Loveland Magazine

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  • Everything you need to know: 4th of July events in Loveland, Ohio

    Everything you need to know: 4th of July events in Loveland, Ohio

     

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    David Miller is the managing Editor of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Special events must provide additional accessible parking and restrooms based on the anticipated number of people who will attend. After our request, City Hall has provided Loveland Magazine with some information for persons with a disability who may need parking spots, accessible bathrooms, or shuttle service for the 4th of July event that will be held in Historic Downtown. Loveland Magazine has provided additional information.

    • The accessible restrooms at the Loveland Bike Trail will be open at Nisbet Park.

    • There will be accessible portable toilets placed along/near the Loveland Bike Trail in the Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking lot, near Browns Crossing, and near Harrison Avenue.

    Map of Historic Downtown.

    • For the downtown vicinity, there are existing accessible parking spots at Nisbet Park, the Firefighters’ Memorial, City Hall, and Linda J. Cox Trailside Parking lot.

    • There will also be added, temporary accessible parking spots along the Loveland Bike Trail near Nisbet Park.

    • The shuttle service to the festival is not accessible for persons with a disability.

    Here is the guide to the day’s activities

    Railroad Avenue will be temporarily closed from 2 PM until 11 PM to through traffic on July 4th. There will also be a temporary road closure along the parade route from approximately 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM.

    The Parade Route

    • The parade starts on Loveland-Madeira Road near the Loveland Elementary School at 7 PM.
    • It proceeds north on Loveland-Madeira Road to West Loveland Avenue.
    • The parade ends at West Loveland Avenue and the State Route 48/Second Street intersection.

    West Loveland Avenue will be closed from Riverside Drive to Karl Brown Way During the fireworks from approximately 10 PM until 10:30 PM.

    Parking Restrictions

    Some parking will be restricted due to parade and shuttle routes. Some parking spaces will be affected on the following streets:

    • West Loveland Avenue in Historic Downtown
    • Park Avenue
    • Riverside Drive
    • Third Street
    • Railroad Avenue
    • Harrison Avenue

    Kiwanis Park, including the Matt Haverkamp Foundation Dog Park, will be closed to event parking. In addition, the dog park will close at noon on July 4.

    Parking in Historic Downtown

    The city operates more than 10 free public lots. View parking map.

    Parking fees will be waived in the City Hall/Works lot on July 4.

    Keep in mind there are also private lots throughout Historic Downtown and fees may be charged.

    Right Click to Enlarge Map

    Shuttle 

    There are FREE shuttle rides that will run continuously from 4 PM until 11 PM.

    The shuttle is not accessible to persons with a handicap.

    Park-and-ride shuttle locations will be at Loveland High School (1 Tiger Trail) and the Loveland Early Childhood Center (6740 Loveland-Miamiville Road). Drop-off locations will be at Riverside Drive (near Veterans’ Memorial) and Third Street (near Whistle Stop Clay Works).

    A free concert by the band, Pandora Effect be at the Nisbet Park Amphitheater from 8 PM until 10 PM. The band played in the FanZone at GABP when the Atlanta Braves were in town for a sold-out game.

    More

    Concert & Cornhole Tournament — 3 PM until 6 PM — Jackson Street Market

    Live music by Thing1Thing2.

    Kid Zone — 4 PM until 6:30 PM — Nisbet Park

    • Meet an FC Cincinnati player
    • Games
    • Reptile petting zoo
    • The Loveland Frog, princesses, and superheroes
    • Loveland High School Robotics Team
    • Martial arts and dance/gymnastics demos
    • Photo opportunities
    • SURPRISE live entertainment
    • And more

    Lawn Games — 4 PM until 6:30 PM — Fountain Greene (Near Fleet Feet)
    NEST Community Learning Center will host lawn games.

    Yankee Doodle Dog Show — 4 PM — Nisbet Park
    Meet at 3:45 PM at the Clock Tower in Downtown Loveland (near the Bike Trail crossing). Dogs will parade toward Nisbet Park at 4 PM. Three dogs will be selected as best-dressed winners and will receive a prize basket from Pet Wants.

