Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND, OHIO - LOVELAND'S 2005 IDOL

LOVELAND, OHIO - Paxtons Grill in Downtown Loveland will search for the 2005 Idol of Loveland for the next six weeks - starting this Saturday night.

Karaoke Klassics is holding local competition for a male and female winner to compete in September at the third annual Karaole Fest. Each week there will be a male and female winner at Paxtons and they will each receive a $10.00 gift certificate from Paxtons and a ticket to the final competition in September. The final Idol winners will be crowned King and Queen Idol and receive $500.00.

The competition for Loveland's Idol begins at 9:00 P.M. this Saturday April 2.

Information: Paxtons at 583-1871

LOVELAND, OHIO - 2nd ANNUAL DUNK THE DOC FESTIVAL

 

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland Family Practice Staff will present the 2nd ANNUAL DUNK THE DOC FESTIVAL on Saturday August 20, 11 A.M.- 6 P.M. at 910 Loveland Madeira Road.

You can join the staff in raising dollars to help fight Cystic Fibrosis. Here are just a few ideas if you want to help:

-  Monetary Donations - sent to 910 Loveland Madeira Rd. Loveland Ohio 45140 - Attn: Cheryl
-  Prize Donations - sent to 910 Loveland Madeira Rd. Loveland, Ohio 45140 - Attn: Cheryl
-  Gift Baskets or Gift Certificates for the Silent Auction (call 683-5700 for details).
-  Volunteers Volunteers Volunteers to work that day
-  Volunteers to bake for the bake sale
-  PHYSICIANS to be in the Dunking Booth for 1 hour slots  (Join Dr. Kolp on this one)
-  Supplies donated (e.g. Soda, Meat, Utensils, foil, garbage bags, ice, tables, chairs, ketchup, mustard, prizes, etc.)
-  Ideas for fun games, booths and Volunteers to run the booths.
-  Clean up crew, cook food, set up
- Getting the word out - PUBLICITY!!!!!

PLEASE LET THEM KNOW WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO DO - They want to start early and plan so the second annual dunk the doc a HUGE success.

Questions or anything - email Cheryl at lfpinc@fuse.net

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - VOLUNTEER NEEDED TO UP-DATE VITAL RECORDS

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Would you or someone you know like to volunteer with the Miami Township Service Department to help update vital records regarding the community roads and its three historic cemeteries?

They are in need of an individual who can assist with updating their database with important information regarding streets and the three community cemeteries, as well as helping with clerical duties such as sorting and filing information.

If you would be interested in this flexible volunteer position, or if you know someone, who might be interested, please contact Pam Temple at the Miami Township Service Department at 248-3725.

LOVELAND, OHIO - March Character Quality: Sincerity

LOVELAND, OHIO - March Character Quality: Sincerity by Bill Croskey

As some of you know, my dad just lost his wife. She had been sick a long time and most who knew her saw it as at least partially a merciful blessing. The funeral was very touching and I experienced some quality family time afterwards.

As is common, I started thinking about funerals and how we handle death in our culture. I thought back to when I was 18 and knew everything in the world. I could not stand the way funerals were handled. This was about the time that Jessica Mittford wrote The American Way of Death, an expose of the funeral business. I was ready to champion the stripping away of barbaric practices which had become attached to the funeral traditions. I attended funerals and saw people there who could not get along under normal circumstances but who acted as if they were close as they grieved. Later, at the estate sale, I saw those people fighting over literal junk, just because the deceased had owned it. I concluded that funerals were hypocritical time wasters. I was determined to appreciate people during their lifetimes, live my life to the fullest, and then donate my body to science and avoid the whole funeral scene. Naively, I believed that funerals were for the person who died, rather than for the surviving family and friends. As often happens when I get to thinking I know it all, I got my helping of Humble Pie from watching those I cared about get sick and die.

Back then funerals were the ultimate hypocrisy for me. The March Character Quality of the Month is Sincerity. It is defined as the eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives. The opposite of it is hypocrisy. It strikes me that there are two phases of sincerity or hypocrisy. One relates to the DOING, the actions of people. The second is the motives, transparent or not. There is a fair degree of judgment involved in determining motives. Make that being judgmental. I am likely to judge the actions themselves, and then make a second judgment on the motives, again, transparent or not.

Say a staff member blows up at a student. An observer may be likely to judge, "That was uncalled for. What a jerk!" If the judge gives the act a second thought, he or she may assign a motive to that act: "He probably did that because he was tired of receiving parent complaints and decided to take it out on the kid. He should be reprimanded." Arrested; tried; convicted; sentenced.

How sincere were those motives? Well, they may have been very sincere - if not exactly praiseworthy. More importantly, they may not have been transparent at all. Maybe that teacher had been struggling with that student for months and had been disappointed by the way the student sabotaged every intervention the teacher tried. Maybe the student pushed the teachers' buttons to antagonize him because that confirmed the student's view of the world: Everyone was out to get him. Maybe the teacher had just been diagnosed with a life threatening disease. If any of these motives were at work, they certainly were not transparent.

Assuming we know another person's motives is making a dreadful mistake; i.e., To Assume! It takes listening, observing, and asking to learn another's motives. It means not assuming the best or the worst, not assuming at all! It means presuming innocence - or at least higher motives - unless proven otherwise. It means supporting our colleagues and our friends. It means honoring history. If this teacher usually does the kid-centered thing, then how do I know he didn't do it this time as well?

I would do well, not to presuppose I know how sincere another is. It would behoove me to shut up and to leave my judge's robes at home. The reality is that most motives are not transparent. They are seen through a glass dimly - if at all. Until I get my X-Ray Vision corrected, I'd better count on clear communication in order to SEE.

LOVELAND, OHIO - THE THREE MUSKETEERS by Katherine Foster and Sarah Mosby

LOVELAND, OHIO - by Katherine Foster and Sarah Mosby

The Loveland Middle School students have done it again! Over 100 students from the seventh and eighth grades auditioned for this swashbuckling tale. Over forty students have been selected to the fill the roles of cast and crew. They are working hard to put together another great show for you to enjoy.

The Three Musketeers is a classic story, originally a novel written by Alexandre Dumas. If you are not familiar with the tale, it is about three brave knights, a musketeer want-to-be, some evildoers (after all, no story is complete without an enemy) the royal family, and a gorgeous lady in waiting. The Three Musketeers is taken to a new level in Loveland Middle School’s production.

The Three Musketeers opens April 21 and runs through April 23.

The curtain opens at 7 P.M. Tickets may be purchased at the reception desks of Loveland Middle School and Loveland Intermediate School beginning April 4. We hope to see you there. We don’t want you to miss out on the fun!

LOVELAND, OHIO - LOVELAND GIRLS WIN SPRING BLAST TOURNAMENT IN MIDDLETOWN

LOVELAND, OHIO - Kelsey King, Jessica Petersen, Genna Petersen and Mereydth Bond from Loveland helped their Lakota Hawks Soccer Team win the Middletown Spring Blast Tournament on March 18. Out of the four games, the team was only scored on two times and scored 10 goals. Kelsey King scored four goals and Jessica Petersen scored two.

In the photo: Genna Petersen is in the middle row second from left: (black and orange jacket), Mereydth Bond to her right. In the bottom row fifth from left is Kelsey King and Jessica Petersen to her right.

Photo for Loveland Magazine by Jody Martin © 2005

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Clean and Green Volunteers Wanted

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - The annual Spring clean-up of the community, is gearing up in Miami Township on April 23, and volunteers are needed.

The volunteer-based Clermont County Clean and Green litter pick up last year attracted over 600 volunteers throughout Clermont County to collect over 21,000 pounds of litter.

The Miami Township event will start at 9 A.M. at the Miami Township Civic Building, and conclude at noon with a free lunch provided. They will go to various parts of the Township to clean areas and collect trash. If you would like to work in a certain area such as in your neighborhood, that is possible, too.

