LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Tag: Cassie Mattia

Former Loveland grad shares her journey from athletic trainer to signing book deal

Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio

Loveland, Ohio – Laurie Stroup Smith joined the Loveland Magazine team for her first exclusive on-camera interview after signing a 3 book contract with Vinspire Publishing. She grew up in Loveland and graduated Loveland High School in 1994. She writes Amish and Contemporary Romance stories.

Stroup Smith was a former athletic trainer at Turpin High School for a number of years before she discovered her writing talent. In LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV ’s one on one interview with Laurie Stroup Smith, we take a look at just what inspired her to start writing and what other local published author mentored her along the way!

Click below to watch Loveland Magazine TV’s sit down with Laurie Stroup Smith!

Want to know more about Laurie? Visit her website https://lauriestroupsmith.com/ or her Facebook page at Laurie Stroup Smith, Writer, and Laurie Stroup Smith on Pinterest

June 7, 2019
Students Celebrate Earth Day at Goodwill and Loveland Magazine for annual writing lesson

“What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to walk to your local Goodwill store and to a local business to learn about reducing, reusing and recycling.” – Loveland first-grade teacher, Jennifer Miller.

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – On April 22nd billions of people around the world celebrated Earth Day. Loveland 1st grade teacher, Jennifer Miller, decided to celebrate the day by taking her class on a field trip to two Loveland businesses to learn about just why reducing, reusing, and recycling is so important. Loveland Magazine’s very own, David Miller, got the opportunity to be a part of the Earth Day-themed field trip, when Ms. Miller’s class stopped by to learn about composting, rechargeable batteries, and LED light bulbs. David Miller also showed the students how individuals, families, and businesses can lower their negative impact on the environment. The tour of our offices highlighted some of the many pieces of office equipment, furniture, and everyday items that were re-claimed, repurposed, and purchased at the Loveland Goodwill Store.

For several years, the father and daughter duo have collaborated on practical writing lessons for the students, showing them how their writing can be published in their local newspaper.

Axel said, “Earth Day is made of kindness.”

When Ms. Miller was planning a field trip for her students, she wanted to be sure that everything the students did connect back to the importance of protecting our environment. The class began the field trip at The Loveland Goodwill Store where the students learned the importance of reusing and recycling clothing, household goods, books, and toys. The staff showed the students the donation center and explained why it is important to donate items you no longer use rather than throwing them away. Ms. Miller had each student bring an item from home to donate to the center in order to not only really understand the concept of reusing and recycling, but the satisfying feeling you get after doing it!

Ms. Miller had each student bring an item from home to donate to the center in order to not only really understand the concept of reusing and recycling, but the satisfying feeling you get after doing it!

After celebrating Earth Day at Loveland Goodwill, the class then walked to Loveland Magazine. Though the distance was short, Ms. Miller thought this activity would really get the students thinking about energy conservation. Once the students arrived at Loveland Magazine they enjoyed a snack, but of course, it was also Earth Day themed! She gave the students the option of eating an apple or cutie so that they could then later put the core or the peel into Loveland Magazine’s compost bin. They were told how composting yard waste, fallen leaves, and kitchen scraps at a business can lower business expenses because the compost is turned into the potting soil for spring plants. It was explained that by not purchasing potting soil, what is basically dirt, it didn’t have to be shipped around the country using fossil fuels which contribute to carbon in the atmosphere. Mr. Miller said, “It doesn’t make sense to transport things like dirt using fossil fuel driven vehicles, and businesses need to be aware of this kind of impact on the climate whenever they purchase goods.”

After learning how to compost, Mr. Miller talked to the students about the importance of rechargeable batteries and LED light bulbs. He was able to get really interactive with the students by doing light bulb as well as battery demonstrations so that the students could visually see the importance of reusing, conserving energy, and recycling batteries instead of putting them into landfills.

“What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to walk to your local Goodwill store and to a local business to learn about reducing, reusing and recycling,” said Ms. Miller.

Ms. Miller followed the Earth Day presentation at Loveland Magazine by walking with her class back to school and straight into the classroom to write about the field trip! So just what did the students write? Let’s read some excerpts from the written reports!

Natalia – “We should take care of our environment.”

Samira – “I learned about recycling batteries.”

Hanna – “I learned that some kinds of light bulbs can be recycled and my favorite part of the trip was looking at the compost pile.”

Dean – “I was happy to see the awards on the wall David Miller received for helping the earth. Earth Day is made of showing kindness and respect for our earth. We re-used and recycled. We celebrated in Loveland, Ohio. My favorite part was looking at the earth.”

Charlotte – “We went on a field trip on Earth Day. We looked at the compost pile. Earth Day is made of showing kindness and respect for our earth. We re-used, reduced, and recycled. We’re celebrating Loveland. My favorite part was the compost pile.”

Abdulloh – “We donated stuff that we don’t need.”

Lillian – “I liked learning about how certain light bulbs can save on energy use, about recycling batteries, and that using rechargeable batteries can help the environment. My favorite part was going to the Goodwill store.”

