Loveland, Ohio – I scream, you scream, we all scream for Loveland Dairy Whip Ice Cream!
Loveland is home to many family-owned businesses and historical buildings due to the fact that Loveland itself was founded in 1876. Businesses have come and gone and a majority of the historical buildings have had to go through some major renovations, but there is one business in particular that has not only called Loveland home from the beginning but has also kept its building as close as possible to the original layout. The Loveland Dairy Whip (LDW) located at 611 West Loveland Ave. has been serving up the community the finest high-quality ice cream since 1955 and has managed to satisfy sweet-tooths all over the city for 66 years! That’s why I couldn’t resist paying LDW a visit for my next round of “Cassie The Food Guru!”
Teresa (Flint) Morgan and her husband Rick Morgan became official LDW owners in 2001 although the ice cream hot spot had been in the Flint family since 1972. Teresa’s parents Marian and Jim Flint bought LDW in 1972, sold it in 1986, then bought it back in 1993. Up until 2001 when Teresa became the owner of LDW, she had been helping her parents run the shop since age 11 so she was no stranger to the LDW way of life!
The Morgan’s now run one of the longest-standing businesses and buildings in the City of Loveland. The LDW has not only been able to keep its historical charm intact even after the minor yet much-needed renovations that took place in 2014 it has also managed to stay true to its mantra, which is to continue offering the community the absolute best quality ice cream at a price that any family can afford! From the legendary vanilla, chocolate, or twist dip-top cones to the delicious Chocolate Mountain Cyclone to the yummy Oreo Parfay to the fan-favorite Banana Boats, LDW can sweeten anyone’s day with its magical ice cream creations!
Without further ado, I bring to you “Cassie the Food Guru” takes on Loveland Dairy Whip! Click below to see my on-camera interview with owner Rick Morgan!
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 – 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!
Loveland, Ohio – The 8th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally, presented by Wolterman Law, is back and better than ever, and now The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) has shared the Food Truck line up with us!
On May 8th from 3 PM to 10 PM at Shopper’s Haven Plaza on Loveland-Madeira Road, The Loveland Food Truck Rally will be welcoming 22 Food Trucks 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 Loveland Food Truck Rally is of course both family-friendly and free to attend! 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. Feel free to bring along your own folding chairs 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.
The Loveland Food Truck Rally will also include spectacular nationally recognized live entertainment by The Dan Varner Band! In between live music, at 6 PM, several City of Loveland officials 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.
At 6’4”, good-humored, warm, and sincere, Dan Varner’s stage presence demands attention. Fans and industry insiders agree.
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!
For more 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland, Ohio – Everyone’s favorite ice cream spot in Loveland is back and sweeter than ever!
The Loveland Dairy Whip (LDW), a family-owned Loveland legacy that has been serving up high-quality soft serve ice cream since 1955, is holding its opening weekend celebration beginning on Friday, February 26th at 2 PM.
What could be more exciting than a beautifully delicious soft-serve masterpiece? Well, a special “opening weekend” 2 dollars off coupon (you can grab yours below) of course! This coupon is good from February 26th-28th and may be used on any soft-serve dessert menu item. One coupon can be used per family or per automobile if you so choose to use the LDW’s convenient drive-up window.
The LDW is located at 611 W. Loveland Ave. and will be open daily from 2 PM-9 PM starting this Friday.
The Mobile LDW at Loveland Magazine’s 15th Birthday Bash!
Not familiar with The Loveland Dairy Whip? Well here’s the run-down on why you should stop by this weekend! The LDW not only uses a high-quality soft serve mix when creating their scrumptious desserts they also make it fresh right before your eyes! While this legendary ice cream shop offers go-to flavors for their ice cream cones such as vanilla, chocolate, and twist, they also offer specialty toppings for both cones and sundaes, like googly eyes for the kids, sprinkles, and chocolate, cherry, or cake batter dip top. Other popular ice cream flavors at the LDW include Blue Moon, Dreamsicle, and, Cake Batter. The LDW also offers specialty ice cream creations like their Parfay’s and Cyclones, which include fan-favorites, The Chocolate Mountain, Reeses, Oreo, and Black Raspberry Chip. The Loveland Dairy Whip’s menu also features Kid’s Sundaes, Hot Fudge Brownie Sundaes, Strawberry Short Cake, Hot Caramel Cake, Shakes, and Banana Boats.
