David Miller is the Editor and Publisher of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – This is an interview with the Epiphany United Methodist Church, Youth Pastor Scott Russ, just before he departed to join one of the Prayer Peace Walks that have been organized by Desmon Gault all this week.
The walks through Loveland neighborhoods were in response to the death of George Floyd who died in police custody on May 25 in the Powderhorn community of Minneapolis, Minnesota. While Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down on a city street during an arrest, Derek Chauvin, a white American Minneapolis police officer, kept his knee on the right side of Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds; according to the criminal complaint against Chauvin, 2 minutes and 53 seconds of that time occurred after Floyd became unresponsive.
Inwood Park, Cincinnati OH – Sunday, March 31st, 2020 After a handful of changes in location, the Facebook-organized rally labeled as “Be Heard, Be Safe;…
David Miller is the Editor and Publisher of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – This is an interview with Loveland resident Matt Baker just before he departed to join one of the Prayer Peace Walks that have been organized by Desmon Gault all this week.
The walks through Loveland neighborhoods were in response to the murder of George Floyd who died in police custody on May 25 in the Powderhorn community of Minneapolis, Minnesota. While Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down on a city street during an arrest, Derek Chauvin, a white American Minneapolis police officer, kept his knee on the right side of Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds; according to the criminal complaint against Chauvin, 2 minutes and 53 seconds of that time occurred after Floyd became unresponsive.
Inwood Park, Cincinnati OH – Sunday, March 31st, 2020 After a handful of changes in location, the Facebook-organized rally labeled as “Be Heard, Be Safe;…
Registration is live for our Women’s Symmetry event! Join us virtually this year for a great happy hour with a fabulous speaker, Christine Neitzke from The Dragonfly Foundation!
You’ll also get the amazing swag bags we all know and love with a social distance pick up!
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland School District Board of Education met via Zoom/YouTube on Tuesday, June 2 to revisit the 2020-21 Commitments to the District Vision, the Portrait of a Tiger, the five-year financial forecast, and levy cycle scenarios. They also discussed possible Pay to Play/Participate fee increases.
During the live District broadcast of the meeting, possible new operating levy scenarios were discussed by the Board and staff, but the documents they were reading from were not available to the public.
The documents can now be view here because of a public record request made by Loveland Magazine.
To view these documents (seen below the video) as a larger image and in a correct visual orientation, you can “Right Click” each to open in a new tab. You can also view the document file here as the .pdf the District provided. Levy Scenarios
Treasurer Kevin Hawley presents the different levy scenarios at the 53:54 minute mark of the video.
Possible Pay to Play/Participate fee increases is discussed at the 30:21 minute mark of the video.
To view the Treasure’s discussion of the Five Year Forecast at the May 28 Board of Education meeting watch the video below.
If you believe the time and effort involved in reporting this type of news is valuable to your life as a resident of the Loveland community, please support and reward our efforts.
Your reward is knowing you are helping keep your fellow residents informed about the Loveland Schools, a subject of incalculable interest to you as a taxpayer, our teachers, and of course our children.
David Miller is the Editor and Publisher of Loveland Magazine
In the photo above are Jensine, Joe, and June Mackzum who attended the prayer walk on Tuesday.
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – The Unity Prayer Walk through Loveland Neighborhoods has grown by 200%. What started as one man walking alone on a soul-searching quest to turn around and re-direct his anger over the death of George Floyd, his walk grew to around 200 people Tuesday night when about 170 more Loveland citizens joined him.
After Tuesday’s walk from the corner of West Loveland and Lebanon Road to Loveland High School, Desmond Gault described the feeling as, “The POWER of unity! Prayer Walk for UNITY, LOVE, JUSTICE, STRENGTH, PEACE, and HEALING” on his personal FaceBook page.
Photo provided by Desmon Gault
He told Loveland Magazine later in the evening, “Yes sir, It was truly amazing.”
Concerned over the death of George Floyd and wanting to be a symbol of healing and prayer-filled hope to the Loveland community, Gault has been organizing evening prayer walks since last Saturday.
Floyd died in police custody on May 25 in the Powderhorn community of Minneapolis, Minnesota. While Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down on a city street during an arrest, Derek Chauvin, a white American Minneapolis police officer, kept his knee on the right side of Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds; according to the criminal complaint against Chauvin, 2 minutes and 53 seconds of that time occurred after Floyd became unresponsive.
Last night hey walked down West Loveland Avenue, turned onto Rich Road towards the High School. Then stopped at the High School and prayed as a group for the school – with their arms stretched towards the school.
“It was truly an amazing sight to see people from all different backgrounds, cultures and walks of life stepping out on faith for the cause of unity. My heart was overjoyed by the response of the people,” Gault told Loveland Magazine after he got home.