Tommy – “Walking to Goodwill was my favorite part.”

Constance – “My favorite thing was learning.”

Muhammadjon – “I noticed the toys and clothes at Goodwill that were there for recycling and reusing.”

Dylan – “I liked taking the peels left from our cuties and apple cores and putting them in the compost bin after snack.

Natalia – “ I liked composting the food scraps.”

Ben titled his report, “The Earth is my Friend” and said, “My favorite thing was visiting Loveland Magazine.”

Ashlynn – “My favorite part was the backyard at Loveland Magazine.”

Avery – “I learned to put food scraps in a compost bin.”

Axel – “Earth Day is made of kindness.”

After reading the students Earth Day reports, Ms. Miller was pleased with the impact she and her father had on the students. “My students learned firsthand the importance of donating items that their families no longer needed – to a local organization that helps others. We also learned the importance of making small changes in our daily life at work and school such as using LED lightbulbs, rechargeable batteries, and how to have a compost pile in your own backyard.”

Mr. Miller said he was really pleased that the students were so engaged in what might seem an adult topic because they are a long way from owning their own company or working in a business or corporation. “They did, however, most appreciate the compost bin and the contents – perhaps it was the playing in the dirt looking for worms and microbes!” he commented. “I am extremely pleased that so many moms came along on the trip as well. It’s important the children are safe while walking the busy street and I want them to be safe while here at Loveland Magazine also. It helps too that the class was so well behaved and polite.” He also talked about the wonderful hospitality showed toward the students at the Loveland Goodwill Store.

If you would like to experience the Earth Day field trip Mrs. Miller took her first graders on, watch the video below that Ms. Miller created! Also, take a look at the photos that her father took during the field trip.

Not only did Ms. Miller’s class have fun, but they had fun learning! It’s never too early to start protecting the environment!

Watch this video that Ms. Miller created for her students of their Earth Day activities.

May 23, 2019
[Video Interview] Matching Grant announced to help restore historic Loveland cemetery
Fundraisers and supporters of efforts to restore the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery were at the cemetery on Monday, May 19 for the announcement of the matching grant offered by the Loveland Legacy Foundation and see first-hand why the restoration of the historic cemetery is needed.

Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Legacy Foundation has partnered with the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association, Inc. and will offer a dollar-for-dollar match up to $1,500 to complete the funding needed to restore the historical cemetery located in White Pillars subdivision on Ramsey Court. With your help, and this matching grant, the restoration work will be completed this summer and this historically significant site can be restored to a level of care that it deserves.

In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video Cassie Mattia talks with Steve Max and Rob Geiger about the history of the cemetery, who is buried there, and the announcement of the matching grant.

The first burial at the cemetery was Lt. Col. Thomas Paxton in 1813, a Revolutionary War patriot who dined with General George Washington as one of the officers of the day at Valley Forge on Christmas Day in 1777. Paxton also was chosen by General Anthony Wayne to lead the advance guard at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794.

Paxton was credited as being the first permanent settler in Clermont County. Paxton and his sons-in-law carved out the wilderness to make a home for their families in 1795 and brought their wives and children here to Loveland in 1796. Paxton is the founder of Clermont County, Miami Township, the city of Loveland, and he helped with the Statehood of Ohio.

Capt. John Ramsey, Paxtons’s son-in-law, also a Revolutionary War patriot, is buried in the cemetery along with other family members.

The Loveland Legacy Foundation, passionate about preserving our founding families’ place of rest, has partnered the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association to restore the historic Loveland landmark. Other partners include American Legion Post # 256, American Legion Auxiliary Post #256, Bond Home Furnishings, City of Loveland, Clough Valley Daughters of the Revolution, Eads Fence Company, Loveland Magazine, Paxton’s Grill, Ramsey’s Trailside, Loveland Sweets, and Rainey Tree Service. They have all united together to make this project a reality which will include removal of the dead and decaying trees, the replacement of the chain link fence to a 4’ black aluminum industrial grade fence, and a 10’ antique wrought iron gate provided by Eads Fence that will be fully restored and installed.

You now have an opportunity to help secure the final part of the funds needed with this generous match from the Loveland Legacy Foundation which doubles the value of your donations up to $3,000.

Here are ways you can help:
Please go to https://lovelandlegacyfoundation.org/ and click on the DONATE NOW button to make your online contribution.

Visit these local downtown Loveland businesses to place your donation in the donation jars at: Bond Home Furnishings • Eads Fence Company • Paxton’s Grill • Ramsey’s Trailside • Loveland Sweets.

Make out a check, payable to Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association and mail it to Rob Geiger, PO Box 25 Loveland OH 45140. Both Loveland Legacy Foundation and Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Associations are 501-3C organizations so your contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.
The Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery is a hidden gem locally, statewide and nationally. Jan Beller, Director of the Loveland Museum Center (Greater Loveland Historical Society) said: “We are fortunate to have such a historical site right in our own thriving town!”

