Loveland, Ohio – The bridge replacement on the Little Miami Scenic Trail in Historic Downtown Loveland is on track to be completed in May. The new, pre-fabricated bridge will arrive in three sections.
To accommodate this, the northern portion of Railroad Avenue from Harrison Avenue will be temporarily closed Monday March 4 through Tuesday March 5. The southern portion of Railroad Avenue will remain open to access area businesses. City Hall is encouraging you to park on the other side of town at the Linda Cox Trailside Parking Lot.
Cassie Mattia in the first class offered by Body Alive Loveland Lagree
by Cassie Mattia,
Loveland, Ohio – The latest exercise craze has taken Loveland by storm! On Friday, February 16, David Miller, our Managing Editor, and I, attended the grand opening of Body Alive Loveland Lagree. We witnessed the official ribbon cutting ceremony, and I interviewed owners, Adam Engel and Issac Spence, and trainer, Samantha Johns about the new Loveland workout facility!
Adam and Issac, who are both 2010 Loveland High School graduates, grew up together in the same neighborhood in Loveland. Adam, now a retired MLB player, received a baseball scholarship to the University of Louisville and played Centerfield for the Chicago White Sox. Issac attended Hillsdale College and studied Marketing. After taking multiple Pilates classes and realizing how great of a workout it was Adam and Issac decided to join forces and open Body Alive Loveland Lagree!
The inaugural class of Body Alive Loveland Lagree
The Lagree Method, ”is a high-intensity, low-impact exercise method, that tightens, strengthens, and tones in as little as 30 minutes a session by incorporating bodybuilding principles, such as Time Under Tension, which removes breaks from workouts and grants users the ability to sweat, shake, and persevere through the total duration of every class.”
The Lagree Method is founded on the five components of physical fitness:
Lagree movements incorporate the use of 600 muscles at once, making this method even more time-efficient for those on the go and those looking for quick but lasting results. The Lagree method stays true to the 3 S’s; Shake, Sweat, and Soreness.
After reading about the Lagree method, I not only wanted to learn more from the experts, but I also wanted to see for myself what the workout was all about by participating in Body Alive Loveland Lagree’s first class of their grand opening. To give the community the full Body Alive experience I interviewed Adam, Issac, and Samantha about their journey to opening Body Alive, the Lagree method, and what sets this method of exercising apart of from others and captured my first Lagree workout all on camera!
Watch our exclusive Loveland Magazine TV interview and exercise video to learn all about Body Alive Loveland Lagree!
Body Alive Loveland Lagree is located at 10565 Loveland Madeira Road right beside Starbucks. In celebration of their grand opening, Body Alive Loveland Lagree is offering $7 Lagree 50 minute classes for a limited time. Classes can can be purchased using the Body Alive app or online at https://bodyalivefitness.com/loveland-lagree/.
All of our LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV episodes and my Table of Discussions are made possible by the generous support of the team of realtors at Move 2 Loveland.
President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine, 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.
Loveland, Ohio – Foodbanks and food pantries throughout Ohio will again benefit from a settlement secured by the office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost over price discrepancies at a discount retailer’s stores – this one with Family Dollar.
The $400,000 agreement earmarks $250,000 for food banks or other similar charities to purchase and distribute food and personal-care items, with the beneficiaries chosen by Ohio’s 88 county auditors. Yost’s office recently entered into a $1 million settlement with Dollar General, with $750,000 of that distributed in December to auditor-selected food pantries.
Family Dollar, which was bought in 2015 by Virginia-based Dollar Tree, has 460 stores in Ohio.
On the heels of price discrepancies identified at Dollar General stores throughout Ohio, Family Dollar stores came under scrutiny from the county auditors, who are responsible for price verification at retail businesses.
Auditor inspectors found that Family Dollar was displaying prices on store shelves for certain items but charging higher prices at its registers.
As part of the settlement with the state, Family Dollar acknowledges violations of the Ohio Consumer Protection Sales Act.
