LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: ohio

  • Cory Combs will bring conservative fiscal responsibly to Clermont County

    Cory Combs will bring conservative fiscal responsibly to Clermont County

    Milford resident Robyn Allen is 38 year old mother of two, working in dental insurance.

    Dear Loveland Magazine Readers,

    As a Milford resident and voter, I am casting my vote for Cory Combs for Clermont County Auditor. 

    I’ve watched him work tirelessly to get his campaign up and running.  The commitment he’s shown leaves no doubt that he can devote time to the people of Clermont County. Cory has clear goals and plans on how he can improve the office of the Clermont County auditor.  

    As a single mom, I want to know that the money I’m paying in taxes is going to the correct places and being used in the best interest of the future generation. Conservative fiscal responsibly is what Cory Combs will bring to Clermont County, and I hope you will join me in voting for him this November sixth.

    Sincerely,

    Robyn Allen

    Welcome to All About Kids We invite you to come visit one of our convenient locations, talk to our staff and teachers and learn why.

  • Abigail Docter, Tyler Gray and Sophia Muir recognized among the best of the best academically in the nation

    Abigail Docter, Tyler Gray and Sophia Muir recognized among the best of the best academically in the nation

    Loveland High School Seniors Abigail Docter (top left), Sophia Muir (top right) and Tyler Gray (bottom).

    National Merit Scholarship Program Names Three LHS Seniors as Commended Students

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District has announced that Loveland High School (LHS) Seniors Abigail Docter, Tyler Gray and Sophia Muirwho have been named Commended Students in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the competition by taking the 2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

    “The recognition is a testament to the academic ability of these amazing students who stand among the best of the best in the nation,” said LHS Principal Peggy Johnson. “We are thrilled and congratulate them all on this fantastic accomplishment!”

    Established in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. It was established for the sole purpose of managing the National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 420 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goal of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence. Although Commended Students do not continue on in the scholarship competition, they are recognized for exceptional academic promise demonstrated by their outstanding performance on the qualifying test used for program entry.

      Take Home Tano is about fresh, wholesome food for the frenzied family   Our goal is to meet the needs of busy families.

  • Calvin Spencer’s work to preserve local log house

    Calvin Spencer’s work to preserve local log house

    Scouts from Loveland’s Boy Scout Troop 888 carry a 200-pound 8-foot timber to its destination at the Ross Log House. Scouts moved 7,200 pounds of timbers by hand in support of Calvin Spencer’s Eagle Scout Project. Pictured here are Spencer, Nate Stewart, Caleb Reed, and Sam Reed.

    Symmes Township, Ohio – Boy Scout Calvin Spencer, Troop 888, Loveland, is a 15 year-old “rising Sophomore” at Loveland High School. He is striving for Eagle Scout Rank and his capstone project was making some much needed improvements to the re-stored, Ross Family log house on the Meade Property in Symmes Township.

    Spencer’s project was to repair and improve the tiered gardens surrounding three sides of the Cabin, including re-clearing and re-mulching the back area of the Cabin. The project encompassed two 8-hour work days, with labor contributed by Troop 888 Scouts and adults as well as community volunteers. Six weather delays were endured and overcome.

    Project Details

    • Removed 268 linear feet of dug-in and anchored double-stacked timber wall and replaced with 36 200-pound railroad ties.

    • Cleared weeds from 289 square feet of gardens, covered the area with weed guard and mulch. 

    • Cleared minor brush up-growth in 6750 square foot backyard area and covered with mulch.

    • Total amount of mulch spread:  40 cubic yards (4 giant dump truck loads!).

    The backyard area of the log home was the Eagle project of Calvin’s brother, Gary, who in 2015 cleared the wooded area and installed a drainage system, which works beautifully to this day. 

    Two new 5/8” holes were drilled into each of 36 timbers to accept rebar anchors. The rebar was reutilized after being straightened. Pictured here are the project leader, Calvin Spencer (left), and his lead drill operator, Nathan Dygert. The photo shows the before and after of the tiered garden, with the boys standing next to the new upper tier and the old lower tier in the foreground.

