LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Cassie Mattia

  • The 2021 4th of July Loveland Parade Stayed True to America’s Red, White, and Blue!

    The 2021 4th of July Loveland Parade Stayed True to America’s Red, White, and Blue!

    Cassie Mattia’s Latest Loveland Salad includes all of Downtown’s 4th of July Festivities!

    by Cassie Mattia,

    Loveland, Ohio – The streets of Loveland were filled with patriotism as the community gathered around to enjoy one phenomenal 2021 Independence Day Celebration in the heart of Downtown!

    Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Loveland’s 4th of July celebration was canceled so many Americans across Cincinnati missed out on celebrating America’s birthday Loveland-style. In preparation for this year’s celebration, many didn’t know what to expect, but as the 4th of July drew nearer one thing became clear; friends, families, and community members wanted to bring in Independence Day together with a bang. That couldn’t have been more true as the Loveland 2021 4th of July celebration kicked off at Noon and the sea of red, white, and blue filled Downtown Historic Loveland.

    The beautiful sunny day was filled with activities, local vendor booths, food trucks, live music, and rides for the kids. At 4 PM Nisbet Park hosted the “Kids Zone,” which included exotic animals on display, potato sack races, martial arts, face painting, jugglers on stilts, the Loveland Robotics Team, pirates, inflatables, festival rides, and much more!

    There was of course no shortage of food and drinks as the local food trucks rolled into Downtown Loveland at 4 PM as well. Crowds of festive Americans had the choice of lining up to receive ice cream from the Loveland Dairy Whip, 4th of July grill out cuisine from The Right Stuff Grill, delicious Southeast Asian-style food from the Sea Cuisine Food Truck, unique burgers and sandwiches from Stellar Street Eats, on-the-spot homemade lemonade at The Lemonade Stand, or a mouth-watering smoothie from The Smoothie King Food Truck.

    As civilians ventured down the Loveland Bike Trail live patriotic music filled the air, creating an unbelievable atmosphere throughout Downtown Loveland. Russel Kuzuhara performed at Jackson Street Market as adults enjoyed nice cold beverages from the beer booth. Later the Bluewater Kings Band took the stage at the Nisbet Park Amphitheater as friends and families danced to the high-energy 6 piece ensemble.

    The featured event of the night was the Loveland Parade, which brought in hundreds of Americans from all over the Cincinnati area just to catch a glimpse of patriotism in its best form! As local organizations, businesses, churches, Disney Princesses, circus performers, the LPD, the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department, and city officials made their way down West Loveland Avenue in their decked-out Americana vehicles kids lined the streets with their families for candy, popsicles, and even toothbrushes tossed out by those in the parade. The atmosphere couldn’t have been more perfect for those that attended and of course, the community felt more united than ever before!

    I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to commentate the entire parade while Loveland Magazine’s Editor, David Miller, streamed all of the action on Facebook Live for those who wanted to enjoy the Loveland Parade from their homes or vacation spots.

    If you missed out on the 2021 4th of July Loveland Parade check out part 1 and part 2 of Loveland Magazine TV’s Facebook Live footage below!

    https://www.facebook.com/361028064446/videos/545819269757466

    As the sunset on Downtown Loveland, people began to claim their front row seats to the Annual Loveland Firework Show that started promptly at 10 PM. The firework show didn’t disappoint as friends and families camped out on blankets and lawn chairs while staring into the beautifully lit sky! Loveland’s Independence Day celebration ended with a firework grand finale that left those who were watching with an overwhelming feeling of love for America and the Americans surrounding them.

    If you weren’t able to catch Loveland’s 2021 4th of July festivities, check out the videos below captured by David Miller on Loveland Magazine TV and the photos taken by Alex Eicher and Bob Kessler!

    Loveland 4th of July Firework Photos by Alex Eicher

    Check out these videos taken by David Miller on Loveland Magazine TV from Loveland’s Independence Day Celebration!

