Current Congressional Health Care Proposals Don't Constitute 'Reform', Are Bad for Ohio
Like many of you, I have been following the national healthcare debate for the past several weeks, as the decisions made in Washington, D.C. will have a major impact on our state and its citizens. As legislative leaders work to reconcile the differences between the reform bills passed by House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, serious concerns are being raised about the potential costs to the states as well as proposals involving Medicaid and other health services.I, too, am troubled by the proposals currently under consideration and the effects they could have on families, businesses and our state as a whole. That is why I have introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 24, which urges the members of Ohio’s Congressional Delegation to oppose the federal healthcare bill.
While I believe that many reasons exist for Ohio’s Congressional representatives to vote against the healthcare bill, I am particularly concerned about the backroom deals that have been struck, the use of taxpayer funding for abortions as well as the high costs that could threaten Ohio’s future fiscal stability.
One of the main features of both reform bills is a requirement for states to expand Medicaid. Unfortunately, how states will pay for these additional people has not yet been determined. A publication by the National Governors Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures estimates this proposed expansion of Medicaid could cost the state $349 million for calendar years 2017 through 2019, a move that could result in tax increases or severe cuts to other state programs in order to keep a balanced budget.
Ohio spent $4.5 billion in state funds in fiscal year 2008 on Medicaid – roughly 22 percent of the state money in the General Revenue Fund. Placing new Medicaid mandates on our state without covering the increased costs would place even more pressure on our budget, which is already stretched thin due to the economic challenges we are facing. The current state budget was balanced with billions of dollars in one-time funds, money that will not be available when we begin deliberations next year on the state budget for fiscal years 2012-2013. The additional costs from healthcare reform would only exacerbate this problem.
In addition, the Senate version of the bill contains what some people have termed the “Cornhusker kick-back” – a provision that would have Ohio and other states paying for Nebraska’s Medicaid enrollees to the tune of millions of extra dollars. Senator Ben Nelson from Nebraska worked out a deal where in exchange for his “yes” vote on the bill, Nebraska received a permanent exemption from the state share of Medicaid expansion, which means taxpayers from the other 49 states will be on the hook for an additional $45 million in the first decade. Nelson and Sen. Carl Levin from Michigan also worked to insert a provision in the bill that will exempt non-profit insurers in their states from an excise tax. This unequal treatment of the states when it comes to doling out federal resources is outrageous and these sweetheart deals should be removed before final passage of the bill.
The Senate version of the healthcare reform bill also contains a provision that would use taxpayer dollars to fund insurance programs that cover abortions – a change to long-standing state and federal policies. Ohioans have overwhelmingly opposed the use of tax dollars to fund abortions in the past – a study by Ohio Right to Life found that 70 percent of Ohioans agree that their tax dollars should not be used to pay for abortions. It is my hope that legislative leaders will recognize this and remove this language from the bill.
The bottom line is this, the proposals currently under consideration by the Congress are not reform at all, and states such as Ohio could be saddled with tax increases and burdensome mandates as a result. Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 sends a message to those in Congress that they should delay a vote until changes are made that will bring about true reforms.
I would encourage everyone who cares about the future of health care in our country to contact their representatives in Congress and voice their opinions about the proposals under consideration. You can find contact information for your Congressperson or U.S. Senator by going to www.house.gov or www.senate.gov.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 24 has been assigned to the Senate Health, Human Services and Aging Committee, and I will be sure to keep you updated on its progress through the Legislature. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any state-related matter. You can reach my office by phone at (614) 466-9737, by e-mail at SD07@senate.state.oh.us or by writing State Senator Shannon Jones, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215. I look forward to hearing from you.
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“Body Changes That Make Sense”By Jan Beedle
I think my body tells me when the weather changes, infection takes root, and before a migraine headache begins. My left leg was aching up a storm, so I knew that an extreme low-pressure system was on the way, even before the meteorologists knew it. The week started out sunny and mild. Spring is on the agenda, but my bones will not let me contemplate too long. Ohio weather is unpredictable, as we have found out with big snows being predicted with the outcome being nothing but a sprinkling, or vice versa. Big ice jam and snow out there, but I’m still thinking spring. Strangely enough, I observe mood swings in people, when weather changes occur. If sunshine were the norm, I am reasonably sure depression would not be so prevalent. The music, “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down…,” makes sense.