    You can arrange a visit and tour of the Ross Family Log House by contacting the Symmes Township Historical Society.

    Rear and side of Ross Family log house after restoration work by Calvin Spencer

    ABOUT THE ROSS FAMILY LOG HOUSE MUSEUM on the Meade Property in Symmes Township

    The Symmes Township Historical Society and the Symmes Township Board of Trustees joined together to guarantee that this historic 1830’s two-story (20’ x 24’) log house is restored for future generations to enjoy. The Society entered into a long-term lease with Symmes Township which allowed for the log house to be reconstructed on a portion of the Township’s historic Meade House property at 11887 Lebanon Road.

    The Society received a $100,000 grant from the Ohio Cultural Facility Commission, but bringing this history to life through restoration required the support of many other individuals and groups. The Society is thankful for all the donations received for this project. Everyone’s contribution, no matter how large or small, was important.

    This 2-story log home was originally located at the corner of Rich Road and Mulberry Street. The Society believes John and Mary Ross built the log house about 1836. In the 1830’s there were no “building permits” issued so it’s hard to know for certain. But when the Ross’ purchased the 137-acre tract they had 8 children. This house is 20′ x 24′ and is a full 2-story log house.  The size of the house would have accommodated the family and the Society’s research to date points to this family as builders of the log structure.

    John Ross’ parents, John and Jeannette Ross, were natives of Ireland who settled in Juniate County, PA. In 1812 they emigrated with their 11 children to 20-Mile Stand in Warren County. The elder John Ross was a Revolutionary War soldier. The Ross family helped organize the Somerset Presbyterian Church (the church building has been moved to Sharon Woods Village). John and Jeannette are buired in the Township’s Union Cemetery.

    The original log home had an interior chimney. This is somehwat unusual but a feature that would have kept the house warmer in the winter months. The beams are hand hewn and the 2nd level had the original floorboards. There would have been a privy and a smokehouse/cookhouse also on the site. An unusual feature of the house is the front door, which is no higher than six (6) feet. Why such a short main entrance to the house – were people really shorter 180 years ago?

  • The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is a hidden gem locally, state-wide and nationally!

    The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is a hidden gem locally, state-wide and nationally!

    “We are fortunate to have such a historical site right in our own thriving town,” stated Jan Beller, Director of the Loveland Museum Center.

    Rob Geiger

    by Rob Geiger,

    The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery, located at Ramsey Court in the White Pillars Subdivision in Loveland, Ohio, needs funding in order to help preserve our local history.

    The project will entail eradication of several dying trees, procurement of appropriate permits, site preparation, and erection of a nice 4’ aluminum decorative fence.

    The Paxton-Ramsey Cemetery Association, Inc. is seeking $10,000 in funding. The local Clough Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring a grant proposal submission to their National Society.

    Image may contain: grass, plant, tree, outdoor and natureThe Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery originated in 1813 with the burial of Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton, a Revolutionary War Soldier, on land that he received for his military service. Paxton’s original land grant was 1,000 acres starting in Warren County and sweeping into Clermont County. In 1795 Paxton and his sons-in law came to claim the property and a year later sent for their wives and children to join them in their new home.

    Lt. Col. Paxton (1739-1813) served with General George Washington at Valley Forge in 1777 and with General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794.

    Lt. Col. Paxton is considered the first permanent settler between the Little Miami River and the Scioto River in the Virginia Military Tract, credited with raising the first crop of corn, and was the founder of Loveland.

    Lt. Col. Paxton is considered the first permanent settler between the Little Miami River and the Scioto River in the Virginia Military Tract, credited with raising the first crop of corn, and was the founder of Loveland.

    Paxton’s involvement is quite extensive helping Lytle with surveying lands in Clermont County down to parts of today’s community of Hyde Park, having the first polling place in Clermont County and helping with the statehood of Ohio.

