LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: loveland

  • [Exclusive Video] April 7 meeting of the Loveland Board of Education

    [Exclusive Video] April 7 meeting of the Loveland Board of Education

    Loveland, Ohio – On April 7 the Loveland Board of Education held a work session using a remote meeting platform.

    Here is a re-play of the meeting.

    AGENDA

    1.1 Adoption of Board Agenda

    1.2 Pledge of Allegiance

    2. Superintendent Discussion Topics

    2.1 Progress Report on Building Closure Due to COVID-19

    2.2 Planning Commission

    3. Superintendent Resolutions
    3.1 Resolution declaring an emergency, suspending board policy related to public participation at board meetings, and authorizing remote meetings

     

    A RESOLUTION DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, SUSPENDING BOARD POLICY RELATED TO PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOARD MEETINGS, AND AUTHORIZING REMOTE MEETINGS

    WHEREAS, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that can result in serious illness or death, is caused by the SARS-C0V-2 virus, which is a new strain of coronavirus that had not been previously identified in humans and can easily spread from person to person between individuals who are in close contact with each other (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected persons coughs or sneezes. It may also be possible to contract COVID-19 through the touching of a surface that has the virus on it then touching one’s own mouth, nose or eyes; and

    WHEREAS, the Governor has declared a state of emergency with respect to the spread of the novel coronavirus; and

    WHEREAS, the Director of the Ohio Department of Health has ordered that all K-12 schools be closed to students through 11:59 p.m. on May 1, 2020, and this order may be extended beyond that date; and

    WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Health has further ordered residents of the state to stay at home except to conduct essential business and prohibits public or private gatherings of more than ten individuals occurring outside a single household; and

    WHEREAS, House Bill 197 was enacted on March 27, 2020 as an emergency measure which was designed to assist schools and other public bodies to maintain operations during this health emergency in a way that complies with orders issued by the state and federal government; and

    WHEREAS, in order to permit the fair and orderly expression of public comment at its meetings, the Board has adopted a public participation policy; and

    WHEREAS, while the Board intends to continue to conduct the business of Loveland City Schools and to keep the community informed of its discussions and decisions related to the official business of the District, the Board must also act to protect the health and safety of its members, staff, students and other community members who may enter on to school premises.

    NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District, that after careful consideration and evaluation of the information before it:

    Section 1. The Board of Education hereby finds that an emergency exists with regard to the spread of a serious communicable disease, COVID-19.

    Section 2. In order to prevent against the further spread of the novel coronavirus, the Board of Education hereby temporarily suspends its public participation policy, which shall no longer be in effect upon adoption of this Resolution by a majority of the Board. Such policy may be reinstated through a subsequent action taken by the Board of Education.

    Section 3.In order to enable the Board of Education to continue with District operations during the public health emergency,the Board of Education may meet telephonically or through other electronic means, including conference calls or other meeting technology to conduct the public business of the public body while emergency orders of the federal and/or state government are in effect limiting public gatherings. Members will be considered present regardless of whether they attend in person or remotely, and their votes shall be counted for the purpose of determining quorum. Such meetings will be properly noticed to the public through the established and usual method of notice to the public.

    SECTION 4. In order to provide an opportunity for attendance by the public, news media, and any other person that has requested notification of meetings via the technology utilized will be made available to the extent reasonably possible and feasible. The means of technology and information on how to access the meeting as a member of the public will be made available. The Board of Education intends to fully honor its obligations under the Open Meetings Act (R.C. §121.22) through measures approved by House Bill 197 (2020).

    Section 5. The Board of Education hereby finds and determines that all formal actions relative to the adoption of this resolution were taken in an open meeting of this Board of Education, and that all deliberations of this Board of Education and of its committees, if any, which resulted in formal action, were taken in meetings open to the public, in full compliance with applicable legal requirements, including Section 121.22, ORC and House Bill 197 (2020).

    Section 6. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and immediately after its adoption and shall supersede any prior resolution or act of this Board of Education that may be inconsistent or duplicative with the provisions of this resolution.

    3.2 Resolution for a Contingency Plan for the 2019-2020 school year in the event school is closed for more than the hours permitted under board policy and state law

    CONTINGENCY PLAN

    FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR

    IN THE EVENT SCHOOL IS CLOSED

    FOR MORE THAN THE HOURS PERMITTED UNDER

    BOARD POLICY AND STATE LAW

    WHEREAS, Ohio Revised Code §3313.48 mandates that a school district must be open for instruction with pupils in attendance for a minimum number of hours each school year; and

    WHEREAS, R.C. §3313.482 authorizes a board of education to adopt a plan that permits students to make up missed hours of instruction via online/remote learning in the event that schools are closed for a disease epidemic or other reasons; and

    WHEREAS, House Bill 197 (2020), which was enacted on March 27, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic health emergency, authorizes the Loveland City School District Board of Education (the “Board”) to adopt a plan to provide for online learning opportunities for students to make up an unlimited number of hours in lieu of attendance on days when buildings are not open to students during the 2019-2020 school year in compliance with any order issued by the Ohio Director of Health and/or a local board of health; and

    WHEREAS, the Board has developed a contingency plan in accordance with R.C. §3313.482 under which district students will make up any time missed through online instruction/remote learning that caused the district to fall below the minimum number of hours of instruction required by section 3313.48 of the Ohio Revised Code and Board Policy; and

    WHEREAS, the Board desires to adopt said plan; and

    WHEREAS, House Bill 197 (2020) also permits the Board to adjust the student grading criteria and the Board has determined it necessary to modify the method for student promotion and retention during this crisis.

