“This resolution is the first step toward ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students while fostering cultural awareness and understanding.” – Loveland Diversity Advisory Board
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – At their meeting on April 20, the Loveland City Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a statement on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The statement will be placed into the Board Manual and distributed to school administrators and all staff. After staff discussions, it will be “pushed out into classrooms” according to Superintendent, Bradley Neavin.
Board member Eileen Washburn said before the vote, “I very much appreciate the work that was done. I hope it will be embraced and people really read it and act on it.” (read resolution below)
Speaking of the student experience Neavin said, “This goes well beyond the walls of the schools. This prepares students to go out into a broader world and to have a broader world view.”
The writing of the resolution was a collaboration between district leadership and the Loveland Diversity Advisory Board (DAB). “This resolution is the first step toward ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students while fostering cultural awareness and understanding,” said a statement issued by DAB after the approval.
Below is the discussion of the Board while adopting the diversity, equity, and inclusion policy:
Loveland City Schools Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
A comprehensive education in a free society develops persons who can think critically, engage in self-reflection, understand all cultures, live compassionately with others, and use their reflection and experiences to make sound judgments. As the great equalizer, education in a pluralistic society must strive to present varied events, activities and perceptions reflected in history, literature and other sources of humanity’s thought and expression. Therefore, the Loveland City School District commits unwavering support to diversity, equity, and inclusion of culture, thought, ideas and experiences.
LCSD seeks to ensure the growth of every individual in our sphere of influence by:
Creating a safe & inclusive learning environment that provides equitable access for all members of the school community regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender identification or expression, sexual orientation, ability, language, family structure or economic status.
Providing access to materials and experiences which express diversity of perspective, broaden students’ worldviews, and better equip them to live, thrive, and contribute positively to a diverse world.
Engaging in culturally competent practices that target core areas: value of diversity, cultural awareness, understanding the dynamics of cultural interactions, and taking cultural knowledge and adapting it to diversity and learning.
The Loveland City Schools commit to the development of critical thinkers by offering the opportunity to understand, study, and embrace difference as the fabric of our Democracy, a Democracy free from hatred, alienation, or division.
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!
Loveland, Ohio – Team CUREage 2.0 for the victory! Although Loveland High School (LHS) students, Carly Wilhoite, Bella Dillhoff, and Morgan Wheeler did not win the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) annual “Students Of The Year” campaign, which raises funds and awareness for blood cancer research, their group appropriately named “Team CUREage 2.0” still managed to raise $94,908!
“One of the most important things I learned throughout this is to not be afraid of No and actually become used to it,” said Bella Dillhoff, “You have to get through a bunch of No’s just to get one Yes. We’d like to thank everyone who supported our campaign by going to various events and donating to our page. But most of all thank you to our moms who kept pushing us not to stop,” Dillhoff added.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CNfp8I1jXyw/
Within the Cincinnati area the “Students of the Year” campaign, which was comprised of 12 teams, managed to raise $624,841 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In addition to the thousands of dollars, Team CUREage 2.0 was able to raise, LHS’s Ellie Carr was selected to be a part of the LLS 5k Club. Team CUREage 2.0 was also able to complete the LLS 50-state challenge by getting a minimum of $25 donated to the cause by each of the 50 states. Bella Dillhoff was also recognized by being selected to receive the LLS Community Involvement Award because she was able to get the ENTIRE community of Loveland involved in the Students of the Year campaign.
Team CUREage 2.0 team member, Carly Wilhoite had a lot to say about how gracious everyone in the community was in regards to their donations to the cause.
“Thank you to all of my teammates for all your hard work on getting donations, thank you to all of the local restaurants that graciously teamed up with us to plan Fund-the-Nights, and thank you to those who sponsored our t-shirt sales,” Willhoite said, “The biggest thank you goes to our moms for being so supportive and helping us through the whole process.”
Morgan Wheeler, another Team CUREage 2.0 team member said that the Bourbon Raffle and “Brewery Nights” were the two events that enabled them to raise the most donations. Some of the other successful donation outlets were Split The Pot, the Gift Basket Raffles, T-Shirt Sales, and the Team CUREage 2.0 Dodgeball Tournament.
Wheeler briefly reminisced on the night of the finale of the Students of the Year campaign and how truly nervous she was about the results.
