LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: ohio

  • Coronavirus: Local preparedness planning

    Coronavirus: Local preparedness planning

    There are no reported cases in the Tri-State

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Magazine reached out to local officials this morning asking them how they are preparing for a possible local outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We asked the Loveland City Manager, the School Superintendant, the Loveland/Symmes Fire Department Chief, and the Loveland Police Chief, what are local leaders are doing to prepare for a possible Coronavirus outbreak. We also asked, “What would you like to say to the public to assure them that plans are in effect or being made and are you recommending any action the public should take now?

    It appears that there is no coordinated response or planning however here is what we know at this time.

    Fire Chief Otto Huber was the first to respond

    As you know Loveland and  Symmes have PODS “Points of Distributions “ for the health department. We are one of the only drive thru PODS in the County. We recently ran a drill at Loveland High School with the Health Commissioner to practice the plan. So measures are in place, plans have been written and practiced should their be a need to distribute medications.

    Our 911 operators are screening callers with flu like symptoms and their travel history. They pass that information on to the paramedics.

    We are briefed by the health commissioner and by the CDC weekly.

    The public should practice the standard flu season precautions like wash your hands frequently and coughing into your sleeve. If they intend to travel they should follow the Center for Disease Control recommendations.

    Our emergency operations center remains at a ready state to manage this or any emergency that may present itself. We ask our residents  to stay informed through good information sources like the CDC and the World Health Organization.
    City Manager Dave Kennedy responded:
    At this point I’m working with Julie (HR Director) to prepare valuable links to put on our website. We are looking for links that are accurate and regularly updated.
    This afternoon Kennedy released this information on the City Web Site:

    Coronavirus Update and Information Links

    The Center For Disease Control (CDC) considers the current spread of COVID-19 a serious situation and is taking preparedness measures to slow the progression of the virus. And while the immediate risk to the American public is still currently low, the outbreak of the virus is rapidly changing. Mayor and Council feel that it is important that our residents have the most up to date information on the Coronavirus readily available.

    At 4 PM the School District responded:

    Loveland Schools have ongoing plans to mitigate situations involving contagious diseases, including following the guidance of state and local health departments, and:

    • Closely monitoring, planning and implementing action items as needed. We work very closely with the Safety Center professionals as part of our planning.
    • We encourage parents to reinforce good hand washing, proper coughing etiquette (cough into sleeve/elbow or tissues), and keeping students home who have flu symptoms (fever, muscle aches, cough, lethargy, etc.)
    • Reminding parents that it is very important to keep contact information up-to-date so that students can be sent home quickly if they are showing symptoms.
    • Ongoing training for custodial staff to make sure they stay current on disinfecting procedures that are most effective for the current viruses.
    • Reviewing contingency plans in the event of a school closure and the plans used in 2009 for the H1N1 virus.

    In addition, parents and students are encouraged to keep their immune systems strong by:

    • Not skipping breakfast; making sure you eat food high in vitamin C and other essential vitamins and minerals.
    • Exercise, especially outdoor and in the fresh air.
    • For drainage and sore throat, gargle with warm salt water several times a day.
    • Drinking warm teas and liquids with honey to help flush out bacteria and soothing the throat.
    • Avoiding close contact with sick persons.
    • Keep hands away from T-zone (mouth, eyes, nose).
    • Stay home when sick; cover coughs and sneezes and disinfect high touch objects and surfaces.
    • Seek medical care if showing symptoms, especially fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

    In response to our inquiry the District said they have now published the March 2020 Health Beat newsletter by the District’s Health Services on the School website. It can be viewed HERE.

  • Gypsy tickets going fast

    Gypsy tickets going fast

    by Ann Barfels

    Loveland, Ohio – Tickets are going fast for Loveland Stage Company’s next production in their 2019-2020 season! “Gypsy” opens March 6 and continues through March 22 at the theatre located at 111 So. 2ndStreet (Rt. 49) in Loveland.

    The well known musical tells the story of Gypsy Rose Lee, the epitome of a “backstage mom”, and her dreams and efforts to get her two daughters to perform onstage. It casts an affectionate eye on the hardships of show business life. The character of the eldest daughter Louise is based on Lee, and the character of June is based on Lee’s younger sister, better known as June Havoc in adult life. Baby Louise is played by Ella Kiel and the adult Louise is played by Bonnie Emmer. Baby June is played by Lauren Fritzche and Sophie Viselhoman portrays Dainty June. Lisa Breithaupt portrays Rose, the mother and Larry Harmon is Herbie, the agent, and boyfriend.

