LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Cassie Mattia

  • Watch the Loveland Stage Company’s Holiday Radio Show

    Watch the Loveland Stage Company’s Holiday Radio Show

    Loveland Magazine is in a holiday spirit because we were able to help keep local ARTSalive by lending our video equipment to the Stage Company for the recording of this show and being a year-round sponsor to make possible this production of:

    2020 LSC Holiday Radio Show

    By The Loveland Stage Company

    Recorded:  December 2, 2020
    Released:  December 11, 2020

    Scroll to the bottom to watch the show!

    Cast:

    Becky Jones
    Becky Jones – Storytelling of A visit from St Nicholas
    Becky is thrilled to participate in the LSC holiday show! She is the music director at Christ Presbyterian Church, the assistant band director at Loveland high school and teaches flute clarinet and sax privately. She loves playing in pit orchestras around town for fun! 
    When she isn’t teaching or playing, she spends time at her farm with her herd of dairy goats! She loves sharing the stage with her best buddy, Louie!
    Louie Jones
    Louie Jones
    Louie loves the Loveland Stage Company! This is his second performance with the company and is honored to be here with his friends. He wants to thank Michael and Jill for this opportunity to develop his onstage persona! He also hopes everyone has a great howliday!
    Caitlyn Sanderson
    Caitlyn Sanderson – Story of The First Holiday without a Family Member 
    Caitlyn is thrilled to be performing in her first radio show in LSC. She’s been with LSC for 4 years helping backstage, ushering shows, and going to Saturday’s Dance Class with Margie. She was recently in Gypsy as Agnes with LSC. She’s also involved with different theater groups such as Mason Community Players and Queen City Productions. When, she isn’t at the theater, she works full time as an Order Picker at The Hillman Group and spending time with her nephew and niece, Beau & June. She thanks her family and her co-workers for their support. Lastly, she would like to thank Michael & Jill, who allowed her to be part of the radio show. Caitlyn wants to dedicate the radio show to her Grandma Dolores who recently passed away last December.
    Dave Marcus
    Dave Marcus – Singing – Nothing But A Child 
    Dave is currently Vice President of LSC. He has been in a number of LSC productions including, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, White Christmas, and The Producers. Dave has a love of Celtic music and plays the guitar, mandolin, 4-string banjo, and octave mandolin in several bands around Cincinnati. He would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays and to stay healthy during these trying times.
    The Hubbard Family
    The Hubbard Family Band – playing/singing Christmas melodies. Arranged by Aiden Hubbard
    The Hubbard Family Band was first established in 2000 when Christopher and Melinda officially joined forces. They performed together at events around the country (mostly at the weddings of friends). In 2002, Aiden came singing into the world, and has never stopped. Gavin joined in at the end of 2004. In honor of these boys, the band recorded their first album – Lullabies That Will Hopefully Put Them To Sleep. But the band was not complete until 2007 when Mearen joined in. At age 5, Mearen overheard her parents say ‘All we need is a drummer!’ and she never looked back. In its current incarnation (Aiden – arranger, composer, vocals, electric ukulele; Gavin – saxophone; Mearen – percussion, vocals; Christopher – guitar, bass, voice of reason; Melinda – vocals, keyboard, videographer, general-keeping-it-togetherer), The Hubbard Family Band provided music and fun to family and friends via videos on Facebook during the pandemic shut down. We are thrilled to be at the Loveland Stage Company to share our love of music, family, and holidays with you.
    Jazz McMullen
    Jazz McMullen – Singing O Holy Night 
    Jazz is a Cincinnati Native and graduate of The School for Creative and Performing Arts, where he majored in Drama, Vocal Music and Musical Theatre. He is thrilled to continue his involvement with LSC in the Holiday Radio Show! Being no stranger to the stage, Jazz has appeared in such productions as; Dreamgirls (James “Thunder” Early), Parade (Newt Lee/Riley), Beauty and the Beast (Maurice), Little Shop of Horrors (Mushnik), The Whiz (Lion) and a host of others! “Give me your hands if we be friends and Robin shall restore amends.”
    Jill Gornet
    Jill Gornet – Announcer / Producer 
    Jill is excited to be co-producing The LSC Holiday Radio Show. She was co-producer for Bugsy Malone, Jr., Don’t Drink the Water and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Jill won an Orchid as the producer of The Drowsy Chaperone. She was last seen on-stage at LSC in Memphis (Clara/ensemble), White Christmas (quintet/ensemble), Will Rogers Follies (quartet) and Fiddler on the Roof (Rifke/ensemble). Retired from USPS, she sings with Sharonville Chorus at retirement/assisted living homes. Jill would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.
    Micheal Harris-Kiser
    Micheal Harris-Kiser – Announcer / Director / Producer
    Micheal is a multiple award-winning director, actor, and set designer. Studying acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Micheal has pursued his passion for theatre in various fields. He is co-founder of Stage and Steel in Pittsburgh, PA. He has performed with many groups throughout the city. His set designs have graced many a stage. He serves as president for the LSC board, as well as secretary for The Greater Cincinnati ACT board. He is delighted to continue bringing LSC Radio to you.
    Jenna Schroeder
    Jenna Schroeder – Story of Mary’s Journey 
    Jenna is a mom, writer, dancer and doula in Loveland. She enjoys participating in LSC’s productions whenever she gets a chance! Jenna is excited to share her rendition of the journey of Mary and Joseph during the holiday season with LSC’s radio program. Although it’s been a heavy year, she hopes her story will provide encouragement to everyone listening…that even out of hard places, beautiful things are born. She wishes you and yours, a very Merry Christmas!
    Lily Schroeder
    Lily Schroeder – singing Silent Night (with Jenna)
    Lily is an actor, singer, and dancer who is in Loveland Show Choir. She loves to read any book she can get her hands on and is excited to sing “Silent Night” on LSC’s radio station! She hopes you enjoy and that you have a merry Christmas!
    Mary Shumar
    Mary Shumar – Story of My Memorable New Years Eve
    Mary’s love of theatre dates back to children’s theatre classes in Canton, Ohio. At Marquette University, Mary worked in the costume shop and made time to perform in student productions. Her favorite role was Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. As a “grownup,” Mary’s audience had been limited mostly to preschoolers, teacher trainees, and her three grandsons. Since moving to Loveland in 2018, she has enjoyed performing in both Mamma Mia and now the LSC Radio holiday show. It’s so much fun to be onstage and to spend time with theatre people! Mary wants to thank Micheal and Jill for assembling this happy group of performers to celebrate the holidays!
    Susan Shapiro
    Susan Schapiro – Story of Juggling Two Holidays in the Family
    Susan is delighted to be performing in her 8th LSC show. After a 41-year break from musical theater, she has been thrilled to perform in many LSC musicals, from Anything Goes to A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, as well as in Eastside Players’ Mary Poppins, Oliver, and Into the Woods, in Footlighters’ Jekyll and Hyde, and most recently in Queen City Productions’ Titanic. This is her first and long-awaited experience with a radio show. A retired neonatologist, Susan also enjoys choral singing and is currently a member of the Forest-aires and Jubilant Singers. She thanks her family for their support, and trusts that everyone will love the 2020 LSC holiday show.
    Crew:
    Bob Kessler
    Bob Kessler – Tech Director
    Bob works as both a Director of Photography in the regional video community, and as an artist at Kessler Studios, a Loveland-based stained glass and mosaic firm. Bob has served as the Lighting Chair for the Loveland Stage Company since 2013, and has volunteered as Lighting Director on many plays at LSC: Cole: An Entertainment, Memphis, 9 to 5, Jekyll & Hyde, Fiddler On The Roof, I Remember Mama, Oklahoma!, and The Producers.
    John Nixon
    John Nixon – Music Director
    John’s musical experience stretches over a wide range of styles and eras from directing a Renaissance choral group in his native England to performing and recording on digital electronic instruments for modern-day musicals. John has worked with many of Cincinnati’s community theater groups as music director and orchestra member and is the recipient of numerous Orchid awards at local, regional and state levels. He directed the music and vocals for “Miss Saigon”, “Anything Goes”, “The Producers” and “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” and most recently “Cole” for Loveland Stage Company.
    Nancy Downing
    Nancy Hartman-Downing – Photography
    Nancy has been Owner/President of Cleveland Specialties Company since 1986, which designs and manufactures paperboard and plastic packaging products for the food and dairy industry. Her experience is in administration, sales, accounting and computer technology. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Baldwin-Wallace College. She currently serves as President for Loveland Woman’s Club. Nancy has been involved with LSC since 2006 doing fundraising, photography, publicity, ticket sales, program ad sales, as well as serving on the Board of Directors as Treasurer. She enjoys working with such a talented group and looks forward to continuing her involvement into the future.

