Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: Valentine Lady

  • Hearts Afire Weekend returns to Loveland, Ohio February 9th through 11th

    Hearts Afire Weekend returns to Loveland, Ohio February 9th through 11th

    Hearts Afire Weekend Returns to City of Loveland

    Sparks will fly Feb. 9-11, 2024

    View activities taking place across the city. Select the square icon in the top left-hand corner of the map to filter by day.

     

    Loveland, Ohio – The City of Loveland has announced dates for its third annual Hearts Afire Weekend, February 9-11.

    The 2024 Hearts Afire Weekend will take place the weekend before Valentine’s Day. Most activities will take place on Saturday.

    The weekend will feature live ice carving, outdoor decorations, a Valentine’s pageant, fireworks, carriage rides, and fire twirlers. The popular ice sculpture walking tour will return featuring unique designs for photo ops.

    Photo by City of Loveland

    Local businesses in the city’s Historic Downtown will bring the heat with shopping and dining specials, as well as unique activities and open houses. Some of the weekend fun includes:

    • “Galentine” night
    • Valentine-themed variety show
    • Chasing Cupid 5K
    • Dance lessons
    • Taylor Swift-themed brunch
    Finn Perry was Mr. Cupid in 2023 (Photo by City of Loveland)

    In the spirit of love, the event will give back to the community. The city is partnering with the Loveland Stage Company, which is raising money to replace its theater’s HVAC system. On Feb. 9 and 10, the theater will host Crushin It, a Valentine-themed variety show. All proceeds will go toward the HVAC fundraiser.

    Additionally, the city is hosting a Hearts Afire Valentine Pageant at the Loveland Stage Company on Saturday for children ages 1-4. The pageant will be judged by the Loveland Valentine Ladies, a local group of women known for their community service. All proceeds will go to the Loveland Stage Company’s HVAC system.

  • [Photo Album] “Ladies” kick off Loveland Valentine’s season

    [Photo Album] “Ladies” kick off Loveland Valentine’s season

    Loveland, Ohio – Last Saturday the Loveland Valentine’s Ladies gathered a near-capacity crowd inside the Loveland City Hall. The occasion was to introduce Becky Giver as the 2024 Loveland Valentine Lady and Lauren Connolly as the newest Valentine Card designer.

    Chamber Board chair, Kevin Egan spoke and the event was emceed by Chamber President/CEO CeeCee Collins and Vice President of Operations, Meredith Taylor. Mayor Kathy Bailey gave each of the current Valentine Ladies a rose as they were introduced.

    Stay tuned for information about purchasing the 2024 Valentine’s card and instructions on a special way to have it mailed.

    Watch this Interview with Becky Giver the 2024 Loveland Ohio Valentine’s Lady.

    ___________

    Kay Bolin, was crowned in 2018, and she read this history of the program:

    A Valentine Lady is a woman who has distinguished themselves by their commitment and involvement in the community and like a Marine … once a Valentine Lady ALWAYS a Valentine Lady.

    The Loveland Valentine Lady tradition began in 1972, when Dr. Roland Boike implemented the idea & coined the phrase “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love’.  His secretary Doris Pfiester volunteered to stamp all cards, which Doris did until 1988 when her daughter Ruth took over the stamping.  Later that year, the Loveland Chamber began an official Valentine Lady program which included a new Valentine Lady every year which began in 1989.  Our 2024 Valentine Lady is #35.

    The first step in becoming a Valentine Lady is to be nominated; all letters of nomination are due to the Chamber in November of each year.  Then the Valentine Program Committee reviews all letters of nomination and then votes on who has distinguished themselves by their commitment and involvement in our community.

    All the Valentine Ladies are different, but we have one thing in common and that is we love our community therefore we love being involved and helping our community.  That common thread truly makes us Valentine Sisters.

    The first and one of the most rewarding responsibilities of a Valentine Lady is going to

    the various Loveland schools (pre-K through 4th grade) during the first two weeks of February.

    Each Valentine Lady chooses her topic for her presentation.

    Another fun Valentine Ladies duty is:

    The crowning of a King and Queen at Magnolia Springs Assisted Living and Memory Care Unit.  We also visit the Lodge Retirement Community for games with the residents.

    There is an annual Valentine Breakfast at Oasis every year in February which is a great representation of the Chamber’s Valentine Program …

    •The new Valentine Lady will be there, along with other Valentine Ladies.

    •The new Valentine card is shown and the artist who created the artwork is introduced.  Each year the design is different as the artist is different, but the message is always the same “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love.”

