Tag: Loveland Learning Garden

  • Hello from Loveland Learning Garden’s New Board President

    Hello from Loveland Learning Garden’s New Board President

    by Katie Taylor

    I joined the Board of Directors of the Loveland Learning Garden in May of 2023 as the Director of Operations. I also have two kids in Loveland City Schools, and both of them have participated in Loveland Learning Garden School Day Programming. I want to thank each of you for your continued support of our organization.

    It is the meaningful relationships we have built with individuals in the community, like you, that continue to make the impact of our organization possible. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are excited to continue our work together with you.

    Loveland Learning Garden was so fortunate to have Laurie Flanagan as Board President for the last seven years, and I can say with certainty we wouldn’t be where we are today without the leadership and development that she brought to us—including the strong and deep relationships she made with so many people in the community—and I want to thank you again for playing a part in the ongoing development, evolution, and impact of Loveland Learning Garden on our community and the hundreds of kids who participate and benefit from our program each year.

    I appreciate your ongoing commitment to Loveland Learning Garden’s mission! You can reach out to me directly at katie@lovelandlearninggarden.org with any questions, concerns, or feedback you may have. If we haven’t met already, I’m looking forward to meeting you this year out in the garden.

    Warmly,
    Katie Taylor

    Board President, Loveland Learning Garden

    Watch this Guest Column

    Visit www.lovelandlearninggarden.org

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    __________________

    At Loveland Learning Garden, we believe in the power of nature to spark curiosity, joy, and a sense of connection. Here, kids don’t just learn about the outdoors—they experience it firsthand. From planting seeds and tasting fresh veggies to exploring the magic of our nature trail, every moment is an adventure.

    Our garden and trail are alive with possibilities year-round, offering hands-on experiences that bring classroom lessons to life while nurturing a love for the environment.

    Our Unique Difference

    Loveland Learning Garden is more than a garden—it’s a space where learning meets exploration and where nature inspires young minds. Here’s what sets us apart:

    • Recognized Excellence: Our programs are a model for nature-based education, blending fun with meaningful learning.

    • Hands-On Adventures: Kids dive into science, math, and more through activities like planting, harvesting, and exploring.

    • Community Impact: Every year, we grow fresh produce to donate to local families in need, making our work as rooted in giving back as it is in growth.

    Let’s Grow Together

    Whether you’re here to learn, volunteer, or support, we’d love to have you join us. Together, we’re creating lasting connections—to nature, to learning, and to each other.

  • Rotary Club partners with Joe Burrow Foundation and UC Health to help Loveland Learning Garden

    Rotary Club partners with Joe Burrow Foundation and UC Health to help Loveland Learning Garden

    Volunteers can help with invasive honeysuckle tree removal and creek bed cleaning at the Loveland Learning Garden Nature Trail

    Loveland, Ohio – The Joe Burrow Foundation and UC Health are joining the Rotary Club of Cincinnati in an effort to fight food insecurity as part of the annual Rotary Cincinnati Do Days service event October 24 through 26.

    One event task, is working at the Loveland Learning Garden on the campus of the Loveland Primary and Elementary school campus.

     

    Rotary Cincinnati Do Days brings together more than 650 volunteers for a three-day service initiative that intends to complete dozens of service projects for around 35 Tri-State non-profit organizations. The Joe Burrow Foundation and UC Health have committed to packing and delivering 12,000 meals in support of UC Health’s Food is Medicine program.

    “The Joe Burrow Foundation’s mission is to provide support and resources for food insecurity in Cincinnati and Southeast Ohio and we are pleased to put our muscle behind the Rotary Club of Cincinnati’s Do Days,” says Jimmy Burrow, vice president, Joe Burrow Foundation. “It takes many hands to complete an effort like this one, and the Burrow Foundation is ready to deliver in the name of a common mission.”

    UC Health’s Food is Medicine program screens patients for food insecurity during visits to their primary care provider. Those who need support can immediately access an in-office food pantry stocked with pantry staples and hygiene items, as well as vouchers for fresh produce.

