News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area
Without fear or favor
Since 2004
![[Photo Slides] Recent Loveland High School Basketball Photos](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/loveland-magazine-basketball.jpg)
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – It’s been awfully fun photographing the Loveland High School Women’s and Men’s basketball games this season. As you will see in this slide show there is non-stop effort and excitement from both teams.
By visiting the ECC website you can keep up with the stats, standings, scores, and the schedule to attend a game and witness the action firsthand.
I’m looking forward to a fresh start, I hope you all are as well. I’m going to share my New Year’s Resolution with you all…to save money. We had a handful of life events in 2023 so a lot of money went out the door. Most of it reasonable. As we reflected on what was brought in, we were a tad ashamed that more had not been put away or invested. Wish me luck!
The article this month relates to helping small businesses saving money. There are four simple ideas listed. I like simple. Hopefully, if even one helps your small business save some money you will be happy. The chamber is a non-profit small business as well. I plan to definitely see where we can save some money and still provide incredible service.
If any of you were able to attend our Annual Meeting at the beautiful 1859 in downtown Loveland, the chamber offered a year in review. We also shared what to expect in 2024 that will be different. We’re thrilled to share, that the chamber will be doing more giving back and participating with our non-profits. I’m personally very excited about this!
BONUS article: Tax Credits for Small Businesses
Have a great year for ALL small businesses!
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CeeCee Collins is President of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance.
She was born and raised in Beavercreek, Ohio, CeeCee Collins attended Carroll High School and has been a swimmer her entire life. She received her undergraduate degree at Xavier University where she also participated on the swim team for four years. She graduated from college in 1989 and began working at USA Today Newspaper as a Regional Marketing Manager. After marrying James Collins IV, they moved to Tampa, FL where she worked for the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA for 6 years as an Executive Director.
CeeCee and her family moved back to the tri-state area after her second child’s birth. She continued to work for the Greater Cincinnati YMCA for 10 years part-time. CeeCee then pursued full-time work and became the Development Director at Ohio Valley Voices for 6 years. Throughout her years at the YMCA and Ohio Valley Voices she was active in the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (formerly the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce). She became the President of the Chamber in 2013.
CeeCee continues to enjoy working at the chamber and keeping up with her three children. She and Jim live in Miami Township.
![[Photo Album] “Ladies” kick off Loveland Valentine’s season](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/feature-template.jpg)
Loveland, Ohio – Last Saturday the Loveland Valentine’s Ladies gathered a near-capacity crowd inside the Loveland City Hall. The occasion was to introduce Becky Giver as the 2024 Loveland Valentine Lady and Lauren Connolly as the newest Valentine Card designer.
Chamber Board chair, Kevin Egan spoke and the event was emceed by Chamber President/CEO CeeCee Collins and Vice President of Operations, Meredith Taylor. Mayor Kathy Bailey gave each of the current Valentine Ladies a rose as they were introduced.
Stay tuned for information about purchasing the 2024 Valentine’s card and instructions on a special way to have it mailed.
Watch this Interview with Becky Giver the 2024 Loveland Ohio Valentine’s Lady.
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Kay Bolin, was crowned in 2018, and she read this history of the program:
A Valentine Lady is a woman who has distinguished themselves by their commitment and involvement in the community and like a Marine … once a Valentine Lady ALWAYS a Valentine Lady.
The Loveland Valentine Lady tradition began in 1972, when Dr. Roland Boike implemented the idea & coined the phrase “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love’. His secretary Doris Pfiester volunteered to stamp all cards, which Doris did until 1988 when her daughter Ruth took over the stamping. Later that year, the Loveland Chamber began an official Valentine Lady program which included a new Valentine Lady every year which began in 1989. Our 2024 Valentine Lady is #35.
The first step in becoming a Valentine Lady is to be nominated; all letters of nomination are due to the Chamber in November of each year. Then the Valentine Program Committee reviews all letters of nomination and then votes on who has distinguished themselves by their commitment and involvement in our community.
All the Valentine Ladies are different, but we have one thing in common and that is we love our community therefore we love being involved and helping our community. That common thread truly makes us Valentine Sisters.
The first and one of the most rewarding responsibilities of a Valentine Lady is going to
the various Loveland schools (pre-K through 4th grade) during the first two weeks of February.
Each Valentine Lady chooses her topic for her presentation.
Another fun Valentine Ladies duty is:
The crowning of a King and Queen at Magnolia Springs Assisted Living and Memory Care Unit. We also visit the Lodge Retirement Community for games with the residents.
There is an annual Valentine Breakfast at Oasis every year in February which is a great representation of the Chamber’s Valentine Program …
•The new Valentine Lady will be there, along with other Valentine Ladies.
•The new Valentine card is shown and the artist who created the artwork is introduced. Each year the design is different as the artist is different, but the message is always the same “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love.”