Whether you are looking for group or individual activities, they have several to choose from. "As a grassroots organization we look to the community to direct and support our programs and are continually inspired by the level of involvement our community provides."

For more information on the Clean and Green Program, contact Julie at 513-753-9222 or reach her at cleanandgreen@clermont2020.org.

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - ON THE FOOTLOOSE

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Close to 100 students are working hard to bring you this year’s Loveland High School musical, Footloose!

Find out what happens when a young man from the big city of Chicago moves to a small town that has banned dancing. The age-old story of adults and kids struggling to communicate is told through the instantly recognizable music of Kenny Loggins and the show stopping dance numbers.

The tradition of opening night as "Family Night" continues with an early show of 7:00 P.M. and all ticketswill be $6.00 on Wednesday, April 13. Tickets for Thursday through Saturday’s performances (at 7:30 P.M.), will be $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for students and seniors. All seats are reserved.

Tickets go on sale to the general public at the high school box office starting the week of April 4, 10:45 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. daily through April 15. Tickets will also be available at the door. Call the drama hotline, 697-3857, for more info.

Footloose.
April 13, 7:00 P.M.
April 14 - April 16, 7:30 P.M.
Loveland High School auditorium

LOVELAND, OHIO - FREE: YOU-PICK-A-BOUQUET

LOVELAND, OHIO - Buy Natorp's gift cards and support the Granny's Garden School program.  You may use the cards to buy whatever you like at Natorp's stores on Mason/Montgomery Road and in Florence. Place your order by April 21 and receive a coupon for a FREE You-Pick-a-Bouquet with each card ordered.  A $5 value.

To print the order form, click here:
http://www.grannysgardenschool.com/Natorp-card.html

Granny's Garden School, Inc. is about the community coming together to create a healthy, fun, creative and effective outdoor learning environment to enhance the Loveland school system.  It is located on the grounds of the Loveland, Ohio primary and elementary schools.  The schools share a campus and are attended by all of Loveland's 1,400 first through fourth graders. They are turning the school grounds into living laboratories used by teachers and students during the school day, on weekends and during the summer for programs involving children and their parents.

The garden program receives $5-6 for each gift card ordered.

 

LOVELAND, OHIO - COMMUNITY WORSHIPS ON GOOD FRIDAY

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - The Prince of Peace Lutheran Church was full on Good Friday for the annual community worship service. The Loveland Ministerial Association has organized the event for more than a decade where local ministers take part in, and share leading the service.

Monta J. Williams, pastor of New Beginnings Christian Assembly and Father Larry Tensi, pastor of St. Columban Roman Catholic Church, shared preaching roles.

LOVELAND, OHIO - GARDEN CLUB FORMING

LOVELAND, OHIO -Loveland is starting its own garden club. A meeting will be held on Wednesday April 13 in the media center of the Loveland Elementary School at 7 P.M. Cass Weisman of Federated Garden Clubs will be speaking on Organic Gardening. The agenda will be to select a club name, decide on the club purpose and vote for officers. The floor will be open to suggestions for future topics, discuss civic involvement, and decide on club fees. All are welcome, from beginning gardeners to master gardeners. The school is located at 600 Loveland-Madeira Road, next to McDonalds. Come in the main entrance, through the double doors and up the stairs. The media center is at the top of the stairs on the right.

For information: m.nature@fuse.net

LOVELAND, OHIO - Jane Rockwell has Fun at Party

LOVELAND, OHIO - By Jane Rockwell

Dear Readers,
The Arts Council had its Annual Meeting last night. Actually it was a lovely party. New members, old members, board members, trustees, and friends gathered in the JoAnn Richardson History House. The crowd was not large on the rainy Tuesday night but it was very friendly. Most of these folks have worked together on community projects supporting the arts, and the artists in our area. Lots of jokes and chitchat flowed around the beautiful buffet of hor'dourves. Sweets, savories, fruits and cheeses accompanied the wine and softer beverages. The funny old metal folding chairs scattered around at random masqueraded as sofas as they encouraged little clusters of conversation.

Arts Council president Deirdre Dyson gave a pleasant talk - both wry and chock full of facts. The Arts Council is DOING. Several annual events have been established and are growing in attendance each year. The budget as in all non-profit arts organizations is always on the line between red and black. But as Deirdre pointed out it is the duty of the Arts Council to spend its money on the community projects to which it is dedicated. So whenever a tempting bit of cash develops in the bank account some improvement to the offered activities is planned. The generosity of the Run for the Arts committee in donating their proceeds to the Arts Council last year made for some special advances, such as bringing a full scale opera to Loveland and purchasing new equipment to improve the hanging of art shows. All in all the proof is in the pudding – membership is growing, more businesses are choosing to be patrons and all the events are getting bigger and better.

In the background and eventually in the foreground of this party/meeting was the music of Dick Duval. Duval played and sang. He had several banks of electronic keyboards, synthesizers and amplifiers so he sounded like a whole band. He did some old gutsy blues, several songs he had composed for a show called The Rebels are Coming and other wonderful not too polite tune The music grew loud enough to energize the grape nibblers. It all ended up with an easygoing impromptu chorus line started by Dick Dyson in the back of the room
.
As you hopefully have gathered the Arts Council is a group of local folks who know how to have a good time while doing hard work and producing some impressive projects. They love new faces so give membership chairman Pauline Miller a call (697-9632) or just come on out to any event. I know you will have fun if you do.

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - LOCAL MOM LEADS DESIGN FOR NEW SURGICAL WAITING ROOM AT CHILDREN’S

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, - On Monday, March 14, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center celebrated the opening of its newly renovated same day surgery waiting room designed by a task force of local parents. The Family Advisory Council (FAC) at Cincinnati Children’s created the parent task force to be involved in the construction

"What’s unique about this is that it was the first ‘family driven’ renovation by Children’s," according to Symmes Township resident Amy Clawson, parent coordinator for the Family Advisory Council (FAC) and co-chair for the task force. Clawson is also a mom who has waited for her children to come out of surgery.

Clawson and the parent task force presented their proposal for improvement in 2002 and construction began in November 2004. The task force was compiled of five parents of children who were, at some time, patients at the hospital and spent time in the surgical waiting room, one clinical director, and one doctor.

"Everyone was enthusiastic since the first meeting. We were told to dream big and we needed families to make this the best it could be for other families," said Clawson. "I’m intensely aware of the stress, emotion and fear involved in waiting to hear the news about your child."

Clawson and her husband Paul have taken their two sons, Ben and Timmy to Children's seventeen times. Ben is "almost" ten years old and is in the fourth grade at Loveland Elementary. He said his favorite subjects in school are Spelling and Math. He also plays sports, the piano and loves video games. He has been to Children's to have a bone graft taken from his hip to be transplanted in his face, for ear tubes, and to be treated for pneumonia.

Timmy, who also goes to school in Loveland has been to Children's for four surgeries and spent the most of the first two months of his life there.

Paul Clawson is self-employed as a home management and maintenance specialists. His company is I Call Paul. http://www.icallpaul.com         E-mail at: paul@icallpaul.com

For over 18 months, the parent task force along with Cincinnati Children’s staff, an architect and designer took a space designed to accommodate 110 people and helped to create a soothing, calming environment that meets the emotional and physical needs of families during their surgical experiences.    

The new layout includes four flat screen televisions, two welcome desks, a new play area with kid-size wall murals, privacy walls, patient consultation rooms, and a beverage room.

LOVELAND, OHIO - LOVELAND FAITH COMMUNITY JOINS FOR GOOD FRIDAY COMMUNITY SERVICE

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland Ministers Association invites you to join other Christian sisters and brothers from the Loveland faith community at the Community Good Friday Service held March 25th from 12 noon until 1 P.M. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (located at the corner of West Loveland Avenue and Lebanon Road).

