Why is there no English Pub in Mariemont?
The space formerly occupied by the Village Kitchen remains vacant on the Square.
By Rex Bevis
It is quite obvious that Mariemont is an English Village. English Tudor-style homes abound, there is a prominent English-style Inn, and an overall English feel to the Village Square and the Strand. So why isn’t there an English-style pub in Mariemont?
I had the opportunity to sit down recently with Dan Spinnenweber, Sr., owner of the Mariemont Inn, The Strand, and much of the north portion of the Village Square to discuss “the vacant space on the Square.” Dan and I were joined in our meeting by
sons Dan, Jr. and Bill who are key members along with Dan, Sr. in the Spinnenweber enterprises.
It has been over ten years since the Village Kitchen vacated their location on the Square and this valuable location still remains vacant. Dan, Sr. talked me through the history of this specific location in the context of the surrounding properties. When Spinnenweber Builders, Inc. (SBI) purchased the north Square properties in 1996, the rental strategy was to develop two highvolume restaurants, one on either side of the Mariemont Theater. These restaurants were
to produce adequate income to support a long term lower rent structure to insure the retention of the Mariemont Theater. In 2004 the operator of the Village Kitchen wanted to retire and had little interest in running a late evening operation. The Village Kitchen moved out (over to the Plainville site which is now FlipDaddy’s) and Spinnenweber Builders redeveloped the location into a larger venue which would support the original goal, another high-volume restaurant compatible with the existing Quarter Restaurant.
cont'd on page 2
Dan, Sr. set the requirements for operating the new pub high. “To qualify for an interview you must be an experienced restaurant operator interested in operating an authentic high end English (or later, Irish) pub style restaurant, with a casual family atmosphere where sports and live entertainment would be available for special events.” Shortly after the remodeling project was completed, the country went into a recession and small business loans and venture capital dried up. Additionally, Spinnenweber Builders lost control of the liquor permit for two years which put the whole project on hold. In spite of these setbacks, Bonnie Malone, Leasing Representative for Spinnenweber Builders, continued to interview 4 to 6 national restaurant operator prospects a year. Additionally, SBI has pursued seven local restaurant operators, some single unit operators and some multi-unit operators. Per Dan, Sr. “We have spent months negotiating and developing plans, interior designs, and menus. We have entertained three North American and two Canadian
franchises with visits back and forth, all of which failed or were rejected by the franchises for being too weak of a location.” These franchises are seeking locations featuring big shopping districts such as Easton in Columbus, according to Dan, Sr.
In 2013 SBI retained a consultant out of Niagara, Ontario to look at the property location to see if “we were beating a dead horse.” The consultant is a specialist in the development of Guinness Irish Pubs. He brought his design idea to Mariemont and a full business plan and design was developed. His study verified the site was feasible and that the pub being proposed was not available anywhere in the area. Dan Sr. expressed to me that most restaurant operators are short-term investors and that has been the problem. “A well-designed and constructed pub will only grow better as the years pass and with good management will be successful for many years into the future,” Dan said.
At times, SBI conducted studies to
convert the space to retail or retail / office because there have been inquiries for such conversions. It has been tempting for Dan and his sons to consider converting the space during times of discouragement. At one point SBI agreed to consider a different type of restaurant. The restaurant was called Hugo but financing fell through and the project was not able to be achieved. SBI maintains that more than three quarters of a million dollars have been lost in the effort to accomplish the goal and there is no current answer. I would like to end the article with a quote from Dan, Sr. regarding the English Pub: “It is our belief that had it not been for Prohibition in the 1920’s, one of Mariemont’s original town center institutions would have been a Pub. For the Pub has been the centerpiece of every village and town in the old world, a place of meeting, talking and enjoying simple food and spirits. It is our goal to hold out for an experienced operator and a high-end Pub. We trust that the Village understands our position and is as patient as we have been trying to be.”
Vacant space on the Square (cont'd from page 1)
The
Club
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The Crier Club 2015 - 2016
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Carriers
D avi D a n D rews G inny C aesar K atie C opetas Z oe C opetas s C ott H ollan D J a CK son H ouse a lly an D Z a CH M aier a lex M antle M ax an
(Siblings listed together share routes;
Mark and Malia Ridge
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Village Church of Mariemont
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September deadline: The deadline for the next Town Crier is August 14, 2016 All camera-ready ads and articles must be submitted by 5 pm to Claire Kupferle at indy3844@aol.com. Articles should be sent via email in Microsoft® Word, with photos sent as jpg files of at least 350KB. Payment and advertising contracts should be submitted to: Claire Kupferle, 3844 Indianview, Cinti., OH
The Town Crier is published monthly from September through May as “The Voice Of The Village Of Mariemont.” The Mariemont Town Crier, LLC is published as a service to the residents and organizations of the Village of Mariemont. Articles (typed and double-spaced) and photographs are welcomed. They may be dropped off or emailed by 5 pm on the article due date. Signed Letters to the Editor are accepted as space allows. The Town Crier reserves the right to edit letters for length. Letters to the Editor reflect the opinions of the authors and do not represent the views of The Town Crier staff. Photographs will not be returned unless indicated. Due to limited space, the editorial staff reserves the right to select and edit articles for both content and space. As a public service to the non-profit organizations of Mariemont, The Town Crier does accept inserts for a fee. The editorial staff reserves the right to select and edit inserts. Inserts and ads of a political nature are not accepted.
Mariemont's True Official Flower
A trumpet daffodil ( narcissus “Mariemont”) has been created by Michigan flower breeder Dr. John Reed as the official flower of the Village of Mariemont. Specimens have been planted by the Mariemont Garden Club in
Isabella Hopkins Park and other locations throughout the Village. Its seed parent is Uncle Duncan. The pollen parent is Trumpet Call x Glenfarcias. The flower is deer resistant and provides erosion control besides being beautiful!
Writers Needed!
Join the staff at the Mariemont Town Crier and let your voice be heard! Writing for our local publication is a great way to shine a light on your corner of the Village. Staff members are asked to write four articles a year. There are eight meetings annually as well, when the staff comes together to discuss ideas for the upcoming issues. Call or email Claire Kupferle (561-4428 / indy3844@aol. com ) if you are interested.
Celebrate Mariemont's 75th Anniversary at these Events
Celebrate the anniversary of Mariemont’s 1941 incorporation as a village with a variety of activities this summer! On July 3, the Village is hosting a festival at Dogwood Park from noon to 4 pm with free pony rides, courtesy of the Village Church of Mariemont, booths, music and food! This will be followed by a carillon concert at 7 pm. The evening culminates with a spectacular fireworks display at dark.
