Freshmen class hear Nick Jackson’s #IAmSPEAKLOVE presentation
It was a presentation for Tigers by a Tiger
Loveland, Ohio – Tuesday, March 20, Loveland High School (LHS) freshmen heard a message of love from LHS Class of 1998 Graduate Nick Jackson. The #IAmSPEAKLOVE message has been presented to almost one million students internationally, and helps students focus on respect and positive student-teacher communication, mental health issues and awareness, and suicide, self-harm and bullying prevention.
“This was a unique opportunity for our high school freshmen to hear from one of our own,” said LHS Counselor Jamie Gordon. “Mr. Jackson presents a powerful message with breakout sessions we knew would be a perfect fit for our district My Voice, My Choice campaign. We are so excited he was able to return back home to join us!”
The belief that ‘Love Wins’ was birthed within the walls of Loveland High School.
“Coming back to Loveland and speaking in the main auditorium was an absolute honor,” said Jackson. “My parents and the parents of my friends worked extremely hard for our families to afford the opportunities that Loveland has to offer. The belief that ‘Love Wins’ was birthed within the walls of Loveland High School, and during the presentation as a community we cried together, we laughed together and we – in unison – took one more step towards mental health and wholeness.”
The Loveland My Voice, My Choice campaign is designed to create a culture of kindness for students at all grade levels. Each year, each building in the district works to spread the My Voice, My Choice message in a variety of ways, including student recognition.
Everest has always been the dream for Loveland resident of 26 years, Matt Brennan. At the end of May, he will attempt the 80-day climb that has only completed by 4,000 people in history. Brennan will be the first in the Cincinnati area to make the trek.
Loveland resident, Matt Brennan, on Mt. Denali. Photos courtesy of Matt Brennan.
“I dreamed of this as a kid. I had posters on my wall of Mt. Everest as a kid. I’ve dreamed about it, so the opportunity to climb it is really quite emotional,” claimed Matt Brennan in an interview with Loveland Magazine.
Matt Brennan caught the climbing bug at the age of 14, and has been climbing for the 45 years since. Brennan, founder of the Cincinnati Center For Autism along with Loveland Excavating and Paving Inc, has climbed four of the “Seven Summits”– the tallest mountains on each of the seven continents. He estimates he has climbed over thirty mountains from Ecuador to Washington and “everything tall in the lower fourty-eight”. After months of rigorous daily training as a full-time job, he is nearing the climb. On March 25th, Brennan will begin his trek to conquer the tallest mountain in the world.
Matt Brennan gives a thumbs up from Mt. Denali, his most recent major climb
Matt Brennan claims that the real draw to climbing mountains is their beauty, rather than the physical endurance involved. However, he still sees the physical duress involved as a challenge and climbing as a competition of sorts.
“Everybody’s got some sort of competitive nature in them. To me, it’s a competition, it’s a grind, it’s a challenge, it’s the ability to dial in mentally and physically for a long period of time to achieve a goal,” said Brennan.
Matt Brennan lounges in his tent at 14,000ft
Of course, the climb itself is only part of the journey. The soon-to-be Everest climber can be found running up and down the Loveland High School bleachers most Saturdays, and estimates he has been training 30 hours a week since the first of the year, Brennan has been training for over a year and focuses on long-endurance building cardio.
“Instead of running eight minute miles, I’m trying to run ten minute miles but I’m following up that run with a 25 mile bike ride and an hour on the stairs with a 45 pound pack,” continued Brennan.
He went on to explain that he will often follow this routine once starting early in the morning and again in the evening. In addition, he gets regular massages along with physical health and progress checkups. All this is risk mitigation, but Brennan explained that if something unfortunate happens above 21,000 feet, it could very well mean death. Something like 1.5% of Everest climbers die. It’s not uncommon to see corpses along a trek.
Drew Horter, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Horter Investment Management and Matt Brennan, summiteer.
But, for Brennan, this is a calculated risk worth taking with an incredible potential payoff. Matt Brennan hopes all his work will culminate in one single event: summiting mount everest and standing on top of the world.