    Donating to LSC

    With your donation, Loveland Stage Company is able to provide quality theater and performing arts experiences for the greater Cincinnati community.  Your donation allows us to make updates to our theater as well as produce some award winning theater.  Even $1 dollar goes far to help us provide our audience and community with a great performance.  The donations we receive go to our general fund, which supports the theater, including maintenance, licensing fees, technical upgrades, and productions.

    Thank you for generosity and support of community theater.

    DONATE NOW

    Many companies offer matching grants for their employees participation in community theaters.  Ask your company if they offer one.  (For example, current or retired GE employees are eligible for the GE Foundation Matching Grant.)

  • A Loveland Private Donor pays it Forward!

    A Loveland Private Donor pays it Forward!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The Holiday season is here which means giving back is at its peak here in the Sweetheart of Ohio!

    Recently Editor in Chief David Miller spoke with Loveland’s City Manager David Kennedy and Lisa Craig, the City of Loveland’s Utility Billing Clerk, in which they informed Miller that an anonymous donor settled 28 past due water bills. The total donation was nearly $7,000! Although the donor wanted to remain anonymous, the donor himself asked if we would share this information in hopes that other “copycats might do something similar.” The donor said in an email, “The more people that can help, the better.”

    Kennedy said that in his 36 years of government employment he had never experienced anyone doing something so generous.

    Loveland City Manager Dave Kennedy

    Kennedy told Miller in a phone conversation that Craig worked with the private donor all week to help identify those community members that had been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “He’s overpaying each account by $100, so each of them are going into the new year with a credit of $100,” Kennedy explained to Miller, “He wanted to remain anonymous, but he thought if there was a way to get the word out, maybe other people would help. It ended up being 28 accounts that he picked to help these people out. The private donor worked hand and hand with Lisa Craig, herself a long-time Loveland resident, and our utility billing clerk to do this. She could not have been more impressed with what this person did.”