Mariemont Preservation Foundation to offer
Guided Historic Tours
As part of the celebration for the 75th Anniversary of the Incorporation of Mariemont (1941) MPF will be conducting historic walking tours on the following dates:
Wine & Cheese Walking Tours - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Wednesday, June 8
Wednesday, June 15
Afternoon Tea Walking Tours - 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Saturday, June 11
Saturday, June 18
Tours will begin at the Mariemont Preservation Foundation building at 3919 Plainville Road. Accompany MPF docents around the Historic District and learn about Mariemont’s unique history. The highlight of the tour will be a visit to the Mariemont Church at
the Old Town Center.
Reservations are required and numbers are limited so sign up soon at administration@ mariemontpreservation.org. Please give your name, number of participants, and a contact phone number (in case tour has to be cancelled) These tours are offered free of charge (but donations are appreciated!).
Carillon Concert Series Begins May 30
Carilloneur Rick Watson is excited about the upcoming series of concerts at the Mariemont Bell Tower, one of the largest carillons in North
America. The series of concerts kicks off May 29 with a recital at 7pm. Concerts continue through the summer on Sundays through September 4 at 7 pm and on holidays at 2 pm through September 5 (Labor Day) at 2 pm. All concerts are free and are best enjoyed by setting up a lawn chair near the base of the Bell Tower.
Of special note is a guest carilloneur, Dr. Laura Ellis, University Carillonneur at the University of Florida in Gainesville, who will perform July 24 at 7 pm. Rick said, “I have heard her play more than once at congresses of the Guild of Carillonneurs, and she is an outstanding performer, so I know any folks that can attend will enjoy her program very much.”
In honor of the 75th anniversary of incorporation, Mr. Watson has created a special program for the recital on July 3. “After thinking some more about the celebration of the Incorporation of the Village on July 3, I have created a carillon program for that evening, playing quite a few pieces scored for the original 2 octave range of the carillon as it was when E. Boyd Jordan was the carillonneur.” The program is billed as “In Commemoration of the Mariemont Incorporation and in Memory of Mayor and Carillonneur E. Boyd Jordan.” Mr. Jordan was the first mayor of Mariemont.
Mr. Watson will be working without carilloneur Dick Gegner, who is recovering from some health issues. Be on the lookout for a booklet with the complete lineup of carillon concerts, delivered to your door at no charge!
Fore! Annual Kiwanis Golf Scramble Fundraiser May 14th
The Kiwanis Club of Mariemont’s annual golf scramble is coming up Saturday, May 14 at Reeves Golf Course at Lunken Airport. Now in its 16th year, the annual event is the Kiwanis Club’s spring fundraiser for local scholarships, helping raise nearly $15,000 each year for students in Fairfax, Terrace Park and Mariemont.
You still have time to join this great cause. Cost is just $70 per golfer and includes all fees, golf cart and lunch. Participants can form their own foursome or ask to be organized with others and prizes will once again be awarded for longest drive and putt, as well as most accurate drive and closest to the pin. Contact Ted Beach at 513-252-4258
to sign up or visit MariemontKiwanis.org for more information. Interested supporters can also become a hole sponsor. The deadline to register is May 7.
The Kiwanis Club of Mariemont exists to serve the youth of the Mariemont School District, with an emphasis on fundraising for scholarships. To date, the Kiwanis Club has raised over $200,000 for scholarships, helping nearly 70 students attend college. All are invited to attend a weekly meeting. The club meets every Tuesday morning at 7:45 am in the Mariemont Elementary school cafeteria. A continental breakfast is provided with meetings lasting less than one hour and featuring a local speaker.
Village
In Memoriam - Betty Virginia Rhoades
Betty Virginia Rhoades, 78, of Mariemont, and Glen Lake, MI, a retired art teacher, sportswoman and dedicated environmentalist, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 27, 2016 in Hilliard, OH, surrounded by her family.
Betty began her teaching career at The Montresor School in Leesburg, VA where she developed a love for horses, riding and fox hunting. After several years in VA, she returned to Cincinnati where she began teaching art in the Mariemont School System and continued there for thirty-three years. She influenced several generations, as Judy Centner Hastings commented, “Not only was Betty a co-worker for many years at Mariemont Elementary, but she also was my art teacher at Dale Park Elementary. She inspired me to have a love for art. I shall never forget her. It was a blessing to know her.”
Betty was active on the Boards of the Mariemont Preservation Foundation and Little Miami Conservancy, led wilderness canoeing and camping trips, was an expert skier, tennis player, horseback rider, sailor and white-water canoeist. She was also a wood turner, cabinetmaker, ceramicist and artist. At age sixty she took up wind surfing.
She and fellow Mariemont teacher, Susan Gougler, traveled to Europe in 1966 where Betty bought a red VW, and she and Susan drove all around the continent in it. At the end of the trip the VW was shipped to the States, and it is still in the family. Betty’s VW was iconic. If you saw a red 1966 VW Beetle buzz by you in Mariemont, you knew it was Betty. School kids would shout, “Hi Miss Rhoades!” when she drove by.
Betty never passed a chance to instill into the minds of children and adults alike a love and respect for our planet and all its creatures. Her love for animals was reflected in her numerous dogs, each one a rescue who seemed to find her, and in her three horses which provided her with many happy years on the Indian Hill trails.
Betty leaves her beloved sisters, Nancy R. Schwab (Richard) of West Chester, PA and Susan R. Theiss (Viktor) of Loveland, OH. She is also survived by her loving nephews, Richard L. Schwab, Jr. and David G. Schwab (Beth) and
their sister, Anne E. (Betsy) Bury, and great nieces and nephews: Leanne, Christopher, Jennifer and Andrew Schwab, and Tyler, Austin and Leah Bury.
Betty was a larger-than-life figure in Mariemont. Her sister, Susan, recounted several stories about her lasting impact on the Village.
