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Tag: Cassie Mattia

  • Paws for Miles Joins Cassie Mattia’s Table of Discussions

    Paws for Miles Joins Cassie Mattia’s Table of Discussions

    Cassie Mattia

    “Where we go Miles for paws big and small”

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Spring is one of my favorite seasons for many reasons, one of those reasons being that National Dog Appreciation is recognized and celebrated! With 3.3 million dogs entering into shelters and 670,000 dogs being euthanized every year, our furry friends need our support more than ever. With that in mind, I looked all over Loveland and finally found Paws for Miles founders Tonya and Jennifer, two of the most respected dog adoption and foster advocates in Ohio! Paws for Miles is a Loveland foster-based rescue dedicated to helping dogs of all breeds, ages, colors, health, physical abilities, temperaments, and habits. At Paws for Miles all dogs are housed in foster homes where they are cared for, socialized, and vetted.

    “Saving one dog won’t save the world, but surely the world will change for that one dog”

    Paws for Miles began with one inspirational fur baby; Miles. Tonya and Jennifer were first introduced to Miles after discovering his previous owner had beaten and shot him. Both Tonya and Jennifer did everything they possibly could to ensure that Miles had a fighting chance, but the medical expenses became overwhelming. Luckily, Tonya and Jennifer were flooded with donations after the community heard about Miles and his condition. Sadly, Miles died from his injuries, but his legacy would live on through the donations that people gave to help him to start what is now called, “Paws for Miles.” Through the continued efforts by the Paws for Miles team, many dogs have been saved from terrible environments and given “new leases on life” with loving people. This is what Tonya and Jennifer refer to as “Happy Tails,” meaning dogs who have left their old lives behind for new forever homes.

    This is Marley. The first photo shows the day Marley was pulled from a kill shelter in Kentucky. Marley was to be euthanized that day. The two following photos show Marley once he met the “Paws for Miles” team!

     

    This is Stella. She was at a shelter being untreated for mange. Many rescues passed her up due to the medical expense. As soon as Tonya and Jennifer saw her, they pulled her. The first three photos show Stella right after being rescued. The bottom two photos show Stella happy and on a road to recovery after being saved by “Paws for Miles!”

     

    This is Callie. She gave birth in a shelter and was terribly neglected when “Paws for Miles” saved her and her puppies from euthanasia. “Callie is a pit mix which you are aware has such a bad reputation and this girl is the best ever,” said Tonya. The first two photos show Callie and her puppies before being saved from neglect. The following two photos show Callie after being rescued.

     

    Callie and I bonded immediately in the Loveland Magazine recording studio.
    Courage during his initial rescue

    In my new Table of Discussions episode, you will see Callie, a beautiful and well-behaved Pitbull/Husky mix, and Angel, a brand new Doodle/Collie puppy, on camera while Jennifer and Tonya talk about how Paws for Miles got started and tell both “Courage” and “Miles” stories. During the interview, you will learn more about the dangerous dogs list, how you can foster or adopt a dog from Paws for Miles, and how you can donate or volunteer your time to Paw for Miles. You will also get a sneak peek at five Paws for Miles fur babies that are ready for their permanent homes!  Are you ready to learn more about how you can show some love to the doggies?! Tune in below to my National Dog Appreciation Table of Discussions episode featuring Tonya, Jennifer, Callie, and Angel!

    Want to learn more about Courage’s journey? Click here.

