Whiz Kids Mentors Mariemont’s Youngest Learners
By Pete McBride & Suzy Weinland
“Tutoring has the power to boost children’s academic scores, create strong readers and improve confidence. But our volunteers become so much more than tutors. They become mentors, friends and positive role models that change the lives of children beyond the classroom.” – City Gospel Mission
Whiz Kids, a community outreach service sponsored by City Gospel Mission, provides tutoring for 1,100 at-risk children at 58 locations in Greater Cincinnati. It is a literacy-based, one-to-one tutoring and mentoring program that has been recognized as a “Best Practice Program” by the Ohio Governor’s office.
Working closely with local churches and organizations, local Whiz Kids groups embrace a neighborhood public elementary school, develop relationships with school administrators, and provide tutors for the children.
In 2016, Mariemont Elementary (ME) School principal Ericka Simmons reached out to Jamie Keyes, who is the school’s administrative assistant, and her husband, Village Church of Mariemont Pastor Todd Keyes, to ask if their church and community members would have an interest in sponsoring a Whiz Kids program at ME.
“Erika had seen the positive impact Whiz Kids had on students at the school where she used to teach, and wanted to bring that offering to Mariemont students,” said Jamie.
Jamie is the site coordinator for the ME Whiz Kids program and leads a group of
volunteer mentors and around 10-15 students in grades 1-3 who have been recommended for the program by their teachers and ME reading specialists. Tutoring is one-onone, and the more tutors there are, the more students who can be mentored.
Tutoring sessions take place right after school for about one hour each week. According to Jamie, so far students are increasing their reading by at least two levels throughout the school year. And while the group’s main emphasis is helping to strengthen the students’ reading skills, mentors are also there to provide encouragement and support for kids who may also be struggling with school in general.
afternoon session – of course that is after their snacks, which are provided by the tutors.
“We want them to know that we have confidence in them and that we are there to help them reach their greatest potential,” she said.
Jamie’s husband, Pastor Todd, serves as a tutor as well as the coordinator for the mentor team. Jack Smith, long-time friend of the Mariemont City School District and experienced mentor/tutor, shares character building lessons, entitled “Winners Walk Tall,” with the students at the beginning of each Whiz Kid Wednesday
When asked what the biggest challenge is, Jamie chuckled, “Meeting at 3:20, when the kids have just finished putting in seven hours at school!” But, on the flip side, she adds that the most cherished successes are when “the lights go on in kids’ heads when they have a breakthrough in their reading. Also seeing the incredible bonds of friendship that are created between the tutors and students.”
Jamie gives a nod to the Whiz Kids’ parents, who she said have been very supportive. “Some of our families are doing the best they can to work hard to provide for their families, and sometimes that means extra time to help with their kids’ homework or practice reading is not a luxury. But to know there are adults who want to help their students to become better readers and better students, means the world to the parents.”
Whiz Kids mentor Pete McBride shares a book and some laughs with an ME student.
With the passage of the operating and permanent improvement levies on November 6, 2018, voters showed their commitment to maintaining the excellence that de nes the Mariemont City S chool District.
For two years leading up to the ballot issue, the school district engaged the community in a variety of ways to help all stakeholders understand our schools’ needs if we were to “Maintain Excellence ” During the fall, the district hosted “A Celebration of Excellence” at its annual State of the S chools Address. And now the district transitions into a period of “Building on Excellence,” a time to take the already established excellence in our schools and build on it with
the Mariemont Hig h S chool Facility Project.
In an e ort to keep the community, sta and students informed with the latest facility project information, Mariemont City S chools will be periodically rolling out a Hard Hat Update to share up-to-date news and notes. Hard Hat Updates will include FAQs, news releases, video inter views, renderings and more and will be disseminated whenever there is new information to share
Hard Hat Update information, as well as all Building on Excellence updates, can be found on the district’s website and social media platforms
I also want to invite all community members to join us for the special
Groundbreaking Ceremony as we begin construction on Mariemont Hig h S chool e ceremony will take place on May 30 at 6:30 p.m. and will be immediately followed by an open house and the community ’ s last chance to walk the halls of the current hig h school.
It is a ver y exciting time for the Mariemont City S chool District!