“I’ll probably be on my hands and knees crying, because that’s typically what I do. It’s pretty emotional. You work so hard, so long. […] In some respects, I’ve been training for a year and a half. So when you reach the top, the culmination of those goals, those emotions… I’ll probably be on my hands and knees crying,” predicted Matt Brennan.
The thousands of hours of training and years of work lead up to one potential 5.5 mile-high peak. But, Brennan, explained, the climb to the summit is only half the trek– the rest is getting back down.
Matt Brennan summits Mt. Denali
“On these big mountains, there’s no guarantee. Nothing’s guaranteed. Nothing’s given to you. I’ve known some of the best climbers who get to these mountains and they get stuck. I’m going to keep walking uphill until somebody tells me to stop or my body tells me to stop or I’m standing on top,” Brennan finished.
Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.
Loveland, Ohio – On the evening of Tuesday, January 23rd, local volunteer and business owner Kay Bolin was announced as the 2018 Loveland Valentine Lady. Bolin will fill the community-centric roles of Valentine Lady by visiting classrooms, churches and retirement homes and spreading a message of love and kindness. In a Loveland first, she was escorted by local restaurant manager, Cory Partin.
Kay Bolin O’Grady and Cory Partin speak to a class of first graders
“As of Friday, February 9th, Cory and I have visited 4 schools, 56 classes and approximately 1100 students. I spend 15 – 20 minutes in each class and my focus is sharing a story about love and kindness.”
The Valentine Lady program started in 1971, and began the tradition of Loveland postcards with the phrase “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love” which is still used today. That year the first “Valentine Lady” volunteered to handle the postcards, and the position has stuck. Each year, a new Valentine Lady is chosen for their community presence and volunteerism to continue the tradition. This year, the position has been passed along to Kay Bolin.
Kay Bolin presents a story about love and kindness
Watch Bolin’s induction as the 2018 Valentine Lady here:
Kay Bolin has been the director of marketing and sales at Whistle Stop Clayworks in downtown Loveland since 2009. The 2018 Valentine Lady opened the ceramics teaching studio and gallery with her husband, Tim O’Grady after purchasing an abandoned petroleum distribution business building in Historic Loveland.
Bolin is active with the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Board Of Directors and a frequent participant at chamber events. She also contributes her time to Loveland Stage Company. Past roles have included the Greater Loveland Historical Society Museum, Loveland Beautification and the Loveland Arts Council (of which Bolin was president for several years). Bolin as awarded the Community Involvement Award by the Chamber of Commerce in 2015.
In a Loveland first, Bolin was escorted by the manager of Tano Bistro & Catering, Cory Partin. “I would like to mention though that this year is the first year the program has a Valentine Lady Escort, Cory Partin is the 2018 Valentine Lady Escort and I am thrilled to have him by my side. We are having a blast and it is so awesome for us to share love and kindness in a community we both love so much,” Bolin claimed.
Kay Bolin poses with Loveland Elementary students. Bolin O’Grady has already spoken to hundreds of students.
Q&A With Kay Bolin:
Loveland Magazine: How long have you been in Loveland? What brought you here?
Kay Bolin: I moved to Loveland in 1992 when my job at the time transferred me here from Atlanta.
LM: What was the process that led you to become the 2018 Valentine Lady? How were you nominated?
KB: I was nominated by two dear friends. The process is all letters of nominations, which are due to the LMRCA in early November. They are then reviewed by the Valentine Program Committee which is made up of a representative from the school district, local business, and all previous Valentine Ladies. They vote on who they feel have distinguished themselves by their commitment and involvement in our community. It’s quite an honor to be nominated much less chosen. It was humbling.
LM: For anyone interested in being the 2019 Valentine Lady … what advice would you give?
KB: That’s a little difficult for me to answer as I didn’t plan on being a Valentine Lady– I just love our community and loved being involved… I think that is probably the common thread between most of the Valentines Ladies. And if you are fortunate enough to be chosen, have fun with it and keep in mind the theme of the Valentine Program: There is nothing in this world so sweet as love.
LM: Do you think a community can love?
KB: Yes, I do. I think that Loveland is a very loving community.
LM: What roles does a Loveland valentine lady hold. What have/will you do?
