We are writing to share an exciting opportunity with you from a valued supporter of Loveland Magazine, that has the potential to significantly enhance our operations. Recently, we’ve encountered challenges stemming from the limitations of our current equipment, particularly our aging laptop, which has been with us for a decade. Unfortunately, it can no longer support the latest operating system updates, severely hindering our ability to efficiently edit videos and photos, as well as perform other essential tasks.
Understanding the critical need for an upgrade, our generous donor has graciously offered to match every dollar donated towards the purchase of a new laptop, up to the total cost of $2,800. This means that your contribution will be doubled, maximizing the impact of your support and making a new laptop possible.
The shortcomings of our current laptop are abundantly clear. Outdated software and hardware have rendered video editing a slow and cumbersome process, often resulting in delays in rendering and uploading videos for online use. Moreover, our limited storage capacity frequently disrupts our workflow, necessitating time-consuming file management to free up space.
Additionally, our reliance on antiquated versions of Photoshop and outdated display technology further compounds our challenges, impeding our ability to create and present content at the level of quality we aspire to.
Furthermore, the laptop’s deteriorating battery life and the high cost of replacement only add to our concerns, making it increasingly impractical for everyday use or repair.
Your support in this endeavor will not only alleviate these pressing issues but also empower us to continue delivering high-quality content to our readers and community. Your contribution will directly enable us to acquire a new laptop equipped with the necessary programs to meet the demands of modern content creation and distribution.
We are deeply grateful for your continued support and partnership in our mission to inform, inspire, and engage our audience. Together, we can ensure Loveland Magazine remains a vibrant and indispensable resource for years to come.
Cassie and David at a “Rolling Mondays” fundraiser for Coach Parker in 2021.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful difference in our work.
Loveland, Ohio – At the January 9th Loveland City School District Board meeting, newly elected Board members Lynn Magan and Christina Jeranek took their oath of office. The five-member Board then voted unanimously to elect Jonathan Eilert to serve as President and Lynn Mangan to serve as Vice President.
You can email the entire Loveland City Schools Board of Education, by sending an email to: board@lovelandschools.org
The Loveland City Schools Board of Education holds its Business Meetings on the third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the LMS/LIS Media Center unless otherwise noted.
January 23, 2024 (4th Tuesday)
February 20, 2024
March 19, 2024
April 16, 2024
May 21, 2024
June 25, 2024 (4th Tuesday)
August 20, 2024
September 17, 2024
October 15, 2024
November 19, 2024
Board Work Sessions are held at the Board of Education Administrative Office Conference Room at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
February 6, 2024
March 5, 2024
April 2, 2024
May 7, 2024
August 6, 2024
September 3, 2024
October 1, 2024
November 7, 2024
Loveland, Ohio – The following Loveland Tigers were selected as members of the 2024 Ohio Music Educators Association District 14 Honor Band. These students will represent Loveland at a concert in January at West Clermont High School. They were selected through an audition process along with some of the best wind and percussion students across Hamilton and Clermont Counties.
…all students should have equal access to high quality music instruction delivered by licensed music teachers through comprehensive school programs in general, instrumental and choral music education.
OMEA advocates for:
comprehensive school programs in general, instrumental, and choral music education,
state and national music standards, with assessment to ensure that students meet high academic expectations,
licensed teachers, adequate instructional time, and appropriate facilities and materials for music programs.
To achieve this mission, OMEA:
promotes the highest levels of professional development for music teachers,
works collaboratively with other organizations and businesses/corporations for a broad spectrum of continuing education for music teachers,
encourages programs for gifted, special needs and pre-school children,
supports the concept of diversity in music education,
identifies “best practices” for teaching music at different educational levels,
uses a system of adjudicated events that demonstrate an emphasis on educational values and high achievement in school music programs,
encourages the use of technology and new approaches to music teaching and learning, and
promotes life long participation and learning in music
Loveland, Ohio – The Warren County Health District (WCHD) is urging the public to stay up to date with immunizations, especially for pertussis (whooping cough). WCHD has identified an increase in pertussis cases in the county. In 2023, there have been 15 cases, including 14 that have been in the last month. By comparison, there was one case in 2022.
