Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Elementary School (LES) is doing its November Compassion Project “Read to Feed”. The students will be collecting monetary donations for the LIFE Food Pantry based on the amount that they read, “a win/win for the kids AND the pantry!”
The pantry leaders say that literacy and education are a huge factors in escaping poverty and these students are “amazing”.
The pantry also asks that if you have a student at LES, “Please support their efforts. If you don’t, please seek one out and let them know they make a huge difference in the lives of their community, especially other children! Thank you for your support – these children are our future.”
Kevin Dougherty, Loveland Board of Education Vice-President, posted a short video on his campaign website entitled “Thinking Through How To Choose – A Different Approach”. In it, he identifies the qualities that matter for Board membership as leadership, preparedness, motivation, commitment, and the ability to listen and learn. I agree with all of that – although I question how prepared anyone can be, or ever has been, for stepping into a Board role for the first time.
He goes on to say that “what a candidate supports or doesn’t support doesn’t matter unless he or she can get results.” I half agree with that. It doesn’t much matter what a person is for or against if he doesn’t get results. On the other hand, if a person gets results, what he is for or against is of central importance because that will determine what results he will attempt to achieve. However well the Board members in recent years might have scored with respect to Mr. Dougherty’s list of qualities, they certainly got results. To take only the most salient recent example, in 2019 they succeeded in getting onto the ballot a levy of historic proportions – which was voted down by the community 78% to 22%. Whatever the Board was for or against in 2019, it was clearly misaligned with what the community was for or against. It is hard to argue, then, as Mr. Dougherty suggests, that it doesn’t matter what “it” is as long as “it” gets accomplished. Of course, we want to elect Board members who can get results. For that very reason, it matters very much what those members support or don’t support.
I would actually expand Mr. Dougherty’s list. He mentioned being humble but it didn’t make his top five. Humility is an essential characteristic for being a successful Board member. Independent thinker is also imperative. I would rather see a Board grapple with issues in front of the public rather than come out and uniformly vote on things without much discussion.
Finally, it is essential to me, a voter and taxpayer, that Board members respect parental rights, support strong academics and a challenging curriculum, and respect taxpayers. It’s a tall order, but I think some of the candidates possess these qualities in abundance. Moreover, we have candidates who genuinely care about putting students first without alienating the residential district that foots the bill.
I have seen several candidates dismissed as being “inexperienced”. Obviously, anyone who hasn’t sat on a Board does not have the experience related to being on a Board, and every Board member in history was once in that position. If inexperience were a bar, there would be no Boards.
At the end of the day, an inexperienced Board seeking the right results is incomparably to be preferred to an experienced Board seeking the wrong results. Inexperience tends to correct itself; a bad result does not.
Lesley Hodge is a resident of Symmes Township and the Loveland City School District
Loveland, Ohio – “Making these cards makes me feel both fulfilled and safe. This Arts and Crafts show has been my home for 4 years and now I want to be an entrepreneur!”
Loveland High School (LHS) Senior Annelise Dartnall expressed how excited she was on Tuesday about The Loveland Arts and Crafts Fair being back in action after not having it 2 years in a row due to COVID-19. Dartnall along with several other LHS special needs students have participated in creating handmade cards to sell at the Loveland Arts and Crafts Fair in order to raise funds for the LHS Special Needs Program and gain valuable work experience. Dartnall has also worked at the Loveland Farmers Market, several Loveland Arts and Crafts Fairs where she showcased the special needs students carefully crafted cards, and the Loveland High School News Network.
Retired Teacher Molly Swaine came up with the idea of LHS’s special needs students designing, creating, packaging, and selling these handmade cards to the community and staff members of Loveland right in her very own room just a few years ago.
“The past couple of years the students were unable to attend our biggest sales event, The Loveland Arts and Crafts Fair, due to the pandemic so the fact that our students have the opportunity to once again practice social and life skills out in the community is great,” LHS Intervention Specialist Emily Hicks said.