    Craig was also very much touched by this anonymous donor’s generosity.

    ‘He was looking for people impacted by the pandemic that were really trying to make the effort to set up payment plans with us,” Craig said, “When he first called he said that he had heard something on the news about someone doing this in another community. He and his wife were inspired to do something for people living in Loveland. They wished to remain anonymous, but was hoping that going public with the story without disclosing his name would inspire someone else to help out.”

    Inspired and want to do your own holiday good deed?!

    Craig told us that all anonymous donations sent to them would be applied to where they felt it would be needed the most! Craig also informed us that anyone who sent a check would remain anonymous.

    So where can you send your anonymous donation?

    “I hate to put out a number, but I know there are people really struggling to make it,” Craig said, “We really don’t want to shut anyone’s water off. Especially this time of year. Any time of year is hard. But this time of year, and with the struggles of twenty-twenty…need I say much more!”  

    Anyone wishing to be a copycat donor can reach out to Lisa Craig at 513-707-1451 or email Lisa Craig at lcraig@lovelandoh.gov. Lisa may be able to take your donation “on-line” with a credit card.

    You may also send a check to City Hall. Please address to “City of Loveland, 120 West Loveland Avenue, Loveland, Ohio, 45140.”

    If you would like to reach out to City Manager Dave Kennedy you can do so by phone at 513-707-1454 or email at dkennedy@lovelandoh.gov.

    City Hall office hours are Mon-Fri 8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

  • Loveland Christmas Tree Removal

    Loveland Christmas Tree Removal

    Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland provides residents with an annual Christmas Tree removal service. The City makes it easy for you to get rid of those real trees with a curbside pickup.

    Collection takes place from January 4 to January 15.

    They ask that you please remove all decorations, lights, tree stands, and tree bags and place Christmas trees at your curb.

    If you find this kind of information useful and valuable to your quality of life, please consider making a monetary contribution so that Loveland Magazine can continue providing you with up-to-date and timely news stories.

    Loveland Magazine is FREE for everyone in our small hometown to read and we desperately want to keep it that way, especially in these hard times.

    However, a news platform is very expensive to maintain and we hope, that if you are able, you will provide the support we need to keep local news flowing to ALL in the community – your neighbors that simply cannot afford to pay to keep informed about life in our community. We feel a vibrant community is one that is an enlightened community – please help us keep YOU and EVERYONE ELSE up to speed.

  • Loveland High School’s Winter Sports Update!

    Loveland High School’s Winter Sports Update!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown

    Loveland, Ohio – Winter sport student-athletes in Loveland have been competing, and wow have they claimed some excellent victories already! Although COVID-19 positive cases have been spiking in the tri-state area, LHS Athletics has managed to keep the athletes safe, healthy, and competing. So without further ado here is your Loveland Sports 411 for December 7th-10th!

    Men’s Basketball

    On Tuesday, December 8th Loveland’s Men’s Basketball Team battled against Walnut Hills at home but unfortunately came up with a loss, 57 – 28. Addison Hearn was the Tigers’ lead scorer with 12 points.

    Earlier this month the Men’s Basketball Team gained two victories against Harrison and West Clermont. Loveland is currently 2-1 overall and 1-1 in the ECC.

    Loveland will travel to Winton Woods on the 11th and to Mariemont on the 12th. Both games will tip off at 7:30 PM.

    Women’s Basketball

    The Loveland Women’s Basketball Team played Milford at home on Monday, December 7th, and pulled out a conference victory, 45 – 35. Nia Kemper was the Tigers’ lead scorer with 15 points and Olivia Raby hit the boards hard collecting 8 rebounds.

    On Wednesday, December 9th Loveland played in another rivalry ECC match-up against Little Miami at home. The Tigers won 58 – 51. Tess Broermann was Loveland’s top performer with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals while Jenna Batsch played quite the game as well ending with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks.

    The Tigers are now sitting in 2nd place in ECC with a 4-1 overall record and 3-0 ECC record. The Loveland Women’s Basketball Team will face Turpin on Turpin’s home court on the 12th at 2 PM.

    Men’s and Women’s Swimming

    Both Loveland’s Men’s and Women’s Swimming Teams will compete on Friday, December 11th at Milford at 6 PM.

    Men’s Bowling

    The Loveland Men’s Bowling team competed on Tuesday, December 8th where they won against Milford, 2691-2636 (Match Details). Brayden Shepard was the Tigers’ top performer with a 223 average and 446 Pins.

    On Wednesday, December 9th Loveland won against Walnut Hills, 2564-2238 (Match Details). Sherron Peacock was the Tigers’ top bowler with a 210 average and 420 Pins.

    The Men’s Bowling Team are 4-1 overall and 3-1 in the ECC capturing the 3rd place spot. Loveland will compete again today against Winton Woods at 4 PM at Omni Funplex and again on the 13th in the Holiday Classic at Western Bowl at 9:30 AM.

    Women’s Bowling

    The Loveland Women’s Bowling Team competed on Tuesday, December 8th against Milford where they won 1989-1528 (Match Details). Ashley Gilker was the Tigers’ top performer with a 188 average and 376 pins.

    On Wednesday, December 9th the Tigers captured another win against Walnut Hills, 2057-1518 (Match Details). Ashley Gilker was the top bowler for the Tigers with a 202 average and 404 Pins.

