“Real blueberries and crunchy pie crust pieces come together in this incredible flavor. Crafted in memory of an inspiring young girl named Elena. It was her tragic battle with pediatric brain cancer that led to the creation of The Cure Starts Now Foundation, a 501c3 Federal Non-Profit. Their worldwide goal is to aid in the discovery of a “Homerun” cure for cancer. Graeter’s is proud to support this worthy cause through proceeds from this flavor. Learn more at The Cure Starts Now Foundation“
The words “the cure starts now” appear at the end of a blog titled “Notes Left Behind: 135 Days with Elena” written by her parents, about Elena’s journey, for her younger sister
Supporters around the nation write in support of Elena and unofficially use The Cure Starts Now as the name of their efforts. Read on…
During the Aug. 10 meeting of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library Board of Trustees, board members agreed to end the practice of issuing fines for overdue items. Fines for late items had previously been suspended at the start of the pandemic, and then this practice was later extended through 2020 by the Library Board of Trustees.
This latest decision makes the suspension of late fines permanent, with a few important changes customers need to know about. This change goes into effect Sept. 26, 2021.
The Board said in their announcement that they have received overwhelmingly positive feedback about being late fine-free, they did learn that in some cases overdue books have led to longer wait times for customers to receive materials that have waiting lists. “For this reason, we are making some changes to ensure that materials are returned in a timely manner.”
Details about borrowing Library materials can be found: online FAQ.
Some key points are:
Reminders to customers that their item is overdue are sent by phone, text, or email at five days and 12 days overdue.
At 30 days overdue, customers receive a bill for items that have not been returned and have been classified as “lost.” Previously, customers did not receive a bill until an item was overdue for 45 days.
The Library locks a customer’s account if any item is 12 days overdue, meaning no additional print items can be checked out until either the overdue item is returned or the customer has paid the replacement fee for it.
Once unpaid replacement fees reach $50 and remain at $50 or above for 30 days or longer, customers are referred to a collection agency.
These changes do not apply to library cards that have never had late fees associated with them, such as Child-Only, Teen-Only, Adult-Only, Educator, and Book Club cards.
Positive Interactions, Revenue Impact Contribute to Decision
A report to the Board of Trustees submitted by a group of staff tasked with evaluating the impact of eliminating late fines stated that, “It is our recommendation that, because fine monies were less than 1 percent of revenue, staff time spent collecting and processing payments was high, and not having late fines has contributed to more positive interactions between customers and staff, the Library remain late fine-free…”
The report also stated, “An increasing number of public libraries across the country are taking an overdue fine-free approach to service. This includes eight out of 11 neighboring libraries, and more than 60 percent of libraries they often look at as peers, including Columbus Metropolitan Library, Cleveland Public Library, Dayton Metro Library, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, along with the public libraries for the cities of Chicago, Indianapolis, Lexington, and Louisville.”
“Fines Can Be Heartbreaking”
Locally, Pamela Nelson Martin and her great-grandson Adrion are glad to see the Library offering a more flexible approach to late materials. They are library lovers who, over the years, have come to the Main Library frequently, sometimes daily.
“Whether the Library has fines or not, I am always careful to return materials on time. Fines can be heartbreaking for people, especially for those on a fixed income. Sometimes people get sick or have other life issues that lead to overdue fines,” said Nelson Martin. “I have always loved coming to the Library with Adrion and fines shouldn’t get in the way. Why should fines lead to $80 or more? The Library is our special place to go for us.”
Paula Brehm-Heeger, the Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Library Director, said, “Our goal is to connect everyone in the community to the materials they want. This latest decision by the Board of Trustees will help us achieve that goal.”
The Parade leaves the Moose Lodge Hall on East Loveland Avenue at 6:30 PM and goes through Historic Downtown; onto Rich Road, and ends at Loveland High School.
Grand Marshall for the festivities is Stan McCoy Jr.
The annual Powder Puff football game will be held at the stadium immediately following the parade.
Customer service and satisfaction is paramount to my success in real estate since I began this career in 1999. My vast client base with consistent repeat and referral business supports this focus. Balance between home life, with a husband and three children and two dogs, and a business is a crucial element. Forming a family-run team in the last few years has enabled me to support the real estate needs of my clientele while still providing attention at home and in the community. You are sure to see me or my signs in Loveland where I reside and in the surrounding three county area.
