LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Author: David Miller

  • Do you know the poverty rate in our beloved city of Loveland?

    Do you know the poverty rate in our beloved city of Loveland?

    A message from the LIFE Food Pantry

    Did you know the poverty rate in our beloved city of Loveland is 10%? The LIFE food pantry helped to feed 20,000 people in 2021 and is on track to exceed that number for 2022. We rely on donations of not only food, but money as well, to purchase perishables and help with emergency financial assistance for our clients.

    We are so very thankful for our donors who help us continue our mission of serving those in need. Please consider giving to LIFE by clicking the link below. No donation is too small to make a difference in the life of our neighbors who need a helping hand.

    https://lifefoodpantry.org/donate-funds/

    Please remember as you go about attending public events around Loveland this holiday season that many venues are offering ways to help the food pantry – check out the event information before you go. These opportunities are also a great way to teach your children to remember those who struggle with food insecurity. They can pick out the food from your own pantry or help you shop for the donations.

    You can also drop off donations right at the Panty.

  • Strategies to End Homelessness receives $5M grant to help end homelessness in Hamilton County

    Strategies to End Homelessness receives $5M grant to help end homelessness in Hamilton County

    Hamilton County, Ohio – Strategies to End Homelessness, which leads a coordinated community effort to end homelessness in Greater Cincinnati, today announced that it has received a $5 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund—the largest private gift in the organization’s history. Launched in 2018 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the Day 1 Families Fund issues annual leadership awards to leading organizations on the frontlines that are employing compassionate, needle-moving work to help families move from unsheltered homelessness and shelters to permanent housing with the services they require to achieve stability.

    “Our analysis of homelessness data identifies solutions that are needed. Unfortunately, we only have enough capacity to help about a third of the families that are in need, and other funding sources do not support some of the services homeless families need the most,” said Kevin Finn, president and CEO of Strategies to End Homelessness. “We are grateful to the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund for this impactful grant, which will both expand capacity in existing data-driven programs and also support new services that data indicates are desperately needed.”

    This one-time grant will help Strategies to End Homelessness and its partners in their tireless work to support families as they reel from skyrocketing rent costs, limited services, and insufficient incomes. Strategies to End Homelessness plans to use the grant funds to prevent many children and families from ever experiencing the trauma of homelessness, to break the cycle of homelessness for others and to assist hundreds of at-risk families to progress toward self-sufficiency in safe, stable housing.

    Strategies to End Homelessness was selected as a Day 1 Families Fund grant recipient by a group of national advisors who are leading advocates and experts on homelessness and service provision. National advisors brought expertise on housing justice, advancing racial equity, and helping programs employ resources effectively to assist families out of homelessness.

    Over the past five years, the Day 1 Families Fund has provided 170 grants totaling more than $520 million to organizations around the country working to combat homelessness and help families gain housing support and stability.

    About The Bezos Day 1 Fund

    The Bezos Day 1 Fund made a $2 billion commitment to focus on making meaningful and lasting impacts in two areas: funding existing nonprofits that help families experiencing homelessness, and creating a network of new, nonprofit tier-one preschools in low-income communities. The Day 1 Families Fund issues annual leadership awards to organizations and civic groups doing compassionate, needle-moving work to provide shelter and hunger support to address the immediate needs of young families. The vision statement comes from the inspiring Mary’s Place in Seattle: no child sleeps outside. For more information, visit www.BezosDayOneFund.org/Day1FamiliesFund.

    About Strategies to End Homelessness

    Strategies to End Homelessness, a 501(c)(3), leads the coordinated community effort to end homelessness in Greater Cincinnati and envisions a community in which everyone has a stable home
    and the resources needed to maintain it. Through the coordination of the local homeless services system, administration of City, County, State, Federal and private funding to partner agencies, and the operation of programs, Strategies to End Homelessness prevents homelessness whenever possible, assists people out of homelessness, and offers solutions to homelessness through housing, serving approximately 11,000 people annually. For more information, go to https://www.strategiestoendhomelessness.org.