Rotating in my own little world, sometimes I do not notice things going on around me, as I should, so I count on those close to me to let me know. I am afraid that if I slow down from my fast pace that the gravitational pull, which holds me in check, could release me into a black hole of pandemonium. I always felt the need to have some form of control over myself, and I don’t like to release that control. I would not make a good drunk or drug addict, because that would be giving it up. I do understand and have dealt with depression, alcoholism, and addiction in others. The only thing about it I don’t comprehend is the not wanting to get better attitude. Granted, it is difficult to admit to oneself, let alone anyone else, that I am wrong about anything. I learned from mistakes, and realized that it is better to admit them by going on. Most times, I correct them and learn valuable lessons. Repeating the same boo-boos is not an option.
In March 1987, a good buddy of mine learned from her family physician that even though Hubby recently retired, the pace was disastrous for him. She needed to convince him to get on solid ground, by somehow relieving stressful situations in the household. After working 12-14 hours a day for years in a stressful position, the permanent rest created the blahs. With no particular time schedule and goals to meet within an allotted period, the heart changed course. Strangely, instead of slowing the beat, the slowdown heightened it. Heart attacks resulted. Would you believe that the doctor’s advice was to find a few more stressful situations? Odd to say the least…It is certainly the opposite of what I figure would cause a heart attack. Maybe the logic could apply in certain circumstances. After all, a jolt of electricity does keep a battery charging. Think about it.I do not make a habit of running to the doctor every time I get a cold, sore throat, tummy ache or any other aches or pains, but at the same time, I know when to consult one. I only take medicines when I have to take them. Most of the time I do make the right choice. Seldom do I get a migraine, but I recognize the symptoms by the flashing white lights in my eyes. It is sometimes a migraine without the pain, or so the medical books inform me.
As soon as I feel a bladder infection coming on, I resort to 64 ounces of cranberry juice a day. Some urologists and family physicians agree that it is definitely a deterrent, and some disagree. My urologist is outstanding in his field of expertise. He agrees with me that if it works, I should keep the practice up. I think the constant flooding of the bladder, along with whatever ingredient the juice has in it does the job.
My advice is to listen to your body, weather changes, and your physician. One of them is bound to tell you the right stuff. Happy, hoppy Spring to you; may you have the spring in your step throughout this season of renewal.
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Now is the Time to Change the Way Ohio
Draws Legislative Districts
This coming year, two events will take place that will help shape the face of Ohio’s political landscape for the next decade – the 2010 census and the statewide elections this November. This is important because the results of the census will determine the number of seats Ohio will have in Congress. The number of people in each Ohio Senate and Ohio House district is also based on an equal distribution of the state’s population.
In addition, the winners of the elections for governor, auditor of state and secretary of state determine the members of the Apportionment Board, which is responsible for creating the maps of Ohio’s legislative districts every 10 years based on the results of the federal decennial census. This process is scheduled to take place next year, and both political parties have a vested interest in the outcome, as the party in power can draw maps that favor its own candidates. This system has been in place for decades and has long been criticized for promoting one-party control of state government and hyper-partisanship, with those in power having more of a say in determining who gets elected than the voters themselves.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. The Ohio Legislature is currently considering a proposal that seeks to change the methods used to draw Congressional and legislative districts to make elections more competitive and put the power back in the hands of Ohio voters. Last year, the Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 5, which was sponsored by Senator Jon Husted (R- Kettering). SJR 5 would replace the Apportionment Board with a seven-member bipartisan redistricting commission responsible for drawing legislative districts.
The redistricting commission would be composed of the governor, auditor of state, secretary of state, the Speaker of the Ohio House, the President of the Ohio Senate, and the minority leaders from each chamber. This is different from the current makeup of the Apportionment Board, which includes only two members of the Ohio General Assembly – one from each party. To approve any new redistricting plan, a five-vote majority is required, with two of the five votes coming from the minority party. This change would ensure that any new plan is created through bipartisan cooperation and that all opinions are heard and taken into consideration.
