LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Author: Loveland Magazine

  • Download BLINK Insider & Win a 21C Getaway

    Download BLINK Insider & Win a 21C Getaway

    Download the ArtsWave App and unlock the BLINK Insider by October 20 and not only will you gain access to exclusive behind-the-scenes BLINK content, you’ll be entered to win a 21C weekend getaway in downtown Cincinnati!

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    October 17 – 20, 2024
    Cincinnati, Ohio

    BLINK® illuminated by ArtsWave, is the nation’s largest public light and art event.

    From its first event in 2017, BLINK’s founding team sought to nurture a sense of community and connection through public art. They came together, a collection of creatives, entrepreneurs, local artists, art enthusiasts and arts supporters, wanting to show Cincinnati what a future city could be – through an unforgettable art experience. They also wanted to show the world what Cincinnati had to offer, to solidify it as a hub of creativity, forward-thinking conversations, and aspirational ideas. Light was the medium. It is fundamental to the human experience. It connects us all. It can illuminate a path toward inclusion and possibility. What they didn’t know was how much connection it would drive. How it would light up a city, the humans within it and become a beacon of light for our city and beyond.

    Now in its fourth iteration, BLINK has become more than a gift to the city. It attracts artists from around the globe who believe in its mission. It attracts over 2 million people who walk the city’s blocks in wonder and amazement. It crosses a river and connects a region. It provides a $126 million economic impact to our region. But it also still connects us. 

    We welcome everyone to experience the light, the art, and our community.

    BLINK is FOR THE PEOPLE. BY THE ARTISTS. 

    _______________

    What do I get?

    The getaway includes a two-night stay at the 21C Museum Hotel in the one-of-a-kind Nightwatch Room, $100 at Metropole for an amazing dinner, and two tickets to a local theater production.

    How do I enter?

    First, download the ArtsWave App, the region’s one-stop calendar for arts & entertainment. Then unlock the in-app BLINK Insider (free for ArtsWave Pass members or a one-time $10 donation for non-members). That’s it!

    Why do I want the BLINK Insider?

    The BLINK Insider is best way to experience BLINK. It includes pointers by BLINK’s Executive Director, sneak peek and artists interview videos, find out where to park, restroom stops, itineraries for every day of the festival and the music line-up at the click of a button.

    Download the free ArtsWave App today to make your BLINK plans and enter to win!

     

  • State Fire Marshal Lifts Ban on Open Burning

    State Fire Marshal Lifts Ban on Open Burning

    Columbus, Ohio – Working in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon has issued an order lifting a Ban on Open Burning that was initially ordered on Sept. 6, 2024, in response to extremely dry conditions in much of the state.

    While drought conditions persist in parts of the state, the onset of moderate fall temperatures and atmospheric conditions and recent sustained rains that have fallen across the state have provided enough moisture to create a significant and sustained reduction in wildfire fuel loads during the first part of October. Most importantly, those reduced wildfire fuel loads are not projected to increase back to the dangerous levels observed in September for the foreseeable future. Specifically, broad areas of the state that received measurable amounts of rain have seen grass return to green, and heavier wildland fuels like larger sticks and logs have had the opportunity to soak up moisture, substantially lessening the risks of uncontainable wildfires.

    The Ban on Open Burning that was in place for the past month relied heavily on the US Drought Monitor, which focused on overall long-term drought conditions. An additional and proven index to examine regarding drought-related wildfire risks is the Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI), which links precipitation effects to wildfire fuel availability and is founded in the concept that fuels with less moisture burn more actively and fuels with more moisture burn with less intensity, or potentially not at all.

    The hot, dry summer and early fall conditions led to extreme and exceptional drought conditions as noted in the US Drought Monitor, as well as very high KBDI values, meaning wildfire fuels were exceptionally dry. This created many problems related to wildfire dangers: grass was withering and dry and very receptive to ignition; large logs were very dry and ready to burn with extreme intensity; and organic materials on and in the ground had very little moisture.