Is your mouth watering yet? If so put the Loveland Dairy Whip’s opening weekend celebration on your agenda and come on by for a creation that is sure to sweeten up your weekend!
After enjoying a day out, stop by and relax with your favorite dessert in the picnic area.
You can Right Click to Save the Coupon Above or you can Show the Coupon From Your Phone When Placing Your Order!
From Loveland Bike Trail
Four-tenths of a mile (approx) six blocks west of the Loveland Bike Trail
West across Little Miami River
2nd Building on the left, after the 2nd light (Loveland Madeira Road)
From Landen
At St. Rt. 22 (Montgomery Road) take Columbia Road south
Columbia Road turns into Lebanon Road (about 3 miles total)
Turn left onto W. Loveland Ave. (about 1 mile)
At the bottom of the hill, 2nd building back from the light at Loveland Madeira Road
From Maineville
At St. Rt. 22 and St. Rt. 48, head south on St. Rt. 48
Take St. Rt. 48 through Mainville to Loveland (about 9 miles)
In Loveland, turn right onto W. Loveland Ave.
Through Downtown Loveland, across bike trail and the river, you will go through three lights
2nd Building on the left, after 3rd light (Loveland Maderia Road)
From Cincinnati
I-71 North to I-275 East
Take exit #52 toward INDIAN HILL/LOVELAND
Go north onto LOVELAND MADEIRA RD. – go about 3 miles
Turn left onto W. LOVELAND AVE
2nd Building on the left
For more local updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad with Me, Cassie Mattia!
Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland and is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – The saddest day of the year has finally come for the city of Loveland, and if you’re not a Loveland resident you maybe asking yourself when is this day coming and why is it so sad?! On Sunday, September 27th the legendary sweetest place in town, Loveland Dairy Whip, will be closing its doors for the season.
“We will be opening February 26th, 2021,” owner Rick Morgan informed the community.
The family-owned soft serve ice cream shop, located at 611 W Loveland Ave, has been open since 1955 and has become quite the tradition for many families around town. The Loveland Dairy Whip has a variety of options on its menu ranging from Dairymen’s vanilla, chocolate, or twist cones to specialty ice cream creations like The Chocolate Mountain and the Reese Tulip. Of course there are also options for the kiddos like the Clown Sundae and the Gummy Monster!
The friendly Loveland Dairy Whip owners and staff ask that you stop by during their final week of the Summer to celebrate another successful season! The ice cream shop has plenty of seating in their shaded picnic area so that you and your family can enjoy your favorite ice cream treat! The Loveland Dairy Whip’s hours this week will be from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For more of Loveland’s latest news stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!
Cassie Mattia is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine and lives in Historic Downtown Loveland
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – The flowers are in bloom, the temperatures are rising, the Loveland Bike Trail is flourishing with families enjoying Nisbet Park and the Little Miami River…so that means it’s time for another rendition of the Loveland Summer Salad!
This week we are featuring BRS Insurance, Loveland High School’s Cross Country Team, Hope Restored Counseling Services, Loveland Dairy Whip, Vibe Nutrition, and Move2Loveland. The Summer Salad will feature what Loveland’s local businesses are up to as well as fun Summer activity ideas and events that you, your friends, or family can get involved in! So what are you waiting for?! Scroll down to see who is featured this week!
BRS Insurance has joined forces with A.M Peck & Company! Read below to find out what this means for insurance clients!
AM Peck & Company Joins BRS
We would like to welcome A.M. Peck & Company, Inc. to the BRS team! This merger provides all BRS Insurance clients – new and old – expanded coverage options and opportunities. LEARN MORE
Our agency slogan “Worry Less with BRS” means we will provide our policyholders with a superior insurance value by offering personal attention, professional service, and a broad range of insurance products at a competitive price.