When drawing Congressional and legislative districts, SJR 5 requires them to be compact and to keep communities together whenever possible. The plan also calls for the commission to try and maximize the number of competitive districts, eliminating the ability of drawing districts that favor one party over another, as has been the case in the past.
To help further increase transparency in the redistricting process, any Ohio resident would be able to submit a Congressional or legislative plan for consideration by the commission. Additionally, once a plan has been adopted by the commission, the members must prepare a public report detailing the methods and reasoning used to create the district maps.
Given the prominent role Ohio plays in our nation’s elections, it is imperative that the system we use to draw legislative districts be fair and balanced instead of one that rewards those in power. Other proposals to reform the redistricting process have been introduced in recent years, and I believe that now is the right time for the Legislature to take on this issue – before the census results are in and before this fall’s elections are complete. Time is of the essence, however, as SJR 5 must be passed before February 3 if it is to be placed on the May ballot for consideration by voters.
SJR 5 is currently under consideration in the House Elections and Ethics Committee, and members of the Ohio House are also working on their own redistricting proposal. I am hopeful that legislators from both chambers will come together in the coming weeks and develop a redistricting plan that is more accountable, less partisan and makes for more competitive elections.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any state-related matter. You can reach my office by phone at (614) 466-9737, by e-mail at SD07@senate.state.oh.us or by writing State Senator Shannon Jones, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215. I look forward to hearing from you.
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A NEW YEAR AT THE LIBRARY
Written by Christy Trent:
Another year has come and gone. The older I get the quicker the years appear to pass! It seems like just yesterday we inaugurated a new President, we followed the terrifying and then hoax filled story of the balloon boy, we watched stocks collapse and rebound, and we've tracked our local Bengal’s Pro football team to a winning season and on to the play offs. There have been so many world and life changing events in just a year.
When the year 2000 closed out and 2001 began we embarked on a new century. It's hard to believe we are already into the 10th year of that era. A look back into the 20th century helps us to see how far our country has come and how far we still have to go. The book, America's Century: Year by year from 1900 to 2000, by DK Books, is a historical map of the good, the bad and the ugly events of that time frame.
To start off the century, in 1900 a flood of immigrants streamed through Ellis Island at a rate of 100 an hour. Immigration reform was widely called for even back then due to lack of jobs and health care issues. 8,000 automobiles cruised the nation's roads and over 4 billion cigarettes were rolled for American smokers.
In the early 1900's Henry Ford sold his first Model A car for $850, film producers were told to clean up their act with a movie, The Widow Jones, for showing a 20-second kiss, and International Paper Company produced disposable wax cups known as Dixie cups.
The 1920’s saw the organization of a new company, I.B.M., that made computations by using a card with holes punched in it. Mae West was arrested for “moving her navel up and down” in a play and a small money-losing radio company was purchased and renamed CBS.
The years to follow were much harder for our country. Unemployment was at an all time high of 4 to 5 million. President Hoover called for a $500 million emergency reconstruction program to help rebuild businesses. The Social Security Act was signed by President Roosevelt in the latter part of the 1930’s.
On the lighter side, in 1935 the Cincinnati Reds were the first major league team to host a night game. In 1936 Shirley Temple was the box-office queen at the age of 8 and Bugs Bunny made his debut in 1940.
History continued to repeat itself over the following decades. Presidents were elected. Wars were fought. Movie stars died. Technology grew by leaps and bounds starting with the new computer in 1946 that weighed 30 tons! Sports continued to break records and boundaries with Jackie
Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball in 1947. Elvis, whom critics called “unspeakably untalented and vulgar,” rocked America in the 1950’s and kids in the US went crazy for hula hoops.
It seems our fairly young country has seen it all and then some. How exciting it is to think there is still so much more to discover in the century stretching ahead of us. Head over to your local library and pick up this book or others describing our past in this great country we call home.
Free lance writer and employee of the Dayton Metro Library.