    “Food insecurity directly impacts the health and well-being of people in our community, particularly those with chronic health conditions,” says Melissa Martin, RN, clinical manager, UC Health Hoxworth Internal Medicine and Pediatric Clinic. “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with Rotary Club of Cincinnati’s Do Days as a way to help eliminate barriers to food access and give people an important resource to help manage their health and wellness.”

    ______________

    Volunteers will help with invasive honeysuckle tree removal and creek bed cleaning.

    The Learning Garden supports the Life Food Pantry by growing and harvesting produce that is distributed to local residents.

    The nature trail is used for school day, afterschool and summer programs to connect kids to nature. Removal of honeysuckle will allow Loveland Learning Garden to restore native wildflowers and open up the creek for exploration.

    Please review the available slots and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

     Date
    10/26/2024 (Sat.)
     Time
    8:00AM – 11:00AM EDT
     Location
    600 Loveland Madeira Rd, Loveland 45140
    ______________
    Volunteer groups and individuals may sign up for a variety of service projects to help the Rotary Club of Cincinnati and their call for hundreds of volunteers. Potential service shifts range from organizing non-perishable food at a local food pantry, performing landscaping and outdoor maintenance projects at a local camp for children with disabilities, and packing school supplies for disadvantaged children across the Tri-State. People who are interested in volunteering for Rotary Cincinnati Do Days may visit https://cincinnatirotary.org/events-news/do-days/ to review activities and sign up for a scheduled time. The Rotary Cincinnati Do Days service initiative represents more than 2500 volunteer hours and a financial impact of nearly $100,000. Flynn & Company CPAs is once again serving as corporate sponsor of The Rotary Cincinnati Do Days. The Cincinnati Business Courier is the event’s media sponsor.

    Watch Cassie Mattia’s Tour of the Loveland Learning Garden

  • Come help in the gardens!

    Come help in the gardens!

    Loveland, Ohio – Lend a hand getting the Loveland Learning Garden ready for the new school year on any date below. No registration is required – just show up! Contact info@lovelandlearninggarden.org with questions. Thunderstorm cancels.

    Aug 9th 6:30-8pm

    Aug 12th 9-11am

    Aug 19th 9-11am

    Aug 26th 9-11am

    Want to teach kids outside?

    Seeking Nature Educators to teach daytime or afterschool lessons for 1st-4th graders. Lesson plans provided for delivery in our garden or nature trail. Flexible scheduling.

    The gardens are on the campus of the Loveland Primary and Elementary schools at 600 Loveland-Madeira Rd.

    For more information, email laurie.flanagan@lovelandlearninggarden.org


    How It Works

    Our 20-week school day program is delivered in the spring and fall. It is planned in collaboration with 1st-4th grade teachers to ensure alignment with subjects students are learning in class. Teachers are given online access to the seasonal schedule and voluntarily sign up for topics relevant to their class plans. Students spend time in the garden or nature trail where Nature Educators deliver the session and inspire their imaginations.

    Loveland Learning Garden also runs an after-school Outdoor Adventures program, host scout troops and delivers youth-oriented events.

  • Loveland Learning Garden – Summer Events!

    Loveland Learning Garden – Summer Events!

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Learning Garden says that they are excited to invite kids to their garden and nature trail this summer for a variety of free events to connect with nature. Programs are tailored for 1st through 4th grades but siblings are welcome.

    At least 1 adult must be present with children attending. All programs are held on the campus of Loveland Primary and Elementary schools located at 600 Loveland-Madeira Road in either the garden located between the buildings or behind the school on the nature trail. The garden and nature trail are outdoor spaces for learning that are maintained by volunteers of Loveland Learning Garden.

    Please register for events of interest so they know how many to expect.

    If you have any questions, email info@lovelandlearninggarden.org or follow @lovelandlearninggarden on Facebook or Instagram.

    Learn more about the garden program HERE.

    Follow this LINK to see the full programming schedule.

  • And the Chamber’s 2022 Annual Awards are…

    And the Chamber’s 2022 Annual Awards are…

    Miami Township, Ohio – The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance threw a gala celebration on November 17 to honor local individuals and businesses. It was held at the Oasis Conference and Event Center.