KB: My first schedule is going to various schools (pre-school through 3rd grade) from February 1 – 14. As of Friday, February 9th, Cory and I have visited 4 schools, 56 classes, and approximately 1,100 students. I spend 15 – 20 minutes in each class and my focus is sharing a story about love and kindness. I tell the children a story. Many end up teary-eyed, others confused. But most understand the message.
Another fun role is going to Loveland Health Care and crowning the Valentine King and Queen and visiting the Lodge Retirement Community for cookie decorating. But I am available to all area businesses, schools and nursing homes… just wherever I can share some love and kindness.
Loveland first graders decorate Valentines.
A Loveland first grader’s card along with the Loveland 2018 Valentine stampCory Partin and Kay Bolin O’Grady tell a story to a class of elementary school students. The 2018 Valentine Lady plans to retell the story at the The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Valentine breakfast.
The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Valentine Breakfast was on February 9 at the Oasis Conference Center at 8 AM. At the breakfast, it was announced that Kay Bolin is the 2018 Loveland Valentine Lady, following in the footsteps of Carol Williams. Poetry contest winners read their poems with past Valentine ladies in attendance.
Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Varsity men used a season-high 19 free throws and a season-high 13 steals to overcome an 8-minute first-half scoring drought and topple Turpin, 47-38 last Friday in the Tiger gym.
Junior Jalen Greiser led Loveland with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists, while fellow juniors Matt Toigo and Tripp Willis added 12 and 11 points, respectfully.
Willis caught fire in the fourth quarter, as he and Greiser scored all 17 of Loveland’s points in the final stanza to put the game away.
Sophomores Jeffrey Main (4 steals) and Brenton Faust (3 steals) helped to force 15 turnovers and keep Turpin below 33% shooting.
Loveland travels to Milford (Jan 23) and Kings (Jan 26).
Heather Higdon is the Chief Information Officer for the Loveland School District
by Heather Higdon,
Early on at Loveland High School (LHS) Sam Smith’s ability caught Photography Teacher Jim Barrett’s eye.
“We have a photo contest every year at LHS and it is open to all high school students,” said Barrett. “Most of the time it is entered by students that have taken Photography. Sam entered the contest as a freshman. The contest is judged by students in the photo classes and the Art Department staff and school principals. Sam’s work stood out to all involved. He won.”
Sam Smith – a Tiger since kindergarten – has been racking up accolades as a photographer, writer, journalist and filmmaker ever since. His passion for “sharing visual art that is both personal and universal” is evident. For this special feature, Sam shared what drives that passion – and offers younger Tigers some advice on how to make the most of their Loveland experience:
Loveland City School District (LCSD): Your creative work has put Loveland Schools on the map in larger forums – can you tell us about the awards you have earned so far, and what projects you are currently involved in?
LHS Senior Sam Smith (Photo courtesy of Lauren Questell)
LHS Senior Sam Smith (SS):Really, 2016 graduate Dean Parker put Loveland Schools on the larger map in my opinion. Many of my now closest friends met on the set of his film, Regret. There, we discovered a group of like-minded creatives and formed Loveland Film Club and a filmmaking community in Loveland. Dean introduced me to a lot of awards, people and film festivals that I would have otherwise never known about.
On the set of Regret, I received an email that I was a finalist for the Overture Awards, which is the region’s largest arts contest. I went on to speak about my work and have it displayed at the Aronoff center. From the 100 entries from different schools (each with their own vetting process), I was awarded First Place – something unusual and flattering for a sophomore. (Loveland Sophomore Sam Smith wins Overture Award)
SAM SMITH HONORS
Best of Category at Golden Lions Film Festival, Best Cinematography at Blue Ridge Young Filmmakers Festival, Best Cinematography at Premiere Film Festival, Best Editing and Cinematography and second overall in 2016 72 Hour Teen Film Challenge, Best Cinematography and third overall in 2017 Teen Film Challenge, Best of Show at Exposure: Montgomery Photo Show 2017 and 2016 student winner, National Film Festival for Talented Youth official selection and official selection and nominee for Best Cinematography and Best Director (for a film I assistant directed with Senior Stone Taul) at the All American High School Film Festival.
