Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: city of loveland

  • [Video] Hearts Were Filled During Loveland’s First Hearts Afire Weekend Celebration!

    [Video] Hearts Were Filled During Loveland’s First Hearts Afire Weekend Celebration!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio- Valentine’s Day 2022 couldn’t have been better in the Sweetheart of Ohio! Loveland hosted its first Hearts Afire Weekend February 11th-13th in the heart of the Downtown Historic District. People from all over the Cincinnati area grabbed their friends and family for the historical event so that they could get a first look at all the Valentine’s Day fun!

    Loveland’s Hearts Afire Weekend included a plethora of Valentine-themed activities, treats, music, dancing, ice sculptures, and decorations that many members of the community and local businesses helped organize making the weekend that much more special.

    I got the opportunity to be a part of the event committee for Hearts Afire Weekend and wow was it rewarding to see how many people came downtown to celebrate love! I of course wanted to take in as much Valentine fun as possible so I grabbed my boyfriend and my dogs and made it my mission to get as much footage as I could of all the things Hearts Afire Weekend offered.

    I kicked off my Loveland Hearts Afire experience with a Tarot Card reading from Francine Haydon, a highly talented woman who does intuitive readings, energy work, and classes. I was astonished at how much information and advice Francine was able to give me based on what each card I pulled out showed! Each card represented a month of the year and would display several different images or objects that Francine would then explain. After the reading, I felt as though I was fully prepared for what 2022 had in store for me!

    After my Tarot Card Reading, I ventured out to the Loveland Stage Company where there was a beautifully decorated Kitty Kissing Booth and several kittens that you could adopt on the spot. Needless to say, I wanted to take home all the kittens they had along with the 20-pound rabbit that they had sitting peacefully in a baby stroller. Next, I went to Eads Fencing and the Loveland Hardware store where I participated in an impromptu photoshoot in their Puppy Kissing Booth with my dogs Dean and Nala! I also got the pleasure of meeting volunteers from the Furgotten Dog Rescue organization along with some little buddies who were up for adoption. If I was able to facilitate a small zoo I would have taken all the puppies too! 

    I was sure to stop in Mile42 Coffee on my way out as they always decorate for holidays and events with such style. The coffee shop was decorated gorgeously displaying sparkling red and pink Valentine hearts, streamers, and balloons. Parked right near Mile42 Coffee was Dolph’s Dogs and of course, Dolph was serving up only the most quality hot dogs! Owners of Mile42 Katie and Tim Butler couldn’t resist grabbing one of Dolph’s Dogs, which I thought was just another beautiful example of Loveland’s local businesses supporting one another!

    Next, I took a stroll down the Loveland Bike Trail where pristine ice sculptures were displayed everywhere! One of my favorite ice sculptures was Trailside Provision’s as it was a gourmet popcorn box with ice cubes acting as the popcorn kernels. Trailside Provisions is known for its delicious homemade popcorn and treats so after seeing the ice sculpture I had to check out their decked-out Valentine’s Day shop. Not only did the shop go all out with the Valentine’s Day decor, but they also intricately made each product in the shop to in some way represent Valentine’s Day. From the homemade Valentine’s cards made for the Loveland Healthcare residents to the sprinkle and chocolate-covered pretzels, marshmallows, and caramels to the Valentine gift boxes filled with goodies, Trailside Provisions truly embodied the meaning of Hearts Afire Weekend!

    Shortly after getting my sweet tooth fix, I visited Alley Boutique which also had beautiful Valentine’s Day decorations throughout the store. Inside the shop were caramel chocolate samples, a heartfelt gift basket raffle, and an endless amount of perfect Valentine’s Day gifts. As I left Alley Boutique I began to see more ice sculptures on display in front of each local business which really made for some excellent photo opportunities! 

