OUR ONLY REGRET WITH TIMESAVERS IS THAT WE DID NOT CALL THEM SOONER!
We had put off replacing our HVAC for too long after repeatedly being disappointed by several businesses and representatives. Doug returned my call immediately, even though he was tending to a family matter at the time. I said we were looking to replace our unit but Doug took the time to make sure ours could not be fixed before suggesting replacement. He was honest and straightforward. They started install within 24 hours to save us from the hottest day of the summer. Even though full HVAC (AC + heat) is a two day job the crew was diligent in making sure they stayed on day 1 until we had AC. They cleaned up, vacuumed, protected floors. It’s a big sigh of relief when you feel like your investment was worth every penny and that is how we feel about the new Carrier system they installed. We are looking forward to having them back to service our HVAC in the future! - Emily W.
As a locally owned and operated company, we cherish the opportunity to serve our community, recognizing the unique needs of every customer. Instead of viewing individuals as mere transaction, we believe in fostering genuine relationships built of trust and personalized care. With over 32 Years of experience in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning, our commitment to customer satisfaction is unwavering.
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A Flurry of Fashion
A lot of prep goes into our fashion issue, and the month of July always seems to fly by in a flurry of stylish jackets, jeans, sweaters and, well, a fair share of sweat. This is the style issue, so of course, we have to take everything to the next level.
We want to cover it all—from skin care and beauty to home upgrades and trends to sweet treats that are a work of art themselves ... and, as always, the fashion.
This is our 5th year putting together our fall fashion spread, and I was amazed at how smoothly the day of the shoot went. The rain stayed away, everything was well organized, the location had a lot of great places to capture, and though it was still hot, it wasn’t quite 98 degrees (so our lovely hair and makeup team didn’t have to touch up the models quite as much as usual). But above all, we had so much fun! I want to take a minute to thank everyone who helped out on that day. Over the years, we’ve learned tips and tricks on ways to make the day flow better. We’ve also assembled an amazing team that gets just as excited as we do to shoot our fashion spread. We hope you enjoy this issue just as much as we enjoyed pulling it off ... now we’ll just have to start planning for next year!
BARLOW, PUBLISHER
September 2024
PUBLISHER
Emily Barlow | emily.barlow@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Stephanie Meinberg
stephanie.meinberg@citylifestyle.com
SALES SUPPORT DIRECTOR
Courtney Kraemer | courtney.kraemer@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Kelsie Ruoff | lovelandlifestyle@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lisa Fletcher, Elizabeth A. Lowry, Courtney Kraemer, Kathy Doane, Pamela McWhorter, Bill Furbee, Chris Sherritt, Stephanie Meinberg
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Matthew J. Capps, Elizabeth A. Lowry, Stephanie Meinberg
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
Though the season may be changing… Sundance has you covered.
When we say it’s the perfect addition to your deck, we mean it – and we aren’t just talking about during the summer. Yes, the motorized louvers effortlessly allow you to control how much natural light you let in, but why stop there?
Fall chill in the air – heat lamps can be added for extra warmth.
Days getting shorter – add lights to enjoy your deck well into the evening. Bugs ruining your dinner – screens can come down for protection and privacy.
Smaller back deck – Sundance pergolas can fit any size home.
It’s the most cost-effective way to achieve the three-season room you’ve always wanted.
city scene
1: @Mile42Coffee “Doing It For Jack!” Participating in Fentanyl Awareness Week 2024 with @DoItForJackQuehl. 2: @2020EyecareOH representing the Loveland Legacy Foundation board members in the annual 4th of July parade. 3: Behind-the-scenes with Linda Bergholz and Connie Rotterman from @LIFEFoodPantry on FOX19’s @NowInTheNati Show! 4: @MaineTowne Kitchen & Bar in Maineville opened with Mayor Bob Beebe attending the ribbon cutting. 5: Celebrating #200 years at the Symmes Township Bicentennial Blast. Talk about a booming day! 6: @HSWOhio team at their Wear Pink and FlaMINGLE Open House event. 7: @TheBMWStore was a returning sponsor for @CincinnatiMagazine’s Posh Picnic held at Peterloon Estate.