    Loveland 4th of July Firework Photos by Bob Kessler

    Bob Kessler took these particular photos from the East bank of the Little Miami River looking towards the Tufts Schildmeyer Family Funeral Home. (All Photos © 2021 Bob Kessler)

    For more of the latest Loveland event coverage stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • Summer is passing too quickly—time to think about school starting already!

    Summer is passing too quickly—time to think about school starting already!

    by David Miller

    Loveland, Ohio – The Student LIFE Shop event will be held Saturday, July 31 and Saturday, August 7 in the parking lot in front of the pantry between 9:30 AM until 12:30 PM.

    Every year the pantry throws a back to school party that helps their clients provide the things their children need to get back to learning in the Fall in style and with all the tools their more affluent school buddies will have. One important aspect of this program is that it frees up household funds that are needed for things like rent and utility payments.

    Clients of the LIFE Food Pantry with eligible students are invited to attend one of these two dates. Your pantry registration needs to be current and you will need to know in advance your student’s clothing sizes 

    This is a first come, first served event!

    Here is how YOU and the greater Loveland Community can help make the program a success:

    List of items needed if you’d like to donate: 

    • 3 subject spiral notebooks
    • 8 Subject dividers
    • Planners
    • Highlighters
    • Erasers
    • Permanent Markers
    • Composition Notebooks
    • Box of Colored Pencils
    • Bottles of Glue
    • 10 Subject dividers
    • College Ruled Loose Leaf paper
    • Scissors – Adult Size
    • Fine Line Colored Markers
    • One subject spiral notebooks
    • Reusable bags for personal items
    • Three Ring Binders 1.5”, 2”, 2.5” and 3”
    • Boxes of Tissues
    • Sanitizer/cleaning wipes
    • Hair Conditioner 

    Please drop items off at the LIFE Food Pantry by mid-July at the pantry storefront in Shoppers Haven – 541 Loveland Madeira Road.

  • Bands and Brews Brings the City of Loveland Together to Celebrate Summer!

    Bands and Brews Brings the City of Loveland Together to Celebrate Summer!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – It was a beautiful Summer night at the first installment of Bands and Brews in the heart of Downtown Historic Loveland last Saturday!

    Families and friends grabbed their lawn chairs, blankets, and their favorite beverage and gathered around the Fountain Greene as they enjoyed live entertainment by the Counting Skeletons and Everything’s Jake.

    The fun-filled night kicked off at 6 PM with the Counting Skeletons performing their personal “Dance-able Rock” favorites. As Bone Head, Bon “E” Phish, Phred “Big Bones” McAllister, Skeleton Keys, Jon Bone-m, and Dead Ear got the crowd rocking and rolling kids from the surrounding families joined the Skeletons on stage showing off with their best dance moves!

    Check out the video below that I took of the Counting Skeletons rocking out with the community’s kids!

    After the Counting Skeletons finished their set, the crowd intermingled with one another as many members of the community had not seen each other since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

    Next on the entertainment line-up was Everything’s Jake featuring the trio of Ben Duke, Joe Cremeans, and Marianne Puntenney. The community of music lovers grabbed their beverages from the President of the Little Miami Chamber of Alliance, Cee Cee Collins, and intern, Amanda Fox, and once again gathered around for one heck of a show!

    Everything’s Jake ended the night with a bang playing everything from R&B to Blues to Pop. As everyone swayed and grooved to the sweet harmonies of Everything’s Jake it was clear that the first rendition of Bands and Brews was a Summer success!

    Check out the video below captured by Loveland Magazine Publisher David Miller of Everything’s Jake!

    Bands and Brews 2021 will be going on every month throughout the Summer from 6 PM-10 PM on the Fountain Greene in Downtown Historic Loveland. The next installment will be on July 3rd and will feature Model Behavior.

    Loveland Magazine wants to take the opportunity to say thank you to presenting Bands and Brews sponsors ReMax Preferred Group, and The Brittney Frietch Team, as well as LMRCA, BRS Insurance, Paxton’s Grill, Ramsey’s Trailside, Suzi  Cree from Keller Williams, and Historic Loveland on the Bike Trail for making the event such as success!