    After capturing each ice sculpture in a photo I took a tour of Eskimo Kisses Village which was located on the Fountain Greene. Wow was it incredible! The entire area was decorated with signs that lit up saying things such as “Marry Me,” “I Love You,” and “Love.” In addition to the love-themed signs, there was an LED Putt-Putt station with 9 holes, a game similar to whack a mole called “Penguin Escape,” corn hole, “ice” skee ball, and a ring toss completely made out of ice! There, of course, were more photo opportunities including a Loveland Hearts Afire ice sculpture in which you could insert your face into the carved-out head and take a photo keepsake. Once it became dark outside the entire Eskimo Kisses Village was decked out in LED’s creating quite the ambiance as The ShamRocker entertained the community with music. One of the best moments during my time in Eskimo Kisses Village was when Premier Dance and Tumbling began a Flash Mob in the middle of Downtown Loveland’s main road to L-O-V-E! It was the epitome of love seeing the community sing and dance with the talented group of ladies from Premier Dance.

    After enjoying the Flash Mob, I stopped by Loveland Sweets. The window display was awesome as it displayed heart-shaped boxes filled with homemade truffles on one side and hot chocolate sitting on top of marshmallows on the other side! Loveland Sweets’ ice sculpture that sat right in front of the store really brought on the nostalgia as it was sculpted into candy hearts all saying “sweet nothings.” Everything inside the shop was prepped and ready for Valentine’s Day. Not only were there boxes filled with gourmet chocolates decorated with big bright red bows, but there were also decorated Oreos, chocolate bark, and Valentine’s themed candies such as “Gummy Hugs and Kisses,” “Cherry Sweethearts,” and “Valentine Gummy Bears.” One of the treats that caught my eye was the “Donut Pretzels,” which were chocolate-covered pretzel rings! 

    After visiting my second Valentine’s treat shop, I decided to wander around and take photos of Loveland’s local business’s decor. Along my journey, I of course saw more ice sculptures but I also was able to see what activity each business had planned for the weekend. Hometown Cafe put on a delicious Hot Cocoa Bar accompanied by Loaded Sweet Potato Chips, The Works Pizza decked out their historical train car for “Single in the City” Speed Dating, Cappy’s Wine and Spirits held a Valentine’s Day-themed Charity Date Auction, and Loveland City Hall opened up their building to feature the “Heartland Market,” which included several local vendors all offering homemade gifts to give to your Valentine! I must say the atmosphere in Heartland Market was one for the books as each vendor had their products festively displayed while purple and pink strobe lights covered the walls.

    Hearts Afire Weekend also featured many other local businesses and food trucks throughout downtown that I stopped by just to see what they had in store for the big event. The Chili Hut food truck served up its homemade Cincinnati Style Chili for dinner while The Cheesecakery offered one-of-kind cheesecakes to those who wanted to skip dinner and go straight to dessert! Parked right in front of Alley Boutique was Old School Pix, a vintage truck perfect for any photoshoot. Old School Pix had a lovely Valentine’s Day set-up for those who wanted to hop in the truck’s bed and have their photo taken with their loved ones. I decided to take full advantage of the photoshoot opportunity with my boyfriend and my two furbabies and wow did the photo turn out great! It was a perfect keepsake to remember how fantastic Loveland’s first Hearts Afire Weekend was!

    The Hearts Afire Saturday “night-time” activities featured a live ice sculpting demonstration, fire performers, vow renewals, and fireworks. What a way to end the night with a bang! 

    It’s safe to say that Loveland’s Hearts Afire Weekend was a success. Seeing the community celebrate Valentine’s Day the Loveland way with those they love the most is exactly why Loveland will forever be the Sweetheart of Ohio! 

    If you couldn’t make it to Loveland’s Hearts Afire Weekend or would like to simply reminisce on all the fun festivities, check out the Loveland Magazine TV “Hearts Afire All-Access Pass” below!

    We hope you enjoyed your All-Access Pass to Loveland’s Hearts Afire Weekend! This event has definitely become a new Valentine’s Day tradition! To all those who attended, we hope you had an absolute blast, and for those that didn’t get to attend, we want to see you in your best Valentine’s attire next year! 

    Stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia for the latest local event updates!

  • Local Family Thanks the Loveland Community for Organizing Hearts Afire Weekend!

    Local Family Thanks the Loveland Community for Organizing Hearts Afire Weekend!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – February’s weekend of love was a success, especially in the City of Loveland as it celebrated its first Hearts Afire Weekend!

