Happy Holidays from the staff of the Town Crier
From our family to yours, have a happy and safe holiday season!
Stories Wanted
Are you planning to do something extra generous or service-oriented over the holidays this year? Perhaps your family is going on a mission trip while school is out, or maybe your student is serving at a soup kitchen, or you might be taking your little ones caroling at a nursing home. If this sounds like something you’re doing this holiday season, we want to hear about it! We’re looking for stories to feature in the February issue that share the special ways our community served others over the holidays. Please contact Elizabeth Wood at ElizabethMillerWood@ gmail.com by December 30th if you have any leads.
Back row (L to R): Elizabeth Wood, Delta Crabtree, Margaret Jevic, Laura Young, Matt Weinland.
Front row (L to R): Suzy Weinland, Ron Schroeder, Rex Bevis, Pete McBride. Not pictured: Tiffany Proffitt (distribution)
Photo courtesy Ron Schroeder Photography.
Sharing and Caring
By Priscilla Hernandes and Rebecca Hirsch
For over 25 years, through the Caring and Sharing Program at Mariemont Elementary School, families have come together to brighten the holidays of families in need in our community. Help us continue this caring tradition by including your children and families in sharing with those less fortunate.
Our program began on November 27 and ends Dec. 13, and there are three ways to participate:
Online: Go to the Mariemont Elementary School (ME) website, and search “Caring and Sharing.” Sign up to purchase specific items for a family in need. Instructions are online for gift giving.
Gift Card Giving Tree: Stop by our front lobby during school hours to select a gift
ornament. Purchase a gift card for a family in need.
Monetary Donation: Your donation will be placed towards helping families in need. Please make checks payable to ME PTO-Caring and Sharing.
Gifts and monetary donations can be dropped off in the ME front lobby during school hours until December 13.
“Thank you,” on behalf of the Mariemont Elementary PTO. We wish you and your families a bright and blessed holiday season! If you have any questions please contact Caring and Sharing Co-Chairs Priscilla Hernandes (priscillahernandes48@gmail.com) or Rebecca Hirsch (rebechirsch@hotmail.com).
Thank you for participating in Caring and Sharing!
Get Your Mariemont Civic Association 2018 Calendar
The Mariemont Civic Association (MCA) 2018 Calendar was first made available at the November 16 Civic Association Meeting / Pizza Party. This is the 9th consecutive year the MCA has sponsored a calendar of Mariemont resident Joe Stoner’s photographs, which showcase some of the seasonal scenery and events of beautiful Mariemont.
The calendar is also available at Graeter's, MariElders, and The Villager for $10. Proceeds go to the MCA for its Village activities.
The
Club
The Town Crier would like to thank our supporters! Funding for production of the Town Crier comes solely from our advertisers and your contributions. Individuals contributing throughout the publishing year will have their names included in each remaining issue. Those donating more than $25 are indicated in bold type. Your contribution can be mailed to: Mariemont Town Crier c/o Matt Weinland, 3812 Indianview Avenue Mariemont, Ohio, 45227
The Mariemont Town Crier, LLC, "The Voice of the Village of Mariemont," is published monthly from Sept. through Dec. and Feb. through May as a service to residents and organizations of the Village of Mariemont.
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Staff
Contributors
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Rex Bevis rexbevis@fuse.net
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Margaret Jevic amjevic@gmail.com
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LLC, "The
Julie Renner jr.healthworks@gmail.com
Elizabeth Wood elizabeth.miller.wood@gmail.com
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Laura Young lb.young@gmail.com
Photographer Ron Schroeder ronschroederimaging@gmail.com
Carriers
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B en r eiter h enry t eght M eyer n oah v anags e rin w il D er B ray D en w olu J ewic Z
(Siblings listed together share routes; siblings listed separately have their own routes)
February deadline: The deadline for the next Town Crier is January 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
of the Village of Mariemont," is published monthly from Sept. through Dec. and Feb. through May as a service to residents and organizations
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: Press releases, photographs and event calendars are welcomed. Please contact Suzy Weinland at MariemontTownCrier@gmail.com to discuss article ideas. All submissions are due by the 10th of the 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.
INSERTS: As a public service to the non-profit organizations of Mariemont, the Town Crier accepts inserts for a flat fee of $50, due at the time of delivery (check made out to Mariemont Town Crier). Inserts must be pre-approved and scheduled with the editor, printed and separated into stacks of 50, and delivered to Tiffany Proffitt at 3585 Homewood Rd. by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Please contact Tiffany ahead of delivery at tmproffitt@fuse.net or 513-271-0672. Inserts and ads of a political nature are not accepted.
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Crier,
Voice
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MariElders Celebrates 40th Anniversary with an Open House
By Kathy Chapman-Dick
The MariElders, Inc., celebrated their 40th anniversary on Sunday, November 5 with an open house.
Attendees enjoyed an afternoon of wine, cheese, and live music by Ella Absalon and Audra Stump, Anderson High School students who perform with the Cincinnati Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Mayor Dan Policastro presented a proclamation to Center Director Kathy Chapman-Dick and declared November 5 as MariElders Day in the Village of Mariemont.
Upcoming Events
Musical Performance with the Waldorf School – Dec. 13, 1 p.m.
Join us for dessert and a great concert by the Waldorf School music group.
Holiday Luncheon – Dec. 21, noon. Celebrate the season with a luncheon and holiday movie. Cost is $5 per person. Please bring a $5 gift to exchange.
New in January
We will be launching our Mindful Maintenance Exercise Program. Courses being offered are: Meditation, Tai Chi, Core and Balance, Laughtercise, Reformative Chair Yoga, and Strength Training. All sessions will be geared towards maintaining each individual’s current abilities while being mindful of the many changes that come with the aging process. Happy Holidays to all of our neighbors!
MariElders is a non-profit Senior Center that provides services and activities to those 55 and older in our local communities. For more information on programs and services, call Nicole at the Center at (513) 271-5588.
Christmas serviCes & events at st. thomas
C hristmas Ev E
Christmas Pageant
4:00 p.m.
Festive Eucharist
8:00 p.m.
Choral Eucharist 11:00 p.m.
Carol prelude at 10:30 p.m.
C hristmas D ay
Festive Eucharist 10:00 a.m.
D ECE mb E r E v E nts
Christmas Caper
Saturday, the 9th 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Our annual Christmas festival of cookies, music and more! (Lunch will be available)
Lessons & Carols Service
Sunday, the 17th 5:00 p.m.
Handel’s “Messiah” Sing-A-Long
Monday, the 18th at 7:30 p.m. Info at bachensemble.org/messiah
Seniors celebrate MariElders’ 40th Anniversary
Village
Christmas Traditions in Mariemont’s Early Years
By Elizabeth Wood
In a village that celebrates heritage and holds tradition close to our small-town hearts, the holiday season feels like an appropriately nostalgic time to glimpse back at the holidays in Mariemont’s earliest years. In some ways, much has changed since Mary Emery broke ground in 1923—but then again, some hasn’t. What did Christmas look like in the mid-tolate 1920s and early 1930s as Mariemont was blossoming into a national exemplar?