  • [Video] Meet Mike Carr and his OMEB

    [Video] Meet Mike Carr and his OMEB

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – It’s been quite a while ago since I came across the music of Mike Carr and for a few years thought he grew up in Loveland so that connection made me keep paying attention to what he was up to. I soon learned he was behind the eclectic promotions of the New Richmond IGA and how the grocery store’s growth is now legendary.

    And, learned he is not from the Loveland area at all.

    About two months ago I also discovered the quite wonderful track he recorded as a Cincinnati Vampire, “Close my Eyes Forever” featuring artist Macy Addis. That’s when I promised myself I’d see Mike play as soon as I could. I got the fortunate chance when he brought his one man electrical band, OMEB to the Works Pizza on Wednesday, November 23rd.

    “The first show (2004) was terrifying because Mike had finished recording the tracks hours before setting up for the first gig! It was peculiar to the venue because they had never seen someone walk in with a desktop computer, 24-inch CRT monitor, guitars and amp and say, “I’m your band tonight”. Shockingly, it worked, and the venue wanted him back!“

    “Everyone told him this concept was not going to work, “No one is going to hire a heavy metal guitarist with a computer, they’ll laugh you off the stage.” Oddly enough, OMEB quickly became a household name in the Cincinnati area finding himself the ‘house band’ for the WEBN Dawn Patrol – playing multiple events ranging from their Pregnant Bikini Contest to the main stage for the Labor Fireworks Celebration!“

    I’ve used LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV to bring to our pages some short clips of Mike’s performance that night at The Works Pizza and also below is “Close My Eyes Forever” which has gained over 1 million views!

    If you read Dr. Carr’s bio I think you will find it quite interesting how Mike does what OMEB does, his background in music, education, and business. Not to name drop, however reading his bio you will recognize an impressive list of performers, venues, and events.

    I am fortunate that I got to meet this rather famous musician right across the river In Historic Downtown Loveland.

    OMEB on FaceBook
  • AARP Ohio calls on lawmakers to pass legislation to provide dementia training to first responders

    AARP Ohio calls on lawmakers to pass legislation to provide dementia training to first responders

    AARP Ohio also asks the General Assembly to support bills that benefit Ohio’s 50 plus population as they age in place

    Columbus, Ohio – Today, AARP called on Ohio lawmakers to pass House Bill 23, commonsense legislation that would help Ohio’s family caregivers who have a loved-one with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia. The bill would develop education and require training for first responders addressing difficult situations for individuals with dementia.

    The bill will

    • help develop and train the peace officers and specified emergency medical service personnel to recognize the key signs of Alzheimer’s and related dementia
    • train peace officers and specified emergency medical service personnel to appropriately interact with persons living with dementia
    • educate peace officers and specified emergency medical service personnel on how to best intervene in situations where these individuals may be at risk of abuse and neglect.

    “The symptoms of dementia aren’t always consistent, or even easily recognizable. You know the ones providing care or have provided care for someone with dementia need all of the help and support they can get,” said Veronica McCreary Hall, a retired nurse, an AARP Ohio volunteer and former family caregiver for her father, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. “Ohio’s first responders can play a critical role in keeping them safe and protected.”

    There are an estimated 220,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in Ohio, with a projection to see nearly a 20% increase in those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias by 2030. 421,000 family caregivers bear the burden of the disease in Ohio, with 614 million hours of unpaid care.

    “Mandatory training for first responders will help protect vulnerable Ohioans with Alzheimer’s Disease or other related dementia, while giving their families peace of mind,” said Holly Holtzen, state director for AARP Ohio. “Passing this legislation is a step in the right direction and could impact hundreds of thousands of lives.”

    AARP Ohio also supports additional legislation that will benefit Ohioans and help keep them safe and secure.

    • House Bill 305/Senate Bill 220
      This bipartisan bill would cap the price of insulin at no more than $35 for a 30-day supply.
       
    • House Bill 461
      House Bill 461 will establish a private room per-day rate to be added to a facility’s daily Medicaid rate.  Medicaid will pay facilities an additional reimbursement for each resident housed in a private room. Nursing facilities will be incentivized to offer single-occupancy rooms, ultimately increasing safety in nursing home residents.
       
