Loveland Magazine

Chris Taylor joins Army

Chris L. Taylor has joined the United States Army under the Delayed Entry Program.  The program gives young men and women the opportunity to delay entering active duty for up to one year.

The enlistment gave Taylor the option to learn a new skill, travel and become eligible to receive as much as $50,000 toward a college education.  After completion of basic military training, he received advanced individual training in his career job specialty prior to being assigned to their first permanent duty station.

Taylor qualifies for a $20,000.00 enlistment bonus.

Taylor, a 2003 graduate of Adair County High School, Columbia, Ky., will report to Fort Knox, Ky., for basic training in July. He is the son of Pamela A. Taylor of Mack St., Columbia, and Ray A. Taylor of Cross Creek Drive, Loveland.

Flags Wave Proudly at Clermont Military Salute

BATAVIA, OHIO - Several thousand people, many waving small American flags, packed the grandstands at the Clermont County Fair in Owensville on Thursday, July 24, for a Salute to Veterans and Our Troops, organized by Clermont County Commissioner Bob Proud, the Clermont Veterans’ Services Commission, and the Clermont County Fair Board.

Among the highlights of the event, was a processional of military veterans and active duty personnel that unfurled a 20’ by 30’ American flag on the track between the grandstands.

Featured speaker, Marine Corporal “Ace” Gilbert, a Vietnam veteran, told the crowd how important it is to recognize those who serve.  “Nobody can be near war and come home without a hole in their heart,” said Cpl. Gilbert.  “What you see and experience while in combat is difficult to leave behind; I know what it’s like to say goodbye to a fallen comrade who dies in your arms.”

Commissioner Proud told the audience that the idea behind the Service Salute was to let our troops, past and present - as well as those who have lost loved ones at war, know that we appreciate all they have sacrificed.

As the crowd united with singer Todd Kritzwiser for God Bless America, they again waved their flags and more than a few tears fell when the haunting notes of Taps were sounded to conclude the program.

Please send care packages to troops

Dear Loveland Magazine,

When my brother was in Vietnam, we sent him baked cookies, etc., and we would pack everything in popcorn. They would really like eating the popcorn too. Boy, this takes me back lots of years.

My brother died of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma ,brought on by his heavy exposure to Agent Orange. He always told me how much he would look forward to the packages and letters. His letters always came back with red dirt on them, and when we did not hear from him for weeks, we would panic.

He was a medic, having given up college in his junior year of pre-med to enlist and serve his country. He was in Cambodia, mostly serving with the Big Red One.

When he came home we did not talk about it much, we didn't know how or why at first. A few years later, he shared a few stories with us, enough to see why he was so changed, and by then, he was ill. I am so glad we took the time to send him those packages and letters. It was a bright spot for him and thinking about our anticipation of receiving word from him, we can't even imagine his anticipation and comfort hearing from home.

He always said the saddest thing was those who did not have anyone sending packages, and had no-one. We also saw that at the VA hospitals where my brother, Art, was. There were so many men who did not have anyone to visit, and the nurses and doctors became their only "family." They always said my brother was so lucky to have so much family to visit and be with him.

Well, I hope you get a good response to this plea for the community to adopt a troop.

Sincerely,

Mary Gish

Miami Trails burglary suspect caught on video

MIAMI TOWNSHIP, OHIO – This message has just been received from the Cincinnati Police Department and CitizenObserver.com, concerning the daytime burglaries that occurred in the Miami Trails neighborhood on July 17.

Contact CitizenObserver at 513-352-3040, or the Miami Township Police Department at 48-3721 (e-mail).

We have been able to identify a suspect in at least one of our day-time burglaries. 

We had a day-time burglary in Miami Trails on 7/17/08 at around 1100 hours.  The suspect stole a credit card from the residence and proceeded to the Marathon on BHGP @ Loveland-Maderia Road. 

The vehicle was a bright red Ford Mustang with a black convertible top.  The Mustang was the newest body style probably a 2007 or 2008. 

The vehicle was driven by a white female, medium build, with long dark hair (hair hung to the middle of her back).  The female had a tattoo on her right shoulder/bicep and she was wearing a white tank top, shorts, and flip-flops. 

The clerk advised there was a male sitting in the passenger seat of the vehicle. 

We also have a statement from a neighbor advising she saw the suspect vehicle in a driveway behind the victim’s home. 

I will get pictures from the video out as soon as I can (were having software issues with the DVD).  Please BOLO for this vehicle and find a reason for a stop and get a good FIR. 

We have four open day-time burglaries in Miami and neighboring jurisdictions have numerous open cases to.  Any questions, please let me know.  You guys have been great finding us suspects in recent crimes, please find me another person to start with.

Met, meet Kate

by David Miller

LOVELAND, OHIO – A few days ago, Kate Westfall performed at the buZZthru Espresso Bar, and a few days later the Bethel Murdock Church held its annual Ice Cream Social and car show.

The "photoshopped" photo above of Kate Westfall was taken during her live performance while she recorded her sweet clear voice into her magic digital recording machine, dubbing, and re-dubbing, live vocal looping, her lyrics - until they became a chorus of many Kates.

