Loveland, Ohio – Rosalynne Patricia “Pat” Furterer, founder of the Loveland Stage Company passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the age of 90.
Furterer was born in Chester, Pennsylvania and married Fred Furterer on February 13, 1954. Fred Furterer passed away in 2009. The couple lived in Pennsylvania and Michigan before Fred was transferred to Cincinnati in 1977. The couple settled in Pheasant Hills in Loveland.
Pat was a leader in community theater in Battle Creek, Michigan.
In 1979, when Pat realized that there was no community theater in Loveland, she ran an ad in the local paper seeking people who might be interested in starting one and gathered a group of eleven people who were interested in live theater, at her home in the Pheasant Hills subdivision. She continued in many roles with the theater company, as a performer, educator, fundraiser, set designer, Director, and mentor for 50-years.
To honor her legacy as the leader of the volunteer Board of Directors, she was named President Emeritus of the Loveland Stage Company in 2013.
She was the 2002 Loveland Valentine Lady. She was an officer and active member of the Loveland Woman’s Club; and she professionally worked for the Loveland Chamber of Commerce for several years.
Loveland’s Second Street in front of the theater added the honorary name of PAT FURTERER WAY on its street sign. She was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2022.
Pat won the City of Loveland’s Louis G. Rookwood Award and given a “Key to the City” in 1994. The Loveland Chamber of Commerce, now the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, began a college scholarship program in her honor.
For her contributions to community theater, Pat won the Art Rouse Award in 2006 from the Association of Community Theaters of Greater Cincinnati (ACT). The Ohio Community Theater Association (OCTA) inducted her into its Hall of Fame in 2015.
Visitation will be on Thursday, April 25 from 3 until 5 PM at the Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 129 N. Riverside Avenue in Loveland. A services will be held at 5 PM.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations in Pat’s memory may be made to the Loveland Stage Company, PO Box 312, Loveland, Ohio 45140, or to the Loveland Woman’s Club Scholarship Fund, 119 N. Riverside Avenue, Loveland, OH 45140.
Loveland, Colorado – In Loveland, Colorado., the nation’s Sweetheart City, Valentine season starts now. The Loveland Chamber of Commerce and partners unveiled details and plans for the 77th annual Valentine season this morning, including the Valentine Re-Mailing Program, Sweetheart Festival, exclusive Valentine wine and coffee, the Loveland Sweetheart Classic 4-mile race, and the Valentine Group Wedding being held on the ice (NEW) at the Budweiser Event Center prior to the Feb. 14 Sweetheart Game featuring AHL hockey’s Colorado Eagles vs. Bakersfield Condors. The event, including the Valentine-themed game takeover, is part of the Colorado Eagles’ 20th anniversary celebration. All Valentine season activities and events take place during the first two weeks of February.
“We are very excited to be celebrating our 77th year of sending LOVE around the world. These last couple of years have been a challenge with the pandemic, but Valentine season is magical in Loveland and there is no better way to help spread love, joy and hope than through a special Valentine mailed from the Sweetheart City,” said Mindy McCloughan, president of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce. “Our designs and verses this year reflect Loveland’s desire to spread a little love and kindness. It is even more important to share this time-honored tradition with the world and show that LOVE is the greatest gift we can give or receive.”
Loveland’s Valentine Re-Mailing Program The 2023 official Loveland Valentine card, collector’s stamp (also known as a cachet) and postmark have been announced. The collector’s stamp and postmark will be stamped on every piece of mail that comes through the program. Loveland receives around 100,000 Valentines annually from all 50 states and 110 countries across the world through its Valentine Re-mailing Program, the largest program of its kind. Sponsors and volunteers handstamp the collector’s stamp and postmark onto each individual Valentine that comes through the city’s post office.
2023 collector’s envelope artwork, re-mailing program deadlines announced
The 2023 collector’s envelope artwork was designed by Corry McDowell and includes the following verse written by Amy Huckaby:
Travel by train, by letter or card,
My Love note will find you, wherever you are.
Via Sweetheart City my message departs
And speeds on its journey straight to your heart.
McDowell also crafted the 77th-anniversary postmark.
To get this special 2023 collector’s envelope artwork and postmark, package pre-addressed, pre-stamped Valentines in a larger First Class envelope. Send the envelope to Postmaster – Attention Valentines, 446 E. 29th St., Loveland, CO 80538-9998. Once received, Valentines will be removed from the larger envelope and hand-stamped before being re-mailed to intended recipients.
All international-destined mail must be received in Loveland by Feb. 2. All U.S.-destined mail to states outside of Colorado must be received by Feb. 7, and all Colorado-destined mail must be received by Feb. 9 to ensure delivery by Valentine’s Day. Northern Colorado residents can drop off their Valentines now through Feb. 9 at the following Loveland locations during normal business hours:
Our official Valentine drop location sponsors include Independent Financial and Elevations Credit Union. Drop off self-addressed, stamped Valentine envelopes at any of these locations, as well as the Chamber of Commerce, Visitor’s Center and the Post Office.
Participants are encouraged to send their Valentines to Loveland as soon as possible.
