Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Art Festival was held on Saturday, September 7 at Whistle Stop Clay Works in Loveland, Ohio. The show drew an estimated 4,000 people and highlighted local artists from a wide variety of genres, including pottery, fiber art, photographs, jewelry, paintings, wood working, charcoal drawing, water colors, and mixed media.
The show featured two non-profits: Angels by the Trail and the Loveland Legacy Foundation, that had educational material to educate show goers about their organizations’ missions. In addition, the show had eleven high school art students who displayed, talked about and sold their work.
“The Loveland Art Festival has partnered with Loveland High School for five years and is pleased to facilitate this real world experience for art students looking to sell their work,” said Festival organizer, Bonnie McNett the owner of Whistle Stop Clay Works.
“It was an amazing show. The weather was nearly perfect and we had a record number of people attend the art show. Shoppers browsed over seventy artists, listened to live music and got a bite to eat from the El Vaquero food truck,” commented Patricia Franklin, one of the show organizers. “We were truly humbled by the community’s support of the artists, high school students and the two non-profits,” she added.
The Loveland Art Festival awarded $1,000 in prize money for the winning artists. Amy Noffsinger won first place ($500), Kate Albert took second place ($250), Clinton Wood III was awarded third place ($100) and Kate Irwin-Rutter was awarded honorable mention.
The People’s Choice winners, who were voted on by the public, were Helen Atkins and Jennifer Kaplan, each receiving $75.
The 2025 Loveland Art Festival will be held at Whistle Stop Clay Works on Saturday, September 6th, so mark your calendars. Artist applications will open in January. Visit lovelandartfestival.com for additional information.
Loveland, Ohio – DOITFORJACK -The Jack Quehl Foundation was set up in honor of Jack Quehl. They are on a mission to protect our youth against the threat of fentanyl poisoning.
They think you could use a vacation in paradise so here is a way to do that….
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We think you could use a vacation in paradise…Turks & Caicos sound good?
Check out the Mystic Jewel then purchase your raffle ticket to win 7 nights at this beautiful beachfront villa!
The winner will get 7 days, with up to 13 of their closest friends at this villa that boasts its own private pool and direct beach access!
Click here to purchase your ticket to paradise! Hurry, a limited number of tickets will be sold. The winner will be drawn on October 10 at our Annual Art Night event.
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland City School District received Five Stars in each category on the 2023-24 Ohio School Report Card. Only 18 school districts in Ohio received 5 Stars across the board, putting Loveland in the top 3% of Ohio public schools.
Districts and schools receive an overall rating of 1 to 5 stars in half-star increments. The overall rating is comprised of five rated components. The College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness Component is report only and does not contribute to the overall rating on the 2024 Ohio School Report Cards.
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School Seniors Jamie Brown and MacKenzie Liu have been named Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. According to a statement issued by the District, the students, “…earned this honor for their high academic achievement and exemplary scores on their pre-SAT tests.” About 16,000 students nationwide are recognized as National Merit Semifinalists, representing less than 1% of high school seniors.
“Congratulations to Jamie, MacKenzie, and their families for this amazing accomplishment. Loveland High School is proud to shine a light on their amazing work, and we can’t wait to see what awesome things they accomplish in the future,” LHS Principal Dave Spencer said.
Press Release continued by saying, “The National Merit Scholarship Program honors academically talented US high school students and stimulates support for their education. National Merit Semifinalists can advance in competition to become National Merit Finalists and qualify for National Merit Scholarships, corporate-sponsored scholarships, and college-sponsored scholarships.”
“Jamie and MacKenzie have accomplished something that will help set them on a fantastic path for the future. Student success is the number one goal of our #beLOVEland Strategic Vision, and our Loveland Tiger students couldn’t be successful without amazing support from their families, our staff, and our community,” Superintendent Mike Broadwater said.
The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and AJC Cincinnati, in partnership with WKRC Local 12 and Star 64, will host the OH-1 Congressional Debate featuring Congressman Greg Landsman (D) and challenger Orlando Sonza (R).
The debate will be broadcast live on Star 64 and streamed on WKRC Local 12’s Facebook page. Prior to the debate, local and
regional candidates will engage with the community in a meet-and-greet.
Loveland, Ohio – In my debut broadcast of “Courtney Explains it All” I talked about what inclusion means for those with a developmental disability and what we can all do together to make life more manageable and equitable.
In this excerpt from my original full length vlog, I talk about one of my most loved organizations, Best Buddies. I also talk about how I learned to make friends and build upon those friendships.
I think it is important for schools and workplaces to practice inclusion by learning and teaching about different kinds of disabilities and I give some concrete examples. Also, why it is important for businesses to give employment opportunities and support employees with a disability.
As someone who has lived with a disability all my life my desire is to explain why inclusion is important for someone with a disability.