    The early October rain provided enough moisture across many parts of the state to allow the KBDI and wildfire moisture levels to recover to a more average range for this time of year. Additionally, the cooler, fall-like weather that has moved into the state has a less dramatic drying influence on fuels and has also helped fuels recover from the extreme drought conditions.

    “Factors we look at are the burnability, or how easy it is to ignite those fuels that are on the ground,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon. “When those fuels are drier, they will obviously ignite faster. When there is more moisture, that changes their ignitability quite a bit. There’s a lot that goes into this, but it simply boils down to how easy is it to start a fire on the ground.”

    While the Fire Marshal’s Ban on Open Burning has been lifted, if drought conditions worsen and KBDI values return to concerning levels, the ban could be reinstated in areas of concern.

    For those who want to burn during unrestricted hours, the Division of State Fire Marshal encourages them to do so cautiously and to have a source of water and tools on hand in case they are needed. Fires should never be left unattended.

    “Think about the ground conditions where you’re at, if the ground is very dry, any fire you have could spread quickly and easily,” Reardon said. “We ask all Ohioans to be careful, think before starting a fire, and to be fire safe.”

    “Ohio law dictates that most outdoor burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during October and November,” said ODNR Division of Forestry Fire Prevention Manager Aaron Kloss. “In addition, make sure you are aware of any other open burning restrictions that might be in place, including Ohio EPA or any local fire department regulations, and be sure to never burn on dry and windy days, even during an unrestricted time.”

    The Ohio Department of Natural Resource’s normal annual burning restriction is found in the ORC 1503.18c and prohibits most open burning between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in unincorporated areas in Ohio. This restriction is in place every fall from October 1 to November 30, and every spring from March 1 to May 31.

    Any local burn bans put into place by local jurisdictions will remain in effect unless lifted by that jurisdiction.

  • [Photo Album by Andrew Sichak] FC Cincinnati drop final regular season home match 3-1

    [Photo Album by Andrew Sichak] FC Cincinnati drop final regular season home match 3-1

    Loveland, Ohio – These photos by Andrew Sichak were taken at FC Cincinnati’s final regular season home match.

    __________________

    Recap provided by FC Cincinnati

    FC Cincinnati dropped a 3-1 result to Orlando City SC Saturday night at TQL Stadium.

    With one game remaining before the start of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs, the Orange and Blue are locked into third place in the Eastern Conference at 17-11-5 (56 points). Orlando are in fourth place at 15-11-7 (52 points).

    Orlando struck first at the 10-minute mark as Ramiro Enrique found the back of the net for his seventh goal of the season.

    Luciano Acosta brought the game level in the final moments of the first half with an extraordinary effort from just outside the Orlando box. Cincinnati’s captain tallied his 14th goal of the season and his second in as many matches after his midweek goal at New York City FC. Teenage Hadebe earned his first assist for the Orange and Blue in the process in his first home start.

    Iván Angulo would restore Orlando’s lead in the 66th minute followed by Enrique’s second goal of the evening six minutes later.

    FC Cincinnati close the 2024 MLS Regular Season on Saturday, October 19 at Philadelphia Union. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET for the Decision Day match.

    The Orange and Blue will host Game 1 of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 Series on a date to-be-determined following Decision Day.

    GAME NOTES
    – Luciano Acosta recorded his fourth-straight game with a goal contribution, the second-longest streak of the season for FC Cincinnati behind Acosta’s club record nine-game streak from April 6 – May 25.
    – There have been seven streaks in club history of four-plus games with a goal contribution … Acosta accounts for six of them.
    – Saturday marked Lucho Acosta’s 250th career MLS Regular Season appearance.
    – Teenage Hadebe recorded his first assist for FC Cincinnati.