Fun Fact: My husband Bryan & I trained and ran together in the Columbus Marathon in 2004. Running, traveling, and being involved in church and school related activities are my other areas of interest.
I have a passion for people, for beauty, and for Real Estate. My past career as an interior designer helps me bring my three “loves” together in serving my clients… All in a city that has become home to me over the past 18 years. Let me help make it home for you!
I am a hands-on type of agent who will gladly use my experience of rehabbing homes to get down to the details in making sure the home you want is solid and structurally sound. My former corporate business skills help me identify good investments and bring a set if strong negotiating tools to get you the best possible deal.
Homes by Email
Be the first to see new listings as soon as they hit the market!
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland High School Cross Country teams are looking forward to hosting their first of four meets this season beginning with the Loveland Invite this Saturday at Home of the Brave Park. 18 teams will compete.
The Loveland Women will compete on their home field as the just-announced, Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches, #1 Division team in Ohio. The Men are currently ranked 14.
The #1 ranking should come as no surprise. In their season opener on August 25 at the Ohio High School Athletics Association (OHSAA) Cross Country Season Opener the women beat a field of elite teams from all across the state. (Read that story below)
Loveland, Ohio – These events will be your chance to personally meet the local politicians who want to be part of the teams leading the Loveland City School District and Loveland City Council for the next 1,440 days. Four-long years, so this is important!
On October 21 the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, Loveland Magazine, and LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV will host the contenders for seats on the school board, and on October 14 they will bring together on a public stage your job applicants for Loveland City Council.
City Council – October 14, at 7:00 PM at the Loveland Middle School/Intermediate School Cafeteria.
School Board – October 21, at 7:00 PM at the Loveland Middle School/Intermediate School Cafeteria.
Will there be undisputed champs?
Election fans can see if the contenders roll with the punches, stick and move, or have promises that pack a punch. Will you see any future respected political figures or elder statesmen/women?
Both of these heavyweight championship Forums will be broadcast “LIVE” on the Loveland Magazine FaceBook Page. It’s not Pay-per-View and tickets are not required – it’s totally FREE!
Who knows, there might be some highfalutin’ good ideas that come from one or more of these candidates that can transform Loveland. There will almost certainly be some re-hashing the past but that will be OK if it leads to knowledge of what the future might hold.
Politicians routinely offer more promises than they keep, however hearing them straight from their mouths is the start of holding them accountable. Meeting them in person is always better than voting based on the number of yard signs and you can be a political influencer if you can say, “I actually heard her say it!”
If you cannot attend in person or chose to be inside the safety of your own home you may want to tune in LIVE to be in-the-know.
The format will follow the same as in the past:
To begin, candidates will each present their platform for 2 minutes and tell you why they are running for office.
Questions will be asked for 60 minutes allowing each candidate two minutes to reply or pass.
After 60 minutes candidates are asked to close with 2-minute speeches.
Voters can throw their written questions into the octagon and all questions will be screened for duplicity by independent ring-side judges. The emcees will ask as many of the questions as time allows in the 60 minutes.
You the registered voters of the City of Loveland and the Loveland City School District however will be the crucial and critically important judges come November 2 so reserve your ring-side seat by saving these dates.
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.
Sue Klebold attempts to reconcile how the son she affectionately referred to as “Sunshine Boy” became a school shooter. This documentary brings light to the importance of mental health being taught to young children and the movement underway to take this issue seriously.
In the photo above is Rep. Schmidt speaking on the House floor regarding transgender women in sports. (Photo from Ohio House of Representatives)
State Reps. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) and Mike Loychik (R-Bazetta) announced on August 25 they have introduced House Bill 400, which would prohibit public schools from mandating students to wear a mask. The bill introduction comes as statewide concerns from parents have heightened as several public schools have implemented school mask mandates for children.
The Loveland City School District has mandated mask wearing for teachers, staff, all visitors, and all students below 7th grade when inside buildings. The 7-12 students are exempt from Loveland’s mask mandate.
“I’ve seen and heard constituent concerns across my district from these mask orders from public schools receiving public taxpayer dollars,” said Loychik. “Through this bill, we are reiterating their opposition as it should be up to the discretion of parents on whether their kids should wear a mask or not.”
House Bill 400 only pertains to students wearing masks and does not prohibit faculty, staff, and guests from wearing masks or from the school imposing a mandate on them, according to Schmidt’s press release about her sponsorship.