I’ve been named Best of Category at Golden Lions Film Festival, Best Cinematography at Blue Ridge Young Filmmakers Festival, Best Cinematography at Premiere Film Festival, Best Editing and Cinematography and second overall in 2016 72 Hour Teen Film Challenge, Best Cinematography and third overall in 2017 Teen Film Challenge, Best of Show at Exposure: Montgomery Photo Show 2017 and 2016 student winner, National Film Festival for Talented Youth official selection and official selection and nominee for Best Cinematography and Best Director (for a film I assistant directed with Senior Stone Taul) at the All American High School Film Festival.
At festivals like the All American High School Film Festival, pieces from Loveland have begun to dominate Ohio submissions. Loveland filmmakers have had their work shown on IMAX screens at the AMC in Time’s Square and the historic King’s Theater in Brooklyn. This year, three out of the five Ohio nominations at the festival were from Loveland. I shot four out of the eight total selections from Ohio, and Loveland students have collaborated with directors of six of the eight Ohio selections.
I’m currently writing a narrative film, editing behind the scenes for a proof-of-concept for a friend’s film, helping finish an experimental drama I did cinematography on, editing an experimental film I helped make for someone’s poetry-based film project, planning and running Loveland Film Club, putting together a new photographic portfolio about life after death and working for Loveland Magazine.
(LCSD): What is your personal favorite creation, and why?
(SS):I think right now my favorite piece is the music video I made for 2016 Loveland graduate, Ryan Mangan.
Delusion was a huge undertaking in very little time, and it was a chance to explore a genre of visual art I really enjoy. I had a lot of creative freedom and got a chance to utilize a technique I’d been experimenting with for a while. All the glitchy holographic effects were done in-camera frame by frame, and the entire film was shot in just two days with almost no crew. I spent most of my free time for about three months afterwards trying to piece the film together and get everything timed and looking just right. In the end, I’m pretty happy with the experimental semi-narrative told through the visuals and music. It’s not perfect, and every time I watch it I find new flaws. But I think that’s what pushes me forward as an artist and lets each piece be better than the last.
(LCSD): Who has inspired you at Loveland Schools to stretch yourself artistically and achieve the success you’ve achieved?
(SS):I’ve had a lot of inspiration in Loveland Schools. My biggest inspiration has definitely been from other students. Dean Parker really showed me how to have an idea and keep the forward momentum to make it a reality. Stone Taul, Sam Sauer and Jon Parker started the film club and have offered creative minds to bounce ideas off of and to inspire.
Teachers have also really inspired me at Loveland. Creative writing teacher Mrs. Borchers created a classroom atmosphere that allowed for honest expression and gave me confidence and momentum as a writer and as a person. Physical science teacher Mr. Laughman really showed honest and genuine interest to his students and would take time after class to talk about art and even how some of my photos related to concepts in physics. Strings teacher Mrs. Bierkan has watched me grow for the past eight years and helped me find an expressive artistic outlet. English teacher and now librarian Mrs. Bosse has been very encouraging of my art and writing, and helped teach me how to organize my thoughts in a way that other people can understand and feel– the basis of good art. Art teacher Mrs. Woodruff took time to personally encourage my creative endeavors and offer feedback.
Lastly, photo teacher Mr. Barrett has done so much for me as a student and artist. He gave an immediate and excited “yes” to the prospect of a Loveland film club and has critiqued, taught, pushed and helped me plan my photographs and films. He’s watched me grow as an artist and has always been encouraging and excited about my projects– he’s come to art shows and stayed many collective hours after school to help me prepare photographs, critique work and supervise the film club. I really appreciate what he’s done for me and for Loveland’s visual artists. He’s a dedicated teacher who really wants to help students achieve their creative potential.
(LCSD): What advice would you offer to younger students who are interested in creative pursuits – what should they be taking advantage of as they progress through Loveland Schools?
