UPDATE: The Test and Protect contract between Hamilton County and The Health Collaborative expires at the end of this year when CARES Act funding ends, but the testandprotectcincy.com website will continue to be updated with no-cost testing locations in our region. Hamilton County Commissioners allocated an additional $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan dollars to continue to fill gaps in testing in 2022. New locations will be announced soon.
10+ stores in Hamilton County, 30 + stores in region
Schedule online or call 1 (800) 679-9691
PCR Drive-Thru Testing. Type of test varies by location, see website for details. Patients with insurance testing for travel and work requirements could be required to pay a copay. Please check with your provider.
Below is a release issued by the University of Cincinnati today.
Updates
Spring 2022 Return to Campus
Due to the recent increase in local, state, and national COVID-19 cases, and the high transmission rate of the Omicron variant, the University of Cincinnati will transition online January 5, 2022 and pivot back to full in-person activities on Monday, January 24, 2022.
To minimize the disruption that the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant and subsequent quarantining and classroom absences would have on our operations, classes, along with academic support services, will be conducted online for the first two weeks of the academic semester.
The goal of this in-person delay is for us to assess the impact of Omicron on our populations; let the spike in transmissions run its course; implement additional measures for screening testing and vaccination; and allow faculty, staff, and students the opportunity to receive booster shots.
We want to ensure that, when we come back, we come back to a safer, healthier and fully vibrant face-to-face experience.
Vaccine Requirement
In response to full FDA approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the University of Cincinnati is requiring students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The university is taking this step to promote the health and safety of our university community. Research shows vaccines are the most effective form of protection against COVID-19.
All World Health Organization endorsed vaccines, including those in the U.S. made by Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, will fulfill the vaccine requirement. Booster shots may also be required in the future.
The university’s physician-led COVID Response Team is closely monitoring, local, regional, national and global trends related to COVID 19. Current standard policies apply to university-related domestic travel. International travel, is subject to additional review in light of changing circumstances.
Effective December 6, 2021, due to the Omicron variant you will need to have a COVID-19 viral test (regardless of vaccination status or citizenship) no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight. If you recently recovered from COVID-19, you may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e., your positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel).
Effective November 29, 2021, students and scholars from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe will not be able to enter the U.S. as a result of the Omicron Coronavirus variant. Currently, no exemptions or an expiration date have been issued. Additional details will be added as they become available.
Facial Coverings
Given the most-recent developments with the virus, and in keeping with guidance from the CDC, individuals, both fully vaccinated and those not fully vaccinated, are required to wear a facial covering indoors (unless you have received an exemption or accommodation; or when eating, drinking or alone in a private room). See more details on facial coverings.
Those who are not fully vaccinated are required to wear a facial covering when outdoors and unable to maintain social distancing. Individuals who are not wearing a facial covering when outdoors are attesting to compliance with this requirement.
Spring 2022 Screening Testing
Currently, the university is offering weekly COVID screening testing. The testing site is located on the ground level of Steger Student Life Center.
Faculty, staff and students can submit proof of vaccination, which consists of a snapshot of your vaccination card, via the UC COVID Check app and the web-based version of the COVID Check app. Please do not submit other materials at this link.
The university may revisit these testing practices and protocols, depending on testing needs and the changing context.
Quarantine and Isolation
Given that broad access to vaccines is available, on-campus quarantine and isolation housing is on reserve for student use but may be limited depending on events. Thus, on-campus quarantine and isolation housing cannot be guaranteed at any time. All students should have individual plans for isolation and quarantine housing in the event they are required to do so. Let’s remember that vaccination is currently the best way to prevent the need to quarantine or isolate.
UC COVID Check App
The UC COVID Check App will remain in use and operation during the Spring 2022 Semester.
Students are required – and faculty, staff and visitors are strongly encouraged – to report via the UC COVID Check App if they develop viral symptoms, receive a positive COVID test result or have been in close contact with a COVID-positive person.
To Remember
As we move forward together as a community, let’s also remember our campus practices may need to change as conditions change. As such, all COVID-19 practices and policies are subject to revision and updates.