“The night of the finale, I was definitely nervous but almost like a calm nervous. At that point, I didn’t really care about winning the competition, I was simply just proud of us for raising an insane amount of money,” Wheeler said, “I am a naturally competitive person, and winning usually is the goal for me, but our campaign almost realigned my priorities. Winning didn’t matter, as long as we could save a life. Thank you to our community, this was not just an LLS Students of the Year campaign, it was an LLS Community of the Year campaign!”
When asked about the finale of the Students of the Year campaign Carly Wilhoite shared that a special memory she will hold close to her heart from that night is “the dance party” everyone participated in!
Congratulations to Team CUREage 2.0! We are so proud of all of you for everything you have done for the community and those fighting Leukemia and Lymphoma. Keep on being the amazing citizens you are. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for all of you. Check out another article on the unstoppable Team CUREage 2.0 below!
Loveland, Ohio – It’s official! Loveland High School’s (LHS) Women’s Basketball Coach, Darnell Parker, has quite a loyal fanbase of Tigers!
On Monday, April 12th, Bishop’s Quarter, located in Downtown Historic Loveland, hosted “Rolling Mondays,” a fundraiser in support of Coach Darnell Parker as he battles Colin and Liver Cancer. The first Rolling Monday proved to be a success as fundraiser organizers, Jessica Early, Jodi Stanton, Loveland Magazine, and several LHS parents and local business owners, brought the community together to generate funds to help pay Coach Parker’s Cancer bills.
Beginning at 6 PM the community began to “Roll” into Bishop’s Quarter so that they could “Eat Out to Help Out” Coach Parker. The fun-filled night kicked off with the serving of the “Coach’s Cocktail,” which included Tito’s, muddled strawberries, lime, basil, and simple syrup. I for one can say that the cocktail was not only unbelievable but very popular with those that attended the fundraiser!
While Coach Parker’s fans enjoyed their cocktails they were able to enjoy spectacular live music provided by Brad Martin, and yes he did dedicate “Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga to yours truly! As if the fantastic live music and refreshing cocktails weren’t enough, LHS Women’s and Men’s Basketball players competed against one another to see who could get the most entries into the Split the Pot drawing (Women’s Team) or the Gift Basket Raffle (Men’s Team)! The winning team ended up being the LHS Women’s Basketball Team but that doesn’t go without saying that the Gift Baskets were beautifully done and included a lot of superb prizes. The Split the Pot rounded out to be a whopping $500 for the very first Rolling Monday!
Towards the end of the fundraiser, it was easy to see that Coach Darnell Parker has touched a lot of people’s lives with his vibrant personality, competitive drive, unbelievable coaching skill set, and ability to help so many athletes succeed.
Bishop’s Quarter was filled with many pillars of the community on Monday night and they wanted to share with YOU what their experience was like at the first Rolling Monday EVER! Here are a few of those individuals’ thoughts about their “Eat Out to Help Out” night at Bishop’s Quarter!
“Bishop’s Quarter was honored to support Darnell and his fight against cancer. It was my first time meeting Darnell and it did not take long to understand why so many people care about him and support him in his fight vs. cancer,” Co-Owner of Bishop’s Quarter, Mark Wiehe said, “He is an amazing and inspiring guy and I left our first meeting feeling like we have known each other for years. I was extremely proud as a Loveland resident and business owner to see the support shown by the school, basketball program, and community. Thank you, Cassie and Loveland Magazine for your support of Coach Darnell!!”
“The first of the three Rolling Monday events to support Coach Parker was incredible! Bishop Quarter management, Mark and Kevin, hosted a fantastic evening,” LHS parent and one of the Rolling Monday organizers, Jessica Early said, “Loveland Magazine’s sponsorship and support were fantastic. Our Loveland community showed up with love, energy and amazing generosity. It truly was a special night in Loveland and we look forward to the next Rolling Monday event, Monday, April 19th at The Works! I’m sure it will be wonderful.”
“Because I respect coach Parker and his team so much I jumped at the chance for Loveland Magazine to be the media sponsor,” Loveland Magazine Editor in Chief David Miller said, “I was so impressed with what Jodi and Jessica did! I was especially impressed with their organizing skills! I truly appreciated the wonderful hospitality Bishop’s Quarter and staff showed to all, it was a memorable night.”
Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to making the night such a big success! We appreciate YOU!
Here at Loveland Magazine, we of course had to capture the magic of the very first Rolling Monday so please enjoy the video footage and photos captured by both David Miller and myself!
