Loveland, Ohio – A beloved resident of Historic Downtown Loveland, Nala is always making new human forever friends on the Loveland Bike Trail. Nala is the fur baby of Loveland Magazine President and Publisher Cassie Mattia, and her boyfriend Adam Ploof.
After many weeks of competition, Nala is currently in 10th place in the U.S.A in the America’s Favorite Pet contest. She needs to be one of the top 5 pets before February 6 at 7 PM to remain in the contest. If she wins she will win the top prize of $10K and be featured on the cover of Modern Dog magazine! If she wins the national competition, Nala’s story will be shared in a special 2-page feature that showcases her unique personality and charm.
Please, lend her a loving hand by casting your VOTE today. It only takes a few seconds to VOTE.
If you have already voted, and we know many of you have, remember that you can cast your FREE vote again every 24 hours. If you believe in Nala as much as we do, a donation that goes to the Progressive Animal Welfare Society can greatly amplify your voting power.
Bear with me here… I know all of you pet owners believe your fur baby deserves to be on the cover, but Nala now has a real chance – and how cool would it be to brag that one of Loveland’s favorite pets is also America’s Favorite Pet?
America’s Favorite Pet is excited to partner with PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) to aid in its mission to help cats, dogs, and wild animals thrive in happy, healthy homes or in their natural habitats. Since 1967, PAWS has unified more than 130,000 cats and dogs with loving families, nurtured more than 140,000 sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife, and made the world a better place for countless critters.
I’ve dozed off on Nala’s living room couch and woke with this adorable and loving fur baby cuddling closely and warmly by my side and found out she’s been there for an hour – both of us in a deep, deep sleep. Nala would represent Loveland in a remarkable way.
Cassie says, “Thanks to all those who have supported my little girl! Would you be so kind as to vote and keep on voting?”
Adam Ploof, Cassie Mattia, Ava Mattia, and David Miller at the Cure Starts Now Gala on March 9.
Last Friday, Loveland Magazine was invited to The Cure Starts Now Gala, which took place at the Duke Energy Convention Center. Not only did we get to experience the delicious dessert theme with more than 900 wonderful people, meeting many for the first time, including cancer survivors, those who lost a loved one to cancer, and cancer research advocates.
We couldn’t have been more grateful to have been part of such a fantastic celebration and extend our heartfelt thank you to the foundation.
It was announced that the City of Cincinnati has single handedly raised nearly 10 million dollars towards cancer research! Loveland Magazine President and Publisher Cassie Mattia , Managing Editor David Miller, and Cassie’s guests, Adam Ploof, and Ava Mattia attended the event.
We learned that Loveland resident Julia Wolf and the “Wolf Pack” has raised more than $200,000 for medulloblastoma cancer research.
We can’t wait to continue to support the Cure Starts Now and Julia by adopting their mission statement!
The Cure Starts Now’s mission is one that knows no boundaries and stops at no borders. It is an international effort of families, friends, businesses and even strangers, united in the desire to cure cancer, one child at a time. While it all started with one child, today, the inspiration is carried by us all.
We were caught off guard seeing Grant Wolf’s banner so prominently displayed as we entered the Gala. Grant’s sister Julia and the “Wolfpack”has raised more than $200,000 for brain cancer research to honor her twin brother.
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An Interview with Julia Wolf: The Wolf Pack’s “Cure Starts Now”
Julia had been worried about how to have a birthday without her twin brother Grant by her side.
Loveland, Ohio – This photo was taken by Adam Ploof outside of Paxton’s Grill in Historic Downtown last Sunday morning when he walked to buy breakfast.
Loveland, Ohio – Join me in supporting Adam Ploof and CancerFree KIDS for the 100 Mile Challenge – Corporate Competition, presented by Interlink Cloud Advisors.
I’ve decided to spotlight my friend Adam Ploof who is also the boyfriend of my Loveland Magazine partner, Cassie Mattia. I was excited Monday afternoon when Adam’s FaceBook post popped up and I read that he has challenged himself to walk 100 miles to raise money for childhood cancer research. When you personally know the person who challenged themself to walk 100 miles in 1 month, it suddenly becomes less aloof or something. BTW, I also know their furbabies, Dean and Nala quite well and they will be participating.