8: Ribbon cutting for @LovelandSymmesFireDept Health and Wellness Center, featuring fitness, physicals and mental health services. 9: @CincyFurnitureBank’s Fairways for Furniture event achieved record attendance and fundraising success, furnishing 2,800 homes. 10: The weather was perfect for the @LMRChamberAlliance annual Road to Health event in Nisbet Park.
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A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES
Coffee Dream Team
There’s a new coffee shop in Loveland with organic coffee beans and housemade pastries—Exprezzo, started by father-son team Brian and Zac England, took over the former Sweet Bliss Bakery on Loveland-Miamiville Road this July, and has turned it into a decadent destination for delicious coffees, smoothies and all-day treats. Don’t miss out on Chef Zac’s decadent double-chocolate muffins, or the bacon, egg and cheese on homemade focaccia bread. What a way to start the day!
business monthly
CONTINUED
Fifty and Fabulous
The Club at Harper’s Point celebrated 50 years of being a premier destination for tennis, fitness, swim and all things R-and-R! Selected by Tennis Magazine as one of the top 50 tennis clubs in the U.S., the Club also celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Contardi Tennis Camp. With a dedicated, knowledgeable staff and top-notch facilities, hundreds of youngsters took advantage of fitness and fun this past summer. Join today—get in on the good times!
A Family Affair
Once, it was the B&O Railroad Depot. Today, it’s the home of Fleet Feet. And this historic train-station-turned-retail-shop was in need of an exterior facelift. Enter Scott and Brandon Fair, a father-son painting biz with roots as deep as the depot itself—the prep work alone required a careful hand. “They take a lot of pride in what they do, and are excited to be able to contribute to our community,” beams wife and mom, Regina. ScottFairPainting.com
MB (right): Textured jacquard short sleeve, $64; crop wide leg pant, $66 | Mac and Me Bella gold hoops, $30; Loved gold toggle necklace, $42
DRJ: Ring with intertwined Rhodium-plated, diamond-accented and polished gold links, $440
Slowing Down for Fall Trends with Vintage Looks and Classic Quality
ARTICLE BY LISA FLETCHER AND STEPHANIE MEINBERG PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS
Sunday Fundays are the perfect antidote to a busy, over-scheduled week. Imagine relaxing in the park—donning your favorite Ray-Bans and stylish earrings, the sun shining on your face. Going for a drive—meandering through the countryside with the wind in your hair, wearing boujee jeans and a cozy sweater to ward off the autumn chill. It’s a time to slow down, prioritize joy, and of course, look great doing it.
So when it comes to this year’s smartest trends and stylish couture, designers world-wide are not only along for the ride, they’re taking the wheel— serving classic meets contemporary, charming yet cheeky, strikingly sophisticated but oh-so simple to pull together.
For choosing clothes this fall, Wendy Knight, owner of Lemons and Limes Boutique, says to focus on quality pieces that work for more than one season and for more than one occasion. “Fast fashion is dying,” Wendy explains. “Quality and workmanship are a top priority.”
“It’s about quiet luxury,” Lori Avallone adds. “Polished casual. Which means you don’t advertise the brand—if you know, you know.” The owner of Mainstream Boutique emphasizes pieces this season that are wearable, yet enduring. “Fashion always comes back around again, but if you have pieces that never truly fade, an investment item that has a more classic feel and timeless look, it’s something that you’re going to wear over and over again.”
A trip into either boutique will give you a peek at what’s hot this season: warm, comfy sweaters in bright colors, dresses and denim that can go from day to night to weekend, menswear looks and layers, layers, layers. Then there’s faux, leather and metallic, matching sets and mixed media, with fierce prints like leopard making another appearance.