    About Paws For Miles

    Our mission at Paws for Miles is that we will goes miles for all paws big and small. We serve animals by providing them with a safe place, medical care, and by finding them a loving, safe, happy, and permanent home. We also try to provide informational help for established homes. We accept all animals regardless of age, color, wellness, temperament, and habits (space permitting). We have animals that are ready for their permanent home. The animals are our first concern. If you are unable to care for your animal(s) please contact us day or night and we can arrange to pick up. We realize that times are hard and that life is also hard. Sometimes the cuts we have to make require us to have to give up a valuable family member as in a pet Change of job, moving, or any reason. All names in our files are kept confidential. We do not judge anyone. Paws for Miles is Cincinnati’s sanctuary that provides: – Shelter/rescue surrender services – Adoption of shelter animals – Hospice Services – Up-to-date health, nutrition and care information – Vet Referrals Find out more about adoption and requirements, how to donate, how to join the team or volunteer, and view adoptable Pets at Paws for Miles. We also try to provide informational help for established homes. We accept all animals regardless of age, color, wellness, temperament, and habits (space permitting). We have animals that are ready for their permanent home. The animals are our first concern. If you are unable to care for your animal(s) please contact us day or night and we can arrange to pick up. We realize that times are hard and that life is also hard. Sometimes the cuts we have to make require us to have to give up a valuable family member as in a pet Change of job, moving, or any reason. All names in our files are kept confidential. We do not judge anyone.

    “Happy National Dog Appreciation!” Love, Nala, Adam, Cassie, and Dean.

    ___________________________

    Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Public Relations Coordinator at Butler County Board of DD. Cassie was awarded the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2021 Young Business Professional of the Year. She is the President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine.

    Contact Cassie if you would like to be considered to be on an episode of her Table of Discussions.

  • [Video] Loveland High School athletes continuing their careers at the collegiate level

    [Video] Loveland High School athletes continuing their careers at the collegiate level

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Wednesday, April 26, was the day athletes, coaches, teachers, and moms and dads gathered in the Loveland High School gym for National Spring Signing Day. It’s when student-athletes who have earned a college scholarship sign their intent to play at the next level. In this video, Athletic Director Righ Bryant talks about each student’s athletic achievements, academic success, and community involvement.

    Congratulations to the following student-athletes who will be continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level:

    Max Jody – Tennis-Ohio Wesleyan University
    Cole Carrigan – Baseball-Mount Saint Joseph University
    Owen Huynh – Volleyball-Baldwin Wallace
    Olivia Raby – Basketball-Huntington University
    Cayden Dyer – Cross Country/Track and Field-University of Virginia
    Paul Hocker – Football-Culver-Stockton College
    Quinn Jenkins – Football-Hanover College
    Alex Nunn – Lacrosse-Thomas More University
    Noah Lee – Soccer – Wilmington College

  • Loveland Goodwill reopens Wednesday

    Loveland Goodwill reopens Wednesday

    Loveland, Ohio – The reoppening of the Loveland Goodwill store is taking place on Wednesday, April 26th at 10 AM. This is a “soft” opening, so there will be no formal bells and whistles as they are still putting the finishing touches on the interior re-design. A formal “Grand Re-Opening Celebration” will be scheduled for a later date.

    Operating hours will be 10 AM until 6 PM Monday through Sunday in the short term.

    The store is now hiring retail team members. Interested candidates can apply online at www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/careers

    About the Loveland Goodwill Store

    • Ohio Valley Goodwill has been in the Loveland community for more than 25 years.
    • In 2023 as part of its future planning efforts, Goodwill has embarked on the updating and renovation of its larger retail stores with Loveland being the first. [The last remodel of the Loveland store took place in 2010].
    • Goodwill’s investment in the Loveland store reflects its overall investment in the Loveland community.
    • Goodwill takes pride in its ability to offer sustainable fashions and household items at affordable prices.
    • Proceeds from sales at all of Goodwill’s stores go to support our 107 year old mission of service to the Greater Cincinnati community; helping adults with disabilities and our nation’s veterans to become empowered through employment.
    • Goodwill looks forward to shoppers being able to enjoy the fresh new interiors, spacious display floors, brand new restrooms, enhanced lighting, a convenient drive-up donation center and welcoming check out area.
    • The Loveland Store Manager is Nancy Crow and she and her team look forward to celebrating the Grand Re-Opening of the Loveland store with all of their wonderful shoppers and donors.
  • Child care advocates, chamber of commerce urge reconsideration of budget

    Child care advocates, chamber of commerce urge reconsideration of budget

    Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

    BY:  – Ohio Capital Journal

    Policy and business advocates alike are hoping the Ohio legislature will reconsider changes to the state budget with regard to the child care workforce and scholarships.

