Tag: David Miller

  • 4-years-ago today fire did extensive damage in Historic Downtown Loveland

    4-years-ago today fire did extensive damage in Historic Downtown Loveland

    Slide right or left to see THEN and NOW

    Loveland, Ohio – It was 4-years-ago today that a fire did extensive damage In Historic Downtown Loveland. Below is the story and photos of the fire that were published by Loveland Magazine.


    May 28, 2017

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland/Symmes Fire Chief Otto Huber told Loveland Magazine Sunday evening that the structural engineer the City brought in to inspect the buildings damaged by an overnight fire in Loveland’s Historic District said that after a preliminary look, the buildings could be restored. He also told Huber that he had seen building with more damage, brought back to life.

    Huber also said that they suspect the fire began because of an electrical problem, and there is one spot that will receive more attention in the coming days as they try to determine how the fire started.

    An 11-alarm fire in Downtown Loveland early Sunday morning did extensive damage to two historic buildings, and minor damage to three others. There were no injuries to residential occupants, and only one firefighter suffered a minor injury. One firefighter was treated for exhaustion.

    Residents of five apartments on the upper floors have lost everything, including damage to automobiles

    The building that housed Tano’s Bistro and the Bishop Building sustained substantial fire damage. Three businesses had extensive damage: Tano’s Bistro, Cincy Fashion Wheels, and Gina Dubell-Smith, a Comey & Shepherd Realtor.

    The former Julian’s Deli, now owned by Paxton’s Grill only suffered minor fire damage. The fire sprinklers in the building did not activate. Huber said the heat inside the building wasn’t great enough to activate the sprinklers, but the interior of the building has damage from the water used to keep the fire from spreading. Cleanup was already underway on what will be called, Bike Trail Junction. Co-owner, Kevin Egan said their opening was scheduled in the coming weeks, but the opening will have to be rescheduled. 

    Narrow Path Brewing Company on Karl Brown Way had roof damage that was being repaired Sunday evening. The business remained closed throughout the day. Another building, further north on Karl Brown Way had newly installed plastic siding, buckle from the heat.

    Huber also said that if possible, scaffolding will be erected on the west side of the Bishop Building on Monday. He said it will depend on whether they can get someone to do the work on the Memorial Day Holiday. The scaffolding will be erected to shore up the brick exterior, making it safe to be inside the building where crews could better assess the structural damage, and make it possible for rebuilding to begin.

    At 8:30 PM Sunday, a fire crew was still at the scene.

    In a press release issued this afternoon by Loveland City Manager, Dave Kennedy, he said, “It is the City’s desire to save these historic structures and will work with the building owners to make this happen. This is a tragic event but the City of Loveland is a very strong community and will work together to repair this part of our downtown. The City of Loveland is thankful that the fire caused no injuries or loss of life and salute the efforts of the City’s first responders.”

    Photos by David Miller/Loveland Magazine © 2017

    Click on a photo to enlarge and view as a slide show.


    Pizazz Studios and Gifts in Historic Downtown

     
    We promise the best customer service, and beyond a doubt, the best selection of merchandise in the area Pizazz Studio is a whimsical gift shop in downtown


     
  • 9 single family detached dwelling units on 1 acre proposed for Oak Street

    9 single family detached dwelling units on 1 acre proposed for Oak Street

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – A proposed SPD will be the subject of a Planning and Zoning Hearing on June 1. The proposal is by applicant Hunt and Whitaker, LLC for a new SPD located at 102 Oak Street, on parcel #20-06-05C-023P (1.033 acres). The proposed development includes nine single family detached dwelling units on nine homesites with a minimum lot size of 3,000 square feet.

    The property currently has two land use designations: 1) Residential – Medium Density (R-MD); and 2) Historic (H). The proposed dwelling units are intended to be constructed in the R- MD zoned area of the parcel with the remaining land in the H-District to be designated as detention, open space, and common area uses.

    The concept development plan was submitted on April 21 by In-line Development Company of West Chester. The Property owner is Hunt & Whitaker, LCC.

    Sample of the proposed home styles

    “Right-Click” to see the image below larger.

  • Video Interview with Jim Grethel about the restoration of the Loveland WWII Honor Roll Monument

    Video Interview with Jim Grethel about the restoration of the Loveland WWII Honor Roll Monument

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – After more seven decades, the WWII Honor Roll for those Loveland women and men who heard the call to defend Europe during a Nazi invasion and Japan’s attempt to rule Asia and the entire South Pacific has been returned to public display – full restored. It was a way to let townspeople know who was defending the American experiment of democracy.