Contact me at ctrent5@cinci.rr.com
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[More]
Written by Christy Trent:
Another year has come and gone. The older I get the quicker the years appear to pass! It seems like just yesterday we inaugurated a new President, we followed the terrifying and then hoax filled story of the balloon boy, we watched stocks collapse and rebound, and we've tracked our local Bengal’s Pro football team to a winning season and on to the play offs. There have been so many world and life changing events in just a year.
When the year 2000 closed out and 2001 began we embarked on a new century. It's hard to believe we are already into the 10th year of that era. A look back into the 20th century helps us to see how far our country has come and how far we still have to go. The book, America's Century: Year by year from 1900 to 2000, by DK Books, is a historical map of the good, the bad and the ugly events of that time frame.
To start off the century, in 1900 a flood of immigrants streamed through Ellis Island at a rate of 100 an hour. Immigration reform was widely called for even back then due to lack of jobs and health care issues. 8,000 automobiles cruised the nation's roads and over 4 billion cigarettes were rolled for American smokers.
In the early 1900's Henry Ford sold his first Model A car for $850, film producers were told to clean up their act with a movie, The Widow Jones, for showing a 20-second kiss, and International Paper Company produced disposable wax cups known as Dixie cups.
The 1920’s saw the organization of a new company, I.B.M., that made computations by using a card with holes punched in it. Mae West was arrested for “moving her navel up and down” in a play and a small money-losing radio company was purchased and renamed CBS.
The years to follow were much harder for our country. Unemployment was at an all time high of 4 to 5 million. President Hoover called for a $500 million emergency reconstruction program to help rebuild businesses. The Social Security Act was signed by President Roosevelt in the latter part of the 1930’s.
On the lighter side, in 1935 the Cincinnati Reds were the first major league team to host a night game. In 1936 Shirley Temple was the box-office queen at the age of 8 and Bugs Bunny made his debut in 1940.
History continued to repeat itself over the following decades. Presidents were elected. Wars were fought. Movie stars died. Technology grew by leaps and bounds starting with the new computer in 1946 that weighed 30 tons! Sports continued to break records and boundaries with Jackie
Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball in 1947. Elvis, whom critics called “unspeakably untalented and vulgar,” rocked America in the 1950’s and kids in the US went crazy for hula hoops.
It seems our fairly young country has seen it all and then some. How exciting it is to think there is still so much more to discover in the century stretching ahead of us. Head over to your local library and pick up this book or others describing our past in this great country we call home.
Free lance writer and employee of the Dayton Metro Library.
Contact me at ctrent5@cinci.rr.com
Written by: Jan Beedle
The years fly by faster as a person ages. How many times have I heard that from oldsters and overlooked it? With each passing Holiday Season, I am finding the statement to be truer than the last. Maybe it is because I go slower, but the world around me seems to be going faster…and faster. January is always time for renewal.
In “Fiddler on the Roof,” tradition means everything in keeping alive a culture and a family. According to Webster, tradition is a custom handed down from the past. During the prologue to the musical, the role of God’s law in maintaining balance in villagers’ lives is explained in “Traditon.” The song places an inner circle (the people) within an outer circle, which contains the lawmakers, the priest, rabbi, and others who rule the village. Without their traditions, the residents would be “as shaky as a fiddler on the roof.” When family values begin to unravel, so do loyalties – leading to dissolution of family.
Growing up and through adulthood, I may not have agreed or been comfortable with social or family special events, but I made myself grin and go on with the show. After all – I feel it is important for the matriarch to keep the family together. In a world of love, hate and feelings, there is always some issue to have to deal with – no wonder so many retirees find it necessary to escape to find solace with their own age group. Is it safety in numbers, other shoulders to cry on, or the need to avoid life as it becomes more difficult to face?
When I see the world population struggling for a drink of fresh water, medical care, or a scrap of food, I feel guilty about my own comfortable, orderly lifestyle. Each year, I resolve to cut down on extravagance to family and myself by giving more to the less fortunate. The smiles and gratitude of those who truly need the help would be my greatest benefit.
This time of the year is when I gather blankets and pillows for the Dayton area homeless, but I had my heart set on helping with the annual Elder Beerman’s Thanksgiving dinner this year too. If I could involve my family, we could form a new tradition…one that might mean so much more to each of us. Guess the rotten economy caught up with the tradition.