Basing their reflections on two portions of the passion account of the Gospel according to John, Monta J. Williams, pastor of New Beginnings Christian Assembly and Father Larry Tensi, pastor of St. Columban Roman Catholic Church, will be preaching. The offering will go toward the ministries of L.I.F.E. Nursery Care will be provided.

LOVELAND, OHIO - THE TERRI SCHIAVO CASE FILE - INFORMATION IS POWER

LOVELAND, OHIO - These links will take you to the past court records of the Terri Schiavo case, the bill passed by Congress and signed by the President early this morning, Gov. Jeb Bush's Executive Order, and the motion by Schiavo’s parents for a temporary restraining order, declaratory and injuncitve relief filed this morning.

You will also find information about living wills, "Terri's Fight" the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation web site, and power of attorney and health information.

All of these documents can be found on the website of FindLaw.

"FindLaw is the highest-trafficked legal Web site, providing the most comprehensive set of legal resources on the Internet for legal professionals, businesses, students and individuals. These resources include Web search utilities, cases and codes, legal news, an online career center, and community-oriented tools, such as a secure document management utility, mailing lists, message boards and free e-mail."

http://news.findlaw.com/legalnews/lit/schiavo/index.html 

LOVELAND, OHIO - MEETING TO PROTECT LITTLE MIAMI RIVER VALLEY

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Little Miami River…

What is good? What are its assets? Why do you want to live or work here? What do you want to save? What needs to be fixed?

These are the questions the fifty-four people who attended a meeting in the Loveland Municipal Building last week were asked to answer. They had gathered to discuss the future of the lower Little Miami River and its watershed. The meeting was conducted by the Little Miami River Partnership, a service-oriented, non-profit, whose aims are to develop community based watershed plans and projects to help restore and protect water and environmental quality in the Little Miami River Watershed. The attendees were from all over the region, including a few Loveland residents. There were twelve "government officials" and two "elected" officials from the surrounding area, but none from the City of Loveland.

The Little Miami River flows through downtown Loveland and is designated a State and National Scenic River.

Representatives from the Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, and Little Miami, Inc. attended, and their organizations sponsored the meeting.

The large crowd broke into four smaller groups, wrote all of their answers down and discussed their concerns. All of the comments will then be put into a database, summarized, and prepared for a follow-up meeting. Based upon what has been developed as issues from the first meeting, the group will then be invited back where action steps will be discussed.

Dennis TenWolde, the Partnership coordinator hopes to identify the best aspects of the river as well as the most pressing problems facing the river. Action steps to protect the most cherished features of the river will be formulated as well. It is his task to undertake the programs and policies of the organization as it tries to build cooperative opportunities for helping the river.

TenWolde said, "The meeting was a great success. We had over 50 concerned residents share their opinions of the issues affecting the watershed. This is a great base to start from, to build public involvement in addressing environmental concerns within the watershed. I look forward to working with all of these residents on how to address those concerns."

The Partnership has no regulatory authority, but collaborates with the local and state agencies that do. Their goal is to bring the regulatory agencies, businesses, local officials, and residents who have a personal stake in the protection of the river together, to find common courses of action.

Hundreds of concerns, ideas, and suggestions were expressed during the meeting and Loveland Magazine will publish the results as soon as they are made available.

To contact the Little Miami River Partnership:
http://www.littlemiamiriver.org/
To contact Dennis TenWolde:
dtenwolde@littlemiamiriver.org

Little Miami River Partnership
777 Columbus Avenue, Suite 5B
Lebanon, Ohio 45306
Telephone: 513-695-1187

CINCINNATI, OHIO Global Day of Action

CINCINNATI, OHIO - About 500 gathered in the pouring rain and amid thunderclaps on Cincinnati's Fountain Square Saturday for a local demonstration as part of a Global Day of Action on the second anniversary of the war in Iraq.

LOVELAND, OHIO - SHOOTERS SUE LOVELAND FOR IRRATIONAL ZONING DECISION

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - Landeira, LLC, the owners of the former Mathew 25 Ministries building where Shooters Supply wants to build an indoor shooting range, have sued the City of Loveland because their application for a zoning permit was denied by Loveland Zoning Administrator, Gerald Stoker.

Attorney Bill Gustavson filed the suit on March 18 asking Common Pleas Court Judge Patrick Dinkelacker for a temporary restraining order and preliminary and permanent injunction.

Loveland's Zoning Code does not allow any commercial recreation within 200 feet of a residential zone. The Deer Ridge Apartment complex is just across the street from the Mathew 25 building so could be measured as within zero feet of the proposed shooting range. When the shooting range was first proposed, City Administrator's told Shooters Supply that shooting within the City was prohibited, and also that a variance would need to be sought from the City Board of Zoning Appeals because of the 200 feet prohibition. Shooters Supply has since successfully lobbied City Council to make indoor shooting ranges lawful within city limits. Residents of the City circulated referendum petitions to overturn the change to the city law, but voters affirmed the change in a February Special Election. One of the final hurdles for Shooters Supply had to deal with the 200-foot prohibition. The law change did not specifically permit shooting at the Mathew 25 property, but does allow indoor shooting wherever permitted by the Zoning Code.

The lawsuit claims that Deer Ridge Apartments are in a Special Planing District (SPD), not in a residential zone, and therefore the 200-foot rule would not apply. When the Deer Ridge Apartments were built, the property was re-zoned to a mixed use (SPD) that also included a future site for office construction. The portion of the property that would have become offices has since been sold for the construction of a Synagogue. Stoker insists the Deer Ridge Apartments are in a Residential Sub-District of the SPD, a claim Gustavson disputes.

Stoker told Loveland Magazine on Thursday that he expected Shooters Supply would appeal the denial to Loveland's Board of Appeals (BZA) on the grounds that the shooting range was next to an SPD and not a residential zone, but gave no indication he thought Shooters Supply would go directly into Common Pleas Court with their dispute. Stoker could not be reached for comment about being sued.

Fred Enderle, the Loveland City Manager said Friday afternoon in a weekly report to City Council, "Frank Klaine is preparing a response. A hearing on the temporary injunction has been set for next Thursday before Judge Dinkleacker. Please be reminded that as in all legal matters, you should refrain from commenting to anyone. All inquiries should be referred to Frank Klaine or me." Frank Klaine is Loveland's Solicitor.

Robert Beck is a co-owner of the Deer Ridge Apartments. He was an early opponent of the shooting range being built next-door to where he made his own investment on Loveland Madeira Road. Beck has retained Cincinnati attorney, Bob Manley to represent his interest. When told Friday evening about the lawsuit he said, "We have engaged one of the best attorneys to represent us. We knew Shooters Supply and their attorney were very smart and would be very aggressive about it." However, he also thought Shooters Supply would go to the BZA where Beck was preparing to defend his own property rights. "I think this may be their way to take me out of it" he said.

Beck talked about the cozy relationship Shooters Supply and the City has demonstrated in the past. He asked, "What if the City goes into court and doesn't put up a very vigorous defense?"

Beck did not know if he would be allowed to join the lawsuit as a defendant and did not know if Manley knew that the lawsuit had been filed. Ironically, If Beck were allowed to join the lawsuit, both his lawyer and the City's would then be seated at the same table.

Beck has expressed concern for declining demand for his rental units if shooting is taking place across the street. He said his attorney has told him all along that it would be an up hill battle and no "slam dunk" to have the 200-foot rule enforced. Beck went further to explain the aggressive nature of the shooting range proponents and gave as an example, the political signs they put out that said nothing about a shooting range, but said, "Support Your local Police."