Steve Max, Chairman of the Loveland Legacy Foundation and Rob Geiger, President of the Ramsey-Paxton Cemetery Association both added: Thank you for joining us to see this project through and living up to our motto “Loveland Strong.”

Loveland Magazine is the proud Media Sponsor of the effort to restore this extraordinary local landmark.
May 20, 2019
[w/Video] Richie Terbush is in Loveland’s DNA

Our continuing search for Loveland’s kindest, sweetest people and what they’re made of. What is our DNA match?

Loveland Magazine columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland.

by Cassie Mattia,

Loveland, Ohio – Music is a big part of many people’s lives. Music can heal, bring happiness to a dreary day, explain a feeling you can’t quite put into words or share a story that every word is worth listening to. Richie Terbush, a Loveland resident, has felt this way since the age of 8 years old and now he says it’s time to share his musical journey with a community that’s always supported his love for music. Seems a DNA match to me.

Richie Terbush, a Southern California native, began dabbling in music at age 8 when his English Teacher, as well as a veteran guitar teacher, noticed he had talent.

“I studied from 8th grade until I was a senior in a program called GATE, which stood for Gifted And Talented Education,” Terbush said, “That’s where I learned how to play all types of guitar playing. Pop, classical, rock you name it I learned it.”

Once Terbush became quite the guitar player he began landing paid gigs in high school. After high school, Terbush continued to work on his craft and quickly made a name for himself in the Southern California club circuit.

“What really jump-started my career is when I got into 80’s cover bands. I would find cover bands and whichever band gave me a shot I would come to play for them,” Terbush explained, “I would literally have to go through auditions in order to get hired. It wasn’t easy!”

After Terbush began to consistently get opportunities to show off his guitar skills with other cover bands he decided that it was time to refocus and decide what path he wanted to take next.

“Every one of my peers, friends, and family said, ‘Richie if this is your dream and you can see it, you can do it,” Terbush said. “I had envisioned doing music since I was in the 8th grade. I didn’t get through college and barely got through high school, but at that time it didn’t matter because I knew music was going to be my career.”

Terbush decided to leave California and move to the Midwest where little did he know would be one of the best decisions he has ever made.

When Terbush arrived onto the Midwest scene he joined a band called The Rusty Griswolds who came onto the Cincinnati scene in 1999 and put on some of the best 80’s cover band performances locals had ever seen. Once Cincinnatians discovered The band and how undeniably entertaining they were the fan following took off!

“The Rusty Griswolds were a fun band that a lot of people associated with fun. We were honestly all good guys and we played all over, from Loveland to Cincinnati,” Terbush said. “We had a charity ball called the ‘Rusty Ball’ that we had done for many years at the Duke Energy Center and raised over a million dollars that went to over 150 charities. We did The Rusty Ball 9 years in a row,” said Terbush. The Rusty Griswolds were given the ultimate Cincinnati honor when they were handed the title, Best Part/Cover Band by the readers of Cincinnati’s City Beat Magazine from 2004 through 2014.

Terbush experienced many great venues as well as met so many wonderful fans throughout his 16 years performing with the Griswolds. Terbush remembered one night he was performing with them in Downtown Loveland when he realized that Loveland had quite a few Terbush supporters!

“I had been through Loveland a couple of times and I thought to myself that I would love to live here one day. I made the decision to move to Loveland 5 years ago when I was performing with the Rusty Griswolds in the Downtown Loveland area right across from Paxton’s,” Terbush recalled. “I remember our singer saying, ‘Ladies and Gentlemen Richie Terbush will be moving to Loveland here in the next couple weeks’ and the crowd went wild for me, which made me feel good! There had to have been 3,000 plus people watching us perform that night. This was one of the moments I realized, wow I get to do this for a living?”

After gaining such a huge fan base playing some really high profile events in Cincinnati with the Griswolds, other musicians started to notice Terbush’s talents. A few big-name musicians in Cincinnati had an idea for a band and wanted to include him. The story goes that, Guitarist Sean McGary was playing with the Naked Karate Girls, but he was also doing acoustic shows with vocalist Zach Albers. Albers had recently won the Cincinnati Idol contest, and McGary and Albers invited Richie to join them. This is how “3 Piece Revival” was born. Terbush says that at first, the whole “trio” band idea was a side project until their shows started to bring in thousands of people with their unique acoustic rock, pop, funk, disco, blues, soul, and reggae covers. 3 Piece Revival began to book festivals, weddings and major corporate events, one in which the band was flown to Quebec City, Canada. After the quick success with the “trio” Terbush made the decision that 3 Piece Revival was where he was meant to be and this is where his musical journey had led him.

Today Terbush is enjoying life as a full-time guitarist for 3 Piece Revival and can’t believe that he is living his dream.

“Here I am today and I have been making a living off music for 30 years now,” Terbush said, “All day long I am able to write new material and I practice all the time whether it’s with a new set list or old – just to stay fresh. I’m a classically trained guitar player so I am constantly trying to get better. I also write for other artists. That’s where my passion for music comes into play – I am always in practice. From age 8 to now there hasn’t been a day where I haven’t sat and practiced my guitar,” Terbush added.

