Loveland, Ohio – On Tuesday, January 4 the Loveland City Schools Board of Education re-elected Dr. Kathryn Lorenz to another term as Board President. Kevin Dougherty was also elected to serve another term as Vice-President. Both votes were unanimous.
Before the leadership vote, a new member, Reverend Jonathan Eilert took his oath of office as well as returning members who were successfully reelected in the November general election; Kevin Dougherty, Dr. Eric Schwetschenau, and Eileen Washburn.
As the year comes to a close, I am amazed at everything we’ve accomplished together in 2021. Clients are back in the pantry, we have a van to help with transportation, children attended our back-to-school event to select supply filled backpacks and spirit wear, another successful Pass it On filled Thanksgiving baskets and Holiday Food Bags, numerous food drives, fund raisers, runs, and reading events were held on our behalf, monetary donations to help clients with financial assistance continued to come in; it is truly remarkable.
On behalf of everyone at LIFE, a big thank you to everyone who donated food and household items, volunteered in the pantry, led a food drive, donated money, or supported us in other ways to have such a successful 2021. Your support allows us the privilege of helping our neighbors in need.
This issue highlights information about our services, events, corporate sponsors, how you can help, and more. Visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that he has ordered the mobilization of an additional 1,250 members of the Ohio National Guard to support hospitals with the most critical needs across the state. The mobilization comes on the same day the state set an all-time high for the total number of COVID-19 hospitalizations during the pandemic.
The Ohio Hospital Association reported today that 5,356 people are currently hospitalized with COVID-19. One in four patients are COVID-19 positive. This surpasses the previous hospitalizations record of 5,308 on Dec. 15, 2020. Of today’s hospitalizations, 1,228 patients are in the ICU, which is approaching the record high of 1,318 ICU patients reported on Dec. 15, 2020.
While Southwest Ohio is not seeing the same volume of patients as northern parts of the state, Richard P. Lofgren, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, UC Health, expressed concerns about the surge in cases making its way across the entire state during the coming weeks.
Ohio National Guard Deployment As hospitals struggle with staffing to support the surge in COVID-19 patients, Governor DeWine announced during a press conference today, that he has asked Major General John C. Harris, Jr., Adjutant General, Ohio National Guard, to mobilize an additional 1,250 members of the Ohio National Guard, bringing the total deployment of National Guard members working with Ohio’s healthcare systems to 2,300 members.
“This is not something we take lightly… We are asking them to leave their families, their jobs and homes. This is a huge sacrifice,” Governor DeWine said.
Governor DeWine previously authorized the deployment of 1,050 Ohio National Guard members on Friday, Dec. 17. Major General Harris said the Ohio National Guard’s goal is to augment hospitals’ medical staff and wraparound services. Teams including nurses and medics will provide clinical care and non-medical teams will offer support services such as food service, patient transportation within facilities, and administrative support.
Approximately 460 Guard members are deployed in the Cleveland area; more than 160 in the Toledo area; about 100 in Columbus area. Smaller numbers of the Guard will be deployed in the coming days in Mansfield, Dayton, and Lima to support hospitals. Guard personnel are also supporting testing sites in Cleveland and Akron.
“The National Guard has been indispensable,” said Robert Wyllie, MD, Chief Medical Operations Officer, Cleveland Clinic.
The Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Hospital Association are working daily with Ohio hospitals to assess staffing needs to determine the most appropriate support from the Ohio National Guard.
“Everybody agreed when the decision was made to send in the National Guard to our hospitals … All the way through this, we are going to be guided by where they are needed most today. It should give people confidence that everybody is on the same page here. Let’s deploy them where they are needed the most,” Governor DeWine said.
Hospitals Hospitals have been taking extraordinary measures to manage this COVID-19 surge, including postponing elective surgeries, while battling staffing shortages as a result of COVID-19 infection or exposure, and burnout.