    FC Cincinnati ultimately outshot Orlando 17-6 and earned 54 percent possession. But they could not overcome the two second half goals. With the loss, FC Cincinnati finish their home regular season record 7-7-2.

    The Orange and Blue must now wait two weeks before their next match as the FIFA International Window opens with MLS Decision Day to follow on Saturday October 19. FC Cincinnati will travel to Philadelphia Union for the final match of the regular season at Subaru Park before kicking off the MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best of 3 series at TQL Stadium.

  • HOPE Celebration weekend at Grailville

    HOPE Celebration weekend at Grailville

    by Claire Mirkowski-Purdy

    Loveland, Ohio – Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 26th, and Sunday, October 27th, for the HOPE Celebration weekend at Grailville. The women of The Grail, including Beth Murphy and Elizabeth Robinson would love to see you there. The remarkable Trina Paulus, author and artist of Hope For The Flowers, and a member of The Grail will also be there, ready to meet you. 

    There will be many diverting things to do and see at the HOPE Celebration. Enjoy Live Jazz, folk dancing, Morning and Evening prayers, and even getting your copy of Hope For The Flowers signed by Trina Paulus. There will also be other fabulous activities at the celebration like walking and seeing the scenery of Grailville in the fall and looking at the oratory inspired by Hope For The Flowers.

    On the 26th, and 27th of October, the Celebration Weekend at Grailville will begin at 10 AM, at 931 O’Bannonville RD, Loveland, Ohio 45140.  You can also come in any day during the week before the HOPE Celebration between 10 AM and 3 PM to see the oratory.

    Exhibit also open weekdays until the HOPE Celebration Weekend. Stop in at the Grail office, small house, blue trim by the Oratory. They will be happy to let you view the Exhibit

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    Hope for the Flowers” is Trina Paulus’ world famous story and book about Stripe and Yellow, two caterpillars who have traveled into well over 4 million hearts around the world. These Little caterpillars cross boundaries of culture, language, religion, age, with their challenge and hope that a loving world is possible. By risking the butterfly, we can fly and carry the love of one flower to another and discover the sweet nectar of every flower we are privileged to meet.”

    HOPE Celebration Weekend Events: All events Free and Open to the Public

    • Grailville Oratory: Interfaith Morning Prayer Saturday and Sunday at 10AM

    Interfaith Evening Prayer 6PM Saturday and 5:30 PM Sunday.• Grailville Oratory: Dynamic Exhibit of 36 large Panels of artwork telling the story of Hope For The Flowers.

    • Exhibit opens each day 10AM with Morning prayer and closes after Evening Pray Saturday and Sunday

    • Trina will be at the Oratory during Exhibit hours, each day to visit, greet, and sign books.

    • Exhibit Presentation by Trina 3PM Saturday and Sunday

    • Grailville Oratory All Weekend: HOPE Butterflies Aloft Installation

    • Saturday, Oratory: Live Jazz by JC Heisler and Sons and Songs of Hope by Ellen Mershon

    • Saturday, Oratory Yard 4-5:45 PM: For the young and young at heart: Community Folk Dancing with caller and Crafts.

    • All Weekend: Enjoy being at Grailville, The HOPE for the Flowers Exhibit, meeting Author and artist Trina Paulus, The Butterflies Aloft Installation in our magnificent, renowned Oratory, beautiful Walking Trails and the splendor of Autumn at Grailville.

  • Alzheimer’s Association Virtual Program on Finding the Right Healthcare

    Alzheimer’s Association Virtual Program on Finding the Right Healthcare

    Pam Walker, healthcare navigator with Kettering Health will guide attendees through finding the right healthcare providers and services during a virtual expert series program

    The healthcare system has become more complicated, expensive and confusing– especially as people age. Patients are required to identify the best way to start in the healthcare system, to be familiar with a multitude of organizations, to move through the system, and find the right services.

    Pam Walker, healthcare navigator with Kettering Health will guide attendees through finding the right healthcare providers and services during a virtual expert series program on Thurs., Oct. 24, from 6:30 – 8 PM.

