LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: ohio

  • Artists profiles for Loveland Art Festival [Next Saturday]

    Artists profiles for Loveland Art Festival [Next Saturday]

    Loveland, Ohio – Here are just a few profiles of the many artists and craftspeople who will be displaying their wares next Saturday at the Loveland Art Festival in downtown Loveland.

    The outdoor Loveland Art Festival is happening Saturday, September 7 from 11am to 4pm. You’ll be able to browse 70 local artists, sip a cool beverage, and have a bite to eat. You can browse pottery, paintings, fiber art, wood crafts, photographs, sculptures and much more.

    The event showcases Loveland High School art students and will be raising awareness about two non-profits, Angels by the Trail and the Loveland Foundation Legacy.

    Plan to stop out and enjoy the activities and do some shopping. Free admission and expanded parking. See their FaceBook page for all the details plus a map to the event. Also, there is much information at the FaceBook page of Whistle Stop Clayworks.

    Alex Eicher’s interest in photography started when he took a class at Loveland High School and he is now a second year student at UNOH. He enjoys nature and sports photography and has taken pictures at FC Cincinnati games, at the Western & Southern Open, at O.U. football games and all around Loveland, Ohio.
    Bonnie McNett has been a potter for almost 30 years and owns and manages Whistle Stop Clay Works. She primarily throws functional pots, but appreciates the subtle art of hand building. She is an enthusiastic naturalist, mother of three sons, wife and fierce friend.
    John Koveleski is a Cincinnati based artist that enjoys uniting communities through his art. Each painting is unique and tells its individual story.
    Connie Springer’s paintings revolve around stories: street musicians in Poland, a billiard hall in Berlin, a spunky gallery owner in France, a Vietnamese street, museum-goers, or a flower market bristling with people. She paints from photographs, not only her own but those left her by her German-born parents, from whom she inherited her love of photography and art. Her work has been exhibited in solo shows in Cincinnati and Louisville and in group exhibits in Cincinnati and Massachusetts.
    Ingrid Farnham was recognized as a “budding artist” at 12 and studied art through HS and began painting with oils. After a hiatus for career and parenting, she resumed painting (in watercolors) began taking private courses as well as courses from the Cincinnati Art Academy. She takes art vacations whenever possible and continues improving her watercolor skills. She had a solo exhibit at the Grail in Loveland and a member of the Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati. She believes that a painting must evoke a strong feeling. To express this joie de vivre, she uses bright and transparent colors, primary and secondary complementary colors, constantly inspired by Nature.
    Jewelry making started as a casual hobby for Melissa Martin many moons ago but it wasn’t until 2015, when she picked up her first piece of sheet metal (recycled roofing copper from the scrap yard), that she really fell in love with the art form. She took a silversmithing class where she picked up a torch and started learning how to use fire to create art. Over the years, she has continued to challenge herself, advancing her skills and refining her aesthetic. She is inspired by the natural world and the jewelry she creates is a study of texture and organic forms. She fabricates each piece with care and intention: thoughtful adornments made by hand, by hammer and by heart.
    Chris Heaton is a retired Science teacher and has enjoyed working with wood for over 30 years. While he has always used traditional woodworking tools (table saw, router etc), lately he has also begun to use the lathe and scroll saw to create some of his projects. His hope is to elevate normal, everyday items (a pen, a cutting board, a bread knife, etc) and by using natural wood, create a more beautiful, lasting handmade heirloom. He hopes you enjoy using his creations as much as he had making them.
  • [Video] Cassie Mattia was the Celebrity Guest Bartender at DVD Brew House

    [Video] Cassie Mattia was the Celebrity Guest Bartender at DVD Brew House

    Dana and Cassie

    Loveland, Ohio – Last Wednesday evening Cassie Mattia was asked to be the Celebrity Guest Bartender at the DVD Brew House on Loveland Madeira Road.

    Cassie said afterward, I had an absolute blast at DVD Brew representing Loveland Magazine. Thank you DVD for having me as your guest bartender and all the community members who showed up to support us.”

    Owner Dana Vaughn Depenbrock said, “Cassie absolutely hit it out of the park. Thank you for supporting our new neighborhood business.”

    DVD has 29 hand-crafted beers on tap and 10 distilled spirits on the shelf. Also, seltzers such as the Danielle-tzer, a gluten-free neutral hard seltzer available in 4 flavors: Passionfruit-Orange-Guava, Black Cherry, Prickly Pear, and Strawberry Lemonade.