Jay Cobb lives near the proposed shooting range and took an active part in the February Referendum. He opposes the shooting range so close to the new home he recently purchased. When hearing about the law suite he said, "I am dumbfounded, hearing what I am hearing." Cobb also thought there would be a public hearing before Loveland's Board of Zoning Appeals.

Gustavson said in the court papers that Landeira, LLC would suffer immediate and irreparable harm if they had to go before the Loveland BZA. "Citizens have a substantive due process right not to be subjected to arbitrary or irrational zoning decisions." Gustavson is asking the Court to order Loveland to issue the zoning permit.

The owners of Shooters Supply could not be reached for comment.

A hearing is scheduled before Judge Dinkelacker on March 24, in Room 310 of the Hamilton County Courthouse at 9:00 A.M.

To read the law suit click here: Download gun_law_suit.tif.pdf

(Loveland Magazine Publisher David Miller was hired by the referendum petitioners to prepare the paper work and print the referendum petitions that lead to the February special election.)

LOVELAND, OHIO - LOCAL GAS $ 0.16 ABOVE NATIONAL AVERAGE - SAVE TEN CENTS/GALLON

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - The average gasoline price at 8:30 A.M. on Friday in Loveland was $2.17 per gallon of regular. The average price in the Cincinnati area according to CincyGasPrices.com was $2.18. The national average is $2.01.

AAA reports the national average is $2.06 per gallon of regular and reports the Ohio average is $2.06. This puts Loveland, Ohio $0.11 above the state average.

Click this link to view where to save ten cents per gallon at Loveland stations. The prices are fluctuating rapidly, so keep in mind that this is only a snapshot of prices on Friday morning.

Download gas_prices_31805.html

LOVELAND, OHIO - SOME POLITICAL FUN

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - Here are links to some political animations current to national political discussion.

The first is from the Republican National Committee showing the President's "Superhero" effort to save the Social Security System.

http://www.gop.com/news/Cartoon.aspx?id=677

And, this link will take you to the web site of MoveOnPac where they are raising money to put an animation featuring a cartoon of the Vice-President on national television. MoveOnPac describes the ad, "Dick Cheney and the Republican leadership think they can sneak through their plan to break the Senate and stack the Supreme Court and no one will notice. In fact, they're counting on it—because they know a vast majority of the country is opposed to their so-called "nuclear option." Corporate Judges."

It is about what Democrats are calling the "Nuclear Option" the Vice-President may use to stop any possible filibuster in the U.S. Senate over the Administration's court nominees.

https://www.moveonpac.org/donate/rubberstamp.html?id=5232-1458608-9f9jfdJhC06URLz.QDmltg

 

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Suspected Arson Fire at Community Park / Leming House

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO NEWS -According to the Miami Township Police Department, on Tuesday, March 15th, between 6 PM and 9 PM, it "appears that someone set a fire in a wastebasket in the men’s restroom at the Leming House. They used toilet paper and an unknown source of ignition to start the fire. The fire cause minor damage to the bathroom. This could potentially have caused the complete loss of the Leming House facility. The Leming House is located in Miami Township’s Community Park on Buckwheat Road."

The Leming House is one of the treasures of Miami Township, located on Buckwheat Rd., in the Community Park. The land on which the Leming House sits was originally part of the Virginia Military District. The original house was built circa 1840. Randall Leming purchased the 160 acres from the Megrue family in 1844. The Leming family came to Ohio from New Jersey in 1806. Miami Township purchased the house and land in 1990.

Recently, two male juveniles were identified as the suspects in an arson fire that occurred at Miami Meadows Park on Sunday, January 30, 2005. Those fires caused more than $25,000 in damages to the public restrooms at the park.

Miami Township Police Detective Nick Colliver said that the two male juveniles, aged 13 and 14, confessed to taking part in the arson. The boys told Colliver that they had walked to the park around noon that day from Vista Woods Mobile Home Park. They said that the fires were started with a lighter by lighting the paper inside the waste cans in each of the four restrooms. The boys then admitted to Colliver that they had left the park through a wooded area.

If you have information about the recent fire, or witnessed suspicious activity, such as someone running from the Community Park on Buckwheat Road, please contact the Miami Township Police at 248-3721, or the Miami Township Fire and EMS at 248-3700.

You can also contact Miami Township via email at safetynet@miamitownshipoh.gov
The Township website is: http://miamitownshipoh.gov/ (Photo by Miami Township)

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Boys Scouts honor Miami Township Police and Fire

MIAMI TOWNSHIP NEWS, OHIO - The Dan Beard Council of the Boy Scouts of America honored Miami Township Fire/EMS Chief Jim Whitworth (left) and Miami Township Police Chief Steve Bailey (right) for their service to the Scouts local Miami Township camp. (Photo by Miami Township)

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - Correction to Church Service at Loveland Presbyterian

Dear Lovland Magazine,

When I wrote you about Loveland Presbyterian's Holy Week services, I made a mistake.  Our service on Maundy Thursday, (3/24) is at 7:30, not 7:00.  Is there any way you could fix that for me?  Thanks so much. 

Diane Byrne

LOVELAND, OHIO - Church Easter Season Schedules

LOVELAND, OHIO - Church Easter Season Schedules

Sycamore Presbyterian
Sunday, March 20 - 9:00 and 10:30 A.M. services, Passion/Palm Sunday - Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
Thursday, March 24 - 7:30 P.M. Maundy Thursday - service in the sanctuary – The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be served by intinction. Child care available for children not yet in second grade.
Sunday, March 27 - Easter/Resurrection of the Lord. Dr. Lawrence W. Kent’s sermon is entitled: "Taking a Chance on Love."
8:00 a.m. service in the chapel. 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. services in the sanctuary. Family Worship Sunday. Nursery and toddler care available.

11800 Mason Road (Symmes Township)
Cincinnati, OH 45249
Phone: 683-0254
Email: sycamore@sycamorechurch.org
Website: www.sycamorechurch.org
Larry Kent, Pastor

Loveland Presbyterian Church
Sunday, March 20 - Worship at 10:30A.M. Palm Sunday
Thursday, March 24 - Worship at 7:30 P.M. Tenebrae Service
Sunday, March 27 - Worship at 8:30 A.M. Bring cut flowers to make a living cross. Breakfast at 9:15A.M. Worship at 10:30A.M. (Worship and Communion)

The church is located at 360 Robin Avenue. Don’t mind the construction – come on in! Call 683-2525 if you have any questions.

360 Robin Avenue
Loveland, OH 45140
Phone: 683-2525
Email: lpcusa@fuse.net
Website: www.lpcusa.org
Tim McQuade, Pastor

Loveland United Methodist Church
Sunday, March 20 - Palm Sunday - Easter Musical at 8:15 and 11A.M. (Choir & Drama) Contemporary Worship at 9:30A.M.
Thursday, March 24 - Maundy Thursday Service at 7P.M.
Sunday, March 27 - Easter Sunday - 4 services. Sunrise at 7:00A.M. 8:15A.M. 9:30A.M. and 11:00A.M.

10975 S. Lebanon Road
Phone: 683-1738
Email: lovelandumc@lovelandumc.org
Website: www.lovelandumc.org
Rev. Doug Sonnenburg, Pastor

ST. MARGARET OF YORK
Saturday March 19 - 4:30P.M.
Sunday, March 20 - Palm Sunday Masses, 9:00A.M. and 11:00A.M.
Monday, March 21- One-Year Anniversary of Church Dedication, 7:00P.M.
Tuesday, March 22 - Chrism Mass in the Cathedral, 7:30 P.M. (No Stations)
Thursday, March 24 - Holy Thursday Mass, 7:00 P.M.
Friday, March 25 - Good Friday, Noon - 3:00 P.M.
Saturday, March 26 - Blessing of the Food, 2:00 P.M. Easter Vigil and Reception, 7:30 P.M.
Sunday, March 27 - Easter Masses 9:00A.M. and 11:00A.M.

