Loveland Magazine

Granny's Garden Party & Plant Sale: May 2 - 4

Miami Township: Super Senior Saturday

Miami Township will present Super Senior Saturday on May 3 from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Miami Township Civic Center, 6101 Meijer Drive.

This “free” event features over 30 booths with information and services on many important topics relating to Seniors.

Complimentary lunch provided.

Entertainment and an hourly raffle with exciting give-away and prizes every hour.

Entertainers include local piano, dulcimer, violin and clarinet performances. The popular ‘chair volleyball’ tournament will also return.

For more information about the event, call Miami Township Recreation Department at 248-3727. LINK: Miami Township | Community Relations.

Dann aide Guitierrez accused of hitting truck

by Reginald Fields Plain Dealer Bureau

Columbus -- The suspended attorney general's office manager who is already under investigation for sexual harassment and damage to two state vehicles also may have been involved in a hit-skip accident last summer while driving a state car, the office says. Read on... Dann aide Guitierrez accused of hitting truck- cleveland.com.

By following this link you can view photos taken on April 26 of SSGT. Keith Matthew Maupin's homecoming procession into Clermont County, and at his funeral at Great American Ball Park on April 27.

Attorney general administrator Anthony Gutierrez tied to second damaged vehicle

by Reginald Fields Plain Dealer Bureau

Columbus- A suspended manager at the Ohio attorney general's office turned in a second wrecked state vehicle last month and used his authority to get it repaired without reporting it, the office said Friday. Read on... Attorney general administrator Anthony Gutierrez tied to second damaged vehicle- cleveland.com.

Scandal reveals lack of restraint at state office

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Map, News) -   A flood of records has not confirmed accusations that a senior aide to Attorney General Marc Dann sexually harassed two junior staffers.

However, the documents and emerging details make one thing clear: Dann and a circle of his closest aides interacted with a group of young women in the office more like buddies - or prospective boyfriends - than professional colleagues.

Dann's 28-year-old scheduler, Jessica Utovich, playfully calls Dann names, invites him to drinks, solicits his opinion of her hair and scolds him for his conduct in thousands of e-mails between them released this week. Read on...

Maupin Funeral: Complete Details

Click below to view, download and print the complete details of the visitation and funeral arrangements for SSGT. Keith “Matt” Maupin provided by the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce.

Download maupinmemorial.pdf

UNION TOWHSHIP, OHIO – Parking Details for Maupin Visitation

UNION TOWHSHIP, OHIO - The visitation for SSgt. Matt Maupin is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, ending at 7 a.m. Sunday, April 27, at the Union Township Civic Center, 4350 Aicholtz Road.

Parking details are:
Parking at the Civic Center will not open until 10:45 AM Saturday, April 26. Civic Center public parking will be limited to the far parking lot. The near parking lot is designated for handicapped and yellow parking pass holders.

Additional parking will be available at Total Quality Logistics (TQL), 4289 Ivy Pointe Blvd., and at Eastgate Mall, 4601 Eastgate Blvd. Buses, courtesy of the West Clermont Local School District and Croswell Bus Services, will be shuttling from these two locations to the Queen City Metro lot at the Civic Center, and back, until 10:30 PM Saturday.

Guests should park in the designated areas at TQL, and buses will leave from the front of the lot, by the traffic light at Ivy Pointe Blvd.

At Eastgate Mall, parking is available behind Dillards and Kohls department stores, in the area of the old Eastgate Cinemas. That is also the bus shuttle pick-up and drop-off area.

Due to expected heavy traffic, Aicholtz Road may experience some temporary closings throughout the event. Only residents of Aicholtz Road and holders of yellow parking passes will be permitted to enter Aicholtz Road during these closings.

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - St. Margaret Champions

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - St. Margaret of York, 6th grade girls volleyball team won the 2008 6th Grade CYO City Championship and are the St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Ground Hog’s Day tournament champions.

Picture attached:
Front Row (kneeling):    Hannah Sagel, Erin Devitt, Maddy Porta, Alexandra Frederick, Holly Luncan

Second Row (Standing):  Anna Speyer, Kennedy Hart, Alyssa King, Kayla McCarthy, Sara Priest

Third Row :  Coach Kathy Priest, Coach Bob Hart, Student Coach Kevin Carroll

LOVELAND, OHIO - Photos from Oklahoma

LOVELAND, OHIO - Photos from the recent performance of "Oklahoma" by the Loveland High School Drama Club can be viewed here.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO NEWS - Price Road Closure

Monday, May 5 through Tuesday, May 6


MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO NEWS - The Clermont County Highway Department
will be closing Price Road on Monday, May 5 through Tuesday, May 6.
The closure is for a culvert pipe replacement at Hobbyhorse.
Hobbyhorse will be accessible from the North side of Price Road.