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District that:

    SECTION I

    Pursuant to R.C. §3313.482 and House Bill 197 (2020), the Board hereby authorizes the following plan to allow students of the Loveland City School District to access and complete online/remote lessons in order to fulfill the required number of hours during the 2019-2020 school year:

    1. Each teacher shall develop a sufficient number of lessons for the days and hours of closure.
    2. Teachers will submit the lessons to the building principal for approval. The building principal will certify that the lessons are equal to or greater than the amount of instructional time the student missed.
    3. As soon as practicable, the appropriate administrator will direct staff about how to make lessons available through a District approved website or other technology portal.
    4. The teacher will be responsible for posting the lessons online.
    5. Teachers will regularly assess the progress of students and will update or replace such lessons as necessary throughout the remainder of the school year based on the results of the assessments.
    6. For students who experience difficulty accessing the online material or who do not have access to a computer, the Board hereby authorizes “blizzard bags” as needed, which are paper copies of the lessons/assignments posted. Teachers shall prepare paper copies approximating the content of the online lessons and shall update such paper copies when updating any of the online lessons. Blizzard bags will be distributed by school personnel or during scheduled pick up times. Printed copies of any graded lessons or assignments will be included in the blizzard bags.
    7. This plan was shared with the teacher’s employee representative.

    SECTION II

    Should circumstances warrant a change in the plan during the 2019-2020 school year, this contingency plan may be amended by the Superintendent at any time in his or her discretion.

    SECTION III

    In order to provide appropriate educational opportunities to students through alternative methods, to allow promotion from grade-to-grade, and so not as to penalize students who determine to complete assignments through the offered alternative means, the Board temporarily suspends current Board Policy 5421 on the award of letter grades, which shall no longer be in effect upon adoption of this Resolution by a majority of the Board. Such policy may be reinstated through a subsequent action taken by the Board. Any other Board Policy that is inconsistent with the action taken within Sections III and IV of this Resolution shall also be temporarily suspended until such time as Board Policy 5421 is reinstated.

    SECTION IV

    The Board authorizes the Superintendent and School Administration to develop and implement a system of pass/not pass grading for each course in grades 5-8 within the Loveland City Schools instructional program until such time as the Board restores the grading policy.

    SECTION V

    IT IS FOUND AND DETERMINED that all formal action of this Board concerning or related to the adoption of this Resolution was adopted in an open meeting of this Board, and all deliberations of this Board that resulted in such formal action were adopted in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Ohio Revised Code.

    3.3 Resolution delegating authority for determining it impracticable or impossible to evaluate employees due to COVID-19

    RESOLUTION DELEGATING AUTHORITY FOR DETERMINING IT IMPRACTICABLE OR IMPOSSIBLE TO EVALUATE EMPLOYEES

    DUE TO COVID-19 

    WHEREAS, Board of Education of the Loveland City School District (the “Board”) employees are annually evaluated in accordance with Ohio statues and Board policies; and

    WHEREAS, an Order of School Closure was issued by Ohio Department of Health Director Acton on March 14, 2020 and in response to the Order of School closure, House Bill 197 (2020) was enacted on March 27, 2020; and

    WHEREAS, language contained in HB 197 (2020) permits the Board to elect not to evaluate employees when it is deemed impossible or impractical to do so based on the implications of COVID-19.

    NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District:

    SECTION I 

    For the 2019-2020 school year, due to the Director of Health’s March 14th Order, or any extension of an order to close all kindergarten through 12th grade schools, and the language of House Bill 197 (2020), the Board hereby delegates authority to the Superintendent, Treasurer, or their individual designees to determine and deem it impossible or impracticable to conduct an evaluation of Board employees in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and Board policies.

    SECTION II

    It is found and determined that all formal actions of this Board concerning or related to the adoption of this Resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Board, and all deliberations of this Board and any of its committees that resulted in such formal actions were adopted in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all applicable requirements of the Ohio Revised Code.

    3.4 Approve rescheduling of Board Meetings

    Move the April 21, 2020 Board of Education Business Meeting to April 30, 2020

    Move the May 5, 2020 Board of Education Work Session to May 12, 2020

    Move the May 19, 2020 Board of Education Business Meeting to May 28, 2020

    These meetings will all be conducted in a virtual format due to the extension of the “Stay at Home” order signed on 4/2/2020.