“We’re going to see so many vests,” offers Lori on this over-achiever that can be worn solo or stacked, with or without a layer underneath. “It’s a four-season piece—you’re going to love having something like this in your closet that you can wear any way, in any style.”
Enchanted Garden
Barn Dance
Chanel Girl
MB: Tweed blazer jacket, $74 | Liverpool Gia crop flare with pintuck denim, $98 | Black scoop neck tank, $32 | Mac and Me Pave heart necklace, $42
DRJ: SS/18k round opal twisted cable bangle, $349
BMW: BMW i4 EV
French Countryside
L&L:
DRJ:
2020:
Molly Bracken leather black cinch dress, $106; woven black button down coat, $148 | Brighton gold cuff, $68; gold chain-link bracelet, $98
Lady’s two-tone SS dangle earrings with CZs, $189
Gucci sunglasses in pink and black
In addition, Wendy says you’ll see a nod to the 70s in many styles this fall and beyond, including luxurious velvets and groovy, flare jeans. Speaking of jeans, the bootcut is back, darlings, but the skinny jean is on the back burner for now, and jeans that keep their shape and move with you are a must (thank goodness!). Now pair your denim with a boucle or tweed jacket for that vintage Chanel feel—Lori’s fave for a look that’s going to translate for everything from casual picnic to Instaworthy moments to wine bar date nights.
Vibe check on accessories—Wendy says delicate and linked jewelry stays top of mind this season. Layering is still in (for more than just jewelry), so don’t be afraid of mixing metals and textures.
“That’s the great thing about fashion anymore,” smiles Lori. “Trends are great, but at the same time, anything goes. Finding the thing that meets your personality is what’s more important than anything. You can pull these pieces out of your closet, and even if they aren’t ‘trending,’ you’re still going to look and feel good.”
The new color of the season? Bright, vibrant chartreuse. Named after the French liquor it resembles, it’s a mix between lime green and fluorescent yellow, and will add a definite pop to any outfit you put together.
CONTINUED >
Whip Fit
L&L (left): Molly Bracken beige mock-neck 3/4 sleeve,$48; maroon velvet blazer, $128 | Lola Jeans Kate high-rise straight jeans in indigo sea, $98 | Jen & Co. Alexa 2-in-1 hobo in leopard mustard, $72
DRJ: Lady’s yellow 14k large hoop earrings, $325
BMW: BMW i4 EV
MB (right): Glen plaid sleeveless jumpsuit, $62 | Mac and Me soldered silver earrings, $24
Want more of what you see? Clothing and accessories provided by Lemons and Limes Boutique (L&L) and Mainstream Boutique (MB), with additional pieces by Dale Robertson Jewelry (DRJ) and 2020 Eyecare (2020). Featuring models Kenzie S. and Kendra T. from Heyman Talent. Beauty by Exquisite Design Salon and Spa, with makeup by Taylor and hair by Jeannie. Special thanks to The BMW Store for the day’s best prop, the BMW i4 EV. Shot on location at the Marmalade Lily—an event venue and flower farm that’s home to various experiences and possibilities, for weddings to luncheons to parties and more.
On the Fence (top pg 22, also on cover)
L&L (left): Red Haute blue jumpsuit, $68 | Brighton gold cuff, $68; gold chain-link bracelet, $98; gold chain-link necklace, $138
DRJ: Lady’s Rosé 10k half anniversary ring with round diamonds, $189
MB (right): Pumpkin Spice pleated mixed-media midi dress, $68 | Mac and Me gold/mixed-metal vintage-inspired small heart necklace, $42
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The Studio is home to over 5,000 bolts of fabric. We strive to provide a selection of current fabrics, threads, patterns, books, notions and supplies for quilters in the Tri-State area. Hire us to professionally quilt, or train on our machines and quilt it yourself! We hope to become your go-to shop for all your quilting needs!
513.683.3666 | quiltersstudioofloveland.com | V @quiltersstudio | 535 W Loveland Ave
JUNO Medspa Helps You Love the Skin You’re In—At Every Stage!
