Tag: loveland magazine local news

  • Coney Island opening day is june 12

    Coney Island opening day is june 12

    Coney Island advance reservations required

     

    In order to align with social distancing best practices, Coney Island is limiting its daily attendance this season. Accordingly, all guests must make an advance reservation in the form of a daily ticket or a season pass reservation. Daily tickets are available online and can NOT be purchased at the park. Season passholders may make reservations via a new system that will be launching shortly. Additional information will be shared with season passholders via email soon. Thank you for your understanding.

  • How Bout’ a Summer Salad?!

    How Bout’ a Summer Salad?!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Summer is finally here! As the temperatures start to rise, Loveland’s local businesses are preparing by offering fresh Summer specials, releasing new products, supporting new local causes, hosting fun community events, and creating fitness challenges.

    Here at Loveland Magazine, we thought it would be fun to share with you, our loyal readers, the “Summer Salad!” This segment will include everything you need to know about the community of Loveland and its local businesses so that you can live out your Summer to the fullest! So what are you waiting for Loveland?! Read below to see how you can support Loveland and have fun while doing it this Summer!


    Looking for a job?

    Community of Loveland, Ohio are you looking for a job and you have previous gutter installing experience? All American Gutter Protection is hiring! Visit All American Gutter Protection’s Facebook Page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/EndGutterCleaningForever/

    Want to help a local cause?

    Loveland Interfaith Effort LIFE is asking students to donate both backpacks and school supplies that they will no longer be using! Read below to see how you and your children can get involved now!

    “Now that your kids have finished their school year (albeit most unusual!), you’re likely cleaning out papers, book bags, etc. If you have gently used required reading books that are not likely to be read again, please consider donating them to LIFE for our August Student LIFE Shop event–they’ll be added to the age-appropriate backpacks and supplies. Donations can be dropped at any time to the bins inside the glass doors at the side entrance of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, or to the donation entrance at the Pantry (back of the church by the preschool ramp) during open hours (Th: 3-6:30, Sat. 9-12:30). Thanks for sharing the love of reading with our kids!”

    THIS WEEK’S PRIMARY NEEDS

    Beans of any kind
    Mixed vegetables
    Jelly
    Peanut butter
    Oatmeal
    Cereal
    Rice or rice dishes
    Fresh potatoes
    Fresh onions
    Apples or oranges

    Symmetry Women’s Virtual Event

    The time is almost here for the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance’s Symmetry Women’s Virtual Event! Visit this link: http://business.lovelandchamber.org/events/details/symmetry-2020-women-s-executive-virtual-event-6801 to see how you can join the event and receive your own SWAG BAG!


    The Loveland Museum Center Asks…

    Loveland, Ohio can you guess what this picture is of? Loveland Museum Center will be doing more fun picture challenges for the community throughout the Summer! Check https://www.facebook.com/LovelandHistoricalMuseum/ for the photo challenge results!

    LAST WEEK MANY OF YOU CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED THE JACK FOR AN AUTOMOBILE. HOW MANY OF YOU WILL IDENTIFY THIS WEEK’S “WHAT IS THIS” CORRECTLY?

    Go to the Museum’s FaceBook page to submit you guess.

    The museum will be closed on weekends until further notice. Scheduled events are postponed indefinitely. Check here and Museum Center Web page for updates. The office will remain open part-time and phone messages and emails will be answered in a timely manner.


     

    Loveland, Ohio if you have been following or are a part of Vibe Fitness Loveland’s Fitness Challenge the winners are being announced shortly! Stay tuned to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/vibefitloveland/ for the fitness challenge winners!

     

    Wow, check out these SUMMER flavors at Vibe Nutrition! Grab your favorite flavor today to cool down on the hottest day of the year!

    Vibe Nutrition

    @vibenutritionclub Smoothie & Juice Bar


     

    Steve and Julie Plitt, a local couple with strong ties to Loveland, Ohio are selling Pf5  Liquid Formula Hand Sanitizer in bulk!

    The Plitts offer Bulk, Totes, Cases, Individual Gallons, and Free Delivery to Southwest Ohio to combat viruses, germs, and bacteria!