The Advisory
Whooping cough is highly contagious and is usually spread by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the pertussis bacteria. It can cause serious illness in people of all ages but is most dangerous for babies.
Symptoms of whooping cough usually develop within 5 to 10 days after you come into contact with the bacteria that cause it. Sometimes symptoms do not develop for as long as 3 weeks.
Whooping Cough symptoms can be classified into three stages: Stages 1,2, and 3.
Stage 1, or early symptoms can last 1-2 weeks and include:
• Runny or stuffed up nose
• Low-grade fever (less than 100.4F)
• Mild, Occasional cough (babies do not do this)
• Apnea (life threatening pauses in breathing) and cyanosis (turning blue or purple) in babies and young children
Many times, in the early stages of whooping cough, it is very easy to think it is just a common cold. Early testing is important since the antibiotics used to treat the illness is most effective in the first stage of pertussis. Antibiotics are not effective once the “whooping” starts.
Stage 2 symptoms can begin one to two weeks after symptom onset, and can last anywhere from 1-10 weeks. During this time, someone affected by whooping cough will develop rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits. As the illness continues, these coughing fits will increase in frequency and intensity.
Stage 3 is recovery, which can be slow, as the cough becomes milder and less common as someone gets better, but they can return if someone develops another respiratory infection.
Whooping cough can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening complications in babies. This is especially true within the first 6 months of life. It is important to know that some babies with whooping cough don’t cough at all. Instead, it causes them to stop breathing and turn blue.
If their mothers are vaccinated in the third trimester (27-36 weeks), newborns are offered some protection.
The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated. Two vaccines in the United States help prevent whooping cough: DTaP and Tdap. These vaccines also provide protection against tetanus and diphtheria. These vaccines cannot give you whooping cough, tetanus, or diphtheria.
WCHD offers both of these vaccinations. If you are unsure of if you need the Tdap vaccination or have not received one in the last 10 years, and need to get scheduled, call 513-695-1229.
For people exposed to whooping cough, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends preventive antibiotics only if they:
• Live with the person who has been diagnosed with whooping cough.
• Are at increased risk for serious disease (e.g., babies, people with certain medical conditions) or will have close contact with someone who is at increased risk for serious disease (e.g., women in their third trimester of pregnancy, people who work with or care for high risk individuals).
If you’ve been exposed to the bacteria that causes whooping cough, talk to your doctor about whether you need preventive antibiotics. This is especially important if there is a baby or pregnant woman in your household or you plan to have contact with a baby or pregnant woman.
by Cassie Mattia – (Republished from October, 2021)
Loveland, Ohio – With Halloween right around the corner, it only seems right to take YOU our readers to the Simpson Farm Asylum where you will once again meet Skeletor the Halloween Movie Guru!
Everyone loves a good scary movie, especially during Halloween, but at times it can be tough selecting the one that will be sure to chill you to the bone! Skeletor, who hibernates all year at the Simpson Farm Asylum, located at Loveland Magazine’s office, awakens in October to celebrate all things spooky and to share what 5 Halloween movies you should watch.
Follow me down to the Simpson Farm Asylum where we will meet Skeletor for the Top 5 Halloween Movies! Turn off the lights, snuggle under your favorite blanket, grab a bag of candy, and prepare to be creeped out!
Skeletor’s Top 5 Halloween Movies and Where to Find Them!
Nightmare on Elm Street, 1984, Supernatural Slasher, Rated R, Watch on HULU or HBO MAX
The Hills Have Eyes, 2006 remake, Horror, Rated R, Watch on AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
Goosebumps The Series, 1995, Children’s Anthology Horror Television Series, Rated PG, Watch on NETFLIX
Fear Street The Trilogy, 2021, Horror Film Series, Rated R, Watch on NETFLIX
Child’s Play, 2019 remake, Slasher, Rated R, Watch on HULU or AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
Here is a collection of still photos from the Skeletor video shoot taken by David Miller.