    Water Zone — 4 PM until 8 PM — City Hall Lawn
    There will be a giant inflatable water slide and misting fans, plus a splash station for little ones.

    Food Trucks — 4 PM until 10 PM
    Food truck vendors will be available throughout the downtown area.

    Bingo — 5 PM & 8:30 PM — City Hall
    Take a break from the heat to play a few cards of bingo! An afternoon and evening session will be held. Prizes for game winners. Monetary donations will be accepted with all proceeds going toward the Ben Morrison Memorial Fund, which provides scholarships to Loveland High School seniors.

    Kids’ Bike Contest — 6:15 PM — Loveland Elementary School
    Decorate your bike/scooter/tricycle for the holiday, and meet at Loveland Elementary School (600 Loveland-Madeira Road) to take part in this annual tradition. Children will gather and then take part in the parade at 7 PM. Trailside Provisions has donated prizes for the top 3 entries.

    Pie Eating Contest — 8:30 PM — Little Miami Conservancy at Nisbet Park (Little Miami Scenic River and Trail Center)
    There is an online signup to help gauge interest. Pre-register if you would like to participate.
  • Air Alert extended into Thursday

    Air Alert extended into Thursday

    Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio on Wednesday afternoon (Photo by David Miller)

    Loveland, Ohio – The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency is extending the Air Quality Alert into Thursday, June 29 through 11:59 PM for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana.

    The Agency expects to see levels of both ozone and PM2.5 (due to Canada wildfires) in the “Unhealthy” range on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Because there are two air pollutants with high concentrations, the general public is encouraged to limit their outdoor exertion, especially children, those with respiratory illnesses, and older adults. Refer to U.S. EPA’s health guide here.

    Everyone can reduce PM2.5 by following these guidelines:

    • Never burn leaves or other yard trimmings.
    • Suspend use of fire pits, campfires, and charcoal grills on Air Quality Alert days.
    The intersection of Rich and Fallis Roads on Wednesday afternoon from Loveland High School. (Photo by David Miller)

    Everyone can help reduce ozone formation by taking the following actions: 

    • Telecommute.
    • Do not idle your vehicle; exhaust contributes considerably to ozone formation.
    • Combine trips or eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips.
  • [VIDEO] Sergeant Dave Corlett spoke of three fallen American heroes who died unreasonably young

    [VIDEO] Sergeant Dave Corlett spoke of three fallen American heroes who died unreasonably young

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Memorial Day ceremony featured a speech by Sergeant Dave Corlett, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and a 31-year member of the Cincinnati Police Department. An already somber crowd grew silent as he spoke and told the stories of three friends and colleagues, fallen American heroes who died unreasonably young.

    Sergeant Corlett is the founder of the Military Liaison Group within the Cincinnati Police Department and an instructor with the Hamilton County Mental Health Crisis Teams. He has worked with Veterans Affairs and the local court system to improve relations between military veterans and law enforcement. His efforts have been recognized by the Department of Justice (DOJ), and he was the winner of the DOJ’s 2021 L. Anthony Sutin Award for Innovative Law Enforcement and Community Partnerships.

    Before joining the Cincinnati Police Department in 1992, Sergeant Corlett was a member of the United States Army. He was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 24th Aviation Regiment where he served in Iraq during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

    Loveland Magazine takes great pride in honoring and remembering the brave men and women who have served our country. This Memorial Day, we invite everyone to come together, pay tribute to the fallen heroes, and celebrate the freedom and values they have fought for and died to protect. We honor the sacrifice of so many families.

    An Extraordinary Plea

    Dear Loveland Area Friends,

    We are one keystroke and one shutter click away from a technological disaster.

    We work from 11-year-old computers and an eight-year-old video camera. This video took perhaps 20 hours longer to edit and produce than it should have because of the antiquated equipment we use.

    If you see yourself in this video, a loved one, a best friend, or your favorite Veteran, will you please consider making a donation today?

    If you now live out of town or just couldn’t be there and this video adds value to your life by us bringing you to the parade, will you please consider making a donation today?