    Loveland’s Women’s Bowling Team is now 2-3 overall and 2-2 in the ECC. The Tigers will take on Winton Woods today at 3:30 PM at Omni Funplex and on the 13th will participate in the Holiday Classic at Western Bowl at 9:30 AM.

    Academic Team

    The Loveland Academic Team faced Milford in two games on Wednesday, December 9th winning 81-47 in both games.

    The Academic Team is currently 2-0-0 in the ECC and will play again on January 6th against Little Miami at 4 PM.

    For more of Loveland High School’s latest sports news stay tuned to the Sports 411 With Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • Huge Ohio Rivalry College Football Games Scheduled for Saturday are Canceled

    Huge Ohio Rivalry College Football Games Scheduled for Saturday are Canceled

    Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown Loveland

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Many college football fans across Ohio are devastated due to the announcement that was delivered by the American Athletic Conference and the Michigan Athletic Department on Tuesday that both the OSU vs. Michigan game and the Cincinnati vs. Tulsa game are officially canceled.

    Both rivalry games were scheduled for Saturday, December 12th, but because of the rise in positive COVID-19 cases in Cincinnati and in Michigan, it was advised by UC’s conference Medical Advisory Group and Michigan’s health experts that they cancel the games. The UC vs. Tulsa game will not be rescheduled but both teams are scheduled to play again on Saturday, December 19th in the AAC Championship Game.
     
    Both UC’s and Michigan’s Athletic Directors spoke about the spike in positive COVID-19 cases in their student-athletes and around campus.

    “Like so much of our country, the Bearcats football program has dealt with rising cases of COVID-19 over the last several weeks,” UC’s AD John Cunningham said in a press release, “Since returning from Orlando on Nov. 21, 2020, we had an increased number of positives among our student-athletes, coaches and staff. Thankfully, we have had very few symptomatic cases and those who did show symptoms appear to be doing well. This week, UC began a slow, measured return to activities, fully aware of the importance of monitoring our student-athletes who are returning after time away from practice. If we are selected to host the AAC Championship game on Dec. 19, we have requested a variance with the state of Ohio to allow a limited number of fans in the stadium. We look forward to continuing our season on Saturday, Dec. 19.”

    Michigan’s Athletic Director Ward Manuel said, “The number of positive tests has continued to trend in an upward direction over the last seven days. We have not been cleared to participate in practice at this time. Unfortunately, we will not be able to field a team due to COVID-19 positives and the associated quarantining required of close-contact individuals. This decision is disappointing for our team and coaches but their health and safety are paramount, and it will always come first in our decision-making.”

    The Wolverines will continue daily testing in hopes that they will be cleared to be apart of the Big Ten Champions Week, which will be held December 18th-19th.

    Due to the OSU vs. Michigan game cancellation, the Buckeyes are now facing their third game cancellation this season resulting in the team being ineligible for the Big Ten Champions Title. This particular rule was established before the season began.

    Thankfully for both UC and OSU fans, both teams are still ranked in the Associated Press Top 10. Below are the rankings as of December 9th.

    COLLEGE FOOTBALL RANKINGS: ASSOCIATED PRESS TOP 10 (12-9-2020)

    1. Alabama (9-0)

    2. Notre Dame (10-0)

    3. Clemson (9-1)

    4. Ohio State (5-0)

    5. Texas A&M (7-1)

    6. Florida (8-1)

    7. Iowa State (8-2)

    8. Cincinnati (8-0)

    9. Georgia (6-2)

    10. Miami (8-1)

    11. Oklahoma (7-2)

    12. Indiana (6-1)

    13. Coastal Carolina (10-0)

    14. Northwestern (5-1)

    15. USC (3-0)

    For more of your latest Ohio and Loveland sports updates stay tuned to the Sports 411 With Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • Loveland 6th grader Delaney Dunlap demonstrates how she helped make herself a new leg

    Loveland 6th grader Delaney Dunlap demonstrates how she helped make herself a new leg

    Is this how you test out a new socket?

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – In October Gina Rohdenburg and her daughter Delaney met a guy named Daryl Farler on the beach in South Carolina who works with ABR (Amputee Blade Runners). Gina said, “A guy who is a prosthetist happened to be next to us on the beach. Crazy but he told me about this grant and said they would love to help Delaney.”

    Gina followed up and things moved fast. Her daughter Delaney Dunlap, 11 and in 6th grade at the Loveland Intermediate School, was chosen by ABR to receive a new “athletic” leg with a high activity foot. Gina soon posted on FaceBook, “We are going to Nashville next month for a week and Delaney will help them make her leg.”

    Gina said that ABR is an amazing foundation and they were chosen by the NASCAR Foundation as one of four 2020 finalists for the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. Gina asked her FaceBook followers to support ABA so they might receive $100,000 to help more kids like Delaney. “Please vote and do it every day if you can! Delaney really appreciates it!”

    Ryan Fann went on to run track at Tennessee State University and even earned a GOLD Medal in the Paralympics.

    Amputee Blade Runners was founded by two prosthetists, with the idea that giving someone one piece of equipment could change their life. That’s exactly what happened to their co-founder, Ryan Fann, when a local prosthetic company gave Ryan his first running leg after high school. Fann excelled in sports throughout middle school and high school, but when he was fitted for his first running leg, the world opened up. He went on to run track at Tennessee State University and even earned a GOLD Medal in the Paralympics. This is why Amputee Blade Runners was founded in 2011.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is donate-to-LM-5.png
    Help your hometown newspaper publish more stories like this that inspire!

