News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area
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Since 2004
Loveland, Ohio – Beginning Wednesday, November 6, Cedar Drive from Oak Street to Tall Timbers Drive will be closed for a water main installation. The roadway will be re-opened each evening and on weekends. Construction is anticipated to last three weeks, weather dependent.
Access to properties within project limited will be maintained, although no through traffic will be permitted.
By Kim and Rick Donaldson
As a community, we support the goal of providing high-quality education for our children. But we also need to consider affordability. Loveland is largely a residential community whose local tax burden falls primarily on individual homeowners who are somewhat less affluent than those in surrounding districts. Whereas a one mil property tax raises about $228 per student in Mariemont, $249 in Madeira, $339 in Sycamore and $607 in Indian Hill, it raises only about $191 per student in Loveland. Consequently, we need to recognize that our school budgets are necessarily more limited, and just as a family with a limited budget must prioritize needs and manage money wisely, so must the school district. The proposed building master plan does not, in our opinion, adequately address these budget constraints.
We wonder what other cost reduction opportunities we might find were we provided with a more detailed plan.
In the board of education’s January 23rdcommunity meeting presentation, there is a single slide showing a $65M baseline plan for repairs at all existing building sites, which was rejected because it “does NOT address any of the core identified needs that were discovered during the assessment process.” After evaluating multiple options for addressing these “needs”, the board settled on a $165M plan and a $7.7M land purchase, i.e. $108M more than the baseline plan. From the very high-level cost breakdown subsequently provided by the administration, we can see that the plan includes $10M for athletic facility upgrades and $22.6M for a new fine arts building. That’s 30% of the incremental cost over the baseline plan going toward enrichment programs affecting a subset of the students, not to fundamental academic programs affecting the entire student body. We wonder what other cost reduction opportunities we might find were we provided with a more detailed plan.
To arrive at a more cost-effective solution, we need to start again from the beginning with clear priorities regarding what is needed, as opposed to what is wanted.
To arrive at a more cost-effective solution, we need to start again from the beginning with clear priorities regarding what is needed, as opposed to what is wanted. Building safety and security come first, followed by those facility improvements that have a proven impact on academic achievement. Increasing classroom space to enable reducing the student to teacher ratio might fall into the latter category. We then need to develop facility concepts that satisfy these needs in a manner that minimizes both construction and future operational costs. For example, the current facility master plan envisions three separate buildings for pre-K through 5thgrade. Combining these into a single building would reduce construction costs, reduce heating and cooling costs and maximize the opportunity for sharing resources and occasional use spaces like cafeterias, gymnasiums, and auditoriums. A two- or three-story building would also provide the opportunity to use an existing site, eliminating the cost of land purchase and development.
These are just a few ideas meant to illustrate the point. Given the right set of objectives and constraints, the district’s architectural consultants would undoubtedly come up with more and better ideas. But the first step toward developing a school facility plan that strikes a reasonable balance between the educational needs of our children and the financial limitations of the community is to vote against the Loveland school levy and bond issue on November 5th.
Reference
January 23, 2019 Community Meeting Presentation: https://secureservercdn.net/50.62.175.49/f0o.a87.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/CM3-01.23.19-Slide-Deck.pdf
Daniel Zamagias with his parents Anna and Stephen at the 2019 Community Awards Dinner on October 17
“I’m honored to be selected for the Student of the Year Award and for the amazing opportunities the Rotary Club has offered me,” said Zamagias. “The Worlds Affairs Seminar this summer was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. More than 300 delegates from over 30 nations attended the seminar for a full week of discussion and activities around the promises and perils of social media. It was really interesting to share views and work through issues, like ethical dilemmas and the economic and political ramifications of social media use.”
Zamagias, an LHS varsity soccer player and member of the National Honor Society, was also chosen by Loveland High School to be a student delegate to the Loveland City Council, which involved shadowing a council member and subsequently running a council meeting in accordance with city government rules and regulations.
In addition, Zamagias has volunteered for several organizations; among others, serving as a photographer for the Joe Nuxhall Miracle League and as a counselor in training at the Cincinnati Nature Center. Zamagias’ future ambitions involve a college education in psychology and biology to later undertake research on mental illness.