The
Club
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Schools
Behind the Curtain of MHS’s Cinderella
By Kate Overbey
Mariemont High School is presenting Cinderella for its annual musical this year. The musical takes the stage on March 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and March 17 at 2 p.m. in the MHS Auditorium. On opening night, the town of Mariemont will get a front row seat to Cinderella, but there is much more to its production then meets the eye.
Cinderella follows the classic fairytale of servant girl Cinderella, played by Senior Chloe Shenton. Shenton will be joined on stage by senior Emelia Ranalli, playing Madame, as well as senior Anna Eberlin, junior Gabby Tollefson, and junior Shannon Renner playing Marie, Gabriella, and Charlotte.
“Cinderella goes to the ball and she falls in love with the prince. That’s me,” said senior Jacob Cox, who will play Prince Charming.
The musical this year is very special in that it is partly student-led and studentrun. Each section of the cast has their own distinct part.
Senior Avery Brinkman has responsibility over lights and sound for the fourth year, and also is in charge of teaching the underclassmen all the tricks. “Everything in the light and sound booth is student-run. None of the teachers really know how to run it, so it is dependent upon whoever is in charge to teach the knowledge to the underclassmen to carry it on over the years,” said Brinkman.
Chris Wood, a junior at MHS, is in charge of makeup this year. “I’m leading the makeup crew this year. Because it’s such a bigger show, I think it’s going to be a lot more makeup intense, opposed to last year where everyone played a normal person. This year it’s all fantasy and fun,” said Wood. He is a tri-act as the head of makeup, the Giant, and an ensemble member.
Brinkman is similarly excited about the musical choice. “I’m really excited that we’re doing Cinderella this year. I think it gives us a huge amount of creative options for lighting and effects,” he said.
Senior Sydney Messner, a four-year member of the musical, is the leader of marketing and publicity. She is tasked with designing music outreach events and creating the marketing materials for Cinderella.
“I’m excited to be large and in charge,” said Messner.
“The message of the show is ‘to be kind.’ We are trying to get that message across, and inspire the audience to be kind
as well,” said Messner. “I also want people to know that it’s happening so they come and see it to support their friends and classmates in the musical.”
Each section of the cast has a unique responsibility. While Messner brings others into the show, Brinkman is busy with perfecting the perception of the show.
“There’s also a lot that goes into [controlling the lights]. We not only decide what it will look like, but we have to program it into our control board and hang over the sides of the catwalks to actually move the lights,” said Brinkman. “It’s a unique job and if it’s done well, you’ll barely notice it. If anything about it
is wrong, it can ruin everything.”
Similarly, senior Molly Sharp is on the other side of the curtain as stage manager, handling the ins-andouts of cast and crew. “Not only do I help direct the stage crew members, but I have to make sure members of the cast are in their correct spots with the correct props from the moment they step off stage to when they reenter,” said Sharp.
In order to practice what they preach, the cast of Cinderella is organizing an outreach event at Mariemont Public Library to help spread kindness. The cast is going to host one of the reading events, where teens and adults read books to children to help inspire curiosity and love of fiction in them. The outreach event will be on Saturday, March 9. The time is TBD.
“The library event is part of our marketing and publicity campaign. We thought it would be a good idea
Schools
to do the library event because we can pour into kids in the Mariemont community, and they can get a small preview of the show. Hopefully, they will go home feeling fulfilled and excited about the show, and then go see it,” said Messner.
This year the message of the musical is also tied into the culture of the cast. “I’m also excited for the cast this year. There’s a ton of new people and people from the fall play, which I think will give it exciting new energy,” said Brinkman.
The yearly rotation of the cast gives a new perspective, according to Messner. “Since it’s a different cast every year, the dynamics of every cast change so much. The lasting friendships of people who are already there merge with the new friendships. It’s really cool to see those new relationships grow too.”
Chloe Shenton and Jacob Cox rehearse a leap during their dance scene.
Village
New Mariemont Police & Fire Program Helps Keep Pets Safe
By Rick Hines, Mariemont Police Chief
What would happen to your pets if there was a house fire while you were not at home? If you were home, would you put your family at risk trying to rescue your pets instead of retreating outside to safety?