    Justin Darm is the prosthetist who measured, cast, modified, and aligned Delaney’s prosthesis. He told me, “Delaney was playing on a beach in North Carolina when one of my coworkers who works at the prosthetic clinic I am employed at saw her using the prosthesis she had before to coming to us. My coworker struck up a conversation with Delaney’s parents and informed her of the charity we volunteer for called Amputee Blade Runners (ABR), which is run out of the prosthetic clinic in which we are employed.” There is only one full-time employee of the charity and the rest of the people who make it all happen volunteer their time and expertise. Delaney was advised to fill out an application to receive a grant to be provided with a free high activity prosthesis based on her current limitations and goals. She was accepted and a trip was scheduled to come to Nashville for a week to improve the current fit and function of her prosthesis. She was provided with a new prosthesis and high activity foot.

    Delaney returned home to Loveland last week.

    Justin and Delaney talk about different (lighter, cheaper) ways to make a prosthetic socket. Watch to the end to see how well she moves in it!

    https://www.facebook.com/gina.rohdenburg/posts/10221260013308615

    The Goal of Amputee Blade Runners is to provide a running prosthesis to one amputee athlete in all 50 states by 2016. They are a 501(C) 3 Non Profit organization that helps to provide free running prosthetics for amputees.
    Currently, there are 31 states with ABR athletic ambassadors.

    Delaney Dunlap is the daughter of Mike Dunlap and Gina Rohdenburg. Last January, Loveland Magazine’s Cassie Mattia interviewed Delany and Gina. Mattia wrote,” At 15 months old, Delaney encountered the turning point of her very young life; a leg amputation. Delaney was born with a condition called Fibular Hemimelia, meaning her fibular bone was missing. When the fibular bone is missing this can lead to limb length discrepancy, foot deformities, and knee deformities. Only 1 in 40,000 births encounter FH.”

    “We worked with Shriners and Children’s Hospital to determine the best course of action and we decided that having an amputation at an early age would allow her the most normal life with the least interruptions,” Gina explained to Cassie, “On March 4th, 2012, at 15 months old she had her amputation. About 3 months later she was fit for her prosthetic leg.”

    “At 2 years of age, she took her leg from us and said, ‘I do it myself!’ She proceeded to put her leg on and jump up and say, ‘all done’ with a shrug of her shoulders,” Gina said. “By 4 we had her in gymnastics with Ms. Karol Warden and she started performing in front of people. By 5 she was playing soccer, by 7 she was playing softball, by 8 she was golfing, and about 2 years ago she took up snowboarding,” Gina added.

    On the first day in Nashville at ABR getting cast for Delaney’s new leg Gina said, “She already had a great day and enjoyed every minute. Justin and both Aarons were patient, informative, and let Delaney help in the process. Already love these folks. Meeting new friends too.”

    View this slide show to see the start of the making of Delaney’s new leg

    On the second day at ABR, they let Delaney help with the fabrication of her leg and let her be a part of the whole process. “She left with a new leg and will be back the next day for adjustments. She already walks better and can see the difference this new leg will make. “Thank you ABR,” said Gina on FaceBook.

    This slide show will show you, Delaney, helping with the fabrication and using her new leg.

    Delaney will receive free prosthetic care until the age of 18 now that she is part of the ABR family.

    The family grant recipients provide their own financial resources for lodging, food, and fun while in Nashville and the prosthesis is provided at no cost. Justin Darm said, “So, at this point expenses were covered by Delaney’s family and through funds ABR has set aside to provide her with a prosthesis. We always welcome donations so we may continue to provide Delaney with free care as she will require routine items like socks or a new prosthesis as she grows. Donations will also allow us to help the numerous grant recipients across the country we have already helped and the ones who we have not had the opportunity to help yet.” Sign up for the ABR newsletter.

    Joshua Southards

    Joshua Southards, JD, MMN, is the Executive Director of Amputee Blade Runners and said, “Thanks so much for your interest in Delaney and Amputee Blade Runners.” Southards said that Delaney is a “great kid” and he was thrilled to be a part of her story. “Our applicants go through a vetting process and she passed everything with flying colors,” said Southards.

    Delaney produced this video of her ABR experience. It shows the process and how she helped with making her leg

    https://www.facebook.com/1195316158/videos/10221328692625555/

    Watch this slo-mo video of Delaney tumbling on her new leg

    https://www.facebook.com/1195316158/videos/10221329053634580/

    Loveland Magazine’s Cassie Mattia interviewed Delany in January of this year because she is part of Loveland’s DNA. Read more about Delany and watch the interview”

    11 Year Old Local is “Tumbling” into a Bright Future!

    Since my last visit to Rodi Italian, the restaurant has been totally transformed! Loveland Magazine’s Editor in Chief, David Miller, myself, and my nephew, Emmett, visited Rodi last week just to see the transformation, and after seeing all the new additions, we are more than excited to welcome Rodi Italian into the Loveland restaurant culture!

    Peloni walked as through his restaurant as he explained what went into all the new restaurant additions and how proud he was of what Rodi was becoming.

