News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area
Without fear or favor
Since 2004
Loveland, Ohio – Have you perused the “Local Art Wall” lately at Paxton’s Grill? There are some extremely talented artists in Loveland and you can add a splash of fall to your home when you purchase one of these pieces and support our local artists too.
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – The mission of Loveland Learning Garden is to foster lifelong connections to the wonders of the natural world. Their mission statement says, “We believe in the benefits of immersing kids in the outdoors from a young age and the lasting impact of positive impressions with nature.” To support this, the non-profit creates and manages garden and nature-based programs on school grounds for elementary students. “Our garden and nature trail are used to enhance classroom study while allowing children an opportunity to experience nature, the satisfaction of growing their own food, and contributing harvest to the local food pantry.”
The program in Loveland serves ~1,400 1st through 4th-grade students and has been a local and national role model for outdoor school garden and nature programs. Working in collaboration with school administration and staff, they offer a complete package of services that include:
The Learning Garden is on the search for Nature Educators to lead lessons in the garden and/or nature trail during the school day or as part of our afterschool program this fall. Here is the link to the Volunteer Match.
Come volunteer with other like-minded people in the beautiful learning garden. No experience is necessary, the new garden manager will be there to guide you all along the way. Tasks may include transplanting, planting seeds, weeding, laying wood chips, compost management, etc. Meet at the garden located in between the Loveland Primary and Elementary schools on Loveland Madeira Road. The garden is in between the buildings when looking from the street side. Look for a garden shed with the Learning Garden logo, Bring your family and friends. Children are welcome, Feel free to leave early or come later as needed.
How to Get Involved With The Loveland Learning Garden!
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – Would you like to make a difference and give back to the community? Local non-profit, The Loveland Learning Garden, provides the opportunity for anyone to volunteer to help teach local students about the environment, or maintain the vegetable garden, the flower garden, and the nature trail!
Here are some photos provided by the Learning Garden to show you what a wonderful program you can be involved in.
Follow the Loveland Learning Garden on Instagram and FaceBook.
Email to: INFO@LOVELANDLEARNINGGARDEN.ORG
Saturday July 30 from 11 AM until 10 PM
Sunday July 31 from 11 AM until 9 PM
St James Eastern Orthodox Church – 6577 Branch Hill Miamiville Road
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – The Easter Weekend Food Drive proved nothing is sweeter than Loveland, Ohio!
On Saturday, April 16th in the heart of Downtown Loveland under the historic clock tower we kicked off our first ever Easter Weekend Food Drive benefiting LIFE Food Pantry! I had wanted to lend my time and energy to the LIFE Food Pantry for months, so when LIFE communicated that they were in desperate need of food and that food drives were the best way to gather that much-needed food I knew that this was my chance to give back to a community that had supported me throughout my time with Loveland Magazine.
Once I decided that I was going to organize a food drive I immediately reached out to the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance all-star duo CeeCee Collins and Meredith Taylor. They almost instantly agreed to help with the food drive as they both said that there was nothing more fulfilling than giving back to the community. I was overjoyed by their response and shortly after began working on the logistics.
I knew that I wanted the food drive to be on a day where there would be a lot of foot traffic on the Loveland Bike Trail but also envisioned doing it on a day that meant something. After brainstorming with CeeCee and Meredith, we landed on having the food drive on Easter Weekend! Having the food drive during Easter Weekend to me meant that I could help families less fortunate have the opportunity to celebrate Easter like my family and I had been lucky enough to do for the past several decades.
One of the biggest deciding factors in having a food drive during this particular time of year was because LIFE Food Pantry is almost always in desperate need of food donations due to a slower rate of donations coming in. To put it in perspective, just by holding this one food drive on Easter Weekend, we not only helped provide “staples” and everyday necessities to local families that then freed up money in their budgets so that they could celebrate a holiday like Easter, we also gave these same local families the opportunity to buy Easter candy for their baskets, decorate eggs, enjoy a beautiful Easter brunch, and hunt for chocolate bunnies on Easter morning! That thought alone made the Easter Weekend Food Drive that much more special to me.
After weeks of planning, passing out flyers around town, gathering Easter decorations, stuffing Easter eggs with candy, finalizing details with local restaurants and LIFE Food Pantry, writing food drive stories in Loveland Magazine, and spreading the word on social media, the day of the Easter Weekend Food Drive finally came! We set up our beautifully decorated Easter tent under the historic clock tower in Downtown Loveland and prepared for a fun-filled day of giving back.