    • House Bill 625/Senate Bill 325
      The quality of resident care and nursing home operations and performance is often related to rates and reimbursements. AARP Ohio is urging lawmakers to pass legislation that would increase Medicaid rates in 2023 for nursing homes. The bill would also be a major benefit for nursing facilities, as incentive payments may be related to direct staff retention.
       
    • House Bill 419
      Elder abuse is on the rise, yet it often goes unreported. AARP urges the passage of this legislation to ensure mandatory reports are filed.
  • Help spread the word, enrollment for health insurance coverage open through Jan. 15

    Help spread the word, enrollment for health insurance coverage open through Jan. 15

    A public Service Announcement from Interact for Health

    Enrollment for health insurance coverage is now open! Greater Cincinnati residents who qualify for free or reduced-cost health insurance can select a plan on HealthCare.gov (Ohio and Indiana) or kynect.ky.gov (Kentucky).

    People must enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage to begin on Jan. 1, 2023.

    Open enrollment runs through Jan. 15 and is the only time to enroll in or change coverage in a federal or state health care marketplace plan, commonly referred to as Obamacare.

    Free help selecting a plan is available on the Find Local Help page of HealthCare.gov and the Authorized Representatives, kynectors & Insurance Agents page of kynect.ky.gov. Users can enter their ZIP code for a list of agents/brokers and enrollment assistors in their area.

  • Our ability to get out our clipboards and defend the rights of everyday Ohioans is at risk!

    Our ability to get out our clipboards and defend the rights of everyday Ohioans is at risk!

    An Emergency Appeal from the

    League of Women Voters of Ohio

    Ohioans have had the right to direct democracy since 1912, but now lawmakers and Secretary LaRose are going after the power of the people. Because of gerrymandering and dark money, Ohioans have faced years of unpopular and unjust legislation related to democracy, women’s reproductive rights, public education, and so much more. 

    Yesterday,  Rep Brian Stewart and Secretary of State LaRose proposed a bill that would require a 60% yes vote to pass a citizen initiated constitutional amendment, while maintaining that constitutional amendments referred by the Legislature would still only require a simple majority vote to pass. 

    LaRose claims that this measure is necessary to protect the Ohio Constitution, and that the time is right. We say ABSOLUTELY NOT!

    • Ohio citizens must already overcome extreme challenges to placing an issue on the ballot. The process requires hundreds of thousands of verified signatures and a strict geographical distribution across at least half of Ohio’s 88 counties. 
    • The process is not overused. In fact, since 1950, only ten out of 44 ballot measures have passed (23%). If so few citizen initiated amendments pass, what problem are we looking to solve?
    • If this measure passes the Ohio Legislature, it will be on the ballot in May 2023; primary elections in odd numbered years have always historically had very low voter turnout. As little as 10% of the electorate will likely decide how Ohio citizens can practice direct democracy and affect change. 

    Send a message to your elected leaders and demand that they stop this threat to democracy!

    More about the proposal to restrict access to Ohio Voters…

    Ohio Republicans launch effort to make citizen-led amendments harder to pass…

    Loveland Magazine – Nov 22, 2022

  • And the Chamber’s 2022 Annual Awards are…

    And the Chamber’s 2022 Annual Awards are…

    Miami Township, Ohio – The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance threw a gala celebration on November 17 to honor local individuals and businesses. It was held at the Oasis Conference and Event Center.

    Here are the awards that were presented:

    Annual Awards Dinner 2022

    • Business of the Year: BF Realty
    • Emerging Business of the Year: JL Aerial Views
    • Beautification Award: Love Our Land
    • Community Involvement Award: Michael Franks
    • Business Community Advocate Award: Lemons & Limes Boutique
    • Non-Profit of the Year: Loveland Learning Garden
    • Woman Owned Business of the Year: All The Ingredients
    • Young Professional of the Year: Emily Mobley
    • Randy K. Stanifer Health, Wellness & Fitness Business of the Year: Activate Brain & Body
    • Customer Service Award: Mile 42 Coffee
    • Community Responder Award: NEST Community Learning Center
    • Hidden Hero Award: Ben Morrison Memorial Fund
    • Chamber Choice Award: Bush Re Shea Insurance
    • Lift Up Loveland Award: Scott & Jamie Gordon

    Loveland Magazine, Cassie Mattia, and David Miller were nominated for several awards but the competition proved just too tough! We had a blast at the dinner though and want to thank the Chamber for such great hospitality, and just as important, congratulate the well-deserving businesses and individuals who were honored.