Mariemont Police and Fire Departments have started a program to help keep residents’ pets safe in the event of an emergency. Window decals are now available to alert first responders to the presence of pets in your home during an emergency. Should your pet(s) need rescuing,
first responders will do all they can to get them to safety. The fire department even has an oxygen mask made specifically for reviving animals. The mask was obtained at no cost through a partnership with the Invisible Fence Company.
While the safety of our residents will always be the first priority, we know that pets are part of the family, and we want to protect them, too! Please stop by the Police Department, inside the Village Administrative Building at the corner of Crystal Springs and Wooster Pike, to pick up a decal. Place it on a window in your home where it can easily be seen by the first responders. Make sure to indicate on the decal
the type and number of pets that are in your home. We want to make sure that your pets get out safely.
When asked what one word she would choose to describe the ME Whiz Kids group, Jamie said, without hesitation, “AMAZING!! I am amazed at how hard our students
work each week to improve their reading skills. Amazed at the level of integrity and character of the tutors who so graciously give of their time and selves to impact the Whiz Kid students. Amazed at the level of connection between an adult and child when genuine care and concern are the motivating
factor for our sessions. It is such a blessing to be a part of ME’s ‘WK’ team.”
Mariemont Whiz Kids is seeking donations towards snacks, administrative help to prepare the paper books used each week (and filing them for future use), and of course always welcomes more tutors/mentors to join the team.
“Our main recruitment for tutors starts at the beginning of each school year, but we also need substitutes throughout the year”
If you would like to help support the lifechanging efforts of Mariemont Elementary Whiz Kids, please contact Jamie Keyes at jamiekeyes6@gmail.com.
Whiz Kids (cont'd from page 1)
By Margaret Jevic
Spring is Composting Time
As the grey days of winter become fewer and farther between, we’ll all start to venture outside again, open up the windows, and perhaps return to digging and planting in the garden. Familiar springtime rituals are just around the corner, but have you thought about adding one more fun extracurricular activity to your regimen? Composting is getting more buzz these days as people learn how easy it is to do themselves, and how beneficial it is for garden beds (not to mention, the planet).
Mariemont residents dropped off 391 lbs of broken holiday lights for recycling in December, and nearly 320 lbs of used batteries between September 2018 and February 2019.
the end for your composting questions to be answered.
On Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m., Sustainable Mariemont will be hosting a guest speaker from the Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District for an hour-long seminar focusing on the basics of backyard composting. Participants will learn how to balance a compost bin, what materials are compostable, as well as some troubleshooting. There will be ample time at
All registered participants will receive a free kitchen collector, a composting handbook, and an “I ♥ Compost” magnet. Registration for the event is required. Visit hamiltoncountyrecycles.org, click on “Composting Seminars”, and scroll down to fill out the registration form – make sure to select the Mariemont seminar at The Barn.
WOMEN ARE NOT JUST SMALL MEN.
Concierge Primary Care and Women’s Health
If you don’t have Internet access, you can call 946-7766 to register. If you have any questions, feel free to email Sustainable Mariemont at SustainableMariemont@gmail.com.
Great Job Recycling, Mariemont!
Sustainable Mariemont collected 320 lbs. of used batteries between midSeptember and mid-February, saving them from landfills! Prior to that, 400 lbs. of used batteries were collected over a 7.5 month period. In addition, we recycled 391 pounds of holiday light strands this year!
Sustainable Mariemont is run by volunteers who sign up for one-week shifts to check bins at our two drop-off locations at Ace Hardware and Mariemont Elementary School, and deliver items to designated recycling centers.
If you would like to help, please contact Margaret Jevic at sustainablemariemont@gmail. com.
Spring4Life Event Supports Youth Mental Health and Wellness
1N5 is excited to host the 4th-annual Spring4Life evening event on April 6th at 7p.m. at the contemporary and artistic Summit Hotel. The event will feature delicious fare, live music, a storytelling series, an open bar, along with numerous opportunities to support evidencebased mental health education programs in area schools.
The evening will kick off with a message from Executive Director and Mariemont resident Nancy Eigel-Miller, followed by a storytelling series from community members. 1N5 will then proceed to a live auction, with silent auction items available as well. All proceeds from the event support 1N5’s work to implement individualized, holistic evidencebased mental health and wellness education programs in area schools.