    Registration is required by calling the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. Provide an email when registering to receive the Zoom link to participate.

    As the featured expert, Ms. Walker will help individuals and families who are overwhelmed with healthcare needs understand how and where to find the right doctor, providers and healthcare services.

    “Dementia is a progressive condition, and people with dementia often have individualized needs that change according to the different stages of their condition,” said Dayna Ritchey, program director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Cincinnati and Miami Valley Chapters. “As a result, they often require care from multiple health and social care services and providers across diverse settings as they experience transitions in care over the duration of their illness.”

    “Unfortunately, dementia care is often fragmented, uncoordinated, and difficult to navigate,” continued Ritchey. “People with dementia and their caregivers often have a lack of knowledge and information about dementia and available support services, as well as limited access to relevant health and social care.”

    “We are fortunate to present an expert such as Pam who understands and navigates the healthcare system every day to help patients and families who face serious medical conditions.” said Ritchey. “Attendees will gain confidence in how to effectively advocate for themselves or loved ones.”

    There are 236,200 Ohioans 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. More than 4,900 Ohioans died from Alzheimer’s in 2021. A total of 414,000 Ohio caregivers provide 624 million hours of unpaid care each year valued at over $11.4 billion.

    To learn more about Alzheimer’s or other dementia and to access free local support and resources, visit alz.org/cincinnati or call the Greater Cincinnati Chapter at 513.721.4284 or the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

  • Matthew 25: Ministries is responding to Hurricane Helene

    Matthew 25: Ministries is responding to Hurricane Helene

    From the Website of Matthew 25: Ministries

    Matthew 25: Ministries is responding to Hurricane Helene, which made landfall as an extremely dangerous category 4 storm with maximum winds of 140MPH on Thursday, September 26 near Perry, Florida. Helene is the strongest hurricane on record to slam into Florida’s Big Bend, causing unprecedented damage and flooding. The storm has resulted in over 100 fatalities and caused widespread devastation across the southeastern United States. Helene’s storm surge reached up to 15 feet in some areas along Florida’s coast, inundating coastal communities. Rainfall totals exceeded 15 inches in several states, with some parts of North Carolina receiving as much as 30 inches of rain, leading to catastrophic flooding. At the height of the power outages, over 4 million households were without power across Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. The storm continued to cause damages as it moved through the Carolinas and into the Ohio Valley.

    In collaboration with Procter & Gamble and Walmart, Matthew 25: Ministries deployed our Disaster Response Team to Florida equipped with a range of fleet vehicles, including Tide Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry units, shower trailers, and co-branded panel trucks. The team is offering critical services such as laundry and shower facilities and distributing essential supplies, including personal care kits, baby products, paper goods, insect repellent, as well as additional items like garbage bags, cleaning supplies, and first aid and safety kits provided by Cintas to areas affected by the hurricane. Matthew 25 also deployed the Duracell PowerForward truck, equipped with up to 20,000 Duracell batteries as well as on-board charging stations for mobile devices.

    To support immediate relief efforts in North Carolina, Matthew 25 is airlifting supplies for distribution to impacted areas. With support from partners like Kroger, Procter & Gamble, Prime, and Walmart, these supplies will include food, water, hydration drinks, baby formula, and diapers, enabling us to reach areas cut off from other forms of assistance and ensuring a sustained and comprehensive response.

    Alongside deploying our Disaster Response teams and airlifting supplies, we are shipping truckloads of relief supplies to address the immediate and ongoing needs of those affected. Matthew 25 will continue these efforts for as long as the needs exist and we can respond efficiently and effectively.

    “This is a hurricane of tremendous size and destructiveness,” said Tim Mettey, CEO of Matthew 25: Ministries. “I have been with our teams on prior disaster deployments and have seen the incredible damage these storms can cause. I have also seen the remarkable resilience of people after disasters. Their courage and determination is immense. With the help of our generous and caring partners, we are once again committed to bringing hope and providing the critical services and supplies needed to help these communities heal and rebuild.”