    Although the story centers on Gypsy Rose Lee, there is no nudity in the production and it is considered PG.

    Jule Styne wrote the music for the show with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents was the librettist. “Gypsy” is loosely based on the 1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, “Gypsy: Memoirs of America’s Most Celebrated Stripper”. The production is under a license agreement with Tams-Witmark.

    Familiar songs in the show include “Some People”, “Let Me Entertain You” and of course, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.”

    Bonnie Emmer who portrays Louise in Loveland Stage Company’s “Gypsy” sungs “Little Lamb.” The show opens March 6 and continues through March 22.

    Micheal Harris-Kiser is directing the production with Marjory Clegg as choreographer, Brian Harvey as Vocal Director and Jeanne Bilyeu as Orchestra Director.

    Performances are at 7:30 PM on March 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 and at 3 PM on March 8, 15 and 22.

    An ASL Interpretive Performance will be on March 8 at 3 PM

    All Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by visiting www.lovelandstagecompany.org. For group rates and accessible seating please call 513-443-4572.

    Thank you for supporting Community Theatre!

    Directions and Parking

  • [Video] Auditor Faber: Public entities may not use public resources to influence Levies or Bonds

    [Video] Auditor Faber: Public entities may not use public resources to influence Levies or Bonds

    Columbus, Ohio – Auditor of State Keith Faber yesterday released a video to remind public officials that most local governments and public school districts may not use tax dollars to support or oppose levy or bond issues on the ballot.

    “You cannot campaign or influence the outcome of a levy or bond issue using tax dollars,” said Faber. “This time of year, my office receives lots of questions regarding the use of tax dollars and resources on these issues, so here are some direct answers.”

    Though this is not comprehensive it addresses many concerns that have been expressed to the Auditor of State’s office.

      • Public money should not be used to support or oppose the passage of a levy or bond issue. This includes compensating employees for time spent on influencing the outcome of a bond or levy.
      • Information that supports or opposes the outcome of a levy should not be published by the entity or posting on official social media accounts.
      • The entity cannot spend money to create and send home political subdivision sponsored levy-related communications that support or oppose the passage of a levy.
      • Employees cannot speak at levy committee meetings during regularly-paid work hours if they are advocating for a preferred outcome.
      • A levy committee is not allowed to use their subdivision’s resources such as equipment and supplies free-of-charge. The committee must pay for the usage and the committee with the opposite position shall have the same opportunity.
      • Public funds should not be used to support or oppose the nomination or election of a candidate for public office.
      • Public funds should not be used to support a particular campaign committee or fund, political action committee, political party, or candidate.

    If you suspect any government entity of engaging in fraudulent practices, report it at ohioauditor.gov/fraud.

     

  • Loveland School Budget Cuts – Responsible Management?

    Loveland School Budget Cuts – Responsible Management?

    Kim and Rick Donaldson live on Paxton Road in Miami Township

    by Kim and Rick Donaldson

    At its February 18th business meeting, the Loveland City School District Board of Education reviewed the administration’s updated five-year financial forecast, which includes annual operating expenditure cuts averaging $2.5 million and fee increases averaging $0.2 million.* The updated forecast still requires passage of a 6.95 mill operating levy, which will raise annual revenue by $6.3 million, to maintain an adequate cash balance through fiscal year 2024. Indeed, the included budget cuts were made for the express purpose of limiting the levy to only 6.95 mills. So, after cutting $2.5 million from expenditures, why do we need an additional $6.5 million (taxes plus fees) in revenue? Let’s look at the numbers.

    This graphic is the Donaldson’s original presentation of the data sourced from the Ohio Department of Education and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as noted on the chart and in the list of references.

    As shown in the included chart, both five-year forecasts start from a very high baseline expenditure level established in 2019 when operating expenditures increased 13% from the previous year.** That increase was the culmination of an accelerated spending trend that started in 2015, bringing the total four-year increase to 26%. By comparison, the cumulative inflation rate was only 7.7% during the same period.*** This rapid expenditure increase quickly overtook the 23% annual revenue increase in the years following the 2014 levy.

