball he had just pitched was line-drived from an aluminum, little league bat, back to him. He was air-lifted to Cincinnati Children's Hospital and immediately had surgery to relieve the increased pressure from his skull. He was then placed in a drug-induced coma until his brain healed.

Cole has since made steady and remarkable progress and fairly quickly resumed studies at Loveland High School.

Cole said last Friday on the sidelines of the Loveland vs. Kings football game that he is very excited to begin his rounds of surgery, and said, "I just want to get back to playing baseball."

Cole has become an integral part of the Loveland varsity football program since Head Coach Andrew Marlatt made him part of the team, even telling his players during last season's pre-season that they could choose any jersey number they wanted - except for #4, the number Cole wore as a member of the Cincinnati Stix baseball team he played with when he was injured. Cole wears the #4 jersey on the sidelines. In fact, Cole has almost become part of Marlatt's coaching staff - just two weeks ago giving the pre-game pep talk to the team. Marlatt often holds Cole up as an example of courage in the face of adversity.

Indeed, talking to Cole last Friday night at Kings Stadium, it is difficult to fathom anyone of any age being as excited and brave as Cole is, about heading to Cleveland today to begin the first round of two, up-coming surgeries.

David Miller, Editor

Excellence at Loveland High School

Dear Loveland Magazine, 

This is great news about the high school newspaper! (Loveland High School Newspaper Receives George H. Gallup Award) 

The kids and Mr. Schmidt  worked so hard over the years. My daughter, Diana (Class of 1011)  said it was a good group of folks working hard when she was on the newspaper staff her junior year.  Thank you Loveland Magazine for letting us all know.    

I don't have one in high school this year so I really appreciate your sending out information on all the excellence at LHS.   Go Loveland!!!!    

Sincerely,

Susan Reese

Join the 2nd Annual HERO 5K in Loveland

For the Captain Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Let us tell you about a good friend of ours, someone who meant a lot to us and to many.  Seth Mitchell, a captain and pilot in the United States Marine Corps and a 1997 Loveland High School graduate, was killed in action in Afghanistan in October 2009.

Seth contributed greatly to the Loveland community in his youth… he served as a leader and role model on the varsity football team, was voted to be Class President his senior year, and was named “Mr. Personality” by his peers.  He was well loved here.  After graduating, he took that same sense of service and loyalty into all that he did: as a son, a brother, a friend, a leader in the Marines. In other words, Seth was a
hero for all.

We are a group of Seth’s family and friends who have created the Captain Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund, a way to recognize a graduating senior from Loveland High School who embodies the same spirit of service and loyalty as Seth and to inspire all Loveland students to strive for these same values.  To honor our friend and raise money for this scholarship fund, we are organizing the 2nd Annual HERO 5K, which will take place in downtown Loveland on October 1, 2011.

We invite you to Run, Walk, Donate, or Volunteer.  Be a part of honoring service in any form, brightening the future of a Loveland High School graduate, and helping us remember our friend.  To do so, visit: sethmitchell5k.org

Thank you for your support,

Damien Cook, Marisa (Sparks) Sobb, Mollie Emerick, Greg Carpinello

Loveland High School Class of 1997

Ricky Mulvey Very Talented Young Man

Dear Loveland Magazine,

Congratulations on your sports writer, Ricky Mulvey.  Ricky's excellent in telling the story of a football game in such a way that even a definitely, not football fan like me, can follow it.

He is obviously a very talented young man.

Sincerely,

Roberta Paolo

Loveland

Mr. Carroll Appears To Lack Insight As To Who He Works For

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

It is disconcerting when any governement official tries to intimidate the press, over any matter. (Water Main Break Closes Loveland High School)

Mr. Carroll, the Loveland City Manager, appears to lack insight as to who he works for or what the ultimate function of his job is. "Freedom of the press plays a fundamental role in advancing and safeguarding democracy.

Only 15 percent of the world's citizens, however, live in countries that enjoy a free press, according to a Freedom House Study.