    With great appreciation and love,

    David, Cassie, (and Sean)

    Loveland Magazine
243 Wall Street
Loveland, Ohio 45140

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    Photos from Loveland Memorial Day Parade by Sean Behling

    [VIDEO] The 2023 Loveland, Ohio Memorial Day Parade

  • 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

  • Hamilton County Small Business Day at Sharonville Convention Center

    Hamilton County Small Business Day at Sharonville Convention Center

    Hamilton County Small Business Day is on Monday, May 22 from 10 AM until 2 PM at the Sharonville Convention Center.

    Hamilton County will be officially launching the Hamilton County Office of Small Business and brand new Small Business Relief Grants.

    This event introduces small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to all the Hamilton County Office of Small Business provides including grant applications, business plan development, and more. They will also have “rapid-fire” breakout sessions providing instruction on topics like loan readiness and bid preparation.

    There is a free lunch at noon with remarks by Hamilton County Commissioners and advice from successful areas small businesses.

    Register Today

    One-on-one help with:

    • Small Business Grants (Brand New Hamilton County Small Business Grants!)
    • QuickBooks/Accounting
    • Sales growth/marketing
    • IT/Computer literacy/web design
    • Legal advising
    • Small business coaching
    • Doing business with the County and other Large Organizations
    • SBE/MBE/WBE/DBE Registration & Certification Resources
    • Business loans

    Rapid-Fire Breakout Sessions (Schedule and speaker details coming soon!)

    • Grant and Loan readiness
    • Intro to Hamilton County’s Office of Small Business
    • Doing business with the County and other large organizations
    • Hamilton County Small Business Advisory Services
    • Bid preparation
    • Vendor matchmaking

  • Our Loveland Story – The Colletto Family

    Our Loveland Story – The Colletto Family

    by Kim and Dan Colletto

    Loveland Schools are worth fighting for! Keeping our school district strong in turn will keep our beloved Loveland community thriving, protect our home values and make our neighborhoods enticing to outside buyers. We, as proud Lovelanders, will stand behind the #yesforloveland movement. This is our family’s story and why we are so passionate about supporting the Loveland School District.

    Our family relocated from Orlando, Florida to Cincinnati in the summer of 2016. This change was met with a lot of resistance by myself and our girls, who were 12 and 8 at the time. We were faced with leaving the community we loved and the only home our girls had ever known. Getting the move right was essential, to set our family unit up for success in our new home. Where did we start? The area school districts.

    In Orlando, our girls had grown into a young school district and a developing area, with one elementary and middle school to choose from. After 10 years in the area, our school district had grown to encompass three elementary schools, two middle schools, and a new high school.  My husband and I sat on community growth committees, held school PTA board positions, and volunteered countless hours in the classroom, at fundraisers and community events. We assisted in the effort to make our neighborhood one of the best in the Orange County School District. We knew what a successful educational community looked like and we felt it was essential to make the right choice for the future of our girls in our relocation.

    In researching the Cincinnati area, we toured every surrounding school district. The final school on our list was Loveland. We feared that the opportunities and programs would be lacking, as it was a smaller school district. Boy, were we wrong.

    In Loveland, we were greeted by enthusiastic administration and teachers who took the time to talk directly to our girls and answer their questions. We had top-notch tours and even had a sit-down meeting with the superintendent, assistant superintendent, and the person who would be our daughter’s high school counselor. The girls instantly felt like they would feel safe and welcomed in the Loveland schools. The district’s forward thinking mindset, focus on growth, and developing a well rounded, competitive student was supremely impressive.

    We knew Loveland was the right choice when we left that meeting. Not only were there educational opportunities here, including a thriving gifted program and course options such as foreign language and college prep courses, but the district had top-notch music and arts programs which were of very high importance to both our girls. Loveland was providing music programs from the elementary level up. The high school arts programs were known as some of the best in the Cincinnati area. These opportunities solidified our decision.

    We wanted to get a sense of the Loveland community as well. We explored the quaint downtown, enjoyed the local restaurants, and toured a dozen homes before we ended up buying in a beautiful, homey neighborhood where we were instantly greeted by welcoming neighbors. We had found our home and a place where we felt confident our girls would thrive and above all, be happy. And they have flourished here. Each of our girls had different needs in the classroom and they were both met with phenomenal teachers and support. They each threw themselves into drama, music, and show choir. They were exposed to and tried new things including runners club, intramural sports, student government, and volunteerism.

