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!
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 – 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!
Loveland, Ohio – Loveland High School’s storied and winningest sports program is bringing back the Alumni vs. Varsity Baseball game that will take place on Saturday March 16 at Dave Evans Field at 2 PM.
Varisty Coach Steve Plitt said, “We are expecting a great turnout of alumni to play and others will show up to support the baseball program.”
Past players expected to attend:
Danny Rosenbaum ‘06
Xavier University, Washington Nationals and Boston Red Sox
Jason Christian ‘07
University of Michigan, Oakland Athletics
Scott Gordon ‘84
Xavier University, Toronto BlueJays
Bill Gordon ‘83
Xavier University
“And other great players and coaches,” said Plitt.
Batting practice will start at 1 Pm, followed by pre-game infield/outfield.
Following the game their will be a cookout for current players and alumni and their families.
Before the game Loveland JV will play the Loveland freshman team at 11 AM.
Any past varsity alumni can inquire via email about participating in the game: lhstigersbase@gmail.com.
Facts About Loveland’s Infamous Businesses You Never Knew Until Now!
Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland
Loveland, Ohio – Our journey through Loveland’s Historic Downtown District has come to an end with our final segment of DID YOU KNOW? (Read Part 1 & 2).
The narrow path leading to Historic Downtown’s, 5 Barrel Brew house.
Loveland is known for promoting businesses that have a story, whether it’s about family or in support of the community. DID YOU KNOW Loveland has its very own brewery right off the Little Miami Bike Trail? Narrow Path Brewing Company, located in a 60 year old building at 106 Karl Brown Way is a 5 Barrel Brew house that’s mission is to craft excellent beer while supporting Loveland as a community and other non-profit organizations. Narrow Path has a team of top notch, experienced brew masters who currently have 9 beers on tap with 3 additional experimental taps that the team created themselves from scratch! Some examples of their beers on tap are The Tire Patch IPA, Coconut Porter, Trail Chaser, River Hopper and their experimental tap Orange Vanilla Cream Ale. DID YOU KNOW a large portion of Narrow Path’s earnings go towards organizations that are working hard to affect change in the lives of people both locally and globally? Narrow Path held its First Annual Home Brew Competition on November 3rd that will benefited CancerFree Kids. Along with proceeds going towards one of their missions, “Cause,” they will also be achieving another one of their missions, “Community,” by brewing the winning beer in house.
The stairs to the The Crusader at The Works Pizza.
Who doesn’t love pizza? Loveland most certainly does being that its home to one of the most well-known pizza joints in Ohio. DID YOU KNOW The Works Pizza building was built in 1905 and was used as a water filling station for steam locomotives? A bit later in Loveland history The Works building was used as the firehouse and public works facility. Owners Scott and Jamie Gordon, who were both born and raised in Loveland, can remember visiting the facility in high school during Homecoming class float building activities. DID YOU KNOW The Works Pizza is home to an authentic 1921 Pullman Passenger car called “The Crusader?” The Works enables guests to book private parties on the passenger car that can now seat up to 36 people. The Works Pizza has a number of specials on their menu that guests from all over come to enjoy, such as The Breakfast Pizza, The Works Pizza, The Commish Pizza, The Pizza Fries, Calzones and The Works Burger.
Lyle’s Bikes, Brews & BBQ is another eatery right on the Loveland Bike Trail in Historic Downtown.
A restored Police call box has been added to the Firefighters Memorial along the bike trail.
As you venture down the Loveland Bike Trail you will find an assortment of restaurants that cover just about every type of food. In the past year there has been a new wave of bike trail restaurants that have opened their doors, one of them being Lyle’s Bikes, Brews & BBQ. DID YOU KNOW Lyle’s Bikes, Brews & BBQ was previously named Trailside Smokehouse? As of July 4th, Lyle and family renovated the property adding a few upgrades to the outdoor area, a brand new menu, featuring pulled pork and chicken fresh off the smoker, and of course a new line up of performers for their live music segments. Some of Lyle’s menu items include, The Pulled Pork Quesadilla, The Smokehouse Nachos, The Pulled Pork Chili, The Smoked Chicken Wrap and The Cuban Sandwich. DID YOU KNOW Lyle’s menu includes Dog Treats? Lyle’s BBQ is completely dog friendly! Lyle’s menu offers Fido’s Freezzys Dog Treats, which are frozen dog treats made with yogurt, peanut butter and banana.
The newly renovated Firefighter’s Memorial is also along the Loveland Bike Trail.
DID YOU KNOW Loveland’s Firefighter Memorial includes a section of an I-beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center that was positioned so that the rust would stain the pillar it sits on?
One of the new additions to the Firefighters Memorial is a restored fire call box.
All around Downtown Loveland there is history. From buildings from the 1900’s to memorials representing Loveland’s most loved individuals, the town does not fall short of historic scenery. DID YOU KNOW Loveland’s coveted Firefighter’s Memorial has been completely renovated over the last few months? In 1997 the Firefighter’s Memorial was built to represent the Loveland-Symmes Fire Firefighter’s commitment to “Never Forget.” Recently contractors along with volunteers have added stamped concrete walkways, new lighting, irrigation and landscaping. DID YOU KNOW Loveland’s Firefighter Memorial includes a section of an I-beam from the North Tower of the World Trade Center? Decorating the memorial is also, a time capsule vault that contains past LSFD’s badges and uniforms, copies of local newspapers and department documents from 1997. On top of the concrete vault is a bell from the Riverboat Reuben Springer, which served as the alarm for Loveland’s firefighters to respond to an emergency until 1934.
After the devastating Memorial Day Fire in Loveland, downtown has placed a strong focus on rebuilding those businesses that were affected. DID YOU KNOW the building that was most affected by the Loveland Fire is nearly completely renovated and ready to be opened as Paxton’s sister restaurant, Ramsey’s Trailside? Ramsey’s, named after William Ramsey who purchased 189 acres of land in 1848 that later became Loveland, will feature indoor, outdoor and rooftop dining as well as a vegan friendly menu. The goal of the brand-new restaurant will be to not only “unite carnivores and vegans,” but also give them healthier menu options. DID YOU KNOW Ramsey’s will have a separate grill dedicated just for vegans? Ramsey’s Trailside has not yet released their menu, but it’s sure to be hit with the new age foodies!
Read more about Ramsey’s Trailside and watch this interview with the owners.
Relaxed atmosphere and friendly service welcomes you back time and time again! Located in the heart of the Historic Loveland District Just outside Cincinnati, Ohio.