This is a daytime only closure from 7 AM until 5 PM.

Saucy Orange Shrimp Recipe from Loveland

—Gloria, Jarrett, Loveland, Ohio

Saucy Orange Shrimp

Taste of Home's Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook

On a trip to New Orleans, my husband picked up some fresh Gulf shrimp. The wife of the shrimp boat captain sent this recipe along with him. It's our favorite way to prepare shrimp.

Read on... Saucy Orange Shrimp Recipe | Taste of Home Recipes.

Scotts Miracle-Gro to recall product after EPA order

"This is a serious violation of EPA's system for protecting people and
the environment from the potential harmful effects of pesticides," said
Mary Gade, a regional administrator for the EPA.This is an example of a formatted note note. Read on...

State Highway Patrol to investigate Gutierrez

Focus: Whether he wrecked state car, was drunk

by Reginald Fields

Plain Dealer Bureau

Columbus- The State Highway Patrol will investigate whether a suspended manager at the Ohio attorney general's office wrecked his state vehicle in October, and, if so, whether he was drunk when he did it. Read on...

Audit coming of department in attorney general's office

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Map, News) - The state attorney general's office has asked for an audit of the department overseen by an aide accused by two subordinates of sexual harassment.

Anthony Gutierrez, 50, the director of general services for Attorney General Marc Dann, has been on paid leave as Dann's office investigates the claims from two 26-year-old women. Aside from the harassment complaints, one of the women told an investigator that Gutierrez told her he was drunk while driving, fell asleep and crashed a state-owned SUV into a guard rail in October.

As director of general services, Gutierrez oversaw the office's fleet of 254 state-owned vehicles and assigned vehicles to himself, Dan spokesman Ted Hart said. Read on...

LOVELAND, OHIO - District Preschool Program has Openings for 08/09

LOVELAND, OHIO - The
Loveland City School District Preschool Program has openings for girls
in the afternoon session for the 2008-2009 school year. The
District’s preschool program serves students with a variety of special
needs, and on a tuition basis enrolls typically-developing peers to
serve as role models. Each classroom is a multi-age grouping of 3-5 year olds taught by qualified teachers. Classes are in session Monday-Thursday. Applications are available at Loveland Early Childhood Center. Contact the LECC school office at 683-4200 with any questions. Space is limited. LINK

LOVELAND, OHIO - Hamill turns out for Tiger Turf Fund Raiser

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Solicitation ALERT

No Police Drug Awareness Program

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO – In a SafetyNet advisiory issued by Miami Township Chief of Police Steven Bailey he said, “We have been notified that unidentified persons are calling citizens in the community asking for donations to a 'Drug Awareness' program.
The reports say that the person sounds very authentic and that you can hear what sounds like a police radio in the background. When asked for a call back phone number, the person hangs up.”

Bailey said that his police department is not soliciting donations from anyone for a Drug Awareness program or any other program.

Bailey's advice is that when asked for a donation to any group, always ask for an address and a phone number of the organization. Also ask, if the person is a hired solicitor, and what percent of the donation goes to the program and to the soliciting company. “Ask for time to think about your answer, and never be afraid to say no.”

If you think that you have been misled by a solicitor or you feel that you have received undue pressure from a solicitor, you can contact the police department at: 248-3721.

Sweeping energy plan goes to Ohio Senate

COLUMBUS, Ohio -   Consumers are promised the lowest rates no matter how they get their electric power under a compromise Gov. Ted Strickland and legislative leaders have cobbled together. Read on...

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - Ohio Lawmakers Consider Interstate Tribute to Maupin

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - Testimony will be heard Wednesday in Columbus on a proposal to rename part of I-275 in Clermont County as the Staff Sergeant Matt Maupin Veteran’s Memorial Highway.  The House Infrastructure, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs Committee will be considering House Bill 344 introduced by State Representative Joe Uecker (R-66) and State Representative Tom Brinkman (R-34).

Clermont County Veterans’ Services Director Dan Bare will be among those testifying in support of the bill.  “Matt Maupin became America’s son during the four years he was missing,” said Bare.  “He was the face of the war, and for a long time, he was the only American soldier unaccounted for in Iraq.”

