David Miller is the Publisher and Editor of Loveland Magazine
Loveland, Ohio – Whistle Stop Clay Works (WSCW), an intimate pottery studio in Historic Downtown, is excited to announce that Bonnie McNett has purchased the business from co-founders Tim O’Grady and Kay Bolin. The studio, which opened in 2010, will have ownership transferred effective April 1, 2022.
“We could not be happier or more excited for the future of Whistle Stop Clay Works, the pottery students, and the Loveland area. Whistle Stop is a vibrant, interactive business and a real asset to this community,” said current co-owner, Kay Bolin.
The acquisition of WSCW by McNett will allow the studio’s mission of bringing the ceramic arts to Loveland to continue and provide local residents a way to explore their creativity and relax with friends and family. McNett, who has been Operations Manager for five years, brings an energy and vision to WSCW that has helped the business prosper and grow. She has been an instructor at the studio for 8 years and has been involved in the ceramic arts for over 30 years
O’Grady and Bolin decided it was time for them to try retirement again. Both had previously retired from a textile company, but in 2010 bought the property at 119 Harrison Avenue and converted the building to the WSCW teaching studio and art gallery.
Whistle Stop Clay Works is a ceramics studio located in historic downtown Loveland, Ohio. The studio offers classes for adults and children, workshops, private parties, team building activities, firing packages for artists with home studios, and an art gallery. The studio is located at 119 Harrison Avenue and can be reached at (513) 683-2529 or at www.whistlestopclayworks.com.
Whistle Stop Clay Works (WSCW) is hosting the fourth annual Pottery Affaire on Saturday, September 18 from 11am till 4pm. The show highlights local artists who will be offering handmade pottery, paintings, note cards, photographs, and much more.
This show is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists and buy unique, handcrafted work.
Sammy’s Craft Burgers and Beer and Special Neat Treats will be on site offering food, ice cream and to help shoppers refuel and hydrate.
In addition to the food trucks, there will be hourly door prizes, demonstrations on the potter’s wheel, and pottery studio tours.
Local author, Kay Bolin, will be hosting a children’s story time at 11:30am and 2:00pm. She will be reading her children’s book “Luce the Goose, Memories on Dream Street.”
The show will also be supporting the L.I.F.E Food Pantry, which fights food insecurity in the Loveland area. The food pantry will have a booth at the show and 100% of sales will go directly to the non-profit to help those in need. “We are excited to be partnering with Whistle Stop again this year. We raised over $700 last year and we are pleased to have an opportunity to educate people about our mission,” said Linda Bergholz, director of L.I.F.E Food Pantry.“ It’s going to be another amazing show.
There will be over two dozen artists showing their work.
The Pottery Affaire offers tremendous variety and selection, so you’re sure to find something that is just right for you or someone on your shopping list,” commented Tim O’Grady, co-owner of WSCW. “The setting is just perfect with lots of expansive shade trees and the beautiful O’Bannon Creek ambling by,” he added.
The Pottery Affaire is being held at 119 Harrison Avenue just north of historic, downtown Loveland on Saturday, September 18th from 11am till 4pm.
The Pottery Affaire highlights local artists and their pottery, paintings, note cards, photographs, and much more. This outdoor art show is an opportunity to support your local arts and buy unique, hand crafted work.
Look for Sammy’s Craft Burgers & Beer from 11am to 2pm and ice cream from Special Neat Treats from 2pm to 4pm.There will be pottery wheel demos, studio tours and hourly prize drawings. There will be a story time for children at 11:30am and 2pm, too! The event happens at 119 Harrison Avenue in Loveland on Saturday, Sept 18th: 11am till 4pm.https://www.facebook.com/events/2684986485137319
We are pleased to announce that we’ve added food trucks to our Saturday event in addition to pottery, paintings, photography and art.Sammy’s Craft Burgers and Beer will have delicious food and cold drinks from 11am to 2pm. Special Neat Treats will have refreshing ice cream and novelties from 2 – 4pm to help you and your family stay cool.
There will be loads of pottery from over 20 different studio artists. You’ll find functional items like plates, bowls, mugs and serving dishes. In addition, there will be sculptures, wall hangings and seasonal decor pieces. You’ll find items to spruce up your garden like fairy houses, bird feeders and ceramic toadstools. In addition to our ceramic artists, there will be photographs, note cards and paintings from 8 other artists to browse.
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 RallyThe 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!
Loveland, Ohio – With the end of January quickly approaching Loveland is preparing for one of the city’s most celebrated holidays, Valentine’s Day! For those who haven’t experienced the magic of Valentine’s Day in Loveland, you may be wondering why it is one of the most celebrated holidays. Well, other than the city itself being called “Love-land” it is also referenced to as the “Sweetheart of Ohio,” and for a VERY good reason! This year two very special “Sweethearts,” Debbie Murray and Lilly Hummer, were selected to join the historic Loveland Valentine’s Program. Of course, Loveland Magazine wanted to pay tribute by providing our readers with some Loveland Valentine history and an exclusive on-camera interview with Debbie and Lilly!