Take a Look at my Skeletor Photo Album!
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Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Public Relations Coordinator at Butler County Board of DD. Cassie was awarded the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2021 Young Business Professional of the Year. She is the President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine.
Loveland, Ohio – “Better Blend is inspiring a healthier lifestyle — one Blend, Bowl, and community at a time.” Better Blend’s mission statement couldn’t ring more true as the newest food spot to hit Downtown Loveland prides itself on providing nutritious and delicious options, fast and friendly service, and making sure that everyone in the community gets the most out of their day.
Founded in 2018 by former University of Kentucky rugby player Isaac Hamlin, Better Blend offers a variety of Blends (smoothies) and Bowls (smoothie in a bowl) that are jam packed with clean ingredients. Each Blend starts with a base of clean protein and includes naturally occurring BCAAs and glutamine, organic greens, oat powder, flax seed, and vitamin matrix. The Blends come in 4 different categories Original, Basic, Barista (coffee is added), and Bulk (includes a premium mass-gainer protein. Each Blend offers a variety of “dessert-like” flavors and combinations like Apple Jacks, Banana Caramel Cheesecake, Blueberry Cake Donut, Brownie Batter, Lean N’ Green, Cinnamon Roll, Pineapple Dole Whip, Strawberry Shortcake, Java Chip, Salted Caramel, White Chocolate Mocha, Tropical Vibe, Strawberry Lemonade, Green Goddess, Strawberry Banapple, Banana Split, The Funky Monkey, and Banana Nut Muffin.
The Better Blend Bowls are similar to the Blends but are instead layered into a bowl starting with a “fresh, fruity, and blended up to a sorbet-like” base. You can customize the Bowl with Better Blend’s large selection of nutritious toppings such as strawberries, bananas, blueberries, granola, coconut chips, honey, cinnamon, pecans, peanut butter, chia seeds, flax seeds, and cacao nibs.
Hungry yet? Just looking over the online menu made my mouth water so naturally “Cassie the Food Guru” had to go check out the latest vegetarian and vegan friendly food spot! Franchise owner, Brent, and manager of two Better Blend locations, Chris, invited me to take the first look at Better Blend Loveland before opening day. In my all-new interview, you will learn all about the Better Blend story and how the franchise has grown from one shop to six shops with four more on the way! Watch my latest Cassie the Food Guru interview featuring Brent and Chris from Better Blend below!
Better Blend Loveland is officially open for business every day from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. beginning on Monday, September 18. The official grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, September 30th. During the grand opening, Better Blend will be giving away $2,500 in cash and prizes including two FC Cincinnati vs. Atlanta United tickets, Apple Airpod Pros, two Bengals vs. Texans tickets, Custom Better Blend Yeti cooler, 15 gift cards from Loveland local businesses, and $1,000 in cash. To enter the grand opening raffle click here!
Make sure you’re up to date on all the latest Better Blend news, rewards, and specials by downloading the Better Blend App on the App Store or Google Play.
Better Blend Loveland is located at 201 W Loveland Ave. right along the Loveland Bike Trail.
Columnist Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Public Relations Coordinator at Butler County Board of DD. Cassie was awarded the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance 2021 Young Business Professional of the Year. She is the President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine.
Due to planned construction in Nisbet Park we will meet and begin the 5K at the Linda Cox Trailside Parking Lot at 10 AM.
Loveland Magazine Editor in Chief, David Miller has attended and reported on every running of the Capt Seth MitchelHero 5K. (Photo by Connie Mitchell)
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – Greetings and welcome to summer 2023. Year 13 of the Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K is in the books and in many ways, it was a record year. Donations and race participation were near record highs.