    Missed out on Bands and Brews last Saturday? We have got you covered! Check out the photos taken by Loveland Magazine photographer Alex Eicher!

    Photos by Alex Eicher

    Photos by Alex Eicher

    Loveland Magazine photographer Alex Eicher

    (Click on any photo below to view larger)

    Stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia for more on what’s going on this Summer in Downtown Loveland!

  • Street Style Mexican Food Coming to Downtown Loveland!

    Street Style Mexican Food Coming to Downtown Loveland!

    by Cassie Mattia the Loveland Food Guru

    Loveland, Ohio – The time has come for Downtown Historic Loveland to welcome a brand new restaurant just in time for Summer. Introducing TAHONA Kitchen + Bar inspired by Mexican Street Style Food and “TAHONA” style Tequila!

    TAHONA Kitchen + Bar, which is a part of a local successful chain of restaurants called Looking Glass Hospitality, opened its first location in 2017 in Summit Park in Blue Ash. TAHONA, meaning “the large stone wheel that is used to crush the roasted hearts of agave known as piñas into a fermentable mash,” uses only the freshest produce and slow-roasted meats as well as freshly squeezed juices and homemade ingredients for their cocktails.

    Scott Schmidt, Founder of Looking Glass Hospitality, invited Loveland Magazine to take a tour of the newly renovated TAHONA Loveland, located at 117 Karl Brown Way, which is set to open on July 13th. Schmidt indulged us in an exclusive on-camera interview explaining just why TAHONA is the home of the Walking Taco and what the “time-honored TAHONA technique” entails when producing their Patron Roca Silver Tequila for their infamous TAHONA Margarita. From the TAHONA Pineapple Mango Guacamole to the Vegetable Marinated Tofu Corn Taco to the legendary Donut Holes; TAHONA has a little something for everyone! Did I mention they specialize in Tequila inspired cocktails like “The TAHONA” (made with homemade ginger syrup), “The Granada Mojito,” and of course Fruit Margaritas? TAHONA also serves a twist on an Old Fashioned called “Clyborne’s Peach Old-Fashioned,” which is to die for!

    After speaking with Schmidt and hearing all about the mouthwatering menu I knew we had to try out TAHONA immediately so myself, David Miller (LM Editor in Chief), and my boyfriend, Adam Ploof, headed down to TAHONA Blue Ash to try out the menu. We were so unbelievably pleased with the atmosphere, the food, and the cocktails that we decided to share our experience with you in addition to my interview with Mr. Schmidt!

    Without further ado, I bring to you Cassie The Food Guru’s TAHONA experience including a one-on-one on-camera interview with Founder Scott Schmidt and a food photo album of our dinner at TAHONA Blue Ash!

    While you wait for TAHONA Kitchen + Bar Loveland’s Grand Opening you can watch their progress on FaceBook. In the meantime see what’s happening at their location in Summit Park in Blue Ash.

    For more of Loveland’s new restaurant openings and food culture stay tuned to Cassie The Food Guru!

  • Jump-Start Your Day With This Simple Healthy Breakfast!

    Jump-Start Your Day With This Simple Healthy Breakfast!

    by Cassie Mattia

    “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day,” said my Dad to me every single morning as I was growing up. Did I believe him? Well of course not, I was a teenager who thought she knew everything!

    Once I got older and decided to become Vegan in 2015 I began to research food and why each and everything you put into your mouth and what time of day you do so is essential to your well-being. I learned that Breakfast is responsible for “breaking” (hence Break-Fast) the body’s overnight fasting period. Breakfast not only reloads your body with glucose but also jump-starts your energy levels, forces you to be alert, and gives you the essential nutrients your body needs to succeed.

    So how does one make a healthy, simple, fast Breakfast without having to get up 2 hours before the alarm clock goes off? I have spent quite some time developing healthy meals for those individuals such as myself that have a busy lifestyle and need that extra 2 hours to get the proper rest they need to fuel through the day. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to skip Breakfast!

    Here is one delicious yet simple Breakfast that will give you the energy you need to get through your morning!