2023 Valentine card on sale
The 2023 Valentine card was designed by Corry McDowell. The card design features a row of black and white mailboxes with one box open revealing a red heart. The Valentine card verse written by Sybil Psuik is:
“From the City of Loveland,
Right to your door,
A card full of love, And a little bit more.
To you and your loved ones,
Good wishes and smiles,
From the Sweetheart City,
Across the miles.”
Valentine cards can be purchased online at Loveland.org for $10 (which includes the card, printing, processing and postage) from Jan. 18 through Feb. 9, and for $5 at the Loveland Chamber of Commerce, Loveland Visitors Center, and through many retail outlets in Loveland, including Safeway, Walmart, Rowes, Columbine Drug, and B Sweet Cupcakes, beginning Jan. 5. A complete list of retail outlets is available on the chamber’s website, www.Loveland.org. All cards purchased through Loveland.org will automatically go through the re-mailing program.
Celebrate all things LOVE in the Sweetheart City at the annual Loveland Sweetheart Festival, returning February 10-11, 2023. During this free celebration in Downtown Loveland, enjoy live music, art installations, local beer, and interactive activities at four venues in the center of town. As you stroll between venues, explore the Valentine Flea Art Market and the community plaza with local performances, food trucks, and kids’ activities, and experience the Arts Alive block featuring interactive raku firing and ice carving demonstrations, or paint a tile for the Loveland community mural. Don’t miss the 3rd Annual Little Miss Valentine and Mr. Cupid contests and be sure to catch the Projection Mapping light show on the Historic Feed and Grain Building. Enjoy live music at the Rialto Theater with 14-time Grammy Award winning musician Dan Tyminski, featuring Gavin Largent, on Feb. 11. Stay tuned for an announcement about the Feb. 10 headliner.
Loveland Lights at Chapungu
Feb. 1-14, 2023
Chapungu Sculpture Park in Centerra will be adorned in red and pink lights and sweetheart-themed decor. Similar to Loveland Winter Wonderlights, the lighting displays will be free and open to the public from 5-9 p.m. every evening.
Colorado Eagles Hockey Sweetheart Game
The Colorado Eagles and Visit Loveland are excited to team up for the Sweetheart Game on Tuesday, Feb. 14. For the first time in seven seasons, the Eagles will host a game on Valentine’s Day featuring fun for all at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland. Festivities include:
Enter to win one of 150 “Sweetheart Packs” via Eagles social media beginning the last week in January, including two (2) tickets to the game and a gift bag from Visit Loveland.
Pregame group wedding on the Ice.
First 2,000 attendees receive red and pink light-up foam batons provided by the City of Loveland at the entrance of the game.
Pick up an “I Love ______” sign at the Visit Loveland booth and fill in the blank to show your LOVE.
Take part in Northern Colorado’s Biggest Valentines Kiss on the Kiss Cam during a stoppage in play.
Many other special surprises.
Valentine Group Wedding
Feb. 14, 2023
Loveland’s seventh annual ode to vows of the marriage variety is back and even better for 2023. If you’re in search of a unique wedding experience and a memorable venue, read on.
Lovely Valentine Libations
In partnership with the Colorado Eagles, the AHL Avalanche affiliate hockey team, couples can exchange or renew vows in a group setting on the ice prior to the February 14 Visit Loveland/Colorado Eagles Sweetheart hockey game at Loveland’s Budweiser Events Center. The ceremony includes music you vote on, a customized ceremony, keepsake photos, gift bags, signature wedding cupcakes, a lock couples can use to “lock their love” on Loveland’s famous LOVE or HEART sculptures, plus the chance to win a giant gift basket. The package also includes tickets to the evening’s Eagles game when the home team takes on the Bakersfield Condors. Cost is $140 per couple and registration is limited. Loveland’s Valentine’s Day Group Wedding is hosted by MBD Marketing & Events, in partnership with the Colorado Eagles, Visit Loveland and the Loveland Chamber.
2023 Sweetheart Classic Race
Feb. 11, 2023
The Sweetheart Classic is a staple race in the Loveland community taking place from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, in Downtown Loveland on 4th Street. While on the four-mile course, participants will enjoy diverse terrain and views, from downtown to River’s Edge Natural Area. Runners can bring a sweetheart and participate together or single runners can be on the lookout for that future running partner.
2023 Loveland Valentine Wine
Sweet Heart Winery in Loveland has produced the Loveland Valentine wine for 2023, a 2019 Merlot from Lodi, Calif. that includes label art entitled “Sensuous” by Sheldon James. A limited release of 180 gallons, or 1,200 bottles, will be available for purchase online and at the winery after Feb. 1.
2023 Loveland Valentine Coffee
The Loveland Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Top of the Lake Coffee to produce the 2023 official Loveland Valentine coffee. The Sweetheart Blend for 2023 is a beautifully roasted Butter Toffee coffee. It will be sold at the Loveland Visitors Center.
Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Aging inducted 15 older Ohioans, including Loveland, resident Pat Furterer into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in a special ceremony in the Statehouse Atrium on Wednesday, Sept. 14.