    “Dana repurposed a former Loveland car wash into one of the coolest and eclectic businesses in the Tri-State. I encourage anyone who hasn’t visited DVD to go and experience all they have to offer,” Cassie Added.

     

    Find DVD Brew on FaceBook…

    The DVD Brew Web Page…

    Check out their extensive Drink Menu…

    You can also watch this interview that Cassie did at the brew house last May

    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.

    Would you like to have Cassie our local influencer and “Celeb”, emcee, make announcements, or host one of your events so that your customers stay engaged, entertained, donating, bidding, and shopping? Well now is your chance to hire Cassie for your next public event or fundraiser!

    Send off an email to cmattia12@gmail.com.

  • New Episode: The Queen City Sports Podcast by Chris Ball & Mark Raines

    New Episode: The Queen City Sports Podcast by Chris Ball & Mark Raines

    by Chris Ball

    Loveland, Ohio – This week, Mark and Chris delve deeper into Ja’Marr Chase’s contract situation, which has more twists and turns than a James Bond movie. The guys take a brief look at the Bengals’ week one opponent, the New England Patriots, and how that is a very winnable game. They also discuss how it’s clearly game over for the Reds, but talk about some of the remaining bright spots for the team and how it’s do or die in 2025. Finally, they get into the meat of the college football action as they give their predictions for the Cincinnati Bearcats, Michigan Wolverines, and the college game in general

     

    Have a listen and don’t forget to leave your comments and feedback!

    _______________________

    Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?

    Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?

    Feel free to share with an email to lovelandmagazinesports@gmail.com!

    We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.

    Also, don’t forget to follow us at The Loveland Sports Desk at the below links:

    For Facebook, click here.

    For X, click here.

    For Instagram, click here. 

    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.

  • 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

  • Sharon Scovanner featured in USA TODAY NETWORK about Loveland’s contaminated drinking water

    Sharon Scovanner featured in USA TODAY NETWORK about Loveland’s contaminated drinking water

    Loveland, Ohio – Sharon Scovanner the local Loveland resident, now regional expert on “Forever Chemicals” contaminating drinking water in Loveland and around the region was featured in the print and eNewspaper of the USA TODAY NETWORK and the Columbus Dispatch on Sunday, August 18.

    The story reports that, “Loveland resident Sharon Scovanner only drinks filtered water. She’s concerned about her city’s reported level of PFAS compounds in the public water system and the potential health risks of continued exposure to the chemicals, which linger in the environment and in human bodies. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, abbreviated PFAS, are chemicals first manufactured in the 1940s. They have been linked to certain cancers, fertility issues and other health concerns”

    Scovanner said, “Loveland has made claims about the health effects of PFAS in a federal lawsuit that differ from the information the city gives its residents.”

    “I just know they didn’t tell us. They are telling us to continue to drink the water, they’re saying it’s safe, and that is not accurate. No official governmental agency that has any credence on this topic would agree with that.”  –––Sharon Scovanner

    Testing has revealed that Loveland has two “Forever Chemicals” in its drinking water. One, at a level four times higher than what is the enforceable standard of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This is the highest reported level in the area. US EPA has acknowledged that no levels of PFAS are safe without the risk of negative health impacts.

    Read the full story BELOW…

    [pdf-embedder url=”https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ColumbusDispatch_20240818.pdf”]

  • Symmes Trustees to hold public hearing on adult-use cannabis

    Symmes Trustees to hold public hearing on adult-use cannabis

    Symmes Township, Ohio – The Board of Trustees will hold a public hearings on Tuesday, September 3rd at 7 PM at the Township Administration building prior to their regular Board meeting to:

    • Revise the language of Section 386 Specific Criteria Pertaining to Conditional Uses and Table 35-1 that adult-use cannabis shall be regulated in the zoning resolution as a conditional use in the retail district and have minimum standards including but not limited to: one acre minimum site, retail parking requirements as stipulated in Section 141 Retail Stores which requires one parking space for each two hundred (200) square feet of floor area, minimum landscape standards as required in Section 145, outdoor lighting as required in Section 146, Buffer Yards as required in Section 326, and any other requirements stipulated in Section 380 Conditional Use of the Symmes Township Zoning Resolution. To review plans, click here.

    [pdf-embedder url=”https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/G2024-55-zoning-text-amendments-adult-use-cannabis.pdf” title=”G2024-55 zoning text amendments adult use cannabis”]

  • Air Quality Alert extended into Thursday

    Air Quality Alert extended into Thursday

    Loveland, Ohio – The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency, a division of Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services, has issued and extended an Air Quality Alert for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky.

