Back to School a Time-Tested Event
By Margaret Jevic
On Tuesday, August 22, 2017, Mariemont went back to school. This is the official signal for my sweet puppy to sit at the front door every morning around eight o’clock watching all the kids walk by on their way to school.
Back to School in Mariemont brings a new round of learning for kids, new friends, new teachers, and a host of new experiences, but there’s also an air of familiarity with it all. Parents walk herds of children along sidewalks, backpacks and coffee in tow. There’s a considerable traffic backup as throngs of people, strollers, and dogs make their way across the street to the Mariemont Elementary School.
Many parents walk their children to school, but it’s not every day you get to return to your old stomping grounds to walk your grandchildren to the same school you once attended. This year, that is just what Dr. Arthur Evans and his wife, Catherine Evans, got to do.
I met this special family as they joined the crowd at the front of the Mariemont Elementary School. Dr. Evans is the chairman of Obstetrics & Gynecology at U.C. College of Medicine and graduated from Mariemont High School in 1965, in the same building that now houses the elementary school. He was the class president, captain of the football team, has been named a distinguished alumnus, was inducted into Mariemont’s Hall of Fame, and continues to support Mariemont Schools.
When I spoke to Catherine, she told me although Dr. Evans grew up in Mariemont, they have only lived in Mariemont as a couple for 10 years. According to Dr. Evans, Mariemont hasn’t changed in 50 years, and this is meant in the best possible way. Mariemont has that old, small-town feel that never fades, a feature that drew the couple back.
This year was particularly special for the Evans family. Their daughter, Carrie Branon, moved in next door with her husband and their three children, two of whom are of age to attend Mariemont Elementary this year. Mariemont’s “dreamlike existence,” according to Catherine, along with a compelling school system, is what pulled Carrie and her family to consider a move. I asked the newly minted Mariemont residents how they were feeling on their first day at their
new school and I got wide smiles as girls Molly and Kate iterated their excitement for this new adventure.
I then met Adam and Jill Hafner who are returning residents to the Village after living in Oakley. They told me they have felt so welcomed into the community, and were eager for the start of school (some of the children were even reportedly awake at 5a.m.— but you didn’t hear that from me).
After talking with the Hafners, I got a confident rundown of the first day of Kindergarten from Hazel Robinson and her dad, Ben Robinson. When asked how she was feeling
on her big first day, Hazel proudly produced an Elsa microphone and explained that it was coming to school with her. I can only aspire to her smiling confidence in a new situation-perhaps I should get myself an Elsa mic.
Then the time came for school to start. Everyone lined up with their respective grades, and families watched with pride as their children filed inside. Whether the first day
of Kindergarten, the first day of 6th grade, or returning to watch your grandchildren enter the same school you once attended, back to school in Mariemont is an event we are fortunate to have.
We have the opportunity to spend time with our children as they walk to and from school, the peace of mind of a safe community, and the privilege of a top-notch education. I look forward to the day, five years from now, when I get to walk my son to Mariemont Elementary, watch him walk through the same doors I once did, and experience the giddiness that is Mariemont Back to School.
Dr. Art Evans with his grandchildren outside the Elementary. The Hafner family enjoy their first day experience.
Residents of Mariemont,
As the new publishers of the Town Crier, Matt and I would like to say “Hello!” We hope everyone had a relaxing summer and is ready for new journeys ahead. We plan to continue the wonderful tradition of delivering a hard copy to every doorstep, via our devoted volunteer carriers, and will also be making our beloved “Voice of the Village” more accessible by posting it digitally.
Each issue, we will post a digital version and send a link via Nextdoor and the Town Crier's Facebook page. If you'd like to be emailed a link to each publication, notify us at: mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com.
In addition to sharing great news about neighbors, welcoming new businesses, promoting upcoming events, and the like, it also is the job of the Town Crier to communicate
from the Editor
important information that pertains to or that can affect our neighbors. That's why the Town Crier always has and will continue to include Village Council minutes in each issue.
Additionally, when the need arises, we may include helpful communication such as ARB and other Village committee minutes, letters to the editor from businesses or individuals, or news from leaders in our community. In this issue, look on p. 21 for important information about use of the parking lot behind the Mariemont Theater.
We would like to thank everyone for their support as we take on this new role as caretakers of this great media tradition in Mariemont. As always, please feel free to contact us at mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com, or our writers (listed on p. 3), with any news, upcoming events, story ideas, or other information you feel is important to share with our neighbors.
Our deadline for advertising and approved article submissions is the 10th of the month prior to publication.
As a reminder, we are an organization staffed primarily by volunteers. We welcome donations throughout the year, in any amount — nothing is too small. Your contribution goes directly toward rewarding our young volunteer carriers for their dedication to ensure the Town Crier arrives on your doorstep eight times a year.
Donors' names will appear in our Crier Club listing each issue of the year in which you donate. For more information on staff, couriers, Crier Club, and deadlines, please see p. 3.
Thank you for your continued support. As a friend of ours likes to say, “Onward and upward!”
- Suzy & Matt Weinland
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Thank You for Supporting The Town Crier!
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Delta Crabtree dcrabtree@comey.com
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Margaret Jevic amjevic@gmail.com
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Randy York ryork@cinci.rr.com
Photographer Ron Schroeder ronschroederimaging@gmail.com
Carriers
D avi D a n D rews s cott H ollan D J ackson H ouse a lly an D Z ac H M aier
a lex M antle M ax an D F inn M arque Z c olin M ikesell a bby M iller o wen P ro FF itt b en r eiter H enry t eg H t M eyer n oa H v anags e rin w il D er b ray D en w olu J ewic Z
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October deadline:
The deadline for the next Town Crier is September 10, 2017. All camera-ready ads and articles must be submitted by 5p.m. to Matt Weinland at MariemontTownCrier@ gmail.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: Matt Weinland, 3812 Indianview, Mariemont, Ohio, 45227
The Town Crier is published monthly from September through December and February 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 and photographs are welcomed. Please contact the editor at MariemontTownCrier@gmail.com to discuss your article ideas. All final articles must be submitted by the 10th of month prior to publication. The editorial staff reserves the right to select and edit articles for both content and space. Photos sent as jpg files via email are preferred, but originals also will be accepted and returned upon request. Signed Letters to the Editor are accepted and will be published 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 necessarily represent the views of the Town Crier Staff. As a public service to the non-profit organizations of Mariemont, the Town Crier accepts inserts for a flat fee of $50, due at time of delivery. Inserts must be pre-scheduled and delivered, separated into stacks of 50, by the monthly deadline. The editorial staff reserves the right to select and edit inserts. Inserts and ads of a political nature are not accepted. (C)2017 The Mariemont Town Crier, LLC.
By Rex Bevis
Many readers are aware that John Nolen was the original planner and developer of the Village of Mariemont between the years of 1920 and 1925. “Hired by philanthropist Mary Emery, Nolen worked to transform farmland into a community of mixed-income housing complete with commercial space, playgrounds, and a village green.”* However, Mariemont was but one of several communities across the United States planned and developed by John Nolen. Another excellent example of Nolen’s work is the city of Venice, Florida, located on the Gulf coast near Sarasota.