    4. Treasurer Discussion Topics

    4.1 Costs Related to the Building Closure Due to COVID-19

    5. Treasurer Resolutions

    5.1 Recommend to refund tuition for full day kindergarten for 50% of March and 100% for April

    6. Meeting Closing
    6.1 Adjournment
  • LHS’s Men’s Track and Field Coach Tells us What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

    LHS’s Men’s Track and Field Coach Tells us What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

    On Senior Night, April 26, 2019, during the Dawn Dahart Track and Field Invitational, Cooper Smeller cleared 14’9” to break the school pole vault record by an inch.

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – As May inches closer and closer, many LHS athletes are working hard to stay in the best shape they can in preparation for their Spring seasons. School is set to potentially open on May 4th and if indeed that happens Spring sports will reconvene as well!

    Over the past couple of weeks, we have made it our goal to check in with LHS’s coaches and athletes to see just what they are doing to stay in shape in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. We have received some impressive responses from several motivated athletes and coaches! This week we chatted with LHS’s Head Men’s Track and Field Coach, James Vanatsky, to see what he is having his team do just in case the 2020 Track season continues.

    LHS’s Head Men’s Track and Field Coach, James Vanatsky

    Coach Vanatsky shared that he has been consistently sending out optional workouts every morning at 7:30 A.M. for his dedicated team.

    “Some of our guys are early risers and they want to know what the workout will be so they can plan accordingly as to where and how they may have to complete their workouts,” Vanatsky said, “We send our workouts out through an app we have used for several years called ‘Remind 101.’ Before the quarantine I would use the app to send reminders to our guys for all kinds of things in the off-season and in-season but is it obviously handy in our current situation.”

    Vanatsky also mentioned that the other Men’s Track team coaches have been getting involved by sending him daily optional workouts so that he can then add the workouts to what he sends out to the team.

    “Our strength coach Derek Berry sends the team various workouts they can do based on the teams’ access to available weights, dumbbells, stretch bands, etc,” Vanatsky explained, “Our kids have told us they have been using the Loveland Bike Trail quite a bit for their workouts. They are supposed to be practicing social distancing while they workout but without being there in person (which we are not allowed to do) so it is hard to say if kids are completely by themselves or if they are getting up with a teammate or two in order to stay motivated and accountable for their workouts.”

    With large neighborhoods spread throughout Loveland and easy access to the Loveland Bike Trail, Coach Vanatsky told us that he is very fortunate that his team is able to train outside in a safe and open environment.

    “What percent of our kids are actually working out is hard to say,” Vanatsky added, “Also we do not know what intensity and regularity the workouts are being completed. It is obviously difficult to stay motivated when the season is not guaranteed or even probable at this point but we have a lot of very committed guys who I am sure are staying on top of their fitness levels.”

    Here at Loveland Magazine, we commend all of the LHS coaches and athletes that continue to strive for success through these very tough times! We will continue to bring you the latest updates on what LHS athletes and coaches are doing to stay in shape so STAY TUNED!

  • Should Loveland school taxes increase while residents Lose their livelihoods?

    Should Loveland school taxes increase while residents Lose their livelihoods?

    by Kim and Rick Donaldson

    While many in Loveland are losing their jobs and their businesses, our school board persists in asking us to raise our taxes. As it stands today, they may very well get their way simply by virtue of low voter turnout. So, if you

    Kim and Rick Donaldson live on Paxton Road in Miami Township

    haven’t already done so, apply for an absentee ballot now. The primary election originally scheduled for March 17th is now by mail only. Completed ballots must be postmarked no later than midnight, April 27th or dropped off at your county board of elections by 7:00 PM April 28th. Since you will first need to apply to have a ballot mailed to you, there is no time to lose.

    Now back to the original question: should our school taxes be increased? We are told that additional funding is needed to “protect our progress”. This would imply that past increases have improved district performance. However, according to Ohio Department of Education data, Loveland’s overall performance index score ranked in the top 15% of Ohio schools from 2010 through 2014, with correspondingly high overall grades. In 2015, Loveland’s performance dropped precipitously, nearly to the bottom 25%. Various explanations have been floated for this drop: Common Core implementation, testing changes, students opting out of testing, etc. Available data do not definitively show what the explanation is, but it does show what it isn’t: spending. Referring to the first chart, note that Loveland’s 2019 overall performance is virtually identical to its 2010 to 2014 performance, but expenditure per pupil is as much as 20% higher after adjusting for inflation.  Also note that Loveland’s performance had already recovered to pre-2015 levels by 2018, before the big ramp-up in expenditure.

    Graph provided by Kim and Rick Donaldson

    Since increased funding doesn’t seem to be improving our district’s rating, it is difficult to see exactly what progress we are protecting. Moreover, if we are to invest more of our hard-earned and increasingly scarce money in the schools, we expect to reap some benefit as a community. So far, our children don’t seem to have reaped the benefit of a better education and our property owners haven’t reaped the benefit of the appreciation that should result from a better-rated school system. However, there is one segment of the community who has reaped the benefit: teachers.