    After months of preparation and anticipation, Loveland’s first Hearts Afire Weekend kicked off last Friday with a heartfelt bang! From the unbelievable ice sculptures to the Valentine-themed drinks and desserts to the plethora of activities local businesses organized, the city of Loveland and the community couldn’t have been more pleased with weekends festivities.

    Although we will be releasing a “Loveland Hearts Afire Weekend Full-Access” article, which will include photos and videos from the weekend’s events, we wanted to take the time to share what local family, the Stang’s, had to say about their experience at Loveland’s Hearts Afire Weekend.

    “Thank you for organizing and putting on such a wonderful Hearts Afire weekend. Our family had such a great time! My husband and I moved here years ago before the children. We were drawn to Loveland for so many reasons, like so many people. We loved the trail, the downtown, the restaurants, and the sense of community that Loveland had to offer. Years and 3 children later, our love for this community has only grown. This weekend (like so many events here) really showed how our town comes together and what a strong sense of community Loveland has. Our oldest goes to Premier Tumbling and participated in the Flash Mob. All 3 of my kids loved painting clay hearts and making pinch pots at Whistle Stop Clay Works! We snuggled pets up for adoption at The Loveland Stage Company and my kids learned about Myles Ahead Pet Rescue and now want to volunteer. Paxton’s was amazing for dinner (as always), and we ran into Woody from the Loveland Farmers Market, who my kids adore! We ended with caramel popcorn from Trailside Provisions, after making valentines for residents at Loveland Healthcare which includes my father. This morning we joined fellow Loveland runners in the Cupid 5k at Jack Rabbit/Fleet Feet. All the events were so much fun, so thank you for putting in all the time, effort, and organization it takes to put on a weekend-long event! Thank you to all the shops, residents, volunteers, restaurants, and of course ice carvers who made so many amazing ice sculptures! We love living in the Sweetheart of Ohio.
    Thanks,
    Kristen, Aaron, Treva (8), Lucas (6) & Nora (3) Stang”

    Thank you so much to the Stang family for sharing those kind words about the city we love so much! We are so glad the community enjoyed Loveland’s first Hearts Afire Weekend as that is what it truly is all about! We are looking forward to celebrating love in the Sweetheart of Ohio for years to come!

    If you have something you would like to share with the community please email us your “Letter to the Editor” so that we can continue giving those who would like to speak the community an outlet!

  • Calling all Bands and Musicians, the City of Loveland Wants YOU to Audition!

    Calling all Bands and Musicians, the City of Loveland Wants YOU to Audition!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Are you a talented musician looking for exposure? Do you have a band that’s looking for their big break within the community? The City of Loveland is currently looking for bands and musicians to book for events in 2022!

    This year the city of Loveland is planning some unbelievable events and would love to feature some local talent! Some of 2022’s events will include the Outdoor Concert Series, which takes place from May until September at Nisbet Park’s Amphitheater, and Loveland’s Annual Independence Day Celebration.

    If you are a dedicated performer and are interested in being booked by the City of Loveland in 2022, please click here to fill out the online form. The online form will allow you to share your bio or your band’s bio, availability, and rates. The City of Loveland will decide on who they will be booking for 2022’s events by the end of February.

    Loveland’s Nisbet Park Amphitheater

    We hope to see you or your band perform in 2022!

    For more updates on what’s going on in Loveland stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • Christmas in Loveland Kicks off on Saturday!

    Christmas in Loveland Kicks off on Saturday!

    SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 AT 4 PM – 8 PM

    Christmas in Loveland 2021

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Bells will be ringing this Saturday in Downtown Loveland for the city’s Annual Christmas in Loveland celebration! We have everything you need to know about this year’s festivities!

    This Saturday from 4 PM-8 PM, Downtown Loveland will transform into a beautiful Winter Wonderland for those wanting to celebrate Christmas the Loveland way! Christmas in Loveland is set to feature a plethora of holiday activities and Christmas-themed displays with nearly every Downtown business participating this year. Friends and families will be able to visit the Madcap Puppet Theater and Santa and his elves at City Hall, pin the tail on the reindeer, and decorate sugar cookies at Eads Fencing, take a peaceful carriage ride along Railroad Avenue, enjoy a train ride at Loveland Museum, feast on complimentary food tastings and sip on holiday cocktails from Downtown’s restaurants, and write Letters to Santa At Mile42, create homemade reindeer food at Trailside Provisions, or create a gnome ornament at Whistle Stop Clayworks. This fun-filled holiday event will also include a “Christmas Time” free show at the Loveland Stage Company, and live Christmas entertainment from the Victorian Christmas Carolers, The Cincinnati City Shakers, and Broadway Bound, to name a few, that will take place at the Fountain Greene and throughout Downtown Loveland. Oh, and did I mention Loveland will be bringing back its live nativity scene?!