This year two very special “Sweethearts,” Debbie Murray and Lilly Hummer, were selected to join the historic Loveland Valentine’s Program.
The Loveland Valentine’s Program began in 1972 and quickly became a nationally-known cachet stamping and postmark program. Once the program was up and running the community of Loveland decided to broaden the program’s horizons adding more fun and exciting ways to spread love throughout the city. This included the addition of two very prestigious competitions, the selection of Loveland’s annual Valentine Lady and Loveland’s Valentine Card Design Contest.
So what is a Valentine Lady? A Loveland Valentine Lady can be defined as “a woman who has distinguished themselves in the community, at local schools, and/or with family endeavors.” This lovely lady once selected is the ambassador for the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance’s Valentine program meaning she will spread both love and generosity by visiting area businesses, nursing homes, and schools. The Valentine Lady is chosen by the Loveland community and then picked by the LMR Chamber committee. In 1982 Loveland’s first Valentine Lady, Doris Pfiester was selected. Below is the list of Loveland’s past Valentine Ladies!
Debbie Murray was announced on December 12th at Loveland’s legendary spot, The Works, as the 34th Valentine Lady! Murray has resided in Loveland since 1985 and is a highly decorated woman in all that she does for the community. Loveland’s 2018 Valentine Lady, Kay Bolin, when asked about Debbie Murray being selected as the 2020 Valentine Lady, had nothing but kind words to say about Murray!
Debbie is indeed one of the nicest, most down to earth individuals you could ever meet.
“I met Debbie Murray in 2018 when I was at that year’s, Loveland Valentine Lady celebration. As we all know, part of the Valentine Lady’s responsibility is to go around to the local schools, which is when I met Debbie as she was a teacher at Tender Years,” Bolin explained, “I have been fortunate to spend more time with Debbie since she has been selected. CeeCee Collins asked me to read one of the many nomination letters that the chamber received nominating Debbie for the 2020 Valentine Lady at the recent Valentine Lady kickoff event. I was honored and felt so fortunate to share this nomination letter to the community. Debbie is indeed one of the nicest, most down to earth individuals you could ever meet and what she has contributed to the Loveland community is wonderful. Deb is the definition of love and kindness! I am looking forward to personally getting to know Debbie better as well as seeing her continued contribution to our community. Debbie, we welcome you to our Valentine Lady Sisterhood!,” Bolin said.
Lilly Hummer, a freshman Lacrosse player from Loveland High School, was recognized as Loveland’s Valentine’s Day card design winner.
Check out the video of Debbie Murray being surprised at The Works with her 2020 Valentine Lady honor!
I’m sure everyone can agree that Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be what it is without a great Valentine’s Day card! The LMR Chamber realized this during the early stages of the Valentine’s Day Program so they decided to incorporate a Valentine’s Day Card Design Contest! The design contest is open to anyone in the Loveland community and the only stipulations are that the artwork must reflect or incorporate the theme: “Love is…..” and must also include (or provide space for) the phrase, “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love.” Allowing anyone in the Loveland community to participate in the design contest makes the contest itself both creative and diverse! There have been many great design winner’s in the past, one of them being Loveland Magazine’s very own David Miller.
2020 marks one of the most creatively diverse card designs to date. Lilly Hummer, a freshman Lacrosse player from Loveland High School, was recognized as Loveland’s Valentine’s Day card design winner, on January 11th at the Valentine Kick-off at the Loveland Kroger’s.
Lilly Hummer, a freshman Lacrosse player from Loveland High School, was recognized as Loveland’s Valentine’s Day card design winner
Hummer will receive design credit on the back of the 2020 Valentine’s Day cards, local recognition, media recognition and two complimentary invitations to the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Annual Valentine Breakfast on February 14, 2020. Click on the link to learn how you can join the community at the annual Valentine breakfast: http://business.lovelandchamber.org/events/details/2020-valentine-s-day-breakfast-event-6785.
Now that we have shared a little Loveland Valentine Program history and informally introduced the 2020 Valentine Lady and Valentine Card Design winner LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV would like to formally introduce to you, Mrs. Debbie Murray and Miss Lilly Hummer! Click below to view the exclusive on-camera interview with these two lovely ladies!
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.
![[Video Interview] Operations Manager buys Whistlestop Clay Works in Historic Downtown](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/whistlestop.jpg)
![Meet Kay Bolin: the 2018 Valentine Lady [Q&A and videos]](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/bolin.png)