On July 20, the Mariemont Preservation Foundation planned and hosted a lecture, “Mariemont By the Sea,” featuring the Nolen community of Venice, Fla. Guest speaker, Mr. Larry Humes, traveled to Mariemont from Venice to speak about the history of the area south of Sarasota, which subsequently became the city of Venice. Mr. Humes is a journalist, author, speech writer, and current resident of Venice. He previously wrote for the Florida Times Union newspaper and the United Press International (UPI), authored magazine articles, and, prior to his retirement, was also a marketing and sales executive. But it was obvious from his passion and knowledge that one of his great loves is the city of Venice, Fla.
He explained how the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, invested millions of dollars in building the infrastructure and the city of Venice, which would surely become a destination for northerners needing a hiatus from the brutal winters. Thousands of workers were engaged by Fuller Construction, also of Cleveland, in the construction of the city. It was a fascinating story told by a master spokesperson who tied the development of Venice to the similarly designed Village of Mariemont.
Mr. Humes showed 1920’s depictions, as
well as current photos, of Hotel Venice, Hotel San Marco, and the Park View Hotel. He showed the audience a photo of the main street through Venice, a boulevard with remarkable similarity to Wooster Pike in Mariemont. As an aid to the assembled audience, MPF Vice President Karen Sullivan had printed and displayed maps of both Venice and Mariemont. The similarities were obvious.
Earlier in the day MPF Trustees Cindy Chalfonte and Joe Stoner hosted a tour of the Village for Mr. Humes. During his presentation, Larry compared Center Street and the Concourse to the main street of Venice: the view from the Concourse of the Little Miami River valley; the view from Venice of the Gulf of Mexico and the beaches of Venice.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Village of Mariemont Mayor Dan Policastro presented
Larry Humes with several mementos, including a Mariemont key to the Village, a framed colorized map of Mariemont, and a Mariemont flag. Mayor Policastro asked that Larry share these items with the Mayor of Venice, whom Dan had met last year. Mayor Policastro and the Village Council have been supportive of establishing a relationship with other Nolen–inspired communities as well.
Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) periodically sponsors informative and educational lectures for the residents of Mariemont. The Millard F. Rogers, Jr. Lecture Series is named for Millard Rogers, former president of the Mariemont Preservation Foundation, director of the Cincinnati Art Museum, and recognized as an authority on the genesis and planning of Mariemont and on the imminent American town planner, John Nolen.
This year’s Lecture Series was co-sponsored by the Mariemont Civic Association (MCA) and conducted on their regularly scheduled third Thursday of each month. For more information or to join MPF, visit mariemontpreservation.org.
*John Nolen and Mariemont: Building a New Town in Ohio, 2001, Millard F. Rogers, Jr.
Mr. Larry Humes of Venice, Fla., spoke to residents about his hometown, which was built by John Nolen
Village
Recycling with Sustainable Mariemont
By Margaret Jevic
This summer we did some work on our house and now have a seven-foot long cast iron pipe sitting in our basement. Our garbage disposal also broke last month and the old one is parked in the garage. These are the items that sit in my house accumulating dust and taking up space because I feel guilty throwing them in the trash, but I’m not quite sure what to do with them.
Thankfully our local environmental group, Sustainable Mariemont, is stepping in to save the day. If you’re an avid Town Crier reader, you will recall an article from April introducing Sustainable Mariemont to the village. This new group was formed by a few passionate people in the hope of educating our community about the environment and making it easy to live sustainably.
Sustainable Mariemont has previously held recycling drives for broken Christmas lights, ink cartridges, empty pill bottles, and dead batteries. During the dead battery drive, we recycled 205 pounds of batteries properly, preventing them from leaching in a landfill! This year the group is ramping up their recycling efforts and offering monthly drives for different items – so stay tuned!
During the month of September, there will be a bin in the front of Ace Hardware on Wooster Pike where you can place your old cell phones and their accessories (ear buds, power cords, cases, etc.). If you’re like me, you lived through the flip phone era and have at least one sitting in a drawer somewhere. Aside
from research declaring that decluttering our life is healthy for us, your old cell phones will be taken to the Cincinnati Zoo for recycling in support of Project Saving Species (you can learn more about this project by visiting http://cincinnatizoo.org/savingspecies/whatis-project-saving-species).
Also up in September is a one-day special metal recycling extravaganza. Remember that metal pipe and garbage disposal I told you about? Thanks to MJ Griesmer, a Mariemont High school student and local metal recycling expert, you will be able to drop off your metal-containing items to the Mariemont Pool on Saturday, September 9 from 1-4 p.m. Acceptable items to bring are things like air conditioners, stoves, lawn ornaments, refrigerators, and appliances mostly made of metal. Batteries will not be accepted.
October will bring a month of recycling plastics labeled #5. Those pesky ketchup bottles and yogurt tubs that I throw in my recycling bin anyway (sorry Rumpke) will be collected at Ace Hardware on Wooster Pike. Any plastics labeled with a #5 symbol as well as Brita brand water filters will be accepted. One important caveat to this drive is that items need to be clean when dropped at Ace. If there is food residue still on the plastic, this will quickly stink up the storefront of Ace as well as invite unwanted critters. The clean #5 plastic items will be taken to Whole Foods as a part of their Gimme 5 program, which you can read about here: http://www. wholefoodsmarket.com/blog/whole-story/ gimme-5-recycling.
Cell phone recycling will be available at Ace Hardware in September.
Ace hardware has been extremely generous in allowing bins to be placed in their store, and it makes it so convenient for Mariemont residents to participate in these drives because, let’s face it, who doesn’t make at least three trips to Ace every weekend? Thank you Ace for your continued support in our recycling endeavors.
I genuinely look forward to each recycling drive and enjoy learning more about the ways in which items are recycled or reused. I also feel a sense of accomplishment knowing I had a hand in doing good for our Earth. I am glad to say goodbye to the large metal pipe in my basement, a few old brick phones I’ve been stowing away, and I’m sure Rumpke will appreciate the absence of my #5 plastics in their recycling trucks. These recycling drives make such a big impact, and our community has been so receptive and willing to participate.
If you are interested in learning more about Sustainable Mariemont or joining the group, please visit their Facebook page called “Sustainable Mariemont” or email sustainablemariemont@gmail.com. I hope you’ll join the movement and know how much all of our small, individual efforts add up to make a big difference.
Mariemont Welcomes Two New Businesses
By Delta Crabtree
Trevor Furbay Bespoke Tailors
Over the summer we had a new retail business open in the storefront next to the National Exemplar. Join me in welcoming Trevor Furbay Bespoke Tailors to the Village. Trevor Furbay is the former co-owner of Madeira-based Romualdo. Trevor brings vast experience in retail, the traditions of custom old-world tailoring for the modern gentleman, and a modern vision of a true entrepreneur.
“The face of retail as we know it is forever changing,” says Trevor. “My goal with the new store is to create an experiential shopping destination with an innovative twist for my friends and clients that is unlike any other in Greater Cincinnati.” Trevor Furbay will provide the same attention to detail expected of custom tailoring, but coupled with an avant-garde element that is often missing from today’s shopping experience.
