LOVELAND’S LOCAL SOUTHERN FRIED CAFE, FEATURING CHICKEN, PIE & BOURBON
Columnist, Sean Behling
by Sean Behling
Loveland, Ohio – Earlier this year, Enoteca Emilia, an Italian restaurant in Downtown Loveland unfortunately closed its doors for good. This was not the end, however, as owner Margaret Ranalli recently opened a new restaurant in its place called LoveBird, serving Southern comfort food staples inspired by her time living in Charleston, South Carolina.
LoveBird is located on the first floor of the retail center of Loveland Station and faces the Loveland Historic District. There is plenty of indoor or patio seating, a fully stocked bar, as well as a carryout menu.
Watch our interview with Ranalli to learn more about the exciting new flavor she’s bringing to downtown Loveland:
Photo of the Little Miami River in downtown Loveland by David Miller
All Stakeholders Must Weigh In on Proposed Parking Garage
by Jeanne Nightingale, Citizens for Rights of the Ohio River Watershed (CROW), Sierra Club Miami Group, League of Women Voters Natural Resources Committee, Woman’s City Club of Greater Cincinnati
The Little Miami State Park, located within the beautiful and historic Little Miami River valley, has been designated as a federal and state scenic river. It is protected because of its water quality, panoramic setting, and the many historic sites that can be found along its banks. The historic City of Loveland has become the gateway to the linear park trail that meanders 50 miles along the river valley, a popular destination for cyclists, paddlers, and hikers.
It is not surprising that Loveland’s business community welcomes the opportunity to accommodate out-of-town visitors to the scenic park by building a parking garage 100 feet from the Little Miami River trail head. Since downtown parking is scarce, such a facility would be convenient for customers frequenting the growing number of restaurants, shops, and businesses that make this charming old town an even greater tourist attraction.
And yet, what is an asset for some is a liability for others. The residents of Loveland have been given no chance to weigh in on the proposed two-story 270-space garage parking garage in the heart of their town and adjacent to the confluence of two natural waterways, the Little Miami River and the O’Bannon Creek. There is a growing concern among many Loveland residents that such a structure would destroy the very scenic park that attracts tourists in the first place.
By law, and in accordance with the provisions of chapter 1547 of the Ohio Revised Code the Ohio, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is charged with appointing an Advisory Council representing local interests to assess the ecological viability of building such a structure within reach of the Little Miami State Park. Nevertheless, the City Council of Loveland has proceeded – with zero community input – to apply for millions of dollars in government grants to build the garage behind Loveland’s City Hall.
The Little Miami River, in fact, traverses an ecologically vulnerable flood plain. Trail volunteers report their never-ending battle of keeping the trail free of conditions that cause flooding on parts of the trail-clogged culverts, erosion caused by bridge embankments, adjacent developments, and other obstacles that interrupt the flow of water away from the trail surface. Even a few inches of rainfall can cause permanent flood damage. With the ground’s inability to absorb or impede the flow of water, the consequences can be disastrous. And yet, no data-driven environmental impact studies have been done to date.
Mature trees – vital for maintaining the permeability of the forest soils and preventing erosion and flooding – will need to be cut down to make room for this imposing concrete structure. Have wet weather studies been done to assess the impacts of increased stormwater runoff from the bulldozed ground, demolished building and asphalt surfaces, or the discharge from the requisite catch basins and storm sewer pipes needed to manage stormwater overflows? What would be the measure of air pollution due to increased particulate matter as well as increased noise pollution? Have any of these environmental concerns have been addressed?
Communities that dwell within natural watersheds have the legal right to participate in constructive dialogue and debate on matters that put the health, biodiversity, and safety of the ecosystem in which they live at risk. Loveland City Council must hold a public hearing before it takes a vote on the proposed downtown parking garage. Addressing the parking situation in this unique town should rightfully include all stakeholders in the discussion.
Loveland, Ohio – City Manager Dave Kennedy announced last Friday that the city received notification that it’s Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) pre-application for $250,000 of grant funding for the downtown parking garage, was ranked as the #1 priority project within the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission. With this ranking, the city has been invited to submit a full application.
Previously, the city’s grant application for the downtown parking facility was submitted to the Economic Development Administration (EDA). The total amount requested was $2,831,835.