Sincerely,

John Mulvey

Miami Township Administrator: "I want to apologize for the inconvenience over the past few days."

Dear Miami Township Resident,

I want to apologize for all the inconvenience the traffic problems have caused over the past several days.   Some of the issues we expected and one came as a big surprise.  Unfortunately no one could predict the major water line break on SR 28 near Buckwheat Road at the same time Cook Road and Wolfpen Pleasant Hill Road  were closed.  Further, we could not predict it would occur during the evening drive home.   The County Water and Sewer Department did an outstanding job under the circumstances to shut down the water and repair the pipe.  The ruptured pipe damaged the pavement creating uneven pavement and hazardous conditions for motorists.  It was important this pavement be repaired as soon as possible.  The pavement is under repair and the work should be complete by Saturday August 20.

On the positive side.  The pavement repair work on Cook Road is complete and the County Engineer has stated the repairs that are still needed on Branch Hill Guinea Pike will not begin until Cook Road is reopened.  The culvert work on Cook Road will be completed this weekend and Cook Road will be reopened at Meadowcreek by Monday August 22.

The closure on Wolfpen Pleasant Hill near SR 131 will reopen on Saturday August 20.  The portion of Wolfpen between SR 131 and the Junior High School will be open to two-way traffic.  The roadway north of the Junior High School will remain south bound only while the widening work continues.

Please expect one additional closure on Wolfpen next week.  This will be a one day closure for a culvert replacement.  The County Engineer will provide additional details with their next update.  After that work is complete, Wolfpen Pleasant Hill Road will be open to south bound traffic from the Bypass to SR 131.  Hopefully, this and the re-opening of Cook Road should reduce the amount of traffic on SR 28.

The work on Wolfpen Pleasant Hill Road is progressing ahead of schedule and the contractor expects to finish the job by the end of the year – weather permitting.

Again I want to apologize for the inconvenience over the past few days and again I want to thank all the residents for their patience and understanding.

Larry

Laurence Fronk, Administrator
Miami Township, Clemont County

Mission Trip to Pikeville, Kentucky by Loveland Presbyterian Church

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Members from Loveland Presbyterian Church returned on July 22 from a meaningful and successful mission trip to Pikeville KY.  There we built new relationships with the Goff family and Sturgis Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  We worked on Susie Goff’s double-wide trailer and spent some time getting to know her and her family. Susie has health issues but is a very charismatic, spiritual woman who has had more God moments then anyone I’ve ever met.

On our job site, we partnered with Mike Froman, our foremen, and the church from Sturgis. Mike was a big help in showing us how to do jobs we didn’t know much about.  Sturgis Presbyterian is a small congregation from KY. Their church is a little bigger than ours, but we had a larger youth group and mission team. Their group consisted of three students, one parent, and Samantha Hassell, their CE/Youth Director. It was great to partner with a church similar to ours and have our students interact with other youth.

Those from Loveland Presbyterian Church who went on this Mission Trip were: Tim Brakefield (our youth director), Terry Price, Jeff Jamison, Leslie Westcott, Betty Hays, Angela Hays, Katy Jamison, Alex Westcott, Rachel Westcott and Joe Frees.

It was a very cool experience to see students sweating hard together in over 100 degree humidity, doing things they’ve never done before to help out a family they had never met. We had many very good small group discussions.

With God’s grace, great team work, and leadership, we were able to complete our job in three and a half days. We had to fix a couple boards on the roof and shingle the whole trailer (it was very hot!). We had to tear down a porch and build a brand new one with railings and steps. We also had to tear out and replace mildewed and moldy drywall ceiling from two rooms.
 
Toward the end of the week, Mike and his wife took us out for a fun evening to the overlook at Bob Amos Park, Dairy Queen, and a very beautiful Presbyterian Church. The park was literally at the top of a mountain that overlooks Pikeville. There was a balcony off the side of the mountain from which we could see the beautiful view.

Sincerely,

Roger Hoyer

Angry Business Owner

 

How Many Different "Consultants" Have Told the City This Over the Years?