During September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Adam and his colleagues from Loveland-based, Oasis Turf & Tree will each be striving to complete 100 miles of activity to each raise at least $100 for CancerFree KIDS to fund life-saving childhood cancer research. If Oasis Turf & Tree wins the Corporate Competition, they will have a 2022 CancerFree KIDS Research Grant named in their honor! I hope you will join us in our efforts to help Adam reach his goal of $500.
Adam told me he took on the challenge, “Just to raise awareness for the cause.” He said that “anything inside and outside of work except for the milage he accumulates on the machines he rides on at work, counts. “My phone only catches on for walking distances, running, or cycling. Walking, cycling, kayaking. You name it as long as it’s physical exercise could count though. Cassie and I always take both our dogs Dean and Nala on walks every day, so the furbabies will be part of the competition too.”
Oasis Turf & Tree contributes to greater causes each year by doing such things as regular trips to the Ronald McDonald House for the chance to spend the day preparing meals for families. Oasis celebrates Black History Month, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Veterans Day, and National First Responders Day.
This September, about 1,290 kids in the US will be diagnosed with pediatric cancer. They join thousands of others who are currently in treatment and hundreds of thousands more who previously battled cancer. The 100 Mile Challenge exists to “celebrate the survivors, remember those for whom a cure did not come soon enough, and give hope to kids currently undergoing treatment by funding the very best research to improve treatment options for all kids diagnosed with cancer, now and in the future.”
If you are able to donate, please click the “Donate” button below. I have also included the CancerFree KIDS address if you are more comfortable sending a check. I greatly appreciate any amount you are able to give to help Adam pass his goal!
Cassie makes this ask, “Please support my wonderful boyfriend Adam Ploof as he raises money for CancerFree KIDS! I love that we both are passionate about our community and organizations that deserve all the care and support they can get!”
Nala, Adam, Cassie, and Dean
Please make checks payable to CancerFree KIDS and send to CancerFree KIDS PO BOX 575, Loveland, OH 45140. Write “Adam Ploof” on the memo line to credit your donation to his fundraising page
Thank you in advance for supporting Adam and Oasis Turf & Tree in funding life-saving childhood cancer research!
CancerFree KIDS works every day to find gentler and more effective treatments for kids with cancer by funding research that would otherwise go unfunded. They do this because…
Childhood cancer is not profitable meaning almost no investment from industry and only 4% of federal cancer research dollars are allocated to pediatrics.
Cancer is the #1 killer of children by disease and two-thirds of children who do survive go on to have chronic health issues because of their treatments.
To launch gentler and more effective treatments for children. As of now there are 660 FDA approved cancer drugs for adults and only 35 approved for children.
“I promise to all those surrounding me including all of you in Loveland I will continue to make this community the absolute best place to live and visit.”
Cassie Mattia
Listen as Cassie Accepts her Award.
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by David Miller
Cassie’s friend Jennifer D’Alberto Kavensky had pre-recorded a video introduction of her that was projected onto a big screen.
Loveland, Ohio – “Words cannot describe how unbelievable the 2021 Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Awards were on Wednesday,” said Loveland Magazine Co-Owner Cassie Mattia. “The atmosphere, the music, the people, the decor, the food, and of course the awards ceremony was the icing on the cake for one of the best years of my life.”
The occasion was the 2021 Annual Awards Dinner, a gala put on by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance. It is an evening for area businesses to come together and celebrate their successes and community contributions. The celebration was at the Oasis Conference Center.
Cassie was selected as the 2021 Young Professional of the Year.