Jensine, Joe, and June Mackzum attended the prayer walk on Tuesday(Provided photo by Jensine Mackzum)
Gault said he had no expectation of the number of people that would show up Tuesday but he had every bit of expectation for the unity of prayer. “Hats off to everyone who attended and showed their support,” he said,
Gault, a deeply religious man was in constant prayer since the news of Floyd’s death. He added Tuesday night, speaking about his fellow walkers, “I pray that Christ Jesus enriches their lives with prosperity, unity, love, and hope. All Glory goes to our Lord Jesus Christ. I am proud of my Loveland Community tonight.”
Jensine Mackzum told Loveland Magazine that she, her husband Joe, and their daughter June attended the peace walk. She said, “Many people we walked past along the street waved and said, “Hello”. “Lots of cars passed honking and waving too.”
Mackzum sent these photos of Tuesday’s:
Jensine Mackzum said that when her daughter (in pink shirt) met the other little girl in the photo she said “aw cute” and gave her a high five. (Provided photo by Jensine Mackzum)(Provided photo by Jensine Mackzum)(Provided photo by Jensine Mackzum)(Provided photo by Jensine Mackzum)
The “Day 5 Prayer Walk” begins Wednesday at 5:45 PM. They meet in the parking lot of the Prince of Peace Church at the corner of Lebanon Road and West Loveland Avenue.
Loveland, Ohio – The time has finally come to begin the reopening of high school athletic facilities! Loveland High School announced last Thursday on their school website that they would begin a three-phase process following and according to the guidelines given by the OHSAA for the reopening of their athletic facilities, which began on June 1st.
After the initial announcement, Loveland’s Athletic Department reassured the community that they have been in communication with all teams about the expectations and guidelines so that all of the student-athletes and coaches are both protected and safe.
Loveland High School Athletic Director Brian Conaster
LHS’s Athletic Director, Brian Conatser, explained more in-depth as to what the three-phrase reopening process entails and what his Athletic Department is going to do to ensure the safety of Loveland’s student-athletes and coaches.
“This is a three-phase process that follows the Ohio Governor and Health Department’s Responsible Restart Ohio. Our coaches are extremely committed to working with the Athletic Department to implement the COVID-19 procedures and guidelines,” Conatser explained, “As an Athletic Department, we walked through the process as a team, fine-tuning our plan prior to our athletes returning to campus. The plan is extremely thorough and detailed, as the safety of our student-athletes and coaches are our primary concern. Here are a few guidelines that our coaches and student-athletes are taking as we begin our return to high school athletics;
Every student-athlete and coach MUST complete the 2020-21 Final Forms COVID-19 waiver prior to the 1st training session.
Every student-athlete and coach MUST complete the LHS COVID-19 Self-Evaluation Google Form every dayprior to each skills training session.
Social distancing includes a 6-foot separation. Entrances and Exits are outlined and over-communicated to avoid congregation and lingering of student-athletes.
Facial coverings must be worn when in the building (gyms, fitness center, athletic training room). Facial coverings may be removed during the training session.
Sanitation products and stations are located at the entry and exit of our inside facilities. We also ask EVERY student to bring: Water bottle, Sanitation wipes, Hand sanitizer, and Facial covering.
All equipment, balls, etc. must be wiped down at the beginning and end of each training session.
Three phases: Phase 1: May 26th – June 8th / Phase 2:June 9th – June 22nd / Phase 3: June 23rd – July 6th”
Conatser told us that June 1st was a great day to be a Tiger because all of LHS’s student-athletes, coaches, and parents played such an important role in the reopening process.
“From parents dropping off their kids in designated spots to everyone following the COVID-19 guidelines, day one was a success,” Conatser said, “The coaches deserve an overwhelming amount of credit! These outstanding professionals made sure their programs had ALL of the information well ahead of time via communication for ZOOM, Google Hangout, Email, Twitter, etc. We are looking forward to a safe and productive summer of skill training. Welcome back TigerNation! Go Tigers!”
Here at Loveland Magazine, we are so happy to see the Tigers able to train and eventually compete again! We wish all the athletes and coaches the best of luck! Train Hard and Run Like a Tiger! Stay tuned for the latest Loveland Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland, Ohio – Given the recent heavy rains and high water, the Loveland Museum Center thinks you will enjoy this “look back” at the Loveland flood of 1913. “It seems appropriate,” says the Museum Center.
In the early morning of March 25, 1913, the Little Miami River and Obannon Creek over-ran their banks and wreaked havoc in downtown Loveland.
The flood broke all prior high water marks by 7 feet!
The wagon bridge crossing the Little Miami was carried away and an evening train on the B&O Railroad, attempting to cross had the engine knocked off the rails. Passengers were forced to spend the night on the roof of the rail cars.
When the waters receded, the extensive damage was evident.