    WAYS TO HELP

    Matthew 25 is requesting donations of the following types of items to supplement existing supplies, for restocking during their response and for future disasters:

    Monetary donations:

    • Donate online or mail checks to Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242 (100% of donated funds designated for the 2024 Hurricane Helene will be used for the purpose intended).

    Product donations – The following items will be accepted at our facility located at 11083 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242:

    • Cases of bottled water: 12 and 24 count
    • Personal care products: Antibacterial soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, lotion, etc.
    • Cleaning supplies: Laundry detergents, general cleaner, sponges, bleach (powdered form is preferred), mops, scrub brushes, buckets, rubber gloves, etc.
    • Paper products: Toilet paper, paper towels, etc.
    • Baby and infant supplies: Diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment, baby wash, baby shampoo, baby lotion, etc.
    • First-aid items: Bandages, gauze, pads, first aid tape, antiseptic creams, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, latex gloves, instant cold packs, etc.
    • Candles and flashlights: If necessary, please include the appropriate size batteries with any flashlight donation
    • Clean-up supplies: Protective eyewear, work gloves, trash bags etc.
  • Governor DeWine Activates More Members of the Ohio National Guard to Support North Carolina

    Governor DeWine Activates More Members of the Ohio National Guard to Support North Carolina

    A CH-47 Chinook helicopter Sgt. Steven Galimore – US Army

    Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has activated additional members of the Ohio National Guard to support the state of North Carolina in its recovery from flooding and damage caused by Hurricane Helene.

    Following a request this afternoon from North Carolina for additional Ohio National Guard support, Governor DeWine has activated 10 Airmen from the Homeland Response Forces, 121st Air Refueling Wing to support first responders in fatality search and recovery.

    This deployment is in addition to the activation announced earlier today of six Soldiers from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment to support North Carolina officials in moving supplies, equipment, and personnel via a CH47 helicopter.

    North Carolina requested this assistance from the Ohio National Guard under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a national mutual aid partnership agreement allowing state-to-state assistance during state or federally declared emergencies.

  • New mobile health clinic to expand access to primary care in Springfield

    New mobile health clinic to expand access to primary care in Springfield

    Springfield, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine today introduced a new mobile health clinic in Springfield that will make healthcare services more accessible for all residents throughout the community.

    “The mobile clinic will supplement and expand many of the primary healthcare services that are already available here in Springfield and throughout Clark County,” said Governor DeWine. “Our mission is clear: we will eliminate the backlogs and reduce the wait times for everyone who needs care.”

    Governor DeWine hosted a press conference Thursday to announce the arrival of the mobile health clinic at the Clark County Combined Health District

    The new mobile health clinic arrived in Springfield this morning and began serving community members this afternoon – exactly one week after Governor DeWine announced he was directing the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) to work alongside the Clark County Combined Health District (CCCHD) to acquire and operationalize a mobile health clinic to better manage the demand for healthcare services in the area.

    Springfield’s healthcare system has been under significant pressure due to the influx of thousands of Haitian migrants over the past several years, resulting in longer wait times for appointments and delayed care. State and local health leaders fear it has discouraged some residents from seeking care at all.

    The mobile health clinic will begin by targeting the pressure points currently causing the greatest backlogs, initially offering seasonal vaccinations, vaccines for COVID, flu, and RSV, as well as blood pressure screenings.

    Appointments are already being booked for the new mobile health clinic, which will serve all members of the community.