I want to change our family Christmas celebration for 2011 to a simpler format. Drawing names for the adults does not appear to be a bad idea. One gift per child would be a culture shock to the recipient, but facing reality of adulthood and the plight of those who have not might be a heart-warming experience. Besides, I no longer see or feel gratitude or appreciation for any gift. It is as though the words, “thank you,” were never invented. I only see great expectations of more in the eyes of the receivers. Besides, I’m asking myself, “How does the exorbitant gift-giving help the world?”
A month before Christmas I heard a bold statement from a seventeen-year-old, “I only want money for Christmas. I am saving for a car.” Now they are telling the givers what they want and the expectation is out in the open. Someday she may have to face the fact that she may have to work for it, same as most. Do ya’ think? I have my own name for this generation – the Gottahaveitallrightnow Kids.
Since I am now the family matriarch, I suppose the entire change is up to me. We could still enjoy the shopping excursions, but instead buy for the needy. Rather than RVing to Florida, I will hang around here and plan a new year with a revised strategy of giving. I wonder if the revived Thanksgiving Day gala can stand two or more servers, or four, or nine? I have always been optimistic. I hope that I can save the holidays and we can remain together as a family for next Thanksgiving and Christmas.
As Tevye from “Fiddler…” sang, “What words of wisdom can I give them? How can I help to ease their way? Now they must learn from one another day by day. “One season following another laden with happiness and tears.” We could all become as “shaky as a fiddler on the roof,” or we could form new worthwhile traditions together.
Happy 2010. Won’t you join me in my pursuit of a lasting happiness? This could be a turning point for you too. It takes everyone to change the world.
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Rep. Beck Appointed to Legislative Committees
COLUMBUS— State Representative Peter A. Beck (R-Mason) today was appointed to the House Economic Development; Housing and Urban Development; and Veterans Affairs committees for the remainder of the 128th General Assembly.
“I am excited to have the opportunity use the knowledge and skills that I have acquired as a business owner and veteran to serve the great citizens of Ohio in these committees,” Beck said. “These committees are sure to hear legislation that will address many of the pressing issues Ohioans are facing; I look forward to being a part of the process.”
Beck is currently serving his first term with the Ohio House of Representatives. In addition to his work with the Legislature, he works as a Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Bank Auditor, Certified Financial Services Auditor, and an Anti-Money Laundering Professional at Donohoo, Cupp & Beck, CPAs. Beck previously served as mayor and vice-mayor of the City of Mason from 2007 until his appointment to the Ohio House in October 2009.
“After some delay I am pleased to see that Rep. Beck will be able to serve his constituents through committee assignments, and I thank the Speaker and majority for accommodating our newest member,” said Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina). “In addition to the three committee appointments Rep. Beck has received, the minority caucus has also requested he be placed on the Public Utilities Committee.”
Beck serves the 67th Ohio House District and resides in Mason with his wife. Residents may reach Beck at his Columbus office located at 77 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, through telephone at (614) 644-6027, or by e-mail at district67@ohr.state.oh.us.
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Bringing Clarity to the Way Ohio Measures Academic Progress
For parents, choosing where to send their children to school is one of the most important decisions they will make. They want their children to have a safe environment in which to learn and grow, and one that will provide them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and the workforce.
To help parents, school officials and others gauge the academic progress of their local schools, legislators implemented a report card system for school districts in 1997. These annual report cards allow people to evaluate and compare a district’s performance on proficiency tests, attendance and graduation rates. Since then, the system has been modified to take into account changes in state and federal education laws.
Currently, the rankings are determined based on a combination of four factors: student performance on 30 state indicators involving proficiency tests in third through eighth grades and the Ohio Graduation Test as well as attendance and graduation rates; a performance index which measures the achievement of every student during the school year; a value-added measure that reflects how much progress students have made in the past year; and whether or not the district met Annual Yearly Progress (AYP), a federally required measure of reading and math proficiency in 10 student subgroups.