Maupin was taken captive on April 9, 2004 while taking part in an Army convoy near Baghdad.  His remains were recently discovered and his body is being returned for a funeral service in Cincinnati this weekend.

“Four years is a long time to be gone,” added Bare.  “People have a tendency to forget with time, but not here.  In Clermont County the community embraced Matt and refused to give up hope.  That spirit of support remains for all of our men and women stationed on foreign soil.”

“Matt and his family made an enormous sacrifice for this country, and House Bill 344 would give us a method to recognize that sacrifice,” said Representative Uecker.

LOVELAND, OHIO – Working stiffed

A penny for your thoughts? Or... How 'bout YOU paying $25.00? $65.00?

by David Miller
LOVELAND, OHIO – It's a growing trend, being expected to shell out what's left of your hard earned paycheck, to get access to government leaders. Here are two examples that hit close to home.

If you can afford a lunch break on Tuesday, April 29, from 11:30 AM -1:00 PM, the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting lunch at a local country club where for $25.00 you get to hear views on school taxes as presented by the Superintendent of the Loveland District and the Loveland City Manager. An unspecified meal is on the menu. Work afternoons, or the graveyard shift, paying those local property taxes? At least you won't have to ask the boss for a little time off with pay.

In a “joint” press release issued by the Chamber and the City, the subject of the session is, “Supporting our Public Schools: the Role and Importance of the Commercial Tax Base.” Guest speakers will include Dr. Kevin Boys, Superintendent of Loveland City Schools; Tom Carroll, City Manager of Loveland; and Paulette Leeper from the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce.

If usual practice is followed by Loveland, and if you are an elected official, lunch is on the taxpayer.

There are rumblings in the community that the average Joe and Jane will have to pay $25 to hear these appointed community leaders discuss their taxes, and that the Chamber may now be profiting from the recent school levy defeat. Despite formally endorsing or opposing several local ballot issues in recent years, the Chamber declined to support the recent tax levy for the school.

City Council Member Paul Elliott has always refused to allow City tax dollars to pay his way to Chamber events. The City, being a Chamber member, issues an e-mail soliciting whether City Council members wish to attend Chamber functions like networking breakfasts, cookouts, or golf outings. When Council Clerk Linda Cox receives responses, she makes reservations for the individuals and a city check is written. A recent Chamber event that was held at City Hall required an admission fee for a catered breakfast and a presentation by the City Manager and Mayor to present the “State of the City.” Elliott, being a council member wanted to find out what state his City was in, however, Elliott did not allow a reservation to be made in his name. He said he went after the breakfast was served to hear the presentation.

Boys was asked “The City usually uses tax dollars to pay the way to Chamber events for Council members - will the District pay the cost for Board members to attend this lunch?” Boys responded, “It would be a proper public expenditure, but I see your point.” Boys had told Board members at their last meeting to let him know if they wanted to go, and he would make a reservation for them to hear him speak.

Boys said in an e-mail, “Interesting. You know me.... if given the opportunity I will speak on behalf of Loveland schools and our children... not sure I would pay $25 to hear me speak.”

Responding about the upcoming breakfast where the City Manager and School Superintendent will discuss school taxes Elliott said, “I always find it interesting that such a potentially important community dialogue, especially on such an important subject, has a significant cost the attend.”

Paulette Leeper is the Executive Director of the Chamber and has also been a member of the City's Finance Committee for several years where she votes to recommend a budget to City Council that contains line items for the types of expenditure that lead to checks being written to the organization she runs. Leeper then routinely solicits money from the City for Chamber membership, and support for Chamber programs, such as a golf outing, a membership directory, and lunches where the City writes checks for staff and council members who attend.

The luncheon will be on Tuesday, April 29, from 11:30 AM -1:00 PM at the Oasis Conference Center. You can contact the Chamber to make your reservation at: info@lovelandchamber.org or 683-1544. Chamber members receive a $5.00 discount; all others will be charged $25.00 for the privilege.

Example #2

The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) has final authority over all federal dollars spent on transportation in the region. This quasi-government agency's purview also covers greenspace and land use, water quality issues, air pollution, homeland defense, and has an annual operating budget of $7.5 million. Their primary source of funds is from Federal and State government grants. The Boards of Directors, OKI's policy making body, are elected and appointed representatives from county, township, and municipal governments in eight counties in greater Cincinnati, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana.

They are currently working on a long-range plan that includes funding recommendations for the allocation of more than $7 billion for road, transit, freight, and bicycle/pedestrian projects in the eight-county region.