At the annual Rotary Northeast Cincinnati Community Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 17, he received a $5,000 scholarship as part of the Student of the Year Award.
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This group of Loveland High School seniors spent Senior Service Day at Valley View, a nonprofit organization in Milford with a mission of conserving land, preserving history and sharing it with the community.
Loveland, Ohio – The entire senior class at Loveland High School (LHS) spent Wednesday, October 16 volunteering at nonprofits throughout the area. Beginning the day assembled at New Hope Baptist Church, the students learned from presenters about the value and impact of community service and then spent the afternoon assisting at a range of local organizations and agencies, including: Bethany House, Cincinnati Parks, Freestore Foodbank, Grailville, Granny’s Garden, Greenacres, Hands Against Hunger, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Nest, New Life Furniture, Play Library, Stepping Stones, St. Francis Seraph School, St. Vincent De Paul, and Valley View. The students also assisted in various projects at school campuses across the district.
Throughout the day, students shared their efforts and experiences on social media, using the Twitter hashtag #makeyourmark.
“Our eighth annual Senior Service Day was a great success,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson. “I appreciate all the hard work that went into the planning and organization of the event, which involved nearly 400 students, educators and additional volunteers.”
“Loveland FTC Lego Team Striped Might, their coaches Anna Macura and Jay Frazier, and mentors Joanna Reese, Brayden Watts, and Ally Oh, created candy bags – including special robot candy – for the LPD’s efforts to make Halloween in Loveland inclusive of all, especially those who are restricted by disabilities. Inclusion is a core value of the FIRST Robotics program.”
Loveland, Ohio – On Halloween, the Loveland Police Department (LPD) took candy to the homes of children and adults in the Loveland community who were unable to trick-or-treat due to a disability. It was part of the LPD’s effort to include those who otherwise would not be able to participate and make Halloween special for them, too. Loveland Middle School FIRSTLego Robotics team “Striped Might” met with Lieutenant Mike Szpak last Sunday evening to share their supply of candy and gifts to be distributed. Striped Might is a rookie team with rookie coaches – Anna Macura and Jay Frazier – rising up to the challenge of FIRSTRobotics.
“Robotics is not just about the BOT,” said Joanna Reese. “Inclusion is a core value of the robotics program and this is a wonderful way for us to share that with our community.” Reese is a member of the Bionic Tigers, one of two FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics teams at Loveland High School, and serves as a mentor for the younger members of Striped Might.
Lt. Szpak spent about an hour with the team members during their Sunday practice at Loveland Middle School. At the end of the visit, the team was invited to help deliver any Halloween leftover candy to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House.
by Cati O’Keefe
The prospect of higher property taxes brought on by the proposed Loveland school levy has spawned Tigers Helping Tigers, a charitable foundation formed to help those with limited resources pay their tax bills.
Cati O’Keefe is a resident of Downtown Loveland
The foundation was conceived by Art and Kim Jarvis. Art Jarvis is the president of the School Board, which proposed the ambitious new building master plan for the school system. “My job on the Board of Education is to make sure kids get the education they need to excel in the future. And that’s the purpose of the levy,” he says.
That’s his board member perspective. At home with his wife, however, he found their conversations frequently turning to the impact the financial ask could have on those with limited resources. “The community member Art Jarvis was bothered with the thought that the levy could cause fixed-income neighbors to suffer,” he says.
The Jarvises reached out to friends in the community, started sharing ideas, and Tigers Helping Tigers was born. Jarvis and the fledgling board (currently Kim Jarvis and Loveland residents Deb Ricci and Katherine Dannemiller) sat down with Greg Knake, executive director of The Care Center, and detailed their plan to raise $80,000-$100,000 to launch the new foundation.
Knake was on board immediately, framing the issue as a problem that needed to be addressed long before the current levy. “We’ve seen poverty grow 100% locally from 2005-2015 in Loveland,” he says. “Approximately 15% of kids in Loveland are on free and reduced lunch. This is an eight times faster increase than in urban areas.”