    “It’s imperative that the residents of this community – adults and children alike – receive services that prevent and treat illness and chronic conditions,” said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D., MBA. “I can’t stress enough the importance of vaccines; our strongest weapons in preventing flu, respiratory illness, COVID-19, and other diseases like measles and whooping cough. The less people that are vaccinated, the more we run the risk of these contagious diseases being spread throughout the community. This mobile unit being brought to Springfield so quickly under the leadership and vision of Governor DeWine is going to be a game-changer for Springfield to be able to deliver efficient healthcare services to more people.”

    The mobile health clinic will initially be stationed at Clark County Combined Health District and operated by local health district staff, with additional support from ODH.

    “Before the mobile health clinic arrived in Springfield, the wait time for immunizations at our local health district offices has been two months. With this new resource now in place, we anticipate quickly being able to reduce rates to two weeks, and eventually same-week or even walk-in visits for seasonal vaccines,” said Chris Cook, MPH, REHS, Clark County Health Commissioner. “I’d like to see this mobile health clinic inspire people in our community who have not seen a doctor in awhile to reenter the healthcare system. We want to be a bridge that gets people in the routine of checking in on themselves so they can be healthy for a long time.”

    APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

    Members of the community can make an appointment today by visiting https://mobile.clark.health or by calling CCCHD at 937-390-5600.

    Appointments are currently available on the following schedule:

    • Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    Appointments: https://mobile.clark.health

    After relieving the primary pressure points, ODH and CCCHD plan to make additional healthcare services available, including more primary health services, plus maternal health services, infant health and wellness, and more. Additionally, over the coming weeks, CCCHD will begin driving the mobile health clinic to various other locations throughout the community to provide proactive healthcare support in high-need areas.

    In the coming months, ODH and CCCHD will also work together to transition from the mobile health clinic unit to a more permanent health clinic. The location and timeline of this transition is still to be determined.

    “My commitment to the county and to the City of Springfield is that we, as a state, will not allow either the new mobile clinic or the permanent clinic to fail,” added Governor DeWine.

    Earlier this month, Governor DeWine pledged that the state would dedicate $2.5 million toward expanding primary care access for all Springfield residents, as well as support for local public safety efforts through the Ohio State Highway Patrol. This is in addition to other support that the state has already provided to Springfield to aid in addressing the increase in the area’s Haitian population, including the addition of a school-based health center for Springfield City Schools, providing driving simulators and driver’s education classes for the Haitian community, English education and translation services, and more.

    Watch Governor’s Press Conference (via Facebook)

    Governor DeWine hosted a press conference Thursday to announce the arrival of the mobile health clinic at the Clark County Combined Health District

  • Order Your 4 Free At-⁠home COVID-⁠19 Tests

    Order Your 4 Free At-⁠home COVID-⁠19 Tests

    In late September 2024, all U.S. households may order up to four (4) additional COVID-19 test kits, at no charge, at www.COVIDTests.gov.

    Tests are available online or at local stores and you collect your own sample, perform the test, and read the result yourself without the need to send a sample to a laboratory.

    ORDER TEST

    Need help placing an order for your at-⁠home tests?
    Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

  • Hamilton County residents are eligible for low interest home repair loans

    Hamilton County residents are eligible for low interest home repair loans

    Loveland, Ohio – 513Relief.org is a one-stop resource providing Hamilton County residents direct access to economic relief.

    Hamilton County Commissioners launched 513Relief.org at the height of the pandemic to connect residents with the various federal, state and local programs designed to help families find stability in challenging times.

    One of the relief efforts is the Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan Program with a target of “making it easier than ever for homeowners to make essential repairs.”

    With a below-market 2% interest rate, the program is accessible to homeowners who may not qualify for traditional financing options. Homeowners in Hamilton County with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income may be eligible for the program. This translates to $75,500 for a family of three and $58,700 for a single person. Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000, providing the flexibility to address a wide range of repair needs, including electrical repairs, furnace, roof, siding, plumbing, door and window replacement, and similar projects.

     APPLY – https://www.hamiltoncountyhome.org/

     CALL – 211 United Way Helpline

     INFO – Frequently Asked Questions