    The House revised the budget bill last week, eliminating $150 million in American Rescue Plan funds that were a part of the governor’s executive budget proposal to establish a child care scholarship for “critical occupations and other direct service professionals,” according to the budget analysis by the Legislative Service Commission.

    The scholarships would have been awarded to those with household incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

    Even the Ohio Chamber of Commerce jumped on board with support for scholarships in testimony on the state budget last week. The chamber’s senior vice president, former Republican legislator Rick Carfagna, called child care “one of the biggest workforce dynamics of late.”

    “The Ohio Chamber urges this committee to reconsider funding for child care scholarships and to increase infant and toddler child care capacity in communities throughout the state,” Carfagna said in his testimony.

    According to the chamber, more than half of rural Ohioans and 39% of all Ohioans live in a “child care desert,” defined as an area where more than 50 children younger than 5 have no child care providers or any area where there are three times as many children as licensed child care slots.

    Carfagna said the chamber supported increasing the poverty level eligibility for publicly funded childcare, which would be raised to 160% under the budget, as an expansion that would strengthen Ohio’s employee base.

    “However, we caution of the access bottlenecks in place as Ohio still lacks a corresponding increase in provider workforce to accommodate the FPL increase and follow proper ratios,” Carfagna testified.

    The ARPA funding would have also been directed toward efforts to “increase access to licensed child care programs for infants and toddlers and streamline administrative efficiency of the child care program,” the governor’s proposal stated.

    “If lawmakers don’t support child care professionals, child care providers will continue to struggle to recruit and retain staff and Ohio will remain unable to meet the child care needs of our families,” said Policy Matters Ohio executive director Hannah Halbert after the substitute budget bill was announced.

    The Cleveland based preschool and child care advocacy group PRE4CLE sees the $150 million funding as a vital step in not only bringing in needed child care workers, but keeping them around.

    “We have many child care centers with classrooms that can’t open (because of staffing shortages),” said Katie Kelly, PRE4CLE executive director. “There are waiting lists in the hundreds of families for centers … it’s causing incredible disruptions for families.”

    For families, that could mean not taking jobs due to a lack of child care, something that has an outsized impact on women, according to Kelly.

    For children, it could mean slower development and longterm impacts on their education.

    “Children who have access to quality child care … have a much greater chance of starting kindergarten ready to succeed,” Kelly told the OCJ.

    Not only do advocates like Kelly hope to see the return of the $150 million child care investment in Ohio’s budget, but also another $75 million to support grants that would help the state’s child care workforce, “which faces an ongoing crisis that makes it hard to hire and retain child care workers.”

    _________________________

    Susan Tebben is an award-winning journalist with a decade of experience covering Ohio news, including courts and crime, Appalachian social issues, government, education, diversity and culture. She has worked for The Newark Advocate, The Glasgow (KY) Daily Times, The Athens Messenger, and WOUB Public Media. She has also had work featured on National Public Radio.

    MORE FROM AUTHOR

  • Food Trucks announced for Loveland Food Truck Rally 2023

    Food Trucks announced for Loveland Food Truck Rally 2023

    Cassie Mattia

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Here is the news so many have been hungry for. The 10th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally list! The awesome summer kick-off event is in less than 3 weeks! Mark your calendars for a great afternoon of fun and food including 25 food trucks, a kids’ area, live music, cold beer, and more!

    Saturday, May 13th

    3 PM until 10 PM

    Shopper’s Haven Plaza on Loveland-Madeira Road.

    The Loveland Food Truck Rally is both family-friendly and free to attend and presented by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance. Want to volunteer at this event? We’d love to have you!
    _________________
    __________________________

    Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Public Relations Coordinator at Butler County Board of DD. Cassie was awarded the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2021 Young Business Professional of the Year. She is the President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine.

  • In GOP flip, August special election will return

    In GOP flip, August special election will return

    Voters casting ballots. | Mario Tama/Getty Images

    Bill, along with SJR 2 constitutional amendment bill, directly impact abortion rights ballot initiative

    BY:  – Ohio Capital Journal

    Less than half a year after proclaiming August elections to be too expensive for the turnout they attract, the Senate Republican majority expanded the use of a special election this year, complete with $20 million in funding.

