LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: loveland ohio

  • Homemade Greeting Cards Create Important Opportunities for LHS Special Needs Students!

    Homemade Greeting Cards Create Important Opportunities for LHS Special Needs Students!

    by Cassie Mattia

    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!

    You can buy handmade cards made by special needs students at LHS

    For more inspirational Loveland stories stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • Loveland School Covid 19 Dashboard for October 24, 2021

    Loveland School Covid 19 Dashboard for October 24, 2021

    Loveland, Ohio – At the beginning of each week, the Loveland City School District releases their latest Covid 19 Dashboard.

    Note the correction to the 10/3/ report and that community cases increased from 51 to 62.

  • EIA forecasts U.S. winter natural gas bills will be 45% higher in the Mid-West than last winter

    EIA forecasts U.S. winter natural gas bills will be 45% higher in the Mid-West than last winter

    Expect the largest increase in retail natural gas prices to occur in the Midwest, where prices rise to $11.28/Mcf, a 45% increase compared with last winter

    Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Winter Fuels Outlook

    average winter residential natural gas bill expenditures

    In their latest Winter Fuels Outlook, the U.S. Energy Information Administration forecast that U.S. households that primarily use natural gas for space heating will spend an average of $746 on heating this winter (October–March), which is $172, or 30%, more than last year.

    Natural gas is the primary heating fuel for 48% of U.S. homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey. Residential spending on winter natural gas bills is largely determined by the retail price of natural gas and the amount of natural gas consumed.

    Higher retail natural gas prices are the primary driver for the expected increase in natural gas heating expenditures this winter, according to the Agency. On average, retail natural gas prices in the United States are expected to rise from $10.17 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) last winter to $12.93/Mcf this winter, the highest price since the 2005–06 winter average. They say they expect the largest increase in retail natural gas prices to occur in the Midwest, where prices rise to $11.28/Mcf, a 45% increase compared with last winter.

    winter average residential retail natural gas price by region

    Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Winter Fuels Outlook

    The increase in retail prices reflects rising natural gas spot prices over the past year. Changes in natural gas spot prices typically get passed along to retail rates over a period of months because of regulatory rate structures. Utilities generally cannot profit or lose money from natural gas commodity sales, whose costs are passed along directly to the consumer.

    In addition to the steady rise in natural gas spot prices over the past year, many utilities had to raise prices for consumers following the February 2021 cold snap that affected most of the country, but particularly Texas and the Midwest, according to the report. During the cold snap, many utilities had to purchase natural gas at spot prices that were higher than anticipated. However, because retail rates were already set for the month, utilities did not collect enough to cover the cost of the natural gas. To make up for this undercollection, many utilities opted to raise prices in subsequent months to spread out the costs to consumers over several months.

    Higher-than-expected natural gas expenditures this winter also result from slightly higher-than-expected consumption compared with last year. For households that use natural gas as their primary space heating fuel, we expect average consumption this winter to be 57.7 Mcf, a 2.4% increase from last winter. The higher consumption is driven by a 2.6% forecast increase in the number of heating degree days (a measure of heating demand) compared with last winter. In our October Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), They estimate that U.S. natural gas inventories ended September at 3,304 Bcf, which is 5.5% below the five-year average for this time of year.

    Principal contributors: Corrina Ricker, Stephen York

  • Claudia Bow finds comfort in the wonder of the cosmos

    Claudia Bow finds comfort in the wonder of the cosmos

    by David Miller

    Claudia Bow (provided photo)

    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.

  • Giuffré to remain Loveland Interim Treasurer

    Giuffré to remain Loveland Interim Treasurer

    Robert Giuffre’

    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.

  • Lauren Enda: Respect the citizens of Loveland enough to allow us to vote on the parking garage plan

    Lauren Enda: Respect the citizens of Loveland enough to allow us to vote on the parking garage plan

    Lauren Enda lives in Loveland at Hidden Creek

    by Lauren Enda,

    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:

    1. 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.

  • Loveland native Ensign Jacob Ponchot serves aboard USS Essex

    Loveland native Ensign Jacob Ponchot serves aboard USS Essex

    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.”

  • Video re-broadcast: Meet the candidates for the Loveland Board of Education

    Video re-broadcast: Meet the candidates for the Loveland Board of Education

    Ricky Mulvey was the Emcee and Ring Announcer
    David Miller

    by David Miller

    Who was in your corner?

    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.

    Loveland’s 2021 General Election candidates

    Important Election Dates for Voters in Ohio

    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.

    View the Ohio Secretary of State voting calendar and schedule in a Month by Month view

    *REGISTER TO VOTE OR UPDATE YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION INFORMATION (Update your voter registration address)

    Find your Early Voting Location

    Find your Polling Location

    District Maps

    STATE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DISTRICTS

    FEDERAL CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

    EDUCATIONAL & JUDICIAL DISTRICTS

    IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

    Future Voter Coloring Pages (ohiosos.gov)

    DOWNLOAD

    Clermont County Board of Elections Website

    Hamilton County Board of Elections Website

    Warren County Board of Elections Website

    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.