•There is a Valentino coloring contest for the kids and a Valentine poetry contest for all ages.
This breakfast is a wonderful opportunity to see and feel what the Valentine Program is all about and it is always the Friday before Valentine’s Day.
And I can’t forget to mention the Post Office tradition. People make it a point to send their Valentine Cards to family and loved ones every year with our hand stamped cache “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love” and the hand stamped postmark from Loveland, Ohio. This really is a sweet Loveland tradition.
We stamp 1,000’s of pieces of mail each year, in 2023 they were mailed to 46 states plus Washington DC, 5 other countries and to the Army and Fleet Post Offices.
The Post Office is also a fun volunteer job, and a wonderful way for you to connect in our community. Just contact the Chamber if you are interested in volunteering next year.
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All photos ©2024 David Miller/Loveland Magazine
The Annual Valentine’s Day Breakfast
Join the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance along with the Loveland area business community and residents for the 2023 Valentine’s Day Breakfast Event!
Friday, February 9 at the Oasis Conference Center starting at 8:30 AM.
Join us as we honor and recognize our 2024….
• Valentine Lady
• Valentine Card Designer
• Poetry Contest Winners
• Valentino Coloring Contest Winner
There will be special entertainment and a full, hot breakfast!
Come and see why everyone “Loves” Loveland, OH!
Please call the office for additional information – 513-683-1544
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – Saturday morning the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance gathered a standing-room crowd at City Hall to introduce Becky Giver as the next Loveland Valentine Lady and unveil the 2024 Valentine card designed by artist Lauren Connolly.
Before the ceremony started, Becky talked to me about how it felt when she was surprised and told of her selection and what are her plans during her reign.
You can view Connolly’s winning design as the cover photo on the Loveland Magazine homepage.
Kay Bolin, the 2018 Valentine Lady nominated Giver. Here is the letter she wrote to the selection committee:
Becky Giver, a woman who flies “under the radar” while constantly doing her good and caring deeds in our community. Since Becky has retired, or I should say semi-retired, she has been able to put all that energy into our community.
In addition to being a continued patron for Loveland’s restaurants and businesses, she doesn’t stop there, as she knows it takes work as well as fun to keep a community growing.
Loveland is so lucky to have several non- profit organizations that need good people who are willing to work and not be afraid to get their hands dirty. And speaking of getting your hands dirty, Becky has been involved with the:
City of Loveland Beautification Committee – She has been one of several members who have helped beautify our community. Today she continues to work on some special projects with “Love our Land.” It is so cool to watch Loveland’s renewed interest in planning and planting with the focus on pollinator beds throughout our community.
Becky doesn’t stop with planting; in fact, you have possibly seen her & her husband, Gary, walking on 48 carrying a bag and picking up trash to help once again keep our community beautiful and clean. They have been part of this Adopt a Block program for years.
Becky is also on the board for Loveland Legacy Foundation –a 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization, with the purpose of improving the community of Loveland, with a common purpose of the betterment of Loveland, now and in the future.
Another not-for-profit organization she is involved with is Loveland Stage Company, as House Manager and ad sales. Like everything she does, she goes far beyond the requirements to ensure comfort and a pleasant experience for the patrons.
Becky has been a volunteer for years and recently has been appointed to be on the Board of Directors for the Loveland Historical Museum, whose mission is to enrich lives and connect our community through diverse arts and history experiences.”
She has also just finished a very productive term as President of the Loveland Woman’s Club, and now serves as Advisor for the next 2-year term.
In her spare time Becky & Gary take care of the bird feeders at the Loveland Nature Preserve
In summary Becky cares about our community and its people, she helps make a better community for all of us and the future generations. Her compassion is contagious, she will make a fun-loving and productive addition to our Valentine Lady sisterhood. Becky, we are thrilled to have you.
Respectfully submitted by Kay Bolin, 2018 Valentine Lady
Based on healthcare visits for fever and cough or sore throat, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports high overall respiratory illness activity in Ohio.
Loveland, Ohio – Mark your calendars and plan to attend the Loveland Valentine Program Kick-off event on Saturday, January 6 at Sweetheart Alley, on the Litte Miami Scenic trail, at 11 AM in the Downtown Historic District. The 2024 Valentine lady, Becky Giver, the 2024 Valentine Lady will be introduced as well as the unveiling of the original winning Valentine’s card artwork, by a local artist. The 2024 Valentine’s card will be available for purchase.
To honor Dr. “K” for her 32 years of service to Loveland Schools, the Apex Sock Monkey joins Jim Brown, Magic Johnson, Sandy Koufax, Franco Harris, Shaq, and Dr. “J” in sporting #32 on his Loveland jersey.
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Loveland, Ohio – Dr. Kathryn Lorenz said “It was amazing to see family, friends, students. So many loved ones,” after the fundraiser and to honor her 32 years of service as a member of the Loveland City School Board.