On August 25, Kennedy recommended that Council authorize staff to move forward with a downtown parking fee study at a cost of $16,000. The study would inventory existing parking and the proposed parking facility. He noted that Desman Design Management would use the occupancy counts to identify peak parking needs for weekdays and then evaluate the differences in seasonal variations, summer, and weekend demands. They will identify and recommend street and lots for paid parking and recommend parking rates. The payment was approved by Council.
Read more about the planned parking garage in Historic Downtown Loveland:
Whistle Stop Clay Works (WSCW) is pleased to announce the second annual Pottery Affaire happening Saturday, June 15 from 11am. till 4pm.
The show highlights local potters who create unique, hand made, functional and sculptural work. The artists will be offering functional wares like serving and soup bowls, mugs, platters and plates, and vases.
In addition, there will be unique clay sculptures, wall hangings, and whimsical fairy and toad houses. There will also be demonstrations on the potter’s wheel, a children’s craft area, and studio tours.
“It’s an amazing show. There are about two dozen clay artists showing their work. The Pottery Affaire offers tremendous variety and selection, so you’re sure to find something that just right for you,” states Bonnie McNett, show coordinator and instructor at WSCW.
The show is happening by the beautiful O’Bannon Creek at 119 Harrison Avenue, in historic Loveland, Ohio. “The setting is just perfect with lots of expansive shade trees and the picturesque O’Bannon Creek ambling by,” continues McNett.
Brought to you by the creators of the Amazing Charity Race
SATURDAY OCTOBER 27TH, 2018
TEAMS OF 4 (Must Be 21 or Older)
Ok all of you high rollers it is time to sign up for:
Loveland’s Little Vegas Halloween Edition.
Your 4 person ( 21 and over) team will navigate beautiful historic Loveland with it’s rejuvenated shops and restaurants to have a little bit of gambling fun.
You will be given some play money to take your chance at traditional Las Vegas games such as black jack, roulette, 3 card poker and many more. But there is a twist: you will also being playing some of Chevy Chase’s Las Vegas Vacation games like rock-paper-scissors, pick-a-number and other hilarious games!
The night includes a food and beer tasting from Loveland’s outstanding food and drink establishments. If you would like to join in the Halloween fun we will be having a costume contest judged by the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance after the games.
Once again, AWESOME music will be provided by the ” Counting Skeletons” band.
OPEN CONTAINER!
What: Loveland’s Little Vegas
When: October 27th 6-11 PM (game from 6:30-8 PM and costume contest right after)
Where: Historic Loveland district on West Loveland Avenue
Price: $140 ($35/person for a team of 4)
You must be 21 and over to sign up
This event will sell out quickly get your team together and let ” Luck be a Lady”
We are over half sold out! Hurry and sign up today!
Where: Historic Downtown Loveland
When: Saturday, October 27, 2018 5:30pm LIVE Music by The Counting Skeletons 6:30-8pm Loveland’s Little Las Vegas 8pm(ish) – Costume Contest 8pm – Beer and Food Tasting Begins
Come celebrate the newly restored Historic Downtown Loveland!
Loveland, Ohio – On the evening of Tuesday, January 23rd, local volunteer and business owner Kay Bolin was announced as the 2018 Loveland Valentine Lady. Bolin will fill the community-centric roles of Valentine Lady by visiting classrooms, churches and retirement homes and spreading a message of love and kindness. In a Loveland first, she was escorted by local restaurant manager, Cory Partin.
Kay Bolin O’Grady and Cory Partin speak to a class of first graders
“As of Friday, February 9th, Cory and I have visited 4 schools, 56 classes and approximately 1100 students. I spend 15 – 20 minutes in each class and my focus is sharing a story about love and kindness.”
The Valentine Lady program started in 1971, and began the tradition of Loveland postcards with the phrase “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love” which is still used today. That year the first “Valentine Lady” volunteered to handle the postcards, and the position has stuck. Each year, a new Valentine Lady is chosen for their community presence and volunteerism to continue the tradition. This year, the position has been passed along to Kay Bolin.