    Our oldest has now graduated and was set up to enter college with 32 hours of college credit classes allowing her to easily double major in two rigorous programs. The Loveland High School experience gave her the tools to enter into the world confident and prepared. Anna was exposed to a broad range of activities, including music, art, student media, Showchoir, and student leadership groups in addition to a multitude of course options from financial planning to AP and College Credit Plus opportunities. And she took advantage of it all. She had a remarkable high school experience and was set up to get into highly competitive college programs.

    Our youngest is now a junior and is in the college preparation stage. While her high school experience began during the COVID-19 pandemic, she continues to have a wonderful high school life in her classes and extracurriculars including athletics, music, and show choir. We are so thankful for her dedicated school counselors and teachers and for the arts programs that have given her hope and comfort in spite of the challenges of these last couple of years due to the pandemic and unfortunate cuts in the Loveland schools. She has grown immensely into a hard-working student, performer, athlete, and a Tiger through and through. At Loveland, Avery has learned resilience through compassionate district leaders, teachers and mentors.

    Even while navigating the challenges of failed levies, Loveland has kept excellence and the dedication to their students at the forefront. No matter what challenges the district may face, the foundation of community and excellence prevails. The opportunity for students to experience a vast, well-rounded education is there. But the reality is that many of those beloved, winning programs our children have been blessed with are now on the chopping block.

    We have hope that the community will step up and value the importance of a strong school district and how important it is to set our children up for future success.

    Our children in the younger grades should have the same opportunities to enter their years after high school prepared, motivated, and competitive. It’s up to each of us to fight for our schools and to keep Loveland thriving.

    We are Lovelanders now and we won’t give up on our schools or this community. I hope you will join in the fight to keep Loveland strong and get out and vote #yesforloveland.

    ____________________________________

    Kim and Dan Colletto live in the Miami Trails Neighborhood

  • AI chatbot designed more for flattery than accuracy

    AI chatbot designed more for flattery than accuracy

    by Mark P. Painter

    When the new ChatGPT was released to the public a couple weeks ago, I decided to try it out. To test its accuracy, I queried it on facts I knew. At least I thought I knew about my own life.

    Turns out the Artificial Intelligence bot came from a different universe. It did seem to know I existed, and that I had been − or was still − on the Ohio First District Appellate Court. But the dates it gave varied widely.

    The first time I asked about Judge Mark P. Painter I received this answer:

    “Judge Mark P. Painter was a distinguished lawyer and judge from Cincinnati, Ohio. He served as a judge on the Ohio First District Court of Appeals from 1995 to 2009, and was appointed to the United Nations Appeals Tribunal in 2009, serving until 2013. During his time on the bench, Judge Painter authored over 800 judicial opinions and was highly regarded for his expertise in judicial ethics and reform. After retiring from the bench, he continued to write and speak about legal issues and mentored many lawyers and judges. Judge Painter passed away on March 5, 2019.”

    Just like Twain (and later Tom Wolfe), the death report is somewhat exaggerated. Other parts are slightly inaccurate, except the complimentary ones. I tried again the next day, and asked for a longer bio. This is it, with factual corrections:

    “Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, Judge Painter graduated with honors from Elder High School in 1966 [Sycamore ‘65] having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout [Not]. He proceeded to the University of Cincinnati where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969 [‘70], and his Juris Doctorate in 1971 [‘73]. He began his law career working for a prestigious Cincinnati firm, but it was his subsequent service in the public sector that defined his later career path.

    In 1975, Judge Painter was appointed to the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas [Not, would have been 28] where he built a strong reputation as a competent and steady adjudicator. He served with distinction on the court until 1983, when he was elected to the Cincinnati City Council [Not]. He was re-elected to the council four years later before taking a position as a Hamilton County Commissioner in 1992, where he served with distinction until 1996 [Not, Not].