    Loveland Museum Center President Jim Grethel and I stood on the porch of the museum to get out of the rain yesterday when he told me story of how the honor roll was discovered in a barn outside of Loveland and the efforts to restore it to former glory.

    A formal dedication will take place on Memorial Day morning, Monday, May 31 after the annual speeches at the Veterans’ Memorial at West Loveland Avenue and Riverside Drive. After those ceremonies, the public will be invited to walk one block away to the Museum. The annual Memorial Day Parade begins at 9 AM at the Loveland Primary and Elementary School Campus and proceeds to the Veterans” memorial.

    The Museum is at 201 Riverside Drive in the West Loveland Historic District.

  • Complete Idiots Guide to Navigating the Loveland Bridge

    Complete Idiots Guide to Navigating the Loveland Bridge

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Kirk McCracken said, “Yours truly” after I asked hime who came up with the idea to create the Navigating The Loveland Bridge FaceBook page. “I came up with the idea a week or so ago when my wife called me telling me someone drove into the bridge right in front of her. Think he was coming from downtown side and she was coming from Eads fence side.” His wife said that it was so funny because the guy was throwing a tantrum in the car after he hit the bridge and got stuck.

    Kirk said, “After our conversation I made the Complete Idiots Guide to Navigating the Loveland Bridge graphic and posted it. It got a boatload of likes and shares and I came up with the idea for the page. A way to memorialize all of the ‘I can make it’ drivers.”

    Kirk wants readers to visit the Navigating The Loveland Bridge FaceBook page and up-load their own photos.

    Loveland Magazine has decided to give Kirk’s Guide a permanent presence on our Front Page as a public service announcement.

  • Resignations and building re-alignment mean big adjustments for Loveland Schools

    Resignations and building re-alignment mean big adjustments for Loveland Schools

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Several administrative staff resignations, including the resignation of former Superindant Dr. Amy Crouse, the re-arrangement of 1st grade classrooms, and additional full-day kindergarten opportunities will bring significant change to the Loveland City School District this Fall.

    Photo of Julie Carter
    Julie Carter will be the next principal of Loveland Intermediate School

    Julie Carter, will be the principal of Loveland Intermediate School beginning this fall. She is currently serving as the Assistant Principal and will be taking over for Garth Carlier, as he becomes the new Director of Human Resources for Loveland City Schools.

    Carlier will fill the position vacant because of the resignation of the current Director of Human Resources, Charles Ogdan who has been hired by the Mt. Healthy School District for a similar position.

    Garth Carlier is the current Principal of the Loveland Intermediate School and will become the new Director of Human Resources

    Superintendent Finalists announced

    CF Educational Solutions has been assisting the district in the search process for the next Superintendent. The District says they received broad interest in the position from across the country. Bradley Neavin was hired in January to lead the District after the resignation of Dr. Amy Crouse until a person could be hired to lead the District this Fall and into 2022.

    Crouse resigned last December and was hired as the founding Principal of the new Citizens of the World Charter Schools in Madisonville.

    The Board and members of a Community Advisory Group (CAG) were given a list of anonymous profiles to consider in a new Superintendent. They narrowed the list down to seven candidates who were interviewed by the Board in executive sessions this week. The Board and the Community Advisory Group also worked together on the interview format and questions to present to the candidates. The Community Advisory Group is made up of members of the Loveland community, district staff, and parents.

    A release by the District said the Board and the CAG reached “very similar conclusions about which candidates to interview.”

    A final pool of three caucasian, male candidates was released Wednesday afternoon to lead the outer-suburban Cincinnati school District and its all-White central office, school administrative team, and Board of Education. This announcement comes three weeks after the Board adopted a statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion. (Loveland City Schools adopt Statement on Diversity)

    The finalists are:

    The community is invited to a Virtual Community Engagement Session on Tuesday, May 18 at 6 PM. Each of the candidates will speak individually. The Board would like community members to submit questions for the candidates in advance of the meeting. Submit questions here.

    Information about access to the Virtual Community Engagement Session will be posted on the Loveland City Schools Board of Education webpage prior to the Tuesday, May 18 meeting. 

    In-Person Learning For Fall 

    The District has announced that due to a lack of interest “from our families” there will be no Remote Academy for the 2021-2022 school year.