If you are a Board member there is no-cost for their April 24 Annual Meeting at the Savannah Center in West Chester where you “Step back in time when Southern grace and elegance was part of everyday living …” and be served grilled New York Strip with sauteed mushrooms and onions, a speech by Ohio Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, and get a first hand presentation of how they have used their time and your tax dollars the past year. Presumably, they will also discuss how that $7 billion will be spent.

Concerned whether OKI will recommend that trucks are banned from I-75 and rerouted to the Loveland area? Non-Board members can pay $65.00 for the “gracious service and the warmth of Southern hospitality and culinary talents of award-winning Chef Henry,” the knowledge of Toni Sander, their Sommelier, and chat with local leaders about the use of your tax dollars. If you want to make a reservation, call Marilyn Osborne at (513) 621-6300 ext. 120.

Capobianco keeps commitment to Crean, says he'll go to IU

Bobby Capobianco was taking a nap after school a few weeks ago when his father told him that it was being reported that Tom Crean had agreed to become the basketball coach at Indiana University.

It was April 1 and Capobianco was certain his dad was playing a trick on him. The 6-8, 230-pound high school junior from Loveland, Ohio, was pretty sure he would attend Marquette to play for Crean. However, the previous summer he played AAU basketball for Bloomington-based Indiana Elite, and spent a lot of time working out in Assembly Hall.

Read on... Indystar.com

PITTSBURGH  --  Bobby Capobianco hadn't planned on committing to a college anytime soon. The 6-foot-9 Loveland (Ohio) High School power forward averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds last season as a junior and was ready for the summer recruiting crush. But his relationship with new Indiana University coach Tom Crean was so strong that when Crean took over the Hoosiers, Capobianco decided it was time. He committed to the Hoosiers last week.

Read on... Courier Journal.com

“I was probably going to play for him at Marquette,” the high school junior said Thursday. When IU hired Crean a little more than two weeks ago, Capobianco’s interest in the Hoosiers shot up, and on Wednesday night, the 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward spoke with Crean and verbally committed to play for the Hoosiers.

Read on... idsnews.com

OOPS - Granny's Spring party is May 2-4, not this weekend

Loveland Magazine reported yesterday that Granny's Spring Garden Party will be this weekend, BUT IT IS NOT. The correct dates are May 2-4.

Click here to read all of the CORRECT details of this annual rite to Spring, nature, and Mother Earth.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Granny's Spring Garden Party and Plant Sale: May 2-4

Click here to read all of the details of this annual rite to Spring, nature, and Mother Earth.

In Pa. Debate, The Clear Loser Is ABC - washingtonpost.com

By Tom Shales  - washingtonpost.com

When Barack Obama met Hillary Clinton for another televised Democratic candidates' debate last night, it was more than a step forward in the 2008 presidential election. It was another step downward for network news -- in particular ABC News, which hosted the debate from Philadelphia and whose usually dependable anchors, Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopoulos, turned in shoddy, despicable performances.

Read on... Tom Shales - In Pa. Debate, The Clear Loser Is ABC - washingtonpost.com.

David Coleman: I Was There: What Obama Really Said About Pennsylvania - Politics on The Huffington Post

Read on...  David Coleman: I Was There: What Obama Really Said About Pennsylvania - Politics on The Huffington Post.

Atty: Worker in harassment case to file criminal complaint

Stankoski has already filed sexual harassment claims with Dann's office and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that investigates such issues

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A state worker whose sexual harassment allegations triggered a scandal at Attorney General Marc Dann's office intends to file a criminal complaint with police, two newspapers reported Friday.

Read on... Atty: Worker in harassment case to file criminal complaint - Examiner.com.

Art, science both important in learning to save planet

By Ann fisher

                The idea of an art/environmental-science course would have seemed sort of out there 30 or 40 years ago. Groovy, yes, but seriously? Our children see things differently today.

They have grown up with environmental science and ecology. Recycle and reuse. Turn out the lights. Avoid pesticides. And, despite the erosion of arts education in many schools, children still love art, and some even imagine it as a career.

Capobianco commits: Indiana University Hoosiers Basketball

Bobby Capobianco, Junior power forward for the Loveland Tigers has made a verbal commitment to play basketball for Indiana University his mother comfirmed to Loveland Magazine this afternoon. She said the she thought Bobby would go to Marquette, but it was  Indiana University men's basketball coach Tom Crean that sold the school to her son. She also said that her son will be close to the friends and their families that Bobby has met while playing AAU ball for Indiana Elite One.

