Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: Meredith Taylor

  • Cassie The Food Guru Takes on the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally!

    Cassie The Food Guru Takes on the 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally!

    by Cassie Mattia

    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 Rally
    The 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!

    Click on an image to enlarge.

    Enjoying my Food Guru articles? Click below to read up on Rodi Italian, Paxton’s Grill, and The Works Pizza!

    Cassie the Food Guru Visits Loveland’s Paxton’s Grill!

    Pizza, Beer, and History…The Works Pizza has it all!

    “Favorite People” Dinner at Loveland’s Rodi Italian is a hit!

    A Peek into RODI Italian –Historic Downtown Loveland’s Latest Restaurant Addition!

  • Introducing Loveland’s 2021 Valentine Art and Card Reveal!

    Introducing Loveland’s 2021 Valentine Art and Card Reveal!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Love was most certainly in the air on Thursday in Downtown Loveland’s Sweetheart Alley as some of the sweetest people in Loveland gathered to witness the 2021 Valentine Art and Card Reveal!

    Valentine’s Day of course is one of the most coveted holidays in Loveland for obvious reasons…the city has the word “love” in its name and the city has been given the “Sweetheart of Ohio” title! With that title comes a long standing tradition that dates back to 1972; Loveland’s Valentine Program. This lovely program has significantly grown over the years adding more community activites focusing on the celebration of Valentine’s Day and a NATIONALLY recognized “catchet stamping and postmark program.”

    The Loveland Valentine Program includes opportunities to volunteer for various Valentine’s Day activities, the nomination of a Valentine Lady (women who have distinguished themselves in the Loveland community, school, or family endeavors and acts as the ambassador for the Chamber’s Valentine Program, while visiting local businesses, nursing homes, and schools), the Valentine Card Design Competition, the Valentine Breakfast, the Valentine Poetry Contest, the opportunity to purchase Valentine Yard “Heart” Signs, a Business Window Decorating Contest, a Kids Valentino Coloring Contest, and volunteer opportunities to stamp Valentines at the local post office as well as purchase them. Because of COVID 10 the annual breakfast has been cancelled for this year.

    With the 2021 Loveland Valentine Program activites set to kick off at the Loveland Post Office on February 1st with the stamping of Valentine’s Day cards, here at Loveland Magazine we decided to share with you our loyal readers, the 2021 Valentine Art and Card Design Reveal as well as the introduction of the winning artist!

    Although both the introduction of the 2021 Valentine Lady and the Card Design Artist is typically celebrated with a much larger audience the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance President, Cee Cee Collins, wanted to be sure to keep everyone safe making the reveal a much smaller gathering. The celebration included the Valentine Ladies, who were thrilled to honor this year’s and next year’s (due to COVID-19 restrictions this year the Chamber decided to give the 2021 Valentine Lady the 2022 title as well in hopes that she could be more celebrated next year) Valentine Lady, Jeannie Shumaker, several members from City Hall and the LMRCA, and the 2021 Valentine Card Design Artist Cindy Wilmes.

    Click below to witness the 2021 Valentine Art and Card Reveal presented to you by Loveland Magazine TV!

    Shortly after the Valentine Card Design reveal Loveland Magazine had the opportunity to chat with the 2021-2022 Valentine Lady herself, Jeannie Shumaker, and the 2021 Valentine Card Artist, Cindy Wilmes about how it feels to represent the “Land of Love.” Nothing in the world is as sweet as these two very special women! Click below to watch the interview!

    Here is a list of the 2021 Valentine Program activities and contests you can get involved in!

    • Enter the 2021 Valentine Poetry Contest. Submissions are due by January 26th (Download the Entry Form >).
    • Order your very own Valentine Yard Sign by February 4th (Download the Order Form).
    • Enter the Business Window Decorating Contest (Contact the Chamber to register your business).
    • Have your children enter the Valentino Coloring Contest. Submissions are due by January 26th (Download the Coloring Contest Form (PDF)).
    • Purchase and send out a Loveland Valentine Card! You can purchase your card at the LMRCA Office, the Loveland Post Office beginning on February 1st, MILE42 COFFEE, the Loveland Kroger, Busy Bee Boutique, Trailside Provisions, Lemons and Limes Boutique, Blume, Alley’s Boutique, Hometown Cafe, and some local banks.