    Since median income tends to be tied, albeit loosely, to inflation, expenditure increases that exceed the inflation rate make our schools increasingly less affordable to taxpayers.

    Furthermore, it is important to recognize that the spending cuts and fee increases included in the updated forecast are all relative to the previous forecast, which anticipated increasing expenditures by 4% annually. Since the Federal Reserve Board targets a 2% annual inflation rate, the plan was to increase spending by twice the rate of inflation. The updated forecast anticipates annual increases of 3%, which is still 50% above the target inflation rate. Since median income tends to be tied, albeit loosely, to inflation, expenditure increases that exceed the inflation rate make our schools increasingly less affordable to taxpayers.

    As a more affordable alternative, we advocate limiting operating expenditures to 2015 levels on a per student basis, adjusted for inflation.  As shown on the chart, this approach would result in spending much lower than the updated five-year forecast and, more importantly, lower than current projected revenue. It would thus obviate the need for any additional operating levy. It is worth noting that this would be consistent with, and a continuation of, expenditure trends from 2006 through 2015.

    If a 2015 baseline seems too aggressive, the same approach using a 2018 baseline could be considered. Although it would require an additional levy, the levy vote could be postponed to November 2021 and would only need to be around 1 mill to maintain the same cash balance as in the updated forecast.

    These particular cuts, chosen by the administration, raise some serious questions.

    So, what would we cut? After all, in the same February 18th presentation we were told that we will have to eliminate teaching and staff positions even if we approve the levy in March. We have also been warned that failure to pass the levy in March will result in additional cuts, including staff, teachers and high school transportation. These particular cuts, chosen by the administration, raise some serious questions. If we could afford current staffing levels in 2018, why can we not afford them in 2021 with nearly 13% higher expenditures in the updated forecast?****  Even if we choose to defeat the levy and limit expenditures to inflation-adjusted 2018 levels, why could we not continue to support essentially the same staff and transportation that we did in 2018? Where is the additional money going, and why has the administration chosen to cut staff and transportation?

    Before we head to the polls in March, we need to have satisfactory answers to these questions that are quantitative, complete and transparent. We need to know whether the proposed budget and associated cuts are indicative of fiscally responsible management for the benefit of our children, or emotional manipulation designed to get the levy passed.  Ultimately, it comes down to a question of trust.

    References:

    *5 Year Forecast Update from 18 February 2020 Board Meeting:  https://go.boarddocs.com/oh/love/Board.nsf/files/BLY4FG0B571B/$file/5%20Year%20Forecast%20Presentation.pdf

    **Ohio Department of Education District Profile (Cupp) Reports:  http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Finance-and-Funding/School-Payment-Reports/District-Profile-Reports

    ***US Bureau of Labor Statistics CPI Inflation Calculator:
    https://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm 

    ****Ohio Department of Education District Teacher Information:  https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/download

  • Our youngest Loveland Tigers know these three words well

    Our youngest Loveland Tigers know these three words well

    by Kathryn Lorenz

    Our youngest Loveland Tigers know these three words well. Here in Loveland schools, we care for each other. We respect each other. And we take responsibility for our words and actions. 

    The Loveland Board of Education strives to do our best to live up to the expectations our teachers and staff have for our students. We care about each and every member of our school community and demonstrate that with leadership and fiscal responsibility. That care means we regularly need to place tax levies on the ballot in order to ensure the operation of programs that our students need and deserve. 

    The way taxes work in Ohio means that a school board respects the right of our district citizens to vote on these levies. We need to show the necessity for new operating funds and do so with the publishing of budgets, expenditures, and five-year forecasts. We publish the evidence of the success of our students as well.

    The last operating levy passed in 2014 was designed to move the district from a “stay put” mode of operation to a time of forward progress and was strongly supported by our community. Our teachers and students delivered significant achievements as a result of that change in direction and now we need to protect that investment and optimize that effort.

    Acting responsibly means telling the truth and sometimes means that you cannot respond in kind when false, harmful accusations are made.