In the Village’s earliest days, families likely cut down their own Christmas tree from a nearby forest and decorated it with inexpensive cotton ornaments. It wasn’t until the late 1920s that glass ornaments, often imported from Germany, began rising in popularity. Goose-feather Christmas trees—another German influence and an early prototype of today’s artificial trees—also came into fashion in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Flame-lit candles as tree décor had largely fizzled by this point (because, you know, fires) and electric Christmas lights were just hitting the shelves, though it was mostly just wealthy families who could afford to use them. Families also decorated trees with colorful paper chains, tinsel or popcorn strung on a thread.
Despite not having Pinterest, many people hand-made Christmas cards with foil and ribbon, but they were too delicate to send through the mail, so they were delivered by hand.
Holiday meals looked similar to the hearty, carb-filled feasts we still enjoy today, but with some old-timey twists. Thanks to records from the Mariemont Preservation Foundation, a copy of a Thanksgiving menu from the Mariemont Inn in 1928 includes starters of celery and olives, main courses of roast suckling pig and fried spring chicken, side dishes of browned potatoes and creamed slaw, and plum pudding and mince pie for dessert— all for $2 per person.
Popular Christmas toys of the era were teddy bears for 79 cents, animated Flossy Flirt Dolls for $1.98, rocking horses for $3.19 and Olympic Flyer Wagons for $4.98. Because the brilliant godsend that is Amazon Prime was yet to be conceived, parents actually had to buy presents in stores, with cash, and more than two days before Christmas. If money was tight following the infamous stock market crash of 1929 and the subsequent years of the Great Depression, children might have received nuts, candy or an orange in their stocking in lieu of toys.
The holiday season of 1929 was a particularly busy time for new families moving into Mariemont. An article published in a local newspaper in November 1929 shows that several new homes had recently been purchased, including 3833 Indianview Ave. for $9,000 and 6729 Wooster Pike for $16,500. What bargains!
During these early years, the holiday season was also a prime time for Mariemont’s advertisers to tote the state-of-the-art central heating capacities that were available in every new Mariemont home, thanks to the nearby Central Heating Plant. One ad, published in November 1928, read, “When Winter Comes… Every Home in Mariemont Is Warm!” Other ads promised perks like “no furnaces, no coal, no ashes, no soot, on day and night, silent,
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automatic, low cost, turn it on or off as water at your sink.” I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly grateful for my state-of-the-art Mariemont home that still requires no coal.
Lastly, the holidays in Mariemont were and continue to be a sacred, special time to be enjoyed with neighbors and loved ones. This holiday season, may we honor the traditions of our Village’s heritage while continuing to embrace new beloved traditions as we build memories for the generations to come.
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A decorated Christmas tree near Old Town Square on December 29, 1927. Photo courtesy of Mariemont Preservation Foundation.
Mariemont Elementary Receives Large Donation from Burlington Stores
By Laura Young
When Mariemont Elementary students and teachers entered the auditorium on Halloween, they had no idea about the extra special treat waiting for them. They thought they were there to celebrate the day’s festivities as they prepared for their annual costume parade, but instead received a check for $10,000 from Burlington Stores, Inc., through a partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org.
Burlington Stores, Inc. store manager, Carrie Kincer, presented the check to Mariemont Elementary’s Principal Erika Simmons to commemorate the new store opening in Eastgate. “Burlington is grateful for the commitment you all make as teachers, administrators, and students.” Kincer said. “We couldn’t be prouder to now be a part of this great local community with our new store.”
A representative from AdoptAClassroom. org contacted school administrators to share the exciting news weeks before, and the secret was kept until the school-wide assembly. “We were so honored that they chose our wonderful school to receive this check” said Principal Simmons. “I would like to thank Burlington and AdoptAClassroom.
org for adopting Mariemont Elementary.”
The donation will provide each teacher with $200 to spend on new supplies for their classroom. Funds will go towards enhancing student learning and other enrichment materials.
Burlington, in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, makes a donation to a local school in each grand opening market to celebrate a new store location. The Burlington store opened on Oct. 13, at 700 Eastgate Dr., Suite 100, Cincinnati, OH, 45245.
ME Principal Erika Simmons (L) and Mariemont School District Superintendent Steve Estepp (R) accept a check for $10,000 from Burlington Stores, Inc. representatives Carrie Kincer and Doug Kreyenhagen.
MHS Students Connect with Those in Need Through Photography and Video
By Olivia Walker, MHS Art Student
This fall, through a city-wide program called New Voices, Mariemont High School students have been mentoring and assisting youth from Madisonville Recreation Center to learn basic photography and video while creating a body of work documenting the rec center and surrounding neighborhood.
Founded in 2009 by Prairie, Inc., New Voices’ purpose is to connect disparate communities through photography, video and art-making activities, and give voice to those who are generally forgotten or marginalized. Prairie has begun 50 New Voices programs around Cincinnati, providing new experiences and discussions for groups who might never have met before.
For the past five years, Mariemont High School students have participated in the program, which is led by Prairie owner David Rosenthal and MHS advisor and art teacher Kim Richardson. In the past Mariemont students have been paired with members of the Alzheimer unit at Hyde Park Health Center, the Boys and Girls Club in Avondale, and the Wesley Chapel Mission Center in OTR. This year the club has partnered with the Madisonville Rec Center and the local kids
who go there after school.
Each participating child has partnered with a couple of Mariemont students to create art and learn about each other’s lives. Every Monday the club meets at the Rec Center to take pictures, film videos, play outside, make crafts, and explore the community. The students build relationships with one another and form friendships that often continue after the program has finished.
Rosenthal said he continues working with Mariemont High School because he loves watching the students “connecting in ways they didn’t think they could and connecting with people they didn’t think they would otherwise.”
For the Mariemont students, New Voices is especially valuable, due to the “Mariemont Bubble,” which is a term coined by Mariemont
students that refers to the privilege and safety that covers our community. New Voices allows students to leave the “bubble” and recognize other lifestyles in our city. As teacher Kim Richardson states, “It’s important for our students to give back to communities they don’t live in. It makes our students more aware… We’re making a difference.”
The experience is also special for the Madisonville kids. Every Monday when the high schoolers come to the Rec Center, their faces light up and they all rush to give their partners a hug. Macy Bruner, a Mariemont High School student, says that Mondays are her favorite part of the week. As a firstyear member, when asked what New Voices means to her, Macy responded “I love coming here and making memories. I want to come next year and I wish I did earlier. I think it’s beautiful that relationships are building and it’s a beautiful day.”
New Voices has inspired a love of photography in the Madisonville children. Kevin Moseby, one of the kids at the Rec Center, says that he comes every Monday to “be here with the high schoolers and to take pictures and to do crafts.” For many of the students, both from Madisonville and Mariemont, New Voices is their favorite part of the week.