    Captain John Ramsey, a son-in-law, was buried in the cemetery in 1847, along with other family members until 1913. Captain John Ramsey (1764-1847) was a Revolutionary War Patriot and one of the first settlers of Clermont County with other family members. He was considered a proficient hunter even though his leg was amputated as a result of carrying out military duties.

    In 1997 the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, Inc. was formed and earned the status as a nonprofit (501c3) organization, and it is managed by a Board of Trustees. Much needed restoration of the cemetery took place with restoration of headstones, replacing the barbed wire fencing and removal of brush.

    We are looking to form a grassroots partnership along with members of the community and area businesses to have an attractive historical point of interest site in Loveland.

    The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is a hidden gem locally, State-wide and nationally! ” We are fortunate to have such a historical site right in our own thriving town,” stated Jan Beller, Director of the Loveland Museum Center (Greater Loveland Historical Society).

    Rob Geiger, is President of the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association and sixth generation grandson of Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton and fifth generation grandson of Capt. John Ramsey.

    We are looking to form a grassroots partnership along with members of the community and area businesses to have an attractive historical point of interest site in Loveland. Our grant application submission date is December, 2018 and improvements will start in the summer of 2019.

    Please consider a charitable gift to show your support of this historical preservation project by sending your tax-deductible contribution.

    If you have any questions, want a tour of the cemetery or to contribute to Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association please contact us at Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association Inc., C/O Rob Geiger, President, PO Box 25, Loveland, Ohio, 45140, or email geigercounter@hotmail.com.

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  • Loveland’s Fall leaf collection dates

    Loveland’s Fall leaf collection dates

    Loveland, Ohio – Leaf collection will be done by a City crew using mechanical equipment similar to a vacuum cleaner.

    Schedule by Neighborhood

    In each of the neighborhoods or streets listed below, a crew will be working the area on the dates shown and the crew will be making one pass on each street during the period of collection. The schedule calls for each neighborhood to have two collection periods. Residents are requested to have leaves at the curb prior to the beginning date of the scheduled pick-up period in the following neighborhoods:

    October 15 (Monday) & November 5 (Monday)

    East Main, Elm, Chestnut, Wall, Riverside, Park, Ohio, lower West Loveland, Harper, Shadycrest, Victory Circle, Wilson and Center

    October 16 & 17 (Tuesday and Wednesday) & November 6 – 8 (Tuesday – Thursday)

    Wakefield, Walker, Oak, Ash, Laurel, Williams, Maryknoll, Ruth, Venice, Elysian, Oriole, Lowell, Seyffer, Walnut, Paxton, Cedar, Robin, Second, Steeplechase, Huntington, Reserves, and Cedar Woods, White Pillars, Sanctuary at Miami Trails, White Pillars and Sugar Tree Subdivisions

    October 18 (Thursday) & November 9 (Friday)

    Lower Broadway, Third, Harrison, O’Bannon, E. Loveland Ave., Karl Brown Way, Union, Railroad, Maple, First, Fifth, Lyon, Sentry Hill, Brandywine, Hermitage Pointe, Butterworth Glen and Bares Creek Subdivisions

    October 22 – 25 (Monday – Thursday) & November 12 – 14 (Monday – Wednesday)

    Pheasant Hills, Pheasant Hills on the Lake, Claiborne I Subdivisions, and Hidden Creek

    October 25 & 26 (Thursday & Friday) & November 15 & 16 (Thursday & Friday)

    Fox Meadow Farm and Glen Lake Subdivisions, Lebanon Road, West Loveland Avenue from Lebanon to Loveland Madeira Road, Rich Road, Woodford Subdivision, and Kemper Road

    October 29 – November 1 (Monday – Thursday) & November 19 – 21 (Monday – Wednesday)

    Stoneybrook, Miamiview, Loveland Heights, Durango Drive, Claiborne II and Fox Chase Subdivisions

    Residents are instructed to rake leaves to a place near the street or curb and not place leaf piles on the sidewalk, gutters, ditches, roads, or blocking fire hydrants.