The food drive kicked off at 10 am and almost immediately we began getting food, cash, and Venmo donations. For each donation, we received we made sure to express our gratitude followed by an Easter egg filled with candy! Parents and their children loved that we were celebrating giving back by wearing bunny ears and giving out Easter eggs! The day itself couldn’t have gone any better.
The Easter Weekend Food Drive wrapped up at 5 pm and as we were cleaning up the overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude touched us all. Those feelings alone were enough for me to agree to make the Easter Weekend Food Drive an annual event!
The Easter Weekend Food Drive collected $290 dollars in Venmo and cash donations and over 75 pounds of food for the LIFE Food Pantry. Needless to say, the food drive was an absolute success!
There were so many individuals and local businesses that helped make the Easter Weekend Food Drive possible and I want to take the time now to express how thankful I am:
Enjoy the slideshow of the photos I, Sean Behling, Adam Ploof, and David Miller took at the Easter Weekend Food Drive!
If you would like to help the pantry by volunteering, holding your own food drive or would like to donate dollars, please visit their WEB SITE. If you are in need of food or financial assistance you will learn about that also.
For Loveland event updates and coverage, stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – Spring has sprung which means the Easter Bunny will be paying Loveland a visit very soon! What better way to celebrate Easter than by giving back to those in need within the community. Join Loveland Magazine and the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) for the Easter Weekend Food drive benefiting LIFE Food Pantry!
Easter weekend, for me, is one of the most coveted times to make memories with my family as we come together to enjoy a nice home-cooked meal and exchange Easter baskets filled with goodies. This year, I wanted to make sure that families less fortunate had the opportunity to celebrate Easter like my family and myself have been lucky enough to do for the past several decades. I knew that Loveland’s local food pantry, LIFE, was in desperate need of food donations as this time of year is often a slower time for incoming donations. I had chatted back and forth with some of the wonderful women from LIFE a couple of months ago and promised them that I would find a way to organize a food drive. I searched my brain for those that would be interested in joining me to help make this food drive happen. That’s when I thought, “I should ask CeeCee Collins and Meredith Taylor from the LMRCA to help me make this food drive a reality!” I emailed CeeCee and Meredith and explained my vision and seconds later they were on board! I was overcome with joy!
Over the past several weeks, Meredith, CeeCee, and I have worked hard to make this unbelievable Easter Weekend Food Drive the best it could possibly be, and needless to say, I couldn’t be happier with what we have in store for the Food Drive! Loveland Magazine, the LMRCA, and LIFE would love nothing more than all of those within our amazing community to come out on April 16th between 10 a.m-5 p.m and donate to the Easter Weekend Food Drive!
Here are some important Easter Weekend Food Drive details:
We hope to see all of you at the Easter Weekend Food Drive! If you have any questions about the Easter Weekend Food Drive please contact me, Cassie Mattia, or Meredith Taylor! Help us help those in need have a beautiful Easter too!
For the latest Loveland community events stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!
The Russian invasion has sparked a need for humanitarian aid. Food and supplies inside the country are becoming increasingly scarce.
Below is the list of international organizations compiled by CNN that are on the ground in Ukraine and neighboring countries to help with shelter, food, water, and additional aid.
Your support will benefit these 34 organizations.