A Madisonville Rec Center student learns to take a photo.
Village
Municipal Building Expansion Underway
By Rex Bevis
I recently met with Councilmen Bill Brown and Eric Marsland, who were most directly involved with the planning and funding of the Mariemont Municipal Building expansion, as well as with Mayor Dan Policastro, who has been encouraging this project for many years.
Brown, as Chairman of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, took the lead in the development of the expansion concept and design. Marsland, Chairman of the Finance Committee, oversaw the financing of the expansion. A key component to the project was Mayor Policastro enlisting the services of resident architect Bob Rich in the early stages of the design work. Former Building Administrator and Architect Dennis Malone also contributed to the design.
Mayor Policastro outlined several of his goals for the expansion project. With the Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, access has required climbing the stairs. The Mayor has long desired an elevator in order to become compatible with the American Disability Act (ADA) requirements, so installation of an elevator will be an important component. The new space will also allow the Tax Office to relocate to the Municipal Building from its current rental office space. The Tax Office will be on the first floor.
A Native American Cultural Center will occupy a portion of the second floor adjacent to the existing Council Chambers. A series of doors between the Council Chambers and the Cultural Center will permit overflow seating for Council Meetings when needed. A new first floor restroom will be added, which may also be opened for resident use during peak traffic times such as the annual Memorial Day Celebration and the Kiwanis Arts and Crafts Fair.
The expansion will be paid for with funds set aside by previous Mariemont Councils at the urging of the Mayor--approximately $200,000-plus a significant grant in the amount of $400,000 from the State of Ohio. State Representative Tom Brinkman worked with the Mayor and with former Mariemont Preservation Foundation
President Don Keyes to secure this significant State funding, which supports both the needs of the Village and the Native American Cultural Center.
Councilman Brown’s Committee recommendation of the Perkins Carmack Company for the construction has been approved by Council. In 2006, Perkins Carmack also built the Mariemont Maintenance Building located in the industrial section. The Municipal
Building Expansion is already underway, with completion slated for mid-year 2018.
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An architectural rendering of the renovated municipal building.
By David Peterson
Village Kiwanis Past Presidents Gather for Annual Banquet
The Kiwanis Club of Mariemont, which serves all four Mariemont City Schools, held its 52nd annual Banquet Dinner on Nov. 4 at the Terrace Park Country Club.
“It is a great evening where we come together in fellowship to recognize and honor the contributions made by the outgoing president” said Kiwanis Vice President Lance Hollander.
The club has a long history of making a difference in the community through volunteer efforts and generous support from its members. Each year, the Kiwanis Club of Mariemont raises nearly $15,000 for students in Fairfax, Terrace Park and Mariemont through events such as the Art & Craft Fair and spring golf outing. Through its 52-year duration it has raised over $200,000 in college scholarships for nearly 70 Mariemont High School graduates based on need, academic achievement, leadership, and service.
point where people expect us to be there and look forward to it, which is great to see.”
The members also are actively involved in partnerships with schools including the Key Club at Mariemont High School and the Builder’s Clubs at Mariemont Junior High School, Mariemont Elementary School and Terrace Park Elementary School.
The dinner included guest speaker Dr. Kenneth Tankersley, a professor of Quaternary Environments and Geochronology in the Department of Anthropology and Geology at the University of Cincinnati.
Kiwanis Holiday Nut Sale in Full Swing
The Kiwanis Club of Mariemont has kicked off its annual nut sale fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting local scholarships. Just in time for family gatherings and client gifts, offerings include cashews, mixed nuts, and a variety of chocolate covered offerings.
“Our annual nut sale has grown bigger and bigger each year,” said Chairman David Peterson, “We have a blast being involved with the school concerts and really appreciate them letting us be a part of that. It’s gotten to the
This year’s fundraiser will once again feature $10 and $5 offerings, including their newest item, chocolate covered raisins. “Every year we get a few requests for other products. We tried several out last year that were a hit, so we’re happy to bring those back. We try to have a good variety for the non-nut crowd as well.”
Kiwanis Club nuts will be available at all school concerts as well as several local businesses, including Mac’s Pizza Pub and Snappy Tomato Pizza in Fairfax, and Ace Hardware in Mariemont. They can also be purchased at MariElders during regular hours. Orders can be placed by phone by contacting David Peterson at 814-598-6235.
The Kiwanis Club of Mariemont meets every Tuesday morning at 7:45 a.m. in the Mariemont Elementary school cafeteria. A continental breakfast is served at 7:15 a.m. Meetings end by 8:30 and always feature a local speaker. The Kiwanis invite you to be their guest at an upcoming meeting. For more information visit MariemontKiwanis.org. Follow along on social media via Facebook and Twitter (@MariemontKClub) with #KidsNeedsKiwanis.
Ten of the past Kiwanis Club of Mariemont presidents gather at Terrace Park Country Club on Nov. 4 for the 52nd Annual Banquet Dinner.
What’s in a name? Part 4: E. Boyd
By Marcy Lewis
(as summarized from the presentation script of MPF Trustee Janet Setchell)
Early last summer, the Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) presented four short lectures on the Mariemont visionaries for whom the Griewe Development Mariemont Condominiums are named: Mary M. Emery, Charles J. Livingood, John Nolen, and 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 Charles J. Livingood. It was Livingood who hired renowned landscape architect John Nolen to design Mariemont. E. Boyd Jordan became the first mayor of Mariemont when the town made the historic decision to incorporate in 1941.
In the past three issues of the Town Crier, the roles that Mary Emery, Charles J. Livingood, and John Nolan played in the development of Mariemont were highlighted. In this final article of the series, the life of E. Boyd Jordan is explored.
E. Boyd Jordan
Born in 1897, E. Boyd Jordan was a native Cincinnatian. He attended Woodward High School and served two years in the army during World War I. On his return to Cincinnati, he earned degrees from both the University of Cincinnati’s College of Music and School of Law.
After graduating, he began a private law practice and later took over his father’s law firm. E. Boyd Jordan was a man of many
firsts. He was one of the first inhabitants of the new town of Mariemont. He was one of the first members of the Mariemont Community Church as well as it’s first organist and choir director (a position he held for at least 25 years).
On December 25, 1927, he and his bride, Marie Hawk, who was one of the first elementary school teachers to be employed at Dale Park Elementary School, were the first couple to be married in the Mariemont Community Church. After a stint in the Mariemont apartments and then in a Dale Park historic townhouse, the couple ultimately resided at 4030 Lytle Woods Place.
were faced with a choice: to incorporate as an independent village or to be annexed by the City of Cincinnati. The Mariemont Civic Association prepared its citizens to make an informed decision, and on April 14, 1941 the historic election was held.
Boyd Jordan was also Mariemont’s first carilloneur (one of only about 100 in North America at the time) and was known to rise early in December to play “Jingle Bells” for the children as they walked to school.