Read more from the Herald Times in Bloomington, IN.... Capobianco commits | The Hoosier Scoop: Indiana University Hoosiers Basketball, Football, and more.

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO – Oklahoma: not your father's Buick

SYMMES TOWNSHIP, OHIO - Sometimes making the transition when very young people play the part of an adult is seamless. Sometimes it is not. Triumph can be achieved through makeup, costumes and choosing the cast. However it was done – it was done very well at last night's dress rehearsal for “Oklahoma.” Although many of the musical's roles are that of young people, it is usually the stretch of the adult parts of a high school production that can stand out as unbelievable, and distract from other well played parts. Not true however of the spring musical put on by the Loveland High School Drama Club.

The production premiers tonight at 7:30 PM in the Ron DeWitt Theater at the High School, continues at the same time on Friday night, and a matinée performance on Saturday at 2 PM.

Also distracting sometimes, is the transition between speaking parts to singing. But also not true of this production, as the singing roles, either from individuals, duets, or the large chorus is spontaneous in a seamless and artful manner. Speaking of singing, there is not one weak singing role or chorus number to be found. Neither is there one weak character role in the production. All of these students must have worked extremely hard developing their character's believable dialect and stage persona.

The show's Director is New Jersey native Larry Smiglewski, who ended up in Cincinnati after being recruited to the Carnegie Theater in Covington. At the end of his first year teaching 5th grade in Public School 89 in the Bronx, Smiglewski was honored as one of three “Model New Teachers in NYC” by First Lady Laura Bush. Smiglewski is Artistic Director and co-founder of Jersey Productions in Covington and has worked with Tony Award winning, producer Stuart Ostrow and director Walter Bobbie. The student Director is Carrie Southcott. The Musical Director is Jill Stagg, assisted by student Musical Director, Logan Sand. Loveland High School graduate, Kristin Rutter directed the choreography and is proving herself again as an artist and teacher capable of pulling off inspiring stage presence for actors and dancers. Rutter takes the actors to the very edge of the stage at subtle times almost to the front row seats, sucking the audience right into the drama.

This is not your father's Buick production of the World War II era musical, and Director  Smiglewski said last night, “This after all is Rogers and Hammerstein.” He was referring to the murky elements of the story and the loner, Jud Fry character, played by Senior Matt Robinson. The rivalry between farmers and cowboys, Robinson's portrayal of grave and brooding and the dark, earthy, emotions are not shied away from. The forbidding side of the story receives equal weight to the unfolding love story and songs we are familiar with

Dress rehearsal tests the whole production, from lighting, set design, sound, and orchestra. Flaws could be found, such as wireless microphones that cut out because antennas were not yet installed, and orchestra mis-cues, but these problems were already being addressed before people headed home for the evening.

This is an excellent production, not just an excellent high school production, which it is, but a well told story through acting, singing and dancing that is first rate and one that any community would be proud to brag about. You don't have to just like musicals to enjoy this show, it's for those who enjoy well acted drama as well.

Report Finds Potential Health Hazard in Plastic

Listen Now [4 min 45 sec]

All Things Considered, April 16, 2008

Michael D. Shelby, director of the Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction, says a report on the safety of Bisphenonal A, a chemical used in some plastics, finds it might cause cancer, early puberty and neural and behavioral changes.

Link: Report Finds Potential Health Hazard in Plastic : NPR.

Lethal injection gets legal go-ahead

U.S. Supreme court ruling

Lethal injection gets legal go-ahead Capital cases in Ohio, 34 other states affected

Read on... The Columbus Dispatch : Lethal injection gets legal go-ahead.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Sacred Lakota prayers

By Bonnie McNett

LOVELAND, OHIO - Children's Meeting House Montessori School was recently visited by Cecil Cross, a Lakota holy man, and Terri Sings With Ravens, a healer and singer of contemporary Native American songs.  Cecil Cross sang sacred Lakota prayers and kept rhythm on elk hide drums.

The beating of the drum represents our heart beating. Cecil, who lives on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, sang about the vital life force flowing through and uniting all people and about our connectedness to the Earth. Terri Sings With Ravens sang fun songs with the school children about preserving our Earth, and about buffalo, wolves, and other wild animals.

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - Health Care Assistance Available for Uninsured

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - Do you have medical insurance?  An estimated 47 million Americans are uninsured, including over 244,000 in the Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky area.  Nearly nine million of the uninsured are children and 8 out of 10 are in working families.  “Many of our citizens don’t realize that they are eligible for coverage,” said Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services (CCDJFS) Deputy Director Crystal Patrick.  “Many are eligible for Medicaid or Ohio’s Best RX and hospital charity care programs.”