The automobile was photographed separately, at the Murdock church, and belongs to Barb Schott who lives in Pierce Township. It is a 1957 Metropolitan. It was a fairly popular car in the U.S., at a time when most auto makers were selling larger, larger, and more powerful cars. Its wheelbase is shorter than the VW Beetle's was, back in the day. The Met is only 150 inches long, and got fairly good gas mileage in a day before modern technology that could've really ramped the mileage up a great deal if it was available.

Bottom line – What does Kate Westfall and the  Metropolitan have in common?

Both, ahead of their time?

Well at least the Met was ahead of time, and Westfall is very timely in this age of cynicysm. Her lyrics and poetry are very refreshing, thought provoking, and at times, very, very funny.

Here is one of Kate Westfall's poems.

Buckled To A Compass - (A Landlord Poem*)

Even if I never learn to fly,
I'll keep a compass buckled to my thigh
so that when I trip and fall, I'll know
the opposite direction I should go.

* Westfall says she pays rent with poetry

Go Green

Loveland Art Show September 7

Enjoy Great Art, Kids Crafts, Food, and Music at the Loveland Art Show

LOVELAND, OHIO - The Loveland Arts Council invites you to the 12th Annual Loveland Art Show.

When:     Sunday September 7  11 AM - 5pm PM
Where:        Nisbet Park in historic Loveland

More Info:  VISIT the Loveland Arts Council Website
                  Or call Shawn Custis 513-235-6700 scustis@fuse.net                            

Celebrating its 12th year, Loveland Art Show is the most rapidly growing arts event in the area.  Loveland Art Show is now firmly established as a quality, juried fine art show featuring an exceptional range of talented artists from all over the tri-state area.  Check out this wonderful opportunity to purchase art, in all price ranges, - photography, ceramics, woodwork, jewelry, baskets, sculpture, and original painting in all media.  Last year many savvy shoppers acquired unique original items for their homes, offices and holiday gift giving.

Admission and parking are FREE!

80 artists will be competing for awards totaling $1200.

Kids Corner—FREE offers a variety of fun hands-on special projects to entertain youngsters, exposing them to the arts and taking home finished pieces, while adults view the show.

Starving Artist's Café, dine al fresco enjoying delicious fare featuring Loveland area eateries and shops.

Enjoy a mix of music throughout the day by a number of students from Loveland Music Academy playing from the amphitheater. 

New Plan to Pool Water Resources

LOVELAND, OHIO - If an emergency situation occurs, a new interconnectivity agreement between the Board of Clermont County Commissioners and the City of Loveland will enable the jurisdictions to tap into each other’s public water systems, with the twist of a valve.  “This agreement is a perfect example of wise stewardship and shared resources between governmental agencies,” said Clermont Director of Utilities Tom Yeager.

“The interconnectivity will provide citizens of both the City and the County with enhanced public health and safety protection,” said Loveland Vice Mayor Dave Bednar.  “ If a large fire were to occur, the interconnectivity would enable firefighters to have quick access to an additional supply of water that could save lives.”

The cost of the interconnectivity is estimated at around $50,000 that will be shared by both Clermont County and the City of Loveland.  The agreement will be in effect for 10 years and can be renewed for additional 10 year increments, upon written agreement by both Clermont County and the City of Loveland.  The project could begin later this year.

This is the eighth interconnectivity agreement that Clermont County has negotiated, including reciprocal deals for emergency water service with the City of Cincinnati, Milford, New Richmond, Tate Monroe, Batavia, Williamsburg, and Western Water.  The City of Loveland also has an emergency connection with Cincinnati Water Works.

August Clermont County Town Meeting Set

CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO - Clermont County citizens living in Goshen Township, Jackson Township, Stonelick Township, and Wayne Township are invited to attend a town meeting on Wednesday, August 27, at the Stonelick Township Fire and Rescue Station, located at 2541 U.S. Route 50 near Owensville.   The town meeting, held by the Board of Clermont County Commissioners, will begin at 7 p.m.

The town meeting is a great opportunity for citizens to learn more about programs and initiatives planned for the county and their community.  This meeting is one in a series the Board of Clermont County Commissioners is holding this year, as a way to make government more accessible to citizens. 

For additional information about this, or other town meetings planned in 2008, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathy Lehr at (513) 732-7597.

We can solve the climate crisis

                                    

Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

Every so often, a leader says something so simply and clearly that it's almost impossible to ignore. That happened last week with Al Gore's challenge.

More than a quarter of a million people have watched the speech, and major papers across the country continue to write about it. Watch the highlights here.

He challenged America to generate 100% of our electricity from sources that do not lead to global warming -- and to do it within 10 years. Meeting this ambitious goal would create millions of new jobs, lead to permanently lower energy costs for families and help America lead the fight against global warming. Watch his powerful speech here.

John McCain couldn't ignore it, saying "if the Vice President says it's doable, I believe it's doable."

And Barack Obama said, "I strongly agree with Vice President Gore that we cannot drill our way to energy independence, but must fast-track investments in renewable sources of energy like solar power, wind power and advanced biofuels."

Please take a quick look. If you've already seen it, please forward it to at least ten friends. The technology to make this shift is ready. What is missing is political will -- and that's why we need more people to see this speech and join the We Campaign.

Sincerely,

Matt, Lauren, Melissa and rest of the online team