    “This is legislative whiplash, and we do it really well here in Columbus,” said state Sen. Kent Smith, D-Euclid.

    In a mostly party-line vote, Senate Bill 92 was passed Wednesday by the body. The only Republican to vote against SB 92 was state Sen. Nathan Manning, R-North Ridgeville.

    The vote came immediately after the state senate also passed an increase in the threshold for passing a constitutional amendment from 50% to 60% along party lines.

    The threshold bill, SJR 2, is a companion bill to HJR 1, which has been making its way through the Ohio House, but has yet to come up for a floor vote. The House resolution passed its committee after three hours of testimony on Wednesday, most of which spoke in opposition to the bill.

    Both bills could lead to a ballot measure where voters would approve or deny a constitutional amendment to raise that threshold.

    With the approval of SB 92, August special elections will now be held “for consideration of a General Assembly proposed constitutional amendment,” to fill a congressional vacancy or hold a special primary for congressional party candidates.

    The bill also appropriates $20 million to conduct “a one-time August special election on August 8, 2023,” a funding influx made while the bill was in committee.

    That August election would be to send a constitutional voter threshold to the ballot for voters to approve an legislature-initiated amendment to raise the threshold from 50% to 60%.

    Republicans pushed back on comparisons between previous August elections, including last year’s that saw an abysmal 8% turnout, with the argument that this time around, voters will care.

    “With this being a bonafide, statewide question, and with it being an important question … I would say the turnout is going to be markedly higher in this August election,” McColley told his colleagues on the Senate floor.

    The legislative measures seem to be direct hits at a potential constitutional amendment that would codify abortion rights if it makes it to the ballot box and is approved by voters in November. Abortion rights advocates are currently collecting the needed signatures. State law currently requires more than 400,000 in 44 of the 88 states.

    One of the pro-abortion rights groups helping with the ballot measure, Pro-Choice Ohio, called the passage of SB 92 “both expected and incredibly disappointing” in a post on Twitter.

    Last year, after redistricting confusion rocked the legislature, Republicans all-but eliminated the August election in a move that they said would save the state money and get rid of an unneeded annual election date that historically had low voter turnout.

    In August of last year, the special primary election included statehouse races because the redistricting maps were rejected by the Ohio Supreme Court before they could be included in the May election. A U.S. District Court then intervened in the legal snarl that swept up the redistricting process, and allowed the state to use a map previously deemed unconstitutional by the Ohio Supreme Court as the map for the August primary.

    That map is still in effect currently.

    Speaking in opposition for SB 92, state Sen. William DeMora, D-Columbus, quoted Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose who spoke in support of reducing August special election usage last year, when he said they “aren’t good for taxpayers, election officials, voters or the civic health of our state.”

    “(SB 92) is so bad that (LaRose) Secretary LaRose couldn’t even find the time to come and testify about it in committee,” DeMora said.

    State Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, said claims that the August special elections were eliminated last year was an exaggerated claim.

    “We’re not reinventing the wheel on this legislation,” Gavarone said, pointing out that certain occasions allowed for an August special election.

    SB 92 now moves to the House for consideration.

    _____________________

    Susan Tebben is an award-winning journalist with a decade of experience covering Ohio news, including courts and crime, Appalachian social issues, government, education, diversity and culture. She has worked for The Newark Advocate, The Glasgow (KY) Daily Times, The Athens Messenger, and WOUB Public Media. She has also had work featured on National Public Radio.

    MORE FROM AUTHOR

  • Be a LIFEsaver for to your neighbors

    Be a LIFEsaver for to your neighbors

    Loveland, Ohio – The LIFE Food Pantry campaign is now live and runs through May 20th. They are encouraging the community, businesses and individuals, to give a financial donation through PayPal or Venmo to help them serve their clients.