The next Rolling Monday is set to kick off at The Works Pizza located at 20 Grear Millitzer in Downtown Loveland on April 19th with activities from 6 PM-10 PM. The Works Pizza will be holding a Bartender Competition from 6 PM-10 PM in which guest appearances will be made by several Loveland community leaders! I will be guest bartending from 6 PM-6:45 PM, Jill Dressell (parent of a LHS basketball player) will be taking the 7 PM-7:45 PM time slot, Brad Early (Assistant Varsity Coach for the LHS Women’s Basketball team and a LHS parent) will be competing from 8 PM-8:45 PM, and Jodi Stanton (Parent of a former LHS Women’s Basketball player and current LHS Men’s basketball player) will be running the bar from 9 PM-9:45 PM.
The guest bartender with the most tips (tips will be donated to Coach Parker) will win the competition! Split the Pot tickets will also be sold from 6 PM-8 PM.
We hope to see the Loveland community and beyond at next week’s Rolling Monday at The Works Pizza! Believe me you won’t want to miss out on all the fun and the opportunity to give back to Coach Darnell Parker!
Loveland, Ohio – The 8th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally, presented by Wolterman Law, is back and better than ever, and now The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) has shared the Food Truck line up with us!
On May 8th from 3 PM to 10 PM at Shopper’s Haven Plaza on Loveland-Madeira Road, The Loveland Food Truck Rally will be welcoming 22 Food Trucks 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 Loveland Food Truck Rally is of course both family-friendly and free to attend! 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. Feel free to bring along your own folding chairs 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.
The Loveland Food Truck Rally will also include spectacular nationally recognized live entertainment by The Dan Varner Band! In between live music, at 6 PM, several City of Loveland officials 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.
At 6’4”, good-humored, warm, and sincere, Dan Varner’s stage presence demands attention. Fans and industry insiders agree.
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!
For more 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland, Ohio – It’s back and better than ever! The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance (LMRCA) will be kicking off the 8th Annual Loveland Food Truck Rally, presented by Wolterman Law, on 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, 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. Feel free to bring along your own folding chairs 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.
The Loveland Food Truck Rally will also include spectacular nationally recognized live entertainment by The Dan Varner Band! In between live music, at 6 PM, several City of Loveland officials 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.
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!
For more 2021 Loveland Food Truck Rally updates stay tuned to the Loveland Salad With Me, Cassie Mattia!
Loveland, Ohio – Senior Miya Brines set a new Loveland High School high jump record on Saturday, March 27 clearing the bar at 5’6 1/2″ in the Loveland dual meet vs Princeton at Tiger Stadium. She placed 1st in the high jump.
LHS Senior Miya Brines
“I am very honored to be in the Loveland High School record books with so many other athletes. I believe hard work and dedication have a big impact on the way I perform and compete as an athlete,” Brines said.
Miya also thanked her coaches for investing their time and effort into herself and the team and cannot wait for her future as an athlete.
The previous record was 5’6 set in 2016 by Kendall Ewert.
She also came in 1st in the long jump with a leap of 16′-10.75″, 1st in the 100-meter hurdles running a 14.59, and 1st in the 300 Meter hurdles at 48.67.
Brines will continue her track and academic career at the University of Iowa.
Loveland, Ohio – It’s that time of year again for the Annual Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing!
This year the 16th Annual Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing will be once again benefiting CancerFree Kids, a local non-profit that has made it their mission to raise money for children’s cancer research. The benefit will take place at Hickory Woods Golf Course, located at 1240 Hickory Woods Drive, Loveland, Ohio, on June 11th and 12th.
Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing has had a great turn out in its past benefits so they set a goal of $75,000 to raise during the outing this year. As of current, they have already reached $17,735.
Want to learn how you can get involved with this incredible event? Well, Loveland Magazine has got you covered as we decided to pay Paxton’s Grill a visit and chat with co-owner Ralph Dunnigan about why this benefit is so important to him and even more important for the community to show their support for CancerFree Kids. Click below to hear all about the 2021 Annual Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing benefiting CancerFree Kids!
Still photos in the video are a combination of images from Paxton’s Grill and photos by David Miller during the 2018 Golf Outing.
Still photos in the video are a combination of images from Paxton’s Grill and photos by David Miller during the 2018 Golf Outing.
Need more details about the 2021 Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing? Click the “Event Details” box below!