Terbush is currently giving guitar lessons in Loveland out of his home as well as working on writing and recording some of his own material.

Of course, Terbush couldn’t hide his excitement for a couple of up and coming events for 3 Piece Revival! “I did find out some exciting news the other day. We will be playing every Wednesday starting in May at Bishop’s Quarter, Terbush said.

“We also just started writing our own material. No one has ever asked us to perform our own material because we are known as a cover band,” Terbush explained. “We have written nine great songs that we just need to get recorded. We plan on getting an album out and putting it on Spotify within the next 6 months. That’s really 3 Piece Revival’s next plan is to release our own music.”

Terbush foresees big accomplishments over the next 5 years with both 3 Piece Revival and his own personal projects.

“I see myself continuing with 3 Piece Revival and playing bigger and better shows. I also see us playing more private parties as well,” Terbush said. “I like playing at Jag’s in West Chester so I am excited to continue doing that venue once a month. They really love us there,” Terbush said. “Personally I see myself putting out another CD of my own. I also want to start a ukulele group in Loveland and of course, get more gigs here in town so that I can get more involved with the community. I would love to be part of the Christmas in Loveland this year and play some solo guitar Christmas carols.”

If you would like to learn more about Richie Terbush and 3 Piece Revival or you have an event coming up that you need some excellent entertainment for, you can visit 3 Piece Revival on FB or go to their website at 3piecerevival.com. Richie Terbush will also be continuing to give guitar lessons to anyone interested in learning acoustic, electric, or ukulele. Lessons can be given in person, over Skype or Facetime. For more information on Richie’s guitar lessons, text or call him at 937-477-5414.

Read more of our 23 & Loveland stories…

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April 18, 2019
Video interviews from student led State of the Schools program

Loveland High School Event Wows Those Who Attended!

Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland.

by Cassie Mattia

Loveland, Ohio – After having to reschedule due to severe winter weather, Loveland High School finally hosted the 2019 State of the Schools event on March 20th. The event had so much success last year, the Loveland School District wanted to make sure the focus of the event was the same, which was to create an open house where students in all grades could show, through presentations, demonstrations, and displays, the learning that takes place around the district’s three core goals of growth, care, and innovation. The event is special in that it’s an event that is not only led by the students but actually showcases the students as well!

The State of the Schools event was something that I had never experienced before this year. I had attended many school events in the past, however, I had an idea what to expect. To my very pleasant surprise, the event was nothing like I had expected! I was amazed by how many parents, teachers, and administrators were there supporting and watching their students shine. The hallways were filled with school spirit, creative learning displays, music, student art and of course, there were robots, as Loveland does have their own, might I add VERY successful, robotics team!

I got the opportunity to talk to so many bright, young minds about what their displays represented and what teams/groups they were involved with at school and why. Watching each student I talked to, passionately explain to me what their cause was or what their display represented truly inspired me. It was great seeing an event focused on the kids for the kids to succeed.

Loveland Magazine walked the halls and got some exclusive interviews with the students that made the event such a success! Watch the LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV videos below to see Loveland’s brightest students at the 2019 State of the Schools event talk to us about their displays!

April 16, 2019
(Video) Experienced climbers take on Mosaic Climbing

by David Miller

Loveland, Ohio – While Cassie Mattia and I were visiting Mosaic Climbing last month to videotape her climbing for the first time, she spotted a group of experienced climbers as we were about to leave. We stopped and asked Jesse Belton*, Tanner Wilson, and Carter and Jack Brown what they thought about the new rock climbing facility in Loveland and about their own climbing experience. The four had traveled down from Miamisburg for Mosaic Climbing’s grand opening.

Below, you can also see the video of Cassie trying out the new indoor recreation facility.

*Our apology to Jesse Belton for having her last name as “Velton” in the caption you see in this video.

[VIDEO] Mosaic Climbing doesn’t disappoint Cassie Mattia!

April 4, 2019
M/INT PTSA presents: How to Build on Boys’ Innate Character Strengths

The speaker will be sharing insights into boys and how to build on their innate character strengths. The public is encouraged to attend.

Loveland, Ohio – The 2018-2019 focus and priority of the Loveland Middle and Intermediate Parent Teacher Student Association (M/INT PTSA) is the social and emotional health of students in 5th through 8th grades. To accomplish their goal, they have invited experts to contribute to their newsletter and speak at public seminars.

Their April program will be a focus on boys. The speaker will be sharing insights into boys and how to build on their innate character strengths. The public is encouraged to attend.

The presentation will be at the Loveland Middle School Media Center on April 9, between 7 PM and 8 PM. (See Map below)

Columnist Cassie Mattia caught up with Megan Graff last week at Loveland High School when the District held their student-led, State of the Schools event.

Graff is President of the M/INT PTSA and talked to LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV about how the organization is tackling the “big hurdles for our kids today” such as Internet safety, suicide, depression, and anxiety.