The northern parts of Ohio have been particularly hard hit, especially the greater Cleveland area, where one in three patients are COVID-19 positive, including ICU patients, according to OHA data.
“The hospital systems are under significant stress in Northern Ohio,” Dr. Wyllie said. “We are running 2,000 tests a day. Let me tell you about those tests: 36% of the people going into the Walker Center for testing are testing positive for COVID.”
The state’s strategic hospital zone and region structure has allowed hospitals to work together with neighboring hospitals to balance the load of patients. This structure continues to be vital as cases and hospitalizations dramatically rise statewide and staffing remains a significant concern.
While Southwest Ohio is not seeing the same volume of patients as northern parts of the state, Richard P. Lofgren, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, UC Health, expressed concerns about the surge in cases making its way across the entire state during the coming weeks.
“Unfortunately, the pandemic is not over … we are seeing more cases now than we have ever seen along the way,” he said. “Now, the spread of Omicron is adding fuel to this raging fire. One of the things that I want to make sure that people understand, is that this not only affects the care of people with COVID, but also affects people who don’t have COVID. It squeezes out our ability to take care of patients with other life-serious or life-threatening problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.”
Governor DeWine also spoke with Jennifer Hollis, a critical care nurse at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, about her experience in the hospital.
“I just want everybody to be able to walk a mile in my shoes and kind of understand as a critical care nurse, what I am seeing when I am coming into work. It is beyond difficult,” Hollis said. “Our beds are full. There is nowhere else to go, and we are just as short-staffed as everyone else is seeing as well … We are tired, we are frustrated, and we want the best for all of our patients.”
Hollis urged Ohioans to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. “I’ll continue to fight for you, when you won’t fight for yourself. Please get vaccinated. Quarantine if you are symptomatic. Get tested,” she said.
Vaccination, prevention Governor DeWine emphasized that the COVID-19 vaccines remain a powerful tool to keep people out of the hospital. Since June 1, 2021, there have been 35,962 admissions, and 92.5% of those have been among people who are not fully vaccinated.
Now more than ever, it’s critical to follow prevention strategies including getting vaccinated, getting a booster shot if eligible, wearing face masks, washing your hands frequently, getting tested, and staying home if sick, even if symptoms are mild.
“We are looking now at an impact of COVID-19 that is unlike anything we’ve seen before in this pandemic,” said Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA, Director, Ohio Department of Health. “We have access to a powerful tool that can really shield us from the worst outcomes of COVID-19, and that is vaccination.”
As of today, more than 6.9 million Ohioans have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. That’s 63% of those Ohioans eligible (ages 5 and older). More than 2.6 million have received an additional dose, or a booster dose.
Masking in Schools Today, the Ohio Hospital Association also distributed a letter from the Ohio Hospital Association and Ohio Children’s Hospital Association to Ohio school superintendents, administrators and school board members encouraging them to implement a masking requirement when students return from the holiday break. A masking requirement in schools will help limit community spread of COVID-19 and keep students in school, the letter said.
Holidays Dr. Vanderhoff encouraged Ohioans to celebrate safely this holiday weekend so we can all have a healthy start to 2022. “As we get ready to ring in a new year, please, think about the steps you can take to prevent COVID-19 spread before you gather. Keeping vaccinations up to date, appropriate testing, staying home if you feel the least bit sick, masking especially in crowded indoor environments, proper ventilation, and regular handwashing can all help prevent the spread of COVID-19, flu, and other illnesses this season,” he said.
Here is news of a Loveland High School 2020 graduate from the FaceBook Page of the Loveland Music Boosters
Go Jett!! Thank you for representing Loveland Music Programs, Loveland Schools and the Loveland Community!
Photo provided by Loveland Music Boosters
Jett Stevens, a 2020 graduate of LHS, auditioned during his senior year for the BOA Tournament of Roses Honor Marching Band.
Unfortunately, the 2021 Rose Bowl parade was canceled due to COVID and any member from that band was invited to the participate in 2022’s Rose Bowl Parade.