“The Gordon family next door to Betty became a close family to her. Lisa and Andy had two children, Louis and Allison. Next door to them were the Conrad’s. Jim and Janet had two girls, Katherine and Christina. The two families, especially the four children, became very close as they grew up together, and all four of them adored Betty! They would knock on her door and ask her if she could come out and play. And she would! She played ball with them, took them for hikes in the Dale Park woods, played in the creek, searched for mushrooms, taught them how to care for the environment, how to plant trees, build an igloo, save their pennies, all important skills and valuable life lessons. The neighboring Crilley family had a persimmon tree that hung over Betty’s fence and dropped persimmons in her yard in the fall. Resourceful Betty gathered up the persimmons before the raccoons found them and made delicious persimmon pudding! Yum. ”
Betty was instrumental in preserving the magnificent beech grove in the heart of Mariemont. She spent days at a time, sometimes by herself, sometimes with the help of friends and family, pulling enormous quantities of honeysuckle and other invasive species out of
the woods across from the Municipal Building. She would be seen sitting with friends outside Graeter’s after an afternoon’s work in the grove, eating an ice cream cone, with her giant sickle leaning against the bench. People walking by would say, “What IS that?” Thanks to Betty and the Village of Mariemont, its beech grove is one of Ohio’s few remaining city beech groves, and Mariemont is proud to keep it protected. She was also determined to preserve the large trees in other parts of Mariemont. For many years she annually injected several huge elm trees to save them from Dutch elm disease, and those magnificent trees are still standing today as a result.
Fran Rust, who taught with Betty at Mariemont Elementary, remembers her former co-worker with great fondness. “Betty had such an amazing influence on my life as a teacher and as a friend. She encouraged students to develop their creative talents. She taught so many lessons beyond the classroom setting whether she was talking about how to save money and budgeting, how to throw a football, or reflect on the beauty of nature. She loved to visit my classroom to talk about the difference between a barn owl and a barred owl, which always included her own demonstration and vocalization of how each Owl sounded. During one Earth Day celebration she guided my class through Dogwood Park pointing out each of the trees and their corresponding bark. She was a wealth of knowledge when it came to anything related to nature. The students and I were fascinated by her ability to identify wildflowers and bird calls. Betty was a unique individual with a wonderful sense of humor and a real enthusiasm for life. I am truly honored that she was my friend and role model.”
In lieu of flowers, you are invited to honor Betty with a contribution in her name to: Mariemont Preservation Foundation, 3901 Plainville Pike, Mariemont OH 45227 (mariemontpreservation.org),Little Miami Conservancy, 6040 Price Road, Milford, OH 45150 (littlemiami.com), The Arc of Appalachia Preserve System, 7660 Cave Road, Bainbridge, OH 45612 (info@arcofappalachia.org), Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Rd. Milford, OH 45150, or to your favorite animal rescue shelter.
Village
Mountain Biking in Mariemont
By Rex Bevis
When I heard the words “mountain bike” and “Mariemont” in the same sentence I had to know more. Many residents are aware of the extensive hiking, running, and biking opportunities that have been established in the South 80 acres by a group of committed volunteers. However, in the last several months more expansive efforts have been made outside of the South 80 in order to offer citizens an even more robust hiking and biking environment.
For some background on this recent development, I took the opportunity to meet with resident Grant Karnes who has spearheaded mountain bike trail development in the lower Little Miami River corridor. Grant’s initial foray into the creation of mountain bike trails was with the city of Milford in 2014. Grant and Bill Korte, an Indian Hill resident, approached the city of
Mariemonter Joe Stelzer, envisioned a similar trail for the area between the Boathouse in Dogwood Park and the South 80 Park below the Mariemont Swimming Pool. Grant approached Village Council in January of 2016 with the idea of developing a single-track natural-surface trail, with widths of 12” to 36”, and was given the ‘green light’ to proceed. In just a few short weeks, fallen logs were moved, branches were trimmed, and the trail was established. Whereas the flat trails in the South 80 are considered to be beginner trails, the new Dogwood Park .8 mile extension is an intermediate level trail as corroborated by the Cincinnati Off Road Alliance (CORA), of which Grant is a member.
Not being really intimate with the biking / mountain biking community, I had to ask Grant: “We have in this area the Little Miami Bike Path extending from Newtown to Xenia, Ohio; the Lunken Bike Path surrounding Lunken Airport; the Armleder Bike Path.…many biking opportunities. Why would we need even more?” Grant’s answer: “Natural surface trails offer a more diverse recreational experience. They provide an opportunity for an individual or family to ride along the Little Miami River and actually see the river. We want to leverage that. The trails we are building in Mariemont
and Milford, and hopefully in other areas along the eastern river corridor and the Little Miami Bike Trail, are the foundation for a series of natural surface “trail vignettes” that are easily accessed from the paved bike path. A connector trail is also needed to enable access between Mariemont and Armleder. A natural surface trail along the river is perfectly suited for this since it can be built more cost effectively and more quickly than a paved trail.”
Milford with the idea of developing an off-road experience within a 45-acre tract of land adjacent to Milford along the Little Miami River. Having been trained by the International Mountain Bike Association in the proper establishment of natural bike trials, Grant and Bill developed a one and a half mile beginner “Natural Surface Trail” in Milford with minimal impact to the environment.
Grant, in conjunction with fellow
Mariemont resident Grant Karnes
Village Livingood Park Celebrates Fourth Phase of Griewe Development's Mariemont Project
Greiwe Development’s Livingood Park celebrated its Topping Out recently, honoring the tradesmen, laborers and partners crafting the 18-unit luxury condominium development in Mariemont.
Topping Out ceremonies are a Scandinavian custom dating back to 700 A.D. thought to bring good luck to future occupants. With 10 of the 18 units pre-purchased, good luck seems to already be at work for Livingood Park. The development is expected to sell out before it opens in fall 2016.
Following a blessing from Village Church of Mariemont Reverend Todd Keyes, Mariemont Mayor Dan Policastro addressed attendees. “I want to personally thank Greiwe Development for this four-phase, $73 million investment development in our Village. It has been a pleasure working with a developer that has the same values as our village and was able to leverage our assets so well.” The event concluded with the traditional raising of an evergreen to the top of the building’s newly completed wooden framework.
Livingood Park is one of seven Greiwe lifestyle developments in the Cincinnati area since the grand opening of Mariemont’s Jordan Park in 2008. Last October, Rick Greiwe, with a group of developers known
collectively as Gateway Partners LLC, was selected to develop a 12-acre site adjacent to downtown Montgomery, where he will build high-end condominiums as part of an urban in-fill village. And last month it was announced that Greiwe Development in partnership with Terrex, is in the predevelopment phase for $65 million condominium towers in downtown Cincinnati at 8th and Main.