    DONATE NOW

    2022 LIFE Client Statistics

    • 3,200 families with 8,449 family members
      • 33% children
      • 18% senior citizens
    • 160,629 total meals served
    • 67% increase in client families vs. prior year

    Services provided by LIFE go beyond just food – here are a few examples:

    • LIFE helps with emergency financial assistance, including rent, utilities, auto repair, prescription medications and more. In 2022, 208 families helped totaling $40,000
    • Back to school backpack program, filled with necessary supplies
    • Holiday food bags for November and December holidays
    • Holiday giving shop with clothing, gifts, etc., for client families
    • Student weekend bags filled with healthy food
    • Tiger pantry at the Loveland High School, with food and personal supplies
    • Client bags specifically for senior citizens
    • Pantry pals, who shop for and deliver to clients who are unable to come into the pantry

    DONATE NOW

  • Kings Island begins “Chaperone Policy” Saturday

    Kings Island begins “Chaperone Policy” Saturday

    Kings Island is implementing a chaperone policy beginning Saturday, April 22. Read the policy below:

    _________________

    The safety of our guests and associates has always been our top priority at Kings Island. Over the past two years, there have been increasing incidents of unruly and inappropriate behavior across our industry and at other major entertainment venues. We are committed to keeping Kings Island a place where families and friends come together to enjoy a one-of-a-kind park full of fun experiences and immersive entertainment.

    As part of that commitment, we are implementing a chaperone policy beginning Saturday, April 22.

    Under this policy, all guests ages 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old in order to be admitted to, or remain in, the park after 4:00 p.m. local time to close.  The chaperone must present a valid government-issued photo identification with date of birth at ticket entry. One (1) chaperone may accompany no more than ten (10) guests ages 15 or younger per day. In addition, the chaperone must accompany their party during entry, remain inside the park during their visit, and be available by phone throughout their stay. Guests ages 15 years old or younger who are found inside the park unaccompanied by a chaperone will be subject to ejection. This chaperone requirement applies to all Kings Island ticket and season passholders.

    We believe these changes will help ensure that Kings Island continues to have a positive atmosphere where generations of families and friends can gather for a day of safe fun and good food. Millions of guests have counted on us for exactly that, and we will continue to deliver on that promise for generations to come.

    The following behaviors or acts are not permitted at Kings Island:

    • Carrying firearms, ammunition, knives and weapons of any kind and any other prohibited item. Kings Island reserves the right to prohibit any items at their discretion.
    • Unsolicited photographing or video recording that disrupts a guest’s experience or interferes with park operations
    • Unruly or disruptive behavior that interferes with guests’ enjoyment of the park including running, the incitement of running, and blocking midways and exits.
    • Fighting or physical aggression of any kind, including verbal and physical assaults
    • Acts or behavior that park management determines is a safety concern or that interrupts park operations or guests’ experience
    • Harassing/threatening behavior, sexual misconduct or lewd behavior including inappropriate interaction with park guests or associates
    • Offensive language or gestures
    • Clothing with offensive language, obscene gestures/graphics, or nudity or clothing that does not sufficiently cover undergarments
    • Intoxication or substance impairment that results in irresponsible behavior
    • Smoking/Vaping is not permitted inside the park
    • Entering restricted areas including but not limited to ride Danger Zones and behind-the-scenes areas
    • Line Breaking- includes leaving and re-entering a line for any reason or place holding in line
    • Theft of any kind
    • Selling park tickets or soliciting and distributing literature not sponsored by the park
    • Refusing to follow verbal or printed instructions or cooperate with park personnel or security

    Themed Attire

    Family-oriented themed outfits/attire are permitted. Attire must not represent or resemble any official Park character, disrupt regular company operations, or potentially harm another guest or associate.   Attire and accessories must meet Code of Conduct dress requirements and may not be offensive or violent and may not disrupt the general safety of guests or associates.  Guests wearing character themed outfits may not sign autographs for other guests or represent themselves as a park associate.  Costumes that conceal identity are prohibited.  Rides and attractions may also have additional restrictions on dress attire.  Themed outfits/attire may be prohibited during evening Halloween events.