Caitlin Haury, LHS Intervention Specialist, and Payton Lafonda also aided Hicks with the handmade cards project in hopes that the special needs students at LHS would gain valuable work experience and raise enough sales to buy supplies for the classroom, activities, and celebrations.
Over the past few weeks, the excitement for Loveland’s Arts and Crafts Fair has been building, as the event is set for November 6th at LHS from 9:30 AM to 3 PM. We decided to take a trip down Tiger Trail to LHS to talk to Annelise about the handmade cards project and why it’s so important that everyone gets involved.
Buying the cards during the Craft Expo requires cash. The students can not accept credit cards, Apple Pay, Venmo, etc.
Without further ado, we bring to you LHS Senior Annelise Dartnall as she explains to YOU the Loveland Magazine readers why you should support the LHS Special Needs Handmade Cards Project!
Interview and video by David Miller
If you are unable to attend Loveland’s Arts and Crafts Expo the Special Needs Program created a contactless google link in which you can select your cards and have them sent to you through the mail. Cards are $2 for a pack of 4. You will also need to send your form of payment through the mail to LHS’s Caitlin Haury. Click here to order your handmade cards today!
If you missed our previous article on the LHS Special Needs Handmade Cards Project click below!
Loveland, Ohio – These are some photos of the full moon resident Claudia Bow took in May and October. She told Loveland Magazine, “Astronomy is something I became interested in during this past year. I have developed a great love of space and the universe, and have become fascinated with observing.”
This has become a hobby that means a lot to Claudia. She said, “I find comfort in the wonder of the cosmos.”
These photos were taken using a Polaris reflector telescope, a non-digital manual telescope that uses mirrors and lenses only, and an iPhone 12 held up against the optical lens. Claudia said that she edited the color and clarity using the iPhone to get the effects you see here.
“I hope to continue observing and taking more photos of space and all of its wonders,” Claudia said.
She is a graduate of Loveland High School and is a senior at Northern Kentucky University, studying music education. She plays five musical instruments.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District Board of Education has decided to temporarily pause the search for a new Treasurer. The District has said in their weekly newsletter that the timing of the search has “proved challenging” for the board and their community advisory group. Also that, “It has also proven difficult for many experienced candidates to apply.”
Robert Giuffre’ will continue as the interim Treasurer of Loveland City Schools.
Robert Giuffré was named the Interim Treasurer in August. Prior to this appointment, he spent 30 years in school finance as an auditor, treasurer, and consultant serving as treasurer for five districts. He previously served the Loveland District from November 1992 through February 1999.
My name is Lauren Enda and I am a resident of Loveland. Like many Loveland residents, I am concerned about the proposed parking garage and its effect on our city. The largest municipal project in Loveland’s history has not involved public opinion though it will affect the residents of Loveland for years to come. My concern is based on the following:
The residents of Loveland have not had a real voice in this conversation since it began in 2019. Residents will be forced to live with changes caused by the garage to the city’s character and natural environment that attract so many to the area. Residents should vote on whether the project should proceed. If the location, design or economics are unsuccessful, the garage would be a blight on our quaint downtown, degrading the town’s ambiance. Residents would be stuck with it for years.
2. The Loveland parking situation has not been properly studied. No data exists that outlines whether more parking is required. The city has provided no evidence, other than anecdote, that we have a parking problem. How can we possibly come up with a solution when we don’t know if there is a problem?
3. Cost estimates that the City Council is using could be grossly underestimated based on construction cost increases seen elsewhere. There are no actual quotes. The opinion of the firm who created the almost $7 million price tag clearly states that they have “no control over the cost of labor, materials, or equipment, or over the contractor’s methods of determining prices.” With the current COVID pandemic, we have seen that inflated costs and severe shortages are the norm, not the exception, which could cause a large overrun of the budget, adding even more to taxpayer’s burden. There is a new idea to use the $1.3 million Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to help cover some costs of this project. This fund is still needed by struggling businesses in Loveland. Why not help businesses that are failing instead?