We’ve seen poverty grow 100% locally from 2005-2015 in Loveland. Approximately 15% of kids in Loveland are on free and reduced lunch.
Knake believes the proposed tax relief adds another spoke in The Care Center’s service wheel. “We are trying to bring help and resources to families teetering on the edge, and do it in a targeted way by getting people back to work or into a better job, giving them life skills, and breaking the cycle of poverty with one-on-one coaching and mentoring,” he explains.
The Care Center, which Knake describes as a faith-based organization, is collocated with the non-denominational North Star Church on Lebanon Road. The center is in the midst of a fund-raising endeavor itself, with a new facility slated for completion October 2020. “Our strategy employs best-practice research that has started organizations locally, like CityLink and the Healing Center, and is focused on bringing resources together under one roof,” he says.
Knake highlights the synergy between Tigers Helping Tigers and The Care Center: “ We already have relationships with many of the families who would qualify for assistance from the foundation,” he says. “We have the forms and processes in place needed to prequalify families–plus financial coaches and mentors–because hopefully this isn’t just a little bit of help on taxes but is also integrated with financial coaching to get them to an even better place in all parts of their lives.” (While The Care Center encourages people to discover and use its services, participation in the program is not a prerequisite for assistance through Tigers Helping Tigers.)
Tigers Helping Tigers board members are equally pleased with how the two organizations dovetail.
While The Care Center encourages people to discover and use its services, participation in the program is not a prerequisite for assistance through Tigers Helping Tigers.
“I am passionate about The Care Center’s impact on our community, and Tigers Helping Tigers is just another piece in assisting the marginalized, says Ricci. “The Care Center embodies the culture of our community, which generously gives back to those in need. The work of the Care Center team has helped so many cross the bridge of poverty to thriving in life. Having a strong education system is vital to our youth in reaching their greatest potential. This paired with the resources of The Care Center represents a community I am proud to be a part of.”
Dannemiller, who also serves on the fund-raising executive team for Nest Community Learning Center, believes the partnership will pay dividends for the Loveland community. “We have put six kids through the Loveland school system and stayed for the quality of the schools,” she says. “The levy is a hardship, but bridging the gap for people on limited incomes through the Care Center is a natural fit. The organization takes care of people who need help and creates a continuous path for them to get on their feet. Combining our program with theirs will extend help to people in a way that is impactful.”
At the end of the day, it is immaterial whether the current levy passes, fails, or gets kicked down the road to return in another iteration. Real need exists now.
The process of pondering cost versus value on the levy has, for many citizens, served as a reminder that levies–even modest ones–threaten the fragile existence of some community members and families. At the end of the day, it is immaterial whether the current levy passes, fails, or gets kicked down the road to return in another iteration. Real need exists now. Please consider donating to Tigers Helping Tigers and The Care Center. Inquiries regarding donations, receiving services, or volunteering can be made through Greg Knake at greg@carecenter.com or Art Jarvis at jarvisa@fuse.net .
Loveland, Ohio – With Halloween just around the corner and Fall weather officially here scary movie marathons are in full swing! There is nothing better than a good scare to get you in the mood for the 31st! So you’re not sure what scary movies to add to your Halloween movie marathon? Well, you have come to the right place! Here is PART 2 of my guide to the Top 10 Best Halloween movies!
5. Lights Out, 2016, directed by David F. Sandberg and produced by James Wan, Lawrence Grey, and Eric Heisserer
The title of this film is spooky in itself because during the season of Halloween who honestly likes the “lights out?” The film Lights Out is based on an evil entity in the form of a girl named Diana. Diana meets Sophie, played by Maria Bello when Sophie is a young girl and eventually Diana dies for reasons I don’t want to give away! Diana then attaches her insidious spirit to Sophie and makes it her sole mission to have Sophie all to herself…FOREVER! Sophie’s evil conduit (a demonic spirit that attaches itself to a person or object) then begins to haunt Sophie’s daughter Rebecca, played by Teresa Palmer, and Sophie’s son Martin, played by Gabriel Bateman. The most horrifying part of this film is that Diana can only be seen or cause harm when the lights are out! This supernatural horror film is of course produced by my FAVORITE, the legendary James Wan, which means this film definitely includes some terrifying scenes that will leave you keeping the lights on long after the film’s over! Lights Out is a film that is bound to make you jump out of your seat so don’t forget to secure your popcorn!