The Dr. Kathryn Lorenz Scholarship amount is now up to $1750. The scholarship is sponsored by the Loveland Schools Foundation and is in Kathy’s honor.
It was a wonderful day honoring Kathy’s service to our community,” said newly elected Board member, Lynn Mangan one of the organizers of the event at the Oasis Conference Center on December 10th.
Former Loveland Superintendant, Chad Hilliker, now the Superintendent of the Hamilton County Educational Service Center was the Master of Ceremonies for the sit-down dinner that featured presentations and words of appreciation from many of Kathy’s former colleagues, professional cohorts, and family members.
For those still interested in donating, checks can be made payable to the Loveland Schools Foundation c/o Dr. Kathryn Lorenz Scholarship Fund, 757 South Lebanon Road, Loveland, OH 45140.
Mangan added, “We are so grateful for the community members, Loveland City Schools past and present staff, Great Oaks staff, and many other family and friends who attended Kathy’s retirement celebration. Kathy has given so much over the last 32 years to the children and families of our community. We all owe her a debt of gratitude. It was absolutely wonderful to hear from so many people whom she impacted throughout her time on Loveland’s Board of Education.”
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Loveland, Ohio – Our Loveland Valentine Breakfast is a wonderful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Sweetheart of Ohio. Join us for a lovely community breakfast on Valentine’s Day!
The Loveland Valentine Breakfast by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance is sponsored by Oasis Golf Club and Conference Center.
Loveland, Ohio – Dr. Kathryn Lorenz said “It was amazing to see family, friends, students. So many loved ones,” after the fundraiser and to honor her 32 years of service as a member of the Loveland City School Board.
The Dr. Kathryn Lorenz Scholarship amount is now up to $1750. The scholarship is sponsored by the Loveland Schools Foundation and is in Kathy’s honor.
“It was a wonderful day honoring Kathy’s service to our community,” said newly elected Board member, Lynn Mangan one of the organizers of the event at the Oasis Conference Center on December 10th.
Former Loveland Superintendant, Chad Hilliker, now the Superintendent of the Hamilton County Educational Service Center was the Master of Ceremonies for the sit-down dinner that featured presentations and words of appreciation from many of Kathy’s former colleagues, professional cohorts, and family members.
For those still interested in donating, checks can be made payable to the Loveland Schools Foundation c/o Dr. Kathryn Lorenz Scholarship Fund, 757 South Lebanon Road, Loveland, OH 45140.
Mangan added, “We are so grateful for the community members, Loveland City Schools past and present staff, Great Oaks staff, and many other family and friends who attended Kathy’s retirement celebration. Kathy has given so much over the last 32 years to the children and families of our community. We all owe her a debt of gratitude. It was absolutely wonderful to hear from so many people whom she impacted throughout her time on Loveland’s Board of Education.”
Loveland, Ohio – It’s that festive time of year again, when the air is filled with the aroma of gingerbread and pine, and twinkling lights adorn homes and businesses. To capture the magic of the season, we’re thrilled to announce our Christmas Decoration Contest!
Whether you’re a seasoned decorator or just starting out, we encourage everyone to unleash their creativity and transform their spaces into winter wonderlands.
The Grand Prize will be a $50 gift certificate that can be used to purchase any of the thousands of items that Apex Imprinted Specialties offers such as the finest imprinted and embroidered items, custom tees, custom apparel, caps and hats, outdoor accessories, sports equipment and accessories, golf accessories, bar accessories, and coolers.
Apex Imprinted Specialties is a full-service promotional specialty company, located in Loveland.
Your photo will become the cover photo of Loveland Magazine.
A Gift certificate for Better Blend – Loveland
They make healthy better with smoothies, smoothie bowls, and healthy snacks that taste like your favorite indulgences, but without the guilt!
Entrance to the 2nd annual Frogman Festival
The 2nd annual Frogman Festival will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Oasis Conference Center in Loveland, Ohio. There will be over 50 unique vendors selling their art, crafts, and merchandise in the large ballroom. Speakers will be presenting their research in a separate room. At noon, the Pied Piper of Loveland will lead a parade of costumed participants that is open to anyone interested. Wander the Oasis to find the circus sideshows providing entertainment. Food and drink including beer will be available a la carte.
A Loveland Tiger Beanie custom embroidered by Apex Imprinted Specialties.
Here’s how to participate:
Judging and Prizes:
A panel of judges will evaluate all submissions based on the following criteria:
The winners will be announced on New Year’s Eve and will receive amazing prizes!
The Judges will be looking for:
Get creative and have fun!
We can’t wait to see your amazing Christmas displays! Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and share the joy of the season with your community.
Spread the word!
Share this announcement with your friends, family, and neighbors so they can join in the festive fun!
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!
Cassie and David