Are you a business or individual that wants to Sponsor a golfer or be a part of the Logo Swag Gift that will be given out at the Golf Outing Benefit? Click the “Sponsor” box below!
If you would like even more details about the 2021 Paxton’s Grill Golf Outing benefiting CancerFree Kids you can visit Paxton’s Grill website or CancerFree Kids website!
David Miller is the Editor and Publisher of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – Peggy Johnson announced her retirement at the end of January after 39 years in education and 6 years as Principal of Loveland High School (LHS).
Thirty-nine-year-old Wyoming High School Principal, Adam Reed, who is entering his 17th year in education was recently announced as Johnson’s successor for the 2021-2022 school year.
Reed grew up in Fairfield and currently lives in Loveland with his family. “I enjoy spending time with my family, golfing, and traveling,” Reed told Loveland Magazine in an email exchange. Education has been his only career path.
“My wife Kate and I have three sons. Nolan is 7 and attends the Loveland Primary School, Hunter is 5 and will attend the Loveland Early Childhood Center next year, and Carson just turned 2.
Adam Reed will be the next Principal at Loveland High School
Reed earned both his B.A. and Masters in Education at the University of Cincinnati before earning his Administrative and Superintendent Licensure from Xavier University.
He is a graduate of Fairfield High School, was a varsity baseball coach, and was an assistant coach on a final four basketball team while at Fairfield.
I asked Reed what were his proudest accomplishments with the Wyoming schools and mentioned that the school certainly has bragging rights in regards to academics. “Leading the high school through the pandemic. Supporting students and teachers academically and socially and emotionally while creating the safest learning environment possible,” was his answer. Reed added, “Being an instructional leader with my staff as we integrated technology into their teaching practices and making the high school a Google school.” Reed is also proud that he created a culture where students “felt heard and valued”.
Adam Reed will be the next Principal at Loveland High School
I also asked Reed what does he feel are his best skills that he will bring to LHS. He said, “I am a student-focused administrator and educator. I believe in meeting our students where they are in order to support their learning and goals after high school. I look forward to creating a positive culture and environment to support our teachers and students.”
“While at Wyoming, I participated in our district-wide One Degree Shift work surrounding diversity,” was Reed’s response to a question about the goals of the Loveland District’s Diversity Advisory Board. He further emphasized, “For the 2021-2022 school year, Wyoming High School has created two new courses, African American Studies, and Women’s Studies. As I transition to Loveland, I will continue to focus on our students and meet them where they are. The work of the Loveland Diversity Advisory Board will be instrumental in creating a safe, equitable, educational environment that celebrates diverse perspectives, identities, cultures, and worldviews for all our students.”
In speaking about her retirement, Peggy Johnson said in a statement issued by the District, “Working with teenagers is an unbelievable honor and seeing how they pursue their interests, overcome challenges, and succeed is a most rewarding experience.”
Johnson has spent 39 years in education, beginning her career as a student-teacher in the Fall of 1980 at Loveland High School. She went on to teach students with hearing and language impairments for 17 years and served as a Special Education Supervisor in Hamilton City Schools. She served as principal of Turpin High School for 13 years and spent the last 6 years leading Loveland High School.
Principal Peggy Johnson at the 2018 Commencement (Loveland Magazine file photo)
A release by the District announcing her retirement said, “While at LHS, Johnson expanded the Advanced Placement program, business program, increased performance on state assessments, and “was dedicated to her students” according to Loveland Director of Human Resources Charles Ogdan. “There isn’t an event that happens where Ms. Johnson isn’t there mingling with students, taking pictures, and posting on Twitter in support of student success and growth,” Ogdan said.
“I wish to thank the LHS school community for the opportunity to work with talented, passionate, and dedicated educators and students and enthusiastic supportive parents and community,” Johnson said in the statement.
Loveland, Ohio – There are so many reasons why Loveland is such a great community to be a part of; the biggest reason being the community is ALWAYS ready to pay it forward and give back to those who have made a significant impact in the lives of those who reside in Loveland and beyond!
Darnell Parker, the Loveland High School Women’s Basketball Coach, received devastating news in light of the 2020-2021 basketball season, that he was diagnosed with both Colon and Liver Cancer. Coach Parker decided to take a positive outlook on his Cancer diagnosis by sharing his story and experience with those that in some way had been touched by Cancer in hopes that he would provide both strength and encouragement for those struggling.
Click the article link below to read Coach Parker’s initial announcement to the community about his Cancer diagnosis.