    “In the months ahead, we will be watching for the latest state guidance on health and safety protocols and adapting as necessary. We will continue to accommodate students with special health concerns, as we have in prior years. Families with specific concerns should reach out to their building principal.” 

    Masking for Fall 

    The District said in a communication to parents that they have received several questions from parents about masking and other restrictions for the fall. The release said:

    “It is simply too soon for us to predict what will be expected; however, based on the communication from parents, we are working on a strategy to engage decision-makers at the state level for more specific guidance to ensure that our parents’ voices are heard.” 

    “At this point, Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health have not issued any new orders or guidance for how schools should operate during the 2021-2022 school year. DeWine has stated that when COVID cases drop to fewer than 50 per 100,000 people for two weeks, all health orders will be lifted across Ohio.” 

    With increasing vaccination rates and lower case numbers, many things can change between now and the new school year in mid-August. We have been committed to providing a safe learning environment while supporting our students’ academic growth. We are hopeful that when we welcome students back after the summer break, everyone will be able to see the smiles on our faces.”

    Changes for Early Learners

    Loveland Early Childhood Center

    At the Board of Education meeting on April 20 the district announced that they will be implementing an additional full-day kindergarten section for the 2021-2022 school year. 

    Immediately after students leave for summer break, work will begin at LPS and LES to accommodate the changes. Some classroom spaces will be remodeled and modular units will be used for classrooms and additional office space. The District plans to maximize every available space in LPS and LES to serve students of the same grade level all in one location. 

    Changes include the implementation of an additional full-day kindergarten section at LECC. This change will allow the district to eliminate the current lottery system that is now used for assigning access to full-day or half-day kindergarten offerings. For the 2021-2022 school year, LECC will be offering 7 sections of full-day kindergarten and 6 sections of half-day kindergarten. 

    Tuition for full-day kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year will be $385 per month.

    There will be a realignment of grades involving LECC and LPS. All of Loveland’s first-grade classrooms will be on the LPS campus beginning in the fall. Currently, there are first-graders at both LECC and LPS. After the realignment, the Head Start Program, our preschool, and our kindergarten students will all be together on the LECC campus, while our first and second-grade students will be together on the LPS campus. 

    Andrea Conner, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning said, “By bringing all of our first-grade students together on one campus, our first-grade staff will have more opportunities for a more collaborative approach in addressing the needs of our youngest learners while sharing valuable resources.” 

    Director of Student Services will leave

    Eric Dool

    Eric Dool, the Director of Student Services has announced that he will be taking another job. Dools job responsibilities included, Student Health and Wellness, Student Safety, Special Education and Related Services, Section 504 Accommodation PlansTitle I, Reading Intervention, English as a Second Language (ESL) – Title III,  Homelessness, and  Student Attendance. 

    New High School Principal

    Loveland High School
    Adam Reed

    Peggy Johnson announced her retirement at the end of January after 39 years in education and 6 years as Principal of Loveland High School (LHS).

    Thirty-nine-year-old Wyoming High School Principal, Adam Reed, who is entering his 17th year in education was recently announced as Johnson’s successor for the 2021-2022 school year. (Meet Adam Reed the next leader for Loveland High School)

    New common entrance branding proposed for Loveland Intermediate and Middle School Campus

  • Cassie The Food Guru Takes on the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally!

    Cassie The Food Guru Takes on the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Foodies from all over came together to enjoy local food trucks, vendors, and superb live entertainment on Saturday at Shopper’s Haven Plaza for the 8th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally!

    Me being the Food Guru I am, I couldn’t miss out on all the local cuisine, so I grabbed my boyfriend and enjoyed a beautiful walk from Downtown Loveland to Shopper’s Haven Plaza.

    As Adam and I inched closer to the Food Truck Rally we were beyond impressed with the 24 Food Trucks lined along the plaza welcoming the community as they selected their food truck of choice! Included in all the fun were inflatables for children to play on, face painting and henna tattoos, vendor booths in which local businesses/organizations, like LIFE Food Pantry and Garden City Chiropractic, were able to share their story with the community, exciting give-away raffles, and a stage in which 3 different entertainment groups, Premier Dance and Tumbling, Minar and Sowers, and The Dan Varner Band, were able to perform while many stopped to watch to cheer them on.

    Those who attended the Food Truck Rally were able to bring in their own “Tailgating” set-up so that they could safely and comfortably enjoy the atmosphere and of course the most important part; the food. Take a look at the video below for a glimpse into the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally!