Questions
Please read the above information, links and other navigation on this page. If you still have questions after reviewing the available information, please email campusreturn@uc.edu Please check this site regularly as all COVID-19 practices and policies delineated throughout this site are subject to revision and updates.
Eighteen area residents are now firefighters after completing 675 hours of training and education and passing national certifications.
The Great Oaks Fire Academy class gathered with family, friends, and fire officials from across the region on December 14 at the Sharonville Convention Center for a graduation ceremony.
Great Oaks Public Safety Services Supervisor Paul Hartinger stressed the importance of the career that each of the graduates had chosen. “The work you do will be woven into the lives of others,” he said. “I want to thank you for doing this—for me and for the whole community.”
Fire Safety Services Supervisor Johnny Mason told the crowd that every graduate had received a job offer, marking the first time that an entire Academy class had been hired before graduation.
The eighteen new firefighter/EMTs are J.J. Beckelhimer, Andrew Bober, Mckeon Buchanan, Donald Burke, Daniel Cartuyvelles, Nathan Denouden, Brenden Dodd, Patrick Flannery II, Justin Haskin, Adam Kahny, Colby Hooper, Klayton Newman, James Piron, Mitchell Ruehl, David Sanderson, Sam Steffen, Jonathan Swiecki, and Honor Workman.
The Great Oaks Fire Academy serves adults in the tri-state area. Students who complete the training qualify to take the ProBoard Firefighter I and II and EMT-B certification. The next class begins April 4; for more information contact Great Oaks Public Safety Services at 513.771.1142.
Oasis Turf and Tree has helped to fertilize the Dayton National Cemetery.
Oasis Turf & Tree is located at 897 Loveland Madeira Road in Loveland
The season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s often ends up being a time when many are thinking about giving back. It’s no different for lawn and landscaping companies. Across the country, many landscapers are finding ways to serve their local communities and give back where they can. While it certainly benefits the community, it also ends up impacting the team, as well.
This is something that Oasis Turf & Tree in Loveland, Ohio has learned over the years. They find that team members really appreciate the opportunity to be involved in service projects and to be part of a company that cares about giving back. Some of the charities that Oasis has been directly involved with over the years include the Ronald McDonald House, The Dragonfly Foundation, and CancerFree Kids. They’ve shut down in the middle of a workday to go to Ronald McDonald House and prep meals.
Oasis has also donated time and equipment to help fertilize the Dayton National Cemetery.
“One of the best feelings is when we find out team members went out and participated in charity events or volunteered on their weekends without it even being a team event,” adds Rob Reindl, founder of the company. “They really take it to heart and want to give back on their own time, too.”
Joshua Tree participated in Toys for Tots at both of the company’s locations this year.Joshua Tree
While organized events are always a great way to help the community, there are even simpler and easier ways to help. Organizing a food drive or collecting for a charity like Toys for Tots makes it really simple for team members to get involved.
Joshua Tree, which has locations in Souderton and Stockertown, Pennsylvania collected for Toys for Tots this year when the company’s customer service supervisor and human resources manager made the suggestion that it would be a great way to give back.
“We had one box at each location and they were filled very quickly,” shares Madison Malik, marketing manager. “In fact, one of our account managers, Ken, even gave his kids $100 to shop for the toys to donate. It was a way to involve families. As a company, we also budgeted some money to shop and donate some gifts from Joshua Tree.”
In Wrentham, Massachusetts, Landscape America hosted a food drive and donated everything to the Wrentham Food Bank.
“We’ve been focused on giving back even more to the community lately, beyond our annual donation projects,” explains company president Doug McDuff, MCLP, MCA. “I think our team gets great energy from helping others and we have the resources to contribute and improve other people’s days, weeks, and so on. The food drive was simple, rewarding, and helped us fulfill this goal, and validate one of our Core Values, which is: ‘Be Positive and Helpful.’ We are looking forward to expanding our charitable efforts for 2022 and beyond.”https://693981227a77d8fb6ed1b6e3d1f133db.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
A group effort
Yellowstone Landscape has been working with the Industry Collective to give back.Yellowstone Landscape
Working together can make a really big impact. That’s why Yellowstone Landscape, a national commercial landscaping company headquartered in Bunnell, Florida, decided to become involved in Industry Collective. This effort is being led by a group of lawn and landscaping companies who believe that together they can make a bigger impact. They’ve done this by partnering with Rhino Impact Group, an organization that helps to coordinate large-scale efforts by allowing companies to use their team members to serve where needed.