    Here are the awards that were presented:

    Annual Awards Dinner 2022

    • Business of the Year: BF Realty
    • Emerging Business of the Year: JL Aerial Views
    • Beautification Award: Love Our Land
    • Community Involvement Award: Michael Franks
    • Business Community Advocate Award: Lemons & Limes Boutique
    • Non-Profit of the Year: Loveland Learning Garden
    • Woman Owned Business of the Year: All The Ingredients
    • Young Professional of the Year: Emily Mobley
    • Randy K. Stanifer Health, Wellness & Fitness Business of the Year: Activate Brain & Body
    • Customer Service Award: Mile 42 Coffee
    • Community Responder Award: NEST Community Learning Center
    • Hidden Hero Award: Ben Morrison Memorial Fund
    • Chamber Choice Award: Bush Re Shea Insurance
    • Lift Up Loveland Award: Scott & Jamie Gordon

    Loveland Magazine, Cassie Mattia, and David Miller were nominated for several awards but the competition proved just too tough! We had a blast at the dinner though and want to thank the Chamber for such great hospitality, and just as important, congratulate the well-deserving businesses and individuals who were honored.

    These photos are from the vantage point of the Loveland Magazine table and taking a couple spins around the sold-out capacity crowd.

  • Loveland Learning Garden is hosting a scavenger hunt for kids in their garden

    Loveland Learning Garden is hosting a scavenger hunt for kids in their garden

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Learning Garden is hosting a scavenger hunt for kids in their garden as part of The Greater Cincinnati Great Outdoor Weekend on Sunday, September 25 between Noon and 4 PM.

    The Garden is on the campus of the Loveland Primary and Elementary schools.

    Click the image below to search for other events near you…

    About the Loveland Learning Garden

    Visit www.lovelandlearninggarden.org

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    The mission of Loveland Learning Garden is to foster lifelong connections to the wonders of the natural world. Their mission statement says, “We believe in the benefits of immersing kids in the outdoors from a young age and the lasting impact of positive impressions with nature.” To support this, the non-profit creates and manages garden and nature-based programs on school grounds for elementary students. “Our garden and nature trail are used to enhance classroom study while allowing children an opportunity to experience nature, the satisfaction of growing their own food, and contributing harvest to the local food pantry.”

    Description

    The program in Loveland serves ~1,400 1st through 4th-grade students and has been a local and national role model for outdoor school garden and nature programs. Working in collaboration with school administration and staff, they offer a complete package of services that include:

    • Design and year-round maintenance of educational food garden and nature trail on school grounds.
    • A customized, age-appropriate curriculum aligned with both school and state requirements
    • A schedule of outdoor learning classes is provided for classroom teacher signup
    • Nature educators prepared to teach interactive lessons
    • A non-profit board overseeing results and building a sustainable operation with strong school and teacher partnership
    • Hands-on learning enhancing student understanding of science, math, social studies, health, and the natural world as they interact with their environment.
    • After-school enrichment programs and community events
    • Donation to the local food pantry and use of all food grown
    • Student discovery of plant cycles, garden habitats, food production, and fresh produce
    • Student connection and observation of change in nature

    The Learning Garden is on the search for Nature Educators to lead lessons in the garden and/or nature trail during the school day or as part of our afterschool program this fall. Here is the link to the Volunteer Match.

    Come volunteer with other like-minded people in the beautiful learning garden. No experience is necessary, the new garden manager will be there to guide you all along the way. Tasks may include transplanting, planting seeds, weeding, laying wood chips, compost management, etc. Meet at the garden located in between the Loveland Primary and Elementary schools on Loveland Madeira Road. The garden is in between the buildings when looking from the street side. Look for a garden shed with the Learning Garden logo, Bring your family and friends. Children are welcome, Feel free to leave early or come later as needed.

  • Volunteer with the Loveland Learning Garden and “Nurture Young Minds and Nature”

    Volunteer with the Loveland Learning Garden and “Nurture Young Minds and Nature”

    David Miller is the Editor and Publisher of Loveland Magazine

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – The mission of Loveland Learning Garden is to foster lifelong connections to the wonders of the natural world. Their mission statement says, “We believe in the benefits of immersing kids in the outdoors from a young age and the lasting impact of positive impressions with nature.” To support this, the non-profit creates and manages garden and nature-based programs on school grounds for elementary students. “Our garden and nature trail are used to enhance classroom study while allowing children an opportunity to experience nature, the satisfaction of growing their own food, and contributing harvest to the local food pantry.”