    Cassie’s Avocado Herb Bagel

    Yield: Serves 1 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes

    INGREDIENTS

    1 Rosemary and Thyme Bagel

    1 Tablespoon of Plant-Based Butter

    1 Medium Avocado

    1 Teaspoon of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt

    1 Teaspoon of Black Pepper

    3 Basil Leaves (Chopped)

    3 Cilantro Leaves (Chopped)

    2 Lemon Head Leaves (Chopped)

    INSTRUCTIONS

    1. Grab your Rosemary and Thyme Bagel and slice it in half. Next place both halves of the Bagel in a Toaster Oven or Toaster on Medium Heat for 3-4 minutes.
    2. While your Bagel is toasting, measure out a Tablespoon of Plant-Based Butter and let it sit out so that it will more easily spread on the Bagel.
    3. Next, take your medium Avocado and cut it in half. Use the sharp edge of your knife to take out the pit then spoon out the Avocado and place it in a mixing bowl. Throw away the Avocado skin and pit.
    4. Take a fork or Avocado “masher” and mash the Avocado until you achieve a creamy smooth texture.
    5. Then measure out a Teaspoon of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt and a Teaspoon of Ground Black Pepper and mix until equally distributed throughout the Avocado mixture.
    6. Collect your 3 Basil leaves, 3 Cilantro leaves, and 2 Lemon Head leaves and chop them up finely. Add your herbs to the Avocado mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
    7. Take your toasted Bagel and spread the Tablespoon of Plant-Based Butter and the Avocado mixture evenly on both halves of the Bagel.
    8. Finally, plate your Avocado Herb Bagel masterpiece, snap a photo to share with the world, and take a bite!

    For more healthy, simple, and quick recipes stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • Bands and Brews Coming to Downtown Loveland This Saturday!

    Bands and Brews Coming to Downtown Loveland This Saturday!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The warm weather is finally here and Downtown Loveland is more than ready to bring the community back together once again to celebrate Summer 2021!

    The Little Miami River Chamber of Alliance (LMRCA) has been working harder than ever planning events as Ohio slowly but surely returns back to normal after all the COVID-19 chaos canceling the majority of events last Summer.

    Kicking off this Saturday, June 12th in the heart of Downtown Historic Loveland is the Summer Concert Series, “Band & Brews,” brought to you by presenting sponsors ReMax Preferred Group, and The Brittney Frietch Team. Other sponsors include LMRCA, BRS Insurance, Paxton’s Grill, Ramsey’s Trailside, Suzi  Cree from Keller Williams, and Historic Loveland on the Bike Trail. The fun-filled event will be held on the Fountain Greene from 6 PM-10 PM and will feature local bands Counting Skeletons and Everything’s Jake.

    Counting Skeletons is composed of a group of veteran musicians that are based out of both Cincinnati and Dayton. This local band is all about getting their audience up and dancing as they focus primarily on the ’70s, ’80s, and today’s “Dance-able Rock” hits! Bone Head, Bon “E” Phish, Phred “Big Bones” McAllister, Skeleton Keys, Jon Bone-m, and Dead Ear are all a part of Counting Skeletons.

    Click below to listen to Counting Skeleton’s “Super Moon!”

    Everything’s Jake, featuring trio Ben Duke, Joe Cremeans, and Marianne Puntenney, will also be headlining the first round of Bands and Brews on June 12th. This local band plays a little something for everyone, from R&B to Blues to Pop and Rock, Everything’s Jake is bound to get you singing along!

    The LMRCA encourages those who are attending to bring lawn chairs and blankets so that they can comfortably watch the live entertainment. Drinks will be sold at the event!

    Bands and Brews will take place each month throughout the Summer in Downtown Loveland from 6 PM to 10 PM and will feature only the best local bands! On July 3rd Model Behavior will take the stage and on August 14th both the Frogman Band and Time Stamp will be performing.

    As more details come in about Band and Brews The Summer Concert Series, Loveland Magazine will be here to deliver to you our loyal readers the latest news!

    We hope to see everyone celebrating Summer together at the first installment of Bands and Brews this Saturday at Fountain Greene in Downtown Loveland beginning at 6 PM! Let’s kick-off together a beautiful Summer 2021!