Beauty for the Ages
Everyone knows skin care is important, but what worked in your teens may be proving less effective as you grow older. The good news is that it’s never too late to learn how to put your best face forward by using the most appropriate skin care products for your age—especially when there’s an expert like JUNO Medspa owner Jacquelyn Potesta (CRNA, APRN, in teal above) and her team of licensed estheticians guiding you along.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELIZABETH
A. LOWRY
Teens – Early 20s
Make sure all your products (including makeup) are non-comedogenic so they don’t clog your pores. Get into the routine of using a face wash that is PH-balanced, plus add a moisturizer and an SPF to protect against sun damage. If you struggle with oiliness, consider a spot treatment containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help keep breakouts at bay. Regular facials, chemical peels or Tixel treatments also can be beneficial for stubborn acne at this stage.
Jan Marini Bioclear Face Lotion, Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser, and Colorescience Flex SPF
Late 20s – 30s
Make sure your skincare products are medical-grade (meaning they should have at least 10% effective ingredients and are FDA-cleared to effect change at a cellular level). Add a product with vitamin C to help brighten and neutralize free radicals that can prematurely age your skin, and a retinol to help those skin cells turn over faster. We also recommend regular facials with dermaplaning to exfoliate dead skin and help your products penetrate more effectively. Other helpful services include microneedling to help promote collagen production, peels to undo sun damage and brighten dark marks, and botox if you’re ready to prevent wrinkles from forming.
Core three from teens, plus Jan Marini Bioclear Face Cream, Jan Marini Age Intervention Retinol Plus, Jan Marini C-Esta (vitamin C) face serum, and (not pictured) Jan Marini Luminate Retinol
40s and Beyond
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Make a hyaluronic acid serum your best friend. Also consider adding a product with growth factor in it to help rejuvenate your skin. We recommend resurfacing aging skin with Tixel or other similar laser-type treatments, as well as using bioregenerative injectables like Sculptra or Radiesse, which help your body produce collagen organically over time to keep you looking naturally youthful.
Core seven from teens and 20s–30s, plus Jan Marini Luminate Eye Gel, Jan Marini Juveneck, and Hydrinity Restorative Serum (hyaluronic acid)
Based in Loveland, Julia Bender can work from a blank slate or with an existing space and transform it into a beautiful, comfortable and functional home. As an interior designer with 18 years of experience, Julia offers full-service interior design for new home construction, remodels, and kitchen & bath. She also specializes in furniture selection, space planning, window treatments, and accessories, while incorporating natural, sustainable and eco-friendly products into each project. Interior computer renderings are included with every project!
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NO PANE, NO GAIN
Windows Are a Gilkey Family Obsession
ARTICLE BY KATHY DOANE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS
You might have seen one of Gilkey Window Company’s TV commercials where founder Mike Gilkey is surrounded by a few of his little grandkids. He’s enthusiastically preaching the virtues of the family product to his mildly interested young audience. It’s cute, it’s sweet, ending with Mike’s commitment “to building the best windows for you.”
“I wasn’t afraid of starting my own business because my dad and my uncles had done the same.” – Mike
If making great windows and convincing viewers to sign up is the main message, there’s also the idea of family and “We’re all in it together.” And it’s not just lip service— the ranks of Gilkey employees are filled with family members. Not long ago, top leadership passed to Mike’s son Vince as CEO and his son-in-law, Augie Quirch (daughter Emily’s husband), as President. But they had to earn it.
Vince’s first job with the company began during summers back in high school. “I cleaned the bathrooms and picked up cigarette butts,” he smiles. Eventually, he graduated to making screens, then going full-time after college.
The fact is, Vince Gilkey’s career path was predestined. It’s part of his family’s DNA stretching back to the mid-1940s when his grandfather John and great uncles returned from World War II.
After the war, as the first baby boomers were joining the population, his great uncle Joe saw an opportunity—all those growing families would need homes, so he and his brothers started businesses covering all facets of the construction trade. For Vince’s grandfather John, it was a concrete company.