AND ALL THE WINNERS ARE
Photo by Loveland Lifestyle Magazine/Courtney Kraemer
Business of the Year – Premier Tumbling and Dance
Emerging Business of the Year – Monarch Financial Advisors
Beautification Award – Mile 42 Coffee and Eads Fence Company
Community Involvement Award – Jason Pinson
Business Community Advocate Award – Brittney Frietch Team, Re/Max Preferred Group
Non-Profit of the Year – The Care Center
Woman Owned Business of the Year – Loveland Lifestyle
Young Professional of the Year – Cassie Mattia
Randy K. Stanifer Health, Wellness & Fitness Business of the Year – Loveland Massage Center
Recreation Business of the Year – Grand Sands Volleyball
Community Responder Award – Miami Township Fire/EMS
Chamber Choice Award – Tano Bistro – Loveland
Co-Owners of Loveland Magazine David Miller and Cassie as they enter the Oasis Conference Center.
Proceeds from a silent auction benefited Grant Us Hope, an organization dedicated to youth suicide prevention, and a Chamber Scholarship fund. Emily Barlow with Loveland Lifestyle Magazine was the Emcee.
I could not be more proud to call Cassie my business partner. I’m so very happy that she was recognized for her achievements and as a community leader. She is the Co-owner, Associate Editor, and Director of Marketing for Loveland Magazine.
Cassie said the next day, “Thank you to all those that spent time out of their day to send in nominations and testimonials on my behalf for this award, you have no idea how much it means to me and how eternally grateful I am. I am so excited to see where this unbelievable path takes me and I promise to all those surrounding me including all of you in Loveland I will continue to make this community the absolute best place to live and visit.”
Cassie walked into my life 3-1/2 years ago by knocking on the door and announcing she wanted to write for Loveland Magazine. It was unbelievable fun Wednesday night celebrating with her.
There is more to the story. What she brought with her in that oversized purse she carries was dedication, hard work, kindness that I see every single day, and a devotion to her family and to her boyfriend Adam. She’s the big sister that everyone should have.
Cassie and her boyfriend Adam Ploof
In that bag is forgiveness, is a photographic memory, what just must be an off-the-scale high IQ, writing skills, and her journalism background with degrees she worked so hard to achieve. However, her bag is always 90% packed with positivity, sometimes to overflow.
She recently joked that I was so old that when I ran road races they were on dirt roads. Well… Cassie is so young-of-heart, that she runs each day on sunshine younger than today’s sunrise. A rare personality that anyone older than today, and most people her age, should be so lucky to have.
Thank you so much Cassie for agreeing to be a co-owner of Loveland Magazine. It was such a fun, fun night celebrating with you and Adam.
When we walked under the Oasis portico, before we went in – I pointed in both directions with a sweeping motion and joked “Look Cassie… they reserved this whole country club just for you tonight! Hmm, where’s the red carpet I ordered?”
Adam parked the car and caught up with us and, well, I just went in pretending the three of us were walking on the red carpet and I saw the evening transform into the “Gala” it was billed to be.
And, no one could’ve wiped off the grin I carried the rest of the evening being with my friend and partner, the Loveland Area’s “Young Professional of the Year”.
Loveland, Ohio – The time has come for Downtown Historic Loveland to welcome a brand new restaurant just in time for Summer. Introducing TAHONA Kitchen + Bar inspired by Mexican Street Style Food and “TAHONA” style Tequila!
TAHONA Kitchen + Bar, which is a part of a local successful chain of restaurants called Looking Glass Hospitality, opened its first location in 2017 in Summit Park in Blue Ash. TAHONA, meaning “the large stone wheel that is used to crush the roasted hearts of agave known as piñas into a fermentable mash,” uses only the freshest produce and slow-roasted meats as well as freshly squeezed juices and homemade ingredients for their cocktails.
Scott Schmidt, Founder of Looking Glass Hospitality, invited Loveland Magazine to take a tour of the newly renovated TAHONA Loveland, located at 117 Karl Brown Way, which is set to open on July 13th. Schmidt indulged us in an exclusive on-camera interview explaining just why TAHONA is the home of the Walking Taco and what the “time-honored TAHONA technique” entails when producing their Patron Roca Silver Tequila for their infamous TAHONA Margarita. From the TAHONA Pineapple Mango Guacamole to the Vegetable Marinated Tofu Corn Taco to the legendary Donut Holes; TAHONA has a little something for everyone! Did I mention they specialize in Tequila inspired cocktails like “The TAHONA” (made with homemade ginger syrup), “The Granada Mojito,” and of course Fruit Margaritas? TAHONA also serves a twist on an Old Fashioned called “Clyborne’s Peach Old-Fashioned,” which is to die for!