According to Joseph Barnes, marketing director for Yellowstone, they have participated in several projects including a back-to-school backpack project where they assembled backpacks with everything that kids-in-need could use for school. They also helped to assemble hygiene kits for the homeless and they’ll soon be putting together meal kits for kids who rely on school meals.
“A company like ours that has a large number of team members can do a lot when it comes to these types of projects,” Barnes explains. “We believe that when we work together, we can have the biggest impact.”
As holiday celebrations continue, concern is rising for the nation’s blood supply, which has now dipped to concerning levels and could force hospitals to hold off on essential blood transfusions for patients.
Those who come to give blood, platelets, or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate in January will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card.
Historically low blood supply levels not seen in more than a decade persist for the American Red Cross, which supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood. The ongoing decline comes at a time of year when donations typically fall. Holiday get-togethers, school breaks, and winter weather often lead to lower donor turnout, potentially further compounding the situation.
Potential donors are urged to schedule an appointment now by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and then maintain a sufficient blood supply.
In thanks, all who come to give through Jan. 2 will receive an exclusive Red Cross long-sleeved T-shirt, while supplies last.
Those who come to give blood, platelets, or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate in January will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.
Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.
Save time during donation
Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.
Health insights for donors
At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease who require trait-negative blood. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.
Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
“As we have learned during the past two years, things shift quickly with COVID-19.”
– Ohio Hospital Association and Ohio Children’s Hospital Association
Today, the Ohio Hospital Association also distributed a letter from the Ohio Hospital Association and Ohio Children’s Hospital Association to Ohio school superintendents, administrators, and school board members encouraging them to implement a masking requirement when students return from the holiday break.
Dear School Superintendents, Administrators and School Board members:
Each of you has done a remarkable job in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, working hard each day to keep your students safe and in school. We recognize the importance of in-person learning for the cognitive, social, and emotional development of our children, and share your belief that the best place for kids is in school, full-time, in the classroom learning with their peers.
As we have learned during the past two years, things shift quickly with COVID-19. Today, we are faced with a new variant, Omicron, which is more contagious than previous variants. This variant is spreading rapidly through Ohio and is expected to become the dominant variant within the coming weeks. In other parts of the country, where Omicron already has spread rapidly, pediatric hospitalizations have spiked. In New York City and the surrounding areas, pediatric hospitalizations jumped by 395% during December.
With adult hospitalizations already nearing an all-time high, and the positivity rate for those being tested for COVID-19 nearing 25%, we are reminding all Ohioans of the severity of our current situation.
The best protection against developing severe illness from COVID-19, for both school-aged children and adults, remains getting vaccinated. While younger, school-aged Ohioans continue to get vaccinated, it is critical that we keep following protocols to protect students, teachers, staff, and their families at home. To those of you who are continuing to require masks in school – thank you. This simple step is one of the best ways that we can slow the spread of the virus. To those who do not currently have a mask requirement, we respectfully ask that you consider one as your students return after holiday break. Health experts around Ohio have recommended Ohio schools have masking policies until more students get vaccinated, and that remains their recommendation as students return to school next week. This is even more urgent now because of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
We know that the virus that causes COVID-19 is spread when you cough, sneeze, talk, or sing. We know that masks work and are effective at slowing the spread of this virus. The best way to keep kids in school is to slow the spread of the virus. The best ways to slow the spread of the virus are to get vaccinated and wear a mask.