    Acting responsibly means telling the truth and sometimes means that you cannot respond in kind when false, harmful accusations are made. But responsible public servants also stand up for what is true. There are many false statements being made about the March 2020 levy, about the Board of Education, and about the people who work with us and for us. The Loveland school district and this Board of Education are committed to optimizing resources, to extending the adequacy of 2020 levy funds as long as possible, and to continuing progress for Loveland students. 

    Please take the time to review the information on our website, lovelandschools.org under the levy tab. Take the time to talk to our board and our administrators. Attend a board meeting or an information session.  Get the right information right now. 

    We know our community cares about our schools. We respect the right of our citizens to vote on March 17. Each of us has a great responsibility for the future of Loveland schools. 

    Kathryn Lorenz is the President of the Loveland Board of Education and lives in Miami Township

  • Upskill your workforce today with TechCred

    Upskill your workforce today with TechCred

    What Is TechCred?

    TechCred helps Ohioans learn new skills and helps employers build a stronger workforce with the skills needed in a technology-infused economy.

    These technology-focused credentials take a year or less to complete and prepare current and future employees for the technology jobs Ohio employers need.

    How do businesses get started?
    Here’s how TechCred works:
    1. Identify skills needs and employees
    2. Partner with a credential provider
    3. Apply online
    4. Enroll employees in the program
    5. Upload proof of credential completion
    6. Receive reimbursement

    Learn more about TechCred

  • LHS’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach Reaches 100 Wins!

    LHS’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach Reaches 100 Wins!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – As you walk the halls of Loveland High school it is not hard to feel the sense of community the students, teachers, and coaches have created! That sense of community doesn’t just linger in the hallways it’s also very present in both LHS’s academics and athletic programs. One athletic program, in particular, took that sense of community LHS created and implemented it into everything he and his team does. Darnell Parker, LHS’s head women’s basketball coach, wanted to keep that community mentality when he took over the team, but at the same time, he wanted that same mentality to set the women’s basketball program apart from all of the other athletic programs. That’s when #Ourway was created. This unique mindset has not only proven its success with the Loveland Women’s Basketball team’s win-loss record but has also created a lot of hype with all of the Loveland Tigers!

    “OurWay started out as more of a tag line slash cool hashtag, but over time it became a way of life for our program! It started back in year 1 with Jenna Stanton and Madi McDermott,” Parker explained, “We had a lot of strong seniors that year, but those two really grabbed ahold of this team in the offseason and set the tone for how we were going to go about our business day in and day out! Like our community, we didn’t want to be like the Mason’s or the Lakota’s we wanted to be great the Loveland way, and that is where OurWay came from.“

    The Loveland Women’s Basketball program celebrated a huge moment in history last Saturday winning their first ECC championship. The Lady Tigers finished the ECC regular season with a 13-1 record and a 19-3 record overall. And if winning an ECC title wasn’t enough for the Tigers, Coach Darnell Parker also celebrated quite the milestone this year reaching 100 wins.

    This highlight reel was put together by Team Photographer Gayle Rothmeeler to celebrate Coach Parker’s 100th win.

    “To be able to accomplish both of these milestones in the same season was unbelievable!,” Parker said, “But winning the league by far takes the cake! This is something that has never been done by Loveland in the ECC, and 17 years since the last league title of any kind in Women’s Basketball. Being able to see the absolute joy on our kids’ faces and from everyone in the crowd is what this is all about!“

    Darnell Parker coaching the Tigers during their ECC Championship game

    Coach Parker, who from a very young age knew basketball was his passion, began coaching summer basketball camps when he was a senior varsity point guard at Findlay High School. Parker earned both all-league and all-district accolades as a point guard at Findlay High School. After Parker graduated high school he continued his stellar basketball career at Bluffton University where he played all 4 years. At Bluffton Parker was given the team captain role and was awarded best defensive player his senior year. Parker graduated from Bluffton with a degree in Business Management and immediately decided to get back into the game he just couldn’t get enough of.