4. It, 1990 (original), based on the Stephen King novel, directed by Tommy Lee Wallace and written by Tommy Lee Wallace and Lawrence D. Cohen, It: Chapter 1, 2017 (adaptation), directed by Andy Muschietti and produced by Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Seth Grahame-Smith, David Katzenberg and Barbara Muschietti
I honestly don’t even know where to start when it comes to this film! Let’s just address now that It was responsible for most of the nightmares I had as a kid so when it was re-released in 2017 I was definitely excited to see the film, but not excited for the nightmares to start up again! The film It, which was based on a novel written by the infamous Stephen King, begins its terrifying tale in Derry, Maine in the 1960s where an evil murderous clown named Pennywise, begins to kidnap and kill the children of Derry. When Pennywise takes a young child named Georgie, he finds himself being challenged by 7 outcast kids, one of the kids being Georgie’s brother Billy, that vow to do whatever they can to take Pennywise down for good. If being a murderous clown isn’t scary enough Pennywise can also transform himself into his “victim’s” worst fear causing the victim to succumb to Pennywise’s “light” (the film will explain what the light is) allowing Pennywise to take and keep the victim’s soul forever. This film has so many scenes that will not only make you close your eyes but also close your ears because of Pennywise’s chilling voice! The original It was the film I was first introduced to Pennywise, played by Tim Curry, and I can definitely say with confidence that I have never experienced a scarier clown in a film until It: Chapter 1, an adaptation of the original, was released in 2017. Bill Skarsgard was selected to play the role of Pennywise and to my pleasant surprise scared me just as much as Curry did in the original! The 2017 cast was also selected in a way that I thought worked just as well as the original cast. Fan favorites Finn Wolfhard from Stranger Things, Sophia Lillis from Sharp Objects and Jeremy Ray Taylor from Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween all play roles in It: Chapter 1. A highly anticipated follow up to It: Chapter 1 was released in September of this year. I visited the theaters as soon as It: Chapter 2 was released and I must say director Andy Muschietti did a fantastic job transitioning the kid characters into adult characters. With Halloween just right around the corner, I don’t think there’s any better way to celebrate than by watching the entire It collection! You’ll float too….
3. Insidious, 2010, directed by James Wan, produced by Jason Blum, Steven Schneider, Oren Peli and written by Leigh Whannell
If you haven’t seen this supernatural horror film you are definitely missing out! Insidious does not follow the typical scary movie mold as it actually introduces another dimension to the viewer called “The Further.” In the film married couple Josh and Renai, played by Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne, move into a new home with their young sons Dalton and Foster. Shortly after moving in their son Dalton falls into a mysterious coma that no one can figure out the cause of until demonologist Elise Rainier comes into the picture! After Renai starts to experience some of the most terrifying paranormal activity, including seeing a red-face demon hovering over Dalton, she realizes there is more to what’s happening to her son then meets the eye! This film packs in so many scares that going to bed right after watching I’ll admit probably isn’t the best idea considering Insidious primarily focuses on the idea of astral projection, which many believe is something that people have experienced in dream-like states. Though Insidious is now a film franchise as the film itself has been followed by Insidious: Chapter 2, Insidious: Chapter 3, and Insidious: The Last Key the magic of the very first film of the series cannot be denied! One of my favorite film directors, James Wan, and one of my favorite producers, Jason Blum, teamed up to create this film and if you know anything about either one of these talented individuals you know that they are experts when it comes to giving viewers scares. Again this film isn’t necessarily based on Halloween but it is definitely a fantastic post trick or treating film choice!