    Description

    The program in Loveland serves ~1,400 1st through 4th-grade students and has been a local and national role model for outdoor school garden and nature programs. Working in collaboration with school administration and staff, they offer a complete package of services that include:

    • Design and year-round maintenance of educational food garden and nature trail on school grounds.
    • A customized, age-appropriate curriculum aligned with both school and state requirements
    • A schedule of outdoor learning classes is provided for classroom teacher signup
    • Nature educators prepared to teach interactive lessons
    • A non-profit board overseeing results and building a sustainable operation with strong school and teacher partnership
    • Hands-on learning enhancing student understanding of science, math, social studies, health, and the natural world as they interact with their environment.
    • After-school enrichment programs and community events
    • Donation to the local food pantry and use of all food grown
    • Student discovery of plant cycles, garden habitats, food production, and fresh produce
    • Student connection and observation of change in nature

    The Learning Garden is on the search for Nature Educators to lead lessons in the garden and/or nature trail during the school day or as part of our afterschool program this fall. Here is the link to the Volunteer Match.

    Come volunteer with other like-minded people in the beautiful learning garden. No experience is necessary, the new garden manager will be there to guide you all along the way. Tasks may include transplanting, planting seeds, weeding, laying wood chips, compost management, etc. Meet at the garden located in between the Loveland Primary and Elementary schools on Loveland Madeira Road. The garden is in between the buildings when looking from the street side. Look for a garden shed with the Learning Garden logo, Bring your family and friends. Children are welcome, Feel free to leave early or come later as needed.

    Upcoming Opportunities

    You can help students navigate the nature trail
    • Come help us make kids smile outdoors! Aug 22 – Oct 28. An outdoor hands-on nature education program. Loveland Learning Garden offers interactive lessons in our schoolyard garden and nature trail to 1st-4th graders during the school day. Classroom teachers signup to bring their students outside to learn and our Nature Educators take over. We offer lessons on weekdays in 40-minute slots between the hours of 9:30-3:30pm.
    • Help in garden!! (No experience necessary) Aug 19, 4:00 PM – 07:00 PM. Come volunteer with us in our beautiful learning garden! No experience necessary, our new garden manager will be there to guide you all along the way. Tasks may include transplanting, planting seeds, weeding, laying wood chips, compost management, etc. Meet at the garden located in between the Loveland Primary & Elementary schools on Loveland Madeira Rd. The Garden is in between the buildings.
    • Help in garden!! (No experience necessary) Aug 17, 4:30 PM – 07:30 PM. Come volunteer with us in our beautiful learning garden! No experience is necessary, Our new garden manager will be there to guide you all along the way. Tasks may include transplanting, planting seeds, weeding, laying wood chips, compost management, etc. Meet at the garden located in between the Loveland Primary & Elementary schools on Loveland Madeira Rd. The Garden is in between the buildings .
    • Help in garden!! (No experience necessary)Aug 7, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Come volunteer with us in our beautiful learning garden! No experience necessary, our new garden manager will be there to guide you all along the way. Tasks may include transplanting, planting seeds, weeding, laying wood chips, compost management, etc. Meet at the garden located in between the Loveland Primary & Elementary schools on Loveland Madeira Rd. Garden is in between the building whenDate Posted: July 25, 2022
    • Help in garden!! (No experience necessary) Aug 27, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Come volunteer with us in our beautiful learning garden! No experience necessary, our new garden manager will be there to guide you all along the way. Tasks may include transplanting, planting seeds, weeding, laying wood chips, compost management, etc. Meet at the garden located in between the Loveland Primary & Elementary schools on Loveland Madeira Rd. Garden is in between the building whenDate Posted: July 25, 2022
    • Help in garden!! (No experience necessary) Aug 26, 4:30 PM – 07:30 PM. Come volunteer with us in our beautiful learning garden! No experience necessary, our new garden manager will be there to guide you all along the way. Tasks may include transplanting, planting seeds, weeding, laying wood chips, compost management, etc. Meet at the garden located in between the Loveland Primary & Elementary schools on Loveland Madeira Rd. Garden is in between the building whenDate Posted: July 25, 2022
    • Help in garden!! (No experience necessary)Aug 20, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Come volunteer with us in our beautiful learning garden! No experience necessary, our new garden manager will be there to guide you all along the way. Tasks may include transplanting, planting seeds, weeding, laying wood chips, compost management, etc. Meet at the garden located in between the Loveland Primary & Elementary schools on Loveland Madeira Rd. Garden is in between the building.
    INFO@LOVELANDLEARNINGGARDEN.ORG