April 26-May 3, 2008 is designated Cover the Uninsured Week to educate citizens about the various types of medical coverage and assistance programs they could be eligible to receive.  On Saturday, April 26, between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon, volunteers from CCDJFS and other organizations will be available at the Amelia Kroger store to help people complete applications for Medicaid, prescription assistance programs, and hospital financial assistance.  The store is located at 1260 Ohio Pike in Amelia.  In addition, on Saturday, April 26 and Saturday, May 3 from 9:00 a.m. until noon there will be volunteers available at 15 other area Kroger stores located in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky offering enrollment services for these programs.

“Those interested in obtaining medical coverage should bring proof of income, proof of other insurance (if any), outstanding medical bills, and proof of citizenship,” said Patrick.  “Applicants will receive a Kroger gift card, while supplies last.”

As part of the outreach, a Web site is available that contains complete information about the various events that will be held during Cover the Uninsured Week and additional information on obtaining medical assistance.  The Web site is www.CoverCincy.org.  The United Way 211 hotline will also provide detailed information about the events.

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - Walk Me Home Event Supports Foster Care

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - As part of National Foster Care Awareness Month observed in May, the Clermont County Foster Care program invites the community to take part in the Walk Me Home fundraiser.  The walk will be held on Saturday, May 10 at Veterans Memorial Park, located at the corner of Gleneste-Withamsville Road and Clough Pike in Union Township.  Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m.

“The walk is designed to increase awareness about the importance of foster care, to recruit new foster parents, to retain current foster parents, and raise funds to support foster care programs,” said Clermont Foster Care Supervisor Erica Boller.  “Walkers must sign a waiver and raise at least $30; everyone will receive a T-shirt for participation and a free lunch will be available at the conclusion of the walk.”

Those taking part in the Clermont Walk Me Home event will also receive a blue ribbon to tie on a special tree at the park, drawing attention to the more than 500,000 children in foster care across the country.  Currently, there are over 350 children in Clermont foster care and there are only 81 foster homes available locally; the need for quality foster care homes is critical.

To participate in the walk, become a sponsor, or volunteer to help, call (513) 732-7675.  If you would like information about becoming a foster parent, call (513) 732-STOP or visit the Web site www.ClermontCountyOhio.gov/djfs/cps and click on “Foster Care.”

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - Schools Awarded After-Prom Grants

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - The Drug Free Coalition for Clermont County has awarded $500 mini-grants to six local high schools to fund after-prom activities that promote a safe and drug free environment.  Amelia, Batavia, Felicity-Franklin, Glen Este, New Richmond, and Milford High Schools will each receive the funding.

“It is neat to see these kids excited about being drug free,” said Jimmi McIntosh, a co-chair of the Coalition.  “After-proms are a huge event and a welcome one that ensures kids are in one place, safe, and having a great time without the dangers of drugs.”

In applying for the mini-grants, the schools are required to attend 70 percent of the Coalition’s annual meetings, participate in a Clermont Safe Communities program that encourages responsible driving, and complete an application that states how the grant money will be utilized to increase awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

“I want to thank the Coalition for this grant that will help us provide a safe and drug free after-prom for our students,” said Milford High School Principal Dr. Raymond Bauer.  “Our school has been holding these for close to 20 years.”

Connie Taggert with Felicity Franklin High School said that after-proms held by the school and parents are a great alternative to private parties.  In fact, she says that kids seem to prefer the after-proms.  “Five years ago we had 35 kids participate and last year that grew to 160,” she said.

After-prom events are held at schools or clubs across the area and include all night entertainment and food for the teens, everything from giant inflatable slides to hypnotists and obstacle courses.

The Drug Free Coalition for Clermont County awards the mini-grants through a partnership with the Clermont Mental Health and Recovery Board.

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – Revised Lineup: Children of Zion Jamfest

Concert for orphanage in Namibia

LOVELAND, OHIO NEWS – On Saturday, April 26, the Epiphany United Methodist Church will premier the Children of Zion Jamfest. The music festival will feature eight Christian contemporary artists and bands. The festival will be held from 6:30 - 11:30 PM at Loveland High School and is a fundraising effort with all the proceeds going towards a gift to the Children of Zion Village orphanage in Namibia.

The Children of Zion Village is a Christian home for orphans in the southern African nation of Namibia. It is located along the Zambezi River in the northeast corner of Namibia.