All the merchants on the main downtown streets and many family homes were destroyed or badly damaged.
There was no government relief in those days, but Cincinnati and Norwood stepped up and contributed generously to Loveland, donating food and clothing.
Local churches provided temporary quarters to feed and shelter the homeless.
Very quickly, Loveland residents pulled together and restored services faster than officials believed possible.
The bridge was replaced in a little over a year’s time.
Meanwhile, people were able to cross the Little Miami River via walking across the train bridge or by use of wagon teams entering/exiting at the eastern point of Park Ave and the northern point of Taylor.
David Miller is the Editor and Publisher of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – Last Thursday was the last day of school for children and staff at the Loveland Primary School and the traditional goodbye was much like any other year because of the cheering and tearing.
Usually the teachers and staff line up as buses and parents drive the children away to begin their summer break, but on Thursday afternoon parents drove their children to the school campus and to the back parking lot where teachers and staff had formed a chute to be driven through so everyone could wave and shout their goodbyes. One family even rode bicycles through the middle.
One young man navigated the waves in a speed boat.
There were many homemade signs and decorations, bubbles blowing, and music blasting.
Click on any picture to see a larger view or click on the first one and keep on clicking to see them all.
I apologize that it was just not possible to capture the faces of every child that was there that day.
Loveland, Ohio – LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV captured the Zoom/Youtube meeting of the Loveland School Board on Thursday because the District prohibits further viewing immediately after the end of their meetings. The public can only view their on-line meetings as they take place.
Loveland Magazine captures the video and publishes it so it is archived and can be watched at the public’s leisure. You can watch Part 1 through 4 of the videos and read the meeting agenda below.
If you believe the time and effort involved in reporting this type of news is valuable to your life as a resident of the Loveland community, please support and reward our efforts. This story alone required 8 hours and expensive equipment to produce. 623 people have viewed the video on our Facebook Page so we feel our effort adds value to the community. DO YOU?
Your reward is knowing you are helping keep your fellow residents informed about the Loveland Schools, a subject of incalculable interest to you as a taxpayer, our teachers, and of course our children.
AGENDA
(Items in blue indicate a link for supporting documents)
9.4 Approval of transfer from general fund to “Turf Field Replacement” fund 018-9117 (Motion to authorize the Treasurer to transfer $20,000.00 from the general fund to the “Turf Field Replacement” fund 018-9117.)
10.2 Approve Resolution to Initiate Procedures under Ohio Law for the Retirement and Reemployment of Dara Hudson as a part time French and Spanish Teacher for the 2020-2021 School Year
11.1 Enter into Executive Session to review negotiations with public employees concerning compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment.
12. Meeting Closing
12.1 Adjournment
If you believe the time and effort involved in reporting this type of news is valuable to your life as a resident of the Loveland community, please support and reward our efforts. This story alone required 8 hours and expensive equipment to produce.
Your reward is knowing you are helping keep your fellow residents informed about the Loveland Schools, a subject of incalculable interest to you as a taxpayer, our teachers, and of course our children.
As I reflect on what I can do as white woman in America to change our society, I am overwhelmed with doubt and uncertainty.
by Trinity Mahan Walsh
I grew up with White Privilege that I didn’t even know I had. Growing up in Loveland in the 80’s and 90’s, it was a pretty white town. I went to Loveland Schools for 13 years, with maybe 3-5 classmates of color. It never seemed weird to me, but I did notice. We really didn’t talk about race in my house. Not because we were afraid to talk about it or my parents are bad people (they are loving and wonderful), but it just wasn’t anything we “needed” to consider. White privilege.
Trinity Mahan Walsh grew up in Loveland, Ohio, graduated LHS in 1994, and is now a Guidance Counselor at Highlands High School in Fort Thomas, Kentucky.
I often thought about what it was like for my black classmates to live in Loveland. To be a very, very small minority in our school and town. It wasn’t until I was in high school, I had my first real black friend. Yep… HIGH SCHOOL! I wasn’t as brave as I am now to ask the question, “How do you feel living here?” I am sure it was hard, but I am grateful for her seeing me as “safe” and accepting. I wanted to be her friend because she is awesome and not because she is black.
I’ve always considered myself to be accepting of everyone and the least racist person around. As I reflect on my friend choices over the years, I must have known early on who had the same types of life views as me, as I am still friends with several of those people today. But still, my circle of friends doesn’t include too many people of color. I’d like to believe that this isn’t a choice, it’s just how my life is, but now as I really think about it, it is a choice.
I live in a predominantly white community and work at a predominately white school. Searching out friends of color to say that I have diverse friends seems disingenuous. I don’t avoid it, my life is such that I very rarely travel in circles where my diversity factor could even be expanded.