After speaking with Schmidt and hearing all about the mouthwatering menu I knew we had to try out TAHONA immediately so myself, David Miller (LM Editor in Chief), and my boyfriend, Adam Ploof, headed down to TAHONA Blue Ash to try out the menu. We were so unbelievably pleased with the atmosphere, the food, and the cocktails that we decided to share our experience with you in addition to my interview with Mr. Schmidt!
Without further ado, I bring to you Cassie The Food Guru’s TAHONA experience including a one-on-one on-camera interview with Founder Scott Schmidt and a food photo album of our dinner at TAHONA Blue Ash!
While you wait for TAHONA Kitchen + Bar Loveland’s Grand Opening you can watch their progress on FaceBook. In the meantime see what’s happening at their location in Summit Park in Blue Ash.
For more of Loveland’s new restaurant openings and food culture stay tuned to Cassie The Food Guru!
Loveland, Ohio – Foodies from all over came together to enjoy local food trucks, vendors, and superb live entertainment on Saturday at Shopper’s Haven Plaza for the 8th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally!
Me being the Food Guru I am, I couldn’t miss out on all the local cuisine, so I grabbed my boyfriend and enjoyed a beautiful walk from Downtown Loveland to Shopper’s Haven Plaza.
As Adam and I inched closer to the Food Truck Rally we were beyond impressed with the 24 Food Trucks lined along the plaza welcoming the community as they selected their food truck of choice! Included in all the fun were inflatables for children to play on, face painting and henna tattoos, vendor booths in which local businesses/organizations, like LIFE Food Pantry and Garden City Chiropractic, were able to share their story with the community, exciting give-away raffles, and a stage in which 3 different entertainment groups, Premier Dance and Tumbling, Minar and Sowers, and The Dan Varner Band, were able to perform while many stopped to watch to cheer them on.
Those who attended the Food Truck Rally were able to bring in their own “Tailgating” set-up so that they could safely and comfortably enjoy the atmosphere and of course the most important part; the food. Take a look at the video below for a glimpse into the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally!
After going to the last few Food Truck Rallies I have learned that the best way to take in all the Food Trucks is to start from the first truck and slowly but surely make your way to each and every one. Me being the journalist I am I have gotten into the habit of documenting each Food Truck and what they bring to the table so that by the time I get to the last Food Truck I know exactly which ones I’m going to try!
This year the Food Truck Rally had a little something for everyone! From the unique flavor combinations from Kona Ice to the Texas Joe award-winning Brisket, not one community member came out of the Rally empty-handed. Being Vegan, each year I am always curious as to what Food Trucks will be representing those with a plant-based lifestyle, and to my pleasant surprise, I had several options to choose from.
One of my favorite Vegan Food Truck options was Just Jerks Jamaican Grill. Just Jerks specialized in “Rice Boxes” and Tacos with a little Jamaican flair! I decided to go with the Veggie Rice Box, which included Plantains, Jamaican rice and beans, sauteed veggies, and Caribbean slaw. The Plantains were to die for as they melted right in my mouth when I took my first bite. Jenn’s HOT Tamale Food Truck also had some great Latin street eats for Vegans as they featured both sliders and tacos with Zucchini substituted as the protein!
Although many are now moving towards a plant-based lifestyle, the Loveland Food Truck Rally had more than enough options for the meat-lovers out there!
