Author: Loveland Magazine

Open letter to City Council @ train whistle

[quote_left]Please reconsider![/quote_left]

Hello Loveland Magazine Readers,

The City is planning on eliminating the trains blowing the horns as they go thru town. I think this is dangerous to the citizens of Loveland. I have been doing an informal survey on this and the vast majority of the citizens are against this.

Please reconsider!

Thanks,

Jack Koch,

Citizen of Loveland

Read about the train whistle controversy:

Quiet Zone in Historic Downtown under attack?

About the Loveland R.R. “Quiet Zone”

When you thought Loveland’s downtown traffic couldn’t get worse…

June 16, 2015
Coding – girls, ages 11–14
Come explore the world of computer science with this hands-on computer coding workshop. No experience necessary!
- Loveland Branch Library — Friday, July 10, 6:15–7:45 p.m. (girls ages 11–14)
June 15, 2015
Hoxworth Continues Emergency Appeal for Donors

Blood Shortage Enters Second Week

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Call to Action

Existing blood donors and new blood donors are urged to call 513-451-0910 to plan their donation. For more information, visit www.hoxworth.org.

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Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati reports that the blood shortage announced June 9 has entered its second week. The shortage is the result of lower than expected blood donations; blood usage has not actually increased.

“Nationwide, summer often heralds a decline in blood donation,” explained Hoxworth Director Ronald Sacher, M.D., “Unfortunately, the ‘June Swoon’ has hit the Tri State hard this year. Fortunately, there is a remedy available. Able blood donors can share their gift of life.”

Each day the Tri State relies on approximately 350 volunteer donors to meet patient needs for red blood cells, platelets and plasma. These blood products are transfused at 30-area hospitals. The blood center needs to see the daily necessity plus almost 600 additional donors to overcome the shortage.

“We require steady donations to meet ongoing treatment needs and to be prepared for emergency needs,” Sacher said.

Blood supply not sufficient in case of catastrophe

June 15, 2015
Hannah Laman to Receive $10,000 Scholarships for Higher Education

Ten-year-old twins Alex and Hannah Laman’s “Little Library” is right on the Loveland Bike Trail at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Harrison Avenue

Hannah Laman of Loveland is one of 10 national winners of the Kohl’s Cares® Scholarship Program. Kohl’s awarded 10 national winners $10,000 scholarships for higher education. In addition to the recognition, Kohl’s will also donate a $1,000 to the nonprofit organization of the winner’s choice.

The winners were chosen from more than 32,000 nominees nationwide, and selected for the positive impact their volunteer efforts have on the community.

In an effort to encourage literacy among children, Hannah founded Adopt a Book, an organization that collects and distributes new and gently used children’s books to underprivileged youth. To date, Adopt a Book has donated 74,000 books to more than 50 organizations, schools and hospitals that serve children in need.

About Adopt a Book

Adopt a Book is a non-profit organization dedicated
to providing at-risk kids with books of their own.

Donate Books

Read this story about Hannah and Alex Laman the first ran on July 9, 2013

Twins Learn A Valuable Lesson Through Reading

By Education Reporter, Karen Dudley Grissom

Loveland (It’s more than a bike trail), Ohio – Ten-year-old twins Alex and Hannah Laman’s love of reading led to a project that benefits the entire Loveland community and helped to fill an empty school library. They call their service project Adopt A Book. It all started when the twins read an article about a school that didn’t have any books in its library and they decided that something had to be done.

When Loveland Magazine conducted the interview about the project, sister, Hannah was not available, but brother, Alex, and Mom, Angela, shared how it all began. “We read an article about a school library that didn’t have any books,” explained Alex. “We thought that was sad and wanted to do something to help the school.

“We talked about what we could do and discussed it with our mom,” said Alex. “We decided to start by sharing some of our own books. Then we decided to ask people to give books that they don’t use anymore.”

Since December 2011, Adopt A Book has donated more than 17,000 books to kids in need. The program runs on the generosity of people willing to donate gently-used books. The Laman

This family stopped by to visit “The Little Library” located along the Loveland Bike Trail on a recent Friday evening after dining out in Historic Loveland.

family houses the books in their garage and transports them in the family car.

What started as a service project for the 10-year-old twins has also resulted in “The Little Library” located along the Loveland Bike Trail.