They have installed a full kitchen and will provide coffee, espresso, and light and healthy lunches for their customers to enjoy as they relax in their lounge. They will also regularly feature wine and bourbon tastings, and serve Happy Hour cocktails and hors d’oeuvres daily. Gentlemen of Mariemont – this is shopping as you have never experienced before!
In addition to custom tailored suits, shirts, trousers, and tuxedos, Furbay will curate a fresh ready-to-wear collection with brands never before seen in Cincinnati and a “Made in America”
section in the front of the store. His custom suits will be made from the finest English and Italian fabrics, with delivery in approximately 4-6 weeks.
Furbay is also offering an unconventional shopping experience by making use of virtual technology. His online platform will allow clients to experience a “virtual fitting” with their selected fabrics to view precisely how a custom-tailored suit or shirt will look on their frame. A fabric sample can actually look quite differently when it comes to life on a person’s body. Clients will be able to view their garments online during every step of the design process. Furbay is also investing in a platform to individually design shoes for his clients.
Furbay concludes, “I believe that this engaging new shopping experience, coupled with our sophisticated new digital technology and affordably priced custom and ready-to-wear garments made with high quality fabrics should appeal both to a young demographic and also my loyal clientele who have trusted me with outfitting them the past 18 years. I fully expect my customers to say ‘It’s more fun to go to Trevor’s place than to shop online!’”
The new store is located at 6880 Wooster Pike next to the National Exemplar. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 10a.m.-6p.m., and Saturday, 10a.m.-4p.m. For more information, call 513-3009178, or visit trevorfurbay.com.
Groovy Gumball Candy Co.
Groovy Gumball Candy Co. is a new business venture for Bridgett and Dave Karlson, longtime Mariemont residents. The tagline for Groovy Gumball is “Life is short, make it sweet.” That is a life philosophy that I suspect all of us can wholeheartedly support!
I have had the pleasure of calling Bridgett a friend for many years, and no one embodies the spirit of living a sweet life better than she does. That was true years before the concept for this candy company began. Bridgett shares that she and Dave have been considering an entrepreneurial endeavor for some time and the bulk candy and sweets concept found at the unique Dylan’s Candy Bar was their inspiration.
In addition to the bulk candy selection, which includes gourmet chocolates, European candies and a wide variety of nostalgic favorites, GGCC will also offer a custom gourmet popcorn - Amish Baby White Truffle Oil & Himalayan Salt - Dippin’ Dots, and their signature GroovyIce frozen drinks, to name a few.
GGCC will be sensitive to those with allergies by carrying productsthat are sweet options for people with nut, dye, and gluten allergies. They will also stock candies that go without dyes, high fructose corn syrup, and aspartame.
Although dentists and candy shops don't seem a likely match, GGCC is partnering with area dentists for a fun and healthy recycling effort. Children who bring in their old plastic toothbrush for recycling will be rewarded with a brand new toothbrush and a sweet gumball from GGCC.
Bridgett is confident that GGCC will become a wonderful addition to our Mariemont community. “Candy is an amazing thing when you think about it. It brings alive your childhood memories and is easily associated with a certain person or a moment in time. Every person when asked about their favorite candy has amazing stories and a smile is always present on their face,” says Bridgett.
Groovy Gumball is located in the Mariemont Promenade, next door to Rooted Juicery. The shoppe is open Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday, 11-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11-8 p.m., and closed Mondays. Follow Groovy Gumball Candy Co. on Facebook, and visit their website at groovygumball.com.
Trevor Furbay
Village
8th Annual Warrior Run: Race for Life Event Benefits Area Mental Health Programs
The Warrior Run, an annual 5K run/walk in Cincinnati’s historic Mariemont Village, will take place Saturday, September 30, followed by a family-friendly event to raise awareness for mental illness and suicide. The Warrior Run: The Race for Life benefits Surviving the Teens, a Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) program that funds in-school mental health programs at five area colleges and twelve high schools.
The USATF-sanctioned 5K Warrior Run and untimed one-mile walk begins at 5:15p.m. at the Mariemont Bell Tower on Pleasant Street, and the course winds through the tree-lined streets of the Village. The event also includes a “Kids Fun Run” for ages 2 through 7.
The race is followed by a night of music, Bid-n-Buy auction, carnival-style kid’s games, and food available from City Barbecue, LaRosa’s pizza, UDF ice cream, as well as homemade chili, hot dogs, hamburgers, and desserts. At dusk the event will conclude with a family movie at the Bell Tower, in the center of Dogwood Park.
Each year suicide takes about 4,600 young lives, making it the second leading cause of death in children ages 15-24, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. In a nationwide survey of high school students, 38 percent said they had serious suicidal thoughts and/or attempted to take their own life. Twenty percent of kids ages 13-18 are living with a mental health condition. Our youth are in crisis.
Established in 2008 as the James W. Miller Memorial Fund, to honor race director Nancy
Miller’s late husband who died by suicide that year, the fund is now known as 1N5, inspired by the statistic that one in five teens and adults suffer from mental illness. The organization facilitates two events with one purpose, The Warrior Run and Spring4Life dinner event. Since 2008, 1N5 has raised over $600,000 and impacted 75,000 university students and 15,000 high school students.
In conjunction with 1N5’s partnership with CCHMC, Surviving the Teens will go from serving 24 schools up to 75 schools in 2018 and add mental health programming that fits each school’s culture. The program teaches students depression and suicide prevention, provides adaptive ways to cope with stressors, ways to connect and positively communicate with parents, how and where to get help, and how to help themselves or others who may be depressed or suicidal.
To register for The Warrior Run: www. cincywarriorrun.org/register
To volunteer at The Warrior Run: www. cincywarriorrun.org/volunteer
For details about donating to The Warrior Run or 1N5, please go to www.cincywarriorrun. org or www.1N5.org. For more information about Surviving Teens, please visit www. cincinnatichildrens.org/surviving-teens.
Mariemont Hosts 75th Congress of The
Guild of Carillonneurs in North America
During the week of June 18 through June 23, Mariemont was honored to welcome master practitioners and fans of the carillon from several states, Australia, and Europe for the GCNA Congress. The event was hosted by the Thomas J. Emery Memorial, the Village of Mariemont, and our carillonneurs, Richard D. Gegner and Richard M. Watson. Guest recitals throughout the week in Dogwood Park were all open and free for the public to enjoy. More than 130 people attended the Congress.
The gathering, held every year since 1946, was founded in Ottawa, Ontario in 1936 to promote the artistry of the carillon. Whenever possible, other gatherings were held between 1936 and 1946. It now annually attracts
are both long-time members of the Guild.
The Mary M. Emery Memorial Carillon in Dogwood Park has become a lasting, worthy,
and cherished symbol of The Village itself.
celebrating his 50th anniversary this year as Mariemont’s esteemed carillonneur! Mr. Gegner observes that playing the carillon for all those years has been “a labor of love” for him. He feels that this is especially true because “people in Mariemont do not have to be physically present at his concerts because everyone throughout The Village can enjoy the music.”
In addition to several holiday concerts, weekly recitals are held on Sundays at 7:00 p.m. from April through September (this year through September 3) as part of the Summer Carillon Concert Series. The 2017 summer season concludes with the September 4 Labor Day concert at 2:00 p.m. This season’s
Carillonneurs gather in Dogwood Park.