    Kings Island announces 2020 Season opening dates

    An opening date for Soak City water park is to be determined…
    Kings Island announces 2020 Season opening dates
    Kings Island announces 2020 Season opening dates
    “Kings Island Park will open first to Season Passholders only, and will operate with stringent hygiene protocols, procedures to manage capacity and enable social distancing.”  Read on…

    New tees at RP Diamond

    As stores, restaurants, and boutiques begin to reopen, we want to remind everyone to support local businesses in any way you can! RP DIAMOND is offering “Support Local 45140” shirts online now! Show everyone how you support local business by rocking one of these awesome shirts around town!
    If you enjoyed reading the “Summer Salad” stay tuned for more Loveland local Summer fun updates and information!
  • To the class with 2020 vision… we made it!

    To the class with 2020 vision… we made it!

    Mihaela Manova is now a Loveland High School Graduate. She joined Loveland Magazine as an Intern in September of 2019 and was soon promoted to be the Editor for our “Covering Climate Now” series. She will study journalism at Miami University.

    Here is Loveland High School’s 2020 Graduation (my graduation) in photos and videos – you can experience the whole 11-hour day!

    By: Mihaela Manova

     

    Welcome by Olivia VonDeylen

     

    Carson Sarver Class President

     

    Senior Choir members perform Irish Blessing

     

    Sophia Dillhoff Salutatorian

     

    Ashley George Valedictory Address

     

    National Anthem Tribute by Chamber Orchestra and Show Choirs

     

    Principal Peggy Johnson

     

    Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse and School Board President Kathy Lorenz

     

    Each student receiving their diploma

    Below is the entire video of the LHS Graduation that was produced by the school.

    To see each graduate cross the stage drag the slider to the 28:52 minute mark.

    The entire video of the Commencement exercise 


    Also read these stories about the Class with 2020 Vision…

  • SNAP online food purchasing now available in Ohio

    SNAP online food purchasing now available in Ohio

    Ohioans who are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can now use their Ohio Direction cards to purchase food online through Walmart and Amazon, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has announced.

    “We know many Ohioans are struggling and that food purchasing has been a challenge for many, especially older Ohioans and those with limited access to transportation,” said ODJFS Director Kimberly Hall. “We hope online purchasing gives individuals more options and makes it easier for them to both stay safe and eat nutritiously.”

    Previously, Ohio SNAP recipients could order groceries online at Giant Eagle, Walmart and some Kroger stores, but they had to pay inside the stores or at curbside. After receiving federal approval, ODJFS successfully tested online purchasing with Walmart and Amazon. While Ohio SNAP recipients can order food online from a variety of retailers, only Walmart and Amazon allow online purchasing with EBT cards. Individuals may choose to have groceries delivered, but federal rules still prohibit using SNAP benefits to pay for any delivery charges.

    Qualify for SNAP

    Individuals may qualify for SNAP if their household’s gross monthly income is at or under 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. Ohioans can apply at benefits.ohio.gov. Benefits can be used to buy most food products, with the exception of alcoholic beverages, vitamins and/or medicines, and hot food
    made to be eaten immediately, including prepared food from grocery stores and restaurants.

    ODJFS has provided additional assistance to SNAP recipients during the pandemic:

    • Began issuing Pandemic EBT benefits for children who normally receive free or reduced price meals at school.
    • Issued supplemental SNAP payments to qualifying households in March, April and May and is preparing to issue them again in June.
    • Waived administrative verifications normally required at food banks, to streamline the process and limit person-to-person contact.
    • Extended SNAP recertification periods for March, April, May and June by six months.


  • Kings Island announces 2020 Season opening dates

    Kings Island announces 2020 Season opening dates

    “Kings Island Park will open first to Season Passholders only, and will operate with stringent hygiene protocols, procedures to manage capacity and enable social distancing.”

    Mason, OhioKings Island has announced this morning that they will be open initially for Season Passholders only and shortly thereafter for daily ticketholders.

    Key Park Opening Dates:

    • Park Open to Season Passholders: July 2 – 11
    • Park Open to Season Passholders and Daily Ticketholders: Beginning Sunday, July 12

    “We are ready to welcome our guests back to Kings Island for some long-overdue fun,” said Mike Koontz, General Manager of Kings Island in a news release. “The safety of our guests and associates has always been and will always be our top priority. The park’s new health and safety protocols align with CDC recommendations, and have been shaped by information from company and industry health and safety experts, along with our state and local government officials.”