    For more updates on Loveland events and entertainment stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • We Would Like to Cordially Invite you to the 2021 Loveland Job Fair!

    We Would Like to Cordially Invite you to the 2021 Loveland Job Fair!

    Join us for a Job Fair!
    Your “one stop shop” for finding a great job or employee!
    Sponsored by:
    Oasis Conference Center & Express Employment Professionals


    NOW ACCEPTING VENDOR BOOTH REGISTRATIONS!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Are you one of the many individuals in search of a great job? Or maybe you have or run a business that is in desperate need of expanding your staff…we have got you covered as the Loveland 2021 Job Fair is ready and willing to meet your needs!

    On May 17th from 4 PM to 7 PM at the Oasis Conference Center located at 902 Loveland-Miamiville Road will be hosting the 2021 Job Fair sponsored by the Oasis Conference Center, Express Employment Professionals, and Suzy Cree from Keller Williams. Those that are seeking a profession will be able to learn more about potential sign-on and retention bonuses, trade certifications, unexplored job industries, and shift schedules. Employers who are looking to fill positions will have the opportunity to sign up for a Job Fair Booth that will include a covered table and chairs. The fee for reserving a booth at the 2021 Job Fair will be $40 and will be open for both vendors and employers to rent. If you would like to register for a booth at the Job Fair click here.

    The 2021 Job Fair is completely FREE for the public to attend and completely safe as the event will be adhering to ALL Covid-19 safety guidelines! Below are some of the vendors that will be present this year!

    COMPASS GROUP

    Crown Services Inc

    Express Employment Professionals

    General Electric Credit Union

    Graeters

    Health Quest

    Home Instead

    Jack Rabbit – Loveland

    Magnolia Springs

    Mane, Inc.

    Mike’s Carwash

    Oasis Golf Club & Conference Center

    Shelter Insurance

    SwimSafe Pool Management

    Tano Hospitality Group

    Paxton’s

    For more information on the 2021 Job Fair you can visit the Little Miami Chamber of Alliance’s website or call their office at 513-683-1544.

    For the latest news on all things Loveland stay tuned to the Loveland Salad with Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • Loveland Hardware Store Employee Shows off his Photography Skills!

    Loveland Hardware Store Employee Shows off his Photography Skills!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – It’s no secret that there are a lot of creative minds in the Loveland area; the secret lies within the hidden talents that many of Loveland’s community members and local business employees hold deep down inside of them. One of these individuals is Larry Smith, a Loveland Hardware Store employee and beyond talented photographer!

    Although Smith is technically retired he decided that he just couldn’t sit around and do nothing with his retirement so he decided to take a position at The Loveland Hardware Store, located in the heart of Downtown Loveland on Broadway Street next to Mile42 Coffee, and rekindle his passion for photography!

    Smith shared his background with us as well as some fantastic photos he took of the Loveland area!

    “I’ve been doing photography for 30 years as a hobby and absolutely love it. Landscape and God’s nature are my favorite things to shoot but of course, I love taking pictures of my family and especially our grandkids doing their activities,” Smith said. “The sunset picture (the feature image in this article) was taken in the fall of 2020 behind the Monkey Bar & Grill. It was one of those ‘right places at the right time’ and I was blessed to capture it. The 22/3 Viaduct picture (photo pictured below) was taken in the winter of 2020. My grandparents lived in this area when I was growing up and I always admired that bridge. I try to capture it at least every season of the year.”

    We would like to thank Larry Smith for providing us with these beautiful photos and encourage anyone in the community who has hidden talents to share them with us by writing us a “Letter To The Editor.”

    If you absolutely love Smith’s photos like we do you can contact him to take photos for you at LarrySmithPhotography1@gmail.com.

    Stay tuned to more of your Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • The Loveland Food Truck Rally is this Saturday!

    The Loveland Food Truck Rally is this Saturday!