    Children/Teens – Notice to Parents & Guardians

    Parents or guardians are responsible for the behavior of their minor children. Appropriate behavior and supervision are the responsibility of the parent/guardian and is always expected. In addition to our chaperone policy, we strongly recommend that minors (under 18) be accompanied by an adult. The park does not assume any responsibility or liability for unattended minors. Parents/guardians may be held legally liable for all acts of the children under their care.

    Personal Conduct

    Conduct deemed by Kings Island to be inappropriate for the peace and good order of the park, guests, or associates, and which may adversely affect the safety of others is not permitted.  Anyone who violates the Code of Conduct may be subject to ejection without refund.

    Guests are encouraged to report any violations of the Guest Code of Conduct or suspicious activity to the nearest Kings Island associate, Security associate, or text (513) 434-6337.

    Kings Island reserves the right to revise or modify this Code of Conduct with or without notice.

    Notice: Kings Island Security personnel utilize surveillance cameras and body worn cameras as part of their overall security program.

    Chaperone Policy Frequently Asked Questions

    When does the chaperone policy go into effect?

    The policy is effective Saturday, April 22, 2023.

    Why are you implementing this policy?

    I am coming with a pre-scheduled company event or school group, does this policy apply?

    Does the chaperone need to always stay with the group?

    What happens if guests 15 years old or younger do not have a chaperone?

    Can I show a picture of my photo ID?

    Chaperones must present a valid government-issued photo ID with date of birth. Pictures of IDs are not accepted.

  • Town Hall called to discuss 4.9 mill Loveland operating levy

    Town Hall called to discuss 4.9 mill Loveland operating levy

    Superintendent Mike Broadwater (Loveland Magazine file photo)

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District will hold a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, April 25, at 6 PM in the Media Center at Loveland Intermediate School. In his April 19 “Schools Update” Superintendent Mike Broadwater said, “The purpose of this Town Hall is to provide a forum for our Loveland City Schools community to ask questions about the upcoming 4.9 mill operating levy on the ballot on May 2.”

    The Town Hall will include the Superintendent, Treasurer Rob Giuffre’ and two members of the Board of Education. It will not be an official meeting of the Board. The Superintendent’s newsletter did not specify which board members will participate in the discussions.

    If you cannot attend, you can watch a live stream by following this link.

    Only in-person attendees can participate with questions or comments. After the meeting, the live stream recording will be available on the Board of Education YouTube channel.

    During the Town Hall, Broadwater said, “We will work to take questions or comments from as many participants as possible to foster conversation around these important issues.”

  • CDC simplifies COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, allows older adults and immunocompromised adults to get second dose of the updated vaccine

    CDC simplifies COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, allows older adults and immunocompromised adults to get second dose of the updated vaccine

    Following FDA regulatory action, the CDC has taken steps to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and allow more flexibility for people at higher risk who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses.

    CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today to discuss these COVID-19 vaccine recommendation changes, and the associated implications and implementation. Although there was no vote at this meeting, ACIP members expressed their support for these recommendations.

    These changes include:

    • CDC’s new recommendations allow an additional updated (bivalent) vaccine dose for adults ages 65 years and older and additional doses for people who are immunocompromised. This allows more flexibility for healthcare providers to administer additional doses to immunocompromised patients as needed.
    • Monovalent (original) COVID-19 mRNA COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be recommended for use in the United States.
    • CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 years and older receive an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they previously completed their (monovalent) primary series.
    • Individuals ages 6 years and older who have already received an updated mRNA vaccine do not need to take any action unless they are 65 years or older or immunocompromised.
    • For young children, multiple doses continue to be recommended and will vary by age, vaccine, and which vaccines were previously received.

    Alternatives to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines remain available for people who cannot or will not receive an mRNA vaccine. CDC’s recommendations for use of (monovalent) Novavax or Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccines were not affected by the changes made today.

    CDC and ACIP will continue to monitor COVID-19 disease levels and vaccine effectiveness in the months ahead and are anticipated to have additional discussions around potential updates this fall.