    •There is a Valentino coloring contest for the kids and a Valentine poetry contest for all ages.

    This breakfast is a wonderful opportunity to see and feel what the Valentine Program is all about and it is always the Friday before Valentine’s Day.

    And I can’t forget to mention the Post Office tradition.  People make it a point to send their Valentine Cards to family and loved ones every year with our hand stamped cache “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love” and the hand stamped postmark from Loveland, Ohio.  This really is a sweet Loveland tradition.

    We stamp 1,000’s of pieces of mail each year, in 2023 they were mailed to 46 states plus Washington DC, 5 other countries and to the Army and Fleet Post Offices.

    The Post Office is also a fun volunteer job, and a wonderful way for you to connect in our community.  Just contact the Chamber if you are interested in volunteering next year.

    ____________________

    All photos ©2024 David Miller/Loveland Magazine

    The Annual Valentine’s Day Breakfast

    Join the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance along with the Loveland area business community and residents for the 2023 Valentine’s Day Breakfast Event!

    Friday, February 9 at the Oasis Conference Center starting at 8:30 AM.

    Join us as we honor and recognize our 2024….

    • Valentine Lady
    • Valentine Card Designer
    • Poetry Contest Winners
    • Valentino Coloring Contest Winner

    There will be special entertainment and a full, hot breakfast!

    Come and see why everyone “Loves” Loveland, OH!

    Please call the office for additional information – 513-683-1544

    ORDER YOUR TICKETS

  • Interview with Becky Giver the 2024 Loveland Ohio Valentine Lady

    Interview with Becky Giver the 2024 Loveland Ohio Valentine Lady

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – Saturday morning the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance gathered a standing-room crowd at City Hall to introduce Becky Giver as the next Loveland Valentine Lady and unveil the 2024 Valentine card designed by artist Lauren Connolly.

    Before the ceremony started, Becky talked to me about how it felt when she was surprised and told of her selection and what are her plans during her reign.

    You can view Connolly’s winning design as the cover photo on the Loveland Magazine homepage.

    Kay Bolin, the 2018 Valentine Lady nominated Giver. Here is the letter she wrote to the selection committee:

    Becky Giver, a woman who flies “under the radar” while constantly doing her good and caring deeds in our community. Since Becky has retired, or I should say semi-retired, she has been able to put all that energy into our community.

    In addition to being a continued patron for Loveland’s restaurants and businesses, she doesn’t stop there, as she knows it takes work as well as fun to keep a community growing.

    Loveland is so lucky to have several non- profit organizations that need good people who are willing to work and not be afraid to get their hands dirty. And speaking of getting your hands dirty, Becky has been involved with the:

    City of Loveland Beautification Committee – She has been one of several members who have helped beautify our community. Today she continues to work on some special projects with “Love our Land.” It is so cool to watch Loveland’s renewed interest in planning and planting with the focus on pollinator beds throughout our community.

    Becky doesn’t stop with planting; in fact, you have possibly seen her & her husband, Gary, walking on 48 carrying a bag and picking up trash to help once again keep our community beautiful and clean. They have been part of this Adopt a Block program for years.

    Becky is also on the board for Loveland Legacy Foundation –a 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization, with the purpose of improving the community of Loveland, with a common purpose of the betterment of Loveland, now and in the future.

    Another not-for-profit organization she is involved with is Loveland Stage Company, as House Manager and ad sales. Like everything she does, she goes far beyond the requirements to ensure comfort and a pleasant experience for the patrons.

    Becky has been a volunteer for years and recently has been appointed to be on the Board of Directors for the Loveland Historical Museum, whose mission is to enrich lives and connect our community through diverse arts and history experiences.”

    She has also just finished a very productive term as President of the Loveland Woman’s Club, and now serves as Advisor for the next 2-year term.

    In her spare time Becky & Gary take care of the bird feeders at the Loveland Nature Preserve

    In summary Becky cares about our community and its people, she helps make a better community for all of us and the future generations. Her compassion is contagious, she will make a fun-loving and productive addition to our Valentine Lady sisterhood. Becky, we are thrilled to have you.

    Respectfully submitted by Kay Bolin, 2018 Valentine Lady

  • BREAKING: Valentine Lady Kick-off moves indoors

    BREAKING: Valentine Lady Kick-off moves indoors

    LOVELAND CITY HALL at 120 West Loveland Avenue

    Loveland, Ohio – Because of a prediction of inclement weather, the Loveland Valentine Lady event for Saturday, Jan 6 at 11 AM will be inside at LOVELAND CITY HALL at 120 West Loveland Avenue.