    “You may notice that your leaves have not all fallen before the leaf collection date comes. This is because there are many neighborhoods to reach before the first snowfall. We do our best to go back to neighborhoods one additional pass to pick up remaining leaves.”
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  • Loveland High School Receives an A on State Report Card

    Loveland High School Receives an A on State Report Card

    Overall, Loveland City School District received a B

    Loveland, Ohio – On September 13, the Ohio Department of Education released its annual report cards for public school districts across the state and Loveland High School was listed as one of six high schools in the Greater Cincinnati area to receive an A, the highest grade a school can obtain.

    Dr. Amy Crouse

    “I am so proud of the work we’re doing in all of our classrooms for all of our students, although I believe we will always have room for growth and improvement,” said Dr. Amy Crouse, superintendent. “Even though we know the state report card is just one tool of accountability based on one standardized test, it is validation that we are on the right track in preparing students for tomorrow, today.”

    The report card grades, A through F, are based on other sub-grades in areas such as Achievement, Progress, Graduation Rate and Gap Closing. For the first time, the state also released an overall district-level grade summing up how districts performed in this year’s report cards. Loveland City School District received a B. In Hamilton County, four school districts received an A, five received a B, and the 13 remaining districts received a grade of C or lower.

    “We know the state report card can provide us with useful information, although we have to keep in mind that its data offers just one snapshot of the very complex work we do every day in our classrooms,” said Crouse. “As a school district committed to high achievement and continuous growth, we monitor, analyze and factor in multiple data points when we consider the educational experience we strive to provide in our schools.”

    Later this month, the Loveland City School District will also release their own “Quality Profile”, which offers a look at the performance of district students and staff, using multiple measures and data points. The Quality Profile is supported by the Alliance for High Quality Education, an education consortium that works to improve educational opportunities for students and represent member districts on matters of educational policy and funding.

    “Our Quality Profile includes measures beyond the test scores that make up the state report card and seeks to show the complete picture of the total value our schools provide to our students, staff and community,” said Crouse. “While we will continue to celebrate our successes, we will never ignore the areas that present opportunities for progress. Ultimately, our goal is that every Tiger student is empowered to learn, grow and embody our core values of care, respect and responsibility.”

    Community School Closure Family Frequently Asked Questions

    State Report Card District Overview

    District Grade B

    Achievement

    The Achievement Component represents whether student performance on state tests met established thresholds and how well students performed on tests overall. A new indicator measures chronic absenteeism.
    B – Component Grade
    Progress
    The Progress component looks closely at the growth that all students are making based on their past performances.
    B – Component Grade
    Gap Closing
    The Gap Closing component shows how well schools are meeting the performance expectations for our most vulnerable students in English language arts, math, graduation and English language proficiency.
    A – Component Grade

    Graduation Rate

    The Graduation Rate component looks at the percent of students who are successfully finishing high school with a diploma in four or five years.
    A – Component Grade

    Improving At-Risk K-3 Readers

    This component looks at how successful the school is at improving at-risk K-3 readers.
    C – Component Grade

    Prepared for Success

    Whether training in a technical field or preparing for work or college, the Prepared for Success component looks at how well prepared Ohio’s students are for all future opportunities.

    LCSD 2018-19 Expectations

    Click the image below to learn more about the 2018-19 Loveland City School District expectations.

    Welcome to All About Kids We invite you to come visit one of our convenient locations, talk to our staff and teachers and learn why.

  • City appoints Michelle Byrde as Director of Finance

    City appoints Michelle Byrde as Director of Finance

    Michelle Byrde (on left) taking the oath of office on September 11

    Loveland, Ohio – City Council has appointed Michelle Byrde as the City’s new Director of Finance. Byrde has been with the City of Loveland since
    2012 and was appointed as Assistant Finance Director in February of 2015. She has also served as Acting Director of Finance multiple times.   Mayor Bailey who administered the Oath of Office to Michelle said, “Michelle has served the City with commitment over the last several years as our Assistant Finance Director, this new position is a natural transition and we all look forward to working with her in this new capacity.”