    The Park says there are new protocols to create a safe and clean environment and include: 

    • A new online reservation system; each guest is required to have a reservation prior to their visit to enable capacity management;
    • A requirement to complete a pre-visit health screening declaration 24 hours prior to admission;
    • A touchless temperature screening prior to entering the facility for both guests and associates;
    • Requirements for all guests, associates and vendors to wear masks as directed by the protocols
    • Social distancing markers throughout the park, including ride queue lines;
    • Limited guest/associate contact;
    • Enhanced cleaning procedures, including additional deep cleaning and sanitization of restrooms, dining facilities and other busy areas;
    • Additional hand sanitization stations; and
    • Capacity management throughout the park.

    The park will initially open to Season Passholders with limited capacity and hours. Kings Island will be sending emails to passholders, inviting them to begin making reservations. Only passholders will be able to make reservations for at least the first week; daily ticket reservations will open within the next two weeks.

    An opening date for Soak City Water Park is to be determined.

    All guests are asked to download Kings Island’s free mobile app to make a reservation and facilitate their park visit. 2020 Season Passes have been extended to through 2021.

    Employment opportunities are currently available throughout the park, and a virtual hiring process has been deployed so applicants can apply and interview remotely. Openings can be found at www.visitkingsisland.com/jobs.



  • Have you been social distancing from Black Americans?

    Have you been social distancing from Black Americans?

    by Eric Armstrong

    Hello Loveland friends – I really hope if you read this first sentence and find the time to read these next several paragraphs. It’s lengthy but I think it’s important.

    Since graduating from Loveland High School in 1998, Eric Armstrong obtained degrees in Chemical Engineering and Spanish from Purdue University. When not working in technical sales; he enjoys traveling the world in his free time.

     

    Systemic racial inequality, prejudice, ‘White Privilege’, are tough topics, powerful words. I imagine white people; are uncomfortable when they hear them, feel defensive when directed towards them, and I think most importantly are confused about what to do about them.

    You see racists are easy to identify and label, they wear hoods, yell slurs, and burn crosses. Racists don’t hide their disdain, they’re proud of it, and most importantly I imagine 90% of White Americans can say unequivocally “I’m not a racist, that’s not me!” “My family raised us to…”, “I have very close ____ friends.” etc…

    Other words, however, are harder to define

    The other words however are harder to define; they are subtle, woven into our nation’s very fabric, everyday behavior, and actions. Unfortunately, our country was built and founded on them. In their most basic forms, even Black Americans can struggle to explain them, it’s often an uneasy feeling or a story, the way you were treated. It’s some simple task that Black Americans worry about that would never cross the mind of a white person.

    A profound ignorance exists in education

    Moreover, IF you as a White American can comprehend the definitions and give examples of these words, then you’d realize 100% of White Americans have existed/participated/enabled them. That’s honestly what is at the core of everything happening today. A profound ignorance exists and the cure is education, open dialogue, and a paradigm shift in how we respond.

    I personally haven’t said much about what’s happened recently about the rash of killings locally here in Indianapolis or across the country. I’ve admittedly deflected and given short PC answers. There are two reasons and they are shared by many Black Americans;

    1) It reopens painful feelings and emotional wounds, and if you’re a Black American who has existed as I have (fairly comfortably) it’s a jarring reminder of what could happen to you and your friends, family, and colleagues.

    2) It’s exhausting. If you know me, I enjoy talking and pushing the boundaries of comfort on many topics. I don’t shy away from talking about race if engaged and I try to keep the conversation light so I’m approachable and those who truly want to understand, learn and change have a safe place to do so. However, for every one of those interactions, there are 20 other conversations, comments, posts, when White American dismiss Black Americans’ experiences as “one-off occurrences” or say “why do you make everything about race. It isn’t always about race.” Or “Well if “______Black American” wasn’t doing _____, _____ wouldn’t have happened.”

    Something different is happening now

    So admittedly, lazily, embarrassingly, I felt like this latest response was going to be the US status quo. People get fake mad, they post “Black Lives Matter” and are upset for a while, some Black Americans protest and march, then in a couple months things/people go back to ‘normal’.

    But I decided to write this because something different is happening. White Americans are out marching too, they’re verbalizing the issues and not just repeating buzz words. Most importantly they’re engaging us. They’re messaging me, texting me and asking me to have conversations. They’re asking me what those confusing words mean to ME, asking what my experience has been.

    A business colleague who I consider a friend sent me this;

    “Weird non-work related question. Would you be interested in coming to our house for dinner in the next two weeks? No need to answer tonight. The bigger human conversation is that our kids need to meet people who don’t look like them.”