“We’re trying to give books to kids who don’t have books,” said Alex, who also explained how “The Little Library” works. “There are books for kids and adults. When you borrow a book, you also leave one for someone else to read. You can also just donate books if you don’t need them anymore.”

It works on an honor system. “There are no fees or fines,” Angela said.

The Adopt A Book program has helped and been helped by several partners. It has given books to Pro Kids in Cincinnati, an organization serving children in foster care and to Faces without Places, an organization that helps children without homes. It has been the beneficiary of books collected by the Madeira City Schools’ book drive.

“Not many people think of giving books,” said Alex. “They think of giving food. We want to keep this going.”

The largest donation, to date, has been 1,000 books given at one time.

“This is a good community service project for students who need to complete service hours,” said Angela Laman, who willingly welcomed volunteer help. “In addition to book donations, we also need assistance with distribution.

“Books that are not in good condition are recycled,” she explained.

Alex and Hannah describe themselves as “just two kids who like to read,” said Alex, who wants to be a computer engineer when he grows up. In addition to reading, he also enjoys bike riding and hanging out with his sister, Hannah. By the way, Alex’s favorite book is The Hobbit.
To learn more about the program, Adoptabookcincinnati.org will be up and running soon.

June 15, 2015
FIFA indictments reveal Loretta Lynch’s hypocrisy

New attorney general will prosecute foreign sports officials but not criminal bankers in her own backyard

June 7, 2015 2:00AM ET

by C. Robert Gibson @uncutcrg

[quote_left]Wall Street’s greed-driven destruction of the global financial system in 2008 led to at least 10,000 additional suicides across 54 countries from 2008 to 2010[/quote_left]The U.S.-led investigation of top FIFA officials is commendable for its decisive action to punish blatant corruption. But it should also disgust. Far worse crimes occur every day in the financial sector, but the Department of Justice, while obviously aware of them, has done too little. FIFA doesn’t come close to Wall Street in terms of havoc wreaked upon the public.

FIFA’s bribery and corruption are certainly significant to soccer fans, and the harsh treatment of workers building their stadiums is deadly to those workers and their families. But the financial crisis affected every single person alive. Millions of people lost homes, their savings and their jobs and drowned in debt. Thousands of people around the world committed suicide at abnormal rates in the years following the financial crisis. Bankers did not murder these people. But their drastic actions were a direct result of financiers’ reckless behavior on the market.

Read on at america.aljazeera.com/opinions

June 15, 2015
Senior Citizens often fall prey to Seasonal Door-To-Door Scams, BBB Warns
[quote_center]“They didn’t return and also stole my gas leaf blower and a rake”[/quote_center]

The scam pops up every year when the weather turns nice-you get a knock on the door, and on the other side is someone offering to seal your driveway, trim your trees, or repair your roof. Many times, these itinerant workers take your money but don’t do the work. And more times than not, they target senior citizens.

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and BBB is providing tips which explain how scammers take advantage of consumers which will help you, your family and your friends avoid paying for jobs that won’t get done.

One elderly Central Ohio woman was recently approached at her home with the offer of having her driveway sealed. She told BBB, “He told me that because my driveway wasn’t very big and that I was a senior citizen that if I would pay cash, I could get $10 off of the services. I told the man, Todd Thornhill, that I didn’t keep very much cash on me and I could pay only $100 in cash and the other by check which I wrote in the amount of $130 paid to him. They only completed half of my driveway and told me they had to get more seal coat and would be right back. They didn’t return and also stole my gas leaf blower and a rake.”

Here are some of the most common methods scammers use to urge consumers, especially the elderly, into giving up their money, property or personal information.
- Social Consensus: Most of us have a tendency to take comfort in “if everyone is using it, it must be ok” mindset, and scammers know it. Many times they will use phrases like, “We were working at your neighbors,” or “Several houses in the area have used our services.” This makes consumers feel secure because people they trust are using the company, so they’re probably reliable. Unfortunately, the scammers are usually using the same lines on everyone in the neighborhood.
- Reciprocity: Many times we hear consumers say that the person who knocked on their door had already done something for them at no charge or was willing to throw in something for free while completing a bigger job. This tactic is meant to make people feel a “quid pro quo” type of mentality, and frequently people feel that since they got something, they needed to give something. This is a common way for consumers to get roped into projects that they may not even need.
- Scarcity: This is the most commonly used way for scammers to get people to take their bait. Many times you’ll hear, “We are only in your area today,” or “This price is available for one day only.” This high pressure to act quickly often comes at the end of a pitch and makes you think: “If I don’t act now, this offer might not be available later,” which can escalate emotions.
The shared theme of all these tactics is they prey on the emotions of the victim. Scammers are practiced in the art of manipulation and persuasion, so making yourself and family members aware of the red flags is an easy yet important way to avoid falling for these schemes. Take the time to evaluate the offer – and the emotions the pitch is designed to illicit.