After Coach Parker announced he had Cancer the community of Loveland as well as those who had been positively impacted by Coach Parker rallied around him giving as much love and support as possible. Not only did the community hold multiple fundraisers benefiting Coach Parker they also created the hashtag “ParkerStrong” placing it on both t-shirts and magnets that they then sold, giving the proceeds to Coach Parker and his family.
While Coach Parker was undergoing chemotherapy, the Women’s L.H.S Basketball Team dedicated their season to him, exerting that much more effort to have the most successful season possible. The Tigers ended their season going 20-4, winning the Eastern Cincinnati Conference (ECC) for the 2nd year in a row, and Coach Parker through it all was elected the 2020-2021 ECC Coach of the Year also for the 2nd year in a row!
A couple of Coach Parker’s top-performing athletes had a lot to say about him and his impact on their lives.
“Coach Parker has inspired me to never give up and to always find the silver lining in the worst of situations,” Jenna Batsch said, “He has taught me that every little hiccup in the road is just another opportunity to get better and he has inspired me to live every day with no regrets like it’s your last.”
“Coach Parker got some of the worst news you could ever get and if you hadn’t heard it, you wouldn’t be able to tell,” Tess Broermann said, “He always has a smile on his face, and I’m thankful for his ability to fight. He doesn’t live in fear but leads a life with confidence. He inspires me to not sulk in bad news but make the most out of every day because you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”
“Coach Parker is family to me, so it’s a no brainer to do what we can to help him out,” Jenna Stanton L.H.S class of 2018 and former basketball player of Coach Parker’s said, “I know that I could call him any day of the week and he’d be there for me, and you can’t say that about too many people. He’s treated me like family since the day we met and I’m so thankful I was able to play for him and Coach Keith. The Loveland community always comes out in full force to support their own so I’m excited to see the turn out for Coach Parker. He’s done so much for our community, this is the least we can do.”
Jenna now plays basketball at the College of Wooster.
Click on the image below to see Coach Parker talk all about the 2020-2021 basketball season and how he was able to coach effectively while going through chemotherapy in a Loveland Magazine TV exclusive Zoom interview!
Although Coach Darnell Parker has just recently completed round 11 of chemo treatments, he is still making a conscious effort to motivate and inspire others battling cancer to stay strong by sharing his own journey.
Coach Parker’s constant positive outlook on life and his dedication to helping L.H.S student-athletes inspired Loveland’s parents to do something extra special for Parker and his family. Beginning on Monday, April 12th, L.H.S parents Jessica Early and Jodi Stanton, and local businesses, Bishop’s Quarter, The Works, and Narrow Path Brewing Company, will be hosting “Rolling Mondays” in honor of Coach Darnell Parker.
Rolling Mondays will include basket raffles, split the pot, a “Darnell” signature cocktail, music, and a guest bartender competition in which yours truly will be competing in! A percentage of the sales generated at the business hosting the Rolling Monday will be put towards Coach Parker’s Cancer bills.
On Monday, April 12th Rolling Mondays will be held at Bishop’s Quarter with fun events going on from 6 PM until 8 PM. On Monday, April 19th Rolling Mondays will be held at The Works with a Guest Bartender Competition going on from 5 PM until 8 PM. On Monday, April 26th Rolling Mondays will be held at Narrow Path Brewing Company.
So just how did the idea of “Rolling Mondays” come about? Coach Parker supporters Jessica Early, Jodi Stanton, Scott Gordon, owner of The Works, and Loveland Magazine’s David Miller explained to us why this fundraiser is so important to them.
“Jodi Stanton and I discussed the idea of holding a fundraiser in downtown Loveland back in November when we were both organizing t-shirt fundraising. At the same time, Scott Gordon reached out asking if The Works could help support anything,” Jessica Early said, “Since the Go Fund Me and t-shirt fundraisers were going strong in November, we sort of felt it seemed best to wait until the next phase of his treatment process began.”
Early said that in addition to waiting until the next phase of Coach Parker’s treatments, they also wanted to wait to hold Rolling Mondays until vaccinations were readily available so that the event could feel safer. “We understood that our Loveland restaurants took a big hit with the Covid Pandemic and thought it would be great to combine efforts of raising funds for Darnell as well as bringing life and energy back into downtown Loveland.”