    Parker’s basketball coaching career started at Glen Este where he was selected to coach 6th-grade boys. For 9 years Parker successfully coached at Glen Este until Finneytown High School approached him with an opportunity to coach the Men’s JV team. While gaining experience in the men’s high school basketball circuit Parker again got an opportunity to coach but this time as the varsity head men’s basketball coach at Clermont Northeastern High School. Next on Parker’s superb coaching journey was at Clark Montessori High School where he took the position as the varsity men’s head basketball coach. At Clark Montessori, Parker made a name for himself and his team! In 2015 he not only won the Miami Valley Conference-Scarlet Championship he also was named Coach of the Year! While Parker coached at Clark Montessori he also coached AAU Basketball at Ohio Crossover Athletics gaining even more knowledge about the game of basketball.

    Parker coached for 3 years at Clark Montessori before making the transition to Loveland High School as an assistant varsity women’s basketball coach. After almost immediately making a huge impact on the Loveland Women’s Basketball program Parker was asked to take the varsity head coach position in 2017.

    Once Parker accepted the position he began working towards achieving the goals that he set for himself as a coach and the goals that the Loveland Women’s Basketball program had set as well. After 3 years of working towards some serious goals, this year Parker and his Lady Tigers not only grabbed their first ECC title ever in school history Parker himself also reached 100 wins and was named District 16 Coach of the Year! Parker said he couldn’t be more pleased with his team’s outstanding efforts this year and appreciates everyone that helped him get to this point in his coaching career.

    Coach Parker cutting the last strand of the net after leading the Tigers to their first ECC Championship last Saturday

    “There have been so many people that have contributed to me getting to this point, but first and foremost I have to thank God because, without him, none of this is possible,” Parker explained, “My Mom and my Dad to this day are my biggest cheerleaders and have been great! My two girls Alexis and Madison have sacrificed a lot of Dad time so that I could pursue my passion and I love them unconditionally for that! And to the Loveland community, thank you for accepting me as one of your own! This community has wrapped their arms around me and this program, THANK YOU! Lastly thank you to the coaching staff, Samantha, Keith, Wray Jean, Brad, and Mike. This is a team effort and these guys put up with me every single day and we wouldn’t be where we are without them,” Parker added.

    Coach Parker and his Lady Tigers have already taken the postseason tournament by storm grabbing their first win against Talawanda on February 13th with a score of 62-24. As if there wasn’t enough Loveland Women’s Basketball Tiger hype, Senior Jillian Hayes broke the All-Time Leading Scorer record, putting up 19 points for the Tiger win. Jilian Partin previously held the record with 1,356 points in 2005. Senior Kate Garry also holds an impressive record for the Tigers with the Most made 3 point shots in school history. This record was also previously held by Jilian Partin in 2005 with 65 made 3 point shots. Garry also holds the spot for the most 3 point shots made this year in the ECC.

    Check out what these Lady Tigers had to say about Coach Parker’s 100 win milestone!

    Loveland Women’s Varsity Basketball Coach Darnell Parker

    The Loveland Women’s Basketball team will continue their “journey to the tourney” Wednesday, February 19th against Lebanon at 7:30 PM at Lakota East High School

     

     

     

     

    Watch this interview with Coach Parker’s mother…

    Proud mom and son after the Tigers captured the ECC championship
  • [Videos and Photos] Citizens successfully organize to preserve their neighborhood

    [Videos and Photos] Citizens successfully organize to preserve their neighborhood

    Mihaela Manova

    by Mihaela Manova

    Loveland, Ohio – On February 4, the Loveland City Hall was filled with a crowd to witness and hopefully influence a vote for or against the building of an apartment complex at Loveland’s 102 Oak Street. As the meeting commenced, the public heard Rodney Sabo of Sabo Design Associates, describe the plans for the complex, budget, and method of parking and traffic.

    The proposal the Planning and Zoning Commission was considering during the public hearing was to build four 16 unit apartment buildings on Oak Street in the Clermont County side of the City. “Oak Apartments” would have been four levels each with parking garages below each building. The proposal was for 106 total parking spaces with 1.6 parking spaces per unit. The lot is 1.033 acres.

    Sabo Design submitted the application on behalf of their client, Hunt and Whitacre. To build the project the City would need to create a Special Planning District (SPD) which if approved would have erased the existing zoning restrictions and protections for the immediate neighborhood and create a separate zoning district with distinct restrictions, permissions, and guidelines.

    The current zoning of the immediate neighborhood is Residential-Medium Density (R-MD). The existing R-MD zone does not permit high-density multiple-family uses.