9483 Columbia Road (Deerfield Township)
Loveland, OH 45140
Phone: 683-7100
Website: www.stmargaretofyork.org
Rev. Thomas Kreidler, Pastor

Epiphany United Methodist Church
Saturday, March 19 - 5:00 P.M. Family service with palms and communion.
Sunday, March 20 - 8:15 A.M. Communion and Choral Cantata "Behold! God's Holy Lamb."
Sunday, March 20 - 9:30A.M. Contemporary service with Children's Choir and palms.
Sunday, March 20 - 11:00A.M. Spirited Traditional service with Children's Choir and Choral Cantata, "Behold! God's Holy Lamb."
Thursday, March 24 - Maundy Thursday, A Last Supper drama, "Father's Upper Room" and communion.
Friday, March 25 - 7:00 P.M. Tenebrae Service
Saturday, March 26 - 5:00P.M. Easter Vigil
Sunday, March 27 - 8:15A.M. Traditional Worship with communion. 9:30A.M. Contemporary Worship. 11:00A.M. Spirited Traditional Worship.

6635 Loveland-Miamiville Road (Miami Township)
Loveland, OH 45140
Phone: 677-9866
Email: epiphanyumc@fuse.net
Website: www.epiphanyumc.org
Rev. Douglas Damron, Senior Pastor
Rev. Lisa Kerwin, Associate Pastor

Loveland Assembly of God
Sunday March 27 - Resurrection Sunday egg hunt for kids, pre-school through age 10 during Children's Church at 10:30A.M. Guest speaker for the Resurrection Sunday service will be Jerry Gowins.

6541 Arborcrest Drive (Miami Township)
Loveland OH 45140
Phone: 683-1241
Email: lovelandag@yahoo.com
Don Polly, Pastor

Lakeview United Church of Christ
Sunday March 20 - 9:00 A.M. and 10:45 A.M. (Palm Sunday) "Ersatz Celebration - Thinking the Separations are Over Before They're Over"  (at the 10:45 service, a children's Palm Procession).
Thursday, March 24 - 7:00 P.M. (Maundy Thursday) Service of Tennebrae, Table Communion, and Darkness - The Sixth Degree of Separation:  "Choosing Separation Over Communion and Reunion."
Friday, March 25 - 7:00 P.M. (Good Friday) "Death in All Its Forms - The Seventh, Most Final Separation." The choir will be performing the cantata, "Colors of Grace: Lessons for Lent."
Sunday, March 27 - "And the Walls Come Tumblin Down!" 8:00-10 A.M. Easter Continental Breakfast. 9:00 A.M. "Festival of the Resurrection" and communion. 10:45 A.M. Full Festival of the Resurrection with Choirs and Communion. (All are welcome for communion)

The Lakeview schedule for Holy Week, at their Lampstand Contemporary Church (In the Fellowship Hall) will be:
Sunday, March 20  - 10:45 A.M. Palm Sunday, "Great Expectations."
Sunday, March 27 - 10:45 A.M. Easter Sunday, "Come See, Go Tell."

8639 Columbia Road
Maineville, OH 45039
683-2073
Email: lakeviewucc@fuse.net
Website: www.lakeviewucc.com
John Specht, Pastor

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - EASTER EGG HUNT AT EPIPHANY UMC

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO NEWS - You can hop on over to the Easter egg hunt this Sunday March 20 at Epiphany United Methodist Church next to the Oasis Golf Club. It begins at 1:00 P.M. and goes until 3:00 P.M.

3,000 pieces of wrapped candy.

Ages 1-3; arrive by 1 P.M.
Ages 4-6; arrive by 1:20 P.M.
Ages 7-9; arrive by 1:40 P.M.

Epiphany United Methodist Church
6635 Loveland-Miamiville Road
Loveland, Ohio 45140
677-9866
epiphanyumc@fuse.net

LOVELAND, OHIO - WVXU acquired by WGUC

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - Cincinnati’s classical public radio station, WGUC 90.9 FM, has signed an asset purchase agreement with Xavier University to purchase WVXU 91.7, Xavier’s public radio station, and its affiliated X-Star Network stations. The $15 million sale will become official upon approval of the Federal Communications Commission, which could take 90 days or longer.

According to information released by WGUC, The purchase by WGUC will ensure that WVXU remains a locally-owned public radio station with the call letters and frequency preserved, and that "WGUC remains a strong, independent classical public radio station."

"The sale of WVXU was a tough, but very necessary decision by the Xavier University Board of Trustees. The decision was made a bit easier by the possibility of ‘keeping it in the family’ so to speak with WGUC," said Michael Graham, S.J., president of Xavier University. "The funds from the sale will allow us to better serve our mission of preparing students to serve society by helping to fund the strategic plan and campus expansion. Part of that plan is the creation of the James E. Hoff Academic Quadrangle, a living-learning center that will enhance our ability to educate students in the 21st century."

Richard Eiswerth, president and general manager of WGUC said he became aware in September that the licenses for WVXU and the X-Star Network may be available, so he began to pursue the opportunity with the approval of the Board of Directors for Cincinnati Classical Public Radio, Inc.

"Obtaining a second frequency to better serve both our classical music and news audiences has been a core part of WGUC’s ongoing Strategic Plan for the past five years," said Eiswerth.

WGUC will spend the next few months talking with WVXU listeners, exploring options and designing specific formats for each station. Eiswerth says he expects WGUC will become a fulltime classical music station and WVXU will primarily focus on news, information and National Public Radio (NPR) programming such as Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

Xavier University may only sell WVXU and its affiliated stations to another non-commercial entity due to Federal Communications Commission regulations and WGUC will use municipal bond financing to fund the purchase according to information released by the stations.

The X-Star Radio Network is headquartered at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. They operate a Midwestern group of seven public radio stations in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Their flagship station, WVXU-FM in Cincinnati broadcasts one of the most unusual and diverse program schedules in radio today. In addition, they offer a comprehensive Internet Web Service offering untold hours of FREE hi-fi audio programs in scores of different categories.

WGUC, Cincinnati's oldest and largest public radio station, was founded in 1960 by a group of citizens who wanted a radio station devoted to cultural and public affairs programming.

WVXU just ended a fund drive and the station provided this information regarding pledges that went towards particular programming. "While we hope that the transition goes quickly and smoothly, it could take 90 days or longer. The revenue generated during the most recent WVXU fund drive will allow the station to maintain its operations during the transition. If listeners want to request a refund, they may do so. WGUC will be using this time to talk to WVXU listeners and explore programming options. Obviously, we will consider our conversations with WVXU listeners as we review available programming. We hope they will be pleased with whatever changes are made. Again, if they are not, they may request a full refund of their pledge."

WGUC said, no changes in programming or business operations of WVXU or its affiliated X-Star Network stations will occur until FCC approval is received."

Dr. James C. King, is the WVXU founder and former director for broadcasting. In a letter to WVXU listeners posted on the station's web site, King said, " When I first learned of Xavier’s intention to sell the entire X-Star radio network, including WVXU, I was shocked, disturbed, and deeply saddened. The cost of the incredible growth of WVXU, from a small 10 watt station to one of the largest privately-held public radio networks in America has been paid for, almost entirely, by WVXU, its members, and our corporate underwriters."

"This is, without a doubt, one of the saddest days of my professional life. I wish the new owners well and would implore them to maintain the integrity of WVXU’s commitment to classic radio, local news, and local talk programs."

Listeners with questions can contact WGUC to ask questions or make programming preferences known. WGUC’s phone number is 513 241-8282. The e-mail address is wguc@wguc.org. A listener survey is available at www.wguc.org/wvxu

Questions about membership can be directed to WVXU at 513 731-9898.

Click here to read the full statement from Dr. King.
Download from_dr. King.html

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Community Easter Egg Hunt

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO NEWS - A community Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by Christian Community Connections Early Child Care and Learning Center, will be held on Saturday March 26.