    The Valentine Lady tradition goes back to 1971 when the Loveland Chamber of Commerce created a Valentine postmark. Doris Pfiester, chamber secretary at the time, mailed 1,000 Valentines for Loveland residents that had a special Loveland, Ohio postmark that year and was referred to as the “Valentine Lady” until a formal selection process began in the 1980s.

    Pfiester was named the very first Valentine Lady in 1992. The Chamber re-mails thousands of cards they receive from around the world for people wanting their cards mailed from “Loveland” with the slogan, “There is nothing in the world so sweet as Love.” Chamber president in 1972, Dr. Roland Boike, coined the phrase, inspired by Samual Johnson.

    The official announcement of Loveland’s 2021-2022 Valentine Lady, Jeannie Schumaker, will occur at Loveland City Hall on January 26th.

    Want to learn more about Loveland’s 2021-2022 Valentine Lady? Click the following link: https://lovelandmagazine.com/meet-the-next-loveland-valentine-lady/.

    Valentine Lady Representatives

    2022-2021: Jeannie Shumaker

    2020: Debbie Murray
    2019: Dr. Kathy Lorenz
    2018: Kay Bolin
    2017:  Carol Williams (Photos)
    2016:  Laurie Gordon (Photos)
    2015:  Sue Lundy
    2014:  Janis Fogle (More Video)
    2013:  Marge Henderson
    2012:  Jan Ranard
    2011:  Avery (Winkie) Foster
    2010:  Bonnie Larson
    2009:  Linda Cox
    2008:  Kay Napier
    2007:  Sue Newburger
    2006:  Peggy Goodwin
    2005:  Lu Boike
    2004:  Helen Gosch
    2003:  Kathryn Undercoffer
    2002:  Patricia Furterer
    2001:  Marirose Stiver
    2000:  Anne Fowler
    1999:  Winona Franz
    1998:  Barbara Dee
    1997:  Bobbie Books
    1996:  Jo Ann Richardson
    1995:  Mary McDonnell
    1994:  Margaret Keifer
    1993:  Kathryn Sidney
    1992:  Doris Osborne
    1991:  Martha Hockman
    1990:  Rose Wene
    1989:  Pat Randolph
    1982-88:  Ruth Jackson (Doris’s daughter)
    1982:  Doris Pfiester

    We have more Loveland Magazine TV videos for you to enjoy! Click below to watch now!

    Watch more Videos on LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV

    Hi Jeannie and Cindy.
    Congratulations!
  • LMR Chamber Alliance Shares What’s Happening in Loveland in 2020!

    LMR Chamber Alliance Shares What’s Happening in Loveland in 2020!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – It seems as though just yesterday we watched the ball drop as we welcomed in a brand new year, but in all actuality, it’s almost February! With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance has several “sweet” events planned for the community as well as new board members to help “sweeten” those events! Loveland Magazine TV brought President of the LMR Chamber Alliance, Cee Cee Collins, and Program Director, Meredith Taylor, to the studio to talk with us about what new and exciting things are happening with the Chamber this year! So fasten your seat belts, sit back and enjoy the ride as we share with you an exclusive interview with Cee Cee Collins and Meredith Taylor! You won’t want to miss these “Sweethearts of Loveland!”

  • [Watch] Re-Broadcast of Loveland City Council meet the Candidate Forum

    [Watch] Re-Broadcast of Loveland City Council meet the Candidate Forum

    Loveland, Ohio – On Wednesday, October 16, Loveland Magazine and the Little Miami River Chamber Chamber Alliance co-hosted a Meet the Candidates Night for those running for Loveland City Council in the November 5 election. The event was held in the Media Center of the Loveland Middle School.

    Loveland Magazine broadcast the forum live on our Facebook page and this is our re-broadcast.

    Our moderator for the forum was Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Brad Greenberg, and Pastor Bill Hounshell sorted and asked the written questions that were submitted by the audience.

    Candidates Kathy Bailey, Andy Bateman, Kent Blair, Cory O’Donnell, and Angela Settell participated. Pat Ahr was unable to attend due to a previous engagement.