    CeeCee Collins, President of the Little Miami Chamber of Alliance, said she couldn’t be more excited for this year’s Christmas in Loveland! 

    “There will be so many fun activities such as ornaments, singing with carolers, and meeting Elsa and Anna, just to name a few! This is such a great event where the businesses want to give back to everyone that has patronized and visited downtown,” Collins explained, “We truly appreciate everyone supporting local businesses and hope that the community will continue to come back, especially now that all the businesses are re-opened (and more have been built) after the pandemic. There will be tons of samplings and give-a-ways for all ages to enjoy!”

    Here are a few important facts about Christmas in Loveland 2021:

    • The children’s train is at the Loveland Museum Center and a complimentary Holiday Trolley will take guests from Harrison Avenue in Downtown Loveland to the Loveland Museum Center.
    • Christmas in Loveland will be held in rain, snow, or shine.
    • Maps of all the activities will be placed inside Downtown’s businesses and will also be available by the clock tower alongside the bike trail.
    • A back portion of Railroad Avenue will be closed to allow for the horse-drawn carriages.
    • Line up for the horse-drawn carriage rides will be on Railroad Avenue across from the Wicked Pickle.
    • Entertainment will be in the center of town and next to the fountain.
    • The Live Nativity Scene is next to the fountain in the center of town.
    • Click here for a link to parking in the area.

    To see map larger, Right Click to open in a new tab …

    If you need more information about Christmas in Loveland 2021 visit the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance website.

    For more Loveland event updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • Will we be Seeing you at This Year’s Christmas in Loveland?!

    Will we be Seeing you at This Year’s Christmas in Loveland?!

    SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 AT 4 PM – 8 PM

    Christmas in Loveland 2021

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The Holidays are officially right around the corner, which means Downtown Loveland is once again preparing for one of its biggest events of the year; Christmas in Loveland!

    On December 18th from 4 PM-8 PM, Downtown Loveland will transform into a festive Winter Wonderland for those wanting to celebrate Christmas the Loveland way! Christmas in Loveland is set to feature a plethora of holiday activities and Christmas-themed displays. Friends and families will be able to take a trip to the North Pole to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, take a peaceful carriage ride along Railroad Avenue, enjoy a train ride at Loveland Museum, feast on complimentary food tastings from Downtown’s restaurants, and put their creative skills to the test with holiday arts and crafts activities. This fun-filled holiday event will also include holiday-inspired beverages, live Christmas entertainment that will take place at the Fountain Greene and inside some of the local businesses, and a live nativity scene!

    CeeCee Collins, President of the Little Miami Chamber of Alliance, said she couldn’t be more excited for this year’s Christmas in Loveland! 

    “There will be so many fun activities such as ornaments, singing with carolers, and meeting Elsa and Anna, just to name a few! This is such a great event where the businesses want to give back to everyone that has patronized and visited downtown,” Collins explained, “We truly appreciate everyone supporting local businesses and hope that the community will continue to come back, especially now that all the businesses are re-opened (and more have been built) after the pandemic. There will be tons of samplings and give-a-ways for all ages to enjoy!”

    Here are a few important facts about Christmas in Loveland 2021:

    • The children’s train is at the Loveland Museum Center and a complimentary Holiday Trolley will take guests from Harrison Avenue in Downtown Loveland to the Loveland Museum Center.
    • Christmas in Loveland will be held in rain, snow, or shine.
    • Maps of all the activities will be placed inside Downtown’s businesses and will also be available by the clock tower alongside the bike trail.
    • A back portion of Railroad Avenue will be closed to allow for the horse-drawn carriages.
    • Line up for the horse-drawn carriage rides will be on Railroad Avenue across from the Wicked Pickle.
    • Entertainment will be in the center of town and next to the fountain.
    • The Live Nativity Scene is next to the fountain in the center of town.
    • Click here for a link to parking in the area.