4. An environmental impact study has not been done. Paved surfaces are one of the major causes of flooding. Increased storm strength and the numbers of storms will also make runoff and flooding worse. Some towns are removing parking areas to increase green space which absorbs water runoff. Why has the City Council not requested an environmental study?
5. A huge, expensive parking garage is a long term, permanent solution for a problem that may not exist. Loveland is not a big city. The garage will sit empty for much of the year when it is rainy, snowy and cold, and in the evenings and nights when businesses are closed. However, the eyesore will not disappear when no one is parked there. Accompanying lighting will be on 24/7, adding to light pollution that detracts from the beauty of our natural spaces that draw people to Loveland.
6. There is no guarantee, data or proof that this garage will decrease traffic in the downtown area or that it will create and retain good paying jobs. In fact, most of the traffic for Loveland will still traverse the downtown area from the west to access the garage. Only rural traffic from the north and east will access the garage without entering the downtown zone. It is a very expensive and intrusive plan for unknown benefit.
I am not against additional parking in downtown Loveland if it’s required. I am against a burden placed on residents without their approval for a project that has not been evaluated for cost, necessity, environmental impact, job creation, or traffic abatement. Residents deserve to know what criteria and data were used to make this project a priority for Loveland. As citizens, we need verifiable information, and we need to be part of the conversation.
Loveland is not, and does not wish to be, an urban center. The proposed garage will negatively and permanently alter the look and feel of Loveland’s most prized asset – our natural, historic downtown. Let’s open the conversation. I ask that City Council respect the citizens of Loveland enough to allow us to vote on the parking garage plan.
By Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Bryan Niegel, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Millington, Tenn. – Ensign Jacob Ponchot, a native of Loveland, Ohio, is serving aboard USS Essex, a U.S. Navy Wasp class amphibious assault ship.
Ponchot joined the Navy one years ago to follow in family footsteps.
“I joined the Navy to utilize and sharpen my seafaring skills as well as explore the world and be able to see new things and experiences,” said Ponchot. “It was also an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of my grandpas, Disbursing Clerk Second Class Charles Horan and Electrician’s Mate Second Class William Ponchot.”
Ponchot grew up in Loveland, attended Loveland High School, and graduated in 2016. He earned a degree from Texas A&M University at Galveston in 2020. Today, Ponchot uses the same skills and values learned in Loveland to succeed in the military.
“Growing up in Loveland, the biggest lesson I learned is to always make time for friends and family,” said Ponchot. “Although the time I spend at home is not as much as I would like it to be, I have learned to maximize time with my loved ones whenever there is an opportunity. Military life can bring long and hard days, but there is no better remedy than time with the people we care about, and that precious time refreshes me for when the time comes to return back out to sea.”
Homeported in San Diego, California, USS Essex is the second ship in the Wasp-class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and the fifth ship named for Essex County, Massachusetts. Essex was a 1000-ton ironclad river gunboat of the U.S. Army and later U.S. Navy during the American Civil War.
According to Navy officials, amphibious assault ships are designed to deliver U.S. Marines and their equipment where they are needed to support a variety of missions ranging from amphibious assaults to humanitarian relief efforts. Designed to be versatile, the ship has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned, as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations.
Serving in the Navy means Ponchot is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
While there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Ponchot is most proud of successfully completing a conning officer evolution.
“Since joining the Navy, my most proud accomplishment was successfully conning the ESSEX during an approach for an underway replenishment with an oil tanker,” said Ponchot. “To receive fuel, our ship comes alongside another ship less than 200 yards away, which is incredibly close for large seagoing vessels. This is a highly technical evolution, and I was proud to be able to execute it.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Ponchot, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“While serving in the Navy I have learned to be flexible,” added Ponchot. “It seems more often than not, things don’t go as planned due to variable factors and that is all right. The Navy has taught me to adapt to evolving situations and have multiple plans of action prepared.”
Loveland, Ohio – This is your chance to hear and see the local politicians who want to be part of the team leading the Loveland City School District for the next 1,440 days. Four-long years, so this is important!