(SS):My biggest piece of advice is cliche and easier said than done, but it’s this: get out there and do it. Make art. The only thing holding you back is you. I’d heard it a million
“Get out there and do it. Make art.”
times, but it really took seeing the creative peers I found at Loveland making art for the notion of doing to sink in. Take electives that interest you and put everything you have into art you make for school – don’t just see it as an assignment, see it as an excuse for authentic self-expression. More than anything, surround yourself with creative and interesting people. There will always be an artistic community in Loveland. Take advantage of it.
(LCSD): If you could design your ideal future – what would it look like?
(SS):In a perfect world, I’d go on to make a living doing cinematography on narrative films and music videos, maybe supplementing some income shooting interesting commercials. I’d have the opportunity to bring my own visual style to the table and work somewhere interesting like LA or New York doing what I love with creative and driven peers.
(LCSD): Is there anything else you’d like to add?
(SS):Art is a form of expression, and in some ways a coping mechanism. Good art
“Visual art has the ability to speak above words and to say what there aren’t words for.”
transmits an idea, an emotion. It transmits something personal. And visual art has the ability to speak above words and to say what there aren’t words for. I really enjoy trying to share something that is both universal and personal. I try to share art that means something, art that has a purpose. If my images create a reaction, emotion or inspire thought then I feel that I’ve succeeded.
SAM SMITH WORKS AS A WRITER, PHOTOGRAPHER, AND VIDEOGRAPHER FOR LOVELAND MAGAZINE
Columbus, Ohio– On Friday, 11/10, Loveland High School soccer competed for the Division I state title at the Columbus MAPFRE stadium. The team bested Perrysburg High School 1-0, earning Loveland the OHSAA state championship. Junior Brooke Harden scored the winning goal with 21:20 remaining in the first half. The two teams battled for the next hour but failed to score again.
Loveland competed in the state championship in 2015 and fell to Walsh Jesuit. The freshman and sophomore players– now juniors and seniors– made it their mission to come back and claim the title. Players wrote messages about “The Mission” over car windows and fans held signs. The team was sent off to Columbus Thursday evening with a performance from the Loveland Marching Band, a police and fire escort out of the City, and a crowd gathered on a Loveland street corner to wave and cheer to the busses. At MAPFRE stadium, the home of the Columbus Crew, Loveland bolstered a packed stadium section of enthusiastic black-and-orange spectators with face paint and noisemakers.
Players enter the field lead by Brooke Harden, Colleen “Jelly” Swift and Lauren Williams
A determined Taylor Thole enters the stadium
Senior Tanner Miller poses from the fan section
The Loveland Women’s varsity soccer team
Casey West and Max Savage wait for the game to begin
Lauren Williams embraces Colleen “Jelly” Swift before the game, shouting about how she is ready to win
Lauren Williams laughs before beginning to warm up for the game against Perrysburg
Seniors Adam Clark and Gabe Harden pose from the stands
Ricky Vilar, Adam Paddock and Game Harden pose from the stands
Goalie Lauren Parker warms up before the game
Pete Matuszak begrudgingly accepts a headband from athletic director Julie Renner
Tiger Nation prepares for the game to begin
Shirtless fans stand in 20 degree fall weather
Carson Sencde, Tyler Dombrowski and Jack Stewart pose
Lauren Parker and Riley Massey huddle before the game
Loveland ends their pre-game huddle
Watch Loveland defeat Perrysburg and claim the state title:
For around an hour, Perrysburg fought without avail to take away the one-point lead Loveland held. Perrysburg attempted to score several times (notably within the last minute) but goalie and senior Lauren Parker consistently deflected and guarded the goal. Parker earned her 50th career shutout. She will play for the Miami Redhawks next year.
“I can’t even put it into words. We’ve had this goal since we lost two years ago and we just did it. That’s all I can say,” Parker told Loveland Magazine in a post-game interview.
Colleen Swift competes for the ball against Perrysburg
Colleen “Jelly” Swift falls after being fouled
Kaitlyn Andrews fights for the ball
Brooke Harden steals the ball from Perrysburg
Brooke Harden competes for the ball
Brooke Harden passes to a teammate
Zach Jacobs and Joey Fields take a break from drumming on a bucket
Brooke Harden drives to score the winning point
The team celebrates after Hardin’s goal midway though the first half
Brooke Harden attempts to steal the ball from Perrysburh
Kaitlyn Andrews fights for the ball
Colleen “Jelly” Swift gains control of the ball
Colleen Swift fights for the ball
Junior, Brooke Harden, kicks the ball away from Perrysburg
Southwest Ohio has formed a women’s soccer dynasty of sorts, claiming all the division state titles this year. Indian Hill took home division III, Summit Country Day Division II and Loveland Division I. Summit Country Day also won Divison III men’s soccer.