“We choose to build our projects in neighborhoods where dining, shopping and entertainment are within one block of the resident’s front door,” said Rick Greiwe, principal of Greiwe Development. “Mariemont is the ideal location for one of our developments and it’s been our pleasure to bring Mariemont founder Mary Emery’s vision to life.”
Livingood Park contains 18 luxury units outfitted with the highest-quality modern amenities, including one-level floor plans with high ceilings, expansive windows and large balconies. The unit prices range from $675,000 to $1.6 million, and the development is expected to open in late fall 2016.
Greiwe Development has worked with partners North American Properties and Sibcy Cline Realtors on all of its lifestyle developments in Mariemont, in
addition to 2770 Observatory, the 30-unit luxury condominium development in Hyde Park opening in August, 2016. For more information on Livingood Park, visit MariemontLifestyle.com. Interviews with the project partners, video from the ceremony and hi-res photography is available upon request.
Project Partners
Livingood Park development partners include Greiwe Development, North American Properties and Sibcy Cline. The building was designed by CR Architecture + Design and K4 Places. For more information on Livingood Park and to see renderings, visit MariemontLifestyle.com
Schools
MHS String Orchestras Receive Gold at New York Heritage Festival
The Mariemont High School Chamber Ensemble and Concert Orchestra brought back the ‘Gold’ after three days in New York City, where they participated in the New York Heritage Festival at the famed Riverside Church, toured iconic Manhattan sites and experienced the food, entertainment and energy of the city.
"I really enjoyed learning about the culture of music," said Tyler Scott, junior. "I learned a lot about the power of music and how it can really unite people."
The New York Heritage Festival is one of a number of musical festivals held throughout the United States and is part of the
WorldStrides OnStage Programs. This year’s New York event welcomed over 2,000 middleand high school-aged orchestra, choir and band participants. Each group’s performance is ranked on an international standard, and the top performing groups in the Heritage Festival
Robert Forsee Jr., President
The Mariemont High School Chamber and Concert Orchestras pose in Rockefeller Plaza on a recent trip to the World Heritage Music Festival in New York City. cont'd on
Orchestra (from previous page)
are invited to perform in the Festival of Gold or the Festival at Carnegie Hall.
"This year's performance at and participation in the Heritage Festival was one of the best we have experienced. I find it extremely important the students were able to see so many other young people thriving in their musical pursuits,” said MaryBeth Khamis, district orchestra director. “I am so appreciative to work in a school district that supports students who are developing as musicians and artists. From the parents and teachers to the administration and our incredible athletic director, all are completely supportive of our students getting to experience these once-in-alifetime opportunities.”
The Mariemont High School Concert Orchestra performed “Themes from the New World Symphony,” “Wayfaring Stranger” and “On a Hymnsong.” The Chamber Ensemble performed “Capriccio Espangol” and “Brook Green Suite.”
The orchestra and chamber ensemble received the following awards and recognitions:
"Gold" recognition for both the Chamber Ensemble and the Concert Orchestra. Scoring was based on various attributes of the music, including tonality, dynamics, style, articulation and other key areas.
Special Adjudicator Award for Chamber Ensemble. An adjudicator recognition of standout performance and recognition of exceptional directors.
Outstanding Solo Performance was awarded to MHS senior Sierra Sims-Smith. Only 10 of these awards were given out to the entirety of festival participants, and Sierra was the only instrumentalist to receive this award.
The Chamber Ensemble was awarded highest scoring orchestral group at the Festival.
"A huge congratulations to all of our strings students. Your hard work and talent has been recognized and rewarded," said Suzy Weinland, district parent. "And a tremendous thank you to MaryBeth Khamis, who has nurtured our students from fifth grade on to make the Mariemont City School District's strings program the robust group it is today."
Following the festival, the students had the opportunity to tour the city, including professional performances such as the percussion show STOMP, the New York Philharmonic play Strauss and Beethoven and
the Broadway musical Les Miserables. Other highlights included the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History.
"Almost everywhere we went there was music, from upscale concerts to street performers,” said Mollie Coates, Mariemont High School senior. “It's such an amazing way to see how everyone on the planet is connected through music.”
Orchestra Director Mary Beth Khamis receives the award for standout performance.
Schools Mariemont Destination Imagination Teams Advance to State, Global Finals
Destination Imagination teams from Mariemont continued their strong tradition in 2016 by advancing six teams from regional competition to the state finals, with one advancing to the global finals in Nashville in May.
Destination Imagination (DI) is a volunteerled, educational non-profit organization that teaches 21st century skills and STEM principles to kindergarten through university level students through creative and collaborative problem solving challenges. Team members work together to develop a solution to one of seven open-ended challenges and present their solutions at tournaments. Through the Challenge program, students learn and experience the creative process from imagination to innovation and learn skills needed to succeed in school, career and life, including teamwork, communication, project management, perseverance, creative and critical thinking, and self-confidence.
In Mariemont, teams are organized through the Mariemont Elementary parent teacher organization (PTO) and compete with and against members of their same grade/ age group. Each team selects their preferred Challenge from the seven available and works from October to March to develop a solution. The regional tournament was held March 18 at Three Rivers Schools. From that event, six teams from Mariemont qualified for the state of Ohio tournament held April 16.
The "Cookie Monstars," a team of second graders coached by Emily Simpson and Jodie Zaveri placed second at regionals in the elementary level of Challenge A, Pace of Change. "DI=ID", seventh graders coached by Heather
McGuire and Amy Scheeser placed first at regionals in the middle level of Challenge B, In Plain Sight. Challenge D, Close Encounters was very well represented by Mariemont teams including The "Dare Dreamers," a fourth grade team coached by Amanda Waltz and Matt Malafa; the "Blurple Unihorse," a mixed junior high/high school team coached by Chandi Findley and Jessica Lantaff and "The Unjustifiers," sophomores coached by Stu Shelley and Liz Matthews.
The Crummy Cookies, a Mariemont High School sophomore team coached by Ted Copetas and Jeff Ewart advanced beyond the state competition to the Global Finals by finishing first at the state of Ohio competition in the senior level of Challenge C, Get a Clue. The DI Global Finals are held at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville May 25-28.
Mariemont's tradition of DI participation
extends over two decades. It was introduced to the district by William's Meadow resident Anne Badanes when it was known as Odyssey of the Mind. From those strong beginnings, Mariemont teams have consistently demonstrated unique thinking, strong teamwork and innovative solutions that have earned them annual trips to the global competition that includes nearly 10,000 students from 115 countries. Each Global Finals features additional academic and creative challenges for competitors to participate in, as well as the opportunity to meet students from around the world, enhancing their experience.