    To see map larger, Right Click to open in a new tab …

    If you need more information about Christmas in Loveland 2021 visit the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance website.

    For more Loveland event updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • Olympic Torch carried through Loveland in 1996

    Olympic Torch carried through Loveland in 1996

    A fire, emitting many different-colored stars, burns from a cauldron represented by the gold-colored Olympic rings and the number “100” acting as the cauldron’s stand. The words “Atlanta 1996”, also written in gold, are placed underneath. The image is situated on a dark green background, with a gold border.

    Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland celebrated its 200th birthday in 1996, its Bicentennial. The 1996 Olympic Summer Games was also held that year, in Atlanta Georgia. A symbolic Olympic Torch was carried by runners and walkers across the United States that Summer, escorted by the Georgia State Patrol, and made its way to be part of Loveland’s Bicentennial Parade.

    Deerfield Township resident Deb Turner, who was chosen because she was determined to be a “Local Hero” for teaching physical education to special needs children, took a turn carrying the torch that day along West Loveland Avenue in Historic Downtown. Between June 8 and 9, the torch was carried between Cincinnati and Columbus.

    The photos above were taken that day by Loveland’s Official Bicentennial Photographer, Loveland Magazine Publisher, David Miller who documented all of Loveland’s Bicentennial events throughout 1996.

    The 2020 Summer Olympics, officially the Games of the XXXII Olympiad is scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 8. The games did not take place last Summer because of the global COVID 19 pandemic.

    The 1996 flame was ultimately handed off to Muhammad Ali who lit the Olympic cauldron and later received a replacement gold medal for his boxing victory in the 1960 Summer Olympics. For the torch ceremony, more than 10,000 Olympic torches were manufactured by the American Meter Company and electroplated by Erie Plating Company. Each torch weighed about 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) and was made primarily of aluminum, with a Georgia pecan wood handle and gold ornamentation. (Wikipedia)

    Several months before the Olympic Games, the Olympic flame is lit at Olympia, Greece. This ceremony starts the Olympic torch relay, which formally ends with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. The flame then continues to burn in the cauldron for the duration of the Games, until it is extinguished during the Olympic closing ceremony. (Wikipedia)

    The first torchbearer of the American part of the relay, Rafer Johnson, was the final torchbearer at the 1984 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles.[6] It went on to visit 42 states and 29 state capitols along a journey of 26,875 kilometres (16,699 mi).[3][4] The torch was carried by 12,467 bearers including 2,000 former Olympians or other people somehow linked to the Olympic movement, 5,500 people who had been nominated locally as “community heroes”, and 2,500 people picked out in a draw.[4][5]

    The route was designed to take in as many historically and culturally significant locations as possible.[6] The torch was first carried to Santa Monica Pier and was greeted at the first of hundreds of celebratory events. It then proceeded along the coast and up to Kingman, Arizona, at which point it joined the famous Route 66, passing close to the Grand Canyon and reaching Hoover Dam. It was carried across by Martha Watson and the world’s largest US flag was unfurled across the wall of the dam.[6]

    The route featured a wide variety in the methods of transport used, including bicycles, boats, and trains.[3] From Las Vegas the flame was passed onto a special cauldron car on a Union Pacific train, the first of several train journeys. The National Pony Express Association participated in the journey with riders carrying the torch for over 56 continuous hours. On June 12 the torch was taken on board a replica of a 19th-century packet boat and pulled for 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) along Erie Canal by mule.[6] The torch was also carried into space for the first time, with astronauts taking an unlit torch with them aboard Space Shuttle Columbia as part of STS-78.[7][8][9] This was replicated during the 2000 Summer Olympics torch relay and as part of the 2014 Winter Olympics torch relay.[10]

  • Introducing the “Menu” for the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally!

    Introducing the “Menu” for the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The 8th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally, presented by Wolterman Law, is back and better than ever, and now The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) has shared the Food Truck line up with us!