Even students who are asymptomatic or who have relatively mild symptoms have the ability to spread the virus to others. Their fellow students might then carry the virus home, spreading it to brothers and sisters, parents, and grandparents. If those family members are unvaccinated, they are at risk for severe illness and hospitalization while vaccinated family members can remain confident that their risk of severe illness is low.
Our healthcare system already is taxed, with one out of every four patients in the hospital with COVID-19. We’re fighting hard to save their lives, while treating other Ohioans who need our help, like children with broken bones, people suffering from strokes, or those needing emergency care after a car accident. We can’t do this alone. With Omicron spreading quickly through Ohio, we need everyone’s help to make it through the coming weeks. Please help us by requiring students to wear masks when they return to school.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that he has ordered the mobilization of an additional 1,250 members of the Ohio National Guard to support hospitals with the most critical needs across the state. The mobilization comes on the same day the state set an all-time high for the total number of COVID-19 hospitalizations during the pandemic.
The Ohio Hospital Association reported today that 5,356 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19. One in four patients are COVID-19 positive. This surpasses the previous hospitalizations record of 5,308 on Dec. 15, 2020. Of today’s hospitalizations, 1,228 patients are in the ICU, which is approaching the record high of 1,318 ICU patients reported on Dec. 15, 2020.
While Southwest Ohio is not seeing the same volume of patients as northern parts of the state, Richard P. Lofgren, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, UC Health, expressed concerns about the surge in cases making its way across the entire state during the coming weeks.
Ohio National Guard Deployment As hospitals struggle with staffing to support the surge in COVID-19 patients, Governor DeWine announced during a press conference today, that he has asked Major General John C. Harris, Jr., Adjutant General, Ohio National Guard, to mobilize an additional 1,250 members of the Ohio National Guard, bringing the total deployment of National Guard members working with Ohio’s healthcare systems to 2,300 members.
“This is not something we take lightly… We are asking them to leave their families, their jobs and homes. This is a huge sacrifice,” Governor DeWine said.
Governor DeWine previously authorized the deployment of 1,050 Ohio National Guard members on Friday, Dec. 17. Major General Harris said the Ohio National Guard’s goal is to augment hospitals’ medical staff and wraparound services. Teams including nurses and medics will provide clinical care and non-medical teams will offer support services such as food service, patient transportation within facilities, and administrative support.
Approximately 460 Guard members are deployed in the Cleveland area; more than 160 in the Toledo area; about 100 in Columbus area. Smaller numbers of the Guard will be deployed in the coming days in Mansfield, Dayton, and Lima to support hospitals. Guard personnel are also supporting testing sites in Cleveland and Akron.
“The National Guard has been indispensable,” said Robert Wyllie, MD, Chief Medical Operations Officer, Cleveland Clinic.
The Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Hospital Association are working daily with Ohio hospitals to assess staffing needs to determine the most appropriate support from the Ohio National Guard.
“Everybody agreed when the decision was made to send in the National Guard to our hospitals … All the way through this, we are going to be guided by where they are needed most today. It should give people confidence that everybody is on the same page here. Let’s deploy them where they are needed the most,” Governor DeWine said.
Hospitals Hospitals have been taking extraordinary measures to manage this COVID-19 surge, including postponing elective surgeries, while battling staffing shortages as a result of COVID-19 infection or exposure, and burnout.
The northern parts of Ohio have been particularly hard hit, especially the greater Cleveland area, where one in three patients are COVID-19 positive, including ICU patients, according to OHA data.
“The hospital systems are under significant stress in Northern Ohio,” Dr. Wyllie said. “We are running 2,000 tests a day. Let me tell you about those tests: 36% of the people going into the Walker Center for testing are testing positive for COVID.”
The state’s strategic hospital zone and region structure has allowed hospitals to work together with neighboring hospitals to balance the load of patients. This structure continues to be vital as cases and hospitalizations dramatically rise statewide and staffing remains a significant concern.