Schmidt is sponsoring the bill amid local residents upset over certain schools implementing student mask mandates.
“I’m disheartened that local school boards are mandating masks for students within the 65th House District and across our state,” said Schmidt. “I anticipate working with Rep. Loychik and several interested parties closely in the coming weeks to move this bill forward in the Legislature to address these rising concerns of Ohioans.”
The incentive is being expanded as children return to classrooms and COVID-19 cases rise dramatically in Ohio and nationwide, with the Delta variant becoming the dominant strain identified in new cases. Delta also appears more highly transmissible than previous variants and more likely to infect younger adults and children.
“Getting students 12 and up vaccinated will provide peace of mind to parents, caregivers and educators,” said Kelly O’Reilly, president and chief executive officer of the Ohio Association of Health Plans. “Vaccination is the surest way to protect teens against COVID-19.”
Working together, Ohio’s Medicaid Managed Care plans — Aetna, Buckeye Health Plan, CareSource, Molina Healthcare, Paramount Advantage and UnitedHealthcare — have made finding and getting the vaccine easier than ever with Vax on the Spot(www.covidvaxonthespot.com), a website with information on community vaccine events and walk-in opportunities at pharmacies. The site also gives details on how members can get the $100 incentive. In some locations, including many pharmacies and Federally Qualified Health Centers, gift cards are available on-site.
The campaign and the incentive are working. Ohio Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran announced recently that the number of Medicaid members getting their first dose rose by 49% in the first week of August compared with the week before.
Since Gov. Mike DeWine challenged the Medicaid Managed Care plans in June to do more to encourage vaccination, Ohio has seen a 57% increase in the number of Medicaid members who have completed vaccination. As of Aug. 8, the number that had received at least one shot was more than 800,000.
Medicaid vaccine gift cards will continue to be available to eligible Ohioans through Dec. 31, 2021.
According to the health plans’ medical directors, shrinking the population of unvaccinated people is the most important front in the battle to contain the pandemic. So far, available vaccines have proven highly effective at preventing people from contracting COVID-19 and even more effective at preventing serious illness and hospitalization, even among Delta cases. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost everyone — 97% — who contracts a COVID-19 case serious enough to require hospitalization is unvaccinated.
by the family and friends of Captain Seth Mitchell
Happy summer 2021 contributors to the Seth Mitchell Hero 5K. We hope your summer is going well. We are all blessed that it is going differently than last year! As always we want to keep you updated on how your investment in the scholarship campaigns are going.
Due to Covid 19 we held the 5K virtually in 2020. You guys made the event fun and meaningful. We had over 100 participants and raised a significant amount of funds, even for a challenging year.
Our scholarship committee thanks you. Each year we hope to raise enough to fund scholarships for deserving seniors from Loveland High School where Seth graduated in 1997. Because of you, we have been successful again.
Let us introduce the recipients for 2021.
Teri Clark and Madeline Schamel (provided photos)
The Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship: Teri Clark has a keen interest in science and math. According to her application essay, her goal is to “treat my friends the same way Seth treated his friends, with kindness and loyalty”. Teri said that she was humbled by the opportunity to apply for the scholarship in Seth’s name. In our interview with Teri we found that she has overcome personal hardships that strengthened her and helped her find a passion to serve others by pursuing a career in the medical field.
Let Us Never Forget/Mitchell Family Scholarship: Madeline Schamel has used hard work, positivity and determination to overcome medical challenges during her high school years. One letter of reference said of Maddie, “while many teenagers facing those obstacles would choose flight, Maddie embraced the uncertainty and fights with poise and maturity beyond her years”.
Like Seth, these young women are known for hard work, determination, selflessness, kindness and loyalty. We are proud to have them pursue their dreams with a financial boost from all of you that have contributed to the Hero 5k in honor of Seth’s service and sacrifice.
Lastly, we do want to announce that the 12th Annual Cpt. Seth Mitchell Hero 5K (www.sethmitchellhero5k.org) will be held on October 16 at 11 AM in beautiful Nisbet Park in Historic Downtown Loveland Ohio.
We will also offer a virtual run again. You’ll be able to do your run/walk during the month of October from any location. The website will open soon for registrations and donations.
Thank you all and blessings be upon you,
Steve, Connie and Drew Mitchell, Family of Captain Seth Mitchell, USMC