In addition to paying monetary relief, Family Dollar must also make changes to ensure accurate pricing, including:
Adequately staffing stores to maintain accurate shelf tags.
Immediately adjusting the register price to match the shelf tag when a consumer identifies a discrepancy, and, within 24 hours, correcting the shelf tag.
Requiring store managers and district managers to conduct monthly and bimonthly random price checks.
Requiring stores with three “failed” auditor inspections within six months to undergo a full-store assessment within seven days of the third failed inspection – one that involves checking the price of every item for accuracy.
Educating all employees about these policies and posting signs in its Ohio stores informing customers of the same.
Although Dollar Tree was originally named in the state’s complaint against Family Dollar solely as Family Dollar’s parent company, it was dismissed from the lawsuit upon the state reaching a settlement agreement with Family Dollar.
Ohioans who suspect unfair business practices should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.
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LIFE is a faith and community supported organization that provides food, financial assistance, and programs to those experiencing hardship.
Since 1988, the Loveland Interfaith Effort (LIFE) Food Pantry has been serving the Greater Loveland community by providing food and support for those less fortunate. We currently provide much needed food to hundreds of families, stock snack shelves at the local schools for qualifying children, and even financial assistance for those in dire need.
Loveland, Ohio – Just when you thought they were done, the makers of the Amazing Charity Race announce the newest, silliest fun race around: The Leprechaun Chase!
Saturday, March 16th, starting at 8:30 AM, teams of 2 will use a map of Loveland to the Leprechauns and pots of gold around the city. Four teams will start every 3 minutes. Once you find a Leprechaun, they will give you a piece of gold that will help you solve the final Irish riddle. You must collect all gold pieces and go as fast as you can to the finish line, where the Leprechauns will be waiting for you to solve the riddle.
Once solved, you can bask in a feeling of accomplishment and enjoy an Irish breakfast from Ramsey’s Trailside Cafe and post-race laughs. The distance is around a 5K and will be completed all on foot. Runners and walkers are welcome, and it will be a timed event.
The new surface lot in Historic Downtown is next to the historic R.R. car at the Works Pizza.
Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland is moving forward to add more parking to its Historic Downtown business district.
The surface parking lot, located off First Street behind City Hall and adjacent to the Works Pizza, will have 147 spaces. These spaces will add to Historic Downtown’s current 535 public parking spaces. The parking will be free in this new lot.
Image provided by City Hall
In addition, the project includes sidewalks to create a pedestrian connection between State Route 48, Harrison Avenue at the Loveland Bike Trail.
Previously awarded grant monies will be used to construct the lot. The city has secured $1.15 million in state and federal funding: a $900k grant from the Ohio Capital Budget and a $250k grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Originally, the plan was to build a 270-space parking garage, which now is estimated to have cost more than $7 million, according to a press release issued by the City
Loveland, Ohio – Join us with co-writer and director Anthony Cousins and others from the new film Frogman (2023). The exclusive screenings are the first in the region and takes place right in Loveland where the events unfolded. This found footage movie follows a young man named Dallas (Nathan Tymoshuk) who takes a picture of Frogman while on vacation. He goes back to look further and finds more than he bargained for.
Winner of several awards including best found footage, this is a must watch for fans of horror, cryptids and sci-fi.
Review: I usually dislike found footage films, but wow – Frogman is good. – B&S About Movies
The film is not rated but should be considered viewable for mature teens and adults. Run time is 80 minutes. The movie has an 8.2 rating out of 10 on IMDB.com. There will be copies available for sale and associated merch.
Tickets are available in advance. If there are seats remaining, tickets will be available at the door for $20.
Entry to movie does NOT provide access to the Frogman Festival which is a separate ticketed event held on Saturday, March 2 from 9:30 AM to 6 PM, also at the Oasis Conference Center.