1941 was a pivotal year in the history of Mariemont. In February 1941, The City of Cincinnati announced that it was proposing to annex areas in eastern Hamilton County, including Fairfax, Madisonville, and Mariemont. The citizens of Mariemont
Of the 810 votes cast, 522 were for incorporation and 286 against (two votes were discounted as invalid). Fairfax voted to incorporate as a Village, and Madisonville voted to be annexed to the city. Mariemont residents were then faced with the task of deciding upon what type of governmental structure to adopt.
An informal meeting of residents was held in the back yard of E. Boyd and Marie’s home. It was here that Marie suggested the idea of a Town Meeting style of government (this style was typical of New England) that would be a nonpartisan organization open to all Mariemont residents of voting age.
At the first Town Meeting on May 19, 1941, The Village was divided into six council districts, and nominations for the offices of Mayor, Clerk, Treasurer, Police Marshall (who after election would become Chief of Police), and six council members, one from
Mayor E. Boyd Jordan
each district, were presented. Boyd Jordan was nominated for mayor.
At the next Town Meeting on June 17, 1941, the first election was held. On July 1, The Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Ohio Secretary of State, and on July 12, 1941 Mariemont officially became the Village of Mariemont. In 2016 Mariemont commemorated the momentous occasion of its incorporation as a Village with a year-long celebration.
During his tenure, Mayor Boyd Jordan oversaw the growth and operations of the Village in a myriad of ways. The police and fire departments were created. The long awaited village swimming pool became a reality and was opened in 1958. Boyd Jordan served eight consecutive terms as Mayor until his death on March 27, 1959. His own words best exemplify his deep love of Mariemont. At his 1956 Report to the Village he stated:
“It has always been the desire of the Mayor to make Mariemont a place where residents can be happy. Through the foresight
and generosity of Mrs. Mary Emery, we were given a place of beauty, fully planned, where it was her hope that we could be a little happier by reason of living here. I feel that we have succeeded in carrying out Mrs. Emery’s dreams and so have homes where we are happier and where we have beauty and restful surroundings. “
In 1961 E. Boyd Jordan was honored with a plaque at E. Boyd Jordan Park, on the corner of Miami Road and East Street.
This concludes the What’s in A Name series recap for the Town Crier. Many thanks to the members of the Mariemont Preservation Foundation who put together the lecture series and presented the fascinating
stories about the lives of Mariemont’s visionaries.
For more interesting Mariemont history, please visit mariemontpresevation.org, where you also can find more information on the life of E. Boyd Jordan through a transcript of the oral history of Marie Hawk Jordan. To view the full MPF lecture series, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Bmmjq7wBHrU.
Mariemont’s first Village Council (1941)
The Holidays are a Good Time to Talk About Long-Term Care
By Kim Beach
November was Long-Term Care Awareness Month—and the timing couldn’t be better. Throughout the holiday season, families get together to celebrate. This family-focused time also presents an ideal opportunity for families to share their plans for an extended care event.
Due to advances in medical technology and health care, people are living longer than ever before. In fact, 10,000 Baby Boomers are turning age 65 every daysomething that will continue every day for the next 15 years. The government predicts that 70 percent of people over 65 will need long-term care for some period, so it’s likely that it could happen to you.
What role will families play in future caregiving? The traditional family, which once included built-in care for elders, is fast becoming obsolete. Today, it is common for adult children to reside in locations far from their aging parents.
Caregiving can also take a physical, emotional and financial toll on loved ones. Caregivers have been found to experience double the usual rate of depression, and have increased stress and conflict between family members. Providing care can physically wear down an otherwise healthy family member.
Last, but not least, bringing in professionals can help relieve the burden, but it will have a financial impact. Consider this: in Cincinnati, 44 hours of home care averages $50,336 per year. A private room in a nursing home can cost even more, at $106,000 per year. With care events averaging 3 years, what impact could an extended care event have on retirement plans, or on your family?
During the holidays, when family members are more likely to be together, everyone is urged to begin discussing their wishes for probable future care. Decide
who will provide the care, and how it will be paid. Talk to your financial planner or an insurance professional to make an informed decision on whether long-term care insurance should be part of your planning. They can share information on the limited role the government may play in providing resources, and offer alternatives only available if you plan ahead.
The key to creating your ideal long-term care situation is to start the conversation early and make sure your family is aware of your long-term care requests before it becomes a reality.
By Rex Bevis
Whiskey Creek Update
One year ago, I penned an article in the Town Crier entitled Whiskey Creek Distillery. The purpose of this article was to inform readers about a previously little known and little publicized distillery site in the Whiskey Creek basin below the Bell Tower. That article focused on the discovery of the remnants of a whiskey distillery site and a kiln for firing pottery containers for the whiskey.
I went on a fact-finding tour of the Whiskey Creek basin with Dr. Ken Tankersley and then Mariemont Preservation Foundation President Claire Kupferle, and got to see the old pioneer sites first-hand. I researched the history surrounding these sites and reported on the origins of the Whiskey Creek distillery in that 2016 article.
Due in part to more publicity about these historic sites and the expansion of hiking trails in the Whiskey Creek area, Mariemont Village Council deliberated during 2016 on restricting
access to portions of the Creek area as a preservation measure. This fall, Village Council did in fact limit access to the area.
After conversing with Mayor Policastro and several Councilpersons as well as attending council meetings and reading the council meeting minutes, I am now able to report to readers the current status of the Whiskey Creek Basin and associated trails:
• Hiking access is open to the public from the Boathouse area, across the former lagoon, past the old dam site and on the trail up to the point of the first Whiskey Creek crossing.
• There exists post-and-rail fencing at this Creek crossing. No hiking beyond this point is permitted.
• The distillery site across from this Creek crossing is marked and identified; no access is permitted.
• Similarly, the kiln location further downstream is marked and identified; no
AIM for your optimal weight and nutrition program
• Comprehensive three-month weight-loss program starting in January
• Nutrition consults with Registered Dietitian Liz DeJulius, MS, RDN, LD
• On-site retail store offering supplements, snacks, and healthy foods
access to this area is permitted.
• Lastly, although not specifically identified by signage or fencing, the mound areas immediately adjacent to the Mariemont Swimming Pool are ‘no access areas.’
Current thinking is that in the spring of 2018, Dr. Tankersley will assist the Village Council in defining a new hiking trail that will more closely parallel the Creek. The idea is that this new trail will avoid the historic pioneer sites and the Native American mound sites thus enabling hiking to resume in the area between the first Creek crossing and the Mariemont Pool.
Although there has now been a good deal of publicity about the pioneer sites and the Native American mounds, and we are all naturally curious, please adhere to the unanimous Council decree, and the law. Over the winter and until a new trail is developed, hike only between the Boathouse and the first Creek crossing.