The Scholarship team recognizes how many opportunities you have to donate to worthy causes and truly appreciates you being a partner with us whether it’s your first year or year 13.
Steve Mitchell, father of Seth says, “Connie, Drew, and I and the scholarship committee are blessed by your support. For 2023 your support helped to provide three $5,000.00 scholarships and four $250.00 gifts to deserving students.”
The date and time for the 14th Annual Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5k is Saturday, October 14, at 10 AM. Due to city construction, the race will not be in Nisbet Park. The 5K will launch from the Linda Cox Trailside Parking Lot.
The Carolina Beach version will be Saturday, October 21, at 9 AM starting at Green Turtle Lane in Wilmington North Carolina the home of Connie and Steve Mitchell.
You can also join us virtually, anywhere from around the world, to honor and celebrate Seth during the month of October. The virtual run can be done anytime, anywhere.
The Let Us Never Forget/Mitchell Family Scholarship is funded by the Mitchells, the Yellow Ribbon Support Group of Cincinnati, and the Hero 5K run. The scholarship is for $5,000.00.
The 2023 recipient reminded us of Seth in so many ways. The recipient has a high-level work ethic, and is polite, and respectful and is loyal and selfless. Seth Mitchell was often described as having these characteristics. One letter of recommendation described the recipient as “a lot like Seth, because he is a stand-up guy that does the right thing.” Much like Seth this recipient has faced adversity in life and had to work to overcome and persevere in the presence of obstacles.
We are very proud to award the Let Us Never Forget Seth Mitchell/Mitchell Family scholarship to Alex Saletta.
Allison “Ally” Ginder
The Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarships are funded by individual donations and the proceeds of the annual Captain Seth Mitchell Hero 5K. The Mitchell family is especially thankful to all the participants, the City of Loveland, The Loveland Schools Foundation, the Carolina Beach NC participants, and to those of you that donate to this worthy cause.
The first recipient of the Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship has overcome medical challenges early on in life, and became stronger and more determined to make the most of every day. Her story reminded us of Seth overcoming his own failings in school to later become LHS Class President in 1997 and later a Cobra Helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps. Life’s obstacles will always be there. This recipient and Seth did not let those stand in their way.
One letter of recommendation for this candidate said: those around this candidate are “inspired” by the recipient’s kindness and amiability.Those words were often used about Seth. Lastly, one supporter of this recipient said, “I am guessing that if she went to high school with Captain Mitchell, they would have a lot in common and would have been friends.”
We believe that also and are proud to award a scholarship to Allison “Ally” Ginder.
Skylar Lundeen
The second recipient of the Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship also exemplifies many of the qualities and characteristics associated with Seth. In this recipient’s introductory video, the candidate said, Seth exhibited the epitome of “selflessness” was “inspiring” and that there should be “more people like him.” We believe that’s exactly who this recipient is too. The recipient is known to be deeply loyal to friends at school and her family. One letter of recommendation described the recipient as a “quiet leader” and that “school is not something that comes easy”, but this person “pushes herself and does not take the easy road.” The recommendation also said, “she’s growing up faster than she should” due to obstacles in life. The recipient has a strong academic and extracurricular record. Her work ethic and ability to overcome obstacles is inspiringto us. We are proud to award a Seth Mitchell Memorial Scholarship to Skylar Lundeen.
Those receiving a $250.00 gift from the Seth Mitchell Memorial fund are:
Lily Hummer
Michael Dakoske
Lucie Schaeffer
Tyler Harter
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Seth Mitchell, a captain and pilot in the United States Marine Corps and a 1997 Loveland High School graduate, was killed in action in Afghanistan in October 2009. Seth contributed greatly to the Loveland community in his youth… he served as a leader and role model on the varsity football team, was voted to be Class President his senior year, and was named “Mr. Personality” by his peers. He was well loved here. After graduating, he took that same sense of service and loyalty into all that he did: as a son, a brother, a friend, a leader in the Marines.