Be on the lookout for these red flags:
- Selling door-to-door
- Claims of leftover asphalt from another job
- Pushing you to make a quick decision
- No written contract
- Cash-only sales
- Demands payment up front
- Deals that seem too good to be true
- The contractor is from out of state or in an unmarked truck
Checking with BBB for a BBB Business Review is an easy and effective way for consumers to avoid becoming victims. Go to bbb.org for Business Reviews on companies in Ohio and across the country, and visit bbbhomehelp.com for tips and resources for home improvements.

For more information you can trust visit us at bbb.org/centralohio or on Facebook and Twitter. BBB continues to seek help form the public on Joshua Nicholas dba NG Crown Roofing and Paving. If you have any information about this company, please email llanigan@centralohio.bbb.org or call our offices at 614-486-6531BBB continues to seek help form the public on Joshua Nicholas dba NG Crown Roofing and Paving. If you have any information about this company, please email llanigan@centralohio.bbb.org or call our offices at 614-486-6531
June 15, 2015
Most items 30% off at Granville bookstore close-out sale

June 13, 2015
Exclusive: Martin Schickel ends successful 10-year stint on Amazing Race committee

Loveland, Ohio – In the exclusive LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV interview, Martin Schickel announces that he is stepping down from the organizing committee of the Amazing Charity Race.

Now in its 10th year, the charity event has raised about $700,000.00 for local charities. Schickel was one of the original local residents who dreamt of “…a full day of good natured competition, music and food and laughs.”

Also watch this exclusive interview with Race organizers who share some details of the Race’s return to Loveland after a two-year absence: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Amazing Race return to Loveland

June 11, 2015
Workshops at Granny’s Garden School

Workshops – Free to members of Granny’s Kid’s Garden Club, School Garden Boosters and Harvest Helpers, $10 for non members.

To register, respond in a email with name(s) of workshop(s) and number of children and adults.

06/11/2015 (Fri), 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Perennial and Annual Garden Basics with Granny

Work alongside Granny as she makes over the perennial gardens a bit at a time. In addition to learning the basics of creating and maintaining a perennial garden and incorporating annuals, you will go home with loads of perennial starts.

To register, respond with a email with name(s) of workshop(s) and number of children and adults.

06/12/2015 (Fri), 9-11a.m.

Guided exploration of Granny’s Nature Trail

You’ll be amazed at the animals and organisms that can be found along our nature trail – right on school grounds. Learn how this unique habitat meets the needs of the creatures that live there.

To register, respond with a email with name(s) of workshop(s) and number of children and adults.

06/13/2015 (Sat) – 9-11 a.m.

Cooking in the Garden with Rita Heikenfeld
Join Rita for cooking demonstrations and tastings using garden fresh foods and herbs. Rita is an award-winning syndicated journalist, Certified Culinary Professional, Certified Modern Herbalist, author, cooking teacher and media personality. Visit our Facebook page for photos from Rita’s last workshop.

To register, respond with a email with name(s) of workshop(s) and number of children and adults.

Granny’s Garden School Web Site

June 11, 2015

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Amazing Race return to Loveland

6a00d8341c5f6d53ef016306a46d98970d-650wi — A Loveland Magazine file photo from the 2012 Amazing Charity Race in Historic Downtown Loveland

Loveland, Ohio – In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video you will find out everything you need to know, about the 2015 version of the Amazing Charity Race, at least what the organizers are prepared to share with the public until the night before the race.

We have sworn secrecy to much that has been shared with us, but we do know…

The 10th, Amazing Charity Race, on Saturday, June 20, formerly the Loveland Amazing Race, starts this year in Milford, goes into and around places in Miami Township…

and returns to Historic Downtown Loveland Saturday, June 20th after a two-year hiatus!