The Learning Center is located at Living Word Fellowship, 9781 Fields Ertel Road. The event includes crafts, drama, food, games, and prizes. The event is free to community.

Ages 2-10.

Sat. March 26: 1-3 PM

For information: 677-8500 (ext. 22)

CINCINNATI, OHIO - Rally and March to End War in Iraq, Rebuild Communities

CINCINNATI, OHIO - This Saturday will mark the second anniversary of the Iraq war. You can join a Sojourners vigil to "remember those we've lost and recommit ourselves to a better way." It is a Global Day of Action on the second anniversary of the war in Iraq.

Sojourners, www.sojo.net, is a Christian ministry whose mission is to proclaim and practice the biblical call to integrate spiritual renewal and social justice.

At 1 - 2:30 on Saturday afternoon, Cincinnati area residents will join others from around the world. The local rally will be on Fountain Square in Downtown Cincinnati. There will be short speeches, music, a drumming circle, a memorial to all who have died in war (including banners with the names of all U.S. soldiers and all the incidents of Iraqi deaths) followed by a march. For more info, see www.ijpc-cincinnati.org.

Sponsors of the rally include: UC Antiwar Coalition, Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center, Council of American Islamic Relations-Cincinnati Chapter, International Socialist Organization, Moms and Dads for Peace, Cincinnatians to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, Peace Seekers, Women in Black, Bring The War Home Collective

March 19th, 2005 will mark two full years since the bombs started falling in Iraq. As of today, 1,516 American troops have been killed in combat, and over 11,220 have been seriously injured. Uncounted tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians have died, and millions are still without electricity or running water. The organizers of the rally said, "The Bush administration is in the middle of an optimism campaign on Iraq, and wants us to believe that a stable peace is around the corner. But most realists see years of chaos and violence ahead. The two-year anniversary of the invasion is an important time to come together in response."

The vigils will take many different forms. Some are hosted by churches, synagogues, and mosques and include religious prayers. Some are hosted by local peace groups and are non-denominational.

"This anniversary is also an important time to reflect on the war itself, and where we go from here. The fundamental error of the invasion has left us, as a nation, with no opportunity for a quick fix. But together, we must address the catastrophe Bush has created, and ensure we are never again deceived into a reckless war."

The organizers of the rally list the following goals:

1. In the days ahead, we will work together to end the war, by pressuring the President to negotiate a binding exit plan with the Iraqi government. We will push to ensure that America doesn't establish permanent military bases in Iraq, which would send such a terrible message to the world about our motives there.

2. Together, we will demand that Congress root out the corporate corruption that has undercut the rebuilding efforts and washed billions we've already put into Iraq down the drain. This is especially crucial as Congress prepares to approve another $80+ billion for Iraq.

3. We will counter the Bush doctrine of shortsighted, go-it-alone militarism by promoting healthy engagement with the international community--the best way to accomplish diplomatic goals, and address real security threats.

4. Finally, we'll organize to increase the political consequences for misleading the country into war. Future lawmakers must know that illegitimate wars come at a great political cost.

LOVELAND, OHIO - THIS SATURDAY: Loveland Health Care Center’s 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - The Loveland Health Care Center will be hosting its 4th annual Easter Egg Hunt at Nisbet Park on Saturday March 19. "We used to host an egg hunt in the facility’s courtyard on Easter Sunday." says Kim Weber the facility’s Activity Director. "Families and staff would bring their children to hunt eggs. It gave the residents a chance to show off their grandchildren and great-grandchildren to their extended friends and family at the facility."

Weber said the community has given so much to the residents of Loveland Health Care over the years that they decided to host the annual Easter Egg Hunt on a much larger scale. "It’s our way of saying thank you for all the community does for our residents throughout the year."

To promote the Easter Egg Hunt, Teresa Wilkins, the facility’s Admissions Coordinator escorts the Easter Bunny to the local elementary schools and Day Care Centers for personal appearances. "The children enjoy the Easter Bunny and our residents enjoy the children." said Wilkins. "What a great way to bring them together."

Loveland Health Care Center’s 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 19th.
Nisbet Park (Next to the Loveland Bike Trail off of West Loveland Avenue in Downtown Loveand)

2:00 - ages 4 and under
2:30 - ages 5 to 8
3:00 - ages 9 and up

Have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny.

Face Painting
Clowns
Music
Refreshments and more.

(Photos provided by Loveland Health Care Center)

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - MYSTERY WRITER VISITS LOVELAND BOOK CLUB

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Book Club met in the home of Marti Allison to meet author Norm Azbell on March 8. Azbell is author of THE CRATER MANUSCRIPT, a fictionalized account of the mysterious 1930 disappearance of New York Supreme Court Judge Joseph Crater. Azbell and his wife, Teresa, reside in Mason, Ohio, but are former Loveland residents. Azbell has two more mystery novels in the works.

The Book Club, which meets monthly, has operated continuously since 1975. Two of its members, Marti Allison of Loveland and Becky Patterson, formerly of Loveland, are charter members. Members Suzanne Mott and Judy Perry are also Loveland residents.

Allison was asked what has held this book club together so long? She said, "Diversity, respect for each member’s beliefs and, above all, we all love to read!"

LOVELAND, OHIO - JOSEPH SELLS OUT LOVELAND - CROWDS CHEER

LOVELAND, OHIO - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat continues its run at the Loveland Stage Company Theater through Sunday.

And, it has sold out.

The capacity crowd on Saturday night jumped to their feet and cheered at the conclusion of this well crafted local theater production. There is not a weak solo part in the production. The costuming is superb; the singing energized and impeccable. The men's chorus playing Joseph's band of brothers is (err, was) a "must not miss" performance, fitting for any stage, anywhere. The children's choir was light and delicate and their parts well acted. The lighting and sound were tailored just right for this small, renovated movie theater. The orchestra did its job of keeping tempo flowing and singers on key, and just blended in, from sights un-known and un-seen.

This is plain and simple an excellent production and you'll have to start begging your friends for an extra ticket for the remaining weekend shows.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - FOWLER STATE CHAMPION POWERLIFTER

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO NEWS - On Saturday, March 5, three Loveland High School students traveled to Kenton, Ohio to compete in the State Powerlifting Meet. This marks the first time that Loveland High School has participated in this meet. Ben Sears finished seventh in the most competitive 175 lb. division, Graham Elliott took fifth in the 225 lb. division, and Margaret Fowler earned State Champion in the 135 lb. division.

Their coach Casey Thomas expected all three athletes to medal and was very proud of their accomplishments. All three are seniors and participate in varsity sports at Loveland High School. Sears is a wrestler, Elliott plays football and lacrosse, and Fowler swims. (Provided photos)

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - NCAA Ticket information

LOVELAND, OHIO - To order University of Cincinnati or University of Kentucky NCAA Tournament tickets for the RCA Dome:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/05003872BA085B28?brand=&artistid=910462&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=7

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS - UC - UK MATCH-UP POSSIBLE - DOWNLOAD THE NCAA BRACKET

Loveland, Ohio - The University of Cincinnati Bearcats and the University of Kentucky Wildcats may meet in the March Madness NCAA college basketball tournament if both teams can get past their first round games. Cincinnati plays Iowa and Kentucky plays Eastern Kentucky this Thursday in Indianapolis. If both teams win, they play each other Saturday March 19.