    WOW.

    Maybe it WILL be different this time…

    Because if everyone wants to know how we “fix things” how we “make it better”. That’s it in a nutshell. White Americans must willingly have a lot of introspection, ask questions of themselves and Black Americans, and state the following:

    “I acknowledge that though I’m not a racist; I’m ignorant, uninformed, and contributing to prejudice, systemic racism, and white privilege with my inactivity. My posts and words are NOT enough.”

    How do you know you are contributing to this climate?

    What are the questions? How do you know you are contributing to this climate?

    If as a White American you’ve ever posted or said, “Skin color doesn’t matter to me.” or “I don’t see race.” Unless you are actually visually impaired; you’re saying (whether you intend to) I’m not recognizing that because your skin is brown, your experience in this world has been markedly different than mine.

    It must be acknowledged that race is a factor, a variable in a human’s life experience and reactions, questions, interactions, must be adjusted.

    Change your language to take that into account, instead say, “I actively try not to let my inherent biases and ignorances negatively impact how I interact with Black Americans.” SEE COLOR, VALUE DIFFERENCES.

    If as a White American you’ve called something ‘ghetto’ or used the word as an adjective to associate things with Black Americans. I compare it with how people use the word ‘gay’ to describe something they dislike.

    Or you’ve said “_____ doesn’t act black” or “_____ isn’t really even black.” Your words mean you believe they exhibit positive characteristics ascribed to White Americans.

    Other behavior

    How about these? You have many black friends and co-workers… right? Have you been to their homes or invited them to yours? Do you vacation with them? Have these conversations with them?

    It may not be how you treat those Black American friends and colleagues. How do you interact with the Black Americans who are strangers? Do you strike up conversations? Do you avoid sitting by them, cross the street, wait for the next elevator…?

    I have seen a lot of this world and our country and I’ve been invited into the homes of strangers internationally and never to the homes of some of my ‘friends’ here in the US.

    My Christian friends; do you attend diverse church services? What does your congregation look like? God valued/preaches inclusion and diversity but why is the church segregated?

    How about the neighborhood where you live? Any Black neighbors? Do your kids have Black American classmates? Do Black American kids play with your kids at your home and vice versa? If you say “No, there just aren’t Black Americans where I live. I live there because it’s safe and has good schools.” Well if there are no Black Americans there; are they in the underperforming schools and unsafe neighborhoods? The separate but equal ones?

    You have to ask why is that?

    If you asked your kids who are three Black Americans they know? Are they all celebrities/athletes? Do you go to businesses, concerts, read books, and see movies by Black Americans? You have to ask why is that? Who/what experiences are you exposing yourself and family to or limiting them from becoming educated about?

    Racist people are not the problem – I call it arms length prejudice

    Again, the racist people are not the problem. We know where they stand and what they believe. It’s the tolerant White Americans, the ones that have casually existed with Black Americans. I call it arms length prejudice. You have been fine with Black people having equal rights as long as it doesn’t change your world, come into your neighborhood, school, or church. As long as it doesn’t date your sons and daughters.

    Have you been social distancing from Black Americans?

    Have you been social distancing from Black Americans? You have to ask yourself have you been perpetuating that arm’s length distance whether subconsciously or consciously? Do you want things to change? Do you really care about the Black friend(s) or those Black strangers that you post black squares and Black lives matter hashtags about? It’s going to take more than posts and rhetoric. If you care about Black Americans but stand by while prejudiced comments are being spoken or ‘posted’ then it won’t change.

    If it’s tolerated by our leaders and business owners as them just “speaking their mind” or “telling it how it is” then you are supporting their harmful rhetoric.

    Our young humans

    Many of you are currently raising the young humans who will determine how Black Americans are treated in the next 20 to 40 years and beyond. If you change their experiences and relationships with Black Americans you will change the behaviors and outcomes. Posts, black squares, and words are fantastic; education, action, and follow up are better.

    It’s time for conversations

    Marching and demonstrating serves only to keep the issue in front of people’s minds. The actual work is done right here with us having the conversations and listening. Calling people out, calling yourself out. A lot of people want to be healthy, but don’t want to exercise. I see the same behavior with race. A lot of White Americans want the conversations about race to stop, for the problems to go away, but they don’t want to do the hard work to get us there.