East Coast Eatz represented a blacked-out style Food Truck offering a variety of cheesesteaks, chicken subs, and street tacos. Rock n Rolls displayed a vintage speaker on their Food Truck and specialized in Tots (Goetta and Buffalo Chicken), Egg Rolls, and Wraps including an Orange Ginger Chicken combo. Mama Bear’s Mac ended up being my boyfriend’s Food Truck dinner choice as he ordered the Flamin’ Jack Grilled Cheese. Even though I couldn’t try the grilled cheese, my boyfriend said and I quote, “My mouth is on fire, but for some reason, I can’t stop eating this!”
Of course after a filling yet scrumptious dinner you have to get something sweet, right? That simply is a no-brainer for me. The Food Truck Rally had so many sweet options that I believe some of those that attended the Rally skipped dinner and went straight for dessert! The legendary Loveland Dairy Whip brought their mobile truck, serving up only the creamiest soft serve you can imagine, while Funnel Vision offered 10 creative funnel cake creations ranging from Maple Bacon to Tooty Fruity to Salted Caramel Pretzel.
I decided to go with Sweet Maize Kettle Corn being the popcorn lover I am. I was anticipating an average-sized bag of Kettle Corn but when my boyfriend went to order it for me he came back with a 13-pound bag of Kettle Corn! Needless to say, I’m still working on finishing the bag. There have already been a couple of nights where I have woken up the next morning with the bag of Kettle Corn laying right next to my pillow! I think that describes how fantastic Sweet Maize Kettle Corn tastes.
Cincinnati’s Graeter’s also brought their Food Truck, which of course you can’t go wrong with a couple of scoops of their infamous Black Raspberry Chip, while The Cheesecakery made an appearance again this year featuring Oreo, Birthday Cake Batter, White Chocolate Raspberry, Original with Lemon Creme, and Chocolate Silk as their cheesecake flavors.
All 24 Food Trucks present at the Annual Food Truck Rally went above and beyond to serve up only the best street food to those wanting to support the individuals working within the Food Trucks’ passions. Little Miami River Chamber of Alliance President, Cee Cee Collins said the feedback from the community this year was out of this world.
“Loveland is back open! We had the largest attendance we have ever had for the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally,” Collins said, “The feedback we are receiving is amazing. Everyone feels it was a fantastic day all around; great weather, great music, great company, and GREAT FOOD! We want to see any guests come back soon and visit all of the businesses throughout our area over the summer months.”
Meredith Taylor, Little Miami River Chamber of Alliance Program Director, couldn’t agree more with Collins, as she said she couldn’t thank the community of Loveland enough for all of their support.
“It was an amazing day and night! Thanks to so many of the community members who came out to support us. The food trucks, vendors and entertainment had a blast and we can’t wait for the next one,” Taylor said, “Loveland is a special place and we are honored to serve you and the business community!”
If you missed out on the Loveland Food Truck Rally’s musical guests or you would just like to reminisce on all the fun you had watching, check out the videos below!
Minar and Sowers Performing at the 2021 Loveland Food Truck RallyThe Nationally Recognized Dan Varner Band Putting on a Great Show at the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally
Thank you to all those who supported, helped, and served up delicious food at this year’s Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally! We are so lucky to be a part of a community that enjoys spending time together while supporting one another’s passions. I for one can’t wait until next year’s Food Truck Rally as well as all of the fun and exciting things to come this summer in Loveland as we safely transition back to a bit of normalcy!
Be sure to stay tuned to all things delicious with Me, Cassie the Food Guru, as I take on the absolute best cuisine in the area and share it with YOU our loyal Loveland Magazine readers! Enjoy the photos I captured at the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally below!
After many weeks of competition, Nala is currently in 10th place in the U.S.A in the America’s Favorite Pet contest. She needs to be one of the top 5 pets before February 6 at 7 PM to remain in the contest. If she wins she will win the top prize of $10K and be featured on the cover of Modern Dog magazine! If she wins the national competition, Nala’s story will be shared in a special 2-page feature that showcases her unique personality and charm.
Please, lend her a loving hand by casting your VOTE today. It only takes a few seconds to VOTE.
We can’t wait to continue to support the Cure Starts Now and Julia by adopting their mission statement!