Airlink is a nonprofit organization providing airlift of emergency supplies and relief workers for 130+ aid organizations responding to disasters and other humanitarian crises, including the COVID-19…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster. Each year, Americares reaches more than 90…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Catholic Relief Services was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to serve World War II survivors in Europe. Since then, we have expanded in size to reach more than 100…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Center for Disaster Philanthropy helps donors make the best giving decisions to impact the full arc of the disaster cycle-preparedness, response and long-term recovery.READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
We are Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). We help people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics,…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Global Empowerment Mission is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2011. Conceived in 1999 when Founder/Director Michael Capponi got his feet wet helping the victims of the Kosovo crisis….READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
GlobalGiving is the first and largest global crowdfunding community that connects nonprofits, donors, and companies in nearly every country around the world. We make it possible for nonprofits from…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
We work alongside people with disabilities and vulnerable populations, taking action and bearing witness in order to respond to their essential needs, improve their living conditions and promote…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Our mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. We were established in 1863 and operate worldwide,…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs….READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
IOCC, in the spirit of Christ’s love, offers emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthens the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
International Relief Teams is a nonprofit humanitarian organization dedicated to alleviating human suffering by providing health and other supportive services to victims of disaster, poverty and…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 25 U.S. cities to…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
We work in nearly 70 countries to alleviate hunger and hardship, rescue Jews in danger, create lasting connections to Jewish life, and provide immediate relief for victims of natural and man-made…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Medical Teams International provides medical and dental care, humanitarian aid, and holistic development programs to all people in need, regardless of religion, nationality, sex, or race. We respond…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Principally focused on providing disaster relief, our team regularly responds to national emergencies and natural disasters at home and abroad. In addition to emergency response, we make use of our…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Mercy Corps is a global team of humanitarians working together on the front lines of today’s biggest crises to create a future of possibility, where everyone can prosper. Our mission: to alleviate…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Operation Blessing International (OBI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization dedicated to demonstrating God’s love by alleviating human need and suffering in the United States and around…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
OutRight Action International, founded in 1990 as the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, is a leading international human rights organization dedicated to improving the lives of…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Project C.U.R.E.’s mission is to identify, solicit, collect, sort, and deliver medical supplies and services according to the imperative needs of the world. Each week Project C.U.R.E. delivers…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Our mission, as a global health and humanitarian relief organization, is to place power in the hands of health care workers to save lives across the globe. We are committed to transforming lives and…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
“Doing The Most Good.” In these four words, our mission – to feed, to clothe, to comfort, to care. To rebuild broken homes and broken lives. By walking with the addicted, we can lead them to…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
ShelterBox USA is an international disaster relief charity whose mission is to deliver humanitarian relief in the form of life saving equipment that bring shelter, warmth and dignity to people…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. Team Rubicon’s primary mission is providing disaster relief to…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
We’re working to make the world better for children. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work, and other efforts in support of the world’s children, through fundraising, advocacy and…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
United Help Ukraine, Inc. is a charitable organization receiving and distributing donations, food and medical supplies to Ukrainian IDPs, people of Ukraine affected by Russia’s invasion into Eastern…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. We all benefit when a child succeeds in school, when someone finds a job that will help them…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
USA for UNHCR helps to save, protect and rebuild the lives of millions of refugees and others forced to flee their homes due to violence and conflict. With help from donors and advocates, like you,…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
José Andrés founded World Central Kitchen after the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti with the belief that food can be an agent of change. We have expanded globally and have developed into a group…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
1 in 9 people on the planet will go to bed hungry tonight. But we can change that with your help. World Food Program USA (WFP USA) works to solve global hunger, building a world where everyone has…READ MORE Donate to this Nonprofit
Veterans and dependents of Warren County can be transported at no cost to any local doctors office or VA medical center for their appointments. Please contact our office as soon as you receive your medical appointment. To take advantage of the transportation service, proof of eligibility is required (DD214).
Transportation Coordinator – Jim Plagge – 513-695-2708
Assistant Coordinator – Justin Mcghee – 513-695-2738
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – What better way to celebrate an event or milestone than gathering around one another outdoors for a customized elevated picnic experience! This is exactly what new local business Epic Picnics is all about!
Loveland resident and Owner of Epic Picnics, Amanda Ericson, started the business in 2020 in hopes that she could use her love for art, her passion for the community, and her attachment to the outdoors to craft and create one beautiful experience!
“Every day should be cherished, celebrated, and lived to the fullest,” Ericson said, “My husband and I believe in living healthy robust lives surrounded by family, friends, and our beloved dog Butters. This is why we are excited to bring an elevated picnic experience to the Cincinnati area! We believe every day is worth celebrating!”
Ericson, a Studio Art Major, began her journey managing a Coffee and Wine Bar and then eventually moved into sales and customer service. Although she always loved the jobs she took on, Ericson knew that there was something more she was meant to do; that’s when Epic Picnics came into conception!
Epic Picnics “specializes in creating the personal perfect atmosphere for a romantic picnic for two, a memorable moment for brunch in the park, an outdoor movie experience in your backyard, a surprise engagement, a gender reveal party or a private intimate moment.” The luxury picnic set-up is really anything but ordinary! Ericson not only creates the theme of the picnic based on the location, the type of Epic Picnic selected, and a questionnaire filled out by the customer explaining what special touches they want to be added to the picnic, she also executes the picnic set-up and packs up everything after the picnic!
Ericson is able to create and customize any picnic for any occasion and of course, if a customer is unsure of what they want Epic Picnics does offer picnic set-up options such as The 1-hour Picnic, The 2-hour Picnic, The Luxury Movie Night, “Just Brunchin,” and Uniquely Yours (typically for large groups like Corporate Events, Weddings, Baby Showers, Proposals, Engagement Parties, and Birthdays). All of the picnic options include a unique set-up depending on the theme and the customized add-on’s selected by the customer.
