Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: Loveland Bike Trail

  • Show off Your Pet’s Halloween Costume in November’s Pet of the Month Contest!

    Show off Your Pet’s Halloween Costume in November’s Pet of the Month Contest!

    Self-described “Dog Mom” Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland with Nala, Dean, and her boyfriend Adam. Cassie is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine.

    November DEADLINE extended for Halloween costumes!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Is there really anything cuter than a pet in their spookiest Halloween costume?! Now is your chance to show off your pet’s Halloween attire in November’s Pet of the Month contest!

    If you are a Loveland resident and live close to the Loveland Bike Trail you know more than anyone that Loveland has a special place in its heart for pets. From dogs to cats to horses to exotic animals the Loveland community welcomes all animals with open arms! This is why here at Loveland Magazine we want to celebrate your pets!

    At the beginning of every month, we select and feature “Loveland’s Pet of the Month,” in which that pet will then be featured in our publication, weekly newsletters, and our social media platforms for that entire month.

    The featured pet will also receive a beautiful, glossy, high-quality 8X10 photo keepsake that will be mailed to the pet owner’s home. We love our pets as much you do Loveland so let’s pay tribute to them together every month!

    • Dean is Cassie’s 10-year-old Dorkie
    • Nala is Cassie’s 3-year-old Pitbull/Lab mix

    The winner will also be rewarded with a Nothing Bundt Cakes Bundtlet Tower, and a gift card to The Works Pizza.

    To enter into Loveland’s Pet of the Month contest you must email me, Cassie Mattia, at cmattia12@gmail.com 2-5 of your favorite photos of your pet along with a short bio about your pet. Share with us and the community why your pet is so special to you along with any other unique facts that set your little buddy apart from other pets!

    The window for receiving November Pet of the Month candidates is being extended to November 1st so that you have the opportunity to send in photos of your pet in their Halloween costume!

    November’s Pet of the Month will be Announced on Friday, November 5th.

    When sending in your pet photos and bios please include your pet’s name, age, and breed as well as your contact info with a short description of each photo you provide us with. If you want to share where your pet’s favorite spots are in Loveland that would be great as well!

    Remember we DO NOT discriminate against any pets; all pets are welcome to enter into the contest! And, if your pet does not like the spookiness of Halloween or your iguana just won’t sit for a Halloween pose, don’t be “frightened” that she won’t be chosen.

    We are so excited to share the love you have for your pets and the joy they bring you every day with the community!

    ENTER YOUR PET

    Read about Loveland Magazine’s October Pets of the Month

    Read about Loveland Magazine’s September Pets of the Month

  • September Pets of the Month Visit Nothing Bundt Cakes Mason!

    September Pets of the Month Visit Nothing Bundt Cakes Mason!

    Self-described “Dog Mom” Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland with Nala, Dean, and her boyfriend Adam. Cassie is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine.

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – What a beautiful moment it was when September Pet of the Month winner, Haley Hansberry, the proud owner of two longhaired miniature dachshunds, Phoebe and Poppy, visited Nothing Bundt Cakes Mason to pick up one of her prizes from Owner Mary Thress!

    Mary Thress of Nothing Bundt Cakes kindly donated a Bundtlet Tower to the winner of this month’s competition and for Loveland Magazine’s future Pet of the Month stars.

    When Haley went to pick up her cake she decided to bring Phoebe and Poppy along and lucky for us David Miller was able to capture it all! “It was a joy and pandemonium when Phoebe and Poppy visited the store. I was so happy to have been there to capture it,” Miller said.

    We would like to give a huge Thank You to Scott Gordon from The Works Pizza and Mary Thress for donating a Bundlet Tower and a Works Pizza Gift Card to our Pet of the Month winner!

    Check out the video below of Phoebe and Poppy’s visit to Nothing Bundt Cakes brought to you by Loveland Magazine TV!