Based on a district’s performance in these areas, they are assigned one of the following rankings: “Excellent with Distinction,” “Excellent,” “Effective,” “Continuous Improvement,” “Academic Watch” or “Academic Emergency.” Parents use these report cards to help determine where they send their children to school and districts rely on the results to help them pass levies.
While I believe we need to hold our schools accountable for ensuring our children are making progress in their education, I feel the current system unfairly punishes high-achieving schools based on the performance of a handful of students. When the annual district report cards for the 2008-2009 school year were released earlier this fall, Lebanon City Schools received a rating of Continuous Improvement –down from its previous Excellent with Distinction designation.
The reason for this drop in the ratings is due to the district failing to meet AYP for reading in two student subgroups – Hispanic and Limited English Proficient – and under the current ranking system, districts that fail to meet AYP for three or more consecutive years can be ranked no higher than “Continuous Improvement,” regardless of their performance in other areas. I spoke with the Ohio Department of Education about this issue, and learned that the two subgroups involved have almost entirely the same students. Simply put, Lebanon is getting penalized twice for the same group of students. This drop in ranking can give parents the impression that a school’s academic quality has dropped, when in fact it has not. A similar situation also occurred this year in the Kettering School District, which qualified for an “Excellent” ranking but was dropped to “Continuous Improvement” due to not meeting AYP in two student subgroups.
A closer look at Lebanon’s report card further highlights this inequity. For the 2008-2009 school year, Lebanon had a 98.1 percent graduation rate, met 29 of 30 state indicators, received a score of 101.6 on the performance index and scored above average for the value-added measure. Another district ranked “Continuous Improvement” for the same year met 0 out of 30 state indicators, received 80.4 on the performance index and did not pass all subgroups for the last three years and failed in seven subgroups this past year. This clearly indicates the current rating system does not provide the accurate, consistent assessment tool that is needed to properly express the academics of a school district.
To address this situation, my colleagues and I in the Senate recently passed Senate Bill 167, which would reform the rating system for Ohio school districts to prevent a school from dropping more than one classification simply for not meeting federal AYP standards for certain subgroups of students. Under Senate Bill 176, schools failing to meet AYP three or more years in a row in the same subgroups may only have their ranking lowered to “Effective” instead of the current “Continuous Improvement.”
Penalizing a successful, high-performing district based on essentially one subgroup failing to meet AYP seems very severe and inequitable – and potentially undermines the confidence placed in this accountability system altogether. Lebanon, by all other categories included on the state report card, is a high performing and very successful school district. This year’s rating of Continuous Improvement does not properly reflect the quality school system in Lebanon and, as a result, can cause great harm to the community. Senate Bill 167, in my opinion, addresses this issue while holding schools accountable and still providing a clear and accurate report of the academic conditions of a school district.
Senate Bill 167 has moved to the Ohio House of Representatives for further discussion, and I am hopeful that it will pass in the coming months so that next year’s school report cards can provide a more accurate picture of student progress and we can avoid situations like those in Lebanon and Kettering.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any state-related matter. You can reach my office by phone at (614) 466-9737, by e-mail at SD07@senate.state.oh.us or by writing State Senator Shannon Jones, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Celebrating the Season in Southwestern Ohio
The holiday season is a busy time of year – between putting up decorations, attending parties, travelling to see relatives and rushing to complete our holiday shopping, December seems to fly by with hardly a notice. However, I believe this season is about more than simply gift-giving; it is a time to gather together with those in our lives who mean the most to us. Here in southwestern Ohio, there are a number of activities taking place that provide a great way to create lasting memories with family and friends.
For 27 years, the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo has delighted children and adults alike as millions of lights decorate exhibits and facilities throughout the zoo. Although the weather has turned cold, many of the zoo’s residents, such as polar bears, snow leopards and sea lions enjoy the winter weather and are much more active. The festival also offers visitors the chance to see Santa and his reindeer, travel on the North Pole Express or watch a holiday-themed puppet show. New this year is the Wild Lights Show, which features a 21-foot tall, computer-controlled tree that lights up to the beat of popular holiday songs.