    According to Ohio Department of Education data, presented in the second chart, Loveland’s average teacher salary was $63,566 in 2010, which was about average for an Ohio school district with similar demographics among both the community and the teachers. In 2019, Loveland’s average teacher salary had increased to $78,248, 10% above the comparable Ohio district average. Loveland’s average teacher salary has also risen faster than median income. In 2010, the average teacher salary was 28% above median income. By 2019 it had risen to 47% above median income. While some might argue that paying teachers more improves educational quality, Loveland’s teacher salary and performance trends do not support that claim. Statistical analysis of statewide trends also shows no practical benefit for paying teachers above-market salaries.

    Graph provided by Kim and Rick Donaldson

    We do not question the quality, dedication or professionalism of Loveland teachers. Nor do we fault them for negotiating the most favorable compensation package they can. It is the responsibility of the board of education and administration to negotiate effectively on behalf of the Loveland community at large to deliver a high-quality education at a cost we can afford. Sadly, they do not seem to be doing an adequate job of cost control at a time when residents cannot afford to pay more.

    While no one knows how severe the current economic downturn will be or how long it will last, we do know the proposed levy will cost property owners an additional $20 per month for each $100,000 of appraised value, forever. Under the circumstances, it would be appropriate for the Loveland School Board to withdraw the levy, and we wholeheartedly agree with those who have already called on them to do so. However, the board’s past behavior indicates they are unlikely to heed those calls. The only way we can stop this levy and impose fiscally responsibility is to get an absentee ballot and vote no.

    References:

    1. Elections and Voting in Ohio, Ohio Secretary of State website:  https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/voters
    2. Ohio Department of Education District Profile (Cupp) Reports:  http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Finance-and-Funding/School-Payment-Reports/District-Profile-Reports
    3. Ohio Department of Education District Achievement/Rating Data:  https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/download
    4. US Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Inflation Calculator:
      https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm
    5. Ohio Department of Education District Teacher Information:  https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/download
  • OHSAA Announces Potential Ohio High School Spring Sports Plans!

    OHSAA Announces Potential Ohio High School Spring Sports Plans!

    Cassie Mattia

    by Cassie Mattia

    Columbus, Ohio – Athletes all over the state of Ohio are at a standstill as they wait to hear if their 2020 sport seasons will continue. Well the wait, for now, has ended as OHSAA announced last Wednesday that if school facilities reopen in early May Spring sports schedules and tournaments are in place and ready to go!

    OHSAA’s Director of Communications, Tim Stried, and Executive Director, Jerry Snodgrass constructed and sent out a press release last Thursday addressing the state of Ohio’s concerns about high school athletes continuing their Spring sports schedules. Below are the plans OHSAA has put in place for Ohio High School Spring athletes.

    “School facilities are closed through May 1 due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. If the closure is extended beyond May 1, the OHSAA will provide updated information. If school facilities do not reopen this school year, there will not be a spring sports season.

    State tournament venues listed below are subject to change.

    ‘If the Governor and Ohio Department of Health deems it safe to reopen school facilities in early May, then we will have a shortened spring sports season that extends into June,’ said OHSAA Executive Director Jerry Snodgrass. ‘I commend our sports administration staff for putting the schedules together working on state tournament sites.’

    Wednesday’s memo to school administrators also included details regarding Pupil Activity/Coaching Permits, annual awards certificates, District Athletic Board elections and academic eligibility for fall sports and college-bound seniors. The memo is posted at https://www.ohsaa.org/news-media/articles/school-administrators-update-april-8

    ‘We continue to applaud each of you for helping provide guidance and leadership to your coaches and your efforts to keep students engaged,’ Snodgrass wrote to school administrators in the memo. ‘This crisis has heightened the awareness that students want to be back in the classroom. Teachers want students back in the classroom. In our solid belief that school-based athletic programs are an extension of the classroom, we hold that same belief for our student-athletes and coaches. Getting kids back with coaches is much more than winning and we feel it a vital part of returning life to normalcy.’

    SPRING SPORTS OVERVIEW

    – If school facilities are closed for the remainder of the school year, spring sports will be canceled.

    – The dates below for each sport are tentative and are based on the Governor’s optimistic direction that schools will reopen May 4.  We will adjust accordingly.

    – The mandatory no-contact period remains in place through May 1. No practices or group workouts may occur through this date, but the OHSAA encourages coaches to maintain electronic correspondence with their student-athletes.

    – With a current return on May 4, the schedules below have been adopted for spring sports. Specific information relative to sectional and district tournaments, playing dates, seeding procedures, game sites, will all be provided in communications from the respective six District Athletic Boards.

    – State tournament venues listed below are subject to change.

    – If for any reason specific sites are shut down due to Governor’s orders, ALL sites will be shut down and tournaments will not be held.

    BASEBALL

    State tournament dates determined by the availability of Akron Canal Park.