    The Agency expects to see levels of ozone in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

    The air quality in Loveland was measured at 143 at 5 PM on Tuesday.

    Do Your Share for Clean Air

    Transportation
    • Bike or walk to nearby destinations.
    • Ride the bus (Metro Phone: 513-621-4455).
    • Join a carpool through Rideshare. Call 800-241-RIDE for free information on how to start a carpool.
    • Combine your errands into one trip-a cold engine decreases efficiency by as much as 80%.
    • Keep your air filter clean and get regular tune-ups-a neglected car can reduce gas mileage by 20%.
    • Make sure your tires are properly inflated and rotated-you can save $130 a year in gasoline costs.
    • Don’t “top off” your gas tank-by stopping at the click, you will reduce fumes that contribute to ground-level ozone pollution.
    • Refuel after 8 pm, especially in the summer when ozone concentrations tend to be higher during the afternoon.
    • Avoid idling in general, turning off and starting an engine uses less gasoline than letting it idle for more than 30 seconds. For example, turn the car off while waiting in line at railroad crossings and drive-through windows.
    • Make sure your car’s air conditioner is working properly-leaky air conditioners in cars are the single greatest source of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a greenhouse gas.
    • Stay on paved roads whenever possible-driving on dirt roads raises dust which contributes to haze and airborne particulate matter.
    Energy Use
    • Conserve electricity-electrical generation is a source of air pollution.
    • Turn the lights out when you leave the room.
    • Use cold water instead of hot whenever possible-you’ll use less energy
    • Use fans to help cool-they use less energy than coolers and air conditioners.
    • Clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator every few months-you can reduce electricity consumption by 6% or more.
    • Insulate your home to use less energy.
    • Go solar or geothermal for home and water heating-it reduces the need to burn fossil fuel.
    • Caulk and weather strip doors and windows.
    • Change your HVAC filter regularly so your equipment runs more efficiently.
    • Replace lightbulbs with LEDs.
    • Only do laundry when there is a full load.
    • Unplug appliances when not in use, especially equipment that has “stand by” modes such as flat screen television, DVD/Blu-Ray players, and video game equipment.
    • Avoid leaving cell phone and tablet chargers plugged in the wall when not charging equipment.
    • Use a programmable thermostat to conserve heat/air conditioning when not at home.
    • When appliances need to be replaced, look for EnergyStar certified products.
  • Ja’Marr Chase Returns to Practice as Bengals Prepare for the Patriots

    Ja’Marr Chase Returns to Practice as Bengals Prepare for the Patriots

    by Chris Ball

    Loveland, Ohio – Ja’Marr Chase has been at almost every Bengals practice this offseason. Whether it’s engaging with his teammates or cheering them on, his presence amidst all of the contract issues has shown his true dedication to this team.

    After watching Justin Jefferson and Cee Dee Lamb cash in, Ja’Marr Chase still put on the pads and laced up his cleats to prepare for the New England Patriots in week one. And that tells you all that you need to know about his commitment level. He’s been a participant at both Monday and Tuesday practices this week and the national media has taken notice.

    Even still, Bengals fans and beat writers alike paid close attention to both Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb. Those two players were seen early on as barometers for what a potential deal might look like for Ja’Marr Chase. Jefferson’s contract was finalized earlier this year. But it took until Monday for Lamb’s payday to come through. He and the Cowboys agreed to a four-year, $136 million deal. This makes Lamb the second-highest-paid receiver in the NFL behind Jefferson. It is yet another domino to fall in a summer dominated by talk of extensions for some of the best pass catchers in the league.

    There is no need to panic until Ja’Marr Chase makes it clear that he won’t play for the Bengals until his demands are met. Justin Jefferson set the market for wide receiver contracts, and CeeDee Lamb cashed in as well. The dust from those major deals will soon settle and the cards will all be on the table between Chase and the Bengals. The team knows how much Chase wants, and Chase can see how his peers are being paid. This sort of certainty can bring a perspective to the discussions that might make a reasonable deal all the more probable.

    And that certainty would be crucial for the Bengals and their fans. Having Chase’s contract in place prior to week one would give all parties the ability to solely focus on the product that is on the field and to work on getting back to the Super Bowl. That is a golden opportunity for a team that has struggled in the worst way to start prior seasons and the Bengals absolutely have to take advantage of it.

    ———————-

    Hey readers… have an opinion about sports? How about a topic you’d like to see written about in Loveland Magazine or a thought about one of our articles?

    Just need to vent and get out your frustration about the Reds, Bengals, or any other sports issues?