While Southwest Ohio is not seeing the same volume of patients as northern parts of the state, Richard P. Lofgren, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, UC Health, expressed concerns about the surge in cases making its way across the entire state during the coming weeks.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic is not over … we are seeing more cases now than we have ever seen along the way,” he said. “Now, the spread of Omicron is adding fuel to this raging fire. One of the things that I want to make sure that people understand, is that this not only affects the care of people with COVID, but also affects people who don’t have COVID. It squeezes out our ability to take care of patients with other life-serious or life-threatening problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.”
Governor DeWine also spoke with Jennifer Hollis, a critical care nurse at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, about her experience in the hospital.
“I just want everybody to be able to walk a mile in my shoes and kind of understand as a critical care nurse, what I am seeing when I am coming into work. It is beyond difficult,” Hollis said. “Our beds are full. There is nowhere else to go, and we are just as short-staffed as everyone else is seeing as well … We are tired, we are frustrated, and we want the best for all of our patients.”
Hollis urged Ohioans to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. “I’ll continue to fight for you, when you won’t fight for yourself. Please get vaccinated. Quarantine if you are symptomatic. Get tested,” she said.
Vaccination, prevention Governor DeWine emphasized that the COVID-19 vaccines remain a powerful tool to keep people out of the hospital. Since June 1, 2021, there have been 35,962 admissions, and 92.5% of those have been among people who are not fully vaccinated.
Now more than ever, it’s critical to follow prevention strategies including getting vaccinated, getting a booster shot if eligible, wearing face masks, washing your hands frequently, getting tested, and staying home if sick, even if symptoms are mild.
“We are looking now at an impact of COVID-19 that is unlike anything we’ve seen before in this pandemic,” said Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, Director, Ohio Department of Health. “We have access to a powerful tool that can really shield us from the worst outcomes of COVID-19, and that is vaccination.”
As of today, more than 6.9 million Ohioans have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. That’s 63% of those Ohioans eligible (ages 5 and older). More than 2.6 million have received an additional dose, or a booster dose.
Masking in Schools Today, the Ohio Hospital Association also distributed a letter from the Ohio Hospital Association and Ohio Children’s Hospital Association to Ohio school superintendents, administrators and school board members encouraging them to implement a masking requirement when students return from the holiday break. A masking requirement in schools will help limit community spread of COVID-19 and keep students in school, the letter said.
Holidays Dr. Vanderhoff encouraged Ohioans to celebrate safely this holiday weekend so we can all have a healthy start to 2022. “As we get ready to ring in a new year, please, think about the steps you can take to prevent COVID-19 spread before you gather. Keeping vaccinations up to date, appropriate testing, staying home if you feel the least bit sick, masking especially in crowded indoor environments, proper ventilation, and regular handwashing can all help prevent the spread of COVID-19, flu, and other illnesses this season,” he said.
Here is news of a Loveland High School 2020 graduate from the FaceBook Page of the Loveland Music Boosters
Go Jett!! Thank you for representing Loveland Music Programs, Loveland Schools and the Loveland Community!
Photo provided by Loveland Music Boosters
Jett Stevens, a 2020 graduate of LHS, auditioned during his senior year for the BOA Tournament of Roses Honor Marching Band.
Unfortunately, the 2021 Rose Bowl parade was canceled due to COVID and any member from that band was invited to the participate in 2022’s Rose Bowl Parade.
Jett is playing snare drum in the #BOATOR22 band. This year’s BOA Honor Marching Band has 300+ members from 40+ states and Jett is representing Loveland High School and the State of Ohio.
The theme of the Rose Bowl parade is ‘DREAM. BELIEVE. ACHIEVE.’ Jett is spending a week in Southern California, where he will have rehearsals, performances at the Tournament of Roses Bandfest and Disneyland, special activities and Tournament of Roses parade.
While in Loveland, Jett participated in Mallet Madness, LMS concert Bands, LMS Stage Band, LHS Marching Band, LHS Show Choir Band, and LHS Wind Symphony. Additionally, Jett played in the Orchestra pit for several musicals and with the LHS Orchestra during the Holiday concerts.
Jett is now a Sophomore at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, double majoring in Music Performance (percussion) and Jazz Studies (drumset).
Watch the 2022 Rose Parade begins at 11am ET on New Year’s Day to catch Jett doing what he loves!