On October 21 LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV, Loveland Magazine, and the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, hosted the contenders for seats on the Loveland school board at the Middle School. It was a standing room crowd in the half of the cafeteria that was roped off for the bout.
Moderator and emcee for the evening was Ricky Mulvey with his positive good nature and he kept the evening flowing and had the gathered guests as relaxed as if in living room easy chairs or one of the comedy shows or talent slams he’s been known to emcee.
Was there an undisputed champ?
Election fans can see if the contenders rolled with the punches or had promises that pack a punch. Are there any future respected political figures or elder statesmen/women in this video?
The Championship Forum was broadcast “LIVE” on the Loveland Magazine FaceBook Page. It wasn’t Pay-per-View and tickets were not required – it was a totally FREE public service!
Who knows, there might be some highfalutin’ good ideas that came from one or more of these candidates that can transform Loveland. There was certainly some re-hashing the past but that is OK if it leads to knowledge of what the future might hold.
Politicians routinely offer more promises than they keep, however hearing straight from their mouths or even out of the side of it is the start of holding them accountable. Seeing them live on stage answering random questions is always better than voting based on the number of litter on a stick yard signs and you can be a political influencer if you can say, “I actually heard her say it!”
If you could not attend in person you may want to tune in to this re-broadcast to be in the know.
Special thanks for the assistance of District Business Manager John Ames who arranged the logistics at the Middle School.
August 23 – Write-in candidates must file declarations of intent by 4 p.m. (72 days before general election
September 17 – Military & Overseas Absentee Voting begins (46 Days Before Election Day)
October 4 – Deadline for voter registration for Nov. 2 general election (30 days before general election)*
October 5 – Early In-Person Voting begins and includes the Saturday, Sunday and the Monday before Election Day
October 5 – Absentee Voting By Mail begins (28 Days Before Election Day)
October 11 – Board of Elections Closed to In-Person Voting (Columbus Day).
October 30 – Applications for absentee ballots to be mailed for Nov. 2 general election must be received by boards of elections by noon (3 days before general election)
November 2 – General Election Day. Polls open at 6:30 AM and close at 7:30 PM.
Throughout the years, men and women in our armed forces have made great sacrifices to protect our freedom and democracy. Today, the courageous members of our military branches continue to serve our country so we all can enjoy one of our most sacred rights – the right to vote. Through the I Vote in Honor of a Veteran initiative, you can demonstrate the pride you feel for a veteran or servicemember and, at the same time, encourage others to vote on Election Day.
Wear an I Vote in Honor of a Veteran pin on Election Day to show your appreciation to those men and women who made it possible for you to exercise your right to vote.
To get your pin, click this LINK to submit a testimonial about how they’ve inspired you will be sent one.
The Loveland Women remain the #1 team in Ohio and have claimed the ECC Championship Title!
by Cassie Mattia
Symmes Township, Ohio – Overnight rain did not slow down these Tigers as the LHS Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Teams took home the 2021 ECC Championship Trophies!
On Saturday at 9 AM at LHS’s home course, The Home of the Brave Park, both Men’s and Women’s Teams prepared for one of the coldest races thus far! The cold temperatures certainly didn’t phase the Tigers as the Loveland’s Women’s Team won with a score of 33 and the Men’s Team won with a score of 43.
The LHS Women’s Cross Country Team had several top 10 finishes with Senior Emmy Sager grabbing the 1st place spot with a time of 19:07.93. Sager was also named ECC’s Cross Country Athlete of the Week. Senior Jessie Gibbins took the 4th place position with a time of 19:25.76, Senior Sarah Madix placed 5th with a time of 19:31.75, Junior Madison Conatser placed 11th with a time of 19:48.76, Junior Ally Colegate finished 12th with a time of 19.51.76, Senior Maaike Snider finished 21st with a time of 20:19.81, and Sophomore Lauren Gard rounded out the team score placing 27th with a time of 21:02.66.
Lebanon women placed 2nd and Walnut Hills claimed 3rd place. This ECC win will mark the 2nd ECC Championship in Loveland Women’s Cross Country history (2021 and 2019).