I hope you find my explanations and tips helpful. Thank you so much for checking out my vlog!
“Courtney Explains It All” is a vlog on LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV that will feature my insight on different topics, issues, and interviews focused on the developmental disability community.
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You can also watch the full episode here.
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My desire is that you will find the following organizations helpful as we continue our journey together!
Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 Butler County Residents. Supports and services are available life-long through contracts with partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.
Founded in 1967, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 people. Supports and services are available life-long through partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.
Much of our services go beyond the walls of our facilities and take place in the community. The Board’s supports are geared toward the philosophy of person-centered thinking, which places the individual at the center of decisions made about the services they receive. We are committed to helping people determine their dreams and helping to make those dreams come true.
Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) is a government social services agency established by state law. For more than 50 years, HCDDS has provided educational, vocational, and residential support and services to thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Each year, we support approximately 7,300 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lives, from babies through seniors, by providing case management, monitoring service quality, and funding services provided by our community partners.
We treat each person we serve as a unique individual and connect them to services to reflect the life they want. By collaborating with more than 1,000 certified providers, we’re able to support people to live a life that is important and meaningful to them, on their own terms.
Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The mission of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to help those we serve expand capabilities and navigate the possibilities. We envision a culture comprised of inclusive communities where people with disabilities thrive and live a life on their own terms. Individuals and families served by the Clermont County Board of DD have the right of choice and flexibility regarding what, how and where services are provided. Individuals and families will be empowered to make decisions, become partners and work cooperatively with professionals, and exert control over the services provided to them.
Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities
The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports to over 2,400 people in Warren County who have developmental disabilities. The mission of the board is supporting people with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them. The Board employs 127 people in full and part time positions. We operate out of four locations in Warren County, and have an annual budget of $30,500,000.00. More than 65% of our revenue is derived from local levy funds.
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is a part of the Ohio DD Network. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists and supports the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.
Loveland, Ohio– Graeter’s Ice Cream, a 154-year-old, family owned craft ice cream company, has again partnered with The Cure Starts Now in its 16th annual campaign in support of finding the Homerun Cure™ for childhood cancer.
Graeter’s will host its annual Cones for The Cure campaign in efforts to raise money for The Cure Starts Now Foundation and pediatric cancer research, and will offer one of its most iconic seasonal flavors, Elena’s Blueberry Pie. This classic summertime favorite was created by the Graeter’s team in support of The Cure Starts Now and will be available throughout September.
At the center of Graeter’s Cones for The Cure campaign is The Cure Starts Now and its mission to find the “Homerun Cure™” by focusing on pediatric brain cancer. The campaign gives ice cream lovers a unique way to support this increasingly important cause and bring hope to those in need. Since 2009, the family-owned ice cream brand has raised more than $1.9 million for the cause, which included a surprise $10,000 donation made by a customer last year, making it the very first “platinum scoop” donation. Graeter’s is excited to exceed the $2 million marker this year.
From September 5th through September 15th, all Graeter’s Rewards members will be eligible for a free single dip sugar cone of Elena’s Blueberry Pie ice cream through the Graeter’s app, redeemable at any of the Graeter’s scoop shops. All customers will be able to make a donation in stores or online at conesforthecure.org to support the cause. New this year, look for limited edition ice cream pies made with Elena’s Blueberry Pie ice cream as well as special “Bones for the Cure” Bark’n Blueberry dog treats for your furry friends during the Dog’s Night Out event on September 5th. All Scoop Shops will have a limited number of pies and dog treats for purchase, while supplies last! A portion of these proceeds from these items also help support our Cones for the Cure effort.
“Every year we create our signature Elena’s Blueberry Pie ice cream as a limited time offer for this special partnership,” shared Chip Graeter, 4th generation co-owner of Graeter’s. “Since we first partnered with The Cure Starts Now back in 2009, we have released this flavor in efforts to raise funds to find the Homerun Cure™ for pediatric brain cancer. We’re eager to see everyone in our scoop shops enjoy some delicious ice cream and support these children and families.”
“This partnership highlights the value of teamwork and the dollars raised are making an amazing impact,” shared Keith Desserich, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board at The Cure Starts Now. “This year, we’ll reach and exceed $2 million in donations from Graeter’s Ice Cream. Graeter’s has been a fundamental partner and we are so appreciative of their entire organization and the support they put behind Cones For The Cure.”
With the funds raised from the Cones for the Cure campaign, The Cure Starts Now has funded 17 research projects and trials. Since 2011, with the support from Graeter’s, their efforts have resulted in the tripling of expected survival times from 5 months to 18 months. The Cure Starts Now was started in Cincinnati but now has more than 48 locations worldwide and an army of over 900 families united to fight pediatric brain cancer.