    Acclimation Period – May 4-8

    Season Begins – May 9

    Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 11

    Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 17

    Sectional Tournaments – May 23-30

    District Tournaments – June 1-6

    Regional Tournaments – June 11-12

    State Tournament at Akron Canal Park (subject to change) – June 19-21

    Season Concludes (regular-season games can be played up until this date) – June 27

    SOFTBALL

    Acclimation Period – May 4-8

    Season Begins – May 9

    Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 18

    Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 24

    Sectional Tournaments – May 30-June 6

    District Tournaments – June 8-13

    Regional Tournaments – June 15-20

    State Tournament at Akron Firestone Stadium (subject to change) – June 25-27

    Season Concludes (regular-season games can be played up until this date) – July 4

    LACROSSE

    Acclimation Period – May 4-8

    Season Begins – May 9

    Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 18

    Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 25

    Regional Qualifying – May 26-30

    Regional Tournaments – June 1-7

    State Semifinals – June 8-10

    State Championships at Ohio Wesleyan University (subject to change) – June 13

    Season Concludes (regular-season games can be played up until this date) – June 13

    BOYS TENNIS

    Acclimation Period – May 4-8

    Season Begins – May 9

    Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 18

    Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 24

    Sectional Tournaments – May 30-June 6

    District Tournaments – June 8-13

    State Tournament at Hilliard Davidson High School (subject to change) – June 18-20

    Season Concludes (regular-season contests can be played up until this date) – June 27

    TRACK AND FIELD

    Athletic facilities at The Ohio State University will not be available in June, so the state tournament will be split into three different sites, per division. The details are below.

    Acclimation Period – May 4-8

    Season Begins – May 9

    Tournament Entry/Withdrawal – May 25

    Tournament Draw/Coaches Meeting – May 31

    District Tournaments – June 9-13

    Regional Tournaments – June 17-20

    State Tournament – June 26-27

    State Tournament Sites (subject to change): Division I at Hilliard Darby; Division II At Pickerington North; Division III at Westerville North

    Season Concludes (regular-season meets can be held up until this date) – June 27″

    For the latest news in the world of OHSAA, you can visit www.ohsaa.org. If you have any urgent questions about the tentative Spring sport plans contact Tim Stried at tstried@ohsaa.org.

  • [Video Interview] Former Loveland High School student Stacye Toups on the frontlines in Spain

    [Video Interview] Former Loveland High School student Stacye Toups on the frontlines in Spain

    The former LHS student is now a fourth year medical student on the frontlines of the coronavirus response in Spain, where cases have spiked.

    By: Katherine Collins
    Posted at 4:15 PM, Apr 09, 2020
    and last updated 4:50 PM, Apr 09, 2020

     

    RICHMOND, Ky. (LEX 18) — The hardest part for Stacye Toups has been putting patients in isolation.

    The former EKU student is now a fourth year medical student on the frontlines of the coronavirus response in Spain, where cases have spiked.

    She works in a nursing home where her days now consist of calling families to give them updates on their loved ones, caring for patients and even crying with patients.

    Watch Katherine Collins’s interview with Stacye Toups…

     

  • LHS Women’s Track and Field Coach Shares What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

    LHS Women’s Track and Field Coach Shares What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The community of Loveland has proven time and time again that it can get through anything! The inspiration from the community has trickled down to the youth of Loveland especially the LHS athletes as they are continuing to put in as much work as they can to prepare for their potential sports seasons. The LHS coaching staff along with the Athletic Director has gathered around and taken time to not only prepare workouts for the athletes but has also made them easily accessible for the athletes through the new workout app Teambuildr!

    LHS’s Women’s Track Coach, Herbert Laughman, is one of the many LHS coaches that has dedicated a lot of time and effort into helping his athletes succeed during the COVID-19 outbreak.

    “This has been a very difficult time for all of us. It’s tough to keep things in perspective. Our staff and athletes have done a great job of this. We know the community and the health of the community comes first,” Laughman explained, “That being said, we are very creative in how we are staying in contact with the girls. We have a spring track group and I have put suggested workouts on there.”

    Coach Laughman also created some fun challenges for his athletes!

    “We have also done fun things like the Camera roll challenge. In this challenge, you pick the 5th picture on camera roll and post. Another fun activity we have done is having the athletes select their top 5 movies of all time,” Coach Laughman said, “My personal favorite activity has been having the athletes post pictures after their optional workout. The girls flooded me with pictures! These girls are still working hard and still want to be pushed. I am so honored and blessed to be a part of this group. I pray for the safety of all of those around us and hope that we can continue on with our spring season,” Coach Laughman added.

    LHS’s Women’s Track captains’ weighed in as well on how COVID-19 is affecting them and how they are motivating themselves to keep working out.

    “As a three-year varsity athlete, it’s scary to think that I may not get my fourth year,” LHS Women’s Track Captain, Sophia Horrigan, said, “Despite the setbacks, I have been working hard to stay in shape for a season that still may be. From lifting weights in my basement to running on the bike trail, I am doing whatever it takes to stay ahead of future competition. I see this as a reason to work harder, rather than giving up in the face of adversity. The season isn’t over yet!”