    Who doesn’t love sharing a beautiful photo of their pet? If you are a Loveland resident and live close to the Loveland Bike Trail you know more than anyone that Loveland has a special place in its heart for pets. From dogs to cats to horses to exotic animals the Loveland community welcomes all animals with open arms! This is why here at Loveland Magazine we want to celebrate your pets.

    At the beginning of every month, we will be selecting and featuring “Loveland’s Pet of the Month,” in which that pet will then be featured in our publication, weekly newsletters, and our social media platforms for that entire month.

    The featured pet will receive a beautiful, glossy, high-quality 8X10 photo keepsake in addition to the Bundlet Tower. We love our pets as much you do Loveland so let’s pay tribute to them together every month!

    This is Dean, Cassie’s older household sibling to Nala.

    To enter into October’s Loveland Pet of the Month contest you must email me, Cassie Mattia, at cmattia12@gmail.com 2-5 of your favorite photos of your pet along with a short bio about your pet. Share with us and the community why your pet is so special to you along with any other unique facts that set your little buddy apart from other pets! The window for receiving pet of the month candidates will run from the 1st to the 25th (deadline) of every month. When sending in your pet photos and bios please include your pet’s name, age, and breed as well as your contact info with a short description of each photo you provide us with. If you want to share where your pet’s favorite spots are in Loveland that would be great as well!

    Remember we DO NOT discriminate against any pets; all pets are welcome to enter into the contest!

    As a reminder, you may start sending in pet photos and bios beginning on the 1st of every month. The deadline once again will be on the 25th of every month.

    We are so excited to share the love you have for your pets and the joy they bring you every day with the community!

    ENTER YOUR PET

  • Introducing “Loveland’s Pet of the Month!”

    Introducing “Loveland’s Pet of the Month!”

    Self-described “Dog Mom” Cassie Mattia lives in Historic Downtown Loveland with Nala, Dean, and her boyfriend Adam. Cassie is the Associate Editor of Loveland Magazine.

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Who doesn’t love sharing a beautiful photo of their pet? If you are a Loveland resident and live close to the Loveland Bike Trail you know more than anyone that Loveland has a special place in its heart for pets. From dogs to cats to horses to exotic animals the Loveland community welcomes all animals with open arms! This is why here at Loveland Magazine we want to celebrate your pets!

    At the beginning of every month starting on August 1st we will be selecting and featuring “Loveland’s Pet of the Month,” in which that pet will then be featured in our publication, weekly newsletters, and our social media platforms for that entire month.

    The featured pet will also receive a beautiful, glossy, high-quality 8X10 photo keepsake that will be mailed to the pet owner’s home. We love our pets as much you do Loveland so let’s pay tribute to them together every month!

    This is Dean, Cassie’s older household sibling to Nala.

    To enter into Loveland’s Pet of the Month contest you must email me, Cassie Mattia, at cmattia12@gmail.com 2-5 of your favorite photos of your pet along with a short bio about your pet. Share with us and the community why your pet is so special to you along with any other unique facts that set your little buddy apart from other pets! The window for receiving pet of the month candidates will run from the 1st to the 25th (deadline) of every month starting on August 1st. When sending in your pet photos and bios please include your pet’s name, age, and breed as well as your contact info with a short description of each photo you provide us with. If you want to share where your pet’s favorite spots are in Loveland that would be great as well!

    The first official Loveland Pet of the Month will be featured on September 1st.

    Remember we DO NOT discriminate against any pets; all pets are welcome to enter into the contest!

    As a reminder, you may start sending in pet photos and bios beginning on August 1st. The deadline once again will be on the 25th of every month. The first pet selected will be featured on September 1st.

    We are so excited to share the love you have for your pets and the joy they bring you every day with the community!

    ENTER YOUR PET

  • Join Prince of Peace for Night at Nisbet!

    Join Prince of Peace for Night at Nisbet!

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Downtown Loveland is bringing another event your way hosted by local church Prince of Peace!