    On May 8th from 3 PM to 10 PM at Shopper’s Haven Plaza on Loveland-Madeira Road, The Loveland Food Truck Rally will be welcoming 22 Food Trucks that will be serving up everything from Chicken Mac to Funnel Cakes to creamy Loveland Dairy Whip ice cream! Check out the Food Truck line-up below!

    Adeena’s Beef Stroll
    All American Grill
    Best Thing Smokin
    Caveman Café
    Chicken Mac 
    East Coast Eatz
    Funnel Vision
    Graeters
    Jenn’s Hot Tamale
    Just Jerks
    Kona Ice
    Loveland Dairy  Whip
    Mama Bears Mac
    Patriot  Grill
    Philly Pretzel
    Red Sesame
    Rock and Rolls
    Steak it Easy
    Sweet Maize
    Sweets and Meats
    Texas Joe
    The Cheesecakery

    The Loveland Food Truck Rally is of course both family-friendly and free to attend! Guests that attend will have the option to stay and take in the atmosphere by tailgating near their cars with their delicious food or they may take their food and beverages to go. Feel free to bring along your own folding chairs to your tailgating set-up, but please do not bring coolers or outside food and beverages as the Food Truck Rally will have plenty of food for you to enjoy as well as a variety of beer, wine, water, and soda for sale.

    The LMRCA has made COVID-19 safety their top priority so that the community can celebrate the beginning of summer while still feeling safe and at ease! Masks will be required for the event and only may be taken off when seated and consuming food. 

    The Loveland Food Truck Rally will also include spectacular nationally recognized live entertainment by The Dan Varner Band! In between live music, at 6 PM, several City of Loveland officials will be present to address previously submitted questions by the community. Click “Contact” to submit your question to be answered at the Food Truck Rally by the Loveland City Officials.

    At 6’4”, good-humored, warm, and sincere, Dan Varner’s stage presence demands attention. Fans and industry insiders agree.

    Meet Dan Varner

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=pTfMsNYxTXI%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26fs%3D1%26hl%3Den-US%26autohide%3D2%26wmode%3Dtransparent
    • Proud member, as an artist, of the CMA, ACM & ICMA
    • #1 ICMA Charting Song “When Mama Prayed” 
    • Multiple Top 5 Charting ICMA songs
    • Opening act for the following country superstars: Blake Shelton, Dan & Shay, Kip Moore, Rodney Atkins, Sara Evans, Easton Corbin, John Michael Montgomery, Tracy Lawrence, Craig Morgan, Little Texas, Confederate Railroad, Randy Houser and many more.
    • Nashville benefit performance with country star Taylor Swift
    • Nashville “In the Round” performance with Music Row’s top hit- makers
    • CEA Finalist For Best Country Band multiple years
    • Voted #1 Original Music, Best Singer and Best Original Band by CincyVibe Magazine readers
    • Voted one of the top three bands in the Ohio tri-state area
    • Multiple, live on-air radio & TV performances within regional markets

    If you are a business that would like to be involved in the Food Truck Rally this year, there will be booths available for rent. Click “Contact” to rent a booth for your business!

    For more 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • Loveland volunteers needed for habitat restoration of Little Miami and O’Bannon Creek

    Loveland volunteers needed for habitat restoration of Little Miami and O’Bannon Creek

    Ohio River Foundation begins area’s largest habitat restoration

    Loveland, Ohio – The Ohio River Foundation (ORF) is embarking on the largest habitat restoration project ever undertaken in Southwest Ohio. The project, made possible by a $50,000 grant from Coors Seltzer and its Change the Course partnership, will restore six miles of riverbank along three Ohio River tributaries: The Little Miami River, Great Miami River, and O’Bannon Creek.

    ORF will plant 10,000 to 15,000 native trees and shrubs along those riverbanks. Phase one of the project begins this month and involves harvesting live stakes – taking cuttings from native trees that grow in riparian areas during their winter dormancy. Those “live stakes” will then be planted on riverbanks once the weather warms up in March.

    “The Ohio River is a source of drinking water for more than 5 million people. But because of pollution from urban runoff, agriculture, sedimentation, and industrial pollution, many sections of the Ohio River do not meet water quality standards,” said Rich Cogen, Ohio River Foundation’s executive director.

    Recreation is an important part of the economic sustainability of Loveland along the National and State Scenic and Wild Little Miami River.