This year’s inductees range in age from 66 to 101. The citizens were honored because, “Their stories are compelling and represent lifetimes of dedication, ingenuity, perseverance, kindness and compassion.”
“Today, we celebrate 15 amazing individuals whose passion and willingness to help people, quite frankly, stand out,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “One thing they have in common: they represent the best kind of Ohioan – one who serves others, changes lives, and makes us all stronger. On behalf of all Ohioans, thank you to our 15 newest Hall of Fame inductees.”
“These amazing individuals challenge our society’s notion of what it means to age. Far too many people misguidedly think of our Senior Citizens as mere consumers, whose days of bringing value to the table are behind them. Not in Ohio,” Director McElroy said. “In Ohio, we understand that our Seniors are contributors. By utilizing their decades of experience and continuing to work as fierce advocates for their loved ones and their hometowns, the value they bring to us all is immeasurable.”
The Commission said about Furterer:
Pat Furterer (Photo provided by Ohio Department of Aging)
For four decades, Pat Furterer played pretty much every role there is to play within the Loveland Stage Company (LSC).
Mrs. Furterer helped found the company in 1979. During the next 40 years, she volunteered for every one of its productions. At one time or another she directed, produced, acted, did publicity, ushered, sold tickets, worked the hospitality counter, designed programs, constructed and decorated sets, was house manager, was stage crew, handled props, and developed the patron program. As if that wasn’t enough, she also served on the board in every position. In 2013, the board elected her as President Emeritus.
Her love of theater began in 1942, when she was just 8 years of age. She gathered friends from her Pennsylvania neighborhood and staged many backyard productions. Even as a young girl, she gave back to the community, donating the proceeds from the 5-cent admission to the Community Chest Fund.
In the years to come, Mrs. Furterer studied with several professional directors and helped to renovate an old movie theatre. Then in 1977, she and her husband relocated to Loveland, only to discover there was no community theater in town. Taking matters into her own hands, she placed an ad in the local paper, seeking individuals interested in starting a theater company.
Starting small, she formed the nucleus of the LSC. The company’s first production was, fittingly, staged in her backyard. Since those humble beginnings, the company has become a cherished institution within the community.
Since 2006, six shows had first-time directors, and 72 actors debuted in prominent roles. The company also offers seminars, workshops and mentoring programs for technical staff in sound, makeup, costumes, lighting, and production.
Pat Furterer in 2017 at the annual introduction of the Loveland Valentine Ladies at the Loveland Kroger. (Loveland Magazine file photo)
In 1999, the Loveland Firefighters Association purchased the Crist Theater, an old movie house, and donated it to LSC as their home. Soon after, Mrs. Furterer started the LSC’s Children’s Workshop/Theatre. Since 2004, it has evolved into a successful children’s theater with more than 120 children participating annually. On Oct. 20, 2008, the LSC’s theater caught fire. The walls remained but the roof was gone. Again, her experience with renovation came into play in rebuilding the theater. She worked tirelessly with countless volunteers to rebuild and reopen the theatre one year later with the production of “Miss Saigon.”
Because of her belief in community involvement, the LSC stages free Christmas shows and participates in Loveland’s 4th of July parade. She is an active member of the Loveland Woman’s Club, is a Loveland Valentine Lady, and was director of the Loveland Chamber of Commerce.
For her dedicated community involvement, Mrs. Furterer took home the prestigious Louis Rookwood Award and the Key to the City in 1994 and the Art Rouse Award in 2006. In 1999 The Loveland Chamber of Commerce started a scholarship award in her name for a student who exemplifies her character and spirit.
Pat was unable to attend the induction ceremony, but you can watch what was said about her in this video. (the 41:40 Mark) (You can watch the ceremony “Full Screen)
c
Read this story published in Loveland Magazine written by Ann Barfels in 2019…
Other2022 Inductees (Read about the oter inductees HERE)
Among them are doctors, nurses, scientists, teachers, veterans, public servants, philanthropists, historians, preservationists, musicians, actors, advocates, and more.
The Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame was established in 1977 to honor Ohioans age 60 and older for achievements and contributions to others, the roles they play in their communities, state and nation, and for what they do to promote productive and enjoyable lives. Their stories are compelling and represent lifetimes of dedication, ingenuity, perseverance, kindness, and compassion.
Loveland, Ohio – 2008 Loveland Valentine Lady Kay Napier says, “To have your Valentine Cards stamped with the cachet ‘There is nothing in this world so sweet as love’, plus have the stamp cancelled with the Loveland postmark put your cards with correct postage in an envelope and mail it to the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, 425 W Loveland Ave, Loveland, OH 45140.”
In town folks, can bring cards and packages to the Loveland post office to get them stamped from 10 AM to 4 PM. Former Valentine Ladies will stamp the cards and envelopes for you. Napier said, “We stamp approximately 1,000 cards each year.”
Loveland Sweets is a purveyor of hand-crafted chocolates, caramels, marshmallows, and ice creams. Our house-made candies are prepared in small batches
Loveland’s Second Street in front of the theater added the honorary name of PAT FURTERER WAY on its street sign. She was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame in 2022.