As with many Mariemont institutions, there are connections from the past to the present. One of the members of the global finals team is the grandson of Anne Badanes' cousin. The future of DI in Mariemont is in good hands!
Mariemont High School sophomores "The Crummy Cookies" celebrate their victory at the Ohio DI Tournament April 16th. Pictured (Left to Right) are M.J. Griesmer, Abby Dodson, Jeff Ewart (coach), Abby Ewart, Michael Wuertemberger, Zach Weinland, Colton Urbanski, Ted Copetas (coach) and Alex Copetas.
Town Crier Creative Spotlight
By Karen Kennedy
This was the creation of Shelley Komrska’s 3rd grade art class, where they combined a lesson in art and math. The students used a compass, a protractor and other math tools to create this beautiful
display of Frank Lloyd Wright Windows. The sun was beaming through the colorful artwork and brightened up the whole hallway. I just couldn’t take my eyes off of this beautiful window display at Mariemont Elementary School! Awesome job!
Children
What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library - May
Muffins with Mom — 10:30 am Saturday, May 7
Enjoy muffins and a special Mother’s Day storytime with your mom or grandma. Ages: 2-8.
Movers & Shakers — 10:30 am Wednesdays
Bring the little ones in for stories, songs and dance as they learn about the Library. Ages: 1-4
Library Babies 11:30 am Wednesdays
Have fun, meet other parents and babies, and promote early literacy! Ages: 6-18 months
Preschool Story Time 1:30 pm Wednesdays
Join us for stories and crafts. Ages: 3-5
Crafty Kids 4 pm Thursday, May 26
Get crafty at the library; make it and take it!
Ages: 5-10
Teens
Thank-A-Soldier Write-In — 4:30 pm Monday, May 2
Show your appreciation to our service members by writing letters to soldiers overseas. Snacks provided. Registration required
Adults
Spring Craft Night — 6:30 pm Thursday, May 5
Celebrate spring by decorating a vase and filling it with beautiful handmade paper flowers. Registration required.
Which Craft Needlecraft Club 10:30 am Saturdays, May 7 & May 21
Stop by with your current work in progress for pointers or just to have fun with co-enthusiasts. Knitting, crochet, needlework whatever you like to do.
Branch Book Club 6:45 pm Thursday, May 26
This month’s featured book is Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín. Copies will be available at the desk. New members are always welcome!
Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 8 pm.; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm.
Village
Tennis and Swim Seasons Right Around the Corner
Perfect tennis weather is just around the corner, and the Mariemont Tennis Courts are the place to enjoy it! There’s no better tennis value around, either. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, our pro Dave Russell can help you improve your game. He has several clinics scheduled for men, women and kids, including an enhanced junior program, and would love to provide more according to members’ interest level. Coach Tracy Glassmeyer will also be teaching lessons this summer. She will primarily be coaching children this year. Pick up an individual or group lesson – there are price breaks if you prepay five or ten weeks ahead. Contact Dave at 859-512-4041 or mmdrussell@hotmail.com
“ “ Raquet Swingers Hot and Bothered The season of the challenge is again with us. The lusty wallop of the challenger and the condescending pat of the defender resound throughout the land. Lady Luck smiles first on one then the other
- Mariemont Messenger, June 19, 1931
If you’re feeling competitive, the ladies’ interclub team might interest you. We work on doubles strategies and drills with Dave in our Thursday practice and compete against other local clubs on Fridays from mid-June to midAugust. There are divisions for various skill levels, and with enough players, we can easily work around your vacation schedule! Please email me at bartelttfive@gmail.com if you’d like to know more.
Membership payments can be made online at www.mariemont.org; or download an application form and submit it with your check to the Village office or through the slot at the Tennis Shelter. Clinics, lessons, and team fees are paid directly to Dave Russell. As in years past, guests of Mariemont residents pay $5 each time they play. Now you can save money and pre-pay your guest pass at the same rate as a resident membership for full use of the courts, provided the Tennis Director or a resident member is present when you play.
SAVE THE DATE: The annual “Memorial Day Tennis Games” will be held at the courts following the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30. We will gather at 10:30 am to play in a round robin format. Players of all skill levels, members and nonmembers are welcome, and beverages and snacks will be provided. Dave will lead the fun-filled event, culminating in prizes awarded in several offbeat categories. We look forward to seeing you on the courts!
Submitted by Linda Bartlett, MTA membership.
Summer Swim
Swim into summer at our community pool! Mariemont’s beautiful swimming pool is located at 6000 Mariemont Avenue. The facility includes three pools (a main pool with diving boards, a lap pool and a baby pool). You can also enjoy: Snack bar with expanded eating area, Covered lounge area, volleyball, tether ball, ping pong! (ask for paddles and balls at the front desk), gas grills! (come down in the evening and grill out while the kids swim) and a basketball court.
The Swim Team will start Tuesday after Memorial Day, May 31. Claire Gilmore and Mac Lewis will return as the coaches. Beth Johnson will return this season heading up the swim lesson program. Jordan Schad will return as Pool Manager and Ed Beck will be the facilities Manager. Abbey Brinkman will be a new assistant manager this year. She has years of pool experience working at Coney Island and the Beach. She is also a coach for Mariemont Aquatic Club (MAC) in the winter.
Residents will note improvements at the pool this summer include a brand new filter system. The basketball court is going to be redone. Upon the court’s completion there will be a special dedication and a fun, family party for all.
Social events at the Mariemont Pool this summer will include the popular Sundae Sundays. Night Swims will be held on Friday evenings June 24, July 15 and August 19. Night Swims are held until 10 pm and are well liked by adults in the Village. Adult Night is Saturday, June 18 from 7-Midnight. Food will be catered by Gomez Salsa and a Steel Band will perform for this night! There will also be an evening just for Junior High students.
Submitted by Joan Welsh
It Must be Spring
By Delta Crabtree
The day starts anew
Soft, gentle, rustling rebirth
A warm caressing breeze, Buds are bursting, leaves are green It must be spring,
I am writing this on a day that started in the high 30’s but is now an extremely pleasant 66 degrees. The joy of a perfect spring day must be expressed poetically; a simple sentence does not do it justice. It has been many, many years since I attempted a poem, so I share the above because again, the day deserves a special effort on my part to capture the magic of this moment in time. Please forgive my indulgence!