    On Thursday, July 29th beginning at 6 PM Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (POP) will be hosting “Night at Nisbet,” an event dedicated to supporting those in the community as they pursue their dreams and reach for their goals. The fun-filled night will take place at Nisbet Park, a park located right off the Loveland Bike Trail at 126 Karl Brown Way. The park also includes an amphitheater in which local bands Watchfrogs and Pocket will be performing. There will also be “Open Mic” slots available for students to show off their talents to the community.

    Pastor Lily Brondyke who is a POP intern that is currently preparing for her final year of Seminary at Wartburg, will be spearheading the “Night at Nisbet” along with help from the ELCA Open Doors Grant. Pastor Lily will be graduating in 2022 with a Master of Divinity Degree.

    Pastor Lily is hoping to make “Night at Nisbet” one of the best POP events yet as she will be completing her internship with POP on August 8th just in time for her final year of Seminary. Pastor Lily will be preaching at both POP services on August 8th. A coffee and cake celebration will be held after each of Pastor Lily’s services so that the community will have the opportunity to wish her well before she leaves. POP will also be presenting Lily with a gift on her last day. If you would like to contribute to the gift you can make a check out to Prince of Peace with “Intern Gift” noted on the memo line or you can donate online.

    If you are interested in celebrating Pastor Lily, the beautiful community we live in, and many local talented musical artists take a trip down to Nisbet Park for a “Night at Nisbet!”

    Read on below to see all the “Night at Nisbet” details provided by Pastor Lily and POP!


    Make a Date To Be Creative

    And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as we see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 24-25

    This past year forced many of us to think about relationships and connections. How do we connect with our communities? How do we form relationships? The COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses, schools, churches, families, and friends to get creative about connection.  Eventually, vaccines made it possible for the pandemic to look a little different. Masks and social distancing became optional when vaccinated. Gatherings became safer.  But there’s no turning back to an old kind of normal. 

    At Prince of Peace, creativity became a driving force for our mission of living and loving like Jesus in the world.  

    We are called to think creatively about how we live and love like Jesus. We are called to consider how we build community and lift up one another. We are called to love and support each other as we pursue our dreams.  

    Night at Nisbet is about all of this — getting out and loving the communities in which we live. Lifting each other up and celebrating what God is doing in each of our lives.   Come together for a night of music, community, and celebration. 
      


    Nisbet Park is iconic to downtown Loveland. Situated on the bike path, within walking distance to great local food, drink, and sno-cones, a night at this park guarantees a good time. Some folks walk or run or bike on by, on their way to another spot. Some use the picnic tables for time with family and friends. There’s a playground, a pavilion, bathrooms—basically everything you could need. It’s a great place to gather people.  

    If you like good music, supporting local musicians, and having a good time with good people, it’s coming here to Loveland. If you are looking for something fun to do with family or friends or are excited about a different, creative ministry in an ever-changing world, pay attention to this event.   Night at Nisbet is dedicated to community and local music.

    Mark July 29th at 6:00  PM on your calendar because you won’t want to miss this night! Local bands, ‘Watchfrog’ and ‘Pocket’ will be performing. And you’ll probably see some familiar faces on the stage. Open mic slots feature student talent right from our own area!  

    Night at Nisbet is sponsored by Prince of Peace through an ELCA Open Doors grant. To learn more about ELCA Open Doors, visit here.
    See you there!
    Pastor Lily
    www.popluther.org
    Prince of Peace Lutheran Church | 513-683-4244 | popluther.org

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

  • Cassie the Food Guru Takes on Ramsey’s Trailside!

    Cassie the Food Guru Takes on Ramsey’s Trailside!

    by Cassie Mattia the Loveland Food Guru

    Loveland, Ohio – Downtown Loveland is quickly becoming a food lover’s dream come true as new restaurants are popping up left and right!

     One of the first restaurants to hit the block after the Downtown Loveland fire in 2017 was Ramsey’s Trailside. The beautifully restored building, located right off the Loveland Bike Trail on West Loveland Ave, has become a large part of the Loveland food culture offering both vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals as well as some of the best views in the city!