One of those new baby boomers was Vince’s dad, Mike, who was hooked on the family business from an early age. “When I got into high school, I started working with my dad pouring concrete in the summer,” Mike says.
After working for his dad right after college, then for a large remodeling company, Mike started his own remodeling business in 1978. Back then, he was working out of his garage and then 2-year-old Vince’s bedroom.
Mike and Vince
“He had a phone, a desk and this humongous blueprint machine that took up half my bedroom,” Vince remembers, laughing.
At the time, Mike was selling windows produced by other manufacturers—but he wasn’t happy with their products. So, in 1986, Mike decided to focus on windows and start making his own.
He converted a former Ludlow brewery to his first factory and began manufacturing vinyl windows, introducing a key change to the process—rather than screwing the pieces together, Gilkey Windows began welding them together, preventing the leaks that often developed as competitors’ conventional assembly would start to loosen.
In the years since, the company has expanded in significant ways. In 1994, it moved to its current Sharonville site. Today, Gilkey has 90,000 square feet of manufacturing space and added sales offices in Louisville, Palatine and Chicago Ridge, IL.
There are 150 full-time employees, including a few who have worked for the company for 40 or more years. That includes family—in addition to Vince and Augie, Vince’s sister Debbie Scheidler is Payroll Director, his aunt Teresa Gedeon is HR Director, his uncle Cris Riel is Marketing Director, his cousin Kevin Hillebrand is General Sales Manager, and Vince’s 24-year-old son, Matt, is the newest family hire, working on an installation crew. Vince’s mom, Sue, still helps out in the office.
It’s not easy to build that kind of company loyalty in a world where Americans change jobs on average 12 times during their work lives (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). Gilkey’s formula for those who show interest and potential? Invest in them with training and opportunities to grow so they can discover what they’re good at.
Of course, the foundation for the family’s success is the windows they make and sell—and always looking for ways to do it better.
Photo provided
“From a young age, I knew I wanted to be in the family business.”
– Vince
Gilkey.com
3625 Hauck Rd, Sharonville 513.769.4527
About 10 years ago, Gilkey began making fiberglass windows. “They just look better,” Vince says. “We use a laminate to apply color, which doesn’t fade.”
This addition has led to some interesting jobs. Although vinyl windows are not acceptable for use in restoring historic buildings, fiberglass windows are—their much sleeker, stylish design allows them to look much more like original windows, especially on older homes.
To date, Gilkey has replaced windows in a historic restaurant in Louisville, a church school in Columbia-Tusculum, and at the
historic Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains downtown.
But perhaps the best sales pitch for this local family company can be experienced by merely stepping into the Gilkey Windows Sharonville showroom. Across from rows of samples is a long wall of windows that looks down onto the factory floor. It sounds like a low hum of activity until you open one of the windows, allowing the clamor of machinery and workers to pour in, showing off their noise-blocking, insulating ability. Now that’s a sound endorsement.
Loveland local and Loveland proud — we’ve been making backyard dreams come true since 2002. Pools, patios, driveways and more. We have the availability to install your project this season.
CURE FOR THE common home
MIXING OLD AND NEW, CURATED CREATES HIGH STYLE AND INSPIRED INTERIORS FOR ALL
ARTICLE BY PAMELA MCWHORTER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS
If fairy godmothers for interior design were a thing, Heather Walker and Jillian Dowd would be holding magic wands—that can also stir a martini. Standing stylish and sophisticated with bold, swishy earrings, this dynamic duo evokes the glamour of interior design from another time—helping anyone get in on the joy of creating an inspired space you can call your own. As co-owners of Curated Fine Furnishings & Design, Heather and Jillian specialize in bringing together the unexpected—mixing vintage finds with new pieces—to create interiors that surprise and delight, and reflect each client’s unique story.