After chatting with Ericson on the phone about Epic Picnics I knew we had to get her on-camera talking about the concept and her passion for creating!
Ericson offered to set up an Epic Picnic for me, my best friend Stacie, and my grandma in the heart of Downtown Loveland at Nisbet Park so that we could experience exactly what an elevated picnic feels like. The experience was above and beyond my expectations and the “Boho Sheek” picnic theme was to die for! The Epic Picnic was the perfect backdrop for an on-camera interview with Ericson so we decided to share with YOU the readers not only what Epic Picnics is all about but also what an Epic Picnic looks like!
Without further ado, Cassie the Food Guru brings to you Amanda Ericson from Epic Picnics in her first on-camera interview! Believe me, you won’t want to miss out on all the fun and delicious snacks we got into on our elevated picnic!
Are you looking to celebrate a meaningful occasion or host a unique event with style? Visit Epic Picnics website or give them a call at (513) 525-4812 to start planning your luxury picnic today!
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your requested picnic date. The balance due must be paid in full 7 days before the reservation date or the reservation may be subject to cancellation. All picnics include take-out boxes for leftover picnic food, sanitizer, and bug spray. Flowers included in the picnic setup can go home with you!
For more local food and restaurant reviews stay tuned to Cassie the Food Guru!
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced that Ohio Department of Health Director Stephanie McCloud signed the Addendum to Director’s Third Amended Order that Reopens Restaurants, Bars, Banquet and Catering Facilities and Services to Dine-In Service, with Exceptions.
This amended order, reopens self-service food stations in restaurants, bars, banquet and catering facilities, and services, as long as the following conditions are met:
The order goes into effect on February 11, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
Hamilton County Job & Family Services has been working for several months with people from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Cincinnati Public Schools on some new ways to bring attention to the stress a lot of families are feeling these days – and to some things everyone can do to help. The new campaign is called Safe and Sound @ Home Cincinnati.
Please take a look at these new public service announcement videos – there’s a 30-second version and a 60-second one – and share them.
During a press conference announcing the collaboration, Interim Director Tim McCartney had this to say:
“Child abuse is already under-reported in normal times. During the shutdown, Children’s Services saw a 40% drop in calls about abuse and neglect. While reporting has increased since then, calls are still down from normal levels. Given the stress, anxiety and hardships surrounding the pandemic, we want to offer a collaborative approach to families by letting them know that we are here for them.”
To read more about the announcement, below is the text of a press release sent out announcing the work:
With the school year underway, parents are facing many challenges. It is natural for them to feel stress. Maintaining routines, having fun and using positive language can be helpful. For parents who start to feel anxious, taking a deep breath and talking to trusted family members or friends are great first steps. But if the situation becomes overwhelming, there are resources to help.
To better protect vulnerable children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Hamilton County Job & Family Services and Cincinnati Public Schools are collaborating on a new campaign called Safe and Sound @ Home Cincinnati. The goal is to raise awareness about parenting support and resources available to those in the community who may be struggling.
Support systems are available that can provide help with a variety of services, including food, medical assistance, childcare, housing, utilities, employment, cash and legal aid. However, experts have found some parents have difficulty asking for public benefits.
“Many people find themselves asking for help for the first time ever, and it can feel confusing and uncomfortable,” said Carley Riley, MD, attending physician in the division of Critical Care Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s. “There is no right or wrong way to feel when navigating your way through public assistance. We want to stress there’s no shame in asking for help. Taking care of your family is courageous. It shows strength and resilience.”
Resource guides on who to call for help have been available for the last several months at Cincinnati Public Schools food distribution sites. Public service announcements for Safe and Sound @ Home Cincinnati have also been released recently.
“This collaboration further solidifies the investment we all have in the health and well-being of children,” said Carrie Bunger, PhD, Director of Positive School Culture & Safety at Cincinnati Public Schools. “By working together to support vulnerable families, we can increase the community safety net—especially for those at risk during these challenging times.”
CCHMC also keeps a comprehensive list of resources available for parents and children.
To better protect vulnerable children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cincinnati Children’s, Hamilton County Job & Family Services and Cincinnati Public Schools are collaborating on a campaign called Safe and Sound @ Home Cincinnati. The goal is to raise awareness about parenting support and resources available to those in the community who may be struggling.