    LHS’s Megan Korniak, who is also a Captain for the Women’s Track team said she is still working hard and that the team has made so much progress over the last few months.

    “Now there is a lot more individual accountability to stay in shape,” Korniak added, “I personally have been doing home workouts and going on runs in public parks to stay active. We are still close as a team and love to send timer pictures of our workouts to keep spirits high!”

    We would like to encourage the Loveland community to stay active and stay safe! If you aren’t sure what activities you can do to stay active check out our weekly “What are LHS Athletes Doing to Stay in Shape?” for tips! Stay tuned!

  • A painted photo by Scott Carney

    A painted photo by Scott Carney

    Loveland, Ohio – This painted photo was taken by Scott Carney at the Loveland Bike Trail where it crosses Broadway. This plant sits right between the trail and the parking lot that is adjacent to Loveland Canoe and Kayak.

    Scott said, “Trying to bring a little beauty and positivity into the day. Have a great one guys! Peace.”

  • Join this Loveland group putting their home 3D printers to good use

    Join this Loveland group putting their home 3D printers to good use

    by Natalie Clark

    Hi Loveland Magazine Readers. We want to reach out to our community and see if there are any folks who would like to put their home 3D printers to good use and join us in making 3D printed face shields for Cincy!

    The Problem: Patients with COVID-19 experience significant respiratory issues, resulting in coughing. Virus particles are easily spread in the fluids expelled from the patient during episodes of coughing. The face shield is an additional barrier between the healthcare worker and the patient, reduces the risk of viral transmission via airborne droplets, and reduces virus load on face masks worn underneath the face shield.

    Hospitals and clinics are running low or completely out of supply of face shields and have no choice but to treat infectious patients without a face shield to reduce exposure to airborne droplets and contagious body fluids.

    We are a Loveland family and our son goes to the Loveland Middle School. A couple of weeks ago, we started making 3D printed face shields using our 3 home printers.

    We have started a FaceBook group, 3D Printed Face Shields for Cincy which helps unite local 3D printing enthusiasts to help us make and donate more face shields to the local hospitals and clinics. To date, we have made and donated over 400 face shields for the frontline workers in our community (Kettering, OHC, TriHealth, Cincinnati Children’s, and local clinics).

    If you would like to help out, join our 3D Printed Face Shields for Cincy group on FaceBook or consider supporting us via gofundme.

    Donating $1 will cover the materials cost for 1 face shield so we can purchase material for producing more face shields. $750 has been raised so far.

    The 3D Printed Faceshields for Cincy group unites Cincinnati and tri-state area 3D printing enthusiasts who pledge to donate their time and efforts to create, distribute, and donate free face shields to Cincinnati based hospitals and clinics to combat COVID-19.

    47184330_1586045238355708_r.jpeg

    Hospitals and clinics are running low or completely out of the supply of face shields and have no choice but to treat infectious patients without one to reduce their exposure to airborne droplets and contagious body fluids.

    47184330_1586045529231756_r.jpeg
    47184330_1586045554691072_r.jpeg
    The funds will be used to purchase material for producing more face shields.

    This includes:

    ⚫ 3D printing filament
    ⚫ Visor material
    ⚫ Elastic bands
    ⚫ Misc. Hardware, packaging, cleaners

    We will be making and donating face shields as long as there is a need for them. Any remaining campaign funds will be donated to Charitable Health Network of Ohio to support free clinics.

    For Makers and direct donations of filament/time

    Please join our Facebook Group.
    For Medical Facilities
    If you are an essential medical worker or medical facility director and would like to request free donations of 3D printed face shield in the Cincinnati region, please fill out this form  or contact us directly.
    Our Design
    All designs that we are promoting have either NIH (National Institute of Health) or specific medical facility approval.

     

  • These local Businesses want you to know they are OPEN

    These local Businesses want you to know they are OPEN

    We are here to help YOU, Loveland! We have decided to open our newspaper pages in order to help all of the struggling small, local Loveland Businesses. We want to know how we can help you and your local business, oh and by the way, our help is completely FREE! We will create a special landing page on our Front Page for this.

    READ THIS FOR HOW TO PARTICIPATE

     
    What: Online ordering, custom ordering, yard signs, banners, decals
     
    When: Currently we are here Monday-Friday 11:00-5:00 and Saturday 11:00-2:00 to answer calls, assist customers with ordering and curbside pick up.
     
    Where: 370 Loveland-Madeira Rd. (This is NOT the retail store. It’s the door to the left of the store entrance.)
     
    Why: Our retail store is currently closed but we are still filling online orders, custom orders, yard signs, banners and decals.
     
    During the current situation of Covid-19 we are offering FREE DELIVERY in the 45140 area code. Just simply select local pick up and enter your address in the COMMENTS section.
     