MPF Docents Share Fort Ancient Indian Culture With Students
By Rex Bevis
On an almost perfect Fall Friday in October, the Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) Docents once again partnered with Mariemont Elementary School on a Native American education day at Mariemont’s “Madisonville Site.” Annually for the past 20 years, the MPF Docents have provided the second-graders at Mariemont Elementary with some fun hands-on activities, reinforcing their learning of the Fort Ancient Indian culture.
Guided by their teachers and parent volunteers, the students walk from school to the Madisonville Site adjacent to the Mariemont Swimming Pool. Half of the students arrive for the 9 a.m. session; the other half participate in the 1 p.m. session. They can be heard from a few blocks away as they excitedly walk to the site!
Under the direction of MPF Trustees Janet Setchell, Cindy Chalfonte, and Gail McBride, the children were treated to seven different activity stations. Trustee Paul Mulvany provided the assembled group of students an overview and history of the Madisonville Site
and the Native American residents.
After this orientation, students visited each activity station in groups of five or six. Hands-on activities included identifying Native American artifacts, relating artifacts to
present day household items, and performing an archaeological dig. Students also learned about Native American musical instruments, tried their hand at hunting with spears, and created their own Native American headbands. The day wouldn’t be complete without (nearly) authentic Native American face-painting!
Special thanks to Janet, Cindy, and Gail for organizing the activity stations and transporting all of the items to the Madisonville Site. Additional thanks to Paul Mulvany who, earlier in the week, conducted an in-school Native American presentation, and to the volunteer MPF Docents who facilitated the learning at the activity stations.
Junior archeologists sift for artifacts.
Second graders have fun with Native American musical instruments.
Bring Your Garden Indoors with Potted Plants and Bulbs
By Fran Turner
Need ideas for holiday presents? A potted plant in bloom is always a well-received gift. Nurseries are carrying blooming plants in an array of colors as well as bulbs for growing indoors.
Amaryllis are particularly enjoyable. They come in different colors, will start growing immediately and generally bloom in February or March. They can be quite dramatic and are such a joy in the dreary months. The nurseries will also carry paper whites, daffodils and crocuses, which will bloom indoors when planted correctly.
And don’t forget the birds! They have a hard time in the winter. It is fun to watch them as they jockey for positions at the feeder. Each species seems to have their own way of getting enough food.
And then there is planning. Maybe you have enough sun in a part of your yard to grow vegetables. Maybe a large pot on the patio for tomatoes, basil or other herbs. Do you need plants to add more color? Different shapes? Winter is the best time to dream about what you want your spring garden to look like.
The Mariemont Garden Club does not meet during the winter months. Our next meeting will be Wednesday March 7 at 1p.m. at The Barn. Our guest speaker will be Wes Duren from Marvins Organic Gardens. He will be speaking on medicinal herbs. It will be an opportunity also to learn about the organic supplies that Marvins sells. Our soils in Mariemont can benefit a great deal from adding
organic amendments.
Happy dreaming, and we hope to see you in March!
Mariemont Girl Scouts Collect Stockings for Sisters, Sell Holiday Wreaths
By Erin Kelly
All eight of Mariemont’s Girl Scout Troops recently wrapped up a service project called “Stockings for Sisters.” The goal was to collect small gifts to give to Girl Scouts who were victims of the recent natural disasters in the U.S.
We collected activity books, markers and colored pencils, small toiletries, craft supplies, school supplies, journals, small games, nut-free snacks, jewelry, small books, and small stuffed animals.
Mariemont Girl Scouts are also once again selling wreaths alongside the Boy Scouts at the annual Christmas Tree Sale located at the municipal building on Wooster Pike and Crystal Springs. Girl Scouts decorate the wreaths, and it is one of our main fundraisers for the year. Wreaths are available in varying sizes and prices, and will be sold until just before Christmas or until they sell out.
Troop 47837 Canoe Trip
On Sunday, October 1, the 5th Grade Mariemont Junior Girl Scouts went canoeing on the Little Miami. The excursion lasted three hours and for some of the girls, this was their first canoeing experience. The weather was cool, but sunny and gorgeous, and only two canoes tipped.
The girls had a great time experiencing a natural resource that is right in their backyard.
About Girl Scouts
The Girl Scouts of Western Ohio’s goals are to build courage, confidence, and character in girls who want to make the world a better place.
The Mariemont Preservation Foundation is pleased to announce it has commissioned nationally-known, local artist Grey Hall to create a watercolor montage of Mariemont landmarks. This whimsical composition captures Mariemont’s special places and cherished traditions.
Just in time for the Holidays, it is available for purchase as an 11x14 print or a family-friendly jigsaw puzzle. Visit https:// mariemontpreservation.org/store-new/ or stop by the MPF Museum at 3919 Plainville Road on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Both items are also available at The Villager.
Members of Troop 47837 pose on the bank of the Little Miami during a recent canoe trip.
MPF Presents New Montage of Mariemont by Local Artist, Grey Hall
Bah Humbug! Even Scrooge could warm up at The Barn
Oh, what a night!
Jane McDonald returned to The Barn from North Carolina for The Woman’s Art Club’s annual All-Member Show in October. McDonald, a former Mariemont resident, was the first president of The Woman’s Art Cultural Center Foundation, a separate entity from the club, and was instrumental in securing Carl Lindner’s half-million dollar donation at the onset of its renovation in 2009. In the photo below, McDonald (left) stands beside Cookie Their of Anderson Township (center,) another original founder, and Jan Boone (right) of Amberley Village, who took first place that evening for her oil painting.
A Voluntaire Extraordinaire
When a hurricane packed its punch, Montgomery resident Marge Wasielewski punched back. Not one to shy away from service, Wasielewski blesses the community with the willingness and energy many of us cannot sustain. As she stands aside her painting (at right) at the Woman’s Art Club’s Annual Show, it might just be one of the first times fellow artists actually saw her standing still.
Club members and guests will often see Wasielewski at The Barn in Mariemont where she organizes, maintains and putzes around one of its classrooms in an endless attempt to tie up loose ends. Wasielewski manages an open studio for club members and guests on Tuesdays by assuring the artists have everything they need for a successful session.
As a member since 1995, she has also served as club historian, on its advisory board, and as a registrar for countless events. She assisted artist
and engineer Carl Wukusick in a program called “Making Beautiful Boxes with a Band Saw” and served as an assistant for Patchwork Kids Art-onthe-Walk at Pendleton.
With the support of Good Shepherd Church in Montgomery, Wasielewski not only finds herself celebrating birthdays in the relative calmness of the Meadowbrook Nursing Home, but can reflect upon her experiences assisting the victims of Hurricane Katrina amid its chaos. She has also engaged in construction work for those in need in Whitley City, Ky., with wall repair and paint application.
Wasielewski, an award-winning artist, is a member of the American Impressionist Society, as well as the Cincinnati Art Club. She has presented her work, much of which centers on the struggle of the Armenian people, in New York, Detroit, Illinois, and Florida. She is the illustrator for a children’s book entitled The Pesky Bird, written by Marianne Markarian (Pomegranate Publishing, 2005). Her favorite medium is pastels.