Loveland High School’s Cross Country Team is preparing to host the Cross Country Championships set to take place in the Fall! Check out their trail progress!
xlovelandcc Tweeted…”Thank you volunteers who worked on the trails at Home of the Brave Park for the sold out XC Championships this fall.“
UPDATE: We are continuing to see clients and can also offer telehealth sessions. We are accepting new clients at this time as well. Please email us to schedule an appointment.
Loveland Dairy Whip is offering outdoor seating again! Click the link above for more “creamy” details!
Vibe Nutrition is offering some new refreshing energizing teas and shakes to kick your Summer off right! Click the link below to learn more about Vibe and their delicious products!
At Vibe Nutrition, our mission is to transform lives by providing excellent wellness support for every client to achieve the best version of themselves!
Move2Loveland wants to help you sell your home! Click the link below to see how you can utilize their selling resource guide!
Sellers, Start Here!
We’ve put together our most useful resources to help guide your selling decision. From a step by step look at what the process would look like to stories from real people we’ve worked with in the past and everything in between.
Loveland, Ohio– With the beginning of a new school year quickly approaching, Loveland’s top athletes have been working hard all summer to perfect their craft! Over the past few years, Loveland High school has become a powerhouse when it comes to sports, producing both collegiate and professional athletes. Well, Loveland High school has done it again! Her name is Jillian Hayes, a 6’1 multi-faceted athlete that averaged 17.3 points and 8 rebounds per game last year. Hayes is not unfamiliar with the idea of competing at the collegiate level, as her mother, Kristi Hayes broke several records in high school and at her alma mater, Drake. Kristi averaged 52 points per game her senior year in high school and went on to become the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year at Drake scoring over 1,500 points during her collegiate career. Hayes’ father, Jonathan Hayes, played 12 years in the NFL and was a tight ends coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. He is the current head coach and general manager of the St. Louis XFL team. Her brother, Jaxson Hayes, was just picked 8th overall in the NBA Draft signing to the New Orleans Pelicans.
After several collegiate offers, Jillian recently committed to the University of Cincinnati to play Bearcat basketball. As her senior year approaches, there’s no doubt the sky is the limit for her upcoming basketball season with the Loveland Tigers!
I jumped at the opportunity to chat one on one with Jillian about her passion for basketball, her love for her family, and her dedication to both athletics and her education. Instead of doing a traditional interview I decided to put a spin on the interview process and do a question and answer forum so that you, the Loveland Magazine readers, could really get to know Jillian Hayes! So sit back, kick your feet up and check out Loveland Magazine’s interview with the basketball superstar herself, Jillian Hayes!
First off congratulations on your most recent accolades and achievements! Tell me what was it like growing up in the Hayes house? Have you always lived in Loveland?
Thank you! Growing up in my house we were always on the go, trying to get from one sporting event to the next. My brothers and I grew up playing games and sports with the other neighbor kids in the driveway and the yard. I was born in Norman, Oklahoma but have been raised in Loveland since I was about 2.
When did your passion for basketball begin? I know both of your parents and your brother are top-notch athletes themselves, is that where the passion came from for the game of basketball?
I grew up around basketball it was always a part of my life. Through competition – and the more I played, the more I fell in love with it.
You are going into a very important year at Loveland High school in regards to education and sports, what are you most excited about? What has your experience been like as a student-athlete at Loveland?
I’m so excited for one last go around with all of my friends, teammates, and coaches. Being a student-athlete at Loveland has been amazing. We have such a supportive community!
I have chatted with Coach Parker about some of the athletes he has had the pleasure of coaching and he seems to really have a passion for the game of basketball and his athletes. What does Coach Parker mean to you? How has he helped you as a student, athlete, and person?
Coach Parker is such an amazing coach! You can truly tell how passionate he is for the game and his players just by watching him in games. He brings so much energy! He makes it known from the very beginning that academics come first and are very understanding when it comes to needing to stay after school to make up a test or ask questions. Every day in practice and even outside of practice he continues to push us and is always there to open the gym when we need to use it. Coach Parker really has helped shape me into the person I am today by teaching me various life lessons on and off the court.