     

     

    Read about how Power Ryde is coping while closed

     

     
    With 20-plus years of experience in the home remodeling and building products industries and a loyal following of happy clients in Loveland, Montgomery, Indian Hill, and surrounding areas who’d never consider hiring anyone else, Brian Martin and The Martin Corporation delivers the most professional work and the most exceptional home remodeling experience you can find anywhere.  Martin says, “If we perform outstanding craftsmanship in building a new bathroom or kitchen but are dirty, routinely show up late, smoke in your home, and do not finish on-time our clients will not recommend us or hire us again.  We have to perform well in all aspects of a project from how we carry ourselves to the actual workmanship.  Having our own employees is the only way to accomplish this.”
     
    TMC Construction Services is fortunate to have Kim Hicks, a design consultant, as an active part of the home remodeling and planning team. Prior to starting the selection process, Brian and Kim visit the home for the purpose of considering all options. The proposals you receive allow you to see exactly what you’ll be getting based on your budget and how much you decide to invest.  TMC clients often comment that they received luxury finishes at a lower cost then the big companies in town.
    If updating your kitchen or bathroom –– or any other minor or major remodeling projects have been on your wish list for years but you’ve hesitated because of what you thought you might have to spend – call Brian Martin today 513-781-3000.  www.tmcbuild.comBrian@tmcbuild.com
    During this COVID-19 situation we at TMC and Roomer’s Design are working to protect our clients. In addition to wearing masks, and washing our hands repeatedly throughout the day.
     
    Kim Hicks owns Roomer’s Design, LLC
     
    “Often our TMC clients fall in love with Kim’s keen eye for design and want her to help with the rest of their home thus:
     
    Roomers.Design LLC offers homeowners in the Loveland and surrounding areas an opportunity to update the style and function of their homes.  Owners Suzanne Longo and Kim Hicks are Loveland residents with years of experience breathing life into tired interiors.  Let them help you make the most of the spaces that you, and those your love, want to enjoy.  If a room needs to be rearranged, re-painted, or repurposed (bedroom-office, mud room-pet center) then they have the strategies to help bring your ideas to life.  If you are at a loss for ideas, they will listen to “your story” and help you to articulate a design plan to match your budget. Suzanne and Kim are happy to meet with you to discuss your ideas.  Contact Roomer’s Design and Kim Hicks today. .
     

    Loveland Farmers’ Market getting ready for Opening Day

     

     

    A New Feature for our Readers who want to Shop Local

     

     

    Loveland Sweets is open for business

     

     

    Paxton’s Grill has carryout service

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Hope Restored is accepting newClients

     

     

    The Loveland Dairy Whip is open for Drive-ThruService

     

     

    Who: Cinci Martial Arts LLC

    What: FREE at home fitness and martial arts tutorials

    When: Youtube Live-streams every weekday evening starting at 6:00pm (schedule available via CMA website)

    Where: at home/online

    Why: While the current situation is tragic and deserves our attention and respect, the Stay Home order has offered one silver lining, to opportunity and time to start up a new hobby and get into better shape.

    Website Links…
    CMA Main Site: CinciMartialArts.com (for schedule and studio class registry)
    Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ2Y8RgjJRFcgBoP6rTKkMQ (for live-stream and prerecorded lessons)

    How others can help the business…
    Share our message and schedule a studio lesson now for after the pandemic passes. Live-stream lessons will only be around during this Stay Home order, so if you enjoy the content be sure to register for classes now so that we know to reach out to you specifically once this has all passed. (no cost to register, 1st in-studio class is always free, no obligation to join)

     

    Who: Honest-1 Auto Care Loveland

    www.honest1loveland.com

    Why: We are an essential business.  We are here to safely service our community during these difficult times.

    What: Locally owned full service auto repair.  We perform all mechanical services from oil changes to engine replacement. And importantly, we can handle the full customer interaction over the phone and email.

    • Customer & Employee Safety Priority #1
      • Follow CDC Disinfectant Recommendations
      • Contact-Free Service, Dropbox & payment options
    • 3 Year/36,000 Mile National Warranty
      • Financing Option
      • Digital inspection pictures

    Where: 10645 Loveland Madeira Rd, Loveland 45140

    When: Open Monday – Friday, 7am to 6pm

    Call (513) 781 – 3235 or schedule an online appointment https://www.honest1loveland.com/appointments

     
    To serve Loveland and surrounding communities Premier Auto Service Loveland is open Monday – Friday 8 AM – 6 PM.  We have reopened on Saturdays from 8 AM – 2 PM.
     
    Monday thru Friday we can arrange pickup and delivery of your vehicle so that you don’t have to get out into the public.
    Premier Auto Service Loveland
    During these trying times, we want to make sure you know that you can continue to count on us to service your vehicles. We know how important it is to have dependable transportation during these difficult times so we want to make sure your car is one less thing you have to worry about.
     
    Schedule needed repairs or routine maintenance. Call us at (513) 697-7777.
     
    10732 Loveland Madeira Rd
    Loveland, Ohio
     

     

    Dear Loveland Community,

    My name is Amanda Masney, and I am the owner of the Loveland Massage Center.  We greatly miss seeing you and taking care of you!  Our business is one of many that have been temporarily forced to close due to COVID-19.