    The Little Miami is the source of drinking water for Loveland, Milford, and Indian Hill. O’Bannon Creek empties into the Little Miami in Historic Downtown and Loveland folks know this creek because they so often cross over it when heading north along the Loveland Bike Trail from Nisbet Park.

    Plants along riverbanks improve water quality by keeping pollutants out of the water and by helping control erosion, thus reducing sedimentation. As they mature, these riparian plants also provide habitat for streamside birds and mammals and create shade that helps fish and other aquatic species thrive.

    Rich Cogen, Ohio River Foundation’s executive director

    “Restoring the habitats along these tributaries will go a long way toward improving their health, and it will reduce the amount of pollution that makes its way into the Ohio River,” Cogen said.

    Assisting ORF with this project are Great Parks of Hamilton County, Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District, Miami Township, Miami Conservancy District, Anderson Township, City of Loveland, Cincinnati Parks, Colerain Township, and Rivers Unlimited.

    Volunteers are needed for both phases of the project. Live stake harvesting will take place on:

    • Sunday, Feb. 28 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) at Nisbet Park, 126 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, Ohio, 45140
    • Thursday, March 4 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) at Miami Township West Community Park, 4063 E. Miami River Road, Cleves, Ohio, 45002
    • Sunday, March 7 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) at Heritage Park, 11405 E. Miami River Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45252 Volunteers, who will be helping cut stakes, should dress for the weather, wear waterproof shoes, bring a mask and follow all COVID-19 recommendations. All tools, including boats needed to access some sites, will be provided. Advance registration is required; for more details, or to sign up, visit www.ohioriverfdn.org. Additional volunteer opportunities to help with spring stake planting will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit www.ohioriverfdn.org.

  • Symmes Township Fire Department Achieves ISO 1 Classification

    Symmes Township Fire Department Achieves ISO 1 Classification

    Phil Beck, Jodie Leis, and Ken Bryant

    Symmes Township, Ohio – The Symmes Township Trustees (pictured above placing the new ISO classification placard on their 100’ Sutphen platform) announced to residents the improved ISO 1 classification for their community.

    Symmes Township provides fire, rescue, and emergency medical services through a joint fire service agreement with the neighboring City of Loveland. The Loveland-Symmes Fire Department (LSFD) provides this service as a career fire and EMS department operating from four (4) stations strategically located throughout the township and the city.

    Symmes Township Trustee President Ken Bryant (Provided Photo)

    The LSFD is dual accredited nationally through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) and the Commission on Ambulance Accreditation (CAAS).

    Symmes Township Trustee President Ken Bryant stated, “We are incredibly proud of the LSFD for working so hard over many years to accomplish this goal. Our Loveland-Symmes firefighters and paramedics work tirelessly to save lives and property and to keep our residents, businesses, and visitors safe and are an integral part of our township.

    Mrs. Jodi Leis said, “It is our firefighters’ proactive involvement in nearly every aspect of our community that helps make Symmes Township a great place to live, work and play.”

    Symmes Township Trustee Jodi Leis (Provided Photo)

    “This accomplishment was only possible because of the work of our dedicated staff, the support and guidance of our elected officials, and the continued support of our residents.” stated Fire Chief Otto J. Huber. “The mission of the LSFD is to provide the most technologically advanced fire and EMS with the highest trained professionals, and to deliver that service to our residents with loyalty and compassion. Our members live that mission every day” the Chief added.

    Trustee Phil Beck said “As elected officials, we take the responsibility of providing emergency services to the residents as our highest priority. This improvement in our fire department’s rating brings added value to our residents which is the benchmark we try to achieve when making decisions on our residents’ safety and spending their tax dollars.”

    ISO is an independent organization that evaluates fire protection efforts in communities across the country. The organization collects information on communities and analyzes the data using its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule.

    This Fire Suppression Rating Schedule evaluates four primary categories of fire suppression – fire department, emergency communications, water supply, and community risk reduction. Fire services are ranked between 1 and 10.

    The Class 1 ISO rating will rank the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department as one of only 383 Fire Departments in the U.S. that are ISO 1 classified. To ensure the best is serving their community, LSFD’s chief fire officers and captains also hold credentials in their capacities through the Commission on Professional Credentialing (CPSE), the Ohio Fire Chiefs Foundation Executive Leadership Program, the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, as well as, related professional leadership training and fire command certification programs.