Jett is playing snare drum in the #BOATOR22 band. This year’s BOA Honor Marching Band has 300+ members from 40+ states and Jett is representing Loveland High School and the State of Ohio.
The theme of the Rose Bowl parade is ‘DREAM. BELIEVE. ACHIEVE.’ Jett is spending a week in Southern California, where he will have rehearsals, performances at the Tournament of Roses Bandfest and Disneyland, special activities and Tournament of Roses parade.
While in Loveland, Jett participated in Mallet Madness, LMS concert Bands, LMS Stage Band, LHS Marching Band, LHS Show Choir Band, and LHS Wind Symphony. Additionally, Jett played in the Orchestra pit for several musicals and with the LHS Orchestra during the Holiday concerts.
Jett is now a Sophomore at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, double majoring in Music Performance (percussion) and Jazz Studies (drumset).
Watch the 2022 Rose Parade begins at 11am ET on New Year’s Day to catch Jett doing what he loves!
Highlights of Jett’s trip
Bandfest Performance:
The band’s debut performance will be at the Pasadena City College Stadium as specially-invited bands from around the nation perform for boosters and fans in this thrilling field show exhibition sponsored by the Rose Parade Music Committee.
Float Viewing:
Here’s a chance to see the floats up close and get a better idea of the type of detail and workmanship that makes them so spectacular.
Disneyland Parade: The Bands of America Honor Band will spend a magical evening marching through the streets of Disneyland. It’s unforgettable!
Griffith Observatory:
Southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Griffith Observatory is a Los Angeles landmark and worldwide tourist destination for over a million visitors a year. It’s filled with opportunities to observe, learn, and be inspired. Look through a telescope, check out the exhibit halls and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, or enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Find something to eat or drink at the cafe or buy a fun memento at the gift shop.
Huntington Beach & Pier:
Known as Surf City USA, Huntington Beach first hit the map in 1914 when Hawaiian surfer George Freeth demonstrated surfing at the new concrete pier. Home to countless surf legends and miles of pristine beaches, Huntington Beach draws over 11 million visitors each year. Measuring 1,850 feet in length, the iconic Huntington Beach Pier is one of the longest piers on the West Coast. A leisurely stroll offers stunning panoramic views of Catalina Island, Newport Beach, Long Beach, San Pedro; and, of course, photo ops.
Tournament of Roses Parade®:
This world-famous 5.5-mile parade of beauty takes place along Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard. The parade features bands from around the world and some of the most spectacular floats imaginable! This is a favorite for millions who set time aside every year to view this internationally televised event.
Disneyland: The Bands of America Honor Band will have a magical performance in Disneyland. It will be unforgettable!
California Adventure: California is a place where fun and adventure are a way of life, and the same is true of Disney’s California Adventure theme park. From the moment you enter, you’ll be immersed in one exciting experience after another as you discover the splendor of the land, the cultural richness of the people, and the free- spirited nature of the California lifestyle.
Loveland, Ohio – We all would love to receive a personal poem of affection on Valentine’s Day, but you all know that it’s sometimes better to give than receive. Right?
Well, here is your opportunity as each year the Loveland Valentine Ladies and the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance invites students, teachers, parents, and the community’s poets to compete in their Annual Valentine’s Day Poetry Contest. This gift can be your present to the whole community of LOVEland.
Poems should be typed or printed, no longer than 16 lines, and reflect love and/or Valentine’s Day. Poetry will be judged on written content only. Contest Deadline: January 21, 2022
Poetry Contest Categories Include:
Pre-school and Kindergarten 1st and 2nd Grades 3rd and 4th Grades 5th and 6th Grades 7th and 8th Grades 9th – 12th Grades Adults
Contest winners will attend the Chamber Valentine Breakfast at Oasis Conference Center on February 12 to read their poems. Student winners receive an excused absence from school to attend the breakfast.
Entry forms are available on the chamber website – lmrchamberalliance.org under the “get involved” tab.