    After going to the last few Food Truck Rallies I have learned that the best way to take in all the Food Trucks is to start from the first truck and slowly but surely make your way to each and every one. Me being the journalist I am I have gotten into the habit of documenting each Food Truck and what they bring to the table so that by the time I get to the last Food Truck I know exactly which ones I’m going to try!

    This year the Food Truck Rally had a little something for everyone! From the unique flavor combinations from Kona Ice to the Texas Joe award-winning Brisket, not one community member came out of the Rally empty-handed. Being Vegan, each year I am always curious as to what Food Trucks will be representing those with a plant-based lifestyle, and to my pleasant surprise, I had several options to choose from.

    One of my favorite Vegan Food Truck options was Just Jerks Jamaican Grill. Just Jerks specialized in “Rice Boxes” and Tacos with a little Jamaican flair! I decided to go with the Veggie Rice Box, which included Plantains, Jamaican rice and beans, sauteed veggies, and Caribbean slaw. The Plantains were to die for as they melted right in my mouth when I took my first bite. Jenn’s HOT Tamale Food Truck also had some great Latin street eats for Vegans as they featured both sliders and tacos with Zucchini substituted as the protein!

    Although many are now moving towards a plant-based lifestyle, the Loveland Food Truck Rally had more than enough options for the meat-lovers out there!

    East Coast Eatz represented a blacked-out style Food Truck offering a variety of cheesesteaks, chicken subs, and street tacos. Rock n Rolls displayed a vintage speaker on their Food Truck and specialized in Tots (Goetta and Buffalo Chicken), Egg Rolls, and Wraps including an Orange Ginger Chicken combo. Mama Bear’s Mac ended up being my boyfriend’s Food Truck dinner choice as he ordered the Flamin’ Jack Grilled Cheese. Even though I couldn’t try the grilled cheese, my boyfriend said and I quote, “My mouth is on fire, but for some reason, I can’t stop eating this!”

    Of course after a filling yet scrumptious dinner you have to get something sweet, right? That simply is a no-brainer for me. The Food Truck Rally had so many sweet options that I believe some of those that attended the Rally skipped dinner and went straight for dessert! The legendary Loveland Dairy Whip brought their mobile truck, serving up only the creamiest soft serve you can imagine, while Funnel Vision offered 10 creative funnel cake creations ranging from Maple Bacon to Tooty Fruity to Salted Caramel Pretzel.

    I decided to go with Sweet Maize Kettle Corn being the popcorn lover I am. I was anticipating an average-sized bag of Kettle Corn but when my boyfriend went to order it for me he came back with a 13-pound bag of Kettle Corn! Needless to say, I’m still working on finishing the bag. There have already been a couple of nights where I have woken up the next morning with the bag of Kettle Corn laying right next to my pillow! I think that describes how fantastic Sweet Maize Kettle Corn tastes.

    Cincinnati’s Graeter’s also brought their Food Truck, which of course you can’t go wrong with a couple of scoops of their infamous Black Raspberry Chip, while The Cheesecakery made an appearance again this year featuring Oreo, Birthday Cake Batter, White Chocolate Raspberry, Original with Lemon Creme, and Chocolate Silk as their cheesecake flavors.

    All 24 Food Trucks present at the Annual Food Truck Rally went above and beyond to serve up only the best street food to those wanting to support the individuals working within the Food Trucks’ passions. Little Miami River Chamber of Alliance President, Cee Cee Collins said the feedback from the community this year was out of this world.

    “Loveland is back open! We had the largest attendance we have ever had for the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally,” Collins said, “The feedback we are receiving is amazing. Everyone feels it was a fantastic day all around; great weather, great music, great company, and GREAT FOOD! We want to see any guests come back soon and visit all of the businesses throughout our area over the summer months.”

    Meredith Taylor, Little Miami River Chamber of Alliance Program Director, couldn’t agree more with Collins, as she said she couldn’t thank the community of Loveland enough for all of their support.

    “It was an amazing day and night! Thanks to so many of the community members who came out to support us. The food trucks, vendors and entertainment had a blast and we can’t wait for the next one,” Taylor said, “Loveland is a special place and we are honored to serve you and the business community!”

    If you missed out on the Loveland Food Truck Rally’s musical guests or you would just like to reminisce on all the fun you had watching, check out the videos below!