    The 2024 Loveland Valentine Program kicks off in the Downtown Historic District. The 2024 Valentine lady, Becky Giver will be introduced as well as the unveiling of the original winning Valentine’s card artwork, by a local artist. The 2024 Valentine’s card will be available for purchase.

     

  • Valentine Program Kicks-off on Saturday, January 6

    Valentine Program Kicks-off on Saturday, January 6

    Loveland, Ohio – Mark your calendars and plan to attend the Loveland Valentine Program Kick-off event on Saturday, January 6 at Sweetheart Alley, on the Litte Miami Scenic trail, at 11 AM in the Downtown Historic District. The 2024 Valentine lady, Becky Giver, the 2024 Valentine Lady will be introduced as well as the unveiling of the original winning Valentine’s card artwork, by a local artist. The 2024 Valentine’s card will be available for purchase.

     

  • The 2023 Valentine Breakfast in video and photos

    The 2023 Valentine Breakfast in video and photos

    by David Miller

    Miami Township, Ohio – The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance held its annual Valentine’s Day Breakfast on Friday, February 10 at the Oasis Conference Center. The emcee was Pastor Bill Hounshell.

    2014 Valentine Lady, Janis Fogle

    Children from the Loveland schools and the adult that won their age-group poetry submissions were called to the microphone to recite their poems. Loveland school superintendant, Mike Broadwater presented the poetry winners a certificate.

    2014 Valentine Lady, Janis Fogle said on the Loveland Valentine Ladies FaceBook page that the Loveland Valentine Ladies have already stamped close to 2,650 Valentine cards at the Loveland Post Office, for the 2023 Valentine season. She said, “Cards went to locations such as The Netherlands, Austria, Sweden, the UK, as well as most of the 50 states, plus Washington DC.”

    Rosemary Shumaker

    This year’s Valentine Card designer, Rosemary Shumaker was introduced and an enlargement of her card was prominent on center stage.

    The 2023 Loveland Valentine Card designed by Rosemary Shumaker
    Steve Zinser, a former Loveland Principal led the Delta Kings as they serenaded 2023 Valentine Lady, Donna Barns as well as singing numerous songs throughout the morning.

    Here are video and photo highlights:

    Here are the poetry contest winners reading their poetry:

  • 2023 Loveland Valentine Program kickoff

    2023 Loveland Valentine Program kickoff

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Valentine Ladies invite you to join them to kick off the 2023 Valentine Program on Saturday, January 7, at 11 AM at Sweetheart Alley on the Loveland Bike Trail.

    You will meet the 2023 Valentine Lady, Donna Barnes.

    In addition, the 2023 Valentine card will be unveiled and available for purchase at $2.00 each or 3 cards for $5.00.

    Also, mark your calendars for the annual Valentine breakfast on February 10 at 8:30 AM. More details about the breakfast will be announced at a later date.

    Dr. Kathy Lorenz

    The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance is also hosting a Valentine coloring program for young artists, with a submission deadline of January 20, 2023.

    Download the Coloring Contest Form (PDF)

    Additionally, the Valentine Poetry Contest is open to a variety of age groups and there will be a poetry workshop on January 7 at 9 AM at the Hometown Cafe, led by Dr. Kathy Lorenz, the Valentine Lady of 2019. Poetry submissions are due by January 20, 2023.

    Download the Poetry Contest Entry Form

    Come on down to Loveland, Ohio,
Where love is in the air.
Join in the fun and make some memories,
In this charming town so dear.

At Sweetheart Alley on the bike trail,
The 2023 Valentine card will be revealed.
Purchase one for two bucks or three for five,
And show your love for someone so your heart isn't concealed.

Meet the Valentine Lady, Donna Barnes,
And mark your calendars for the annual breakfast.
Details to come, so stay tuned,
For this event that's sure to be festooned.

The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance,
Is hosting a coloring program for young artists.
With a deadline of January 20,
This is a chance to create something most badest.

And don't forget the poetry contest,
Open to all ages and skill level.
A workshop on January 7, led by Dr. Lorenz,
Will help you craft it perfect and special.

So come on down to Loveland, Ohio,
Where love is in the air.
Join in the fun and make some memories,
At the 2023 Valentine Program fair.
                       
                           - AI generated by David Miller
  • Longtime Loveland Resident is Welcomed Back After COVID-19 Hospitalization

    Longtime Loveland Resident is Welcomed Back After COVID-19 Hospitalization

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland community is welcoming Nancy Garfinkel home with open arms after spending several days in the ICU.