The Festival of Lights takes place nightly at the Cincinnati Zoo from 5-9 p.m. until January 3, although the zoo will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Admission tickets to the festival, as well as tickets for the puppet show and movies in the Special FX 4-D Theater can be purchased at the main entrance or online at www.cincinnatizoo.org.
In downtown Cincinnati, Fountain Place is hosting a number of events that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Those with a camera can have their picture taken with Santa Claus at the North Pole. Santa is available Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and on Sundays from noon-6 p.m. In addition, photo opportunities will be available December 21-24 from noon-6 p.m.On Saturdays starting at 6 p.m., take your seats for Macy’s Downtown Dazzle, which features strolling entertainers, holiday characters and holiday music. The event is capped off with Santa rappelling down the side of an office building and a spectacular fireworks display. Following the fireworks, you can eat a cookie and hear a story from Mrs. Claus.
At the center of Fountain Square you will find the 7,000 square-foot ice rink that has been the site of many memorable family outings over the years. The rink is open daily now through the end of February, although the rink may close temporarily due to the weather. For hours of operation and the status of the ice rink, please call (513) 9790-4738 or visit www.myfountainsquare.com/
To help get you to all the fun at Fountain Place, the Holly Jolly Downtown Trolley stops at all major holiday attractions along Fourth and Fifth Streets every 10 minutes on the weekends. Tickets for the trolley, which runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. on Sundays are free, and boarding takes place in front of the Westin Hotel across from Fountain Square.
Families wishing to visit Santa can hop aboard The Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad’s North Pole Express, which transports guests in vintage train cars from the 1930s for a visit with Santa and his elves while enjoying a holiday snack. The North Pole Express runs several times each day on Saturdays and Sundays through December 20. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (513) 933-8022 or visit www.lebanonrr.com. After your train ride, you can visit Ohio’s oldest hotel – the nearby Golden Lamb – for a snack or a tour.
Finally, if you want to celebrate the winter season without getting cold, Snowland at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason allows you and your family to celebrate the season while splashing around an indoor waterpark that’s always a toasty 84 degrees. You can also visit with Santa, make holiday crafts and watch it snow in the Grand Lobby each day. In addition, the kids can earn a diploma from the North Pole University for Elves as they learn about animals from the North Pole and practice their chimney-sliding skills. You can make reservations at the Great Wolf Lodge by visiting www.greatwolf.com/mason/
The Beach Waterpark in Mason has also been transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with lights, a skating rink, carriage rides, petting zoo and toboggan slide. Holiday Fest takes place through January 10. For hours of operations and to purchase tickets online, please visit www.thebeachwaterpark.com.
These are just some of the events taking place in our region, and I hope you and your family and friends are able to get out and enjoy the holidays. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or concerns about any state-related matter. You can reach my office by phone at (614) 466-9737, by e-mail at SD07@senate.state.oh.us or by writing State Senator Shannon Jones, Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215. I look forward to hearing from you.
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“Christmas in October”
By Jan Beedle
Santa Claus, Indiana, is a nippy name that brings thoughts of snowflakes, snowmen, little elves and lots of toy making. I suppose it is not too early to ponder cards, because it takes so long to get them ready and send them.
Trying to cut down on the card list is not an easy chore. There have been years when I bypassed the duty and expense altogether, but the guilt will not evaporate from my conscience. The following year I made up for it by sending lengthy notes from a lengthier list. Then, there were the form letters…
Having worked in retail in one capacity or another for years, I guess it was natural that I managed the first Christmas shop at the Elder Beerman Budget Store in Middletown sometime in the mid-1970s. It was fun at the time, because I decorated three large trees, put together window displays and used the Beerman budget to accomplish it – no wonder it was so much fun.
Not starting the decorating until after Thanksgiving was soon enough to get ready for the busy holidays. It gave us time to reap the benefits of the harvest season without rushing through it. Presently, Christmas decorations and cards are everywhere. Halloween and Thanksgiving were barely celebrated, but I would enjoy Christmas music and Hallmark Hall of Fame movies. I was ready for “Over the river and through the woods…” a bit longer, before I hear “Jingle Bells.” Do not get me wrong – I love Christmas, but I want to enjoy all the fall festivities first.