    Since August, Rodi Italian’s Stefano Ferrara Neapolitan Wood-Burning Pizza Oven has been installed and is up and running. Peloni said that they recently made their first pizza and he couldn’t wait to share them with Loveland! Click the link below to see a video of Rodi Italian’s first pizza being made in their brand new pizza oven!

    https://www.facebook.com/rodiloveland/videos/165089161926803

    Each pizza served on Rodi Italian’s menu will be Neapolitan style and cooked from scratch in their 900-degree wood-burning pizza oven. Some of the unique pizza’s that will be served on Rodi Italian’s menu is, Brussels, which will include shaved Brussel sprouts, pancetta, and fontina, finished with ricotta and lemon drizzle, Figs, which will have olive oil, fontina, fresh figs with gorgonzola, and fig puree, and The Fun Guy (FUNGHI), which will include cream, Tallegio, fontina, sausage, a blend of mushrooms, and sea salt. Gluten-Free pizza crust will be available as well.

    As we walked through Rodi Italian Peloni showed us another one of their newest additions, The Faema E91Coffee Espresso Machine, which will feature Cafe Filicori Coffee straight from Bologna, Italy! Rodi Italian is the only restaurant other than a few spots in New York, California, and Chicago, that will have this specialty coffee. Peloni shared with us that his restaurant will be serving Brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s, he just hasn’t decided on the hours as of now.

    As an Italian myself, when I think of a traditional Italian meal I always end up grabbing a beautiful Italian wine that will pair nicely with my meal. Peloni reassured me that finding the perfect wine to match my meal wouldn’t be a problem at Rodi Italian as the restaurant will feature over 70 different labels from Italy and California. As I looked around Rodi Italian I could already see that wine would be a major part of the restaurant as it had gigantic beautifully sculpted wine holders framing one of their doorways and a state of the art mahogany bar located in the heart of the restaurant surrounded with chairs for guests. Rodi Italian’s one-of-a-kind bar was built by The Cincinnati Wood Collaborative, a group that specializes in repurposing wood. The bar will also include 10 beers on tap and 10-15 bottled beer options.

    What goes better with a glass of wine than a traditional Italian appetizer or salad? No need to look any further as Rodi Italian will have plenty of legendary family recipes for the community to enjoy! Rodi Italian’s salads and small plates section of the menu will feature items such as The Cesare (an old family recipe), which includes anchovy, garlic, and romaine, the Burrata Tartufato, which is a ball of hand-pulled burrata cheese over arugula, shaved black truffles, and crostini, and the Sacchetti ‘Beggar’s Purse’ (a house specialty), which will feature a pizza dough purse filled with roasted garlic and herbs in olive oil.

    Although Rodi Italian’s menu isn’t entirely official yet, Peloni was kind enough to give Loveland Magazine the okay to share a few of the Pasta options, “Chef Rob’s Seasonal Menu,” and the Dinner Plates. A few of the Pasta menu items, which will be made from scratch in the restaurant, that grabbed my attention was the Rodi Pasta, which features Fusilli (GF option available) sauteed with thin onion, pancetta, green peas, and white wine, the Family Recipe Lasagna, a traditional meat sauce lasagna created by Peloni and his family, and the Risotto Al Porcini, which includes Porcini mushrooms, shallots, and green peas.

    Peloni told us that he will consistently be featuring a Seasonal Menu crafted by him using ingredients that are in season for that particular time of the year. One of the seasonal meals that caught my attention was the Ravioli Di Zucca, a pumpkin filled ravioli sauteed in brown sugar and sage finished with pieces of toasted hazelnuts. YUM!

    Rodi Italian’s Dinner Menu also includes a “Plates” section and of course a few items for the Bambini’s a.k.a The Kids! One particular item on the Plates section that sounded delicious is the Cacciuco, which includes clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari, white fish, and salmon in a tomato and fish stalk broth. This traditional seafood soup originated in Liguria where Peloni’s family is from. Of course, we can’t forget about the Bambini’s menu, which will feature Kids Antipasto, Mini Cheese Pizza, S’ghetti, and the Cheese and Fries Pizza (a kid favorite in Italy), which will literally be an 8-inch pizza, covered in tomato sauce, and mozzarella topped with french fries!

    The Faema E91Coffee Espresso Machine, which will feature Cafe Filicori Coffee straight from Bologna, Italy!

    Walking through Rodi Italian and seeing what the building was in August compared to what it is now has made us more than excited to introduce this traditional family Italian restaurant to the community! Like I mentioned previously Rodi Italian is set to have a soft opening in December but as for the official date, Peloni said he will announce it via Rodi’s Facebook Page or Website. Rodi Italian’s dinner hours are set to be Tuesday – Friday 11:30 A.M. – 10 P.M. Again Peloni plans on opening up on Saturday’s and Sunday’s for Brunch, but the hours are yet to be set.

    Rob Peloni showing me the early draft of the RODI menu

    We want to thank Rodi Italian and Rob Peloni for letting Loveland Magazine be a part of the Rodi journey and we cannot wait for opening day! Take a few moments to check out our photo album featuring our walk-through at Rodi Italian last Friday!

    Click on an image to see it larger and to click through the photo album.

    For more of the Loveland Salad with me, Cassie Mattia, stay tuned!

  • L.H.S’s Coach Parker Gives Sneak Preview of 2020-2021 Season!