The Woman’s Art Club and The Barn wish to extend their sincere gratitude to Marge for her enthusiasm and service to Cincinnati arts.
Crochet Class at the Barn – Dec. 6 and 11, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Crochet expert Moriah Napier is offering a two-day workshop in crochet at the Barn. Napier, a former kindergarten teacher, will present her students with an opportunity to learn chain stitch, double, triple crochet, as well as slip stitch, then will complete a cozy scarf--just in time for the cold
winter air. For more information and for a supply list, go to www.artatthebarn.org and search for crochet class. For questions, contact Mogillstrap@ gmail.com.
Finding Beauty in Pain – Dec. 8, 6-9 p.m.
Transforming pain into beauty is nothing short of inspirational. For Priya Rama, that inspiration came on a day that she had reached a point of utter helplessness and frustration.
Suffering with migraines since childhood, she had treated her symptoms with everything from traditional medications to relaxation therapy without enduring success. As an adult she had to discontinue her doctorate education at OSU due to worsening chronic pain.
Then one day she had an especially vivid episode. And that’s when she grabbed a paintbrush, a few canvases and a load of acrylic paint. “Something changed that day—the process of painting made me feel very calm, meditative and introspective…I wanted to capture it on canvas,” she said.
So instead of focusing on the pain, she painted the images she saw when she closed her eyes. “I wanted to explore more,” said Rama, a Mason resident. Through her artwork, she has been able to cope with her pain more effectively and to “share an amazing kinship with others in conversation.”
Rama, who grew up in India, would like to bring attention to the activity inside the head during a migraine. She compared it to a slowmotion movie that one can see even with the eyes closed. She also urges others living with chronic Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
pain to incorporate creative approaches to dealing with pain.
Rama, a member of The Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati, invites the public to attend this free reception of her solo exhibition of (I)ntrep(ID), an art show featuring her migraine-inspired paintings.
ARTflix – Dec. 14
Art educator Dave Laug and The Barn invite adults to attend its last ARTflix of 2017 on December 14.
“Peggy Guggenheim,” a 2015 film, features a portrait of an extraordinary patron of the arts who transformed a fortune and impeccable taste into one of the premiere collections of twentiethcentury art. Through personal tragedy, she maintained one of the world’s most prestigious collections of art in her Venetian palazzo. Laug will present a brief discussion before and after the film, then, as always, award a few door prizes and pass the hat. Donations will help pay for ongoing renovations of the loft.
The big Barn doors open at 6:30 p.m.; the show begins at 7 p.m. Admission, soft
drinks, and snacks are free. BYOB. To reserve a seat, please go to thebarn.cincyregister.com/ artflix2017. Walk-ins welcome.
Mariemont Preservation Foundation Presents Cincinnati’s Finest Talents: For the Kid in Us All
December 16: A MadCap Christmas Carol. A holiday classic with a twist of strings. Actors will provide a demonstration at finale.
January 20: Lion King Craft 4 Families. (Beth Renick, artist). Make a special Lion King craft. Wear your paint clothes!
February 17: Pinocchio. (Cincinnati Playhouse Off the Hill). A wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. Ages 6 and up.
March 17: Trip and the Missing Music. (RokCincy). Interactive, adventure opera. Recommended for grades K-6.
April 28: The Cat in the Hat. (The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati). A red and white hat on a mischievous cat. Ages 4 and up.
May 19: Rapunzel. (Playhouse Off the Hill). Young Rapunzel is over protected, but finds friendship from a local boy who helps her find her courage. Ages 4 and older.
All events begin at 10 a.m. and are held at The Barn. To register for the events, go to thebarn.cincyregister.com/MPF2017. The Barn welcomes walk-ins. For more information about the Mariemont Preservation Foundation, go to mariemont preservation.org.
Art Classes for Everyone
Pencil, Paint and Composition: Tuesdays at noon with Eileen McConkey. 801-7648 or Eileen. mcconkey@gmail.com.
WACC Open Studio: Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Free for members; $5 for nonmembers (Cash only, please.)
WACC Open Model Sketch: First and Third
Tuesdays, 1 – 4 p.m., $10 for members, $15 for non-members—cash only. Please RSVP to Deborah Ridgley at 513-259-9302.
Oil Painting: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m. AND 1:15-4:15 p.m. with Jan Boon. For beginner and advanced students. $20 per class. 513-791-7044 or janwrites@fuse.net.
Acrylic Painting: Wednesday evenings with Dave Laug, 7-10 p.m. Write dvdlaug@gmail.com or call 513-885-5284.
Beginner/Intermediate Watercolor: Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. with Chris Campbell. Contact Chris at mmivsu2@comcast.net
Drawing and Painting: Thursdays, 1:304:30 p.m. with Mary Lou Holt. 513-226-3833 or marylouiseholt@yahoo.com.
Oil Painting for Mid-Level and Advanced: Thursdays, 1-4 p.m. with Chuck Marshall. 4043161 or marshallstudio@aol.com.
Oil Painting: Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. “A Strong Foundation for your Paintings.” Write or call jeffmorrow@gmail.com or 937-267-6868.
Graduate Pastels – “Fridays with Ray Hassard”: Second and Final Fridays each mo., 12-3 p.m. 941-1116 or ray@rayhassard.com.
Arts for Kids - Artrageous Adventures: Saturdays, 1-3:30 p.m. with the Art Academy of Cincinnati at the Barn. Ages 5-11.
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.
To sign up for class or to learn about any other Barn activities, please go to artatthebarn.org or call 513-272-3700.
Barn Hands Needed
Would you like to help out at The Barn? To assist in Barn activities go thebarn.cincyregister. com/volunteer.
Village Council Meeting – October 23, 2017
Mayor Policastro called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following Council members were present: Mr. Brown, Mr. Hlad, Mr. Marsland, Ms. Palazzolo, Ms. Schwartz and Mr. Wolter.
Ms. Palazzolo moved, seconded by Mr. Wolter, to approve the minutes as written for October 9, 2017, and the rewritten minutes from the Committee of the Whole meeting August 22, 2017. On roll call; six ayes, no nays.
Mayor Policastro read the following communications: From Hamilton County Municipal League: E-mail dated October 10, 2017 re: Legal effort to challenge provisions to HB 49. Mayor Policastro said we will go into Executive Session to discuss.
From Mr. Joseph Trauth, Legal Representative for Spinnenweber Builders: Letter dated October 17, 2017 re: ARB meeting held October 16, 2017. Mayor Policastro said Mr. Trauth implied there are two things the Village is doing wrong. We need to have a registered architect on the ARB. We are going to pass legislation this evening as an emergency to appoint Mr. Bentley. In addition, we will appoint Brad Lockhart as an emergency with Ms. Schwartz coming off the ARB so there will only be one Council representative on the board. Ms. Schwartz said it might be good in the future to clarify the Ordinance so if there is a vacancy the Village can still go about and do business while trying to fill the vacancy.