    Commission Chairman Al Kressler, Mark Redmond, Michael Kady, Brian O’Neill, and Tim Butler posed questions for the plan such as the possible rewards and pitfalls from the building of this complex before they each voted, “No”.

    In opposition to the plan, the public bound together to declare and stand for the preservation of the land and current zoning, as each speaker presented individual points to support their cause. Many of the points included environmental damage, blockage of people’s home views, out-of-place aesthetics, lowering of the water pressure, and the promotion of in-and-out rental, not community bound estates.

    The Commission heard both sides and decided with a 5-0 vote to not develop the land into an apartment complex.

    The filled room disbanded in agreement around 9:10 PM.

    Scroll down through this story to see a photo slideshow and watch post meeting interviews. You can watch the speeches during the open-forum, the proponent explaining the proposal, the staff report, and the questions P&Z had for the applicant.

    Oak Street Apartments Interviews

    Connie Crawford on Oak Street Apartment Proposal

    Julie Fuson comments of Oak Street Apt. proposal

    Neil Kluender wants his neighborhood protected

    Becky Hasselbeck speaking about preventing more apartments

    Steve DeFosset explains potential water supply problems if Apartments are built

    Todd Osborne talks about proper use of SPD Zoning

    Rocky Carpenter speaks up to preserve sanctity of his neighborhood

    Mary Ann Bird discusses Oak Apartment proposal

    Scott Lindgren talks about traffic conditions if Oak Street Apartments are built

    Mark Krum talks about tearing down a home built in 1870s to built apartments

    Cati O’Keefe lives immediately downhill from Oak Apartment and talked about how unstable the hillside is

    Real Estate Agent Keli Williams’s take on Oak Apartment proposal

    Tom Smith introduces staff report

    Rodney Sabo with Sabo Design Associates explains his proposal for Oak Apartments

    Oak Apartment designer answers P&Z questions


  • Local Charity Race Wins Big at Cincy Magazine’s Best of the East

    Local Charity Race Wins Big at Cincy Magazine’s Best of the East

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – With Spring just around the corner, competitive races and obstacle courses will soon be in full swing! Although it may seem that your local 5k’s, 10k’s and tough mudders are, all the same, there is in fact, one race that will be taking place right along the Little Miami Bike Trail that is anything but ordinary! The Amazing Charity Race is not only taking Loveland by storm but has now officially been named the “Best Charitable Race” in Cincinnati, according to Cincy Magazine’s annual Best of the East competition!

    For those who are unfamiliar with The Amazing Charity Race, the race itself was created in 2006 with a goal of giving 100 percent of its proceeds to charity! The ACR, which is set for Saturday, June 20th at 8 A.M. beginning at Fifty West Brewing Company, is a day full of fun challenges that venture along the Little Miami Bike Trail! This race is made to challenge contestant’s agility, balance, coordination, strength, intelligence, problem-solving skills, fine motor skills, and most importantly their sense of humor! This year teams of 2 can run, walk and ride through 20 strange, fun, and crazy challenges. But don’t worry you don’t have to be an extreme athlete to participate! All you have to have is the drive to challenge yourself and of course, be willing to push yourself for charity! Teens 13 to 16 can team up with a parent or teens 16 and up can team up with other teens over 16.

    Jenny Lytle, Tom Grome and Kevin McMillian standing by ACR’s well thought out slide show and flyers at Cincy Magazine’s Best of the East event!

    This year representatives from The Amazing Charity Race Board attended the Best of the East event on January 23rd hosted by Cincy Magazine at the Holiday Inn Suites on Eastgate Blvd. ACR’s committee put on quite a spread for the community at the Best of the East event, which included an excellent slide show and well thought out flyers. Kevin McMillian, Tom Grome, and Jenny Lytle pictured to the left represented ACR with pride at the prestigious event!

    Shortly after Cincy Magazine’s annual event, ACR ‘s Board was informed that the ACR was selected by the Cincinnati community to be this year’s Best in the East “Best Charitable Race!” One of the ACR’s loyal board members, Tom Grome, was beyond the moon when he received the news!

    “The Best of the East award is so important to the Amazing Charity Race,” Grome explained, “Receiving this award recognizes our effort to provide donations to other local charities and validates our approach to helping other local charities! We strive to make our event a positive experience for the racers and volunteers. Charitable giving has never been so much fun!,” Grome added. 