    The Ramsey’s Trailside building dates back to the 1800s and was originally referred to as the “Ramsey’s Building,” paying homage to the first two families in the Loveland area; the Paxton’s and the Ramsey’s. After Colonel Paxton and his sons-in-law were awarded a 1,000-acre grant for Paxton’s service in the Revolutionary War in 1848 Colonel William Ramsey purchased 189 acres of that land. Colonel Ramsey’s plan was to join the town of Paxton and the town of Loveland together. In 1863 John Ramsey’s daughter’s husband, James Loveland (the Justice of Peace, General Store Owner, and Postmaster of the town of Paxton and Loveland) officially joined together both towns naming it Loveland. 

    Ramsey’s Trailside did not come into conception until the early 2000s when Paxton’s Grill owners, Ralph Dunnigan and Kevin Eagan were approached with the idea of making the Ramsey’s building into a second restaurant. Eagan and Dunnigan loved the idea of having another quality family-friendly restaurant and in 2018 Ramsey’s Trailside opened its doors! 

    John Zielke, now General Manager and Co-Owner of Ramsey’s Trailside joined the Ramsey’s Trailside team after having worked at Paxton’s Grill. Zielke was used to the traditional Paxton’s Grill cuisine, so when he learned that Ramsey’s goal was to offer vegetarians and vegans great meal options too he was thrilled about getting the opportunity to learn about a type of cuisine he wasn’t used to. It was a challenge that Zielke said he was happy to accept!

    Since 2018, Ramsey’s Trailside has gained quite a reputation with the community becoming an instant fan favorite! From the “treehouse” views to the affordable quality food to the outstanding service this Loveland gem is an absolute must-try!

    I of course had to check in with John Zielke at Ramsey’s Trailside so that I could share with you all of the delicious details about the restaurant! Follow me, Cassie the Food Guru, as I take you on a trip to Ramsey’s Trailside!

    For more restaurant reviews and food critiques stay tuned to Cassie the Food Guru!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • Maybe a Hops n Berries in Historic District?

    Maybe a Hops n Berries in Historic District?

    Loveland, Ohio – After a small struggle with City Hall, Loveland Magazine is finally able to publish this story. On May 21 in a memo to Council, City Manager Dave Kennedy said, “The Building and Zoning Division has received an application for a conditional use permit for a tap room/restaurant to fill the space at 118 Karl Brown Way. This will be a great additional to the Downtown District attracting patrons to the south side of the district.”

    There was also this legal notice published on May 22 in Public Notices Ohio that said:

    Legal Notice The City of Loveland Planning & Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on June 1, 2021, at and around 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at Loveland City Hall, 120 W. Loveland Ave., Loveland, Ohio 45140. An application has been submitted on behalf of Matthew Evans for the Loveland Firefighters Association and Hops n Berries. The applicant is requesting Conditional Use Approval for a tap room/restaurant located at 118 Karl Brown Way. Interested persons may appear and be heard with respect to the proposal. Comments may also be submitted in writing to Eva Wisby, Zoning and Economic Development Specialist, 120 W. Loveland Avenue, Loveland, OH 45140 or emailed to ewisby@lovelandoh.gov. Individuals with disabilities requiring special accommodations that are participating in or wish to attend this hearing should call 513-683-0150 at least seven (7) days in advance so arrangements can be made. CIN,May22,’21#4746794

    After seeing the public notice, Loveland Magazine made a public records request to Building Department Clerk Becky Noel on May 25 requesting information about the tap room. Noel responded by saying, “I haven’t received anything building permit wise. I believe they are scheduled to go to P&Z on June 1 for conditional use approval. Eva may be able to answer more since it’s still in the zoning stage.”

    Loveland Magazine followed Noel’s answer by contacting Eva Wisby with a similiar request. Wisby responded, “As becky said, they are going in front of P & Z for a conditional use approval. I am not familiar with anything other than that. The agenda be posted either thurs or Friday.” Wisby is the City’s Zoning & Economic Development Specialist and Clerk of the Planning & Zoning Commission.