  • Show off Your Pet’s Halloween Costume in November’s Pet of the Month Contest!

    Show off Your Pet’s Halloween Costume in November’s Pet of the Month Contest!

    Self-described “Dog Mom” Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland with Nala, Dean, and her boyfriend Adam. Cassie is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine.

    November DEADLINE extended for Halloween costumes!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Is there really anything cuter than a pet in their spookiest Halloween costume?! Now is your chance to show off your pet’s Halloween attire in November’s Pet of the Month contest!

    If you are a Loveland resident and live close to the Loveland Bike Trail you know more than anyone that Loveland has a special place in its heart for pets. From dogs to cats to horses to exotic animals the Loveland community welcomes all animals with open arms! This is why here at Loveland Magazine we want to celebrate your pets!

    At the beginning of every month, we select and feature “Loveland’s Pet of the Month,” in which that pet will then be featured in our publication, weekly newsletters, and our social media platforms for that entire month.

    The featured pet will also receive a beautiful, glossy, high-quality 8X10 photo keepsake that will be mailed to the pet owner’s home. We love our pets as much you do Loveland so let’s pay tribute to them together every month!

    • Dean is Cassie’s 10-year-old Dorkie
    • Nala is Cassie’s 3-year-old Pitbull/Lab mix

    The winner will also be rewarded with a Nothing Bundt Cakes Bundtlet Tower, and a gift card to The Works Pizza.

    To enter into Loveland’s Pet of the Month contest you must email me, Cassie Mattia, at cmattia12@gmail.com 2-5 of your favorite photos of your pet along with a short bio about your pet. Share with us and the community why your pet is so special to you along with any other unique facts that set your little buddy apart from other pets!

    The window for receiving November Pet of the Month candidates is being extended to November 1st so that you have the opportunity to send in photos of your pet in their Halloween costume!

    November’s Pet of the Month will be Announced on Friday, November 5th.

    When sending in your pet photos and bios please include your pet’s name, age, and breed as well as your contact info with a short description of each photo you provide us with. If you want to share where your pet’s favorite spots are in Loveland that would be great as well!

    Remember we DO NOT discriminate against any pets; all pets are welcome to enter into the contest! And, if your pet does not like the spookiness of Halloween or your iguana just won’t sit for a Halloween pose, don’t be “frightened” that she won’t be chosen.

    We are so excited to share the love you have for your pets and the joy they bring you every day with the community!

    ENTER YOUR PET

    Read about Loveland Magazine’s October Pets of the Month

    Read about Loveland Magazine’s September Pets of the Month

  • Join Skeletor at the Simpson Farm Asylum for the Top 5 Must-Watch Halloween Movies!

    Join Skeletor at the Simpson Farm Asylum for the Top 5 Must-Watch Halloween Movies!

    Cassie Mattia as Skeletor

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – With Halloween right around the corner, it only seems right to take YOU our readers to the Simpson Farm Asylum where you will once again meet Skeletor the Halloween Movie Guru!

    Everyone loves a good scary movie, especially during Halloween, but at times it can be tough selecting the one that will be sure to chill you to the bone! Skeletor, who hibernates all year at the Simpson Farm Asylum, located at Loveland Magazine’s office, awakens in October to celebrate all things spooky and to share what 5 Halloween movies you should watch in preparation for the 31st.

    Follow me down to the Simpson Farm Asylum where we will meet Skeletor for the 2021 Top 5 Halloween Movies! Turn off the lights, snuggle under your favorite blanket, grab a bag of candy, and prepare to be creeped out!

    Skeletor’s 2021 Top 5 Halloween Movies and Where to Find Them!

    • Nightmare on Elm Street, 1984, Supernatural Slasher, Rated R, Watch on HULU or HBO MAX
    • The Hills Have Eyes, 2006 remake, Horror, Rated R, Watch on AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
    • Goosebumps The Series, 1995, Children’s Anthology Horror Television Series, Rated PG, Watch on NETFLIX
    • Fear Street The Trilogy, 2021, Horror Film Series, Rated R, Watch on NETFLIX
    • Child’s Play, 2019 remake, Slasher, Rated R, Watch on HULU or AMAZON PRIME VIDEO

    Here is a collection of still photos from the Skeletor video shoot taken by David Miller.

    Loveland Area Trick or Treating will take place between 6 PM and 8 PM on Sunday, October 31st!

    Take a Look at my Skeletor Photo Album!

    Did you miss Skeletor last year? Click below to watch Skeletor’s 2020 Top Halloween Movie Picks!

    Skeletor Introduces October “Fright Nights!”

    Need more Halloween movie selections?! Click below to see my Part 1 and Part 2 2019 Top 10 Must-Watch Halloween Movies!

    Loveland Magazine Celebrates Fall With Cassie’s Guide to the Top 10 Best Halloween Movies PART 1
    PART 1
    Loveland Magazine Celebrates Fall With Cassie’s Guide to the Top 10 Best Halloween Movies PART 2
    PART 2