I am very happy to welcome the Young family to Mariemont. Laura, Sam and baby Paul purchased their home at 6989 Cambridge. They recently moved from Nashville, TN. Sam is an attorney for KMK, a downtown law firm, and Laura is
a new mom to their infant son Paul. The four-legged member of their family is a long-haired dachshund named Henry who loves long walks around the neighborhood. The Young family enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, camping and gardening. They are excited to get involved in the
New Neighbor News
community garden and look forward to enjoying the South 80 hiking trails.
I am sure the busy spring real estate
season has brought many new families to our village. I will continue to use Nextdoor Mariemont as a means to seek out the newcomers and offer them a spotlight in this monthly column. In the meantime, I am delighted to share pictures of the Young’s two “babies,” Paul and Harry. I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful spring and summer season. Please appreciate everything Mariemont has to offer; especially this year as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the village incorporation. I will be back in the fall, but would love to meet and welcome new (and old) neighbors any time.
Paul Young, left and four-legged Harry.
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
Spring and Summer Exhibits and classes at the Barn
Spring & Summer Exhibits
(Weekend hours are 1 – 4 pm; always free and open to the public)
Queen City Art Club Exhibition: open from April 30 – May 8
New Works by Emma Teller: open May 14 – 29
Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society “Summer Show”: open June 4 - 19
Barn Painters Show: open June 23 - 26
Eighteen area artists offer unique views of representational art that have evolved from experimentation with paint and experiences in life. Local artist Jan Boone curates this exhibition of her students’ work and invites the public to enjoy these fresh expressions of fine art. The opening reception occurs on Thursday evening June 23 from 6-9 PM. Exhibit hours: 10 -2 pm June 23 and 24; 1-4 pm June 25 and 26. All exhibit events are free and open to the public at the Barn, 6980 Cambridge Ave., Mariemont, OH 45236. For more information or for directions call 513272-3700 or view the website at www. artatthebarn.org. Wine and appetizers are on the Barn.
June 23-26
Abstraction II: open July 2 & 3.
Contemporary Quilt and Fiber Artists (CQAFA): July 9 – 17
Mo’Vida: Dave Laug: open August 13 – 21
Architects to ArtistsRick Koehler & Francesca Padjen: open August 25 – 28.
Summer Camp Opportunities
The Barn in Mariemont is offering numerous opportunities for children and teenagers in grades 4-12 to participate in artistic endeavors, such as fiber arts, mosaics, sewing and weaving. Plein air (outdoor) painting, drawing and acrylic painting classes are also offered. All camps happen in the month of July and fill quickly. To peruse a catalog or to register, visit www. artatthebarn.org, click on “The Barn” then “Barn Events”. Camp runs from July 11-29. Fees range between $30 and $65 each week.
Fiber Art (FAB)
For details involving spring classes in Fiber Art, visit artatthebarn.org. Type in any appropriate word in the search box to find information. Learn to sew pajama bottoms, pillowcases or much more. No sewing machine, no worries – you can rent one from the Barn for $10.
Oh Joy!
Thanks to a generous grant from the Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF), the Barn is able to present on May 21: “The Joy of Zentangle” with teaching-artist Joy Ritter. Learn the art of meditative and reflective drawing. The studio will provide basic Zentangle supplies, including drawing tiles and pens. For ages five and older with a parent or adult. The program starts at 10:30am. You can register and prepay online at https://thebarn.cincyregister.com/ MPF2015. The event costs $5/person.
We are thrilled to announce that Mariemont Preservation Foundation has once again underwritten our family cultural series at the Barn! This year’s “Mariemont Preservation Presents” brought such great events as the Playhouse in the Park “Off the Hill” touring shows; MadCap puppets; Children’s Theatre; Ensemble Fioratura, and three parent/child artmaking events...for only $5 per person.
Events like these showcase the original Resthaven Barn, which MPF had a hand in preserving, and reflect Mary Emery’s life passion: “She embarked on a philanthropic program that endowed or initiated children’s programs, ... an art museum, ... various cultural agencies, and other causes that benefited humankind.
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Shown here is instructor Jan Boone’s 30” x 40” oil painting to be on display
at the Barn. Boone has been teaching oil painting for six years.
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
Open Studio for All Levels
The Barn is open from 10 am to 3 pm on the second, fourth and fifth Tuesday of each month for anyone who would like to paint with other artists. Bring your own supplies. Fee is $5.00 (cash only) for non-members and free for Woman’s Art Club members.
New to this long-term program is an opportunity to sketch live, clothed models on May 3 & 17, June 7 & 21. All classes using models run from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. WACC members pay $10.00, while non-members pay $15.00 in order to reimburse the model. Text Deborah at 513-259-9302 by the Monday before each class to assure availability. Please note the club can only accept cash for this event. The class is held in the Lindner classroom at the Barn; no sessions during July.
WACC Member to instruct for T he Arts Alliance
Nancy Achberger will be teaching a oneday plein air workshop on June 4 from 9 am-4 pm. (Rain date—June 5). Fee is $110. Call 513-309-8585 or look up info@the-artsalliance.org for more information.
New Quilting Classes
May 2, 9, 16; 6-8:30 pm—Mondays (three week class)
June 11, 18, 25—10-12:30 pm (three week class)
Check out www.artatthebarn.org or call 513-272-3700 for more info.
Painting Upside Down
Artist Tom Blueheim presented an oilpainting demonstration to the Woman’s Art Club in March. One key piece of advice included an upside-down approach to painting a canvas from a reference in an effort to reduce detail-oriented paintings.
Painter and Photographer Exhibit
On June 12 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm painter John Crouse and photograher Jim Rauth will display their works in the Lindner Classroom. Rauth will be displaying photographs, including work from his book “Mannequin” on sale on that day with proceeds to benefit the Barn. Crouse, a Terrace Park resident, often uses venetian plaster on Masonite to create texture on his abstract paintings.
New Classes at the Barn:
Friday Night Drink & Draw: May 13 from 6 – 9 pm. Bring your own beverage and join us to celebrate an evening of DRINK AND DRAW! Decompress from the week’s stress and anxiety, and experience the rejuvenating effects of a deep dive into your creativity. This playful interactive drawing session will
energize you just in time for the weekend! Led by artist & design professor Afsaneh Ardehali. No drawing experience required; all materials supplied. Fee: $25; register at ardehaa@ gmail.com.