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller,
Loveland, Ohio– On Friday, February 16, Loveland Magazine attended the grand opening for Body Alive Loveland Lagree, located on Loveland Madeira Road, right next to Starbucks. Owners Adam Engel and Isaac Spence, both 2010 Loveland High School grads, showed us exactly what Body Alive Loveland Lagree has in store for the fitness community. The President of Loveland Magazine Cassie Mattia got the opportunity to take the first workout of the day with trainer Samantha Johns, where she experienced what exactly the Lagree Method is. We are so pleased to welcome Body Alive Loveland Lagree to the Loveland community.
Stay tuned for the full-length interview with Adam, Isaac, and Samantha along with Cassie in action taking the first Lagree workout!
Loveland Magazine President and Publisher Cassie working out in the first Body Alive Loveland Lagree class on February 16.
Loveland, Ohio – Before the 2023 season there were many who believed the Reds might lose 90-100 games after going 62-100 in 2022. Most gave them virtually no chance to even have a relevant season and were simply counting down the days until the Bengals’ season rolled back around.
And the beginning of the ’23 season did very little to change those perspectives. There were rumors that the gates were opening and that the Reds were turning their young players loose on the major leagues. And why shouldn’t they? It was a lost season anyways.
Matt McClain
Matt McClain was the first, to be eventually followed by the likes of Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Andrew Abbott and Noelvi Marte. The league likely expected these rookies to take their time adjusting the the big leagues, but they shattered expectations by, in many cases, playing well above their age and experience levels. And no one epitomized this more than Elly De La Cruz.
In the eyes of Reds fans Elly was a superstar from the moment he stepped onto the diamond wearing that red helmet. And he soon proved to the world exactly why he was held in such high regard. From the iconic cycle, to stealing home, to the walk off home runs, the man was a human highlight reel for half a season.
Elly De La Cruz with a young fan at Redsfest in December.
And suddenly, the city of Cincinnati went from spending the summer dreaming about the upcoming football season to packing Great American Ballpark and hanging on the edge of their seats all the way through the fall, praying for one of the most improbable postseason berths in recent memory.
It may not have come to pass, but there can be no doubt that 2023 gave Reds fans something they haven’t had in quite a while: legitimate hope that the team can contend. But there’s something different in the air this time around. The young core of this team has shown that the Reds’ ability to push for the playoffs, and maybe even more, won’t just be limited to one or two desperate seasons, but rather, could span years of sustained success that could likely make Reds baseball the main event during those hot Cincinnati summers.
What are the keys to making that a reality? In 2024 the training wheels are off, the expectations are high, and the fans aren’t just praying for relevance, they are expecting growth, maturation, and most of all, wins.
Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.
Loveland, Ohio – The city of Loveland stole the hearts of many at the 3rd annual Hearts Afire Weekend! The celebration which took place on Friday, February 9 through Sunday, February 11 featured a number of heart-felt activities, vendors, food, drinks, live entertainment, Valentine’s Day decorations, and gorgeous ice sculptures.
This year, over 30 businesses participated in spreading the love! On Friday, the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance kicked off Hearts Afire Weekend with their annual Valentine’s Day breakfast where the 2024 Valentine’s Lady, Becky Giver, was announced as well as the winners of the poetry and art contests. Later, Friday evening Lemons & Limes Boutique, Blume Home, Alley Boutique, Trailside Provisions, and Whistle Stop Clay Works hosted a Galentine’s Night. The Loveland Stage Company also presented Crushin’ It (Vol. 2), a Valentine themed variety show. The first night of the Hearts Afire celebration ended with Line Dancing Lessons at City Hall and Love Songs Singo at Hops & Berry Taproom.
On Saturday, the Hearts Afire celebration featured over 30 different activities beginning with a Frozen meet and greet at Bike Trail Books and a puppy kissing booth at Eads Hardware Store and ending with Fireworks and a concert starring Rooster Ridge at Cappy’s Taproom. The day also included a Heart Art Scavenger Hunt, a unique Taylor Swift photo op and friendship bracelet activity, an ice sculpture walking tour, a Caricature Artist, carriage rides, pottery painting, a 360° Photo Booth, speed dating, food trucks, family karaoke, and the first ever dance Elvis costume contest.