March 24, 2019
[VIDEO] Mosaic Climbing doesn’t disappoint Cassie Mattia!

Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown

Loveland, Ohio – On March 15th, I got the opportunity to visit a brand new climbing facility right here in Loveland. It’s called Mosaic Climbing and believe me, you want to check it out!

Before I walked into Mosaic’s opening day I envisioned a small facility with a rock climbing wall set up like the ones you see at the YMCA. I couldn’t have been more wrong! Inside the building are several rooms with state of the art climbing walls with routes that go from easy to hard depending on the color of the pegs. The Mosaic staff, both passionate and full of energy, gave me an in-depth introduction to climbing as well as walked me through the entire facility, which not only had multiple climbing walls but also includes a fitness room, yoga room, and a quiet nook for meetings or checking your work emails.

The orientation the friendly staff provides is a must before you’re allowed to climb, which I think is great for those who have never climbed before.

There is a bouldering room with shorter climbing walls, where you are able to train and work on your climbing skills with no harness, no ropes, and with or without a partner, all over large thick pads for safety. I highly recommend this room for those who are a bit afraid of heights or for small children just looking to climb a short distance.

The first room I chose to start my climbing journey had climbing walls that extended more than 50 feet into the air. In this room, you are able to do “Top Rope” or “Auto Belay” climbing which includes a rope suspended overhead. I took on the auto-belay challenge and let me tell you it wasn’t easy! This is coming from someone who works out 6 days a week. The climb itself took skill and quite a bit of strategy when it came to what peg you were going to grab next or put your feet onto. Yes, I made it to the top and wanted to yell ‘I’m the queen of the world,’ but it definitely wasn’t without effort! After I finally convinced myself to come down (it was very high up and that was a bit scary for me) not only did my forearms burn but my muscles were shaking as well! It was a great workout and I felt very accomplished!

Fortunately, Loveland Magazine Editor, David Miller, got my climbing experience at Mosaic Climbing on their opening night all on film so that you the Loveland Magazine readers could see what an unbelievable new business Loveland has added to its repertoire!

Click on the video below to get the full Mosaic climbing experience right from your living room couch!

March 19, 2019
“Junebug” Delivers The Memories for Those Looking for a Loveland Airbnb Getaway

Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland.

Loveland, Ohio – As you enter the City of Loveland the first thing you expect to experience is Love, hence the sign when entering Loveland says “The Sweetheart of Ohio,” but what a lot of people don’t expect to experience when visiting Loveland for the first time is all of the history, the nature and the one of a kind businesses. For the longest time Jean Kresge, who has resided in Loveland since 1993, wanted to keep Ohio’s little slice of heaven a secret, but as new living establishments, restaurants, unique shopping spots and nightlife were added into the historical city people couldn’t help but notice that Loveland was quickly becoming the ideal vacation or staycation destination. So what do all vacation destinations need? A perfect getaway spot and well, Jean Kresge just couldn’t ignore the opportunity to introduce “June Bug” to those looking to make everlasting memories.

Kresge moved from Atlanta to the Loveland area and began working as the President of The Creative Worx Inc, which was a family-owned business that featured creative designs made by her mother, June Kresge.

“My mother designed jeweled dog collars, leashes, and horse halters. We patented, licensed, and took products to market with a major distributor,” Kresge explained.

Kresge eventually began working for Cisco Systems, where she has now worked for over 11 years as a Project and Program Manager. Though Kresge admits her job has been demanding throughout the years, as she has led the build-out of hundreds of high-end Video Conferencing Studio and TelePresence solutions for fortune 100 companies across the Globe, nothing could have prepared her for the hard work that she put into making “Junebug” what it is today.

A photo of Jean and June Kresge is in the “Junebug” cottage.

“After my mother, June Kresge passed away with complications from frontal lobe dementia in late 2015, I saw a ‘for sale by owner’ sign on the bike trail pointing to the cut-through street just past the bridge crossing over to the trail from Nisbet Park. I met the owner, Jen Gruber, and agreed to a quick purchase the very next day,” Kresge explained, “I wouldn’t recommend making major decisions or purchases like this for at least a year after experiencing a death, but the whole process was a cathartic and healthy way to deal with the immense grief. I wanted to honor the memory of my mother. The house was built in 1908 by a nurse who made home visits to tend to the sick in Loveland. She was a single mother with two kids and purchased the property next door for her parents using the same basic footprint. There are 2 other very old farmhouses on the street that have been in their families for generations,” Kresge said.

When purchasing the historic cottage, Kresge, of course, knew there would need to be some renovations, as the property was extremely old, but she had no idea how both physically, mentally and financially demanding it would be to renovate the cottage from the ground up. Kresge reflected on what her mother had once predicted, which was Loveland was going to grow exponentially. With that in mind, Kresge decided to make the cottage an Airbnb and name it “Junebug” in memory of her mother June.