Sarah Harter fights for the ball
As the game neared an end, the stands turned to bedlam and rowdy excitement. Fans jumped, screamed, and cheered as it became clear that Loveland would take home the State Champion trophy.
When the clock hit zero, the team burst into emotion and ecstatic tears. Coaches and players embraced, jumped and screamed. A sign stating “The Mission Is Complete” appeared in the hands of players, while parents and friends embraced over the fence.
“It feels like we broke through a limit that was set two years ago”
“It feels like we broke through a limit that was set two years ago when we came in second. It felt like we finally accomplished the goal we had been working so hard for every year,” said Senior Colleen “Jelly” Swift.
Loveland paid their respects to the state runner-up while Perrysburg accepted their trophy and medals. Loveland players encouraged each other to clap for each opposing player and congratulate them on their success.
“As a coach, I am so proud of these kids and this program, but I am equally proud to have coached so many amazing young ladies. I am exceptionally of the fine young women they have turned out to be. The love and support that our alumni have shown through the years have been off the charts, as has Tiger Nation. Thanks to the Loveland community, alumni and administration… this one’s for you,” head coach Todd Kelly said in an official release.
A teary-eyed Julie Rener (athletic director) handed state champion medals to euphoric players and coaches. Teammates hugged and cried into each other’s shoulders in excited shock. Parents screamed and fans hollered. There was hardly a dry eye on the loveland side of the MAPFRE field.
“We became a family this season because we wanted to play for the player standing next to us and we did not want to let them down”
“I still can’t believe we just won state. It’s like it hasn’t processed into my brain yet because it’s just so amazing and unbelievable… We became a family this season because we wanted to play for the player standing next to us and we did not want to let them down. Also, I️ think our little saying, “Humble and Hungry”, played a big role in every one of us through our mission. Everyone used that to their own abilities which made us unstoppable,” Brooke Harden told Loveland Magazine.
Emily Kubin tears up after winning state
Sarah Harter watches Lauren Willaism embrace Maria Bashardoust after their win
Coach Todd Kelly hugs Lauren Parker
Riley Massey in excited shock
Brooke Harden holds a young fan, the son of a Loveland coach.
Emily Kubin wipes away tears of joy next to a belary-eyed Jelly Swift
Julie Renner hugs Brice Grieshop
Colleen “Jelly” Swift accepts her medal
Principal Peggy Johnson hugs head coach Todd Kelly
Jordan Morrison accepts her medal
Lauren Williams stands with her senior peers while Jerry Snodgrass congratulates them
Julie Renner holds the trophy
Jerry Snodgrass gives the State Champion trophy to Loveland
Loveland hoists their trophy
Colleen Swift holds a trophy
A crying fan and friend greets a player
A parent hugs a player
Loveland Athletic Booster President, Jeff Williams presents State Champion shirts to the team. Shirts will be availble for sale at Loveland High School.
Players run towards the emptying stands holding signs stating “the mission is complete”
Brooke Harden and Claire Massey pose after winning
Brooke Harden and Claire Massey embrace
Sarah Harter poses with a friend
Players leave the stadium, still teary-eyed and overjoyed
“You were not only humble but hungry all the time. It’s amazing, two years later, what you can accomplish if you stay focused,” OHSAA Director of Sports Management, Jerry Snodgrass told Loveland seniors after calling them forward.
Loveland Varsity women’s soccer poses after their win with the scoreboard in the backgroundColleen “Jelly” Swift hoists the trophy with the scoreboard in the backgroundLauren Parker (center) poses with friends for a selfie
Lauren Williams and Maria Bashardoust pose after winning
“It’s hard to believe that the mission is over. The last four years with Loveland Soccer has been a blessing to me. The girls, the coaches, and the support from the community is more than I could’ve ever asked for. This state championship has been in the making for many years. All of the alumni who taught each of us what Loveland soccer is about are the ones who made last night possible. I’m proud to be part of something so special,” said Sarah Harter after the game.