    Byrde’s annual base salary will be $80,000. Council agreed to purchase and to pay the premiums on a term life insurance policy equal to three times her base salary. Council also agreed to continue to provide hospitalization, surgical and comprehensive medical insurance for Byrde and her dependents as well as make required premium payments on behalf of Byrde for insurance policies for life, accident, sickness, major medical and dependents coverage group insurance covering her and her dependents. Coverage shall be the same as that provided to all other non-union employees.

    Byrde replaces Peter Rancatore who resigned on August 14. Rancatore was being paid a base salary of $90,000.

    Background: Peter Rancatore, Jr. resigned as Loveland’s Finance Director after 68 days on the job.

    Employment opportunity – Assistant Finance Director

     
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  • Employment opportunity – Assistant Finance Director

    Employment opportunity – Assistant Finance Director

    Loveland, Ohio – From City Hall:

    The City of Loveland is seeking candidates committed to the excellence in the field of finance to serve the role of Assistant Finance Director. The position will report directly to and be responsible for assisting the Director of Finance in overseeing the Finance Department which includes income tax, utility billing, and accounting/budgeting functions. The position requires analytical and financial skills, interpersonal relationship building, and customer service skills.  Position includes a competitive compensation package including Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) pension pick-up. Salary range is $56,165 to $67,650.  To learn more about the City of Loveland and Assistant Finance Director Position qualifications, click here.  Submit cover letter and resume to the Assistant Finance Director Position, c/o Clerk of Council, 120 W. Loveland Avenue, Loveland, Ohio 45140. The position will continue to accept resumes and cover letters for the position until such time as the position is filled. Loveland is an equal opportunity employer.
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  • Magnified Giving promotes Milford resident Alison Kaufman to Director of Programs

    Magnified Giving promotes Milford resident Alison Kaufman to Director of Programs

    Magnified Giving, a local nonprofit whose mission is to educate, inspire and engage students in life-long philanthropy, announced the promotion of its Program Coordinator to Director of Programs. Alison Kaufman joined the organization July 15, 2017 to support Magnified Giving’s successful history of growth. She assumed the role of Director of Programs September 24th, 2018.

    “The programs of Magnified Giving are the mission. That is where the work happens.” stated Roger Grein, Founder. “It has been a wonderful journey to watch it grow in community support and youth engagement.” Now, as we celebrate the end of our 10th year (2017-2018), it is exciting to elevate our Coordinator to the Director position.” The original Director role was held by Mr. Todd Forman for the first ten years. Forman helped create the process and program of youth philanthropy while also directing community service efforts and the Youth Philanthropy Council at Mount Notre Dame High School. Todd is currently the full time Community Service Director at MND and serving as a consultant to Magnified Giving for technology.  “Alison has wonderful qualities that will strengthen our mission moving forward, as we expand the number of schools and students we empower and grow this important mission of youth philanthropy, she enjoys working with teachers and helping them empower their students” says founder Roger Grein.

    Kaufman also assists the implementation the student philanthropy program in Milford High School where her triplets attend as freshman.

    Kaufman’s nonprofit leadership skills were most recently applied in her role as Program Manager at InReturn, whose mission is to serve clients suffering from a traumatic brain injury. While being interviewed by Magnified Giving students for a grant, she began to appreciate the mission of empowering young people to learn about the needs of others and give of their time, talent and treasure. She so enjoyed her experience of winning the grant for the nonprofit from the school students through Magnified Giving, she joined the growing Magnified Giving team in July 2017. Kaufman also assists the implementation the student philanthropy program in Milford High School where her triplets attend as freshman. In her new expanded role as Director of Programs at Magnified Giving, Kaufman leads the organizations mission by supporting the schools superintendents, principals and teachers to empower, engage and inspire their participating students to be young and active philanthropists.

    She will also manage the new summer camps of Camp Give and the new financial literacy curriculum of Earn, Save, Live, Give and produce 10 grant award ceremonies celebrating the students and winning charities in Spring 2019.

    We inspire young people to understand how our community works, serve people in need and how to be their best while using their own gifts and talents.