In other words, Seth was a hero for all.
We are a group of Seth Mitchell’s high school classmates, who miss our friend and want to keep his memory alive. We represent the many people who Seth made an impression on with his sense of humor, kind heart, and loyal friendship. As we organize this 5k Race and the scholarship memorial fund, we are motivated by one enduring inspiration: to live each day a little more honorably, kindly, and humbly… just like Seth.
Please join us by donating, running, or volunteering – and keep Seth’s memory alive.
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller
Miami Township and Loveland, Ohio – “The members of the Grail Land Preservation Group in attendance were excited by the unanimous support of the Miami Township Trustees. The opportunity for open green space to be protected in perpetuity has been a desire for many group members,” said Loveland resident Sharon Scovanner.
The quest to get formal support from three government jurisdictions moved to step two last evening when the Miami Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously to give their stamp of approval. Andy Dickerinson with The Cardinal Land Conservancy, based in Miami Township, appeared at the township meeting to explain the proposal and answer any questions. His appearance was probably unnecessary as both Ken Tracy and Mary Makley Wolff, as well as Township Administrator Jeff Wright spoke enthusiastically about the Grailville land remaining greenspace.
The Cardinal Land Conservancy and many Loveland and Miami Township residents are asking local governments to lend their support to a plan that could save 89 acres at Grailville as dedicated green space in perpetuity. Dickerson, on behalf of the Conservancy, is requesting votes of support for a grant application that would be submitted to the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, to purchase 89 acres of the Grail property.
This is the site where Drees Homes was denied the zoning change they requested in 2022 after local residents filled Planning and Zoning chambers to urge that the site be protected. The Kentucky home builder had requested the land become a Special Planning District which could have allowed 209 homes on the site. The same parcel is also where the Loveland City School District proposed building a campus until the funding they wanted was denied by voters in 2019. The site is bounded by O’Bannonville Road and State Route 48 (Oakland Road).
After the re-zoning Drees requested was denied, local Grail members and other local residents coalesced to find the solution. The Grailville Land Preservation Group worked together to stop the zoning change Drees wanted.
If the grant application is successful, the 89 acres of land would be deeded as dedicated green space in perpetuity. The proposed purchase by the conservancy would be adjacent to the 100-acre Clermont County Park District property, which was also acquired from the Grail using Clean Ohio funding.
Scovanner added, “It has always been our hope that the land will be preserved to respect not only the legacy of the Grail and their members past and present, but to also be a gift to future generations. We appreciate our partnership with Cardinal and look forward to garnering support from the Clermont County Commissioners as the next step in the process.”
In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, Andy Dickerson explains the details of the grant and what he was asking the Miami Township Trustees to do.
Loveland, Ohio – The LIFE Food Pantry says that it is time for us to start packing school bags for the 2023-24 school year. It is thanks to supporters like you that our students will be able to go back to school with everything they need.
Like in previous years, students registered at the pantry will receive a backpack filled with grade appropriate supplies, socks and underwear, a Spirit Wear shirt, shoes, and personal care items (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, etc.). The distribution will be during the first two weeks of August.
Are you willing to help us?
We are expecting at least 160 students to receive supplies this year. We are still seeing many new clients, so the number might be higher. Last year we planned for 120 and distributed 150 bags and supplies!
We are looking for our generous donors to help us by donating backpacks with supplies (with a list of supplies provided), individual school supplies or personal care items.
We will need donations by July 20th. They may be dropped off at the LIFE Food Pantry at 541 Loveland Madeira Road, Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 – noon; Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 3:30 – 6:30, or by appointment.
Please contact backtoschool@lifefoodpantry.org or Carolina Maurer at (513)319-4881 for more information. Thank you for donating to the LIFE Food Pantry—we truly could not do this without your support.
Click here to visit our Amazon page here to buy school supplies for those in need!
Prefer to shop locally? Here is a list of items needed:
• Large backpacks that can hold a laptop for older students