    Garfinkel has been a staple in the Sweetheart of Ohio for years spending countless hours giving back to the community time and time again. Recently Garfinkel was hospitalized due to the effects COVID-19 had on her health. Close friend and Executive Director of LIFE Food Pantry Linda Bergholz shared that at one point during Garfinkel’s time in the ICU she was put on a ventilator.

    “It was quite a scary experience for Nancy,” Bergholz said, “She is a well-loved institution in our community. Nancy volunteers for EVERYTHING in Loveland! She is a huge part of LIFE Food Pantry, she helps with Granny’s Gardens, she does landscaping for various places including Branch Hill Coffee. Nancy is also involved with the Loveland Women’s Club and would have been selected to be a Valentine Lady as she has been nominated multiple times but is usually in Florida during February,” Bergholz added.

    According to many residents in Loveland, Garfinkel is known and loved by nearly everyone in the community!

    “Because Nancy is so loved at LIFE we decided to plan a ‘We love you Nancy’ parade past her house on Saturday, February 6th,” Bergholz said, “She’s so active and vibrant that staying at home and being on oxygen is really rough on her and we want her to feel supported. We are all so grateful that she pulled through!”

    Anyone who would like to join the “We love you Nancy” parade hosted by LIFE Food Pantry can meet the group at Ohio Valley Voices at 2 PM on Saturday, February 6th. Departure for Garfinkel’s neighborhood, which is in Miami Trails, will be at 2:10 PM.

  • Greetings of LOVE from Loveland Valentine Ladies

    Greetings of LOVE from Loveland Valentine Ladies

    Loveland, Ohio – Here are some messages of LOVE a few of the Loveland Valentine Ladies sent to our readers!

    –Enjoying our home and family can give us some of our most cherished memories. It makes us feel good. And in these extraordinary times, feeling good is important. It’s one of the best things we can do for our immune systems and our mental health.Stay well my friends and enjoy this time with your family and  supporting the community that we all love. Kay Bolin, 2018 Loveland Valentine Lady

    I  find myself staring out the window  – when it’s warm enough I  sit on my front porch and wave and talk (long distance ) to neighbors. Fortunately I love to read, even exchanging books with friends…. and I have become very good at computer solitaire.!!! I have managed to clean out a few drawers and have even thrown some “stuff” away – don’t know why I saved it in the first place. Doing my share of “take out” from our local restaurants – but sure do miss the socializing. I am lucky enough to have children & grand children in the area to shop for me – so I am not losing any weight!!!! Stay home people and WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS  –  WE ARE AMERICANS – Pat Furterer  2002 Valentine Lady

     

    It was very fortunate that Loveland had the chance to celebrate a wonderful Valentine season together before our town was impacted by covid-19.  Valentine’s Day represents some of what is unique and fun about Loveland. Now we are all doing our best to stay in with family and stay away from places where we love to congregate. I’m thinking of children and parents, bus drivers and teachers, church congregations. Of restaurants and their personnel. Of small business owners. I know we are trying our best to support each other in these anxious times. Most of all, we are anxiously anticipating the times when we can once again be together in LOVELAND! – Love from Kathy Lorenz, 2019 Valentine Lady.

    The weather is warming, the spring flowers are simply gorgeous with their vibrant colors, contracting against the green of the grass and the buds on the bushes. The clear blue sky and feeling the sun’s warmth on your face as you walk thru your neighbor or read on your deck is heavenly. Stay strong Loveland. – Janis Fogle, 2014 Valentine Lady

     

    “Cheers! – from Avery (Winkie) Foster 2011 Valentine Lady

  • Loveland Magazine TV Introduces Debbie Murray and Lilly Hummer to the “Sweetheart of Ohio”

    Loveland Magazine TV Introduces Debbie Murray and Lilly Hummer to the “Sweetheart of Ohio”

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – With the end of January quickly approaching Loveland is preparing for one of the city’s most celebrated holidays, Valentine’s Day! For those who haven’t experienced the magic of Valentine’s Day in Loveland, you may be wondering why it is one of the most celebrated holidays. Well, other than the city itself being called “Love-land” it is also referenced to as the “Sweetheart of Ohio,” and for a VERY good reason! This year two very special “Sweethearts,” Debbie Murray and Lilly Hummer, were selected to join the historic Loveland Valentine’s Program. Of course, Loveland Magazine wanted to pay tribute by providing our readers with some Loveland Valentine history and an exclusive on-camera interview with Debbie and Lilly!

    This year two very special “Sweethearts,” Debbie Murray and Lilly Hummer, were selected to join the historic Loveland Valentine’s Program.