“When we go into clients’ homes, they always have at least a handful of pieces that they’ll say, ‘Oh, this is my
grandmother’s,’ or ‘this is special to me,’” says Jillian.
The designers at Curated know how to see these vintage pieces with fresh eyes, whether family heirloom or retro consignment piece. Take, for example, the old secretary that’s been turned into a cigar and bourbon bar, looking warm and handsome on Curated’s showroom floor. Or the new bed with faux leopard throw pillows paired with a vintage mirrored dressing table, serving 70s chic.
“We’re giving new life to something in a different way,” Jillian explains.
That type of perspective—the ability to see the familiar in a new way—even carries through in how Curated itself came to life. Before its current moniker, the store was known as Bond Furniture and Design, a longtime downtown Loveland fixture.
When the building’s owners, Kevin and Jodi Malof, wanted to turn the then-unused second floor into apartments, Jillian and Heather had different plans in mind.
“I said, ‘I’ve got a better idea,” Jillian laughs, recalling the story. “‘What if we had some high-end vintage and antique pieces mixed with our new furniture, and a showroom to showcase the eclectic-ness?’”
Kevin and Jodi, who are also the pair’s business partners, loved the idea—and, it turns out, so do customers. Anyone who walks in can enjoy a Curated experience at nearly any price point, whether redesigning an entire house or just looking for a distinctive accessory. They offer sophisticated style that’s not stuffy or off-putting. Accessible to anyone. Like feeling at home at the Met Gala—and they’re your hosts.
Photo by S. Meinberg
Photo by S. Meinberg
Photo by S. Meinberg
Heather and Jillian
“You could spend $12 on this cute candlestick or $3,000 on this exquisite buffet,” Heather and Jillian offer together. “We want people to feel like they can stop in as part of an afternoon or evening out—an expansion of the community.”
With this in mind, Heather and Jill are in the middle of creating their own design-inspired community right within the walls of Curated, as they remodel and lease out space to a variety of boutique-minded businesses. There’s even going to be a grand staircase in the center of the showroom that leads to the second floor.
Heather and Jillian hope to have this last phase of additions wrapped up in time for their Holiday Open House. As part of the event, they plan to offer arrangements from their newly established floral department, along with fully-decorated Christmas trees.
“We’ll shrink-wrap the trees and out the door they’ll go!” laughs Heather, explaining how customers will be able pick up a dash of holiday style—just like that!
Because at Curated, mixing the old and new to create a little interior magic is always within reach.
CuratedFFD.com | 113 Karl Brown Way, Loveland 513.683.2233
Photo by S. Meinberg
Photo by S. Meinberg
WE CAN’T BELIEVE WE’RE TURNING TWO!
Thank you to all our patients who we’ve treated over the last two years. We’ve loved helping you with your beauty journey.
At
Using
Leap Into the Legend
RETURN OF THE FROGMAN FEST PROMISES
SERIOUS FAMILY FUN
ARTICLE BY BILL FURBEE
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CITY OF LOVELAND
The Loveland Frogman legend is rooted in reports of large frog-faced creatures spotted locally; first, in 1955, with additional suspected sightings in 1972 and 2016. Fact or fiction, there’s no denying the excitement that Loveland’s Frogman legend has generated over the years.
Now, the city is officially getting in on the fun. This October, a family-friendly Return of the Frogman festival hops into downtown Loveland, to the delight of locals and cryptid-curious travelers alike.
Cryp-what? A cryptid is a suspected animal or creature that has become part of a region’s folklore—think Bigfoot, Loch Ness Monster, Abominable Snowman. Here in Loveland, the Frogman legend has reached remarkable heights. “In 2023, we debuted the Frogman as the city mascot,” reports Krista Rose, marketing and communications coordinator for the city.
But how did the festival idea arise?
Krista explains how Loveland enjoys its reputation for organizing popular events that bring the community together, but acknowledges that the city hasn’t hosted many fall events for a number of years. “It seemed like the right time to plan a Frogman festival,” she smiles.