Village Historic Chapel in Mariemont Re-Opens Doors for Sunday Services
When Mary Emery established Mariemont, she started construction with a groundbreaking on November 12, 1923 for a building that she believed would be the very heart of the Village – the Memorial Chapel, which some have called the “Architectural Jewel” of Mariemont. Beginning Village construction with the Chapel was Mrs. Emery’s decision, "a gesture to ask the Almighty for his blessing on the Mariemont project." The planning and construction of the Chapel received more watchful care than any other Mariemont structure, with a determination that the "House of God" must be the best structure in the Village.
The meticulous care with which this beautiful English-inspired chapel was built is exemplified in its stone roof. The stone, matching the character of a small, rustic church in England, could not be found in this country. The original architect found what he needed in England, purchasing the stone from the roof of a tithe barn that had fallen (Calcot tithe-barn, at Kingswood Abbey near Tetbury). The barn had a cornerstone dated 1300 AD, which makes this quite possibly the oldest roof in North America.
Dr. Paul Hoppe shared the motivation for this structure in the Village at the Memorial Service for Mrs. Emery, held at the Chapel on October 16, 1927, just two days after her funeral, “in the belief that the Kingdom of God can be more speedily advanced and the spiritual needs of the Mariemont vicinity can be best served by uniting all Christian believers in their worship, fellowship and Christian work.”
With this motivation in mind, the Village Church of Mariemont (VCM) will re-open the doors of the Memorial Chapel for Sunday worship services at 10:00 a.m. on September 17, 2017. Senior Pastor at VCM Todd Keyes says, “I am grateful for the opportunity that our friends
at Mariemont Community Church have given us to use the Chapel once again for Sunday worship services.”
Pastor Keyes explains that this venue for worship fits their desire to serve the community in a variety of ways, from hosting the Community Prayer Breakfast in the Spring and Vacation Bible School in the summer, to providing “Church in the Park” on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend as a community-wide fall kick-off, with worship service at the Mariemont
Bell Tower Park starting at 10:00 a.m., followed by lunch.
VCM invites you to join them for this historic re-opening of the Mariemont Memorial Chapel. Sunday school classes will be available for children in nursery through sixth grade at the VCM building on the corner of Oak and Maple Streets (just one block north of the Chapel). For more information, visit their website, VillageChurchofMariemont.org.
The historic Memorial Chapel will again host Sunday services.
Local Boy Scouts Busy Over Summer
By Rob Curran
Members of local Boy Scout Troop 149 have been busy over the summer.
Memorial Day
Before school let out for summer break, the boys placed flags at Laurel Cemetery for Memorial Day. They also walked in the annual Mariemont Memorial Day Parade.
Summer Camp
In June, 20 plus scouts from Troop 149 attended summer camp at Woodland Trails Scout Ranch in Eaton, Ohio. This summer camp was a different summer camp than
Camp Freidlander, where they usually attend. The scouts were able to earn some different merit badges, shoot rifles and shot guns, ride horseback and ATVs, and play human foosball. Some scouts even caught their first fish!
High Adventure
In July a group of 24 adults and scouts went to Isle Royale, in Lake Superior, on our annual High Adventure trip. This group spent six days backpacking, fishing, hiking, and more, in this rugged National Park.
By Marcy Lewis
On June 7, the Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) presented four short lectures on the Mariemont visionaries for whom the Griewe Development Mariemont Condominiums are named. The event was held at the Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center (aka “the barn”). After a brief introduction by MPF president Joe Stoner, MPF volunteers Cindy Chalfonte spoke about Mary M. Emery, Frank Raeon spoke about Charles J. Livingood, Betty Klingerman spoke about John Nolen, and Janet Setchell spoke about E. Boyd Jordan.
Each of these individuals played a unique role in the planning and development of Mariemont. Wealthy philanthropist Mary Emery aspired to create a town that was a “national exemplar” where working class families could enjoy a clean and safe community. She entrusted the execution of her dream to her life-long employee and surrogate son, Charles J. Livingood. It was Livingood who hired renowned landscape architect John Nolen to design Mariemont. E. Boyd Jordan became Mariemont’s first mayor when the town made the historic decision to incorporate in 1941.
Village
real estate developer whose company, Emery Industries, originally made candles using lard, a by-product of the pig slaughtering industry in Cincinnati.
They had two sons, Sheldon and Albert, both of whom tragically died young. Albert died in a sledding accident at age 15 and Sheldon died at age 23; Albert Place and Sheldon Close are named in their memory. In 1906, Thomas died, leaving Mary his fortune and making her the wealthiest woman in America at that time.
Like many wealthy people, Mary was philanthropically minded. Her charitable efforts benefitted The Cincinnati Art Museum, The Cincinnati Zoo, and Camp Steppingstone. In 1925 she founded the Thomas J. Emery Memorial Trust (which still exists) to carry on her many worthwhile projects, and entrusted her son Sheldon’s college friend, Charles J. Livingood, to manage it.
Mary’s ultimate dream was to create a
complete community with living quarters conveniently located near shopping centers as well as open green space for both young and old to enjoy. It was Mary’s intention that this “national exemplar” would serve as a living memorial to her husband. Livingood oversaw the details of the development and building of Mariemont, and he hired renowned landscape architect John Nolen to lay out Mary’s vision. Groundbreaking was performed on April 23, 1923. Mary died in 1927 at age 83; fortunately, she lived to see the work well started and the first residents established in their new homes.
It is clear that she truly believed she had created her “national exemplar” because shortly before her death she made this statement: “The children? Do you feel safer about them? Are their faces a bit ruddier? Are their legs a little sturdier? Do they laugh and play a lot louder in Mariemont? Then I am content.”
Look for the article about Charles J. Livingood in the October issue of The Town Crier. In the meantime, for more fascinating Mariemont History, you can visit the MPF website, mariemontpreservation.org.
The next four issues of the Town Crier will give a brief summary, one per month, of each of the lectures that were presented about these Mariemont founders.
Mary Emery
Mary Emery was born in 1844 in New York City. She was well educated for a woman at that time and attended the Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, NY. At age 18, her family moved to Cincinnati, and four years later she married Thomas J. Emery, a wealthy
Village
What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library
September
Children
Movers & Shakers — 10:30a.m. and 1:30p.m. Wednesdays
Bring the little ones in for stories, songs, and dancing as they learn about the Library. Ages 1-4.
Library Babies — 11:30a.m. Wednesdays
Have fun, meet other parents and babies, and promote early literacy! Ages 6-18 months.
Tales to Tails — 4p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14
Read a story to Bonny the therapy dog. Ages 5-10.
Crafty Kids — 4p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28
Make and take a fun craft! Ages 5-10.
Teens
Teen Art Lab — 3:30-6:30p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14
Drop by for an after-school snack and make a cool craft! Ages 10-18.
Adults
Which Craft? Needle Craft Club — 10:30a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 2 and 16
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.
Book Club — 6:45p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28
Title TBD. Copies will be available at the branch.
Library hours are noon to 8p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 10a.m.-6p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; closed Monday, Sept. 4, for Labor Day.