    These photos are from the vantage point of the Loveland Magazine table and taking a couple spins around the sold-out capacity crowd.

  • Coach Parker Night is home opener for Loveland Women’s Basketball

    Coach Parker Night is home opener for Loveland Women’s Basketball

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – On Monday, December 5 you can join our Tiger Nation in celebrating the life and legacy of Women’s Basketball Head Coach Darnell Parker. His daughters have established a scholarship in their father’s name to award to a deserving Loveland High School athlete.

    The Varsity Game is at 7:30 PM and the JV game is at 6 PM. Sometime around 7, between the JV and Varsity games is when Darnell’s family will be called down to mid-court.

    Will you wear orange and black spirit wear? Will you wear your Coach Parker tee? Will you come and compete in the half-court throwdown? Will you buy enough split-the-pot tickets to win the split?

    The split-the-pot raffle, the half-court shot tickets, and cookies will be sold throughout the JV and Varsity games. The half court competition and split the pot winner will be announced at half-time of the Varsity game.

       Darnell had more fun than anyone could imagine playing collegiate basketball and earning his bachelor’s degree. 

   A student earning this scholarship will be continually inspired by Coach Darnell Parker to push through adversity to accomplish their dreams.

   If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, information will be available in Spring 2023 to apply. 

   If you would like to contribute to the Darnell Parker Memorial Athletic Scholarship, click here. Donations may also be venmo’d to @Dana-Parker-41 or checks made payable to S3C, Inc. may be mailed to 6187 Cardington Place, West Chester, OH 45069.
    DONATE NOW

    See ya at the LHS gym vs ECC rival Lebanon High School. This is the “home opener” for the Tigers.

  • Here is how Loveland Intermediate and Middle Schools gave thanks

    Here is how Loveland Intermediate and Middle Schools gave thanks

    Loveland, Ohio – On a very frosty last Thursday morning, the students and teachers from the Loveland Intermediate and Middle School campus hit the street and carried food from their school to the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church at the corner of Lebanon Road and West Loveland Avenue. They delivered the food they had collected to the Loveland LIFE Food Pantry which will distribute it to those less fortunate in the Greater Loveland Area.

    As Nancy Grant explains in the LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV segment it was the start of the second decade of the “Pass it on Food Drive”, the 21st year! The goal this year was to help the food pantry put together 250 Thanksgiving Day and 250 Holiday meal boxes.

    In the video, you can see most of the Tigers as they hustle their way up the street and into the church where they help sort their donations. Grant and Penny Dippold will tell you how the programs started and the enduring value to the Loveland community.

  • Ohio Valley Voices Celebrates GivingTuesday to Fund Programs in 2023

    Ohio Valley Voices Celebrates GivingTuesday to Fund Programs in 2023

    Miami Township, Ohio – Ohio Valley Voices’ Emerging Leaders Group (ELG) is hosting an event for GivingTuesday at Bishop’s Quarter in Loveland, joining millions around the world participating in the global generosity movement on November 29th, 2022.

    Ohio Valley Voices (OVV) is an early intervention program that helps children who are deaf and hard of hearing learn how to speak and listen through the use of cochlear implants and hearing aids. The GivingTuesday event will aid organization’s fundraising efforts to support OVV children and programs.

    This year, the Emerging Leaders Group is taking on a goal to raise awareness and funds to help children who are deaf and hard of hearing in the Greater Cincinnati area.

    You can join Ohio Valley Voices staff and the Emerging Leaders Group members at the Bishop’s Quarter to find out more about their mission and take part in a raffle. The winner will receive a prize that includes two VIP tickets to the OVV Annual Gala with a private experience with award-winning mixologist, Molly Wellmann.

    All proceeds from the event will go to support Ohio Valley Voices programs.