The Frogman legend is fun and “uniquely Loveland,” adds Frogman enthusiast Brian Maxson, “Of course, there are a lot more questions than answers surrounding supposed encounters over the years.”
Brian, who is also owner of the Railway Barber Shop, adds that what makes the Frogman different from other cryptid legends is its calm nature. “Unlike Mothman or Yeti, all encounters have been peaceful and passive,” he says.
“Not to mention the Frogman is a 3' to 4'-tall biped frog with a magic wand! What’s not to love about that?”
PHENOM TO FEST
The Frogman phenomenon has already led to the creation of a different kind of Frogman-centered event, one committed more closely to cryptid conversations
and scholarly presentations on the subject, a springtime festival now in its third year.
The City of Loveland’s event, however, will be more “playful in nature,” Krista explains. “Not to mention family friendly.” The new festival will offer live entertainment, kids’ activities, food trucks, themed decorations, and—of course—the city’s own Frogman mascot.
FROG FAB
The mascot’s costume made its debut just last year during Hearts Afire Weekend; at Return of the Frogman, it’ll return to greet festival-goers and pose for photo ops. Other Frogman mascot fun facts to keep in mind?
• The costume took approximately 10 months to build.
• The head is made of foam, rubber and other materials, and weighs in at about 10 pounds. A small fan is located in the head to help circulate warm air out of the uniform.
• That said, after about 30 minutes in the costume, it’s time for a break!
• The costume design required flat-footed, webbed feet; the solution was “flippered” slippers that take “serious practice” to walk in, Krista says.
• When out and about, the mascot always has a helper nearby to assist with navigation.
LEGENDARY FUN
Even the festival scheduling itself is specifically frogfriendly: future Return of the Frogman festivals will only take place during leap years.
“Our tagline is ‘Leap Into the Legend,’” Krista says. “An outdoor festival created with the purpose of bringing the community together for a day of fun.”
Ready for a hoppin’ good time? Return of the Frogman takes place across downtown Loveland this October 12 from 4–8 p.m.
“The Frogman legend is fun and uniquely Loveland ... not to mention the Frogman is a 3' to 4'-tall biped frog with a magic wand! What’s not to love about that?” - Brian
SWEET AS SUCRÉ
AN AUTHENTIC TASTE OF FRENCH CULINARY CHARM RIGHT IN THE HEART OF HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
You might say the concept for Sucré Bakery began for Christina Polidora with just one trip. Traveling to France, she fell passionately for all that was Paris—the architecture, the fashion, and most importantly, the extraordinary culinary culture. “I just loved the magical feeling I got when I stepped into a bakery or patisserie.”
ARTICLE BY CHRIS SHERRITT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW J. CAPPS
“I WANTED TO CREATE THE FEELING OF THE PARIS SHOPS RIGHT HERE IN LOVELAND.”
Influenced by those early experiences, and in the years since, Christina has uniquely balanced dual interests in both the culinary arts and business of luxury retail—graduating from the French Culinary Institute and working as a pastry chef in the fine-dining restaurants of New York; also developing a highly successful career in luxury cosmetics, working with some of the industry’s most recognizable brands.
KEY INGREDIENT
But Christina’s passion for baking couldn’t be denied. Enter Cocoa Bites Bakery—the Loveland institution where
Christina worked at the arm of the owner for years. And when the owner chose to retire, Christina realized an irresistible opportunity … one that would bring her lifelong romance with the patisseries of the ChampsÉlysées straight to Loveland Avenue.
CULINARY VACATION
She took ownership of Cocoa Bites with a vision to create Sucré ( français for sugar, bien sûr ). Honoring the legacy of the original bakery, but with a distinctive French twist; bringing a fresh perspective with elevated offerings. “I wanted to create the feeling of the Paris shops here. I wanted something that when I walked into
the space, I would no longer feel as if I was sitting somewhere in Cincinnati.”