    A lot of people want to be healthy, but don’t want to exercise.

    It’s time for these conversations. For White Americans to ask your friends of color about the first time they were called the n-word or were pulled over/followed for no reason?

    These conversations that must be had between Blacks and Whites are going to be uncomfortable they’re going bring upon Whites feelings of guilt and shame and often times Blacks may be embarrassed or angry, not at you, about their struggle; but it’s an important step in healing and understanding.

    Conversations can start today

    Lastly, both Blacks and Whites must understand that changing a behavior takes a long time. Some people estimate it takes 10,000 hours of doing a task to master it. How many hours have you and your children spent discussing, interacting, and educating yourself about Black Americans? Black Americans, how many conversations have you opened yourself up to with White Americans? This is not going to happen overnight…but the conversations can start today.

    I LOVE YOU ALL & GOD BLESS

    Eric Armstrong graduated from Loveland High School in 1998


    FRONT PAGE STORIES

  • Kristy McNally interview about George Floyd and racial equality

    Kristy McNally interview about George Floyd and racial equality

    Loveland, Ohio – This is an interview with Kristy McNally just after she came back from one of the Prayer Peace Walks that have been organized by Desmon Gault all last week.

    The walks through Loveland neighborhoods were in response to the death of George Floyd who died in police custody on May 25 in the Powderhorn community of Minneapolis, Minnesota. While Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down on a city street during an arrest, Derek Chauvin, a white American Minneapolis police officer, kept his knee on the right side of Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds; according to the criminal complaint against Chauvin, 2 minutes and 53 seconds of that time occurred after Floyd became unresponsive.

    McNally lives in the West Loveland Historic District with her husband Mike and their children.


    FRONT PAGE STORIES

    Say their names: voices from the George Floyd protest

     
    Inwood Park, Cincinnati OH – Sunday, March 31st, 2020 After a handful of changes in location, the Facebook-organized rally labeled as “Be Heard, Be Safe;…
  • [Interview] Youth Pastor Scott Russ speaks about George Floyd and racial justice

    [Interview] Youth Pastor Scott Russ speaks about George Floyd and racial justice

    David Miller is the Editor and Publisher of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – This is an interview with the Epiphany United Methodist Church, Youth Pastor Scott Russ, just before he departed to join one of the Prayer Peace Walks that have been organized by Desmon Gault all this week.

    The walks through Loveland neighborhoods were in response to the death of George Floyd who died in police custody on May 25 in the Powderhorn community of Minneapolis, Minnesota. While Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down on a city street during an arrest, Derek Chauvin, a white American Minneapolis police officer, kept his knee on the right side of Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds; according to the criminal complaint against Chauvin, 2 minutes and 53 seconds of that time occurred after Floyd became unresponsive.


    FRONT PAGE STORIES

    Say their names: voices from the George Floyd protest

     
    Inwood Park, Cincinnati OH – Sunday, March 31st, 2020 After a handful of changes in location, the Facebook-organized rally labeled as “Be Heard, Be Safe;…
  • [Interview] Matt Baker speaks about George Floyd and racial justice

    [Interview] Matt Baker speaks about George Floyd and racial justice

    David Miller is the Editor and Publisher of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – This is an interview with Loveland resident Matt Baker just before he departed to join one of the Prayer Peace Walks that have been organized by Desmon Gault all this week.

    The walks through Loveland neighborhoods were in response to the murder of George Floyd who died in police custody on May 25 in the Powderhorn community of Minneapolis, Minnesota. While Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down on a city street during an arrest, Derek Chauvin, a white American Minneapolis police officer, kept his knee on the right side of Floyd’s neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds; according to the criminal complaint against Chauvin, 2 minutes and 53 seconds of that time occurred after Floyd became unresponsive.



    FRONT PAGE STORIES

    Say their names: voices from the George Floyd protest

     
    Inwood Park, Cincinnati OH – Sunday, March 31st, 2020 After a handful of changes in location, the Facebook-organized rally labeled as “Be Heard, Be Safe;…
  • Registration is live for Women’s Symmetry event!

    Registration is live for Women’s Symmetry event!

    Advertisement

    Registration is live for our Women’s Symmetry event! Join us virtually this year for a great happy hour with a fabulous speaker, Christine Neitzke from The Dragonfly Foundation!

    You’ll also get the amazing swag bags we all know and love with a social distance pick up!

    Register