    Minar and Sowers Performing at the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally
    The Nationally Recognized Dan Varner Band Putting on a Great Show at the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally

    Thank you to all those who supported, helped, and served up delicious food at this year’s Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally! We are so lucky to be a part of a community that enjoys spending time together while supporting one another’s passions. I for one can’t wait until next year’s Food Truck Rally as well as all of the fun and exciting things to come this summer in Loveland as we safely transition back to a bit of normalcy!

    Be sure to stay tuned to all things delicious with Me, Cassie the Food Guru, as I take on the absolute best cuisine in the area and share it with YOU our loyal Loveland Magazine readers! Enjoy the photos I captured at the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally below!

    Click on an image to enlarge.


    Enjoying my Food Guru articles? Click below to read up on Rodi Italian, Paxton’s Grill, and The Works Pizza!

    Cassie the Food Guru Visits Loveland’s Paxton’s Grill!

    Pizza, Beer, and History…The Works Pizza has it all!

    “Favorite People” Dinner at Loveland’s Rodi Italian is a hit!

    A Peek into RODI Italian –Historic Downtown Loveland’s Latest Restaurant Addition!

  • Pizza, Beer, and History…The Works Pizza has it all!

    Pizza, Beer, and History…The Works Pizza has it all!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Downtown Historic Loveland is becoming quite the popular foodie destination as new restaurants are popping up left and right! Not all the phenomenal food culture is necessarily at the new Loveland restaurants, in fact, one restaurant, in particular, has been around since 2002 and has been serving up deliciously unique combinations ever since.

    The Works Pizza, located in the heart of Downtown Loveland at 20 Grear Millitzer Place, has been pairing up Pizza and Beer for over 20 years to families within the community and beyond with just a few missions in mind; serving One-of-a-kind-food at a One-of-a-kind-location creating a One-of-a-kind-experience!

    Owners of The Works Pizza, Scott and Jamie Gordon, both grew up in Loveland and of course, always held Loveland close to their hearts as they both attended school in Loveland as well. The Gordon’s first came across The Works Pizza building in high school while working on building their “Class Float,” but never imagined that they would eventually be opening a very successful restaurant within the same building!

    What is now The Works Pizza was built in 1905 and was used as a water filling station for steam locomotives. Years later the building was home to both the Fire Station and Public Works. Although there have been some renovations to The Works the building, it still holds quite a bit of history. The Works Pizza is home to the Chime Bells that you can hear ring beautifully throughout Loveland, and “The Crusader,” a 1921 Pullman Passenger Train Car that Scott Gordon managed to find in Gettysburg, PA. The Crusader has since been remodeled so that it could seat up to 36 people, as the car can be rented out for events and parties. Oh and each vintage piece of art on the wall of The Works has history and meaning behind it too, but of course you will have to let Scott give you the history lesson on each piece!

    The Works Pizza is not only historically appealing; the food is out of this world. From their unbelievable Cauliflower Crust to the Deep Fried Green Beans to the infamous Breakfast Pizza, you can’t go wrong selecting just about anything on The Works Pizza menu! What goes better with Pizza than Beer? The Works Pizza has a huge selection of beers on tap and from the bottle, most of the beers being from local suppliers.

    Hungry yet? LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV and me, Cassie the Food Guru, have got you covered as we had the opportunity to stop in The Works Pizza and chat with owner Scott Gordon about his journey and why The Works has guests coming back time and time again!

    Without further ado, we bring to you, our loyal Loveland Magazine readers, a one-on-one on-camera interview with Scott Gordon! Click below to view the interview now!

    Want to see more of me, Cassie the Food Guru, and Loveland’s top restaurants? Check out the articles below!

    https://lovelandmagazine.com/cassie-the-food-guru-visits-lovelands-paxtons-grill/

    Stay tuned to experience Loveland’s latest foodie spots with Me, Cassie the Food Guru!

  • We Would Like to Cordially Invite you to the 2021 Loveland Job Fair!

    We Would Like to Cordially Invite you to the 2021 Loveland Job Fair!

    Join us for a Job Fair!
    Your “one stop shop” for finding a great job or employee!
    Sponsored by:
    Oasis Conference Center & Express Employment Professionals


    NOW ACCEPTING VENDOR BOOTH REGISTRATIONS!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Are you one of the many individuals in search of a great job? Or maybe you have or run a business that is in desperate need of expanding your staff…we have got you covered as the Loveland 2021 Job Fair is ready and willing to meet your needs!