Mariemont Branch Library, 3810 Pocahontas Ave. 513-369-4467
www.powersfamilydentalcare.com
WEEKLY FEATURES
MONDAY
DOLLAR OYSTER NIGHT
TUESDAY
BURGER NIGHT 13
featured burger and draft beer
WEDNESDAY
TACOS AND TEQUILA 16
3 chef inspired tacos and a specialty tequila cocktail
THURSDAY
DATE NIGHT
half price wine by the bottle
FRIDAY - SATURDAY
BBQ RIB NIGHT 21
rubbed, smoked & sauced st. louis-style ribs and a loaded baked potato
SUNDAY GRAVY
TRADITIONAL ITALIAN FAMILY MEAL 15
spaghetti, meatballs, ribs and sausage with "gravy" marinara and garlic bread
Village Community Celebrates Our Amazing Police and Fire Departments!
By Kim Beach
The annual Mariemont Police and Fire Night Out was held on a very pleasant Thursday night, August 3rd, from 6–8:30p.m. at the Bell Tower Park. There was a wide assortment of Mariemont Police and Fire equipment, SWAT team members and equipment, K-9 units, boats, and more.
Residents enjoyed music by The Most Wanted Band, free Graeter’s ice cream, hot dogs, and drinks. Officers and fire fighters were on hand to meet area families and answer questions.
Thank you to our outstanding Safety Services team that keeps our Village a safe place to live! Special thanks to Kathy Graeter for her generosity and assistance with the evening.
The Mariemont Navy! Officers show residents a police boat.
Patrol Officers Cassidy Deimling, Logan Hammock, and Matt Kurtz, Lieutenant Tom Ostendarp, and Officer Dan Lyons, with Kathy Graeter, third from left.
Meredith Morgan, Scott Morgan and Joshua Morgan with grandparents Pat and Ray Sabo.
Village
Community Events for All this Fall
MSF Village Scavenger Hunt – September 6
The Mariemont School Foundation invites everyone to the third annual Village Scavenger Hunt, a fun, family-friendly “road rally” through the Mariemont School District. The event takes place Saturday, September 9, 4-7 p.m.
After a spirited kick-off event at the Starting Line in front of Mariemont Junior High, teams will really through the villages of Fairfax, Mariemont, William’s Meadow, and Terrace Park, collecting points for various stops and challenges. The competition will end back at Mariemont Junior High with a party that includes food, inflatables, games, and the announcement of winners.
To register, visit: http:// mariemontschoolfoundation.org/currentprojects/village-scavenger-hunt/. Cost is $20 for a team of up to 5 people, and $5 for each additional player over 18 years old.
There are numerous opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs to get involved. For more information, contact Chandra Buswell at chandrabuswell@yahoo. com or Julie Nerl at Jnerl@zoomtown.com.
32nd Annual Kiwanis Art & Craft Fair –September 10
The Kiwanis Club of Mariemont will hold their 32nd Annual Fall Art and Craft Fair Sunday, September 11, from 11a.m. to 5p.m. on Wooster Pike, around the green space just west of Mariemont Square. This year’s event will feature close to 100 exhibitors from our community and the Tri-State area.
Exhibitors will showcase a wide variety of original art and crafts suited for home and office décor, gifts, and collections. Because of their unique nature, most items are not available anywhere else. This year’s event will once again feature a raffle with a variety of great prizes available, including a Kroger gift card and Mariemont Night Out with dinner at the National Exemplar, movie tickets, and
a Mariemont Inn gift certificate.
Jump start your holiday shopping while supporting a great cause.
The Kiwanis Club of Mariemont exists to serve the youth of the Fairfax, Terrace Park, and Mariemont communities, and the annual fair is the club’s largest fundraiser for local scholarships. Along with their annual spring golf outing and holiday nut sale, the event helps raise nearly $15,000 in scholarship money each year for students of the Mariemont School District.
breakfast is served and guests are welcome anytime. Meetings last less than one hour and feature a variety of local speakers. For information about how you can become more involved in serving our youth, stop by the Kiwanis booth at the Fair or visit their website at www.MariemontKiwanis.org
Come Join the Warrior Fun at Homecoming Hoopla 2017 – October 6
Since 2000, the Kiwanis Club has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to help support nearly 80 students from the Mariemont School District, many of whom receive support beyond their freshmen year of college. In addition, Kiwanis works closely with students in the surrounding communities to provide mentoring relationships and support local youth activities.
The Kiwanis Club of Mariemont meets every Tuesday at 7:45a.m. in the Mariemont Elementary School cafeteria. A continental
The Mariemont High School Alumni Association invites you to the 2017 Homecoming Hoopla event, taking place Friday, October 6 from 5-7 p.m. on the “grassy knoll” between Hiawatha Ave. and Rembold Ave. There will be FREE kid’s face painting and games as well as Mariemont Spiritwear available for purchase (cash or credit card only). There will also be pizza, drinks, and ice-cream available for purchase. The parade passes by around 6 p.m., and the Homecoming football game starts at 7 p.m.
Celebrating 40 Years of Marielders
By Kathy Chapman-Dick
Our history started in 1976 with the Mariemont Kiwanis Club hosting a presentation on the Hyde Park Center for Older Adults. From that program residents of the Village thought that a similar program should be established in Mariemont. Our doors officially opened in November of 1977. We were known then as The Mariemont Assembly Program for Older Adults.
In 1978 we asked the residents of Mariemont to help support the funding of the Center through a property tax. This was the first levy in Ohio that provided funding for a senior center. This is a recreational levy specifically for the MARIELDERS.
In 1979 we shortened our name to MARIELDERS and in 1987 we incorporated
and legally changed the name to MARIELDERS, INC.
In 1997 we moved into our permanent home at 6923 Madisonville Road. We have come a long way in our 40 years but our mission has never changed. We are a nonprofit senior center dedicated to the enrichment of life for adults 55 years and older by providing activities and services to the following communities: Mariemont, Fairfax, Plainville, and Terrace Park.
THE MARIELDERS would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Village of Mariemont and all of our other supporters for 40 successful years. To celebrate, the Center will be having on Open House on November 5 from 1-4 p.m. We hope you can join us!
September Programs
Ted Talks - Monday, Sept. 11 at 10:00a.m.
Join us as we watch and discuss “What if mainstream health care operated more like a medical marijuana dispensary?”
Tai Chi Classes - Tuesday, September 12 and 26 at 10:00a.m. Cost is $6 for members and $7 for non-members.
Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority Presentation - Thursday, September 21 at 10:00a.m. If interested please sign up on our bulletin board.
We offer many programs at the Center. Visit us at 6923 Madisonville Road or check our website at marielders.org for more information.
Job Opportunity
The Center is looking for a full time Activities Coordinator. If interested please email Kathy Chapman at marielders@yahoo. com or check our website at www.marielders. org.
AIM for your best health.
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
September Activities at the Barn
Third Annual Paint-Out
Amateur and professional artists will again convene on the tree-lined streets and alleys of historic Mariemont – a Village known for its parks, pubs, and coffee houses - September 22-24 for the third annual Mariemont Paint-Out.