Poetry Workshops
Valentine Lady, Kathryn Lorenz will be offering two free poetry writing workshops leading up to the submission date.
The first will be on Saturday, January 8 at Hometown Cafe between 9 and 10:30, AM.
The second will be on Saturday, January 10 at Mile 42 Coffee from noon until 2 PM.
Valentine Art and Card Reveal
Beginning at 11 AM on Saturday, January 8 the 2022 Valentine Art and Card Reveal will take place and it will be a chance to meet the designer, current Valentine Lady, Jeannie Shumaker, and past Ladies. Join the fun at the Valentine Ladies Wall of Fame in Historic Downtown on the Loveland Bike Trail.
When Lily Gruffydd was in 5th grade she was recogonized at the 2017 annual Valentine Breakfast for this poem.
WHAT IS LOVE?
by Lily Gruffydd
Every one of you should feel loved,
When you are loved, you might feel light like a dove,
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City Schools Preschool program serves children 3-5 years of age with a wide variety of disabilities qualifying for special education services in response to a federal mandate.
The program model includes children with typical development in order to provide for a more inclusive and enriching learning environment and experience.
Those interested in entering their typically developing 3-5-year-old child in Loveland City Schools Preschool program may do so by completing the application and returning it directly to Loveland Early Childhood Center.
All parents will be notified by mail, email, and/or phone regarding admission to the program.
All applications are due by January 7th, 2022.
For information:
Penny Dippold, Loveland Early Childhood Center (LECC) Secretary
In Warren County, Ohio you can find COVID 19 test and Vaccination sites by following these links.They will take you to a dashboard of the Ohio Department of Health where you can sort for Warren County.
The map shows COVID-19 testing sites throughout Ohio. It’s a combination of private companies and retail sites, community health centers, and libraries, and other local partners that offer access to testing. To find the location nearest you, search by county and zip code to get a list.
The demand for testing is exceptionally high and each testing location has its own inventory controls and protocols for the public to access tests. When you find a testing location, it’s important to call in advance to ensure tests are available and to determine how to access tests. If testing is not available for any reason, many partners can direct you to an alternate location.
To find a laboratory that can collect or process specimens, please visit please visit the OH COVID-19 Testing Database.
COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Locations
This tool shows providers throughout Ohio who have received shipments of COVID-19 vaccines for those currently being vaccinated in eligible in Phases 1B-C and Phase 2. As more vaccine providers receive shipments, they will be added to this page. Search by county or ZIP code to see a list of providers near you. Websites, contact information, and addresses listed are submitted by vaccine providers. As new providers are registered, provide vaccination location information, and receive shipments, they will be added to this page.
While the testing program through Hamilton County ceases on December 28, the testandprotectcincy.comwebsite will continue to be updated with no-cost testing locations in our region.
Testing remains a critical component in mitigating the spread. Until vaccines are far-reaching, and our hospitals are no longer strained due to COVID illness, testing is still the gold standard for keeping our community safe. Please continue to help us share this messaging. When our community needed help, we built a successful solution for keeping our county safe during the biggest public health crisis of our time. Thank YOU for your support of Test and Protect.
PLEASE NOTE: Test and Protect offers COVID-19 tests at NO COST to all those who live or work in Hamilton County. Remember, you do not need health insurance to get a COVID-19 test. If you have insurance, please bring your insurance card so that the insurance plan can be billed. You will not need to pay any copay or co-insurance. You will not be asked about immigration status.
Test and Protect DOES NOT offer COVID-19 vaccines. For the latest information on vaccines and provider locations, please visit healthcollab.org/vaccine-info.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Our test events are for people who live or work in Hamilton County, so please bring documentation demonstrating residence or employment in Hamilton County. Below is a list of acceptable forms of documentation; please bring ONE of the following:
Driver’s License, state-issued ID, student ID, or work ID
Voter registration, property tax bill, or other county issued documentation
Rent receipts or mortgage statement
Utility bills or bank statements
Pay stub
Letter from employer
Business card
ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
For those with a physical disability, such as limited mobility or those who use a wheelchair, please check here for a list of locations with full access. For those with special needs requiring additional support, please visit Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services.