    Check out the crowd at Cincy Magazine’s Best of the East event at the Holiday Inn Eastgate!

    Thus far The Amazing Charity Race is now in its 15th year and has already given over $700,000 to local charities including more than 50 nonprofit organizations in the following areas: Teen and Youth Programs (e.g., scouting, music, sports), Church Groups, Community Groups (e.g., food pantries, land conservation, theatre, arts) and Health-related Groups (e.g., cancer awareness and research, programs for the disabled).

    Doug Portmann, co-founder and race director of the ACR, said the award meant so much to him “because of all the volunteer groups that put time and effort into making it such a great event! The community really appreciates it. If it was not for the almost 500 volunteers each year the event would not run like clockwork year in and year out,” Portmann added. 

    Kevin McMillian, the ACR’s marketing guru who represented the race at the Best of the East competition couldn’t agree more with Portmann!

    “Being at the Best of the East was an amazing experience. Getting to experience other nonprofits and businesses at this event, was a great way to network and make new relationships to further impact the community,” McMillian explained, “As for winning one of the Best of the East awards, it was rewarding to see the impact Amazing Charity Race has on this community and makes us more motivated to put on a fun event and to continue helping charities that need it,” McMillian said.

    Marjorie Blair, who is also on the ACR board, could barely contain her excitement when she found out ACR had one a Best of the East award!

    “It’s an honor to work with so many different people with the common goal of giving back and seeing the positive impact on our local community. Through the years, putting on the race has become a well-oiled machine,” Blair said, “We are constantly learning and always trying to improve to keep racers, volunteers, & sponsors coming back. The combined effort for the greater good is truly appreciated.”

    The Amazing Charity Race Board also includes Dustan Bray, Jenny Lytle, Terrie Puckett, Brian Garry, Scott Thompson, Michelle Ripperger, and ME, Cassie Mattia!

    With this big win, ACR will be featured in Cincy Magazine’s Best of the East 2020 issue.

    If you would like to join the best charity race in Cincinnati visit the race’s website at https://www.amazingcharityrace.com/ or follow the ACR’s Facebook page @LovelandsAmazingRace.

    Read this story from last year’s race…

    I may have volunteered at the most exciting and fun challenge station at this year’s Amazing Charity Race

    Loveland Magazine is extremely proud to be one of the many sponsors of the Amazing Charity Race!

    Learn more about the Amazing Charity Race, how your group can volunteer, how you can be a corporate sponsor so even more money is raised, or to register for the 2020 race.

  • Hamilton County Health Commissioner to retires after 27 Years in Office

    Hamilton County Health Commissioner to retires after 27 Years in Office

    Hamilton County, Ohio – Hamilton County Health Commissioner Tim Ingram has announced he is retiring from Hamilton County Public Health to pursue other opportunities. He is being replaced on an interim basis by Assistant Health Commissioner for Environmental Health Services, Greg Kesterman.

    “It has been an honor and privilege to lead this agency,” Ingram said.  “Our staff is top-notch, passionate about their work and dedicated to customer service. We’re in a much better place that we were in 27 years ago.” Ingram says he is considering opportunities in teaching, health care and continuing to work with the disease of addiction, in addition to enjoying family time, travel and other activities.

    According to Hamilton County Board of Health Chair Jim Brett, “Tim’s leadership has advanced this agency light-years from where he began. Under his leadership, we have seen numerous awards, national and international recognition. The Board of Health thanks Tim for his leadership and expresses the utmost confidence in interim commissioner Kesterman. Under Greg’s leadership, we will continue to advance what we feel is one of the best public health programs in Ohio – and beyond.”

    Kesterman is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and received a master’s in public administration from Northern Kentucky University. He began his career as a sanitarian in the agency’s Environmental Health Division, moving up to division director before assuming the role of assistant health commissioner.

    “I am most excited to lead this team,” he says.  “This is an incredibly important time in public health, as our global society necessitates new approaches to public health and safety. We are well positioned in Hamilton County to take on challenges, as we continue to expand our work on the disease of addiction, ensure the safety of our food service, and maintain sanitation for our focus areas. We have a world-class staff and I can’t wait to get going!”