Artists will compete for more than $4,000 worth of prize money, including Best of Show-where judges will award $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place—and a grouping of Purchase Awards. New this year, the Purchase Awards will come from a group of local businesses who have agreed to donate prize money by purchasing the paintings of the artists who can best capture renditions of their offices or store fronts on canvases.
One such business offering a Purchase Award is Dr. Nathan Powers of Powers Family Dental Care in Mariemont. Powers, an Over-theRhine resident, heard about the event from a patient. He said that his mother, a life-time artist, will choose the winner of his purchase award.
The Barn welcomes artists ages junior-high through adulthood to participate in the PaintOut events, a weekend that Mariemont resident and Paint-Out Event Coordinator Doug Welsh described as a community elixir. “To have 50 or so artists spread throughout the town trying to capture the essence of the Village on canvas and to have passers-by stop and chat while art is being created…well, things just got better,” said Welsh, who serves on the Barn’s Board of Directors.
Anyone wanting to participate in the PaintOut should register at thebarn.cincyregister. com/mariemontpaintout2017, then bring your panel(s) to the Barn on the morning of September 22 in order to be stamped. Contestants then will proceed to the outdoors to paint the scenery or building of their choice. Registration is $20 online/$25 at door for students age 18 and under, and $35 online/$40 at door for adults.
Check-In: Friday, September 22: Time: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Reception and Awards Presentation: Saturday, September 23 from 6 -9 p.m.
Gallery Show: Sunday, September 24 from 1-4 p.m.
To sign up: thebarn.cincyregister.com/ mariemontpaintout2017
For more information on Barn activities go to artatthebarn.org
To assist in Barn activities, go to thebarn. cincyregister.com/volunteer or contact Donna at donna_morabito@msn.com. The Barn is located at 6980 Cambridge Ave.
Art Flix is Back
Art Flix at the Barn is a series of movies about art and its creators hosted by Dave Laug of Terrace Park. Laug, an artist and educator, will offer an introduction prior to and a final discussion after each movie. Enjoy light refreshments while mixing and mingling with fellow art-lovers before the movie starts. The big Barn doors open at 6:30p.m. and each movie will start at 7:00p.m. in the upstairs loft. The foundation accepts donations in support of The Loft’s renovation.
Sept. 14: “Modigliani” (2004)
This artist biopic tells the story of Amedeo Modigliani’s bitter rivalry with Pablo Picasso, and his tragic romance with Jeanne Hebuterne. Adult themes.
October 12: “Goya’s Ghosts” (2006)
Painter Francisco Goya faces a scandal involving his muse, who is labeled a heretic by a monk.
Nov. 9: “Little Ashes” Dali biopic (2008)
About the young life and loves of artist Salvador Dalí, filmmaker Luis Buñuel, and writer Federico García Lorca.
Dec. 14: “Peggy Guggenheim” (2015)
A portrait of a patron of the arts extraordinaire who transformed a modest fortune and impeccable taste into one of the premiere collections of twentieth century art.
The Barn "Loves" its Volunteers
The Barn presented its first-ever volunteer recognition to Tim and Jan Boone of Amberley Village for their outstanding commitment to the arts community in the Tri-State region. Aside from designing and creating several stage sets for the Barn’s annual dinner, such as replications of the Moulin Rouge in 2016 and a Tahitian hut in 2017, the couple has donated immeasurable hours for less visible projects.
Jan served in leadership positions for the Woman’s Art Club and the Barn—its affiliated foundation—since 2007. She is the curator for the Barn’s annual Showcase of the Arts, teaches painting classes, and helps organize the Mariemont Paint-Out each autumn. Her current service includes the procurement of funds to renovate the second-floor loft of the old dairyfarm. In keeping with the diary-farm theme, its Board awarded the Boones with The Big Cheese Award—a head of Swiss to be exact. In addition to set creation, Tim can sometimes be found schlepping the Barn’s wooden cow across town for a sale, serving up the beverages at a gallery opening, or contributing his muscle power for heavy-duty tasks.
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Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
Mariemont residents Bill and Karen Herkamp were the highest bidders on a pro-bono oil painting, created by Karen Rolfes, who maintains a gallery in Madeira. Proceeds will help pay for the renovation of the Barn’s second-floor loft. It sold for $3,100 at this year’s annual dinner event, themed Party with Gauguin.
Jan Ring, the Barn’s facilities manager, is a woman who really knows how to pack a punch. Aside from serving up the punch at the spring event, Ring has contributed countless hours of labor for about a decade to our non-profit art organization. Aside from working as the Board’s recording secretary for many years, this former Fairfax teacher also helped present the Barn’s Spring Teas, and has been an event coordinator for its annual dinner and fundraiser for three years. She served on the Barn’s Board of Directors for six years, and on any given day Mariemont residents might also catch a glimpse of her weeding the grounds, shaking out the linen, or even chasing off a few ornery hornets.
Classes for All
Pencil, Paint and Composition with Eileen McConkey: Tuesdays at Noon. 801-7648 or Eileen. mcconkey@gmail.com.
WACC Open Studio: Every Tuesday from 10:00a.m.– 3:00p.m. Free for members; $5 for non-members—cash only.
WACC Open Model Sketch: First and Third Tuesdays, 1:00p.m. – 4:00p.m., $10 for members, $15 for non-members—cash only. Please RSVP to Deborah Ridgley at 513-259-9302.
Open Studio Oil Painting: Oil Painting with Jan Boon for beginner and advanced students. Wednesdays from 9:30a.m. – 12:30p.m. AND 1:15p.m. - 4:15p.m. 513-791-7044 or janwrites@ fuse.net.
Acrylic Painting with Dave Laug: Wednesdays, 7:00p.m. -10:00p.m. Write dvdlaug@gmail.com or call 513-885-5284.
Beginner/Intermediate Watercolor with Chris Campbell: Thursdays, 10:00a.m. –12:30p.m. mmivsu2@comcast.net.
Drawing and Painting with Mary Lou Holt: Thursdays, 9:30a.m. -12:30p.m. AND 1:30p.m. -4:30p.m. 513-2263833 ormarylouiseholt@yahoo.com.
Oil Painting for Mid-Level and Advanced with Chuck Marshall: Thursdays 1:00 – 4:00p.m. 404-3161 or marshallstudio@aol.com.
Graduate Pastels with Ray Hassard: Second and final Fridays each month, Noon3:00p.m. 941-1116 or ray@rayhassard.com.
Fiber Art: Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings are set aside for sewing classes at the Barn. No sewing machine? No problem - you can rent one of the Barn’s machines. Classes will cover sewing knits, making quilts, baskets, bags and totes, even a vintage-inspired apron. Classes are for ages 8 and up, so you can sign up with one of your favorite youngsters and learn a few new sewing tricks of your own. Call 513-272-3700 for more information.
Fiber Art Show at the Barn
When sharing travel adventures with fiber artist Larry McKenney of Villa Hills, you could say he likes to pull his memories together with thread. Known for his visits to scenic sites, popular buildings, and favorite American landscapes, McKenney is often inspired to set those images in dyes, and then to embed them into quilt. Thanks to the efforts of the Fiber Art Program at The Barn, the region will have an opportunity to view many of his designs this September.