Testing information is updated Monday through Friday. Outdoor testing locations are subject to same-day cancellation due to inclement weather. PLEASE NOTE: UC’s Addiction Sciences Division has a separate registration page and requires an appointment. Click or tap the event name below to pre-register.
Event Date
Organization
Address
Neighborhood
StartTime
EndTime
Access Notes
12/20/2021
Kinder Garden School Blue Ash
10969 Reed Hartman Hwy Blue Ash, OH 45242
Blue Ash
9:00 AM
1:00 PM
12/20/2021
Crossroads Oakley
3500 Madison Road Cincinnati, OH 45209
Oakley
10:00 AM
4:00 PM
Site entrance is across from Mike’s Car Wash, look for a purple flag
10+ stores in Hamilton County, 30 + stores in region
Schedule online or call 1 (800) 679-9691
PCR Drive-Thru Testing. Type of test varies by location, see website for details. Patients with insurance testing for travel and work requirements could be required to pay a copay. Please check with your provider.
If you would like to request on-site testing at your organization, please complete THIS FORM. For questions, please call the Test and Protect hotline at 513-618-3656 and leave a message with your name, organization, call-back number, email address, and reason for calling. Someone will get back to you within 24 hours.
Testing FAQs
WHEN/HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY TEST RESULTS?
Test results from the lab are expected within 2-3 days.
All results – positive, negative or indeterminant – will be emailed to you within three days.
Please check your email inboxes (including spam folder) for test results sent from covidtesting@uc.edu.
If you do not have an email address and are in need of documentation of your results, please call (513) 558-8898.
WHO WILL BE ADMINISTERING THE TESTS?
WHAT KIND OF TEST WILL WE BE USING?
HOW ACCURATE IS THE TEST WE’RE USING?
DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S PRESCRIPTION TO GET TESTED?
CAN I PRE-REGISTER FOR MY TESTING DATE?
WHAT HAPPENS IF I TEST POSITIVE?
HOW IS OUR TESTING DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TESTS? POP UP SITES?
MY ORGANIZATION HAS CURRENT ACTIVE CASES OF COVID-19, CAN WE REQUEST TESTING?
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS UNDER AGE 18?
About Test and Protect
Test and Protect is funded by Hamilton County, Ohio through the CARES Act, and is a partnership among Hamilton County, The Health Collaborative, five regional health systems, and one regional university to:
Make testing convenient for those that need it
Test people at a location that they can get to (somewhere near you)
Get results to those tested as quickly as possible
Stop the spread by providing positive case information to public health workers
Understand the spread of the disease to better protect and improve the health of all people in Hamilton County.
On-site testing is provided by the University of Cincinnati and UC Health.
Hamilton County COVID-19 Serology Study: Hamilton County is assessing the number of people who have been previously exposed to COVID-19. If you visit an Emergency Department in Hamilton County, and you are having blood drawn for laboratory tests, a small amount may be used for this purpose. This work is funded by the federal CARES Act. If you have any questions, contact study staff at covidserology@ucmail.uc.edu. Please do not use this email address to request testing.
Loveland, Ohio – According to a newsletter issued by the Loveland City School District on Thursday, December 16, a new mask policy will go into effect beginning Tuesday, January 18, 2022. In the newsletter, Superintendent Mike Broadwater said, “Masks will be strongly recommended for our staff and students, but they will be optional for staff and all students in grades K-12. We are waiting for two weeks after our return from Winter Break to allow for any illness to run its course after people are together with family and friends for the holidays.”
The current policy requires masks for students PK-6 but allows students in grades 7-12 to be mask optional. Broadwater further explained by saying, “When we set that policy back in August, we drew the line at grade 7 because vaccinations were only available for students 12 and older. With COVID vaccines now available for any student 5 and older, it makes sense to align our policy to reflect that.”