    At Shopper’s Haven from 3 until 10 PM

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – The final countdown has begun as The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) will be kicking off the 8th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally, presented by Wolterman Law, in just a few days on Saturday, May 8th from 3 PM to 10 PM at Shopper’s Haven Plaza on Loveland-Madeira Road.

    This year the Loveland Food Truck Rally, both family-friendly and free to attend (the food trucks present will charge separately for their concessions), will be bringing in over 20 food trucks for the community to enjoy! Guests that attend will have the option to stay and take in the atmosphere by tailgating near their cars with their delicious food or they may take their food and beverages to go. Parking will be available across the street at the Loveland Primary School. Feel free to bring along your own folding chairs to add to your tailgating set-up, but please do not bring coolers or outside food and beverages as the Food Truck Rally will have plenty of food for you to enjoy as well as a variety of beer, wine, water, and soda for sale.

    The LMRCA has made COVID-19 safety their top priority so that the community can celebrate the beginning of summer while still feeling safe and at ease! Masks will be required for the event and only may be taken off when seated and consuming food.

    This year the Food Truck Rally will also include a “Children’s Area” that will feature inflatables, face painting, balloons, and a few other child-friendly surprises! The Children’s Area is set to close at 8 PM.

    The Loveland Food Truck Rally recently added in more spectacular live entertainment aside from the nationally recognized Dan Varner Band. Premier Tumbling and Dance will put on a show from 3 PM-4 PM then Minar and Sowers will perform from 4 PM-6 PM. The Dan Varner Band will take the stage from 7 PM-10 PM.

    In between live music, at 6 PM, several City of Loveland officials, including Mayor Kathy Bailey, will be present to address previously submitted questions by the community. Click “Contact” to submit your question to be answered at the Food Truck Rally by the Loveland City Officials.

    There will be 22 Food Trucks in attendance that will be serving up everything from Chicken Mac to Funnel Cakes to creamy Loveland Dairy Whip ice cream! Check out the Food Truck line-up below!

    Adeena’s Beef Stroll
    All American Grill
    Best Thing Smokin
    Caveman Café
    Chicken Mac 
    East Coast Eatz
    Funnel Vision
    Graeters
    Jenn’s Hot Tamale
    Just Jerks
    Kona Ice
    Loveland Dairy  Whip
    Mama Bears Mac
    Patriot  Grill
    Philly Pretzel
    Red Sesame
    Rock and Rolls
    Steak it Easy
    Sweet Maize
    Sweets and Meats
    Texas Joe
    The Cheesecakery
    The Beerded Pig

    At 6’4”, good-humored, warm, and sincere, Dan Varner’s stage presence demands attention. Fans and industry insiders agree.

    Meet Dan Varner

    • Proud member, as an artist, of the CMA, ACM & ICMA
    • #1 ICMA Charting Song “When Mama Prayed” 
    • Multiple Top 5 Charting ICMA songs
    • Opening act for the following country superstars: Blake Shelton, Dan & Shay, Kip Moore, Rodney Atkins, Sara Evans, Easton Corbin, John Michael Montgomery, Tracy Lawrence, Craig Morgan, Little Texas, Confederate Railroad, Randy Houser and many more.
    • Nashville benefit performance with country star Taylor Swift
    • Nashville “In the Round” performance with Music Row’s top hit- makers
    • CEA Finalist For Best Country Band multiple years
    • Voted #1 Original Music, Best Singer and Best Original Band by CincyVibe Magazine readers
    • Voted one of the top three bands in the Ohio tri-state area
    • Multiple, live on-air radio & TV performances within regional markets

    If you are a business that would like to be involved in the Food Truck Rally this year, there will be booths available for rent. Click “Contact” to rent a booth for your business! Additional sponsorships are still available! For more information visit the LMCRA website or call their office at 513-683-1544.

    For all things Loveland and more stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!

  • “Rolling Mondays” Part 2 was a Success too!

    “Rolling Mondays” Part 2 was a Success too!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Eating Out to Help Out has brought the community of Loveland together once again for Coach Darnell Parker, only this time The Works Pizza helped us all Roll on into Monday!