    PUBLISHER’S NOTE of THANKS:

    Thank you to John Ames the Loveland School Business Manager for the hours you spent on the details of room logistics and the sound system. Thank you, Pastor Bill Hounshell, for perhaps the hardest job of the evening – sorting through the many audience submitted questions and fairly and impartially asking them to the candidates. Thank you, Judge Greenberg, for adding your dignity to the forum and for keeping things running so smoothly. Thank you Loveland Voters for attending and your community engagement. Thank you, Chamber – CeeCee Collins and Meredith Taylor – for the important roles you played in making the evening a success and allowing us to partner with you again this year. – David Miller, Publisher

    If you find this story useful and helpful in your daily life…

  • Special Guests Cee Cee Collins and Meredith Taylor Talk Future Events With Loveland Magazine TV!

    Special Guests Cee Cee Collins and Meredith Taylor Talk Future Events With Loveland Magazine TV!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Over the past few months, the community of Loveland has been flourishing with fun and exciting events! With all of the new restaurants popping up left and right as well as new business openings, and community charity events, the city of Loveland has turned into the place to be for both families and friends looking to spend quality time together.

    President Cee Cee Collins and Program Director Meredith Taylor, of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, stopped by Loveland Magazine TV studios to let us in on what we can expect from the Chamber in regards to community events this month and in November! From forums on Effective Communication, a City Council Candidate Forum, to the Annual Awards Dinner for Loveland’s incredible businesses, there will be no shortage of community events to get involved in this Fall season! Check out my interview with the ladies of Loveland below!

    If you find this story useful and helpful in your daily life…

     

  • [Video Interview] Loveland Frogman Race

    [Video Interview] Loveland Frogman Race

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio (The Staycation Resort of Southwest Ohio)- I met Meredith Taylor and Mark Bersani on the most beautiful of sunny afternoons on the bank of our State and National Scenic and wild Little Miami River yesterday to ask them questions about the up-coming Loveland Frogman Race, but the conversation also turned to important topics of interest about two Loveland institutions. Mark and his wife Robin own Loveland Canoe & Kayak and Meredith is the Program Director of the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance.

    Click the paddle to learn more about the Loveland Frogman Race and how you can register. Registration is filling up fast!

    The Frogman Race is centered at Loveland Canoe & Kayak in Historic Downtown and Mark promises plenty of available parking in the civic lot adjacent to his business. You will be taken by bus into Warren County to canoe/kayak back to Loveland, and then bike the Loveland Bike Trail to Miami Township’s Riverview Park and sprint back again. Sprint if you can, however, Mark and Meredith say the event is more for fun than the competition of it. There is however plenty of pride and friendly home-grown competition in winning or beating your time from last year. Can you claim the title of “Top Frog”?

    Individual spots (all of the kayaks have been reserved) for the 5 Mile Canoe/Kayak, 8 Mile Bike ride, and 5K Run have filled, but you can still register as a team and reserve a canoe.

    Both Meredith and Mark were pretty coy in their answers when asked whether anyone would run into the famous Loveland Frog along the course, in or out of the river!

    We also talked about wine tastings, morning mixers, the Chamber’s 300th member celebration, the Fall for Symmes Fall Festival, and the annual Chamber award banquet.

    Mark shares the remaining dates on their river calendar if you still want to get on the scenic river this year and how he and Robin are hosting a large group of inner-city youth on the river immediately after the finish of the Frogman Race.

    PHEW! That’s a lot of good information. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

  • [Interview with Chamber] Everything you need to know about the Firecracker Festival, Touch a Truck, Food Truck Rally, and Car Show

    [Interview with Chamber] Everything you need to know about the Firecracker Festival, Touch a Truck, Food Truck Rally, and Car Show

    Symmes Township, Ohio – Cassie Mattia went to Symmes Park yesterday afternoon and interviewed CeeCee Collins and Meredith Taylor with the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance to find out all they have planned for celebrating the 4th of July Holiday – Firecracker Festival, Car Show, Touch a Truck 2019, and Food Truck Rally.

    CeeCee and Meredith Told Cassie about all of the fun things they have in store to kick-off the holiday; the entertainment they will have on stage, the children’s activities, and the food and drinks. They also told her a little about what it takes to pull off an event of this size.

    At the end of the video, Cassie, Meredith, and Josh Badzik gave the carnival’s Fun Slide a try. Cassie may have needed some water on it or burlap to sit on, but see who won the challenge!

    The Firecracker Festival begins at 4 PM on Friday. and will feature live music on stage, a family friendly area for children including rides, a variety of food and vendor booths, beverages, and much more. They will also have their second annual car show and food truck rally.

    Be sure to attend the Fireworks show at dusk on Saturday night!