Highlights of Jett’s trip
Bandfest Performance:
The band’s debut performance will be at the Pasadena City College Stadium as specially-invited bands from around the nation perform for boosters and fans in this thrilling field show exhibition sponsored by the Rose Parade Music Committee.
Float Viewing:
Here’s a chance to see the floats up close and get a better idea of the type of detail and workmanship that makes them so spectacular.
Disneyland Parade: The Bands of America Honor Band will spend a magical evening marching through the streets of Disneyland. It’s unforgettable!
Griffith Observatory:
Southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Griffith Observatory is a Los Angeles landmark and worldwide tourist destination for over a million visitors a year. It’s filled with opportunities to observe, learn, and be inspired. Look through a telescope, check out the exhibit halls and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, or enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Find something to eat or drink at the cafe or buy a fun memento at the gift shop.
Huntington Beach & Pier:
Known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach first hit the map in 1914 when Hawaiian surfer George Freeth demonstrated surfing at the new concrete pier. Home to countless surf legends and miles of pristine beaches, Huntington Beach draws over 11 million visitors each year. Measuring 1,850 feet in length, the iconic Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest piers on the West Coast. A leisurely stroll offers stunning panoramic views of Catalina Island, Newport Beach, Long Beach, San Pedro; and, of course, photo ops.
Tournament of Roses Parade®:
This world-famous 5.5-mile parade of beauty takes place along Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard. The parade features bands from around the world and some of the most spectacular floats imaginable! This is a favorite for millions who set time aside every year to view this internationally televised event.
Disneyland: The Bands of America Honor Band will have a magical performance in Disneyland. It will be unforgettable!
California Adventure: California is a place where fun and adventure are a way of life, and the same is true of Disney’s California Adventure theme park. From the moment you enter, you’ll be immersed in one exciting experience after another as you discover the splendor of the land, the cultural richness of the people, and the free- spirited nature of the California lifestyle.
Loveland, Ohio – We all would love to receive a personal poem of affection on Valentine’s Day, but you all know that it’s sometimes better to give than receive. Right?
Well, here is your opportunity as each year the Loveland Valentine Ladies and the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance invites students, teachers, parents, and the community’s poets to compete in their Annual Valentine’s Day Poetry Contest. This gift can be your present to the whole community of LOVEland.
Poems should be typed or printed, no longer than 16 lines, and reflect love and/or Valentine’s Day. Poetry will be judged on written content only. Contest Deadline: January 21, 2022
Poetry Contest Categories Include:
Pre-school and Kindergarten 1st and 2nd Grades 3rd and 4th Grades 5th and 6th Grades 7th and 8th Grades 9th – 12th Grades Adults
Contest winners will attend the Chamber Valentine Breakfast at Oasis Conference Center on February 12 to read their poems. Student winners receive an excused absence from school to attend the breakfast.
Entry forms are available on the chamber website – lmrchamberalliance.org under the “get involved” tab.
Poetry Workshops
Valentine Lady, Kathryn Lorenz will be offering two free poetry writing workshops leading up to the submission date.
The first will be on Saturday, January 8 at Hometown Cafe between 9 and 10:30, AM.
The second will be on Saturday, January 10 at Mile 42 Coffee from noon until 2 PM.
Valentine Art and Card Reveal
Beginning at 11 AM on Saturday, January 8 the 2022 Valentine Art and Card Reveal will take place and it will be a chance to meet the designer, current Valentine Lady, Jeannie Shumaker, and past Ladies. Join the fun at the Valentine Ladies Wall of Fame in Historic Downtown on the Loveland Bike Trail.
When Lily Gruffydd was in 5th grade she was recogonized at the 2017 annual Valentine Breakfast for this poem.
WHAT IS LOVE?
by Lily Gruffydd
Every one of you should feel loved,
When you are loved, you might feel light like a dove,
Joshua Tree participated in Toys for Tots at both of the company’s locations this year.Joshua Tree
Yellowstone Landscape has been working with the Industry Collective to give back.Yellowstone Landscape