On Saturday, I got the opportunity to volunteer at one of the most popular activities at the Hearts Afire Weekend, The Valentine Pageant! The 2nd annual Hearts Afire Valentine Pageant took place at the Loveland Stage Company and showcased children ages 1-4 as they competed to be crowned Miss Valentine or Mr. Cupid. The contest was judged by Loveland Valentine Ladies, Jeanie Shumaker, Donna Barns, Debbie Murray, and John Espy. This year Dr. Kathy Lorenz (2019 Valentine Lady) and Kay Bolin (2018 Valentine Lady) emceed the pageant.
During the pageant I directed guests where to sit and explained to them how to vote for their “Fan Favorite,” a category in which the audience could vote for their favorite child in the pageant. Those that voted included a dollar or more with their vote which went towards funding for a new HVAC system for the Loveland Stage Company.
Assistant City Manager, Misty Clark, was in awe as the guests rolled in as every single seat was filled in the Loveland Stage Company’s auditorium! “This is the largest turn out I have ever seen,” Misty said, “We also have 24 contestants this year in the pageant!”
I couldn’t help but get all the pageant action on camera after hearing how unbelievable the turnout was! Watch my Facebook Live and video from the 2nd Annual Hearts Afire Valentine’s Pageant!
The 2024 Hearts Afire Valentine’s Pageant winners were as follows: (Ages 1-2) – Little Miss Valentine – Rory, Little Mr. Cupid – Beau, (Ages 3-4) – Miss Valentine – Dawson Joan, and (People’s Choice) – Dawson Joan
The Hearts Afire Weekend ended on Sunday with a Chasing Cupid 5k at Fleet Feet, a Taylor Swift Brunch at Paxton’s Grill, and a Sweetheart Brunch at Tano Bistro.
I had an absolute blast exploring the Hearts Afire weekend festivities and meeting so many visitors that traveled miles just to experience the Hearts Afire celebration! I am so proud to be a part of the Sweetheart of Ohio! If you missed the 3rd Annual Hearts Afire Weekend watch the Loveland Magazine TV video that captures the essence of the celebration including “Family Karaoke” and the Dance Elvis Costume Contest! The music featured on the video is by DJ JOE KOOL.
All of our LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV episodes and my Table of Discussions are made possible by the generous support of the team of realtors at Move 2 Loveland.
President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine, 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.
Loveland, Ohio – The bridge replacement on the Little Miami Scenic Trail in Historic Downtown Loveland is on track to be completed in May. The new, pre-fabricated bridge will arrive in three sections.
To accommodate this, the northern portion of Railroad Avenue from Harrison Avenue will be temporarily closed Monday March 4 through Tuesday March 5. The southern portion of Railroad Avenue will remain open to access area businesses. City Hall is encouraging you to park on the other side of town at the Linda Cox Trailside Parking Lot.
![[Videos] Experience “Great Music, a Great Sweat, and a Great Workout” at Body Alive Loveland Lagree!](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/body-alive-loveland.jpg)
President and Publisher of Loveland Magazine, Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland and the Public Relations Coordinator at 
Loveland, Ohio – Join us with co-writer and director Anthony Cousins and others from the new film Frogman (2023). The exclusive screenings are the first in the region and takes place right in Loveland where the events unfolded. This found footage movie follows a young man named Dallas (Nathan Tymoshuk) who takes a picture of Frogman while on vacation. He goes back to look further and finds more than he bargained for.
![[Video] Ribbon cutting at Body Alive Loveland Lagree Grand Opening](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/body-alive-ribbon-cut.jpg)
![[Videos] Jada Klempt & Joey Fulton live at Bishop’s Quarter](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/jaden-joey-feature-template.jpg)
by Chris Ball
Christopher Ball is a longtime Loveland resident and an attorney. He graduated from Loveland High School in 2003 and was a member of the football team before going on to become a coach’s assistant at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. He has been following and rooting for the Reds and Bengals since the early 1990s and has been through the many ups and downs that fandom has wrought over the years.