Watercolor Classes for Beginner/ Intermediate students are offered by Chris Campbell. Thursday mornings, 9:30 am–noon from May 19 through July 7. Click the Instruction tab on the website for complete information on the above classes.
Namaste at the Barn
Yoga with Layla @TheBarn: visit www. laylayogo.net or call 513-374-7723 for more info. “Gentle Yoga for Everyone.”
Karen Johns Yoga at The Barn. Private lessons available. Email Karen at Karen. johns4@gmail.com or call 513-760-2552 for more info.
Woman’s Art Club receives an honorable
mention
Hospitality officer and club member Diana Kilfoil of Mt. Lookout received an honorable mention for her pastel painting titled “Tucked Away. The Longboat Key 2016 Community Juried Exhibition took place at the Longboat Key Center for the Arts in Manatee County, Florida and included 130 items of artistic interest including sculpture, jewelry and painting.
The jury is in
The WACC’s 123rd Juried Show resulted include the following winners: Monica Ann Achberger (first place), Nancy Achberger (second place), and Eileen McConkey (third place).
photographed by Jim Rauth
painting by John Crouse
Nancy-- Teacup and Blossoms
Eileen—“Bailey Bundled”
Minutes of Architectural Review Board
March 21, 2016
In attendance were Mr. Bruggeman, Ms. Stalzer, Mr. Allen, Ms. Schwartz, Mr. Haffner, Mr. Thomas and Mayor Policastro. Also in attendance was Building Administrator Don Keyes.
A request was made for a Certificate of Appropriateness by Claire Tully, 6 Albert Place, for proposed alteration to the screened porch addition at rear of existing property.
Mr. Brian Bley, contractor for Ms. Tully, said the residence is an adjoining shared house. The porch addition was approved by the ARB in 2012 with glass storm windows that can be replaced with screens in the summertime. Presently the windows cannot be opened. Ms. Tully would like to alter the windows to allow for more privacy. After the meeting of February 22, 2016, they have revised the windows and the back door as requested by ARB. The door will be a half window door with grids. The windows will be gridded style encasement windows that will match the house. On the south side they are proposing to take out the storm windows and placing panels which will give the effect of a drawn white shade. It will architecturally match the existing bottom panel. It will be a coated panel.
Mr. Thomas commented that Ms. Stalzer had some reservations at the last meeting and asked her if she was satisfied with the proposed work to the south side. Ms. Stalzer said she was okay with the request. She said ARB approved three years ago for this to be used as a porch. It is now going to be used as a room. She understands that the homeowner needs more room – the houses on Albert Place are very small. In addition, there is very little room in proximity to the next door neighbor. Quite frankly, she believes the only thing that can be done it what Mr. Bley is proposing.
Mr. Allen moved, seconded by Ms. Stalzer to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. On roll call; seven ayes, no nays. Mayor Policastro welcomed Ms. Schwartz to the Architectural Review Board. She replaced Mr. Miller who moved out of the Village.
Village Government
Council Representative Information
District 1: Dennis Wolter dwolter@mariemont.org
District 2: Bill Brown wbrown@mariemont.org
District 3: Eric Marsland emarsland@mariemont.org
District 4: Maggie Palazzolo mpalazzolo@mariemont.org
District 5: Mary Ann Schwartz maschwartz@mariemont.org
District 6: Lorne Hlad lhlad@mariemont.org
Mayor: Dan Policastro mayordan1@gmail.com
Minutes of Council Meeting March 28, 2016
In attendance were Mayor Policastro, Mr. Brown, Mr. Hlad, Ms. Palazzolo, Ms. Schwartz and Mr. Wolter. Ms. Palazzolo moved, seconded by Mr. Wolter to excuse the absence of Mr. Marsland.
Regular meetings of Council during the summer months will be: Monday June 13, 2016; Monday July 18, 2016 and Monday August 22, 2016. Mayor Policastro asked Council to please mark on their calendars.
Resolutions:
“Resolution Declaring the Necessity of Levying a Tax in Excess of the 10 Mill Limitation for Permanent Improvements and Requesting the County Auditor to Certify Matters in Therewith” had a third reading. Fiscal Officer Borgerding said he received information from the Auditor’s office to explain the verbiage of the legislation. The Ohio Constitution permits local governments to levy up to 10 mills in taxes without a vote. So within a taxing district, a local government as a group can impose taxes up to a 10-mill ceiling. These levies are collectively called “inside millage” because they fall “inside” the 10-mill limit. When a local government wants to generate additional property tax revenues beyond the 10-mill collective ceiling (or in excess of the 10 mill limitation) that local government then has to place a levy issue on the ballot and ask voters to authorize it. Mr. Wolter moved, seconded by Mr. Brown to adopt the Resolution. On roll call; five ayes, no nays. Resolution No. R-2-16 was adopted.
Ordinances:
“To Prohibit Alternative Pets and Animals Considered to be Livestock to be kept Within the Village of Mariemont” had a second reading.
Mayor Policastro referred to the Rules and Law Committee the matter of chain link fences Ordinance amendment (Historic District) and said we need our Code of Ordinances to state how we deal with chain link fences if they are damaged beyond repair. Mayor Policastro referred the matter of in-car camera for the Police Department to the Safety Committee. Fiscal Officer Borgerding said this was discussed at the Permanent Improvement meeting and budgeted for.
Minutes of Mariemont Planning Commission April 5, 2016
In attendance were Mayor , Mr. Wolter, Mr. Vianello, and Building Administrator Don Keyes.
The request was from The Village of Mariemont to add a crosswalk and center island across Wooster Pike just east of Settle Road. The crosswalk will be offset from the South side to the North side to allow clearance for a driveway on the South side of the street. A flashing beacon on the side of the road, activated by the pedestrian, will allow pedestrian traffic to indicate their presence in the street.
Mayor Policastro said this project started approximately two years ago when the former School Superintendent came to the Village with the Safe Routes to School Project. This is the final part of the project. This area is very volatile where the children and residents cross Wooster Pike. It was requested to have a light installed to help those cross safely. In addition, there is a visually impaired resident who uses that crosswalk to get to the bus stop.
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Engineer Ertel said the light is called a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon. It has a pedestrian crossing sign. There are two lights that will flash on and off when a pedestrian pushes a button. The flashing lights will alert motorists that a pedestrian wants to cross. There will be yield bars to indicate to motorists where they should stop. There will be an island should pedestrians need to stop half way to look either way for traffic.