Mr. Wolter said it is an Architectural Review Board and that an architect is the foundation of the board. Without an architect the board is operating out the intent of the committee. Mayor Policastro said what could be changed is that the members need to live in the Village. Solicitor McTigue said on the night in question we did not have a registered architect on the board and in abundance of caution he would recommend that the ARB reconvene and hold another meeting. Mayor Policastro said that was what they were planning on doing. Ms. Schwartz asked if we have to go through all of those meetings if they are not valid. Mayor Policastro said yes we will have to do the meeting again but Dr. Larkin should not have to redo her presentation.
Mr. Hlad moved, seconded by Mr. Brown, to pay the bills as approved by the Fiscal Officer, Mayor and Chairman of the Finance Committee.
Village Government
The Committee of the Whole met on Monday, October 16, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. in the Village of Mariemont Council Chambers located at 6907 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, Ohio 45227, to discuss the hillside repair on Whiskey Creek. [Full meeting minutes on next page.]
Mr. Marsland said he received an email from Justin Anderson, GSI, to address the concern of the drain pipe. He read in part the email… “I visited the site again last week as discussed and have revised our proposal to include reinforcement of the noted wash out area adjacent to and extending below the top gabion wall. This looks to be created from runoff from the swale that has been recently constructed that runs perpendicular to Mariemont Avenue. Our plan is to install 14-10’ long micropiles to anchor down a reinforced shotcrete trough area that we will construct over this washout area. This will provide hard armor against the scour while eliminating the need for us to track large equipment over the new swale area as in the other scenario we considered using shot rock and riprap to reinforce the area. The pricing works out to be similar in either case. I have attached a copy of my quick hand sketch of the repair plan for clarity. As such, we are proposing to increase the price of the original proposal by $17,320 from $167,565 to $184,885 to construct the washout area reinforcement using 10’ micropiles and 6” shotcrete cover across the limits of the 10’ wide ditch. Please call if you would like to discuss or if you have any comments or concerns. Best regards, Justin Anderson”.
Mr. Brown moved, seconded by Mr. Wolter, to table the matter for further discussion by the Committee of the Whole. On roll call; six ayes, no nays.
Mayor Policastro read the following miscellaneous announcements: Last day of leaf pick up will be December 22, 2017. Mayor Policastro said after that December 22, 2017, leaves will need to be bagged in brown paper bags for Rumpke to pick up at the curb on trash day.
The Council meeting for December will be Monday, December 18, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. The Civic Association Raffle winner will be pulled after the meeting.
Ordinances: “An Ordinance Authorizing Application and Contracting with the Ohio Public Works Commission” had a third reading. (Potential Grant Funding for Madisonville Road).
Council Representative Information
Bill Brown
wbrown@mariemont.org
Lorne Hlad
lhlad@mariemont.org
Eric Marsland emarsland@mariemont.org
Maggie Palazzolo
mpalazzolo@mariemont.org
Mary Ann Schwartz maschwartz@mariemont.org
Dennis Wolter
dwolter@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 2713246. Council agendas and minutes are also available via the Village website at www.mariemont.org.
Ordinance No. O-20-17 was adopted.
“To Reappoint Anthony Borgerding as Village Fiscal Officer for the Calendar Years 2018 and 2019” had a third reading. Ordinance No. O-21-17 was adopted.
“To Reappoint Elissa Wendler as Village Fiscal Administrative Assistant for the Calendar Years 2018 and 2019” had a third reading. Ordinance No. O-22-17 was adopted.
“To Amend Section 151.025(A)(1)(a) of the Mariemont Code of Ordinances Relative to the Architectural Review Board and To Declare an Emergency” had a first reading. Mr. Hlad moved, seconded by Mr. Brown to suspend the rules to allow for the second and third readings. The ordinance had a second reading. Solicitor McTigue said that was a bit nit-picky reading of our ordinance but it helps to clarify that one member of the ARB needs to own a property in a historic district, not the historic district in which the board may be hearing a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness.
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Village Government
Mr. Wolter moved, seconded by Mr. Hlad, to go into executive session to discuss the coalition of municipalities within the State of Ohio to initiate formal legal action against the State of Ohio. Council went into executive session at 7:24 p.m. and back into Regular Session at 7:45 p.m.
“An Ordinance to Authorize the Mayor to Join a Coalition of Municipalities Retaining Special Counsel for Purposes of Initiating Litigation to Challenge the Constitutionality of Amendments to Chapter 718 of the Ohio Revised Code Relating to Municipal Tax and To Declare Emergency” had a first reading. Mr. Wolter moved, seconded by Ms. Schwartz, to suspend the rules to allow for the second and third reading. Ordinance No. O-24-17 was adopted.
Committee of the Whole – October 16, 2017
Vice-Mayor Marsland called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. to discuss plantings along Murray Avenue at Plainville Road and the proposed retaining wall on Mariemont Avenue. The following Council members were present: Mr. Brown, Mr. Hlad, Mr. Marsland, Ms. Palazzolo, Ms. Schwartz, and Mr. Wolter.
Mr. Marsland clarified that the discussion of the planting is for Murray Avenue median at Plainville by the new condominium. Council was given a plan design by Martin Koepke a few weeks ago by Rick Greiwe for an estimated cost of $8900.00. At this time the Village has many projects on its plate so funding may be an issue.
Mr. Rick Greiwe said the plan uses a row of yews, which grow fast to a height of three feet. It is similar to what is in front of the Mariemont Elementary School. The plan also calls for Winter King Hawthorn trees which are the same as the trees in the Village square. They grow to 15 feet high so they will fit within the Duke Energy requirements. The plan was designed with three objectives: 1. To beautify the entrance to the Village. 2. Mask the cars between the parking on Murray and the park and maintain the parking for the users of the Tennis Courts and 3. To use landscaping that is easy to maintain and fits the requirements of the corridor. The plans do accommodate a bike path if one gets built. If the funds are not available for the whole project he suggested just planting the bushes at this time and budgeting for the trees next year. There are three bids and the key is to pick a nursery that can replace the one or two plants that might die. If the
Village wants to use another vendor Mr. Koepke said he would volunteer his services to look at the plants in the nursery. He is asking the Village to use some of the Duke Restoration Project money and use it towards the north entry. There were written commitments from the Village. One being that the Village would repave and put drains in Murray Avenue. Engineer Ertel hired IBI to do a plan and it was determined that the Village did not own Murray Avenue. He is still trying to find money from somewhere to get the work done. He has been working with Columbia Township and asked the Village to work with them to find collaboration to get this work done. If one or the other could be done now he would prefer to have the bushes because you get more immediate impact. The taxus bushes were selected because they stay green all the time and they hide the cars.