    It now appears Wisby had knowledge of the application on May 21. An acknowledgment of receipt of the application was initialed, “ew”.

    Because the City Manager said that the City had received an “application” for a conditional use permit for the Tap Room on May 21, and that there is an initialed receipt of it, there remains the question of why Loveland Magazine received the non-cooperative, if not dishonest answers to our public records request. Non-the less below is what we finally know:

    The application was submitted by Matthew Evans with Arcanum Architecture. The proposed conditional use is located at 118 Karl Brown Way in the Downtown Historic District and will be occupying the space as a tap room/restaurant. The application was submitted on behalf of the Loveland Community Firefighters Association, Inc. The building is commonly known as the Brown Building.

    Front view of “Brown Building” as seen from West Loveland Avenue

    Public hearing is Tuesday, June 1 at and around 7 PM in the Council Chambers located at Loveland City Hall, 120 West Loveland Ave.

    View of “Brown Building” as see from Loveland Bike Trail

  • “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!

  • Loveland volunteers needed for habitat restoration of Little Miami and O’Bannon Creek

    Loveland volunteers needed for habitat restoration of Little Miami and O’Bannon Creek

    Ohio River Foundation begins area’s largest habitat restoration

    Loveland, Ohio – The Ohio River Foundation (ORF) is embarking on the largest habitat restoration project ever undertaken in Southwest Ohio. The project, made possible by a $50,000 grant from Coors Seltzer and its Change the Course partnership, will restore six miles of riverbank along three Ohio River tributaries: The Little Miami River, Great Miami River, and O’Bannon Creek.

    ORF will plant 10,000 to 15,000 native trees and shrubs along those riverbanks. Phase one of the project begins this month and involves harvesting live stakes – taking cuttings from native trees that grow in riparian areas during their winter dormancy. Those “live stakes” will then be planted on riverbanks once the weather warms up in March.

    “The Ohio River is a source of drinking water for more than 5 million people. But because of pollution from urban runoff, agriculture, sedimentation, and industrial pollution, many sections of the Ohio River do not meet water quality standards,” said Rich Cogen, Ohio River Foundation’s executive director.

    Recreation is an important part of the economic sustainability of Loveland along the National and State Scenic and Wild Little Miami River.

    The Little Miami is the source of drinking water for Loveland, Milford, and Indian Hill. O’Bannon Creek empties into the Little Miami in Historic Downtown and Loveland folks know this creek because they so often cross over it when heading north along the Loveland Bike Trail from Nisbet Park.

    Plants along riverbanks improve water quality by keeping pollutants out of the water and by helping control erosion, thus reducing sedimentation. As they mature, these riparian plants also provide habitat for streamside birds and mammals and create shade that helps fish and other aquatic species thrive.

    Rich Cogen, Ohio River Foundation’s executive director

    “Restoring the habitats along these tributaries will go a long way toward improving their health, and it will reduce the amount of pollution that makes its way into the Ohio River,” Cogen said.

    Assisting ORF with this project are Great Parks of Hamilton County, Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District, Miami Township, Miami Conservancy District, Anderson Township, City of Loveland, Cincinnati Parks, Colerain Township, and Rivers Unlimited.

    Volunteers are needed for both phases of the project. Live stake harvesting will take place on:

    • Sunday, Feb. 28 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) at Nisbet Park, 126 Karl Brown Way, Loveland, Ohio, 45140
    • Thursday, March 4 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) at Miami Township West Community Park, 4063 E. Miami River Road, Cleves, Ohio, 45002
    • Sunday, March 7 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) at Heritage Park, 11405 E. Miami River Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45252 Volunteers, who will be helping cut stakes, should dress for the weather, wear waterproof shoes, bring a mask and follow all COVID-19 recommendations. All tools, including boats needed to access some sites, will be provided. Advance registration is required; for more details, or to sign up, visit www.ohioriverfdn.org. Additional volunteer opportunities to help with spring stake planting will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit www.ohioriverfdn.org.