    Feel free to share with an email to lovelandmagazinesports@gmail.com!

    We would love to hear from our readers, and we thank you for your support and engagement.

    Also, don’t forget to follow us at The Loveland Sports Desk at the below links:

    For Facebook, click here.

    For X, click here.

    For Instagram, click here. 

    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.

  • Air Quality Alert issued for Tuesday

    Air Quality Alert issued for Tuesday

    The air quality was 119 on Monday at 6 PM

    Loveland, Ohio – The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency (a division of Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services) has issued an Air Quality Alert for Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky.

    Do Your Share! Take these precautions:

    • Take the bus, carpool, bike or walk instead of driving
    • Refuel your vehicle after 8 p.m.Do not top off when refueling and tighten the gas cap
    • Avoid idling your vehicle
    • Combine trips or eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips
    • Keep your vehicle maintained with properly inflated tires and timely oil changes
    • Avoid use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment on Air Quality Alert days
    • Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains on Air Quality Alert days
    • Never burn leaves or other yard trimmings
    • Always burn clean, seasoned wood in outdoor fire pits, fireplaces and wood stoves
    • Do not use fire pits or fireplaces for non-essential home heating on Air Quality Alert days
    • Conserve electricity

    An Air Quality Alert has been declared for Cincinnati, OH, on Tuesday, Aug 27
    Tomorrow’s Forecast
    Tuesday, Aug 27: 110 AQI Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Ozone
  • Courtney Hineman: “What defines Inclusion”

    Courtney Hineman: “What defines Inclusion”

    by Courtney Hineman

    Loveland, Ohio – In my debut broadcast of “Courtney Explains it All” I talked about what inclusion means for those with a developmental disability and what we can all do together to make life more manageable and equitable.

    This excerpt from my original full length vlog is about “What defines Inclusion”, and how you can practice it for your own benefit or to benefit others.

    As someone who has lived with a disability all my life my desire is to explain why inclusion is important for someone with a disability.

    I hope you find my explanations and tips helpful. Thank you so much for checking out my vlog!

    “Courtney Explains It All” is a vlog on LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV that will feature my insight on different topics, issues, and interviews focused on the developmental disability community.

    ________________________

    You can also watch the full episode here.

    ______________

    My desire is that you will find the following organizations helpful as we continue our journey together!

     

    Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 Butler County Residents. Supports and services are available life-long through contracts with partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.

    Founded in 1967, the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities supports over 4,100 people. Supports and services are available life-long through partner agencies or directly provided by our Board.

    Much of our services go beyond the walls of our facilities and take place in the community. The Board’s supports are geared toward the philosophy of person-centered thinking, which places the individual at the center of decisions made about the services they receive. We are committed to helping people determine their dreams and helping to make those dreams come true.

    Hamilton County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS) is a government social services agency established by state law. For more than 50 years, HCDDS has provided educational, vocational, and residential support and services to thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities (DD). Each year, we support approximately 7,300 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout their lives, from babies through seniors, by providing case management, monitoring service quality, and funding services provided by our community partners.

    We treat each person we serve as a unique individual and connect them to services to reflect the life they want. By collaborating with more than 1,000 certified providers, we’re able to support people to live a life that is important and meaningful to them, on their own terms.

    Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The mission of the Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities is to help those we serve expand capabilities and navigate the possibilities. We envision a culture comprised of inclusive communities where people with disabilities thrive and live a life on their own terms. Individuals and families served by the Clermont County Board of DD have the right of choice and flexibility regarding what, how and where services are provided.  Individuals and families will be empowered to make decisions, become partners and work cooperatively with professionals, and exert control over the services provided to them.

    Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities

    The Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports to over 2,400 people in Warren County who have developmental disabilities. The mission of the board is supporting people with disabilities and their families to achieve what is important to them. The Board employs 127 people in full and part time positions. We operate out of four locations in Warren County, and have an annual budget of $30,500,000.00. More than 65% of our revenue is derived from local levy funds.

    Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

    The mission of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (Ohio DD Council) is to create change that improves independence, productivity and inclusion for people with developmental disabilities and their families in community life. The Ohio DD Council operates under the authority of the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (DD Act) and is a part of the Ohio DD Network. The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities assists and supports the Ohio DD Council as the federally mandated designated state agency.

    ________________

    Courtney Hineman is a disability rights advocate. She is the Community Outreach Advocate at the Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities and was appointed by Governor DeWine to the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council for the second term. She is a member of Butler County’s self-advocacy group, and enjoys participating in Best Buddies.