The NCAA Tournament web site can be found at:

http://www.ncaasports.com/basketball/mens

To download the complete NCAA Tournament Bracket:

http://www.ncaasports.com/images/ncaasports/brackets/d1_bkc_bracket_2005.pdf

For complete NCAA Tournament information go to:

http://www.ncaasports.com/basketball/mens/tourney

Symmes Township, Ohio News - Lake Isabella open for season

Symmes Township, Ohio - This former rock quarry has been a popular fishing spot since 1928 and is the perfect location for a family-fishing outing or picnic. The 28-acre lake is stocked weekly from March through October. Fishing is from the bank or by rental boat. Electric trolling motors are permitted. Children 12 and under and Golden Buckeye Cardholders may fish free daily; ages 13 to 59 may purchase a daily fishing ticket. Families may pitch a tent and fish all night, Fridays, and Saturday, from May 6 through September 10.Lake Isabella also offers canoe access to the Little Miami River.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - BONE MARROW DRIVE INFORMATION SESSION

MIAMI TOWNSHIP - This Sunday, March 13, Kevin Meyer from the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) at the Hoxworth Blood Center will be at Epiphany United Methodist Church to do two short presentations about being a bone marrow donor.

Epiphany will be conducting a bone marrow drive on April 10th from 12-4 P.M. Meyer, will be doing a short presentation and answering questions in the Fellowship Hall following the 9:30 and the 11:00 worship services this Sunday March 13.

Meyer is very knowledgeable about the whole process and has some very inspiring stories as well. This is a great chance to see if you want to become a donor and make a difference in someone's life. The meeting is INFORMATIONAL only, there is no commitment needed at this time.

For information: http://www.epiphanyumc.org or 513-677-9866 or e-mail office@epiphanyumc.org

Epiphany is located at 6635 Loveland-Miamiville Rd. in Miami Township next to the Oasis Golf Center.

The National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) is a congressionally authorized network of donor centers, transplant centers, collection centers and recruitment groups that maintains a confidential database of volunteer bone marrow / stem cell donors. This computerized registry was established to help facilitate matches for patients in need of a transplant with a network of unrelated volunteer donors. NMDP is the largest single point of access to unrelated donors, with currently over 4.6 million donors in the NMDP Registry.

Hoxworth houses one of the 100 NMDP donor centers throughout the United States, which educates and recruits new volunteer donors, participates in search related activities, and facilitates both bone marrow and stem cell collections from donors in the Greater Cincinnati area. Since Hoxworth began working with the NMDP in 1987, approximately 15,000 tri-state residents have signed up to be marrow donors and 75 people from our area have actually donated marrow and or stem cells, with several donors actually donating more than once.

Why are marrow donors needed?

Marrow is produced inside the larger bones of the body. It makes blood cells and even looks like blood, but it is a little thicker.

A marrow transplant may be used to treat and/or cure between 40 and 60 diseases including different forms of cancer and blood diseases such as leukemia that affect the marrow's ability to produce blood cells. It is also being used experimentally to treat the blood disease, sickle cell anemia.

Unfortunately, nearly 75 percent of patients in need are unable to find suitably matched marrow donors within their families. It is these individuals who search the NMDP Registry in numbers exceeding 3,000 each day. The unfortunate situation is that many patients die before finding a suitably matched donor. As the number of potential marrow donors grows, so do the chances of finding a match.

While all donors are needed, there is a critical need for minority volunteer donors. A majority of the volunteers on the National Marrow Donor Program Registry are Caucasian. Because tissue types are inherited, and some types are more common to certain racial or ethnic groups, a patient's best chance of finding a match is within his or her ethnic and racial group. More African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Native American volunteer donors are needed to give every patient the best possible chance of finding an unrelated donor.

For more information about becoming a donor or organizing a marrow typing drive with your organization, please call Kevin Meyer, NMDP Donor Center located at the Hoxworth Blood Center at (513) 558-1891.

LOVELAND, OHIO - MASTERING GARDENING BY ROBERTA PAOLO

LOVELAND, OHIO - I am a Master Gardener but that does not mean I am a horticultural expert. I realize the purpose of Latin names, but all too often, I have trouble pulling out even a common name when I am asked, "What is that plant?"

I know nothing about grass other than I hate to mow it. It seems like such a waste of time. As far as I am concerned, if a lawn is green it's good enough. I think lawns are good for walking barefoot and for kids to play on. A lawn is great for rough and tumble activities because it helps to provide a soft landing when kids fall. A lawn is also the perfect backdrop for lying on while you look up at the clouds searching for interesting shapes and for spreading a blanket for a picnic. It also makes a wonderful path between flower gardens. I understand how people can be particular about wanting their lawns to look just so. What I don't understand is how they justify the chemicals it takes to keep it that way!

I also do not know much about trees other than I absolutely adore them! Whatever the season, it makes me feel good just to look at a tree all by itself or as part of a grove! Of course, I know pussy willow, dogwood, red bud, and crab apple. I recently learned to identify a pawpaw because we have a grove in the woods in back of the primary and elementary schools, but that's about as far as it goes. Anything to do with trees and grass I will defer to Ron Wilson. If you are up early Saturday morning (6-9 a.m.), be sure, and turn on Ron's radio show, "In the Garden with Ron Wilson" on 55KRC-AM. This man knows his stuff!!

What I do know about gardening, I have learned from trial and error during the more than forty years I have been digging in the soil and growing things. It began when my husband and I moved into our first house in Madeira in 1963. My mother was always an avid gardener and still is at almost 87! (Ill tell you more about this amazing lady another time.) Gardening was her therapy, so she never invited my sisters and me to garden with her.

You don't realize it when you are growing up but the environment we are exposed to as children comes to be the normal order of things to us. To my eye, trained by growing up around my mother's gardens, it felt that something needed to be planted in front of those yews that flanked our front steps. This was the first week in the house and we had not even had time to purchase a lawnmower. My only garden tool was a trowel the previous owner had left in the garage. After a few useless attempts at using the trowel to dig into the hard clay, I went inside and found my only other tool ˆ a hammer! Actually, the claw of the hammer worked pretty well but after about 15 minutes on my knees, I decided my first flower bed would have to wait until I could go to the hardware store to buy a shovel. So began my trial and error love affair with gardening.

LOVELAND, OHIO - SAVE MONEY ON GAS

LOVELAND, OHIO - Current gas prices.

Download gas_prices_3905.html

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, OHIO - A PROUD FATHER

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, OHIO - THE NOBLE SGT. BLAKE'S HOMECOMING

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Former Loveland High School graduate, Sgt. Blake Poe has returned home from his tour of duty in Iraq. Poe did not rotate home with the rest of his unit and missed the homecoming parade held a couple of weeks ago in Fairfield, Ohio. He had volunteered to stay behind for a few days and do final sterilization of his combat engineering unit's trucks and other equipment before it re-entered the United States. However, Poe was able to attend a welcoming ceremony held in Westerville, Ohio on February 19 where his family was able to greet him. He was honored along with other returning service men and women from Ohio. Poe served with the 216th Engineers attached to the 1st Infantry Division (The Big Red One) in Northern Iraq.

On Saturday, March 5, about fifty of Poe's family and friends gathered at the Hartman Log Cabin outside of the Village of Marathon, in Clermont County to thank him for his service to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Poe is a tall young man and his chiseled facial features exuded confidence as he stood wearing his combat fatigues (his deserts) and proudly told his friends and family about his tour of duty. He said he was especially grateful for the support from the home front, and mentioned how important e-mails and letters were to him. Poe was very noble when talking about what the United States and other coalition forces have accomplished in Iraq and he said that people in the United States aren’t getting the whole picture about what is going on in the country. Poe said he witnessed first hand the gratitude of the majority of the Iraqi people.

Poe's parents are Judy and Jim Poe from Goshen Township. As they sat around a table Saturday night in the restored 1800's log cabin, a lot of the conversation was about how their son protected them by not telling them of all the dangerous things he did on a routine basis. They said little by little the suspicions they had for a year are now coming to light. Poe's unit was assigned to build and reconstruct the country infrastructure, such as bridges, but they were also sent on more than 500 "patrols." In addition, in the final weeks before the 216th was rotated home, Poe's unit was in constant convoy as they transported their equipment on long trips from Northern Iraq to Kuwait. Then on the return trip, they would bring the new equipment of their replacement unit, back north. This was during the weeks just before the Iraq election when travel had become so dangerous, and the Iraq insurgency movement was daily using improvised explosive devices and car bombs to create chaos throughout the country.