The festival will feature five bands from Ohio. The festival is headlined by All the Day Holiday. Their first year together they won the 2006 Battle of the Bands at the The Underground in Cincinnati.

In addition, the following bands will be performing: Azimuth Dream  (Cleveland), A Lovers War (Dayton), The Kicking 20's (Cincinnati). With appearances by:One Day Awaken, and Ben Hatfield.

Tickets ($8 students - $10 adults) are available online at itickets.com or 1-800-965-9324, or at the door.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Grailville Mother’s Day Celebration

The Art of Family

Grailville Mother’s Day Celebration
Sunday, May 11, 2008
GRAILVILLE RETREAT & PROGRAM CENTER
932 O'Bannonville Road, Loveland OH

3:30 PM - An opening reception for The Art of Family: Mothering the Creative Spirit, an exhibit of paintings, mobiles, lettering and stained glass by Elizabeth Robinson, owner of Elizabeth Robinson studio, with selected works by her children, Emil, Kristen and Jacob, all of whom are making a life within the arts. The event includes readings of poetry and memoir about mothers and daughters by Judith Blackburn and Kate Johnson.(Free)

5:30 PM - Grailville's Spring Sunday Supper   
A Mother's Day dinner using some of Grailville's favorite spring recipes. (Registration for dinner required. $15 dollars for adults; $10 for children 12 and under.)    

For more information or to register call (513) 683-2340 or visit www.grailville.org

Fear racks state agency

        Audit of Industrial Commission cites rampant retaliation
   
        A "climate of fear" grips the state agency responsible for handling appeals of Bureau of
Workers' Compensation cases, according to an outside audit released yesterday.

Read on... The Columbus Dispatch : Fear racks state agency.

Will Ferrell as George W. Bush talks about his legacy on Comedy Central's "Night of too many Stars"and dises host John Stewart.

Brunner proposes mail-only elections

Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner wants every Ohio county to have the option of asking voters whether they want to conduct elections entirely by mail.

Read on... The Columbus Dispatch : Brunner proposes mail-only elections.

Sheriff's Office: Veillette found dead

WARREN COUNTY— Michel Veillette was found hanging by a sheet in his jail cell in the Warren County Jail early this morning, April 15, according to the Warren County Sheriff's Office.

Veillette, 34, was being held on charges that he killed his wife and set fire to their Mason home killing their four children.

Read on... Sheriff's Office: Veillette found dead.

Turn out for Turf

On Saturday May 10  the Loveland Athletic Boosters are hosting a fundraising event at Sports Express in Mason. One of the many activities scheduled that night is a silent auction. They are actively seeking donations to auction off as they raise funds to pay for new, third generation field turf at the high school. As a registered non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible. Ask for the Boosters ID number when you submit your donation. Brian Burk said, “What a great opportunity to help your community as you increase your business’s exposure.”

Any and all donated items will be utilized or sold, with all profits going towards the TigerTurf. Donations can be anything from a food item, sports memorabilia, gift certificates, gift baskets, or just a check.

• Date:  Saturday, May 10th
• Time: 7:00p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Location: Mason Sports Express 5280 South State Route (74398-2400)
• Tickets: $20 per person (no kids this night, please)
• Admission includes 2 drink tickets (beer & wine), food & music             
• Activities: Texas Hold ‘em Tournament, Silent Auction,
• Corn Hole Tournament and Free Throw Competition

Contact Brian Burks at: BDBServices@cinci.rr.com or Jeff Wagner at: JWagner@adt.com.

Map and directions.

Radio silence on Bush's torture admission

Radio silence on Bush's torture admission

ABC News reported a few days ago that a group of so-called "Principals" -- including Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of State Colin Powell, CIA Director George Tenet, Attorney General John Ashcroft, and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice -- met dozens of times in the White House to "discuss and approve" specific interrogation techniques to be used against suspected terrorists.

Initial reports indicated that Bush was "insulated" from the "series of meetings where CIA interrogation methods, including waterboarding, which simulates drowning, were discussed and ultimately approved." Bush eventually dispelled the notion that he was out of the loop, though, and said -- arguably, bragged -- that he endorsed the Principals' work from the outset. The president told ABC News White House correspondent Martha Raddatz. "I'm aware our national security team met on this issue. And I approved."

Read on... War Room - Salon.com

LOVELAND, OHIO - Bonaventure Grand Opening

LOVELAND, OHIO - “Who, What, Where and When” of Loveland’s Past will be the Museum’s theme for 2008 when Bonaventure reopens for tours, May 3 and 4.  This will be an opportunity to test your knowledge of your hometown, with a variety of Greater Loveland Historical Museum Society artifacts and pictures showing Historic Loveland area sites, items from their collection and portraits of local residents of long ago.