    To help support us during this crisis, you can purchase discounted massage gift cards on our website. All 60 minute massages are $10 off.  Please click on the link below, and use coupon code BEWELL at checkout to receive $10 off on each massage gift card.

    Loveland Massage Home

    Thank you so much for your support!!!  We hope you and your families are staying healthy and well, and we cannot wait to see you again.

    With Love,

    Amanda, Mary, Mandy, Liz, Amber, Kathy and Leslie

    111 Railroad Ave, Loveland, OH 45140

    Hometown phone: 513-677-2600

    Hello,

    Thanks so much for supporting us! We are open our regular hours and have our full menu available for carryout. Call ahead orders are welcome. We are happy to bring your purchases to your car. We also sell electronic gift cards. In addition, we have a new weekend carry out brunch option. Each Monday we post the updated menu on our website: https://hometowncafeloveland.com/brunch. Prepaid orders are due by Thursday at 7 PM for Saturday or Sunday pick up. Each brunch order serves 4 people. In addition, we choose another local business each week and donate $5 from the brunch sales to them.
     
    Our local market shelves are stocked with goods made by other local small businesses. You can see all the vendors who sell out of our shop at https://hometowncafeloveland.com/local-market.

     

    Studio launches online shopping

    Whistle Stop Clay Works (WSCW) is pleased to announce an online gallery and store to help at home shoppers…
     

     

  • LHS Softball Coach Tells us What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

    LHS Softball Coach Tells us What his Athletes are Doing to Stay in Shape!

    Fastpitch Head Coach Mike Rapp explaining the ground rules to the ump before the start of the Senior Night Game in 2017

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – As the COVID-19 outbreak continues students and teachers will now not be returning back to school until May 4th. So what does that mean for LHS’s athletes?

    Here at Loveland Magazine, we have made it our mission to talk to both LHS’s coaches and athletes to see just what they are doing to stay in shape in order to prepare for their potential seasons! This week we chatted with LHS’s Head Women’s Softball Coach, Michael Rapp, and LHS’s Strength Coach, Derek Berry, to see just what their athletes are up to.

    Coach Rapp said that although it’s been tough for all of the LHS athletic programs, Strength Coach Derek Barry has really come through with some excellent workouts for the athletes.

    Photo of Derek Berry from IGNITION ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE GROUP, LLC

    “Our strength coach, Derek Berry, has created some training programs for our athletes,” Rapp said, “He just rolled out an App for the athletes to use on their phones from home!”

    Coach Rapp added that although the new workout App that Berry rolled out has been primarily what the Women’s Softball Team has been using to stay in shape, Rapp has also been giving his Lady Tigers a few softball related workouts of his own.
    “I told my softball players they could do 100 reps a day (3,000) for April including swings, and band work or our ab routines to stay in shape. Some are throwing with family members and some are doing the program that our Coach Berry sent out. I even promised them that I would do 100 reps a day plus walk the local park,” Rapp added.
    Derek Berry, who is the Director of Sports Performance, is head of the LHS weight room. Berry stated that during these times he has been forced to get a little creative, but has received a lot of great feedback on the new workout app he has launched with LHS’s Athletic Director, Brian Conaster.
    LHS Fastpitch Softball Coach, Mike Rapp recieved the prestigious 2019 Southwest District; Sportsmanship, Ethic & Integrity Coaches Award.
    “We have partnered with a company called Teambuildr that provides an online Athlete Management System. Once the athletes register with their teams, they have full access to any workouts I put on there,” Berry explained, “Some features of the app include videos for all the exercises, a leaderboard for kids to compete with each other, and options to either check off the exercise as completed or how many reps you did. Coaches can then have a master account which shows them the progress of their team. On the app, I have only been releasing bodyweight workouts for the time being, but outside of that, I have been sending coaches two other options for athletes that may have a more advanced setup, which is a dumbbell workout, and a home gym workout,” Berry added.
    Strength Coach Berry is apart of a contracted sports performance company called Ignition APG. Ignition APG was ultimately responsible for the partnership with Teambuildr. Ignition APG also offers a similar app to Teambuildr to the public for a small monthly fee.
    Berry has also been releasing informative videos on social media that display creative ways to exercise.
    “On @lovelandstrength I have been releasing informative videos on how to get creative with limited exercise options, and we’ve been having the kids post time-lapses of their workouts,” Berry explained, “I have also begun a wall sit competition for the month of April. Whoever can hold a wall sit for the longest time receives a prize!”

    Thank you to the coaches and athletes that have been sharing their at-home workouts with Loveland Magazine and all of our readers! Stay tuned for the next “What are LHS’s Athletes Doing to Stay in Shape?” segment!

    Shoes from the 2015 Fastpitch Senior day

    Former Loveland High School Softball Player Stacye Toups is on Front…

    RP Diamond is currently taking online orders. Retail Store is closed

    RP Diamond Printing & Embroidery is located in the Loveland Plaza at 368 Loveland Madeira Road. Senior 2020 shirts available now! Free delivery…