    Read this story by Cassie Mattia and watch this video LM published in August of last year

    How to Get Involved With The Loveland Learning Garden!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Would you like to make a difference and give back to the community? Local non-profit, The Loveland Learning Garden, provides the opportunity for anyone to volunteer to help teach local students about the environment, or maintain the vegetable garden, the flower garden, and the nature trail!

    Read on…

    Check out the video below as Laurie Flanagan explained how you can help the Loveland Learning Garden!

    Here are some photos provided by the Learning Garden to show you what a wonderful program you can be involved in.

    Follow the Loveland Learning Garden on Instagram and FaceBook.

    Email to: INFO@LOVELANDLEARNINGGARDEN.ORG

  • How to Get Involved With The Loveland Learning Garden!

    How to Get Involved With The Loveland Learning Garden!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Would you like to make a difference and give back to the community? Local non-profit, The Loveland Learning Garden, provides the opportunity for anyone to volunteer to help teach local students about the environment, or maintain the vegetable garden, the flower garden, and the nature trail!

    The Loveland Learning Garden, located at 600 Loveland-Madeira Road (Loveland Primary and Loveland Elementary school grounds), dedicates everything to giving kids the opportunity to form “lifelong connections to the wonders of the natural world.” The non-profit outdoor education program not only strives to build awareness and community support but also maintains a vegetable garden, a flower garden, and a nature trail that is used for hands-on learning. The over 1,200 Loveland 1st-4th grade students involved are able to get an interactive experience, through a 20-week curriculum (taught by “Garden Educators” during the school day in the Spring and Fall), with nature while still adhering to the academics they are being taught in class. Seeing how food is grown, tasting fresh produce, and harvesting food that is eventually donated to local non-profit LIFE Food Pantry are just a few things students are able to get involved in at the Loveland Learning Garden.

    Planting Kale in May at the Loveland Learning Garden

    Board President, Laurie Flanagan, chatted with us at the Loveland Learning Garden about why gaining dedicated volunteers is vital to keeping the non-profit education program running.

    “In order to successfully sustain our program, we seek people who want to share their talent and ‘dig in’ to join us by taking on leadership roles on our board or owning pieces of work that make the organization run,” Flanagan explained, “Our committees include education, communications, garden and trail maintenance, volunteer recruitment, and grants/fundraising. We have a diverse volunteer base of ages and backgrounds and welcome everyone! For example, we have students from the LHS National Honor Society, Tigers in Service, and the LHS Environmental Club who have helped us, University of Cincinnati students, workgroups, church groups, students from neighboring school districts, local parochial schools, and many individuals from across the Cincinnati area.

    Check out the video below to see Laurie Flanagan explain how you can help the Loveland Learning Garden!

    During the months of March-October volunteers are heavily needed at the Loveland Learning Garden. If you or your organization would like to volunteer email the Loveland Learning Garden.

    The Loveland Learning Garden will be a part of the 2021 Great Outdoor Weekend sponsored by Green Umbrella. On September 25th from 9 AM-1 PM, the Loveland Learning Garden will be holding a scavenger hunt for kids ages 4-10. For more information click the above Great Outdoor Weekend link!

    To stay informed on the Loveland Learning Garden’s upcoming events and volunteer opportunities you can visit their Instagram and/or Facebook.