The Barn will be host to McKenney’s recent exhibition of quilts from September 7 through September 17. McKenney purchases his fabrics from local venues and on-line. His inspiration comes from his world-wide travels. “I also dye and create some of my own fabrics,” said McKenney, a former math and science teacher.
Over the years, McKenney has also presented his repertoire in Virginia, New York, Missouri, and Florida. He began his career as an art teacher with the Walton-Verona Schools in Boone County, then later at Northern Kentucky University and Georgetown College. After completion of a Master’s Degree in Art Education at the University of Cincinnati he completed doctoral studies at the University of Kentucky. During that time, he became interested in quilting and batik art. Batik is a Java-founded technique using wax-resistant fabric. He also enjoys watercolors and oil paints.
Since his retirement, McKenney has studied with numerous gifted artists at the Columbus School of Art and Design. He currently serves as the Stringtown Quilt Guild president.
The public is invited to attend an opening reception on Thursday evening September 7 from 6-9p.m. at the Barn, located at 6980 Cambridge Avenue. Additional gallery hours include Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:00a.m.- 5:00p.m. and on weekends 1- 4p.m. through September 17.
McKenney is also offering a two-day workshop related to his fiber-art techniques on September 14-15 from 1-3p.m. For more information, please visit artatthebarn.org.
Shop Amazon, Kroger and Support WACC
Please help be a part of Mariemont history. As of late August, customers of Amazon. com can help raise money for the Woman’s Art Cultural Center. Go to smile.amazon.com and search for Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati Foundation. Select it as your charity, then shop as usual. The donation will not affect your price.
Also Kroger Community rewards pays the Barn quarterly, based on purchases by registered families. Please visit www.kroger. com/community rewards. WACC will apply proceeds to the Loft Improvement Project, which includes the addition of an elevator for wheelchair accessibility and numerous other upgrades to the Barn’s second floor.
Thanks to the Hudepole Construction Company, renovation materials have arrived. Shingles, skylights, and insulation will soon become fixtures in one of the village’s finest historical structures.
Call to Art Lovers
If you love art, your community and meeting new people, raise your hand! Thanks to regional interest in the Barn’s programs, attendance has tripled over the last few years. We could use a hand (okay, a lot of hands) to keep the great events coming. No artistic ability required. If you are interested, please contact Donna at Donna_ morabito@msn.com.
Village Government
Council Meeting
AUGUST 14, 2017
As we go to print, minutes for this Council meeting are not available. Instead, the entire Council meeting can be viewed at: http:// www.icrctv.com/video/mariemont-villagecouncil-81417.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This summer, therewere multiple ongoing Council and Architectural Review Board (ARB) meetings revolving around two primary issues that affect Mariemont and its residents. We feel it is important to relay this public information to our readers, so are including minutes from the last two Council meetings as well as the July 24 ARB meeting. The issues include:
1.)The disturbance of archeological areas around Whiskey Creek by various foot and bike traffic, leading to the August 14 Council decision to temporarily close the “Whiskey Creek Trail” to all traffic in order to assess the situation, fix any damage, and suggest future use of the trail, and 2.) Spinnenweber Builders’ requested to erect a fence at the egress onto Thorndike from the parking lot behind Mariemont Theater, followed by a request to erect “No Parking” signage at Graeters, Dr. Lisa Larkin, and Rooster’s, that instructs these three businesses’ patrons that they cannot park in the lot area from directly behind the Mariemont Theater to the alley by Mios. NOTE: The buildings that house the aforementioned businesses are owned by those business owners, not Spinnenweber Builders. A letter from Spinnenweber Builders to one of the owners, dated July 24, 2017, states that the parking lot area owned by Spinnenweber Builders is being monitored by surveillance cameras and that “Violations will be treated with the appropriate response as required.” The letter is available to the public by contacting the Village administrative offices at 271-3246 or emailing ssingleton@mariemont.org.
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
*To receive a copy of Council agendas and minutes as well as minutes from Commissions and ARB meetings, contact Sue Singleton in the Village office at ssingleton@mariemont.org or call 271-3246. Council agendas and minutes are also available via the Village website at www.mariemont.org.
Architectural Review Board Meeting JULY 17, 2017
Mr. Brown distributed photos of other parking lots that have multiple ingress/ egress. Walmart has a five-lane entrance/ exit onto Red Bank Road with a stop light as does the photo of Kenwood Towne Centre which exits onto a major road with a stop light. He does not think it is a good comparison as indicated by Spinnenweber Builders. Mr. Brown asked which way the gate will open. Ms. Harley said it will slide open where there are no bushes. It is similar to the gate at the Executive Building.
Chief Hines asked what would happen if there is a power outage. Ms. Harley said it does have a battery back-up and it can be manually operated. The gate though would remain closed at all times.
Dr. Lisa Larkin, an adjacent property owner, said this area of ingress/egress has been in the parking lot for fifty plus years. She is sure that Mr. Spinnenweber knew this ingress/egress when he purchased the building. She does not believe anyone knows the reasoning behind this [fence request]. We heard clearly that there are safety concerns. If the gate is installed it will flow the traffic across Graeter’s property, her property, and Mr. Thurner’s property through an entrance that is really tiny [onto Millard Rogers Way]. She questioned the rationale and value of doing that and does it benefit the community. The employees of Rooster’s
technically do not have access to their parking spots because they do not have an easement across her property. She sees that as a prescriptive easement. She could put up the same cosmetically appearing fence on her property line to prevent people from walking or driving across her property. Is that what the community wants?
Mr. Brown said he cannot understand the rationale to close a longstanding entrance. He sees it as a punishment to some of the business owners. It will make people uncomfortable coming and going. The safety issues are real and valid. Ms. Schwartz said she agreed with Dr. Larkin’s assessment of setting a precedent and is something that we need to think about. Safety is paramount and she is not in favor of it. Mayor Policastro said he will never compromise safety. Mr. Thomas appreciated Building Commissioner Keyes citing the code sections and does not think this fence meets any of the qualifications or intentions outlined in section 151. Mr. Thomas moved, seconded by Ms. Schwartz to deny the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. On roll call; five ayes, no nays. The application was denied.
The second request was from Spinnenweber Builders, 6880 Wooster Pike, Mariemont for the placement of additional signage within the parking area to the north of the square bounded by Madisonville Road, Thorndike Road and Millard Rogers Way.
Village Government
Findings of the Building Commissioner: Signage in the Historic districts is controlled by Mariemont code sections 151.075(H)(l)(m) (1) Any sign, in addition to fulfilling applicable elements of this section, shall fulfill the requirements of Section 151.125 through 151.133 and be of material and style harmonious to the overall theme of the area. All such signs shall be presented to the Architectural Review Board for certificate of appropriateness approval prior to construction, alteration, restoration or erection; (m) Historical integrity of the landmark structure, including commercial signage, shall be maintained according to the original architects design, town plan, concepts, and philosophy of Mary M. Emery, John Nolen and the Mariemont Company; signage would be similar in size and shape to existing signage in the parking area.