2. The Conjuring, 2013, directed by James Wan, produced by Tony DeRosa-Grund, Peter Safran and Rob Cowan and written by Chad Hayes and Carey W. Hayes
If you were able to handle all the movies on my list so far without any nightmares congratulations I am very happy you have made it this far! The film I am about to suggest you watch is by far one of the scariest supernatural horror movies I have ever seen. The Conjuring is based on a real paranormal case that the legendary paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren took on in Rhode Island in 1971. There’s nothing that makes a film more appealing, especially in the horror movie genre than sharing with the viewer that what they are watching is based on a true story, and The Conjuring is just that! The real Ed and Lorraine Warren, who are now passed, took on over 10,000 paranormal cases over their very long careers as paranormal investigators. The Conjuring film follows Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, as they get pulled into the mysterious demonic occurrences that are happening, according to the Perroni family, in their Rhode Island farmhouse. What Lorraine ends up finding to be attached to the family and farmhouse is beyond what she ever expected! This film literally has it all; great acting, great story development, great visionary moments and the scare tactics well they are off the charts! I will warn you that this movie may not be for children as it is rated R and has quite a few REALLY scary moments! Adults beware you are definitely in for a scare with The Conjuring!
You know the feeling when you see a film for the first time and after it has finished all you can do is sit there in utter shock and silence? That’s exactly how I felt after I saw Hereditary for the first time. This supernatural psychological horror-drama takes place in Utah where Annie and her husband Peter, played by Toni Collette and Gabriel Bryne, along with their kids Steve and Charlie, played by Alex Wolff and Milly Shapiro, discover that a demon by the name of Paimon is haunting them due to Annie’s estranged mother’s death. Though the film’s plot seems quite typical the film itself is anything but typical! I will attest that some of the scenes in this film are quite horrifying and will probably stick with you in your dreams, but hey isn’t that what enjoying a great horror film is all about?! Finding this film maybe a little difficult as it was originally released at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival as somewhat of an “underground indie horror film,” but of course I did my research and I found that you can purchase this film at most stores, amazon prime video, google play and YouTube. Hereditary is number 1 on my list for a reason and that’s mainly because out of all the millions of horror movies I’ve seen not many scenes can compare to the visual horror that is displayed in this film! This horror movie is one that should be saved for Halloween night after the kids go to bed!
Thank you Loveland Magazine readers for tuning in to my Top 10 Best Halloween Movies Part 1 and Part 2! We hope everyone has a spooky yet safe HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Scare ya later!
by Dale Friemoth
Dale Friemoth is a Loveland School District resident and lives on East Loveland Avenue in Loveland.
I have put together some facts on the proposed Loveland City School District (LCSD) Levy in a question and answer format with footnotes on sources.
After gathering and evaluating these facts, I am voting NO on the Loveland School Levy on the November 5th ballot!
The levy on the ballot is divided into three sections totaling 16.78 mills1; one is for 37 years and the other two are for “continuing period of time” or PERMANENT.
1. 6.42 mills: Issue bonds for land purchase, construction bond, and improving sites – 37-year duration (This IS permanent for many voters; I’ll be nearly 100 in 37 years!)
2. 3.41 mills: Funds for permanent improvements – permanent.
3. 6.95 mills: Funds to pay operating expenses – permanent (Note: this is a 24% increase over the last Operating Fund Levy of 5.6 mills in passed in 20142).
• This levy would be a 42% increase in the school taxes that you are currently paying.
• You will pay an additional $49 per month ($587.30 per year) for every $100,000 of your home’s appraised value2. Own a $250,000 home; your taxes increase ~$1,468 per year!
• As a renter, you typically would not pay a real estate tax directly, though common sense would tell us that landlords will attempt to pass on their increased costs.
• This levy will impact you as well – ask your landlord what they intend to do if the levy passes!
Will the Board purchase the land at Grailville even if the levy issue fails?
• The Loveland School District has already paid a $100,000.00 non-refundable deposit on the Grailville property3. According to Art Jarvis, President – Loveland Board of Education1 “The board will purchase the GV property if the levy fails. This levy represents needs, not wants. Unfortunately, the GV (Grailville) property is the only suitable land available in the school district, and it will eventually be needed to expand for our growing student population and their educational needs.”