“I had not intended to make ‘Junebug’ an Airbnb, it was a financial necessity to cover a two-year-long renovation. I had stayed at an Airbnb before in Cape Cod and thought it might be a good and affordable way for me to supplement income in retirement, and not put all my eggs in the stock market,” Kresge said.

After Kresge made the decision to make “Junebug” an Airbnb, she wanted to be sure that every part of “Junebug” represented a piece of her mother.

“My mom liked to go ‘junkin’ for treasure’s, so every piece of the cottage was either purchased at antique auctions or was one of my Mom’s hand me downs,” Kresge said, “My mother would have been proud that ‘Junebug’ is a refuge and a healing space, as she was a bit of a physic healer who loved opening her house to friends, family, and even strangers on holiday’s. She said ‘everybody hugs a fat lady,’ before they crossed the front door. ‘The more the merrier,’ she used to say,” Kresge added.

Luckily, Kresge extended the offer to me to stay at “Junebug,” for a weekend so I could experience the historic cottage myself. I packed up my belongings, my 2 dogs and my boyfriend and made the short journey from Loveland Station Apartments to “Junebug!” As I approached the cottage I immediately noticed the whimsical charm Kresge had told me about. The porch was covered in colorful rustic antiques along with 2 signs that read, “Junebug sold here.” Walking up the path to the cottage I not only felt a sense of warmth but also happiness. Kresge had told me she had hosted guests from all over the world and that they always left the cottage with stronger bonds because of the feeling the cottage gave them. That ambiance continued as I walked into the cottage. As soon as I opened the door it was hard for my mouth not to drop at what I saw. Original wooden floors, wood panel ceilings, stained glass windows, quality vintage furniture and of course beautiful pieces handcrafted by June Kresge herself. The cottage was also fully equipped with anything and everything I could possibly need! Cooking supplies, coffee, wine glasses, toiletries, books, games, food, Wifi as well as a computer and of course if you’re into binging on Netflix, Kresge had that set up on a gigantic flat screen TV along with Hulu, Prime Video and Apple TV. The added bonus for me? The spacious backyard for my dog children! I felt such happiness watching my dogs run around with my boyfriend while I relaxed on the elevated wooden porch that overlooked the backyard. Although I didn’t get to use every amenity because it was raining and cold the weekend I stayed at “Junebug,” the shed in the backyard had bicycles and fishing poles that guests could use! With Downtown Loveland and the Little Miami Bike Trail being within walking distance to “Junebug,” I loved the idea of being able to hop on a bike to go enjoy all Loveland had to offer. I could definitely see why people that had experienced “Junebug” kept returning. The weekend at “Junebug” was everything I had imagined it to be and everything Kresge had promised it would be. Oh, and did I mention “Junebug” had a massage chair?! I don’t want to spoil all the surprises “Junebug” holds, but I will say that I couldn’t have asked for a better getaway.

The house was built in 1908 by a nurse who made home visits to tend to the sick in Loveland. She was a single mother with two kids and purchased the property next door for her parents using the same basic footprint. There are 2 other very old farmhouses on the street that have been in their families for generations,” Kresge said.

I asked Kresge what her favorite part about opening “Junebug” to the public was and after staying the weekend I wasn’t surprised by her answer.

Jean invited me to bring my family to Junebug and Nala enjoyed her “staycation” 2-minutes from the Loveland Bike Trail, Nisbet Park, Historic Downtown, and the State and National “Scenic” Little Miami River. Nala also enjoyed her freedom and playing in the fenced-in back yard.

“I like to go the extra mile with southern hospitality to make people feel extra special. I love it when people relax to the point that they spend more time in the cottage than they anticipated. I often notice guests invite friends and family to come to visit the cottage versus going to their place,” Kresge said, “I especially like their first and lasting impressions. Many times I’ll get an immediate text about how awesome the cottage is and at the end of their stay I’ll get personal notes about their magical experience which really warms my heart and makes all the hard work worth it. I’ve been blessed with awesome guests who have all provided 5-star ratings for the overall experience which is ranked by accuracy, cleanliness, communication, check-in, location, and value! The guest comments provided afterward help me realize I’ve created something really special and I already have a lot of repeat customers,” Kresge said, “Guests really love seeing their names on the blackboard, the warm and cozy bed and comfortable studio feel, chefs kitchen, luxury bathroom, high tech amenities, fenced in backyard, outdoor seating areas, hammock, and access to bicycles and fishing poles in the shed. They love it that they can walk to the end of the street and be in complete nature or historic downtown in just a couple of minutes. My next door neighbor is Woody ‘the Norm’ of Loveland, a retired postman, and native that volunteers at the Farmer’s Market. He is an awesome neighbor. It’s really impossible to pick a favorite guest, but I guess the most memorable was hosting a young newlywed couple who celebrated their wedding night here. Thanks to guest referrals, the cottage is now being recommended by several downtown businesses, like Schildmeyer’s funeral home,” Kresge added.

Read the full list of amenities found at Junebug.