Santa Claus, Indiana, was originally Santa Fe, but since there was already a Santa Fe, Indiana, listed by the United States Postal Service, the townsfolk had to think of a new name. Several unique stories circulate about how the people settled on Santa Claus. The best story tells that the town leaders were sitting around a warm stove in a little log church. All of a sudden – a puff of cold wind blew the doors open. Sleigh bells could be heard in the distance. One of the children in the room exclaimed, “Santa Claus.” Residents agreed to the name. The year was 1852. The name stuck and it is the only town in the world with a Santa Claus postmark.
If you want to send a letter, the zip code is 47579. As far as I know, all letters receive an answer by Santa’s busy elves. I plan to send one this year to see what the reply might be. Sometimes I am naughty and sometimes I am nice, so I could get opera creams or a bundle of switches. I already got the lumps of coal years ago, but used them for Frosty’s eyes.
A giant Santa Claus statue marks the entrance to the unusual town. Eight other large Santa statues dot the community. Across town is Santa Claus Cemetery. I definitely need to check out the tombstones – bet they are interesting.
A housing development, Holiday Village, has New Year’s Eve St., Good Friday Blvd. and Easter Circle. These names take the mystique out of Santa Claus. Streets in the old town carry the names of Christmas Blvd., Candy Cane Lane, and Mistletoe Drive. Christmas Lake Village continues the tradition, but hides behind security gates.
According to roadsideamerica.com and the Spencer County, Indiana archives, Santa Claus Land, built in 1946, was the world’s first theme park. I question the validity of the information because I researched the old LeSourdsville Lake Park, which had been around since 1922. My sister and others remember visiting it as a theme park in 1945. I know that Cedar Point has been a park since the 1940s. Earlier this year, I researched the old Myrtle Beach Pavilion and found it to be much earlier. Disneyland opened nine years after Santa Claus Land.
I don’t know how any festival of lights could compare to the beauty and wonder of Niagara Falls Festival of Lights. Hubby and I took the trip five years ago. It was spectacular, but the extravaganza is no longer available. The festival in Santa Claus offers twelve lighted neighborhoods in Christmas Lake Village. We could relish Breakfast with Santa, musicals, crafts, and a jubilant Christmas parade. At least I have plenty of time to plan. Think I would like to find out if I can catch the holiday spirit… won’t you join me?
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State Representative Pete Beck Announces Holiday Card Contest Winner
Mason Resident Depicts “A Winter’s Sunday in Lebanon”
Columbus – State Representative Pete Beck (R-Mason) announced today that he has chosen artist Frankie Wheeler’s “A Winter’s Sunday in Lebanon” for his first annual holiday card contest. Wheeler’s watercolor rendition of the Golden Lamb in Lebanon will hang in Beck’s office at the state capitol.
“The 67th House District has many beautiful qualities, and the very talented artists in this contest did an amazing job of portraying them,” Beck said. “Ms. Wheeler’s painting will make a great greeting card and an excellent addition to my office decorations.”
Representative Beck and the Mason Area Arts Council teamed up to create a contest for his first holiday card to be sent as state representative of the 67th House District. Artists were asked to submit work that they felt embodied the county.
Wheeler, originally from Charleston, WV, moved to Mason in January of 2009. Since then, she has become a member of the Mason Area Arts Council’s painting group, the Mason Area Painters. Eighty-seven-year-old Wheeler says she’s been painting all her life and can’t remember a time when a paint brush wasn’t in her hand.
“My family and my art have made up my life all of these 87 years,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler won $500 for her first prize award. Second place went to Jody Ball’s “Finding the Perfect Tree” and 3rd place was awarded to Maury Mountain’s “The Batche Building.” Beck also awarded honorable mention to two Mason students, Raga Maddela and Brooke Woods.
The original Golden Lamb was built in 1803. The brick building where the Golden Lamb moved to and currently resides was built in 1815. The Golden Lamb is recognized as the oldest continuously operating business in the state of Ohio. Many prominent citizens have stayed at the Golden Lamb, including visits by 12 presidents.
For more information about the Mason Area Arts Council visit www.masonarts.org or contact Executive Director Meredith Raffel at 513-573-0007.
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