    Township Administrator Kim Lapensee stated, “Building strong relationships with our neighbors along with our township’s strong efforts to manage with strategic planning while maintaining fiscal reasonability to the taxpayers shows how grassroots township government can and does work for the people.”

    Story from the Symmes Township monthly newsletter

  • It’s Official: Loveland is home to the 2022 HOMEARAMA

    It’s Official: Loveland is home to the 2022 HOMEARAMA

    New Date is September 3-18

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – The Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati have made their official announcement that the 2022 HOMEARAMA will be in Loveland. The site is going to be called, ChimneyRidge which is being developed by CB Butterworth, LLC. The location is at Buttersworth Road and St. Rt. 48 in the northern part of the City.

    The site is in the Little Miami School District and part of a Loveland tax increment financing district. City hall is currently in the process of changing the zoning on the site to a special planning district.

    There will be 30 homesites on 26 acres, of which eleven of the sites will be for “show” homes. Projected prices for the homes in the show will be $750,000 and up.

    The Home Builders Association promises, “A gas-lit front entry with natural stone walls lends an old-world charm to the former homestead of Civil War Union General Thomas Tinsley Heath.”

    Hensley Homes, J & K Custom Homes, Robert Lucke Homes, Classic Living Homes, and WP Land Company have committed to build a home in the development.

    The proposed show dates would be June 11 – 26, 2022.

    You can read and learn more about what is planned in the announcement below.

    We are pleased to announce that HOMEARAMA® 2022 will be held at ChimneyRidge in the City of Loveland, in Warren County. ChimneyRidge is being developed by CB Butterworth, LLC (Ken Campbell and Greg Berling). The 2022 show will mark the 59th Anniversary of HOMEARAMA®!

    ChimneyRidge sits high on 26 wooded acres off of Butterworth Road in the City of Loveland. It is located in Warren County and is part of the Little Miami School District. ChimneyRidge is limited to 30 homesites (11 show lots) of which many back to private, wooded and sloping rear yards with lots up to two acres. A gas lit front entry with natural stone walls lends an old-world charm to the former homestead of Civil War Union General Thomas Tinsley Heath. The three cul-de-sac streets cut among the old growth trees of ChimneyRidgeplace residents less than a mile from the shops and restaurants of historical downtown Loveland and its widely recognized Bike Trail. Neighboring communities including Milford, Madeira and Montgomery offer additional shopping and dining options. ChimneyRidge offers easy access to I-275 and is a short drive to Kenwood Towne Centre, Kings Island, Western & Southern Open at the Mason Tennis Center, Oasis Golf Club, O’Bannon Creek Golf Club and much, much more!

    ChimneyRidge “preferred builders” (Hensley Homes, J & K Custom Homes, Robert Lucke Homes, Classic Living Homes, WP Land Company) have committed to build a home in HOMEARAMA® 2022. Therefore, there are already 5 show homes committed. Remaining show lots will be available on a first come, first served basis.

    Projected prices for the homes in the show will be $750,000 and up. Show lots are priced at $145,000 – $265,000. ChimneyRidge will have a Homeowner’s Association.  The HOA capital fee will be $1,500 at closing and $1,200 a year thereafter.  There will also be an assessment on the property taxes for 20 years to cover the cost of the sanitary sewer extension of no more than $800 per year.

    Show builders can purchase any lot that is still available in the show sectionfor one year after the conclusion of HOMEARAMA® 2022.  No lots outside of the show section will be available to show builders unless they are a ChimneyRidge “preferred builder”. Lot prices will increase 5% on June 30, 2022.

    The proposed show dates would be June 11 – 26, 2022.  
     

    If you plan on attending the Lot Selection Meeting on January 22nd we ask that you contact Karen Pfeiffer at the Association office 513.589.3214, by cell 513.673-6675 or email at kpfeiffer@cincybuilders.comand make your reservation.  In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Karen.  For additional information about lots or ChimneyRidge, or to meet with Greg Berling at the site to look at the show lots, please contact Greg at 859-250-8285 or gberling@cbman.com.