    In 1997, Judge Painter returned to the legal profession and worked as an attorney at Bricker & Eckler LLP [Not], specializing in government law and business-related cases. He then moved to Keating Muething & Klekamp LLP [Not] in 2001 and was made partner in 2004.

    Judge Painter was tapped by Governor John Kasich to join the Ohio First District Court of Appeals in 2013 [Not,; elected in 1994]. As an appellate judge, Painter is a respected member of the court and an innovator when it comes to legal decisions. He has a developed a reputation for efficiently resolving complex motions, rendering decisions fairly and expediently, and on the occasions when the court is split in its opinion, his thoughtful analysis and judicious reasoning often proves to be the tipping point.

    . . . [Four more Nots]

    Outside of his professional life, Judge Painter enjoys music, playing the organ, baseball, fishing, and golf [None]. He and his wife are the proud parents of two adult children who are both lawyers [Not].

    Mark Painter is an esteemed trailblazer and respected member of the legal system. His unwavering dedication to justice, fairness, and the rule of law have made him an indispensable member of the Ohio First District Court of Appeals and a figure of admiration and veneration for the legal community.“

    It also said that I was married to a person I never heard of. But Sue Ann Painter has been my only wife, and we have been married 37 years. It also told me my parents were people it apparently made up, as I could find no mention of them anywhere else, as with my four non-existent siblings (I have one).

    My Parents were John Phillip (Phil) Painter, a WWII veteran and plasterer (later contractor) and Marg Painter, a homemaker. But ChatGPT has given me at least two different sets, neither of them my real parents. This is one set:

    “Doris Mae (Rix) Painter and Curtis Earl Painter are the parents of Judge Mark P. Painter, a respected judge on the 1st District of Ohio Court of Appeals. Doris Mae (Rix) Painter was a homemaker and Curtis Earl Painter was a U.S. Highway Inspector. They were both born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and were married in 1950.“

    My parents were married in 1941. I was a Boomer (born 1947) after my dad came back from the war.

    Am I living in a parallel universe? I couldn’t find any link to these other people. No one named Painter was on City Council, the County Commission, or either law firm those dates − or probably ever. But in the AI universe all that happened.

    After all the above, I tried once more:

    “Judge Mark P Painter of Cincinnati, Ohio was a United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio from 1997 to 2016. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1983 and was a senior partner in the Cincinnati law firm of Jardine, Logan & O’Brien LLP prior to his appointment to the federal court.“

    Even weirder universe. I did graduate from UC Law, but in 1973. Never been a federal judge. And I had never heard of that law firm, but it does exist. In Lake Elmo, Minnesota.

    Despite all the totally bogus segments, ChatGPT evidently likes me. Many of the words were just heaping general praise. It even made up many non-existent awards that I allegedly earned. Maybe it’s nice to everyone. To check that theory, I asked it to write short bios of the two worst judges that I knew. Both came back as having “served with distinction.”

    So it must be designed for flattery rather than accuracy.

    _________________________________

    Mark P. Painter served as a judge for 30 years. He is the author of six books including “Write Well” and “The Legal Writer.”  

    _______________________________

  • [DeWine] COVID-19 Update for Ohio: highest levels ever of hospitalizations among those under 50

    [DeWine] COVID-19 Update for Ohio: highest levels ever of hospitalizations among those under 50

    Around 97 percent of patients of all ages in Ohio hospitals today are unvaccinated.

    When you get COVID-19 without the protection of a vaccine, there is a very real risk you’ll end up in the hospital or the obituary pages.

    Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor DeWine today provided an update on the increased impact that COVID-19 is having on Ohio’s younger populations and the stress that the surge of cases is having on hospitals statewide.

    “The bottom line is that we’re seeing our highest levels ever of hospitalizations among those under 50 years old,” said Governor DeWine. “Those who are getting very sick, being hospitalized, and dying of COVID are getting younger and younger. And it is because they are not vaccinated.”