Let’s talk about basketball! What position do you play? What position do you prefer? What’s your favorite part about the game of basketball? Do you have a basketball role model?
I play anywhere from 1 to stretch 4 for Loveland. I’ll play whatever position my coach needs me to, but I mostly play a 3 or stretch 4. I love the competing aspect of it and continuing to challenge myself to become the best player and teammate I can be. My basketball role model would have to be my mom. She averaged 52 points in her senior year of high school and was an All American division 1 player. Not only did her accolades make her great she also had such an amazing basketball IQ and had counter moves for every defender that tried to stop her.
Ok so let’s take a moment to go over your awards and accolades as a basketball player! What are your proudest accolades? Have you been selected to be apart of an elite basketball team or play in any all-star games? It’s okay to brag about yourself for a minute!
My proudest accolade is getting the chance to play for Coach Heard at UC and getting 3rd in the nation at Nike Nationals. I got the chance to play for an EYBL team for the AAU season. The EYBL is a Nike circuit that has the top competition from all around the country.
We have heard as a Loveland community about the big announcement….you have committed to The University of Cincinnati to play basketball! Are you excited to play sports at the collegiate level? Was UC your first choice? Talk about your journey to deciding where you wanted to play and why.
I am thrilled to be able to play division 1 basketball. UC was the perfect fit for me. Every time I stepped on campus it felt like home and I would just light up. The relationship I have with Coach Heard is amazing! We have such a great bond. Coach Heard and the rest of the staff already feel like family!
Your family is a huge SPORTS family with your mom being a former basketball all-star, your dad being a Bengals coach, and your brother committing to play for the NBA. Do you put pressure on yourself because of your family’s success in sports? If so why and how? What have you learned from your family?
No, each person in our family has their own story and although we are big competitors we don’t compete against each other, but rather support one another. I have learned everything I know from my family, they truly have shaped me into the person I am today.
Being an athlete myself I know that we are always reaching higher for bigger and better goals, what are some goals you would like to achieve over the next few years?
For my senior year, my goal is to help the team win sectional finals. We’ve come a little short in previous years. I would also like to make it to the NCAA tournament my first year at UC and really go on a run in the tournament.
What are you doing now to prepare for this year’s basketball season? Do you have any advice for any student-athletes out there that are trying to make it to the collegiate level?
Training with Coach Keith Braswell, lifting and explosion training. No matter what role you have I think you should always lead with confidence, have fun with it and enjoy every chance you have to be out on the court.
Let’s get a few fun facts out there about you for our loyal readers! What is your favorite color? What is your basketball pre-game ritual? What’s your favorite food? What is your favorite movie? Do you have a favorite basketball team, if so, who? What are some of your favorite hobbies? What do you LOVE about Loveland? Do you have any favorite Loveland “spots?”
Black or blue. Listening to music. Sushi. Like Mike. New Orleans Pelicans because my older brother plays for them. I like hanging with my friends and playing volleyball. I love the community because they continue to be supporters of all Loveland’s sports. Two of my favorite spots are Loveland Dairy Whip and Trailside Ice Shack Hawaiian Ice in downtown Loveland.
Thank you Jillian for your time. Loveland Magazine will certainly be following you on the volleyball and basketball courts your Senior year. Best of luck in all you do.
Loveland Magazine writer, Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland
by Cassie Mattia
Loveland, Ohio – Families and friends came together to celebrate one of Loveland’s largest family events of the year, The Independence Day Celebration, in Loveland’s Historic Districts. The weather was a little unwilling to start off the evening, but as the clouds finally opened up and the sunshine cast down it rays, Loveland was ready to celebrate America’s birthday!
The Red, White and Blue festivities kicked off at 4 PM at the famous Loveland Tower Clock with performances by Inquire Without. Directly across the street, kids and adults lined the sidewalk to watch the Cincinnati Circus Stunt Show.
The stunt show duo provided families and friends with excellent 4th of July entertainment as they hula-hooped fire, twirled and flipped through the air using ariel ribbons and took a spin through the “Wheel of Death!” The Circus duo performed every hour throughout the evening switching up their routine to keep the audience engaged. Right next to the Cincinnati Circus Stunt show at City Hall, “N.E.S.T” created a “Family Fun Zone,” that featured family-friendly activities such as sack races, water balloon toss, hula hoop contests, three-legged races, patriotic crafts, watermelon seed spitting competition, and an apple pie baking contest!