Dear Loveland Magazine,

Just read your summary of the Loveland Station proceedings......I thank you again for your diligence in reporting the facts--especially for residents like me who are working out of Loveland much of the time now (Historical Reconfiguration of Historic Downtown Loveland).

We opted out of trying to run our mobile coffee business in Historic Downtown Loveland after the City placed unnecessary and unreasonable restrictions on our presence and had to be prodded into giving our business any temporary permit at all. I find it most interesting that Rick Greiwe, of the Greiwe Development Group mentions a coffee shop specifically in his plans for the Loveland Station boutique "neighborhood".

Also interesting is the rezoning of 12 acres--ever nearer to my house-- so the City can increase the population density and hence traffic in an area which Greiwe has  indicated is a problem already.  

I am so angry that the City has never put the energy into the obvious--the Loveland Madeira Road  business corridor that they have promised over and over again over the years and years. That was on the agenda of the City and/or Council even before we opened our coffee shop on Loveland Madeira Road in 2005.

A professional like Greiwe isn't going to put his company on the line for marginal retail space at Loveland Station when he knows that kind of development should take place on Loveland Madeira Road.  How many different "consultants" have told the City this over the years?
    
Bruce Wolff
Buzzthru Espresso Bar
250 East Loveland Ave

Are You Trying To Ruin Loveland?

Open Letter to Zoning Commissionon and City Council

Dear Zoning Commission and Loveland City Council,

Are you trying as hard as you can to ruin Loveland? (Historical Reconfiguration of Historic Downtown Loveland) Tearing down the old and building apartments then dedicating all the parking available to those residents? Are you going to run all the businesses downtown out because there will be no parking available?

The city is doing just fine without your ideas of progress. Users of the bike trail will find other places to commence their rides and walks. You've already run off enough businesses.

Leave downtown alone.

Concerned Loveland Resident. (Name withheld by request)

We Thought it Was Going to be Boutique and Restaurant Businesses

Dear Loveland Magazine,

My wife and I read your article (Historical Reconfiguration of Historic Downtown Loveland) about the zoning/proposed development. We went to that get-together about a year ago "celebrating" the completion of the parking lot at Loveland Station and I fully expected them to break ground shortly after that.

After several weeks and no construction, I started to search for information on the status of the project and could find nothing---and still couldn't up until the neighborhood meeting two weeks ago at the Veterans’ Memorial. It is something I actually have been excited about---living just a mile up the road, I felt this can only be good thing for our home values.

We never knew anything about apartments or the demolition of the church until we the meeting on July 14. We just thought it was going to be commercial construction for boutique and restaurant businesses.

We may have missed it, but after all my fruitless searches, if it was available, it certainly wasn't easy to find.

Anyway, my wife and I plan on attending the zoning meeting on Monday.

Sincerest regards,

Loveland resident and Business Owner,

(Name withheld by request)

Air Quality Concern: Might be Time to Reconsider Use of Wood Fire Pits

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

We often experience air quality alerts in the Cincinnati area during the summer months, and I really feel for people who struggle for breath on those days.

I look around my subdivision, and almost every neighbor owns a fire pit. Some evenings, even on the warmest days, the air is acrid with the smoke from these pits. As nice as it can be to sit front of a fire, I can't help regretting how we are filling the air with even more pollutants, making drawing a clean breath even harder.

Seems like it might be time to reconsider the use of wood burning pits.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Rutter,

Miami Township

Graduation Celebration Video is Awesome

Dear Loveland Magazine,

This video is awesome! (Loveland High School Graduation Celebration)

Thank you so much for all that you have done during my years at Loveland High School. It is so great to have amazing videos and pictures to look back on to reflect all of the good times I've had.

All of your work is truly amazing!!

Thanks again!