    • Today, there were 459 newly-reported hospitalizations, the highest number of new hospitalizations since January.
    • The number of new hospitalizations for COVID-19 of those under 50, was the highest during the entire pandemic during the week of Sept. 5th, when Ohio hospitals admitted 398 patients under the age of 50.
    • During the most recent completed reporting week (Sept. 5 — Sept. 11), 230 Ohioans 39 and younger were admitted to the hospital, which is the highest number of admissions for COVID in this age group during the entire pandemic, even higher than during the winter surge levels when no one was vaccinated.
    • Around 97 percent of patients of all ages in Ohio hospitals today are unvaccinated.

    • In July, 48 percent of COVID-19 deaths were among those 69 years old and younger. In August, preliminary data shows that an average of two people younger than 50 died of COVID-19 in Ohio every day.

    • Last month, preliminary numbers showed 18 Ohioans 39 and younger died from COVID-19. This is compared to five people in that age range who died in June and two people in that age range who died in July.

    Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Director, Ohio Department of Health
    “If you are young and unvaccinated it’s now probably only a question of when, not if, you get COVID-19. When you get COVID-19 without the protection of a vaccine, there is a very real risk you’ll end up in the hospital or the obituary pages. The numbers really tell it all, COVID has changed and is now making younger Ohioans who are not vaccinated very sick. Don’t become a statistic when there is a simple, safe, and effective alternative. Go out today and get vaccinated.”

    Suzanne Bennett, M.D., Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program Director, University of Cincinnati Health
    “These rising numbers of sick COVID patients places a significant burden on our hospital beds, our medical teams, and worse yet, it creates scenarios that no one wants to think about where we do not have the space for patients who would otherwise benefit from receiving their care at large academic medical centers. We now need the help of the people in our community more than ever so that no one else needs to die from this disease.”

    Alan Rivera, M.D., Hospitalist, Fulton County Health Center
    “We are in a crisis mode. As compared to last year, our nursing staff is down probably 50 percent. We have nurses leaving the field, retiring early, or finding jobs elsewhere because of the long hours and the emotional strain. On top of that, our COVID numbers are now going up. In June and July I didn’t see any COVID patients. Now, the majority of the census in our hospital are COVID patients, and they’re younger, anywhere from 30 to 50.”

    Joe Bates, R.N., B.S.N., Clinical Coordinator, Critical Care Unit, Genesis HealthCare System (Zanesville)
    “We’re seeing the younger population being hit hardest with this right now. Our average age right now that we’re seeing is around 59, with many of them being younger, as compared to last year when the average was about 78 years of age. Of the COVID positives that we currently have in the ICU, none of them are vaccinated who are on the ventilator.”

    Terri Alexander, R.N., P.C.C.N., Summa Health (Akron)
    “It’s just a sad, sad situation that we’re dealing with, and it’s tragic because it’s just so preventable. Please, please, please, get vaccinated. We live in a culture that has never experienced coming to the hospital and getting turned away, and I think people can’t fathom what that’s truly like until its them or their family members who are coming in and getting turned away.”

  • Board approves schedule for 5-day full capacity learning

    Board approves schedule for 5-day full capacity learning

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District Board of Education approved a resolution Tuesday night with a schedule for 5-day full capacity learning.

    The vote was Board President Dr. Kathy Lorenz, Vice President Michele Pettit, and Dr. Eric Schwetschenau voting to make the change and members Kevin Dougherty andEileen Washburn voting, “No”.

    PreK through 4th grade will begin 5-day full capacity on October 5.

    Grades 5 through 8 will begin 5-day full capacity on October 12.

    Loveland High School will begin 5-day full capacity on October 26.

    Currently, the schools are on a combination of a blended attendance model for in-person learning and many students attending the District’s Remote Online Academy.*

    The decision the Board made on Tuesday does not affect the Remote Online Academy students.

    Here is the “Full Capacity Evaluation” document the Board used in their deliberations: BOE Full Capacity Presentation 9-22-2020 (1)

    In the video below you can watch the Board discussion on the resolution beginning at the 1:10:48 minute mark. The Board paused the discussion and resumed at the 4:25:18 Minute mark. The District may not allow this video to play here on Loveland Magazine, so if this video does not play, go HERE to watch it.