• Dr. Amy Crouse – Superintendent hedges this some stating “The Board of Education has not yet voted on any purchase of land. The LCSDBOE must take formal action concerning the purchase of the property prior to March (2020) per the option-to-purchase contract with The Grail.”
• Although not formally approved by the Board, the plan would be to pay for the $70,000 per acre ($7,700,000 total) land purchase using funds from the existing Permanent Improvement Levy that was approved to maintain existing buildings.
• Use these funds instead of “diverting funds to pay for temporary solutions such as trailers for classroom space.2”
• Use these funds so LSD won’t need “to continue to defer important safety and security upgrades2”. (Currently deferring important safety and security upgrades – the community should be aghast!!)
• Use these funds instead of “diverting funds from the classroom” so that we can make critical fixes in our schools.
Has the Board of Education and school management held down operating expenses to reduce the impact on taxpayers?
• Since the last Operating Expense Levy in 2014, the Loveland School District’s Operating Expenditures6 increased from $43,225, 390 to $55,568,450 projected for 2019, or 5% compounded annually with a large 13% increase from 2018 to 2019.
• The Cost per Pupil went from $8,600 in 2014 to $10,689 in 2019 which is now $968 per pupil higher than the state average.
• This 5% annual LSD expense growth compares to a 1.66% United States average inflation rate7 (2015-2019E) over the same basic time period. LSD operating expenses are increasing three times (3x) inflation!
If the Levy fails, won’t the Loveland School District be in a financial crisis?
• Loveland School District will have funds required to operate through the end of fiscal 2021 though the district would fall into “fiscal watch” after this time according to the Ohio Department of Education definition.
• There are multiple opportunities to put a reasonable levy on the ballot before the end of fiscal 2021, this is not a crisis!
There has been extensive growth in housing and rental properties within the LSD the past 10+ years, have we seen this same growth in Loveland students attending our schools?
• Loveland District total enrolment decreased from 4,566 to 4,462 in the past 10 years (2007/8 to 2017/18)6 even as the community residence numbers increased.
• As they say for investments “past performance is not indicative of future results” but no one has presented any evidence supporting future headcount growth.
Does the Levy fund updated and new Athletic & Extracurricular Facilities that are historically funded through boosters, private donations, & corporate sponsorships?
• The LSD plans include ~$10M in athletic upgrades8 including: New turf fields for baseball, softball, & multi-use.; New locker rooms, restroom facility, ticket booth, and gateway entrance; and New concessions building.
• Plans also include $22.5M5,8 for a new performing arts building with an auditorium for ~1000 and six (6) additional classrooms.
• This $32. M equals 20% of the total $165M “ask”.
1Official ballot language
2LCSD Website
3LCSD contract to purchase The Grail land
426-August-2019 e-mail to Loveland resident
56-October-2019 letter to Loveland resident
6Ohio Department of Education Score Card
7U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
8LCSD breakout of planned cost for implementing “Build Tiger Nation”
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by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School Fall sports have been running away with ECC titles left and right, but one team in particular actually did “run away” with the ECC title! The Loveland High school Women’s Cross Country is marking one of their best seasons in history not only winning the 2019 ECC title but also continuing well into the post-season where the Lady Tigers will compete for a bid to the State Tournament on Saturday at Troy High School.
2019 Women’s Cross Country Coach of the Year Steve Nester has also managed to lead the Men’s Cross Country Team to regionals on Saturday. With all of the great athletes running around the halls of Loveland High School Loveland Magazine had to, of course, take another trip out to the land of the Tigers to chase down and chat with the Women’s Cross Country Team about their season of personal bests! Click the below to see Loveland Magazine TV’s sit down interview with the Loveland High School Women’s Cross Country Team!
Loveland, Ohio – Trick-or-Treating in Loveland is on Thursday, October 31 between 6 and 8 PM.
The yellow and orange brick road to your Halloween Party Candies is at Loveland Sweet Shoppe in Historic Downtown.
Loveland Sweets is an old fashioned candy store located in the heart of the historic district in Loveland, OH. We make our own chocolates and ice cream and also carry a variety of other candies including gummies and nostalgia candy.