    On Monday, April 19th, The Works Pizza located at 20 Grear Millitzer Place in Historic Downtown Loveland, hosted the 2nd round of “Rolling Mondays,” a fundraiser dedicated to Loveland High School’s (LHS) Women’s Basketball Coach Darnell Parker as he battles his way through Colin and Liver Cancer. The Works Pizza’s Owner Scott Gordon not only donated 10 percent of The Work’s sales for the day to Coach Parker’s Cancer bill fund he also helped organize a “Bartender’s Competition,” in which those involved in organizing Rolling Mondays competed for the most tips, which ultimately were donated to Coach Parker as well!

    “Coach Parker’s smile lights up any room he is in,” Scott Gordon said, “He brings so much positive energy to the kids on his team. I am happy to do a small part in helping him know he is appreciated, and we are returning as much joy as he gives.”

    The Works Bartender’s Competition held from 6 PM-10 PM ended up being quite a hit as each competitor collected more than anyone could have hoped for! I competed first ending with $113, Jill Dressell, the parent of an LHS basketball player, competed next collecting $154, Brad Early, Assistant Varsity Coach for the LHS Women’s Basketball team, and a parent of a player, was the next competitor earning $212, and Jodi Stanton, the parent of a former LHS Women’s Basketball player, competed last adding $177 to the Coach Parker fund. The winner of the Bartender’s Competition was Brad Early earning a total of $212. Early won a $25 gift card to Tahona which was donated by former player Kate Garry’s dad, Brain Garry.

    “I was blown away by the support for Darnell from the Loveland Community,” Brad Early said, “I had so much fun guest bartending and winning the competition! Huge shout out to Ashley, the true bartender, and The Works for hosting this event.”

    The Split the Pot also continued on Monday night from 6 PM-8 PM. LHS’s Women’s Basketball players did their absolute best to collect funds from those that attended in honor of Coach Parker. It was announced by Jessica Early, one of Rolling Mondays organizers, that after the 2nd Rolling Monday the Split the Pot is now officially at $800!

    After hearing about all of the generous donations from the community as well as seeing all the support surrounding him at both Rolliing Mondays, Coach Darnell Parker voiced that he couldn’t say thank you enough to everyone involved!

    “The last two Mondays have been an absolute blast! Although I knew people came out to support me, it didn’t feel like a pity party and I appreciated that. These last two Mondays at Bishop’s Quarter and The Works have felt more like a family reunion than a benefit,” Parker said, “And that is what makes Loveland so special! We take care of and support our own, and I’m proud to be a part of this wonderful community!”

    Coach Parker’s finance, Samantha McElfresh, also expressed her gratitude for those supporting Darnell.

    “The Rolling Mondays have been better than I could have expected. The amount of love and support the Loveland community has shown is amazing,” McElfresh said, “It has made this journey a little easier knowing we have so much support. I never knew I could like Monday’s as much as I do after Rolling Mondays! I cannot wait to see the turnout  at the next one.” 

    The next and final Rolling Monday will be held at Narrow Path Brewing Company located on the Loveland Bike Trail at 106 Karl Brown Way in Historic Downtown Loveland on Monday, April 26th. 30 percent of the sales throughout the day at Narrow Path Brewing will go towards Coach Parker’s Cancer bills. From 6 PM-8 PM, LHS athletes will be once again running the Split the Pot so be sure to come out to get your entry in as the pot is now over $800!

    “I’m am very excited about getting together at Narrow Path,” Coach Parker said, “Narrow Path is another great Loveland establishment and it is going to be a great day on Monday. I would like to invite the entire community to come out and have a great time! I think it’s important that we continue to support our great treasures in Downtown Loveland, and Narrow Path is one of the best!”

    If you haven’t had the chance to come out to Downtown Loveland for Rolling Mondays to support Coach Parker now is your chance! Head on down to Narrow Path Brewing Company this Monday, April 26th, and join us as we rally around Coach Parker for the 3rd and final round of Rolling Mondays!

    Were you not able to make it to round 2 of Rolling Mondays at The Works Pizza in Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio? No worries! We captured all the special moments from the night! Check out the photos below!