    Loveland Learning Garden History
    The foundation for Loveland Learning Garden was planted in 2002 as a floral garden on grade school grounds thanks to the vision of a grandmother who wanted to share the joy of picking fresh flowers with children. With the addition of vegetable gardens and a nature trail in the woods behind the school, Granny’s Garden School grew to be one of the most comprehensive school garden programs in the country and was recognized as a model for nature-based education training. In 2016, the founder retired while a new group of leaders, believing in the value of the program to students and the community evolved the nonprofit to its next iteration. Today, with new energy and a refreshed identity, the Loveland Learning Garden operates with strong, collaborative school partnerships, diverse leadership, community involvement, and a continued passion to educate and inspire children to the lifelong benefits found through nature. 


    For more ways to get involved with the community stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!

  • Local Interactive Garden Changes the Lives of Loveland Students!

    Local Interactive Garden Changes the Lives of Loveland Students!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Now more than ever is the time to encourage our youth to both protect and benefit from our ever-changing environment! This is exactly what local non-profit, The Loveland Learning Garden, aims to achieve.

    The Loveland Learning Garden, located at 600 Loveland-Madeira Road (Loveland Primary and Loveland Elementary school grounds), dedicates everything to giving kids the opportunity to form “lifelong connections to the wonders of the natural world.” The non-profit outdoor education program not only strives to build awareness and community support but also maintains vegetable and flower gardens, as well as a nature trail used for hands-on learning. The 1st-4th grade students involved are able to get an interactive experience, through a 20-week curriculum (taught by “Garden Educators” during the school day in the Spring and Fall), with nature while still adhering to the academics they are being taught in class. Seeing how food is grown, tasting fresh produce, and harvesting food that is eventually donated to local non-profit LIFE Food Pantry are just a few things students are able to get involved in at the Loveland Learning Garden.

    Board President, Laurie Flanagan, believes that exposing the over 1,200 Loveland students that the outdoor education program serves to the environment at an early age will leave a lasting impact of positive impressions with nature.

    We’re instilling a love of nature, joy, and wonder in discovering the outdoors and influencing the growth of the next generation of people who care for our environment,” Flanagan said, “We have a diverse volunteer base of ages and backgrounds and welcome everyone! For example, we have students from the LHS National Honor Society, Tigers in Service, and the LHS Environmental Club who have helped us, University of Cincinnati students, workgroups, church groups, students from neighboring school districts, local parochial schools, and many individuals from across the Cincinnati area.

    The Loveland Learning Garden operates using dedicated volunteers so gaining new talent is vital to keeping the non-profit education program running. “In order to successfully sustain our program, we seek people who want to share their talent and ‘dig in’ to join us by taking on leadership roles on our board or owning pieces of work that make the organization run,” Flanagan explained, “Our committees include education, communications, garden and trail maintenance, volunteer recruitment, and grants/fundraising.”

    During the months of March-October volunteers are heavily needed in order to maintain both the garden and nature trail. If you or your organization would like to volunteer email the Loveland Learning Garden.

    Here at Loveland Magazine, we found the Loveland Learning Garden to be both interesting and inspirational so we decided to meet Laurie Flanagan, Melanie Simon, and Jen Banzinger at the garden for an on-camera tour. To see just what the Loveland Learning Garden is all about watch the video below!

    The Loveland Learning Garden will be a part of the 2021 Great Outdoor Weekend sponsored by Green Umbrella. On September 25th from 9 AM-1 PM, the Loveland Learning Garden will be holding a scavenger hunt for kids ages 4-10. For more information click the above Great Outdoor Weekend link!

    To stay informed on all the latest Loveland Learning Garden updates you can visit their Instagram and/or Facebook.


    Loveland Learning Garden History
    The foundation for Loveland Learning Garden was planted in 2002 as a floral garden on grade school grounds thanks to the vision of a grandmother who wanted to share the joy of picking fresh flowers with children. With the addition of vegetable gardens and a nature trail in the woods behind the school, Granny’s Garden School grew to be one of the most comprehensive school garden programs in the country and was recognized as a model for nature-based education training. In 2016, the founder retired while a new group of leaders, believing in the value of the program to students and the community evolved the nonprofit to its next iteration. Today, with new energy and a refreshed identity, the Loveland Learning Garden operates with strong, collaborative school partnerships, diverse leadership, community involvement, and a continued passion to educate and inspire children to the lifelong benefits found through nature. 


    For more local inspirational stories stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With ME, Cassie Mattia!