6a00d8341c5f6d53ef01a73dd1978b970d — A Loveland Magazine file photo from the 2013 Amazing Charity Race

In this exclusive interview, Race founder, Doug Portman said what will probably be the favorite challenge station for both spectators and teams alike will be at the Loveland Moose Lodge on East Loveland Avenue. He used the word “stuff” that was specially made and imported from China just for whatever they have cooked up at the Moose Lodge. He said, “It was a whole fiasco getting it made and shipped to the United States, and to Loveland.”

Loveland Magazine was let into some of the secret, and it sounds spectacular enough that we already have a drone video team planing logistics for the Moose challenge station.

In this interview, the committee talks about the best spots for spectators to watch the race, cheer on their favorite teams, and the best places to park.

Portman also wanted everyone to know that the post-race party is open to the community. There will be entertainment and food.

Teams will be in Loveland from Rhode Island and Florida and about 30 teams will compete in their tenth, Amazing Charity Race.

The committee, the 500 volunteers each year, and the race teams, have raised about $700,000.00 over ten years. The money goes to charities and the volunteer organizations.

WHAT IS IT?

It is a full day of good natured competition, music and food and laughs. The race committee is laughing itself silly coming up with fun challenges. It is not a triathlon or a 5K race. It is not limited to runners or highly athletic individuals. You must be able to swim. It is a race in that it has a start and finish line but along the way it challenges the contestants in many ways. It is a fun, quirky, adventure that challenges the contestants agility, balance, coordination, strength, intelligence, problem solving skills, fine motor skills, and most important their sense of humor. You are invited whether it is to compete or join our team of over 500 volunteers so come enjoy, have a great time for a good cause and as always expect the unexpected.

Why did race leave Loveland?

In 2012, the Loveland’s Amazing Race board of directors decided to hold the event in Miami Township and the City of Milford in 2013, leaving the Historic Downtown Loveland, after seven years. Ten days before the 2012 race, former, Loveland city manager Thomas Carroll refused to issue the necessary special event permit unless either the Race Board give the city $5,000 for the permit, or Race Board Member Martin Schickel sell a piece of prime real estate to the city for the Loveland Station development project. Carroll e-mailed a demand letter to Schickel, requesting $5,000 for his signature on the permit. Carroll said, “If not, the event shall be cancelled this year.”

The event was almost cancelled that year. Portman said at the time, that his board talked about what it would mean if the Race was cancelled. He said, “My biggest thing is that we are trying to get a race off. We have people coming in from all over the country, including my own personal family coming from St. Louis.” He said he was just trying to get the race off the ground and make charities happy, make volunteers happy, and of course make the runners happy. There will be 1,000 contestants, and 500 volunteers involved.”

After Loveland Magazine broke the story and it went public, the permit was finally wrestled from Carroll and the event was held as scheduled. (Read background story here: City Manager Threatens to Cancel Loveland’s Amazing Race) The race organizers negotiated unsuccessfully with then mayor, Rob Weisgerber over conditions for the 2013 race, however ultimately decided to take it to another community. They welcomed overtures from Milford and Miami Township. The race was re-named, “The Amazing Charity Race.”

Carroll resigned his position with the city immediately after the next council election when a new council majority was elected. The controversy Carroll created, moving of the race to Milford and Miami Township, and whether Carroll should remain employed, became the major concern of Loveland voters.

Public invited to party at finish line in Loveland’s Nisbet Park

Paxton’s Grill will be cooking out at the post race party for all spectators. Pulled pork, brats, burgers and hot dogs for the kids. $5 gets you sandwich and chips. (hot dog meal $4) Bud, Bud Lite and soft drinks will be available. Map to Nisbet Park

The band Counting Skeletons will entertain

Map Party – Post Race Party http://conta.cc/1QpTdqT

Loveland Map of Off-Street Downtown Public Parking

The Amazing Charity Race is a charity production of the race committee:

Doug Portmann – Founder, Gary Huber, Kathy Schickel, Martin Schickel, Tom Grome, Marjorie Blair, John McCahan, Dustan Bray, Sharon Needham and 600 more volunteers.

Treasurer – Nancy Kaufmann

CPA – Cathy Moseley – Catherine M. Moseley, CPA

All proceeds to these charities.

Loveland’s Amazing Race dba The Amazing Charity Race is a 501c3 organization.

June 11, 2015

Author: Loveland Magazine

Blood supply not sufficient in case of catastrophe

Twins Learn A Valuable Lesson Through Reading

New attorney general will prosecute foreign sports officials but not criminal bankers in her own backyard