Week # 7 State High School D-1 Women’s Cross Country Poll
Loveland
Shaker Heights
Centerville
Hilliard Davidson
Perrysburg
Mason
Beavercreek
Massillon Jackson
Brunswick
Medina
Loveland High School ECC Champions Ohio’s 7th State ranked team
The LHS Men’s Cross Country Team collected their first ECC Championship in school history on Saturday! Senior Ryan Chevalier finished in 3rd place with a time of 16:20.98, Junior Brady Steiner placed 7th with a time of 16:44.60, Junior Cayden Dyer finished in the 8th spot with a time of 16:49.45, Freshman Nick Huff placed 11th with a time of 17:03.48, Junior Grant Hanson finished in 14th place with a time of 17:12.64, Senior Sam Neiger crossed the line in 26th with a time of 17:34.01, and Sophomore Kyle Becker placed 50th with a time of 18:31.46.
Lebanon placed 2nd and Turpin grabbed the 3rd place spot. Little Miami’s William Zegarski won the ECC Meet with a time of 15:38.48 and Walnut Hill’s Gianni Allwein took 2nd place with a time of 15:59.35.
Week # 7 State High School D-1 Men’s Cross Country Poll
Mason
St. Xavier
Hilliard Davidson
St Ignatius
St Edwards
Massillon Jackson
Loveland
Louisville
North Canton Hoover
Lancaster
Both the Men’s and Women’s LHS Cross Country Teams will compete on Saturday at the Voice of America Park (7850 VOA Park Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45069) for the OHSAA District Championships. The Women will run at 10 AM and the Men are set to run at 11:30 AM. Tickets are $8 if you purchase online before 6 AM on October 23rd. If you decide to purchase after the pre-sale deadline, tickets will be $10. There will be no gate sales. To purchase tickets click here.
Middle School Champions
The Loveland Middle School Cross Country Team’s both took home ECC Championship Trophies as well making Saturday a huge win for Loveland Tigers across the board!
LMS Cross Country Coach John Waple said, “The middle school cross country teams had an amazing season. Every kid came and worked hard all season and grew as runners. This was just a truly tremendous group of kids to coach. We were very fortunate that all four of our teams won at ECC, which is just a great testament to the depth of this team. Not only did our team win every race, but we had three individual champions and several top finishers.”
LMS ECC Champs Coach Jenkins, Evan Colegate, Zach Chevalier, Tyler Schwinn, Michael Piposar, Ronan Wolfer, Luke Zicka, and Coach Waple
The LMS Boys Cross Country Team secured an ECC title with a score of 43. 8th Grader Ronan Wolfer was the top finisher for the Tigers placing 3rd with a time of 11:12.59, Tyler Schwinn placed 5th with a time of 11:35.98, 7th Grader William Manly grabbed the 9th place spot with a time of 11:38.85, 8th Grader Zach Chevalier finished 12th with a time of 11:47.34, and Evan Colegate placed 14th with a time of 12:10.10.
LMS ECC Champs Coach Jenkins, Savanna Conliff, Caroline Murnan, Parker Mentzer, Allie Kimnach, Ellie Orth, Tori Elliott, and Coach Waple
The LMS Girls Cross Country Team took first with a score of 16. 8th Grader Caroline Murnan took the top spot with a time of 12:42.09, Parker Mentzer grabbed 2nd place with a time of 12:44.03, Delaney Cilley finished 3rd with a time of 12:58.36, 7th Grader Tori Elliot placed 4th with a time of 12:59.09, and 8th Grader Ellie Orth placed 6th with a time of 13:06.07.
Delaney Cilley, Parker Mentzer, and Caroline Murnan
Congratulations to the LHS Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Teams as well as the LMS Boy’s and Girl’s Cross Country Teams! We are so proud of your hard work and dedication! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these FAST Tigers!
For more Loveland Sports updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!
![[Video] LHS and LMS Cross Country Teams all Secure the 2021 ECC Championship Title!](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/women-ecc-champs.jpg)