Loveland ended their season 22-1 win-loss. Colleen Swift was named the ECC women’s soccer athlete of the year and Todd Kelly coach of the year. Brice Grieshop, Brooke Harden, Riley Massey, Lauren Parker and Colleen Swift were named First Team ECC all-conference selections. Colleen Swift and Lauren Parker have been named to the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association Division I First Team.
Loveland Magazine extends its thanks and congratulations to the 2017 Loveland Varsity women’s soccer team. We would like to offer special thanks to Head Coach Todd Kelly, Athletic Director Julie Renner, Lauren Parker and everyone who has offered their time for interviews and photos. Great job, team — it’s been a pleasure reporting on your incredible journey to a State Championship.
-Writer/photographer Sam Smith and publisher David Miller
Thank you Jarvis Global Investments and Art Jarvis for supporting and making it possible for Loveland Magazine to cover Loveland Sports.
Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Elementary School teacher, Jen Miller brought her 1st-graders to the Loveland Magazine offices on November 2 to continue their year-long series of visits to learn about newspapers and further their writing skills. This was their second visit of the school year. On this last visit, the students practiced both their writing and reading skills by first writing messages to Veterans and then reading what they wrote in front of a camera. It was a twofold class, to hone skills and to honor Veterans as Veterans Day approached.
Miller said, “I want my students to know that we write for a variety of reasons. For enjoyment, to inform, and to honor others.”
Loveland Magazine writer and photographer Sam Smith
The photos below, many taken by Loveland Magazine photographer, Sam Smith are from both visits. Smith also spent time with the children telling them how he prepares photos for his stories. The students are learning how modern newspapers operate and that their stories can be read on a computer, tablet, and smart-phone. Loveland Magazine was the first newspaper in Ohio to be the first “on-line only” newspaper to be accepted into the Ohio Newspaper Association, now the Ohio News Media Association.
“I want them to know that writing happens beyond the walls of our classroom. That’s why these trips to Loveland Magazine are priceless life experiences for my students, my parents, and for myself,” said Miller.
Emma Dickman
Miller always brings six or seven parent volunteers with the class who keep them safe on the walk and sit on the floor with the students and engage with the writing task.
Senior Emma Dickman, a High School Ambassador from the Teaching Professional Academy at Loveland High School always accompanies the class as well.
As the year progresses the 1st-graders will collaborate writing a story about their school, email their story with their photos to Loveland Magazine, and participate in publishing their news. They will also come to Loveland Magazine in the Spring to teach us here at Loveland Magazine how as first-grade students they are taught in the classroom to write stories.
Our daughters learn very early whether it’s safe to expose their feelings to us. Not just their sadness, fears and worries — but also their triumphs, because sharing one’s proud moments is actually the greater risk — [Continue reading: https://tinyurl.com/y9tehy2v]
Mary Ann Lynn says, “Let’s keep the positive momentum going.”
by Mary Ann Lynn
Earlier this year, 2,000 Loveland residents voiced their distrust and lack of confidence in then-Mayor Mark Fitzgerald by signing a petition for his recall. If Loveland voters want to continue the progress started with the recall effort, we must elect individuals who are committed to change the way Loveland City Council conducts business.
Council candidates Rob Weisgerber, Neal Oury, Ted Phelps and Tim Butler deserve your vote on November 7. Each is committed to lead our city with transparency, resident engagement and collaboration. Incumbent candidates Weisgerber and Phelps have served our city with unwavering integrity and dedication,
Council candidates Rob Weisgerber, Neal Oury, Ted Phelps and Tim Butler deserve your vote on November 7.
and have consistently displayed respect for Loveland residents and our city’s laws/charter. Newcomers Butler and Oury bring new ideas and fresh perspectives, but with the same commitment to ethics and greater effectiveness. That’s why these four candidates have been endorsed by two community organizations – Neighbors for Loveland and the Loveland Community Heartbeat PAC.