“Junebug” has definitely made its way into the hearts of many. Kresge says since Memorial Day last year she has hosted over 35 guests with 70 percent occupancy for peak season. So just what does Kresge see for the future of “Junebug?” Well besides filling people with the joy and healing spirit of her mother when they stay at her Airbnb, she has quite the vision for “Junebug.”

“I would like to promote more guest discounts with local businesses, provide low-cost alternatives to guest hosting daytime events and parties, and accept donations to help organizations like battered women heal at ‘Junebug’ and get back on their feet,” Kresge said, “I would like to add a private master suite off the back deck, finish the loft to open this cozy space to guests and install a major storm drain system to protect this historic home from the next big flood.”

If you would like to spend the weekend at “Junebug,” or treat your out-of-town relatives or friends to the Loveland experience visit https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/25107720?guests=1&adults=1 to rent out the cottage.

March 9, 2019
An Inspirational Loveland Family “Canoes” Their Way Into People’s Hearts

My second feature story in a continuing search for Loveland’s kindest, sweetest people and what they’re made of. What is our DNA match?

Cassie Mattia is a columnist for Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown.

Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland is known for many things such as its beautiful scenery, its historic buildings, and the famous Loveland Bike Trail, but what a lot of people don’t know is Loveland has become one of the top destination spots in Ohio for families. And the Bersani family is dedicated to that family-friendly atmosphere. What could be better than grabbing an ice cream cone from Loveland Sweets after a sunny afternoon canoeing on the Little Miami River? Well, that’s something Loveland Canoe and Kayak Owners Mark and Robyn Bersani couldn’t agree more with!

Mark and Robyn live right above their canoe and kayak shop on Karl Brown Way in Historic Downtown Loveland with their 5 dogs and their daughter Elena and quite frankly couldn’t be happier with where the journey to owning Loveland Canoe and Kayak has taken them.

The Bersanis knew they had some challenges ahead of them, but were committed to making Loveland Canoe and Kayak a family affair and family-friendly.

“We were not canoeists or kayakers we were outdoors people. We loved being outdoors and doing physical things,” Bersani said, “We were training for the Chicago Marathon in 2003 and we were running on the Loveland Bike Trail and Robyn said ‘Hey the Canoe business is for sale we should buy it! Robyn said ‘I’m off in the summer I don’t like to sit still and we will hire some kids and we will do it!’ We went into the process of negotiation. Initially, we were not going to get it because someone else had a better offer than things fell through and they came back to us and we put together an offer and essentially ‘We bought a Zoo,” Bersani explained. The business was formally owned by Bruce Crutchfield who at one time had a caged chimpanzee at the business named Sam who canoeists and locals fed a regular diet of beer and cigarettes.

The Bersanis didn’t always live in Loveland, in fact, they lived in Buffalo where their parents went to school together, which led them to eventually meet each other in high school.

Elena Bersani is not only an incredible hard-worker, an outstanding runner and Loveland’s very own “Sweetheart,” according to her parents, but she also has a soft spot for the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department.

“It took me 7 years to get a date,” Bersani joked, “But it was well worth the wait! We moved to Dallas a year after we got married. I started in Telecom and Robyn started teaching then I got transferred to New Orleans. We moved back up here to Cincinnati not knowing much about it except that we both had driven through it and thought it was beautiful coming from the Kentucky side,” Mark Bersani said, “Robyn started teaching in the Kings district and at that point, I had been in sales for 25 years in Telecommunications.”

After finally closing on the canoe and kayak property right before Memorial Day in 2004, the Bersanis knew they had some challenges ahead of them, but were committed to making Loveland Canoe and Kayak a family affair.

It was a challenge early on because Robyn and I had a vision for the business that was different from what others had seen it as before we took over,” Mark Bersani explained, “We wanted it to be a place where families could come and enjoy nature. At the time people knew the place as a sort of ‘Cabrewing’ venue. It was frustrating at times as we were trying to change the culture and dynamics. It wasn’t always easy but we were committed.”

The Bersani’s daughter Elena admitted at a young age of just 11 years old some of the people that came through Loveland Canoe and Kayak in the beginning quite frankly scared her.

Robyn Bersani was the first to experience what a difference the family-friendly atmosphere they created with Loveland Canoe and Kayak made for many locals and out-of-towners.

“It took 2 or 3 years of education, policy enforcement and talking with the local authorities to see what we could do to achieve our vision of that family-friendly environment,” Mark Bersani said, “People told me if you do away with alcohol your business is going to be gone. I was told if you make the decision to go alcohol free and you stick with it you’re going to have a couple of years that are going to be really difficult and then it’s going to get better because people are going to find out that they can bring their families, sports teams and scout troops because of what the business stands for. People from Loveland started pulling me aside after they saw what we were doing and would tell me thank you for doing this because they used to have to go an hour up the river to do this with their families because they did not want to be around the alcohol and what it brought along with it,” he explained.

Robyn Bersani was the first to experience what a difference the family-friendly atmosphere they created with Loveland Canoe and Kayak made for many locals and out-of-towners.