Why did I move to a town much like where I grew up? Comfort. Is that bad to say? I don’t think so. We all want to live where we are comfortable. Does it help expand our understanding of each other as human beings? Not necessarily, but we can choose to find other ways to make sure we do find ways to understand each other.
I don’t mind if I look “stupid” because I can guarantee that these white faced teenagers have the same questions as me.
Trinity Mahan Walsh and fellow educator Elise Carter
One of the greatest blessings in my life has been my friendship with Elise Carter. You guessed it… she’s black. She and I have the most frank and honest conversations about what it’s like to be a person of color, especially working in a predominately white school.
She has opened my eyes to issues that I didn’t know existed… not because I chose to look the other way, but as a part of my white privilege I never had to consider. And, what I consider to be the most powerful part of our friendship is that we OPENLY talk about race issues.
At the high school where we work, she and I often have very honest and frank conversations in front of students. I don’t mind if I look “stupid” because I can guarantee that these white faced teenagers have the same questions as me. And, like I was in high school with my friend, they are too ashamed and scared to ask the questions. So I will ask for them.
I want them to see that she and I can have real conversations about what it’s like to be a person of color in America. She will be the first to tell the students, “I am not a spokesperson for the black community, but I will give you my perspective.” Probably one of the most powerful conversations we can have with the students is to tell them, it’s OK to call her black. She IS black! “Guys, you can call me black. I know I am! Are you offended when I call you white?” This is a common phrase from her.
One of the most heartbreaking conversations that we have ever had is about “the talk.”
One of the most heartbreaking conversations that we have ever had is about “the talk.” As we started that conversation, I honestly and truly thought we were having a totally different conversation. I couldn’t understand why she was talking to me about giving her then 5-year-old son “the talk.”
As a mother of white boys “the talk” is about sex.
As a mother of black boys “the talk” is VERY different. It was never something I had ever thought about; I didn’t have to. And if you are like me, and are still wondering what “the talk” is, ask yourself these questions: Do I have to warn my son about the way he approaches a white woman? Do I have to warn my son that when he is running, it might appear that he is not just getting exercise? Do I have to warn my son that when he is 16 and gets pulled over for going a few miles over the speed limit, the situation can turn ugly very, very quickly? Do I have to warn my son that when he is hanging out with his white friends and things get rowdy, he might be the one blamed for anything that might go wrong?
And this list goes on and on.
I want to break into tears when I think about anyone ever wanting to harm her son just because of the color of his skin. It hurts me to my core. He is kind, loving, inquisitive, and hilarious – just the same as any other 7-year-old boy. And it isn’t just her son, but every mother’s black son.
If you’re a dumb white girl with white privilege like me, start asking questions.
I am grateful every day that she is willing to be my friend and continues to educate this white girl about the reality of the world. If you’re a dumb white girl with white privilege like me, start asking questions. IT IS OK! We can only get better as a society when we start asking each other what it’s like to be them. You may not be able to relate personally, but you certainly can try and understand.
I am trying, and when I don’t hit the mark, I hope that someone calls me out on it.
I wasn’t raised to be racist or not racist. And now recognizing that white privilege, I am trying to make some different choices in raising my children with open and honest conversations about the world we live in. I am trying, and when I don’t hit the mark, I hope that someone calls me out on it.
You may judge what is happening with riots in your own personal way. You don’t have to agree with what is happening around our country, but just consider the why.
As I reflect on what I can do as white woman in America to change our society, I am overwhelmed with doubt and uncertainty. What I know I can do is to keep having those open and frank conversations with Elise and with our students. I am an educator, and that is my gift. This is one way that I can use it. You don’t need to be a trained educator though to have these conversations, too.
I’ll leave you with this one last thought…
I’ll leave you with this one last thought… do not surround yourselves with people only like you. Your face-to-face personal interactions, but even easier on social media. I am “friends” with so many different types of people with so many different perspectives on the world on social media. I actively choose to not de-friend people who have sometimes very different views than me. Yes, sometimes what they post makes me mad – raging mad – but I cannot grow as a person if I do not read what they are saying, consider it, and then come to my own conclusion. The greatest gift we can give each other is agreeing to disagree, but at the same time agree to just be good and loving humans.
If you need some more perspective on the issue of “the talk,” take a few minutes to read this powerful article:
![[Interview] Youth Pastor Scott Russ speaks about George Floyd and racial justice](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/maxresdefault-4.jpg)
![[Interview] Matt Baker speaks about George Floyd and racial justice](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/maxresdefault-2.jpg)
![[Video] Pay to Play/Participate fee increases and next levy discussed by BOE](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/feature-Levy-Scenarios.jpg)
![[Photo Gallery] A look back at the Loveland flood of 1913](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/1913-flood.jpg)
![[VIDEO ARCHIVE] May 28, 2020 Loveland Board of Education Business Meeting](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/sddefault.jpg)