    *The plans the Loveland Schools are currently operating under:

  • Community pharmacy group says CVS, other bigs are unfairly steering patients

    Community pharmacy group says CVS, other bigs are unfairly steering patients

    A group representing small pharmacists says large chains, especially CVS, are moving patients’ prescriptions to their own stores without consent. CVS adamantly denies that. Photo by Marty Schladen, Ohio Capital Journal.
    –
    By Marty Schladen – Ohio Capital Journal – September 22, 2020

    –

    A huge majority of community pharmacists have lost patients in the last six months due to unfair practices by much larger competitors, an industry group that represents small pharmacists said last week.

    They accuse CVS Health — which operates as an insurer, claims administrator and pharmacy retailer — as being the company responsible for the most abuses. CVS denies the claim.

    The National Community Pharmacy Association (NCPA) said that between Sept. 8-11, it collected 412 responses to a survey about a practice known as “patient steering.” 

    In addition to being the nation’s largest pharmacy retailer, CVS is now also the largest pharmacy benefit manager, which charges insurers, pays pharmacists, decides which drugs get favorable treatment and collects rebates from manufacturers. The company has said it maintains a strict firewall between the businesses, but critics have accused the company of using one business to advantage the others.

    For example, in the fall of 2017, Ohio community pharmacists complained Medicaid reimbursements from CVS’s pharmacy benefit manager, CVS Caremark, had dropped so low that they were having a hard time staying in business. At the same time the pharmacists they were receiving letters from from another arm of CVS acknowledging that reimbursements were low and that CVS was willing to buy out the community pharmacists.

    That made pharmacists suspicious that the part of the corporation that acquires pharmacies was using CVS Caremark’s reimbursement data to determine which independent pharmacies were most likely to be struggling and vulnerable to a buyout offer. CVS denied that.

    Some observers feared such concerns would only get worse when a federal judge last year allowed CVS to merge with Aetna, the country’s third-largest health insurer.

    Now the NCPA, the group representing small pharmacists, says things are getting worse.

    One method of patient steering is to transfer their prescriptions to another pharmacy without their knowledge, much less their consent. 

    According to the NCPA survey, 79% of community pharmacists said that had happened with one or more of their patients in the past six months. Almost 78% of respondents said some of the patients thus steered saw their prescriptions moved to CVS.

    “That’s a big red flag,” NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey said in a statement. “The pharmacy sector is very competitive, and most big chains have aggressive marketing schemes aimed at taking patients from rivals. CVS Health not only owns brick-and-mortar stores, but it also owns its own insurance companies, Aetna and Caremark. That information allows it to eavesdrop on when and where patients are getting their prescriptions and, as the survey reported, coerce unknowing patients into CVS stores.”

    In an email, CVS Senior Director of Corporate Communications Michael DeAngelis said the NCPA claims were patently false.

    “Our pharmacies only initiate prescription transfers when requested by a patient,” he said. “Also, CVS Caremark members have access to our broad network of more than 60,000 pharmacies, including most independent pharmacies and chain pharmacies, in addition to CVS Pharmacy. In fact, more than 40% of the pharmacies in our network are independently owned. If a plan sponsor chooses a particular network design that includes specific pharmacies, their members are notified in advance.”

    DeAngelis also panned the process behind the NCPA survey.

    “The ‘survey’ conducted by the business trade association, NCPA, of its own members has no basis in fact and is nothing but a self-serving attempt to disparage CVS Health,” he said. “Accusations that we transferred patients’ prescriptions to our own pharmacies without their knowledge or consent are simply not true.”

    One Ohio pharmacist said he doesn’t know why he’s losing patients, but he knows he’s been losing them.

    “We’re down 300 or 400 patients a month” compared to last year, said Barry Klein, owner of Klein’s Pharmacy in Cuyahoga Falls. “It’s hard to say what was the cause of it, but definitely our patient count is down.”

    Marty Schladen

    Marty Schladen has been a reporter for decades, working in Indiana, Texas and other places before returning to his native Ohio to work at The Columbus Dispatch in 2017. He’s won state and national journalism awards for investigations into utility regulation, public corruption, the environment, prescription drug spending and other matters.