    Alison Kaufman, a native Cincinnatian, is excited to reengage with the local community by sharing Magnified Giving’s mission.“What inspires me is the opportunity to bring more students together with local charities that need the volunteerism, exposure and financial support. We inspire young people to understand how our community works, serve people in need and how to be their best while using their own gifts and talents. It is truly special work.” says Kaufman. Kaufman and her husband Mike live with their four children in Milford, Ohio.

    The promotion of the role of Director of Programs comes at a time when Magnified Giving is expanding and adding school programs and expanding Camp Give summer camp offerings. Donors provide generous gifts to empower teens to award as grants to vetted charities in need of financial and volunteer support. This education challenges the participating teens to realize their full potential, to use their talents to make our community stronger, understand the needs and apply their knowledge and passion toward the goal of strengthening and serving others. There are many benefits to young students learning these skills while in school in a formal class or club.

    The nonprofit organization has awarded nearly three quarters of a million dollars through student-awarded grants to local charities.

    Originally based in Lockland since the beginning in 2008, the now Evendale-based nonprofit organization has awarded nearly three quarters of a million dollars through student-awarded grants to local charities; and has grown to include 95 schools with more than 4000 students involved in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, with several schools in Dayton, Indianapolis, Akron and Cleveland communities. In the past ten years, over 350 charities have experienced the Magnified Giving program and have realized additional success as a result of the partnership.

    Founded by philanthropist Roger Grein, Magnified Giving educates, inspires and engages young students in philanthropy through their schools. The vision of Magnified Giving is for every high school student in America, beginning in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, to someday have an opportunity to learn firsthand how to be generous and wise philanthropists through hands-on experience. Participating school groups are challenged to determine how they want to invest more than $1,000 in a nonprofit.

      Accounting Plus–Bingaman Accounting and Tax Service, LLC is a tax preparation, payroll and bookkeeping company locally based in Loveland, OH.

  • Loveland Elementary’s Mallet Madness to share national stage

    Loveland Elementary’s Mallet Madness to share national stage

    “I knew it was a far shot because the other groups that auditioned were middle-school aged.”

    Loveland, Ohio – Last year Loveland Elementary teacher Michele Henn submitted a recording of Mallet Madness to audition for one of four spots performing at the National Convention of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, which will be held in Cincinnati this year. Orff-Schulwerk is the approach to music education used by thousands of teachers in America and is used in the Loveland elementary schools. Henn said, “I knew it was a far shot because the other groups that auditioned were middle-school aged. Well, our 4th grade group really pulled it out and we received one of the coveted spots.”

    Mallet Madness is an advanced percussion group of 20-24 fourth grade students at Loveland Elementary School. The group performs complicated pieces for xylophone, drum, accessory percussion, and recorder. Roughly 70-90 students audition for membership each year. The group rehearses before school, three days per week, from October through May. Ensemble members show tremendous dedication by arriving to school early simply for the joy of making music together. 

    The group is in its 10th season and is directed by LES music teacher Michele Henn.

    This year, Mallet Madness will perform at the National Convention of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (the approach to music education used at LES, LPS, and LECC). This is quite an honor, as the group will perform for music teachers from all corners of the country. Numerous ensembles from neighboring states competed for a chance to perform.  Mallet Madness earned one of four performance positions, and they were one of the youngest ensembles to audition. 

    Students from the 2017-2018 season of Mallet Madness are currently rehearsing throughout September and October to prepare for their November 10th performance at the Duke Energy Center.

    From Mrs. Henn:

    When we started Mallet Madness ten years ago, my teaching partner and I simply approached a few students that really seemed to enjoy music. We asked them if they would like to come to school early a few times per week and make music. That’s it. It was no big deal. Over the years the ensemble has grown in popularity and now we have multiple performances per year and a large number of students audition to join the group.

    Mallet Madness means so much to me personally because I am energized by the artistic atmosphere created by this group. I am able to push the group to perform music that in any other setting would probably not be attainable. This fulfills many needs for me as a musician, teacher, and director.