About Graeter’s Ice Cream
Graeter’s Ice Cream, celebrating its 154th anniversary, produces craft ice cream using French Pots®, a small batch, artisanal method of production dating back over a century. Graeter’s has won the hearts of ice cream enthusiasts across the country as well as the respect of the nation’s most influential foodies. Tasted among 13 national brands, Graeter’s was voted the #1 Vanilla Ice Cream by MyRecipes.com in 2019. Famous for their signature chocolate chips, the Cincinnati-based company remains family-owned and operated and continues to handcraft ice cream 2 1⁄2 gallons at a time. Today, Graeter’s currently has 56 retail stores and ships over 300,000 pints annually for online mail-order sales and corporate gifting. Graeter’s can also be found in more than 3,000 grocery stores in 46 states. Visitwww.graeters.com for more information.
The Cure Starts Now was started in honor of 6-year-old Cincinnati girl, Elena Desserich, and her battle with DIPG. With 48 chapters worldwide, The Cure Starts Now has quickly gained acclaim as one of the fastest growing cancer research charities and one of the first ones to advocate a homerun strategy for cancer research. Many experts believe that the lessons we learn from fighting pediatric brain cancer may in fact provide us the critical first step in winning the battle against all forms of cancer, both pediatric and adult. Since 2007, The Cure Starts Now has funded over $34 million in DIPG/DMG and Homerun Cure™ cancer research and support at institutions globally.
Loveland, Ohio– Mark your calendars for Oktoberfest in Historic Downtown Loveland on September 13th and 14th brought to you by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance.
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School senior Josie Cooper has been selected to serve on the National Hope Squad Council. Hope Squad is a nationwide peer-to-peer mental well-being and suicide prevention program that has been part of Loveland City Schools for many years.
As a member of the National Hope Squad Council, Cooper will have an opportunity to collaborate with Hope Squad members from across the country, advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, and help shape Hope Squad programming.
The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, Ohio Renaissance Festival, Kings Island’s Halloween Haunt and more popular autumn attractions will be back in action this fall and are expected to once again drive considerable crowds to Southwest Ohio, according to the Warren County Convention & Visitors Bureau (WCCVB).
“The busy summer travel season may be winding down here in Southwest Ohio, but there’s still so much for our visitors and locals alike to look forward to in the cooler months ahead,” said Scott Hutchinson, Director of Marketing & Communications for the WCCVB. “We’re about to kick off an equally awesome, fun-filled autumn here in Warren County and we couldn’t be more excited.”
Among the county’s most popular autumn events will once again be the Ohio Renaissance Festival, which runs weekends and Labor Day from August 31 through and October 27. The festival will celebrate its 35th year this fall with a loaded lineup of attractions, shows and vendors. Billed as a “non-stop, day-long adventure,” the festival routinely ranks among the nation’s top Renaissance themed gatherings.
Just a short drive from the Renaissance Festival grounds, the iconic Ohio Sauerkraut Festival (Oct. 12-13) will turn 54 this year and once again feature more than seven tons of sauerkraut creations, live entertainment and hundreds of unique craft vendors from all across the nation.
Nearby, Waynesville Fall Fest will run Saturdays and Sundays from September 14 through November 3 and offer mini golf, mazes, a petting farm, human foosball, a not-so-spooky walking trail and more festive fun.
Lebanon’s Feast & Fall-y (Sept. 28), Country AppleFest (Sept. 28-29) and Lebanon Oktoberfest (Oct. 11-12) will also rank among the region’s most popular food and craft gatherings this autumn.
Halloween-themed attractions ranging from family-friendly to highly intense will also reopen their doors in the coming weeks. Kings Island’s Halloween Haunt (named among the nation’s best theme park Halloween events by USA Today) will welcome guests select nights September 20 through November 2, while Tricks & Treats – the park’s family-focused fall celebration – will run select dates September 22 through November 3.
Hosted on the grounds of the Ohio Renaissance Festival, Brimstone Haunt will return to action this fall, offering numerous haunted experiences Fridays and Saturdays in October.
Regarded as one of the nation’s most-haunted villages, Downtown Waynesville will host guided walking ghost tours select evenings throughout the fall.
Warren County’s numerous farms and orchards including Hidden Valley Orchards and Blooms & Berries will treat guests to fall-themed fun including pumpkin patches, hayrides and fruit picking throughout the season
The LM&M Railroad’s Pumpkin Express is returning this year, offering guests nostalgic train rides and fall-themed fun select dates in October.
Finally, Kings Island’s WinterFest will welcome back guests to enjoy ice skating, light shows, holiday shopping, festive food and more select dates beginning in late November, while Yuletide Village – a unique, old-timey winter celebration which debuted in 2020 – will kick off at Waynesville’s Renaissance Park in late November as well.
Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Courtney Hineman is a disability rights advocate. She is the Community Outreach Advocate at the 