    L.H.S’s Coach Parker Gives Sneak Preview of 2020-2021 Season!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown Loveland
    Can’t imagine a Countdown without the Kid, Our Capt @tessbroermann
    AKA T-Wip! Tess has been my Coach on the floor for 3 yrs & now as a Sr she is the undisputed engine & leader of our program! Proud of you is an understatement! Let’s run it back one last time kid #OurWay     – Coach Parker

    Loveland, Ohio – It’s that time of year again that gives many, including myself, an endless amount of joy! You maybe asking yourself, “Well what is so significant about this time of year?” IT’S BASKETBALL SEASON BABY! Of course the single phrase has to be said in a Dick Vitale voice!

    Basketball teams all across Ohio are preparing for what should be a very interesting season in light of COVID-19. The L.H.S Women’s Basketball team has not been letting the pandemic slow them down as they have been safely practicing hard in preparation for the first game that will be held on November 24th at the Tiger’s home gym against Lakota East at 7:30 P.M.

    Coach Darnell Parker and Assistant Coach Keith (Breezy) Braswell celebrating the ECC Championship in 2020
    Coach Parker from #Darnell Parker on Twitter

    L.H.S’s Women’s Basketball team is coming off of a historical 2019-2020 season, grabbing their first league title, sectional title, and an outstanding overall record of 22-4. Although they have lost some unbelievable female athletes such as the Tiger’s top performer, Jillian Hayes who will begin her career as Cincinnati Bearcat this year, Head Coach Darnell Parker says that he has two incredible leaders returning in Seniors Jenna Batsch and Tess Broermann that are sure to give the team that fire they need to succeed this year!

    So without further ado, here is the 2020-2021 Loveland High School Women’s Basketball Season Preview!

    The following graphics and photos provided by team photographer, Gayle Rothmeeler.

    Tiger Nation let me introduce you to Our @ViviClayton
    AKA ViVi! Vivi is a team-first guard willing to do whatever her team needs! Greatness is already in your DNA kid, go ahead and put it on display for all to witness! Orange and Black looks good on you Viv!#OurWay     – Coach Parker

    Cassie – What have you and the Tigers been doing in preparation for this season?

    Coach Parker – Preparation for this season started over the summer with our team lifting and conditioning sessions, as well as our super popular 6 A.M, Breakfast Club workouts. This is a great time for our kids as we start forming bonds and shaping the identity of this year’s team!

    She had her coming out party against the number 1 team in the state last year and Our Miss @EarlyJosie is hungry for more! Ultra competitive guard with a knack for slicing through defenses! Remember the name folks, get your ready! #OurWay – Coach Parker

    Cassie – What effect has COVID-19 had on your preparation?

    Coach Parker – Keeping our Student-Athletes safe is our top priority.  Each player, coach, and member of our program is diligent in following the guidelines set by our District and the OHSAA. Our kids have done a great job adjusting and it hasn’t affected our preparation too much.

    No better place to start than with the Captain @JennaBatsch
    aka STRETCH! Don’t let the smoothness fool you, the Kent St commit is an absolute BEAST on the court! It’s her time to shine bright! #OurWay     – Coach Parker

    Cassie – Who are some of the players that are returning? Any starters? Who do you expect to be a captain or “leader” for the other ladies to look up to this year.

    Coach Parker – SR-Jenna Batsch(Kent State Commit, Second leading scorer last year 11ppg)-Captain, SR-Tess Broermann(4-year starter 6.3ppg last season)-Captain, SO-Olivia Raby(Lead the team in FG% 52% 3.5ppg), SO-Josie Early(3ppg, Strong tournament run last season), Jr-Nia Kemper(PG Transfer from Wyoming 14ppg, Excellent shooter and defender), Jr-Vivian Clayton(G Transfer from Sycamore 8ppg, Great Defender and strong guard attacking the basket).

    Next up it’s Our Miss @ellanagel_AKA Shirley(another inside joke)! A summer spent grinding and getting better, and the Jr is ready to Soar! You have the green light to be great kid! All gas no brakes!! #OurWay – Coach Parker

    Cassie – Any big games you and the team are looking forward to?

    Coach Parker – We always enjoy the matchups with Walnut Hills and West Clermont. They have been the Gold standards in the league for a lot of years. This year we add three new teams in Little Miami, Lebanon, and Winton Woods. Starting new rivalries with these schools will be fun!

    LIV!!!!! Big sis may be gone but the Raby legacy continues! Our @Olivia_Raby_
    established herself as a big-time rim protector last season and this Summer added to her offensive game! Don’t take my word for it though, just enjoy the show #OurWay     – Coach Parker

    Cassie – What will be some of your primary focuses or things you would like to improve on from last season this year?

    Coach Parker – This season we will really focus on sharing the basketball and attacking opposing defenses from a lot of angles. We have 6-7 girls that could get double digits points on any given night and as a coach that is very exciting!  Defensively our pressure is going to be suffocating and we are going to be able to pressure teams for 32 minutes or more if necessary!

    I call her Laverne(inside joke) but Our @Yeager_Rachel15 is coming off of a solid Summer and ready to make her mark! You won’t find many who work as hard as Yeags, and that hard work is starting to pay dividends! Watch out Tiger Nation she’s ready to explode! #OurWay – Coach Parker

    Cassie – Will the coaching staff be the same as last year or do you have any newcomers?