Last year’s event sold out early and raised enough funds to support eight local schools, allowing 1N5 to work with each school’s administrators, students, and parents to create a customized, long-term, evidence-based mental health education plan. Additionally, funds raised benefitted Surviving the Teens— Adapting for Life, a Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center program, which has helped over 70,000 teens and their families facing the threats of mental illness. Support
from 1N5 allowed for the program to be redesigned and now follows a new model, ADAPT, an engagement method that enables students to find better ways of coping during difficult times, so they may lead healthier lives. 1N5’s support allowed for this program to grow from serving 24 schools to 75 area schools increasing the reach to 13,000 students each year.
“We are excited to host our Spring4Life event again this year at The Summit Hotel,” said Eigel-Miller. “The past growth of this event really shows that our community supports the necessary changes we must make to stop the stigma around mental health conditions that prevent so many youth from getting the treatment they need and deserve. We know that earlier intervention leads to better outcomes, but students must be educated on mental illness and mental wellness in order to truly thrive both academically and personally.”
1N5 was inspired by the statistic that one in
five teens and adults suffer from mental illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year suicide takes about 6,159 young lives, making it the second leading cause of death in children ages 10-24. Ninety percent of those that die by suicide had an underlying mental health condition, according to National Institute of Mental Health. 1N5 works to promote optimal mental health for all Greater Cincinnati youth through stigma reduction and customized, evidencebased education so that we live in a world without suicide. 1N5 partners with parents, students, and schools to develop a customized mix of educational tools and evidence-based programming. This programming aims to educate students on the signs and symptoms of mental illness, necessary coping skills, how to identify when action is needed, and the services available. Since its origin in 2008, 1N5 expanded programs to 22 area schools and five universities reaching over 91,000 young people in 2018.
To register for Spring4Life, go to www.1N5. org/events. Student tickets are $25, individual tickets are $100, and a table for up to 10 individuals is $2,500.
For more details about mental health programs, events, and donating to 1N5, please go to www.1N5.org.
The Mariemont Memorial 5K is Back!
Looking to kick off the unofficial start of summer on the right foot?
The Mariemont Memorial Day Weekend 5K race is returning this year! More details to come, but in the meantime, if you are interested in helping plan the race, please reach out to new chairs Ali Alurovic at shewmon.8@gmail.com or Dan Hoying at dhoying@gmail.com.
Condominium Lifestyle Adds to Mariemont’s Uniqueness Village
By Patti Sibcy
It is about that time of year — yes, spring! We have had glimpses of the sunshine and warmth to come. On those few days so far, it’s been wonderful seeing our neighbors back out and about taking advantage of the weather. Our Village sidewalks have been filled with joggers, walkers, strollers, and families enjoying each other and our special community.
The benefits of living in a neighborhood that promotes walkability is evident around every corner in Mariemont. Every tree-lined street and every welcoming greenspace. Our theater, restaurants, retail, library, parks, and hotel combine to create a vibrant town atmosphere, and they’re the type of features that attract all ages and lifestyles. Locally and nationally, it’s a trend that continues to grow.
The real estate industry continues to see an increasing desire for communities with abundant services and recreation. The nationwide trend of people moving from city to suburb has been
reversing. From young to old, people want access to a town without having to get in the car — especially with empty nesters. More and more, they’re looking toward cities for their next move. Many forgo the yard and maintenance of a house for the freedom of the condo lifestyle.
It’s that very trend that prompted the concept for Jordan Park ten years ago. As the first residential condominium built by Greiwe
Development Principal Rick Greiwe, along with partners North American Properties and Sibcy Cline, its success prompted the subsequent developments of Emery, Nolen, Livingood, and
finally Hampstead Park, for a total of five “Parks.”
The grand opening for Hampstead Park, on the south side of Mariemont square and across from historic Albert Place, will be May 15, 2019. Its opening brings the total number of condos built by Greiwe and partners to 120 residences for an approximate $100 million dollar investment.
From outset, Greiwe knew the luxury developments would become part of the indelible tapestry of our historic Village. That knowledge drove the decision to follow Mary Emery’s vision and original plans for Mariemont as well as establishing a commitment to uphold the architectural integrity of the town in each building. The end result would be five projects created with high quality materials and an aesthetic that blends seamlessly into our beautiful village.