The museum, located on the corner of Park and Riverside, is open free to the public 1 - 4:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday and by appointment, by calling 513-683-5692

Although the museum will be open weekends throughout the month of May, the Board of Trustees have set Sunday, June 8 as the Grand Opening after renovations to the museum. The afternoon will begin with a formal opening of the renovated Bonaventure House Museum, followed by introductions of “Abe Lincoln”, ice cream, music and tours of the museum.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Tenth Annual Library Quilt Show

LOVELAND, OHIO - This May, the Loveland Branch Library will once again pay tribute to the long-standing family tradition of quilting. To mark the Quilt Show's tenth anniversary, the library staff invited the Loveland community to take the “Loveland Loves Our Library Challenge”. Each quilter fashioned a predominantly red and white (like a Library Card) square that incorporated the heart motif, “a symbol true to the spirit of Loveland.” Quilters of all skill levels-including Loveland Branch Library staff from today and yesterday-have risen to the occasion.

Generations of American women have turned to quilting as a form of expression. They have sewn their hopes, stitched through their sorrows, and pieced together connections and stories through fabric and thread.

“The entire community has embraced the challenge and contributed such beautiful pieces of art,” said Loveland Branch Library Manager Joan Luebering. “Generous volunteers are donating their time to piece the squares together, and Carolyn Archer of Ohio Star Quilting has volunteered to quilt it for us.

"We’re looking forward to unveiling the Loveland Loves Our Library Challenge Quilt at the Opening Reception of our quilt show on Saturday, May 3,” said Luebering.

10th Annual Quilt Show Events

MAY 1 – 31
10th Annual Loveland Quilt Show
Stop in to admire beautiful quilts on exhibit from local artisans.
All ages

SATURDAY, MAY 3
Quilt Show Open House Reception
Join us to kick off the 10th Annual Loveland Quilt show featuring the unveiling of the challenge quilt created for the branch. Music by Wild Carrot. Refreshments served, 2:00 – 5:00 PM.
All ages

MONDAY, MAY 12
Needles & Notions
Bring your own project – come when you can, leave when you must. 5:00 – 8:00 PM.
Adults

SATURDAY, MAY 17
Piece As You Go Machine Techniques
With Pam Folberth of Sew-Ezy Sewing Studio, 2:00 – 5:00 PM.
Adults

Fat Quarter Swap
Bring your stash to trade with others! 2:00 – 5:00 PM, Adults

SATURDAY, MAY 31
Color Matching
Learn more about color and play a round of “Fat Quarter Poker” with Jan Doench from Best Friends Quilt Shoppe, 2:00 PM & 3:30 PM.
Adults

Square Within a Square
Cutting & piecing demonstration with Holly Flischel, 2:00 – 5:00 PM, Adults
More Fat Quarter Swap!
Don’t worry if you missed it the first time…bring your stash to trade with others! 2:00 – 5:00 PM, Adults

The Library's goal is to make their programs accessible to everyone. Please request ADA services one week in advance at 369-4400 (TTY 369-4409).

To learn more about the Loveland Branch Library’s 10th Annual Quilt Show, visit www.CincinnatiLibrary.org, or call 513.369.4476.

LOVELAND, OHIO - Prince of Peace Youth Rummage Sale

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (101 South Lebanon Road)
Youth Rummage Sale
Saturday, April 19
Doors open at 8:00 AM and close at 2:00 PM.

Something for EVERYONE

LOVELAND, OHIO – Library to close April 28-30 for new carpet

LOVELAND, OHIO – The Loveland Library will be closed April 28 - 30, for
recarpeting. The branch will re-open on Thursday, May 1. While Loveland
is closed, you can visit the Symmes Township, Blue Ash, or Madeira branches.

On Saturday, April 19 the library will present the American Red Cross Babysitting Course. Participants must attend all three sessions in order to become certified. 1- 4:00 PM.

Aid Groups Target Poor Nations as Food Prices Soar : NPR

Morning Edition, April 14, 2008

International aid institutions are scrambling to help poor nations cope with a dramatic jump in food prices. Part of the problem is attributed to low food reserves, rising energy prices and high demand for biofuels.

In the first part of our series on how a spike in food prices is hurting countries, NPR's Michele Kelemen reports that the era of inexpensive food may be over.

Listen now... Aid Groups Target Poor Nations as Food Prices Soar : NPR.