    The Loveland Valentine’s Program began in 1972 and quickly became a nationally-known cachet stamping and postmark program. Once the program was up and running the community of Loveland decided to broaden the program’s horizons adding more fun and exciting ways to spread love throughout the city. This included the addition of two very prestigious competitions, the selection of Loveland’s annual Valentine Lady and Loveland’s Valentine Card Design Contest.

    So what is a Valentine Lady? A Loveland Valentine Lady can be defined as “a woman who has distinguished themselves in the community, at local schools, and/or with family endeavors.” This lovely lady once selected is the ambassador for the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance’s Valentine program meaning she will spread both love and generosity by visiting area businesses, nursing homes, and schools. The Valentine Lady is chosen by the Loveland community and then picked by the LMR Chamber committee. In 1982 Loveland’s first Valentine Lady, Doris Pfiester was selected. Below is the list of Loveland’s past Valentine Ladies!

    Debbie Murray was announced on December 12th at Loveland’s legendary spot, The Works, as the 34th Valentine Lady! Murray has resided in Loveland since 1985 and is a highly decorated woman in all that she does for the community. Loveland’s 2018 Valentine Lady, Kay Bolin, when asked about Debbie Murray being selected as the 2020 Valentine Lady, had nothing but kind words to say about Murray!

    Debbie is indeed one of the nicest, most down to earth individuals you could ever meet.

    “I met Debbie Murray in 2018 when I was at that year’s, Loveland Valentine Lady celebration. As we all know, part of the Valentine Lady’s responsibility is to go around to the local schools, which is when I met Debbie as she was a teacher at Tender Years,” Bolin explained, “I have been fortunate to spend more time with Debbie since she has been selected. CeeCee Collins asked me to read one of the many nomination letters that the chamber received nominating Debbie for the 2020 Valentine Lady at the recent Valentine Lady kickoff event. I was honored and felt so fortunate to share this nomination letter to the community. Debbie is indeed one of the nicest, most down to earth individuals you could ever meet and what she has contributed to the Loveland community is wonderful. Deb is the definition of love and kindness! I am looking forward to personally getting to know Debbie better as well as seeing her continued contribution to our community. Debbie, we welcome you to our Valentine Lady Sisterhood!,” Bolin said.

    Lilly Hummer, a freshman Lacrosse player from Loveland High School, was recognized as Loveland’s Valentine’s Day card design winner.

    Check out the video of Debbie Murray being surprised at The Works with her 2020 Valentine Lady honor!

    Watch as Debbie Murray crowned 2020 Loveland Valentine Lady

    I’m sure everyone can agree that Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be what it is without a great Valentine’s Day card! The LMR Chamber realized this during the early stages of the Valentine’s Day Program so they decided to incorporate a Valentine’s Day Card Design Contest! The design contest is open to anyone in the Loveland community and the only stipulations are that the artwork must reflect or incorporate the theme: “Love is…..” and must also include (or provide space for) the phrase, “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love.” Allowing anyone in the Loveland community to participate in the design contest makes the contest itself both creative and diverse! There have been many great design winner’s in the past, one of them being Loveland Magazine’s very own David Miller.

    2020 marks one of the most creatively diverse card designs to date. Lilly Hummer, a freshman Lacrosse player from Loveland High School, was recognized as Loveland’s Valentine’s Day card design winner, on January 11th at the Valentine Kick-off at the Loveland Kroger’s.

    Lilly Hummer, a freshman Lacrosse player from Loveland High School, was recognized as Loveland’s Valentine’s Day card design winner

    Hummer will receive design credit on the back of the 2020 Valentine’s Day cards, local recognition, media recognition and two complimentary invitations to the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Annual Valentine Breakfast on February 14, 2020. Click on the link to learn how you can join the community at the annual Valentine breakfast: http://business.lovelandchamber.org/events/details/2020-valentine-s-day-breakfast-event-6785.

    Some of the local businesses you can purchase Hummer’s Valentine card design at are the LMRCA office, the “stamping table” at the Loveland Post Office, Loveland Kroger, Loveland Sweets, Busy Bee Boutique, Lemon & Limes Boutique, the Valentine Ladies, and the Loveland Union Savings Bank Branch.

    Now that we have shared a little Loveland Valentine Program history and informally introduced the 2020 Valentine Lady and Valentine Card Design winner LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV would like to formally introduce to you, Mrs. Debbie Murray and Miss Lilly Hummer! Click below to view the exclusive on-camera interview with these two lovely ladies!