Residents and visitors alike know of Mariemont as a very charming, unique place. And as we well know, new construction runs the risk of spoiling a community — especially one as well planned and thoughtful as ours. Starting with the frustration and unpleasantness construction brings for neighbors and potentially resulting in a final product that doesn’t reflect our values. However, the addition of 120 new residents to Greiwe’s condo communities has made a positive economic impact for Mariemont. The news owners’ need for services, businesses and recreation opportunities serves to enrich resources for all of us.
New tax dollars from projects like these are essential to Mariemont’s stability and growth. Our ever-changing square requires improvements to help our community thrive. Financial stability is important to our housing market. While we can’t expand our Village’s geographic footprint, we can continue to beautify and elevate it.
Hampstead Park, in conjunction with Mariemont’s other condo options, do just that.
Patti Sibcy
Hampstead Park
Schools
Kindergarten Registration for 2019-20 Now Open
Kindergarten registration is now open for both Mariemont Elementary and Terrace Park Elementary for the 2019-20 school year. Both schools will be holding Kindergarten Registration Night at 6:30 p.m.
Your Best Home (cont'd from page 9)
Together, they provide prospective buyers with a wide range of price, size and location choices. Those at the top of that list include:
Spring Hill, which is about 30 years old, has 32 residences in a town house style. The last several years have seen much improvement in the maintenance of these buildings and grounds. Their setting and architecture are unique in Mariemont and the city of Cincinnati. Values have risen and demand for them is high.
Windsor Square, with its central location and fair pricing, is a popular option. It has been around longer than Spring Hill and enjoys quick turnovers with appreciation. The prices of its approximately 30 units top out in the $120,000s.
Mariemont Landing has condominiums that sell well. They don’t come on the market often, but when they do, they go quickly.
A condo conversion has happened in a few of the historic four-family homes on the square.
on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. This meeting is for parents AND kindergarten students and serves as a time to turn in the required documentation for enrollment, sign up for your child’s kindergarten screening, meet and interact with kindergarten teachers, visit the kindergarten classrooms, learn about the curriculum and ask questions.
Please note that in order to enroll in kindergarten, your child must turn five years old on or before September 30, 2019.
Prior to Kindergarten Registration Night parents must complete an online registration
Some are investor-owned, but most are owner occupied. They all sell into the $200,000s
These various condos represent and define our community and its diversity. And it’s that diversity that makes our community healthy and vigorous. From single-family homes to condominiums and apartments, the common denominator of all of their residents is an inherent desire to enjoy a walkable, amenity-
process by following the steps listed on the Mariemont City School District website. If you are unable to attend Kindergarten Registration Night, please complete the registration process and bring all necessary paperwork and documentation to Julie Nerl in the Central Registration office (Mariemont Junior High – 3847 Southern Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45227).
Should you have any further questions, contact your school office:
• Mariemont Elementary: 513-272-7400
• Terrace Park Elementary: 513-272-7700
rich community.
The state of our housing market is strong. Resale values of our Village’s condos are good. Throughout Cincinnati, many new projects have attempted to duplicate the success we’ve seen here, but it’s proving to be a difficult bar to reach. From our excellent schools to our unmatched amenities, our achievements aren’t easily replicated. As they say, “it takes a village.” So true.
By Kim Beach
Parkway Automotive: Driven by Serving Others
Joe Brewer grew up in OTR where he was raised by his aunt and uncle. His uncle, Russell Timpton, ran a garage there and Joe worked with him following his graduation from Taft High School. After Russell passed away in May of 1987, Joe opened his own business, Parkway Automotive, in June 1987. Joe’s business flourished for 31 years on Central Parkway downtown until change came knocking on his door (or kicking on his door would be more appropriate).
The Queen City’s soccer team, FC Cincinnati, had been granted an MLS franchise and the team was going to be building a new stadium in the vicinity of Parkway Automotive. The shop had to find a new home. Joe said FC Cincinnati was very generous in their assistance with his move and he credits his landlord (Susan at PJC Inc.) for being instrumental in making the transition less difficult.