Step inside Sucré and you’ll see it’s mission accomplie . As café music sways softly in the background, you’re struck by an incredibly warm, welcoming atmosphere. French-based, for sure, but with Polidora’s creative flair carefully blended in. “Our decorating style can be described as whimsical elegance with a touch of vintage charm. We draw inspiration from the sophistication of bygone eras, adding a contemporary twist to create a unique and memorable experience for our customers.”
OH MY GANACHE, THE TART
Ok, but are the baked goods actually good ? Flaky pastry crust, light-as-air mousse, rich chocolate, cloud-like cream, and more shaved chocolate on top. Ummm … you be the judge! That’s Christina’s signature Chocolate Mousse Tart. You’ll discover it and more of her visually stunning desserts almost too beautiful to eat, along with some of the most popular favorites from Cocoa Bites.
MAKE THE MOMENT SWEETER
Whether it’s a quiet conversation with a dear friend downtown, special birthday or thoughtful gift, nearly any occasion is made more memorable in the company of an irresistibly decadent cupcake, cookie, pie or pain au chocolat. You decide. Just add a little Sucré.
SucreLoveland.com | 305 W. Loveland Ave, Loveland | 513.677.2525
SEPTEMBER 5TH - 7TH
Hot Damn! It’s the Loveland Frog!
The Loveland Stage Company | 7:30 PM
The elusive Loveland Frog strikes again in this 10th anniversary production of Hugo West’s bluegrass musical. This high-energy, endearing tale of the well-known Loveland mascot is sure to entertain the entire family, leading right into Loveland’s Frogman Fest coming in October. Based on real accounts, this river adventure is one you don’t want to miss! LovinLifeLoveland.com/events/loveland-frog-musical
SEPTEMBER 7TH
Dinner en Rouge
The Landing Event Center | 6:30 PM
Don’t be caught red-handed without a ticket to Loveland Legacy Foundation’s fundraising gala to support local residents and businesses in need. This red-hot celebration will include an open bar, a delicious “Taste of Loveland” station-style dinner, music, dancing, and a swag bag. Tickets are $150 and must be purchased in advance. LovelandLegacyFoundation.org
SEPTEMBER 13TH & 14TH
Loveland Oktoberfest
Nisbet Park
Strap on that lederhosen and grab your stein! It’s time for Loveland’s annual celebration of all things Bavarian, beer-filled and bountiful! This authentic celebration will include a biergarten featuring Warsteiner beer, live music, delicious German cuisine, and of course, the wonderful wiener dog race! Wouldn’t it just be the “wurst” if you missed out on all this fun? LMRChamberAlliance.org
SEPTEMBER 14TH
Symmes Bicentennial: Ice Cream Social & Movie Night
Hopewell Meadows Park | 7:00 PM
The 200th year celebration fun continues this month with the combination of delicious ice cream and a family-friendly movie! United Dairy Farmers will be on hand to serve up a cool dip while you enjoy the movie IF, starring Ryan Reynolds (and some other unforgettable characters). Admission is free and no registration is necessary. SymmesTownship.org/247/Bicentennial-Events
SEPTEMBER 17TH - 20TH
Estate Buying Sale
Dale Robertson Jewelry | 10:00 AM
Have you been thinking of selling some of your valuables, such as fine watches, jewelry, paintings, gold, silver, old coins, and more? Dale Robertson Jewelry, in partnership with Jules Estate Buying, will have experts evaluating items, no matter how big or small, making offers, and paying right on the spot! Don’t miss it! JulesEstateBuyers.com/events | DaleRobertsonJewelry.com
SEPTEMBER 28TH
Empty Bowls
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Delicious food and a great cause? Sign us up! For just $25 you can enjoy a warm meal and decadent desserts, take home a handmade pottery bowl donated by local artists, plus have the opportunity to win gift baskets. All proceeds benefit Loveland LIFE Food Pantry, which provides food and assistance to local neighbors in need. Two seatings available, 11A and 1P. LifeFoodPantry.org/emptybowls