Mayor Policastro said State Route 50 / Wooster Pike is a highway with a middle grass island. The Village did request a continuous island area so there would be a safe area for children to stop if traffic is flying along. We did request that the island extend further west towards Fairfax. They wanted $5,000 to draw up more plans. He would not authorize that payment but did reach a compromise of $1,000. Several years ago the Village paid $20,000 for the study. The State of Ohio is now ready to go forward with the project. We just recently received the diagram of how this project will look which needs Planning Commission approval.
Mr. Vianello suggested two options: (1) Extend the island west to the Village boundary. It appears to be smaller in width than most islands in our community. Village Engineer said the island is 8’ across where most in the Village are 8’-10’ across. Mr. Vianello said he is not trying to increase cost
Village Government
but thought if the island was extended towards Fairfax it could incorporate the ‘Welcome to Mariemont’ sign and possibly plant a barrier tree. He is hopeful that the curbs are the same height as other islands. Standing in the middle of Wooster Pike he wants pedestrians to have a sense of safety.
(2) Extend the island so when travelling west a left hand turn could be made into the residences on Wooster Pike. He is not sure it would be a good choice as it would cause residents not to be able to turn over the island but would have to go right.
Ms. Diana Reitz, 6519 Wooster Pike, said she is not sure how she would get around the island if it was in front of her house. Ms. Coleen Hanley, 6521 Wooster Pike, said she would not like that idea at all. She said she experiences a hard enough time presently getting in and out of her driveway. She is okay with the island going west towards Fairfax but she does not want it in front of her residence. Over the years there have been many construction projects in front of her house. She will be losing part of her front yard, driveway and space for parking.
Mr. Vianello withdrew his option of expanding the island further east. He would still be in favor of expanding it west towards Fairfax. Village Engineer Ertel said it may be extended but not more than three feet. Ms.
Hanley said people do not stop for the cross walk now and she has never seen a student cross at that crosswalk in 25 years.
Ms. Reitz asked for clarification as to where the flashing sign would be. Engineer Ertel said it would be west of the existing telephone pole. Ms. Molly Perez, 6863 Settle Road, asked for the possibility of putting a light at the intersection of Belmont/Settle & Wooster. Engineer Ertel said a study was done in 2013 and it was denied because there was not enough traffic coming out of Belmont Avenue. Mayor Policastro said the State of Ohio controls Wooster Pike, not the Village of Mariemont. Ms. Perez was curious if the study was done prior to Fairfax blocking all of their streets. She wonders if traffic has increased since 2013 on Settle Road.
Ms. Hanley asked when the project work would begin. Engineer Ertel said construction would most likely begin in July. Both residents asked for prior notification preferably more than the short notice they received for this meeting. Engineer Ertel said he would contact via e-mail.
Mayor Policastro moved, seconded by Mr. Vianello to allow the addition of a crosswalk and center island with an extended small extension to the west, leaving the east boundary of the island as is currently diagramed. On roll call; three ayes, no nays.
Schools
Student Drug Use Survey Delivers Critical Information for our Neighborhood
Is teen alcohol or marijuana use on the rise in our community? Which factors contribute to - or discourageyouth substance abuse? These questions and many more were answered on April 5 when the Warrior Coalition hosted an important meeting to discuss the results from the 2015 Mariemont School District Student Drug Use Survey. Survey results were presented by Amanda Conn Starner of PreventionFIRST!, formerly the Coalition for a Drug-Free Greater Cincinnati. PreventionFIRST! was founded in 1996 as a comprehensive effort to reduce adolescent alcohol and drug use.
The mission of PreventionFIRST! is to increase public awareness of illegal substance abuse and to empower families and youth with knowledge to practice prevention. As part of this, they conduct a Student Drug Use Survey every two years across a 10-county region in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. There were a total of 39,085 7th – 12th grade students from 88 schools, public and private, who completed the survey. Mariemont Junior High and High School students participated in the Survey between September and November 2015.
The Survey delivered some very positive results. It found that most kids in our district are NOT using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. In fact, use continues to decline; fewer Mariemont students are regular users than in 2000. In addition, age of first use has risen since that time. The table on the next page shows the 2015 Survey Results for the five key measures of substance abuse in Mariemont City Schools. The positive results are an indication that the collaboration between the community and organizations like the Warrior Coalition and PreventionFIRST! is working.
Overall the results indicate that most
kids in the Mariemont School District are NOT using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Alcohol use among 7th and 8th graders in our Junior High stands at 2.1%-the lowest in the region- compared to 6.5% among other tri-state participants in that age group. Unfortunately, that district number increases to 25.3% in high school- surpassing reported usage in other participating high schools-which stands at 21.2%.
In general, the Perceived Harm is high across the board for alcohol, cigarettes/ tobacco, marijuana, and prescription drugs. Marijuana is perceived as the least harmful. This could be due, in part, to efforts to legalize the drug in certain states. This trend is concerning because the Perception of Harm measure is a primary predictor of substance abuse. Between 7th and 12th grade, the measure of marijuana’s Perceived Harm steadily decreases while Past 30-Day Use steadily increases.
The 2015 Survey also indicates record high levels of Parental Disapproval
and Friend Disapproval. Perception of Parental Disapproval is higher for Cigarettes/Tobacco, Prescription Drugs and Marijuana than for Alcohol. Parents are the primary influence in a young person’s life. Therefore, disappointing a parent is a strong factor in not wanting to use or abuse drugs.
When do kids first start? Age of first use has continued to rise since 2006 and is now between 14 and 15 years old. Age of First Use is very important because the brain continues to develop until the mid-twenties. Data confirms that, during development, the effects of alcohol and drug use are particularly harmful. Additionally, addiction is a developmental disease starting in adolescence. Research shows that users who start before age 15 are five times more likely to develop a
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substance abuse problem in adulthood.
While the results are mostly positive, we must continue to be vigilant, promote positive social behaviors and encourage health and wellness. Parents and teachers must talk about the dangers of using alcohol and drugs, parents and schools must establish clear rules about using these substances, and we must encourage participation in school and community activities that promote health and wellbeing. We know that 13 is a pivotal age and
Schools
that when we focus on protective factors, we can continue to keep our teens healthy and thriving.
For a complete copy of the survey, please visit the Warrior Coalition website at warriorcoalition.org
The Warrior Coalition’s mission is to support families in developing healthy, resilient children.