Kay Bolin presents a story about love and kindness
Watch Bolin’s induction as the 2018 Valentine Lady here:
Kay Bolin has been the director of marketing and sales at Whistle Stop Clayworks in downtown Loveland since 2009. The 2018 Valentine Lady opened the ceramics teaching studio and gallery with her husband, Tim O’Grady after purchasing an abandoned petroleum distribution business building in Historic Loveland.
Bolin is active with the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Board Of Directors and a frequent participant at chamber events. She also contributes her time to Loveland Stage Company. Past roles have included the Greater Loveland Historical Society Museum, Loveland Beautification and the Loveland Arts Council (of which Bolin was president for several years). Bolin as awarded the Community Involvement Award by the Chamber of Commerce in 2015.
In a Loveland first, Bolin was escorted by the manager of Tano Bistro & Catering, Cory Partin. “I would like to mention though that this year is the first year the program has a Valentine Lady Escort, Cory Partin is the 2018 Valentine Lady Escort and I am thrilled to have him by my side. We are having a blast and it is so awesome for us to share love and kindness in a community we both love so much,” Bolin claimed.
Kay Bolin poses with Loveland Elementary students. Bolin O’Grady has already spoken to hundreds of students.
Q&A With Kay Bolin:
Loveland Magazine: How long have you been in Loveland? What brought you here?
Kay Bolin: I moved to Loveland in 1992 when my job at the time transferred me here from Atlanta.
LM: What was the process that led you to become the 2018 Valentine Lady? How were you nominated?
KB: I was nominated by two dear friends. The process is all letters of nominations, which are due to the LMRCA in early November. They are then reviewed by the Valentine Program Committee which is made up of a representative from the school district, local business, and all previous Valentine Ladies. They vote on who they feel have distinguished themselves by their commitment and involvement in our community. It’s quite an honor to be nominated much less chosen. It was humbling.
LM: For anyone interested in being the 2019 Valentine Lady … what advice would you give?
KB: That’s a little difficult for me to answer as I didn’t plan on being a Valentine Lady– I just love our community and loved being involved… I think that is probably the common thread between most of the Valentines Ladies. And if you are fortunate enough to be chosen, have fun with it and keep in mind the theme of the Valentine Program: There is nothing in this world so sweet as love.
LM: Do you think a community can love?
KB: Yes, I do. I think that Loveland is a very loving community.
LM: What roles does a Loveland valentine lady hold. What have/will you do?
KB: My first schedule is going to various schools (pre-school through 3rd grade) from February 1 – 14. As of Friday, February 9th, Cory and I have visited 4 schools, 56 classes, and approximately 1,100 students. I spend 15 – 20 minutes in each class and my focus is sharing a story about love and kindness. I tell the children a story. Many end up teary-eyed, others confused. But most understand the message.
Another fun role is going to Loveland Health Care and crowning the Valentine King and Queen and visiting the Lodge Retirement Community for cookie decorating. But I am available to all area businesses, schools and nursing homes… just wherever I can share some love and kindness.
Loveland first graders decorate Valentines.
A Loveland first grader’s card along with the Loveland 2018 Valentine stamp
Cory Partin and Kay Bolin O’Grady tell a story to a class of elementary school students. The 2018 Valentine Lady plans to retell the story at the The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Valentine breakfast.
The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Valentine Breakfast was on February 9 at the Oasis Conference Center at 8 AM. At the breakfast, it was announced that Kay Bolin is the 2018 Loveland Valentine Lady, following in the footsteps of Carol Williams. Poetry contest winners read their poems with past Valentine ladies in attendance.
Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.
The 8th Annual Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5k is upon us. The 5k has been the source for over $20,000.00 in scholarship funds for deserving seniors from Loveland High School since 2010.
Captain Seth Mitchell
Your contribution of $100 will get your name on the T-shirt (and we’ll send you a T- shirt also). A $250.00 contribution get’s your business advertised on the shirt (plus shirts)
What more could you ask??
You can see the T- shirts from the 2016 event in the attachments.
![[Video Interview] LoveBird brings new flavor to Historic Downtown Loveland](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/lovebird.jpg)
Whistle Stop Clay Works (WSCW) is pleased to announce the second annual Pottery Affaire happening Saturday, June 15 from 11am. till 4pm.
![Meet Kay Bolin: the 2018 Valentine Lady [Q&A and videos]](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/bolin.png)