Katie Henke

"Shake-it-up Cafe" for Vacation Bible School at Loveland Presbyterian

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Save August 3rd to 5th, 6:30 - 8:30PM for Loveland Presbyterian Church's
Vacation Bible School.  We are partnering with Grace Presbyterian Church
this year.  The theme is "Shake-it-up Cafe".  Visit
www.cokesburyvbs.com/shake-it-up cafe to view the VBS...looks yummy
and fun.  We will meet at LPC and then caravan to Grace, leaving at 6:00PM

If your child plans to attend VBS, please email your name, your child's
name and age to the Church office at lpcusa@fuse,net, or give the
information to Betty Hays (513/697-9490), Tim Brakefield (513/292-2204)
or LPC (513/683-2525).

Sincerely,

Roger Hoyer

There is "Desperate" Need of Summer Clothes in Loveland

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

We are in "desperate need" of SUMMER clothes for infants, women, men, boys, and girls of (all sizes).  Please contact Terri Rogers via e-mail trogers7@fuse.net or at 677-1057 for instructions for dropping your off CLEAN and GENTLY USED items.

Items Needed:

• Gently used clothing (from infant to adult), shoes
• Toys, household Items (dishes, pictures, etc)
• New underwear and socks

Items we cannot take: 

• Car Seats-(only new) we do not have necessary tools to ensure its effectiveness if not   given new.
• Baby Items-(strollers, swings, etc…) that do not have model number- in order to check against recall website.
• Books
• Broken items with missing parts
• Electronic items w/o warning labels
• Used hygiene products and candles
• Open or expired food products

Thank you again for your donations.

Sincerely,
Terri Rogers

The Loveland Initiative Resource Center

Bethel Murdoch Presbyterian Church Homemade Ice Cream The talk of the Town

But, There is so Much More Than Ice Cream Made in Old Fashioned, Amish Built Churns

Little Miami High School Choir - Annual Car Show - Outdoor Arts and Crafts Show

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Summer is almost here, and with that comes a century old tradition at Bethel Murdoch Presbyterian Church where homemade ice cream is the talk of the town.  For over a century, this little white historical church, located between Maineville and Loveland on State Route 48, has been hosting community ice cream socials. You can get homemade ice cream, in eight different flavors, barbecue sandwiches with “fixins” and of course, homemade pie and cake for dessert.

We make our ice cream each month, a few days before the social, which is held the second Saturday of June, July, and August.  Members of the congregation come together in the late afternoon to begin the process of mixing our ice cream in 5 gallon, old fashioned, Amish built churns.  By the time we are done, we will have made 80 gallons of ice cream full of love, flavor, and old fashioned memories.

However, there is more to our church socials than just ice cream:

This year’s June 11 social will feature the local Little Miami High School Choir singing in the church sanctuary.

Our July 9 social hosts our tenth Annual Car Show.  Come cast your vote for your favorite classic vehicles.  Trophies are awarded for the best in class.  Last year we had over 70 antique and classic cars as well as restored farming equipment under the trees behind our church. 

August 13 finishes off our ice cream season with an Outdoor Arts and Crafts Show featuring beautiful and detailed work of local artists and crafters.  Each crafter will donate an item for a raffle.

Our Ice Cream Socials are from 3 PM until the ice cream is gone.  Ice cream and food are sold at reasonable prices, so bring out the whole family.   A free will offering will be accepted for the LM choir in June.  Directions.

Sincerely,
Susan Walker Fields

Annual 24 Hour Vigil for Vietnam War Dead and MIA's

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

This upcoming Memorial Day weekend, the Clermont County Vietnam Veterans Of America, Chapter 649, will hold our Annual 24 Hour Vigil, Paying Honor to all Tri – State MIA’s / KIA’s of the Vietnam War.

The Opening Ceremony Begins at 2 PM - Sunday, May 29th and the Closing Ceremony Begins at 2 PM - Monday, May 30th

We do this by placing 513 crosses at our Memorial. Over the 24 hour period, we will read each hour, on the hour, the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and also place a flag atop a cross.

We also Honor our soldiers from previous wars. We will Honor 1,500 of the more than 6000 soldiers, who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, who were from the tri-state area.