“Five of the original kids we hired stayed with us for 9 summers because of the atmosphere we created. My principal at Kings called me in the office and I thought she was going to tell me I can’t be a teacher and run the canoe and kayak business and she called me in and said ‘My son needs a job!,” Robyn Bersani said, “It’s the little things like the comments from people saying, ‘Thank you so much this was the best day my son and I have ever had.’ When people get out there on the river they realize how good it makes them feel. Our vision always was to get families out together in nature,” she said.

Robyn Bersani, who has now been a 3^rd grade teacher for 28 years at Kings, knows a little something about inspiring our younger generation to not only reach their goals but to not be afraid to try something new even if they don’t succeed at it the first time.

“It took 2 or 3 years of education, policy enforcement and talking with the local authorities to see what we could do to achieve our vision of that family-friendly environment,” Mark Bersani said.

“I always wanted to be a teacher from a young age, but my parents pushed me to do something different, so I got a bachelor’s degree in psychology,” Robyn Bersani explained, “But then I thought to myself what better way to serve the world than to educate children. I want to prove things to the world like there are more important things than how an 8-year-old scores on a standardized test!”

Of course, Robyn Bersani isn’t the only one in the Bersani family making an impact on the Loveland community; both Mark and Elena Bersani do their fair share of helping and encouraging others. Mark is on the board of the Adventure Crew, which is a non-profit where the objective is to get urban kids in outdoor activities.

“We get about 125 kids out into nature and get them to experience things they would never get to experience otherwise,” Mark Bersani said, “This year they have skiing on the curriculum, they ,of course, will have biking on the Loveland Bike Trail and kayaking in the Spring and the Fall. This is all funded through donations and grants.”

“Elena has a place in her heart for firemen so she will make cookies and brownies for them all the time,” Robyn Bersani said.

Mark also takes part in what they call a “River Clean-up,” where they spend the day taking trash out of the State and National Scenic Little Miami River.

“We are big on doing what we can to stop the trash that is thrown into the river. With the River Clean-up, I have found a hot tub, a boat and one time I pulled out 65 tires!”, Marl Bersani said, “People don’t realize that 90 percent of trash and plastic in the oceans comes from rivers and streams. We used to get our dumpster emptied twice a week now it’s once every 4 to 5 weeks, so we have definitely made an improvement.”

Elena Bersani is not only an incredible hard-worker, an outstanding runner and Loveland’s very own “Sweetheart,” according to her parents, but she also has a soft spot for the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department.

“Elena has a place in her heart for firemen so she will make cookies and brownies for them all the time,” Robyn Bersani said, “I think she recognizes how much they have done for our family and our business and of course all they do for the Loveland community. The Fire Department has really looked out for us.”

Elena ran cross country for Kings and made it to State in 2010. She also attended the Art Institute where she focused on her love for baking, which led her to win “Best in Show” for her cannoli’s.

“Both of our girls have worked in the business for a number of years. They have unbelievable work ethics that we tried to instill through our example,” Robyn Bersani said, “It has always been important to us to be good role models and of course get involved in the community. We do a lot of things to somehow give back to the community. We try to donate to the community and local non-profits as much as we can so they can further their causes.”

The Bersani family have also been a part of some very successful fundraisers, such as Paddlefest, where 2,000 people paddle along the Ohio River, in which proceeds go towards the Adventure Crew, and one of Loveland’s most famous events the Frogman 5k. Last year in October the Bersani’s took part in a Film Festival that was held in Loveland’s very own Nisbet Park, where proceeds went towards the Little Miami Conservatory.

Loveland Magazine columnist Cassie Mattia interviewing the Bersani family. She writes, “Mark and Robyn live right above their canoe and kayak shop on Karl Brown Way in Historic Downtown Loveland with their 5 dogs and their daughter Elena and quite frankly couldn’t be happier with where the journey to owning Loveland Canoe and Kayak has taken them.”

“It’s the big picture. It’s about being involved in the community as a business owner and resident. We want to connect with people and share resources. Everyone in this community really watches out for each other,” Robyn Bersani said, “We love telling the story of Loveland!”

The Bersanis are looking forward to the up and coming canoe and kayaking season and hope to see families from all over Ohio come and experience the beauty of Loveland and the Little Miami River. If you would like to learn more about the Loveland Canoe and Kayak you can visit their Facebook page, their website at lovelandcanoe.com or check out their location at 174 Karl Brown Way.

Read more about the Bersani family adventures…

Loveland, Ohio (Nov 9, 2015) – Mark Bersani and his wife Robyn own Loveland Canoe and Kayak on the bank of the State and National Scenic, Little Miami River in downtown. This Summer the weather was not kind to their business. Too much rain and too often, keeping river levels unsafe for canoers and kayakers. Business was dismal.

Mark’s staff made a dare. If they could muster enough customers to match last season, Mark would get tattooed, a tattoo like many of his young staff had already gotten.

This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV VIDEO is the rest of that story….

Bersani keeps word: Canoes for Tattoos from Loveland Magazine on Vimeo.

January 31, 2019