“I am so inspired by his ‘style’ of fight. I’m pretty sure most people would stop everything to focus on the fight. Darnell instead uses all aspects of his life as his fuel in the fight. Cancer robs individuals and families of energy, happiness, and positive health. No one seems to be immune from getting stuck in the web of cancer,” Early said, “The best we can do is work together as families and communities to help support those In need. Our Loveland and surrounding communities have been amazing thus far with supporting Darnell. At the same time, we (like so many others) are a community in need as we navigate thru this pandemic. I’ve been so impressed with how our local businesses have ‘hung’ in there and worked on creative ways to stay in business.”
Early shared that she knows the Loveland community will enjoy coming out to Downtown Loveland on Mondays in April to help support businesses, Darnell, and each other. “Connecting to others is so important during this time. My goal is that Darnell doesn’t have the stressor of finances while making health decisions. His battle ahead is long and there will be continued treatment and monitoring for many years.”
Jodi Stanton said, “The idea of Rolling Mondays developed from a few brainstorming conversations of ways we could help Coach Parker. The ideas were discussed early on after his diagnosis. However, we decided to wait until after the holidays and after the first couple of fundraisers including T-Shirt sales and car magnets.” Stanton explained that the idea of Rolling Mondays manifested into using multiple local restaurants/establishments and hosting the event on more than one night.
“I was actually on the interview panel for the hiring of the Varsity Women’s Basketball Coach, along with other parents and coaches. When we interviewed Coach Parker, his enthusiasm and positivity were amazing,” Stanton explained, “From day one with the program, he hit the ground running. Stanton also said that Parker made an unforgettable impact on her daughter’s high school basketball career. “The funny part is, they didn’t always see eye to eye, but, their player/coach relationship turned into something special.”
“Unfortunately, me and my family have been directly affected by colon cancer. My father was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer 17 years ago,” Stanton said, “I’m thankful that research has been expanded and there are additional treatment options available to others today fighting this awful disease. I think our Loveland Community shows time and time again why Loveland is so special. When we have someone who has given so much to the athletes in our community, this is the perfect opportunity for others to give back!”
Stanton said that she has no doubt Loveland will show up and provide support not only to Coach Parker but to our amazing restaurants and brewery who have stepped up to assist. “With the pandemic affecting our local businesses over the past year, this is a perfect chance to help out not only the Loveland businesses but Coach Parker as well. I don’t know that we have a certain monetary goal in mind. Anything we can do to help him and his fiancée, Sam, during this difficult time and to let them know they are not fighting this alone will be more than we could have hoped for. Like I mentioned earlier, Coach Parker is a special kind of guy. He invested so much time and energy into our players, our daughters, and the L.H.S Basketball program. Throughout that short time for me, he and Sam have also become two people I call friends. This is just a small opportunity to help out friends.”
Scott Gordon, the owner of The Works, talked about his connection to Coach Parker and why he holds this cause so close to his heart. “I am a Loveland High School grad ‘85 and later came back to help coach baseball for several years. I have too many connections to Cancer and hate hearing when people I know are fighting that battle,” Gordon said, “Coach Parker was my nephew Alec Gordon’s coach many years ago in Glen Este. I don’t know Coach Parker personally, but our paths have crossed a lot over the years. Our staff at The Works knows that the money raised is a small part of this, raising awareness for the ongoing battles with cancer is of course a small part. But, showing a member of our community they are appreciated and loved while battling for their life and health is what Loveland is all about.”
Loveland Magazine’s very own David Miller also weighed in on how Coach Parker has left a lasting impression on his life. “Coach is such a positive expression of all things Loveland. Watching him coach, since he has been here, has been so much fun,” Miller said, “He has a unique way of showing displeasure with an official that never seems to get him in trouble, and his coaching style during games is always to encourage and applaud his players. His constant smile is pretty contagious and it spreads to the crowd.” David added that he was delighted to be asked to help with “Rolling Mondays” and was even more gracious that Loveland Magazine was selected to be the Media Sponsor.
Here at Loveland Magazine, we encourage you to attend Rolling Mondays in support of Coach Darnell Parker. There is no better way to give back to the community than to support an individual that has given so much of himself to the community of Loveland and L.H.S. Join me on April 12th at Bishop’s Quarter as we rally around Coach Parker and his family for one awesome time in Downtown Loveland!
Check out past Loveland Magazine articles featuring Coach Darnell Parker below!
![[Video] Senior Miya Brines sets Loveland High School high jump record](https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Miya-Brines-2.jpg)