Judy and Jim Poe have three other sons serving our country; Army Major Brian Poe, Air Force Captain David Poe, and Air Force Lieutenant Brady Poe.

Jim Poe wrote this note to Loveland Magazine about his son's return from Iraq.

"We've had so many military emotions over the past nineteen years that it's really hard to separate them. We've only had them all home for Christmas once since 1990. Heck, just three months ago we had four boys on three continents and an island and none of them North America......we have a special clock just to check world times before we try to phone them.

There have been the ups and downs of the West Point experience from leaving sons on the banks of the Hudson River on July 1st and then having little contact from them until Christmas. Then the emotion of watching the "White Hats Fly" on graduation day only to realize quickly that your son has just been finely trained to lead in the next war. We've watched three of them take the commissioning oath "To Protect and defend the Constitution.....We've pinned on their bars. We've sent them to war. All of them have lost classmates or comrades in Somalia, The Philippines and of course in Iraq and we always grieve with them. But, I really don't think that there's anything more heart gripping and breath stopping then to see them come home from a theater of war. I can only imagine what it was like at the end of World War II when the troops came back after having been gone for three and four years.

I Guess with Sgt. Blake signing up for another six years in the Guard and Major Brian, Captain David and Lieutenant Brady doing it for a living, Judy and I are in for the long haul, and we'll just keep the flag up, the blue stars in the window and the candles burning."

Photos provided by the Poe family © 2005

LOVELAND, OHIO - You're in charge of the last Truffula Seeds

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss

He snapped, "I'm the Lorax who speaks for the trees
which you seem to be chopping as fast as you please.
But I'm also in charge of the Brown Bar-ba-loot suits
who play in the shade in their Bar-ba-loot suits
and happily lived, eating Truffula Fruits."

"NOW . . . thanks to your hacking my trees to the ground
there's not enough Truffula Fruit to go 'round.
And my poor Bar-ba-loots are all getting the crummies
because they have gas, and no food, in their tummies!"

"They loved living here.  But I can't let them stay.
They have to find food.  And I hope that they may.
Good luck, boys," he cried.  And he sent them away.

"You're glumping the pond where the Humming-Fish hummed!
No more can they hum, for their gills are all gummed.
So I'm sending them off.  Oh their future is dreary.
They'll walk on their fins and get woefully weary in search of some water that isn't so smeary."

And at that very moment, we heard a loud whack!
From outside in the fields came a sickening smack
of an axe on a tree.  Then we heard the tree fall.
The very last Truffula Tree of them all!

The Lorax said nothing.  Just gave me a glance . . .
just gave me a very sad, sad backward glance . . .
as he lifted himself by the seat of the pants.
And I'll never forget the grim look on his face
when he heisted himself and took leave of this place,
through a hole in the smog, without leaving a trace.

"But now " says the Once-ler,
"Now that you're here,
the word of the Lorax seems perfectly clear.
UNLESS someone like you
cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better.
It's not."

"SO . . .
Catch!" calls the Once-ler.
He lets something fall.
"It's a Truffula Seed.
It's the last one of all!
YOU'RE IN CHARGE OF THE LAST TRUFFULA SEEDS.
And Truffula Trees are what everyone needs.
Plant a new Truffula.  Treat it with care.
Give it clean water.  And feed it fresh air.
Grow a forest.  Protect it from axes that hack.
Then the Lorax
and all of his friends
may come back."

LOVELAND, OHIO - GAS PRICES JUMP

LOVELAND, OHIO - The average price for a gallon of regular gasolione jumped from $1.86 at noon on Thursday to $2.05 at 6:00 P.M. on Friday evening as all pumps went above $2.00/gal.

Thorton's on Loveland Madeira Road raised their price twenty-three cents since yesterday, but still had the lowest price today at $2.03.

Download gas_prices_3405.html

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - "The Great Symmes Egg Hunt"

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Join your neighbors on Saturday, March 19th at Symmes Elementary, 11820 Enyart Road, for the Township's annual egg hunt.  As tradition dictates, there will be plenty of colorful eggs to find along with lots of surprises.  The festivities begin at Noon with a moon bounce, face painting and a visit from the Easter Bunny!  The official start of the egg hunt begins at 12:30 p.m. with a wave of different starts beginning with children  age 3 years and younger followed by the 4 to 6 year olds and then the 7 to 10 year olds.  A special prize will be given this year to children who color or draw a picture for the Easter Bunny.  

For more information on this event, please contact the Township office at 683-6644.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Lego Mania

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Lego Mania

Saturday, March 12 or
Saturday, April 9th

9:00 a.m.-noon

Leming House at Community Park

$5/resident, $7/non-resident

  This program is designed for children, ages 7-12, with an emphasis on inventing and construction using Lego sets.

Children will enjoy creating anything imaginable with Lego blocks and take satisfaction and pride in their achievements.

Lego is a trademark of Lego Blocks and does not own or operate this program.

Contact Miami Township Recreation Department for more information. (Krystin.Thibodeau@miamitownshipoh.gov)

To register download a registration form (http://www.miamitwp.org/recreation/2004/rec_registration_form.pdf) and mail the form with your
check to:

Miami Township Recreation Department - 248-3725
5900 McPicken Drive
Milford, OH  45150.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Fine Arts Weekend Sampler

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Fine Arts Weekend Sampler
Leming House in Community Park
5951 Buckwheat Road

Saturday February 12

Kindermusik Demonstration; Kindermusik is based on every child being musical and every parent being the child’s most important teacher. Come sing, dance, play, listen and create music with your child.

9:00-9:45 a.m. (Newborn to 3 years)

10:00-11:00 a.m. children grades - 1st through 3rd

11:00-12:00 noon children grades - 4th through 8th

10:00-12:00 noon Experience Art Around The World! Barb Brown leads this awesome hands- on art exploration. Once you get your passport you’re free to travel to Africa and design your own tribal mask, then on to Japan where you will practice the ancient art form of origami. In Mexico you will make a pinch clay pot, then on to Italy where you’ll design your very own painted tiles. This is open for children ages preschool – 8th grade.

12:00 noon Milford High School students from the Choral and Ensemble groups will perform a variety of selections from their repertoire

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO BRUSH DAYS

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Brush Days - March 18th & 19th, 7:30am - 5:00pm
Miami Meadows Park, 1546 State Route 131
First right after entering the Park
Must show proof of Miami Township residency
No leaves or timbers

LOVELAND, OHIO - GAS PRICES VARY WIDELY - SAVE .30 CENTS/GAL.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Gas prices varied from a high of $2.10 per gallon of regular at the Speedway on Loveland Madeira Road at 11:30 A. M. on Thursday morning to a low of $1.80 at Thortons (Loveland Madeira Road), Marathon (near I-275), and the Shell (near Kemper on Loveland Madeira Road).
Download gas_3305.html

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Weber Road Repairs

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - On Thursday March 3rd the Miami Township Service Department will be repairing the shoulders on both sides of Weber Road from Branch Hill - Paxton Guinea Road to approximately 50 feet past the intersection with Tanglewood Drive.

The Service Department has posted road-closed signs with the dates of the project and they have placed the detour signs, which are covered up until the work begins. The only traffic permitted during the project will be for the residents within the work area.

The project is slated to be completed by Friday, March 4. If it is not completed, the Service Department will reopen the road on Friday afternoon for the weekend and then resume work on Monday, March 7 with a road closure if necessary.

For information: http://miamitownshipoh.gov/