The federal requirement to wear masks on buses will continue through at least March 18, 2022, according to the newsletter.
“We are still more than a month away from the date this change goes into effect, so if you’re considering vaccinations, now is the time to have a conversation with a trusted medical professional and make the decision for your students,” said Broadwater.
See all of the District COVID 19 Reports
“Important Hospital Update”
The day after the Superintendent’s announcement, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital issued what they headlined an “Important Hospital Update” on December 17 at 7:19 PM that said:
Cincinnati Children’s is currently incredibly full. This high number of patients, along with increased illness in our community means that our system is under stress. Our Emergency Departments and Urgent Cares are very busy, and wait times are long. We know these wait times are inconvenient and we assure you, our teams are working hard to see every patient who needs care, as quickly as possible. Please do not hesitate to come if you need emergency care.
If you are unsure if your child needs to be seen in the Emergency Department or Urgent Care, please start with a call to your primary care provider to ask for advice. You can also visit our 24/7 Virtual Urgent Care to see a pediatric provider. Install the App now so you are ready if you need it: https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/…/cincykids-health…
While the hospital is so full, providers may be reaching out to reschedule planned admissions or procedures. If you have an upcoming admission or surgical procedure and have questions about how your family may be impacted, you can contact your provider at any time to discuss. We also need your help. Please be safe – wash hands often, avoid large gatherings, wear masks in public settings and get vaccinated for both COVID and Flu.
We thank you for trusting your child’s care to Cincinnati Children’s and we thank you in advance for your grace and patience during this busy time.
If you have questions regarding coronavirus/COVID-19, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).
All Ohioans 5 and older are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Schedule your vaccination today at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov. You can also chat with our Virtual Assistant for any COVID-19 vaccine, registration, and scheduling questions.
Ohio National Guard Mobilized, Hospital Staff Needed
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today (December 17, 2021) provided the following updates on Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
OHIO NATIONAL GUARD MOBILIZED
Governor DeWine mobilized 1,050 members of the Ohio National Guard to help relieve the hospital staffing strain caused by the rising number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients is causing. Of the total mobilized guard members, approximately 150 are highly-trained medical professionals and will deploy to help meet critical needs at hospitals and testing locations. The remaining 900 guard members will help with patient transport, housekeeping, and food services. Guard members will be brought on duty beginning on Monday.
STAFFING AGREEMENT
The Ohio Department of Health is working with an Ohio health care staffing company to help meet hospital staffing needs. This agreement will allow for Ohio hospitals to bring in qualified nurses and other providers from out-of-state to fill needed positions to help ease some of the current added pressure on hospitals and staff.
HOSPITALIZATION DATA
More than 4,700 people arecurrently hospitalized in Ohio fighting COVID-19, that equates to one in every 5 hospital patients. This is the highest number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 this year, and the number of hospitalized patients is rapidly approaching an all-time high.
Due to the increase in COVID-19 hospital admisions many hospitals have been forced to postpone elective surgeries, transfer patients to other hospitals, impose visitation standards, and/or implement what they call “crisis standards of care,” in which they have no choice but to take extraordinary steps to care for patients in ways that aren’t typical, such as providing intensive care in emergency rooms or in post-surgical units.
In Northern Ohio (Ohio Hospital Zone 1) most hospitals have suspended elective surgeries. In Central and Southeast Ohio (Ohio Hospital Zone 2), the same thing is beginning to happen. In SoutheastOhio, (Ohio Hospital Zone 3), hospital leaders are preparing to take similar action.
The best way to relieve the strain on our health care providers is to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations to prevent serious illness and hospitalizations. To find a vaccination provider near you, visit http://gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.
CASE DATA/VACCINE INFORMATION
In-depth COVID-19 data for Ohio: coronavirus.ohio.gov.