    Coach Parker – We return our entire coaching staff from last year.  Really helps with continuity.

    Salute to the next in a long line of great #24s Our Miss Twitterless Gabby Saletta! The freshman is Lightning Quick on both sides of the ball and a ton of toughness after spending the fall on the pitch! Keep working Gabs! You got Next! #OurWay – Coach Parker

    Cassie – Do you have any Freshmen or Sophomores that you are expecting big things from this season?

    Coach Parker – Josie Early and Olivia Raby received significant minutes and experience as a freshman last year. They are going to be a big piece of the puzzle this season!

    Tiger Nation allow me to introduce a NewComer to the program Our Miss @NiaKemper4
    AKA FLEEK! Don’t Blink because if you do the ultra-quick sharp shooting PG will be gone! Don’t let the smile fool you she’s looking to take Someone’s lunch money on that Court #OurWay     – Coach Parker

    Cassie – What are some of your personal coaching goals this year? Team goals?

    Coach Parker – Personally my goals have shifted based on my health situation. Every day that I am able to spend with my team is a blessing!  When I am physically able I want to be with the team. I draw energy from them. The team really wants to defend out ECC crown and get back and when a District title. The community has really rallied behind myself and this team, I really feel we are destined for great things!

    We play in the present but the future looks bright especially for Our @HannahPawlikow1! This is one tough Freshman who doesn’t mind mixing it up in the paint! Excited to watch her develop in the next 4 years!! #OurWay – Coach Parker

    Cassie – Will you be competing against any schools that you haven’t competed against in the past or haven’t competed against in quite some time? If so what teams?

    Coach Parker – As Mentioned above we will start playing the new teams in our conference. We also open up with Lakota East who we haven’t played in recent times.

    Big shoes to fill after she took over her pals # but Our @SophiaKapsz
    (just call me KAPS) is up for the challenge! Infectious energy and an animal on the boards, she ready to wreak havoc this year. I hope she even breaks out the dance moves #OurWay     – Coach Parker

    Cassie – Any new mottos this year other than your infamous #Ourway?! 

    Coach Parker – Haha, OurWay will always be the motto that we follow.  With my diagnosis, the Girls have reached a Mantra of OURWAY, OURFIGHT. They are in this battle with me. That’s what Family does!!#OurWay

    Another one of our Fab Frosh making the Countdown! Our Miss @bebout_sara
    is well on her way to being a force in the paint for our Tigers! The future is bright for you kid! Keep working and getting better every day!     #OurWay – Coach Parker

    For more of the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia, stay tuned!

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  • Loveland Magazine Presents “National College Signing Day” at L.H.S!

    Loveland Magazine Presents “National College Signing Day” at L.H.S!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown

    Loveland, Ohio – It’s that time of year again to honor the L.H.S student-athlete Seniors as we send them on their way to play collegiate sports at the conclusion of this school year!

    L.H.S’s National College Signing Day was held on November 12th at 2:30 PM, in the legendary Tiger gymnasium. Although the Loveland Athletic Department tried to make the ceremony as normal as they could for the student-athletes they did send out COVID-19 safety precautions so that everyone attending would feel as comfortable as possible. Below are some of the safety precautions L.H.S took for the National Signing Day ceremony:

    1.  Athletes, please e-mail Ms. Brulport the number of family members attending. We need to know this for seating and contact tracing.

    2.  Your family and student-athlete will be assigned seating in our Main Gym Bleachers. Please look for the placard with your child’s name on it. You will be socially distanced from other families.

    3.  No congregating is allowed prior to, during, OR after the ceremony. All families must leave immediately following the ceremony.  

    4.  Face coverings ARE REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES.  

    5. No group photos of the student-athletes together is permitted. Only pictures of the student-athlete, with their family, will be taken.

    6. There will be NO student body allowed. This is for immediate family ONLY, plus 1 coach.

    The L.H.S National Signing Day ceremony turned out to be quite the event as the Tiger student-athletes’ coaches, parents and family members celebrated the Seniors’ achievements and wished them the best of luck in their future college endeavors! The following Senior student-athletes signed to participate in athletics and get a college education in 2021!

    Photos and Graphics provided by the Loveland Athletic Department.

    Sarah Lolli signed to compete in Water Polo at Indiana University.

    Connor Ruble signed to play Tennis at Wittenberg University.

    Lauren Donovan signed to play soccer at the University of Minnesota.

    Carly Wilhoite signed to play lacrosse at the University of Tampa.

    Hanna Wenger signed to play lacrosse at the University of Central Michigan.

    Josey Storm signed to play lacrosse at Notre Dame College.

    Sherron Peacock signed to compete in Bowling at Tiffin University.

    Brock Perkins signed to play baseball at Bluffton University.

    Spencer Rodriguez signed to play baseball at Clark State Community.

    Jenna Batsch signed to play basketball at Kent State University.

    We would like to take the time to congratulate these OUTSTANDING Tiger student-athletes for getting the opportunity to fine-tune their crafts at the collegiate level! It has been a joy watching each and every one of you thrive as students and excel as athletes. We will be cheering all of you on as you take the next step in your athletic and education journey! LONG LIVE THE LOVELAND TIGERS! GOOD LUCK SENIORS!

    For more of the Sports 411 with me, Cassie Mattia stay tuned!