Mayor Policastro said Mr. Spinnenweber has the right to tow a car if it has been sitting for a week. Building Commissioner Keyes said a sign has to be present stating that the car will be towed. Mr. Brown said according to ORC Section 4513.601 is rather lengthy in terms of requirements needed to be a tow away lot. The minimize size for the sign is 18” x 24”. There needs to be a sign at every entrance and exit therefore it would require a minimum of four signs.
Ms. Harley said the whole lot would be monitored. According to Bramble Towing, code only requires that a sign be at every entrance not at an exit. The way the lot is set up only two signs would be required (1) the entrance by Larosa’s and (2) Millard Rogers Lane. These signs are replacement signs for signs that are there but are no longer reflective. It is not a new sign situation – signs are already there. The (4) signs by Larosa’s are 18” x 24”. They would be replacing those with one new sign.
Ms. Schwartz asked how it is going to be policed. Ms. Harley said they are going to hire someone off duty from Hamilton County to monitor the lot during business hours. If the Village requires specific wording they would address that with
Bramble Towing but the sample submitted is up to code per Bramble Towing.
Sue Gorman, employee with Graeter’s, said she knows plenty of people park in the back lot and walk through Graeter’s as an access to the movie theater. How will that be policed? Dr. Larkin said Graeter’s (and she as well) could shut their back doors and put up signs to prevent patrons from walking over their properties and using their business to get to the front of the theatre. It is just ridiculous. It is a community parking lot.
Ms. Schwartz asked if Mr. Spinnenweber is going to have a security person follow people. Ms. Harley said that she is not sure about that. Mr. Brown said this is more than replacing signs… this is more of a replacement philosophy with monitors and posted towing. Mayor Policastro said this is similar to what Mr. Spinnenweber did by the Elementary School many years ago.
Ms. Stalzer said thinks the whole thing is ridiculous and said Mr. Wolter said it perfectly at a previous meeting when he said this was nothing more than being spiteful.
Mr. Dennis Wolter, Councilmember, said he has always been proud of is what Chief Hines refers to as the “Mariemont Touch”. It refers to how we are kind, accepting and welcoming to those who live in the Village or are visiting the Village. This flies in the face of what all of us who serve this community and the good residents of this community who pay high taxes to live here want here in the Village. This is a mistake and it sets a terrible precedent. It lets someone who is not elected by the community to start to drive the community.
Mayor Policastro said the problem is there is a law that allows Mr. Spinnenweber to have signs. Mr. Brown said it is private property and while [ARB] can control what the sign looks like whether or not he can put up the sign is not ARB decision.
Mr. Jerry Vianello said he is concerned about learning that Mr. Spinnenweber is
going to hire someone to follow people. When it becomes one person’s word against another it will be obvious that he will have to record and videotape people. It is un-American and it is not what we need in this community. The Village has always bent over to help Mr. Spinnenweber. It makes him question some of the things he has done as a Member of the Planning Commission to try to assist him.
Dr. Larkin asked if the policing is going to start without the signs. Ms. Harley said no. Dr. Larkin said Mr. Spinnenweber is videotaping and has a camera pointed at the back of her property. Mr. Spinnenweber raised several concerns about parking issues when she was putting in her practice and there have been no parking issues. She does not know what drives this. She feels a bit stalked. Ms. Harley said the videotaping is not at the back of her building. The entire parking lot is being videotaped due to an employee having a car stolen from the Quarter Bistro and another car being broken into. The tapes are available for anyone to view. They are not pointed at any one business – it is of the entire parking lot.
Mayor Policastro asked the members of ARB if they wanted to continue the matter and get a legal opinion. If there are already signs up he does not think he needs anymore signs. He does not remember giving permission for any signs in the past. Mr. Thomas moved, seconded by Ms. Stalzer to deny the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. On roll call; five ayes, no nays. The application was denied.
Do You Have a New Neighbor?
By Delta Crabtree
It has been a number of months since I have had the pleasure of writing a New Neighbor News article for our Town Crier . It has not been due to lack of diligence on my part. Nor has it been due to my crazy busy life as a realtor and parent to four children – although those circumstances can be blamed for many other personal ailments! It is entirely due to lack of information about new neighbors. So, neighbors – can you help me out?
Hopefully many of you established residents had the pleasure of being publically welcomed and introduced to the community in a past article. It has always been a fun way to let your neighbors know that a new person or family has arrived so they can reach out and introduce themselves. I am always interested in people’s stories about what brought them to our Village and why they chose Mariemont above the many other Cincinnati neighborhoods. It is a source of pride for all of us that Mariemont is a welcoming community with a very desirable lifestyle that is very hard to replicate.
I will renew my efforts of posting on Nextdoor Mariemont to find newcomers to our community to contribute to our New Neighbor News. If you could reinforce my efforts by encouraging your new neighbors to reach out to me, I would be so grateful! I can be reached on my cell at 513-304-4719, via email at dcrabtree@comey.com, or feel free to stop by my Mariemont Comey & Shepherd office. I look forward to meeting you!
When: Friday, October 7th
Where: Grassy Knoll between Hiawatha Ave And Rembold Ave Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
KIDS! - Free face painting and games!
*Stop by the Alumni Booth to buy your spirit wear.
*Pizza, drinks and ice-cream will be available for purchase.
The Parade passes by at 6:00pm, and the football game starts at 7pm! Come join the fun and cheer for our Warriors!
Schools
An Introduction to MPPG
The Mariemont Preschool Parents Group (MPPG) welcomes all expectant parents and parents of birth through preschool-aged children to its 2017-2018 opening meeting on Thursday, September 7 at 7:00p.m. at the Farifax Recreation Center. The evening’s activities will include a social reception, an information session for potential and new members, and an announcement of the group’s events and activities for the upcoming year.
MPPG provides activities for families with young children as well as a forum for parental education, discussion, and social interaction. The group is open to residents of any neighborhood, not just Mariemont, so please feel free to spread the word to any parents you know that may be interested. Membership benefits include playgroups, monthly informational and social meetings, seasonal family events, couples gatherings, and online resources.
Two year MPPG member, and lifelong Mariemont resident, Liz Plachecki says that in addition to growing up in the village, and remaining very close with her childhood friends, MPPG has given her the opportunity to meet new parents. “My family also loves
attending MPPG events throughout the year, and I love giving back to the community by volunteering at the events.”
Kathryn Rollman is headed into her third MPPG year, and also shares that the group has
been an amazing experience for her family. “We have met some wonderful families, and have loved all the activities, especially Fall Fest and Luminaria. The best part of MPPG is the feeling of community. After my second daughter was born I was so touched by the outpouring of support. It really makes you feel like you have people to lean on.”
For more information, visit the group’s website at www.mariemontppg.com.
Craig White, Physical Therapist since 2001
Anne Reed, back to living her life
A er a stay in the hospital I told them my rst choice for rehab was Marjorie P. Lee in Hyde Park. The sta was incredible and they lived up to their reputation for getting people healthy, home and back to living their lives. No wonder they have consistently high patient satisfaction scores and were selected by area hospitals as a Center of Excellence for short-stay rehab. And yes, even the food was great.
Call Annie Novak 513.533.5014 or visit marjorieplee.com/rehab
Expertise includes orthopedics, cardiac, respiratory and wound care.