Ms. Palazzolo asked what is the available funding. Mayor Policastro said we have approximately $18,000 left to finish the Murray median. The total that Duke Energy will give us is approximately $35,000. He was told by Warren Walker, Duke Energy Representative, that he did not know how the Village got Duke to contribute the money as other towns received nothing. Mayor Policastro said some of the money has been used to plant some of the trees in the corridor and in the Spring Hill area which had their trees clear cut as well.
Ms. Louise Schomburg, President of the Parks Advisory Board, said she has worked with Council member Schwartz to gather some ideas for the whole section of Murray. A straight line of plantings is not desired but to have a plan that is more decorative. In the past, there have been plants there that were always green and were a type of viburnum shrub. They were planted along the Bluff when we had the landslide and they grew quickly. There are several types of viburnum which grow to fifteen feet in various shapes. They grow quickly, have fall coloring but do lose leaves in the winter. One concern with anything planted in that area is that vehicles do not stay on the road. The other recommendation she had was for a burning bush which comes in different heights and grow in a vase like shape. Some grow to ten feet and have vibrant red leaves in the fall. She looked for plants that will look decent and will grow well and will not be high in maintenance. They are used to break a view and create a boundary line. In her opinion these would be less expensive but she has not had time to talk with any nursery. Trees could be planted behind either plant. She said she would be happy to work with
Superintendent Scherpenberg to price out both type of plants. In her opinion, Yew trees while very hardy also require high maintenance.
Mr. Troy Hawkins, 3817 Homewood Road, said he hopes that the work will continue along Murray towards Settle. He would like to see the bike path extended and asked if it was possible to use landscape funds.
After further discussion, it was agreed that Council liked the plan as a whole but wanted some alternative ideas for plantings. It was recommended that Ms. Schomburg and Superintendent Scherpenberg work with Mr. Koepke to come up with a good design plan with sustainability on a budget that would allow the village to do some of the work this year and budget for some planting next year. Mayor Policastro said the budget for this year is really zero right now.
Mr. Marsland said the second agenda item for discussion is the Whiskey Creek hillside/ Mariemont Avenue GSI proposal. He has tried to contact Suneisis and Terracon and he is not getting any response whatsoever relative to getting additional bids. We do have the solid bid from GSI with a five-year warranty for $167,000. Mr. Brown said he did receive an email from Suneisis with a bid price of $200,000.
Mr. Marsland said that Mr. Luken e-mailed Mr. Johnson with GSI to clarify the urgency of the project. He indicated on their three-tier system: critical needs to be done immediately, urgent needs to be done soon, or not of immediate concern. This project rates urgent. Mr. Luken said his conversation with Mr. Johnson indicated that Mr. Johnson’s recommendation is that the work be done before the end of 2017.
Initial discussion focused on the need to complete the project and it was unanimously recommended that GSI perform the work. Concern was raised over the drain pipe centered on said hillside that shunts water from downspouts at 6610 Mariemont Avenue and whose responsibility it is to mitigate the drainage before the initiation of the project. The timing of payment for the completed project was also discussed. Mariemont has the funds available in the General Fund to pay for the project, but the preferred method of payment is from the Permanent Improvement Fund that is replenished shortly after the first of the year.
Alliance Integrative Medicine Offers a Holistic View of Health
By Delta Crabtree
As we prepare for the arrival of the new year, many of us make resolutions or set goals to improve our health—both physical and mental. It seems that many in our Mariemont community have already discovered Alliance Integrative Medicine, located at 6400 E. Galbraith Rd. in Kenwood, as a resource for mind and body wellness. Established in 1999, AIM, as many call it, has been empowering patients and transforming health through personalized, preventative, proactive wellness plans based on the principles of Transformative Medicine.
AIM doctors and therapists use the best in conventional and alternative therapies to treat the body as a whole. Rather than simply treating symptoms with medication, the goal is to discover the “why” and address the causes. Many patients seeking treatment at Alliance are dealing with auto-immune deficiencies, chronic pain, or
in a broad sense have not had success with the conventional medical approach and are looking for other options and solutions.
As we enter the holiday season, most of us tend to overindulge as well as make not-so-good food choices. Once the new year arrives, our attention often turns to weight loss and better nutrition. But good “gut health” is important year ‘round. A large component of our body’s health is related to the state of our gastrointestinal tract, commonly known as our gut. The gut bacteria perform many important functions, including aiding our immune system, providing the feelgood brain chemical serotonin, making energy available to the body from the food we eat, and disposing of foreign substances and toxins.
Alliance has recently added registered, licensed dietitian and nutritionist Elizabeth DeJulius to the team. Liz specializes in providing nutrition interventions to treat autoimmune disease, food sensitivities and allergies, picky eating, and weight management. Through functional medicine approaches, Liz has been able to successfully help patients of all ages combat problems such as intestinal permeability and gut flora imbalances to begin a more comfortable, nourished life. With a personal interest in culinary knowledge, Liz provides meal plans that are medically effective and taste good.
Beginning in January, Liz will be offering group weight loss classes. The groups meet weekly for 12 weeks. Group weight loss classes can be very beneficial as they offer a solid support system. The interaction during the meetings may also help relieve some of the stress associated with weight loss. Knowing that you are not alone
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experiencing anxiety or stress brought on by weight problems may help you cope with them.
I encourage you to check out Alliance’s website at http://myhealingpartner.com to learn about all of the treatments and services they offer. Let’s greet the new year with strategies and tools to become our best selves!
Treatments offered include:
ACE Healing Treatment™
Combining Medical Acupuncture, Chiropractic, and Energy Healing, the ACE Healing Treatment™ is their most popular and highly regarded wellness offering.
Medical Acupuncture
Alliance is Cincinnati’s leading physicianled acupuncture practice. Alliance Integrative Medicine has the largest staff of doctor-led medical acupuncturists in Cincinnati.
Advanced Allergy Therapeutics (AAT)
AAT offers a unique, non-invasive, and highly effective approach to treating the many symptoms associated with environmental and food allergies and sensitivities. AAT is a precision-based therapy that treats the organ
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systems involved in your body’s overreaction.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is an essential component of the integrative medical approach at Alliance Integrative Medicine. Chiropractic is a natural form of healthcare that uses gentle and careful adjustments of your body’s joints and spine to correct misalignments and restore proper nerve function, helping your body to heal naturally.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique usually performed by a chiropractor or licensed massage therapist. Through a light holding of the skull and sacrum and barely detectable movements, the technique is thought to affect the pressure and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord as well as the attached bones, including the cranium (bones of the skull, face, and mouth) and down the spine to the tailbone.
Functional Medicine
All the physicians at Alliance Integrative Medicine are experienced practitioners of functional medicine. Patient-centered,
integrative, and science-based, functional medicine focuses on the origins, prevention, and treatment of complex chronic diseases.
Medical Massage Therapy
Alliance Integrative Medicine has been a pioneer in the effort to bring the healing benefits of medical massage into the practice of conventional medicine. While massage is commonly regarded as a spa-based luxury, more and more research supports the opinion held by Alliance Integrative Medicine for many years: Massage helps us heal.