Let’s keep the positive momentum going. Let’s get back to working together – Loveland City Council, residents, community organizations and the chamber of commerce – to make good things happen! Please vote for Weisgerber, Oury, Phelps and Butler for Loveland City Council.
The 2017 Loveland City Election is about the future of our community. Loveland is changing, young families are moving here, new businesses are opening, and existing businesses are adapting to the changes in our community. These new stakeholders, along with those who make up our history, deserve a leader who understand the changes, embraces them, and has the vision to continue this vibrancy and growth.
I am that leader, I have a record of success and I have a plan for the future. Over the last four years I have led an effort to bring more revenue into our community through strategic growth, implementing innovative methods to collect already owed money, and bring new professional minds into our city government through committee appointments. I did all of this without asking the residents of Loveland for a tax increase.
I am that leader, I have a record of success and I have a plan for the future.
In my second term I plan on moving forward with a city government and resident engaged plan on the City Hall development, continue to bring our new residents to the table through our committees, and continue to assist in the growth of our new and current businesses throughout our entire community. This plan will support the ideas of our longtime residents, while bringing the new stakeholders to the table. For Loveland to grow, and be here for a new generation of families, we must not fear new people and new ideas. We must work with them. I will represent all of Loveland over the next four years.
During my campaign I have talked about the concept of a Loveland that is Prouder, Stronger, Better. We embrace our history, we celebrate what is happening today and look forward to a positive future. Four years ago, I saw a Loveland that had a lot of potential but needed new leadership and vision. I decided to run for office, and I won my first term in 2013. During my first term I have a record of success at city hall and in my second term I will continue moving forward and not ask the taxpayers to foot the bill.
Pam Gross is a member of Loveland Council and is running for re-election
To quote a hero of mine – you need to ask yourself is Loveland better off today than four years ago. I believe it is, that is why I ask you to vote for Pam Gross on November 7th
On December 15, 2016, a Loveland City Hall newsletter was sent to residents announcing, “Downtown Development on the Horizon.”
The announcement continued, “Thus in 2017, the plan is for the current City Hall to be demolished. The planned replacement (elevation renderings shown above) is a four story building.“
The story sounded a little fishy to Loveland Magazine as we keep a pretty close eye on City Hall and we had never heard of the proposal, let alone how it could be a done deal. Also to be sure we did not miss something we researched past meeting minutes and found no council vote… no discussion… nothing. Someone at City Hall had written a story that wasn’t true, yet that didn’t stop the Loveland Herald from running with the story. Why wouldn’t they, they would not know better as they had stopped attending Loveland Council meetings years ago. Never-the-less, the Herald was able to gather enough quotes to write about the imminent demolition of Loveland’s City Hall.
Loveland Magazine never reported the story because we knew it was not true.
The newsletter and the Herald story fit the textbook definition of “fake news”, except it wasn’t going to end up being “fake” if City Hall could get away with the backroom scheming it took to hatch the plan. Many residents had different ideas.
The other things residents became aware of was the sudden announcement to impose very high fees and severe restrictions for community groups holding public events. Many residents had different ideas.
Add to that, the announcement that Donna Bednar would not be re-appointed to the Loveland Beautification Committee, and the subsequent resignation of all but one member.
Add to all of this upheaval was when behind City Hall’s closed doors a decision was made to “Trademark” the name Christmas in Loveland and the surprise announcement that City Hall had usurped the event that belonged to the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance.
It’s where the hashtag, “#lovelandtransparency” comes from.
This is where the stories below start and will give readers a final chance to catch up on our City Hall reporting (including the successful re-call effort of the sitting mayor) before they go to vote next Tuesday. These are resident views, candidate views, and some of the legal challenges both residents and council members faced this past year.
These stories below appear in the order they were published – oldest to newest.
![Meet Kay Bolin: the 2018 Valentine Lady [Q&A and videos]](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/bolin.png)
Heather Higdon is the Chief Information Officer for the Loveland School District
![Loveland women’s soccer: state champions [photo gallery+video]](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/featureb.jpg)
by David Miller,
by Pam Gross,