You are invited to join us, and participate in the placing of these flags during our 24 Hour Vigil. Many visitors prefer to attend after the sun has set and darkness covers the area, during the early morning hours. The viewing of 2,000 dimly lit white crosses, and the silence of the night,
will surly make you glad you attended.

To view more information click HERE.

Location : Union Township Veterans Memorial Park at the Corner of Clough Pike and Glen Este-Withamsville Road, in Clermont County, OhioThank you for your considerations to attend.

Wayne Gregory
V.V.A. Chapter 649

Were you there? Granny's 10th Annual Plant Sale a Success

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

The rain held off (mostly) and the people came (as usual) to make the 10^th annual Granny's Plant Sale, held May 6 and 7, a great success. The proceeds of the annual event go to fund the programs at Granny's Garden School.

 

Checkout the photos on Facebook.

 

Of course, such a large-scale event would not be possible without the support of the community and many individuals and groups, including:

• The Loveland-Symmes Fire Department, who assisted by hanging the sale banner
• The special education students and teachers from Loveland High School, who were on hand to sell their handmade greeting cards
• Nearly 30 volunteers from Procter & Gamble's Health & Well-Being Products  Research, who conducted the set up, including erecting the structures, shelving and plants
• Funkey's Greenhouse for lending many of his displays and Roy Mastromauro for hauling them back and forth for us.
• Student volunteers from UC and many local high schools who used their talent and creativity to turn used canvas banners into works of art
• Eads Fence company, who donated all of the fencing for the perimeter of the sale
• Boy Scouts from Pack 888 who not only let us borrow their dinning canopies but installed and removed them for us.
• Volunteers Jill Turner, Jennifer Kapszukiewica, Suzy Lindgren, Jane Lee, Andrea Klopfenstein, Jamie Stefanski and Jan Williams who spent most of Thursday helping us set place the more than 10,000 plants.
• Denny Finch for providing security Thursday evening.  Turns out he had to run off four would be vandals that decided the sale was was good place to stop for breakfast.  Yes, the local deer population were checking out the goodies on display.
•  Mark Metcalf chef-owner of the VegHead and Chef instructors and students from The Art Institute of Ohio - Cincinnati, who cooked on-site and provided samples to our guests.
• Rita Heikenfeld who served her famous spa water while sharing her considerable knowledge with customers shopping for herbs.
• Cincinnati Backyard Chickens, who came out with some of their chicken friends to talk to people about the benefits of having chickens
• Mary and Dianna Phillips, of Garden Treasures, for joining the event this year and bringing their creative garden accents to the sale.
• Community Service volunteers from the University of Cincinnati, who helped with teardown
• A special "Thank you!" to our plant experts, Melinda O'Brient from, Susan Trusty, Nancy Linz and Marlene for being out plant experts.

 

Planning for Granny's Garden Sale is a yearlong process undertaken by a committee of dedicated volunteers. The members of the planning committee oversee all aspects of the sale from logistics to set up and tear down to managing the checkouts, finances and other volunteers. This team works diligently in the months and weeks leading up to the sale to ensure that everything is in order and looks beautiful. The planning committee includes: Judy Long, Judy Squire, Janet Fahrenbuck - Lynch, Kathleen Duval, Kathy O'Keffe, Jim O'Keefe, Donna Callis, Nancy Garfinkel, Jennifer Kapszukiewicz and Tina Hudson.  Please send us an email if you would like to join the team.  

 

The relationship between Granny's Garden School and the local growers is critical to the success not only of the sale, but to the overall success of the program as a whole. Mutually beneficial activities and partnerships take place throughout the year, but are most apparent leading up to the sale. It is very important for all of the plants at the sale to be locally grown, healthy and suitable for our climate and zone. All of the plants at Granny's Plant Sale are specially chosen and grown locally by Blooms and Berries Farm Market, Jaybird Farms, Greenfield Plant Farm and Krismer's Plant Farm. 

 

Thank you to everyone for making it possible for Loveland's school children to benefit from the school garden program.

 

Sincerely, Roberta Paolo - AKA "Granny"