The 4th of July spirit spread down the Little Miami Bike Trail to Nisbet Park as the Independence Day Parade hour drew nearer and nearer! Kids were spotted all over enjoying the “Kid Zone,” which included Cool Critter’s Outreach, Heavenward Farms Pony Rides, Foam Dance Party, Disney Characters, a Bounce House, Inflatable Games, Face Painting, Balloon Artists, Branches Church Photo Booth, and several food trucks. Families enjoyed everything from sprinkled ice cream cones at the Loveland Dairy Whip mobile truck, to warm, buttery pretzels from PretzelFuls, to good old fashion Farmhouse Lemonade.
Did I mention Bite Me Gourmet Corndogs was there as well serving up some unique corndog combinations?! In addition to the food trucks that camped out in Nisbet Park, there were also several other food trucks that offered some excellent summer cook-out food selections. Chocolate Freaking Bacon served up plenty of bacon at the Loveland Tower Clock, The Beerded Pig Food Truck of Ohio handed out their award-winning bbq combinations at Cappy’s, AJ’s Cheesesteaks sliced up some delicious sandwiches at Cindy’s, and The Italian Truck gave their guests the full Italian experience, street food style, at Narrow Path Brewing.
With food and drinks comes music and Loveland’s musical entertainment selections did not fail to do what they do best….ENTERTAIN! Cappy’s featured Rooster Ridge, Lyle’s Bikes, Brews & BBQ hosted Jason Ritchie and Frank Grasso, and Bishop’s Quarter featured DJ MoCool.
As the time drew closer to 7 PM, families and friends selected their favorite spots so that they could get the ultimate view of the parade! American flags hung high and the crowd showed off their best 4th of July wear as the sound of the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department truck rung throughout the streets, officially kicking off the 2019 Independence Day Parade. The parade featured dedicated Loveland community members, such as the Valentine Ladies, Loveland City School students in their most festive 4th of July gear and of course the Grand Marshall, Pat Furterer. Both Loveland Canoe and Kayak and The Loveland Museum Center made an appearance in the parade sporting their Red, White, and Blue as well as the Cincy River Rats and Spring Master’s Tumbling.
Those gathered in the West Loveland Historic District were cooled off in a “Wet Zone” provided by spray from the Loveland/Symmes Fire Department trucks
As the parade proceeded down Loveland Madeira Road into the West Loveland Historic District, and into the heart of Downtown, children lined the street with bags waiting for those who were in the parade to throw their candy! The Loveland Police Department, as well as many beautifully decorated floats representing organizations such as the Showboat Cloggers, Loveland United Methodist Church, Saint Columban Council 13813, and the Lawn Rangers of Chatham Woods, waved to the community. After the parade came to an end, families and neighbors gathered around the Loveland Tower Clock for a performance by The Whammies.
At 10 PM, Rozzi’s Fireworks rose above the river for the annual firework show for an excited crowd covered in Red, White, and Blue! Families and friends claimed their favorite viewing spots with blankets and lawn chairs all throughout Loveland. People were seen watching the unbelievable fireworks on the gigantic hill behind Loveland Station Apartments, on the Col. Thomas Paxton Bridge over Little Miami River and throughout downtown’s parks! People gathered at Loveland High School and friend’s homes in the West Loveland Historic District. Children and adults alike ‘oohed’ and ‘aahed’ as the fireworks lit up the sky and the City of Loveland. The fireworks ended with some very unique Independence Day themes. Everyone who attended the fireworks was not disappointed! After the fireworks, families and friends could not stop talking about how impressed they were with the show. It just proved to be the perfect ending to another successful Independence Day Celebration in Loveland!
If you missed out on the Independence Day Parade don’t worry, Loveland Magazine was lucky enough to capture some amazing moments from the event. Click the album below to see if we captured you and your family enjoying the holiday!
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by Cassie Mattia