    On May 17th from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Oasis Conference Center located at 902 Loveland-Miamiville Road will be hosting the 2021 Job Fair sponsored by the Oasis Conference Center, Express Employment Professionals, and Suzy Cree from Keller Williams. Those that are seeking a profession will be able to learn more about potential sign-on and retention bonuses, trade certifications, unexplored job industries, and shift schedules. Employers who are looking to fill positions will have the opportunity to sign up for a Job Fair Booth that will include a covered table and chairs. The fee for reserving a booth at the 2021 Job Fair will be $40 and will be open for both vendors and employers to rent. If you would like to register for a booth at the Job Fair click here.

    The 2021 Job Fair is completely FREE for the public to attend and completely safe as the event will be adhering to ALL Covid-19 safety guidelines! Below are some of the vendors that will be present this year!

    COMPASS GROUP

    Crown Services Inc

    Express Employment Professionals

    General Electric Credit Union

    Graeters

    Health Quest

    Home Instead

    Jack Rabbit – Loveland

    Magnolia Springs

    Mane, Inc.

    Mike’s Carwash

    Oasis Golf Club & Conference Center

    Shelter Insurance

    SwimSafe Pool Management

    Tano Hospitality Group

    Paxton’s

    For more information on the 2021 Job Fair you can visit the Little Miami Chamber of Alliance’s website or call their office at 513-683-1544.

    For the latest news on all things Loveland stay tuned to the Loveland Salad with Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • Loveland Hardware Store Employee Shows off his Photography Skills!

    Loveland Hardware Store Employee Shows off his Photography Skills!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – It’s no secret that there are a lot of creative minds in the Loveland area; the secret lies within the hidden talents that many of Loveland’s community members and local business employees hold deep down inside of them. One of these individuals is Larry Smith, a Loveland Hardware Store employee and beyond talented photographer!

    Although Smith is technically retired he decided that he just couldn’t sit around and do nothing with his retirement so he decided to take a position at The Loveland Hardware Store, located in the heart of Downtown Loveland on Broadway Street next to Mile42 Coffee, and rekindle his passion for photography!

    Smith shared his background with us as well as some fantastic photos he took of the Loveland area!

    “I’ve been doing photography for 30 years as a hobby and absolutely love it. Landscape and God’s nature are my favorite things to shoot but of course, I love taking pictures of my family and especially our grandkids doing their activities,” Smith said. “The sunset picture (the feature image in this article) was taken in the fall of 2020 behind the Monkey Bar & Grill. It was one of those ‘right places at the right time’ and I was blessed to capture it. The 22/3 Viaduct picture (photo pictured below) was taken in the winter of 2020. My grandparents lived in this area when I was growing up and I always admired that bridge. I try to capture it at least every season of the year.”

    We would like to thank Larry Smith for providing us with these beautiful photos and encourage anyone in the community who has hidden talents to share them with us by writing us a “Letter To The Editor.”

    If you absolutely love Smith’s photos like we do you can contact him to take photos for you at LarrySmithPhotography1@gmail.com.

    Stay tuned to more of your Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • The Loveland Food Truck Rally is this Saturday!

    The Loveland Food Truck Rally is this Saturday!

    At Shopper’s Haven from 3 until 10 PM

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The final countdown has begun as The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) will be kicking off the 8th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally, presented by Wolterman Law, in just a few days on Saturday, May 8th from 3 PM to 10 PM at Shopper’s Haven Plaza on Loveland-Madeira Road.

    This year the Loveland Food Truck Rally, both family-friendly and free to attend (the food trucks present will charge separately for their concessions), will be bringing in over 20 food trucks for the community to enjoy! 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. Parking will be available across the street at the Loveland Primary School. Feel free to bring along your own folding chairs to add 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.

    This year the Food Truck Rally will also include a “Children’s Area” that will feature inflatables, face painting, balloons, and a few other child-friendly surprises! The Children’s Area is set to close at 8 PM.

    The Loveland Food Truck Rally recently added in more spectacular live entertainment aside from the nationally recognized Dan Varner Band. Premier Tumbling and Dance will put on a show from 3 PM-4 PM then Minar and Sowers will perform from 4 PM-6 PM. The Dan Varner Band will take the stage from 7 PM-10 PM.

    In between live music, at 6 PM, several City of Loveland officials, including Mayor Kathy Bailey, 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.

    There will be 22 Food Trucks in attendance 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 Beerded Pig

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

    Meet Dan Varner

    • 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! Additional sponsorships are still available! For more information visit the LMCRA website or call their office at 513-683-1544.

    For all things Loveland and more stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!