When Joe began searching for a new location, he looked all over Greater Cincinnati. He scouted locations in the west side, northern Cincinnati, and finally the east side. He chose his Fairfax location because of
“the community atmosphere” and the feeling of “hometown” that resonates in the area. He shared that “Fairfax had been very welcoming” and he even had a visit from a local policeman who came in and introduced himself and promised to keep an eye on the new shop. “Mac’s Pizza has also been very good to us and we are so happy to have them as a neighbor,” Joe said.
Parkway Automotive moved into their location at 6310 Wooster Pike in September 2018 and began remodeling and upgrading the location. Their red, white and blue signage went up, and they opened for business shortly after. Joe is excited to get to know area residents and businesses while becoming part of the local community. His idea of success is in serving people. He “likes to take care of people” and feels this is an important part of his business. The shop currently has four employees, and Joe’s son, Joey, also works with him part-time.
When asked about hobbies, Joe told me that “owning the shop is my hobby.” He also likes to attend NASCAR races and is an avid
reader of self-development and marketing/ management business books. Traveling to family reunions in Tennessee is important to Joe, and the Smoky Mountains are one of his favorite places to visit. Joe’s family includes his wife Lynn, of 36 years, four children and one grandchild. A dog named Kylo (Star Wars) and a cat named Nala (Lion King) complete the Brewer clan.
His favorite spot in the new neighborhood? “Mac’s Pizza, of course,” Joe responded. “They have been so friendly to us and I love the Don Pizza.” He is very optimistic about the new opportunity Parkway Automotive has in Fairfax and hopes local residents will stop in with their automotive needs. As Joe explained, “If you have a trustworthy mechanic that you have a good relationship with, stick with him. If not, please give us a try. We have over 31 years of experience and are here to serve you.”
Welcome to the neighborhood Parkway Automotive! Please stop by at 6310 Wooster Pike or give Joe a call at 513-241-5655.
Joe Brewer, owner of Parkway Automotive
Village
What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library - March
Children
Movers & Shakers — 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Bring the little ones in for stories, songs, and dancing as they learn about the Library. Ages 1-4.
Library Babies 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Have fun, meet other parents and babies, and promote early literacy! Ages 6-18 months.
Tales to Tails — 4 p.m. Thursday, March 14
Read a story to Bonny the therapy dog. Ages 5-10.
Crafty Kids — 4 p.m. Thursday, March 14
Make and take a fun craft. Ages 5-10.
Family Pajama Storytime — 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26
Enjoy stories, songs, and activities—in your jammies! All ages.
Teens
Tween Hot Chocolate Book Club — 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 19
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli Ages 10-14. Registration required.
Adults
Which Craft? Needle Craft Club — 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, March 2 & 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 — 6:45 p.m. Thursday, March 28
We will discuss The Secret Wife by Gill Paul. Copies will be available at the branch.
Library hours are noon to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Mariemont Branch Library 3810 Pocahontas Ave. 513-369-4467
JAMES T. WESTERFIELD, D.V.M. 6892 Murray Avenue • (513) 561-0020
Community
Award-Winning Theater in Our Own Back Yard!
By Dan Maloney, VP-Production, Mariemont Players Inc.
Have you ever wondered about the old school house at the corner of Walton Creek and Muchmore roads? It’s such an incredible building to drive past, but what goes on there?
Believe it or not, it’s home to our own community theater! Mariemont Players, Inc. (MPI) is one of the oldest and most successful community theaters, not just in Cincinnati, but in the entire state!
Currently performing their 82nd consecutive season of live theater, MPI started as a church group and purchased the historic Plainville Schoolhouse in 1960 – transforming it into the Walton Creek Theater.
With six productions a year, ranging from comedies to musicals to mysteries and dramas, MPI’s all-volunteer actors and directors deliver high-quality, award-winning theater at affordable prices. Audience members are treated like family, and they keep coming back season after season to enjoy some of the best live entertainment around!
Each show runs thirteen performances over three weekends, and every opening night includes a post-show “meet the cast” reception. The group recently finished renovating their auditorium complete with new, more comfortable seating and a Hearing Loop system for those with hearing difficulties. In addition, the building is handicap accessible and includes free parking in the lot beside the building.
Coming up this spring and summer, be sure not to miss:
Outside Mullingar – This rom-com/
drama set in rural Ireland explores with poetic passion two introverted misfits and their journey to find some kind of happiness. Show dates are March 8-24.
Out of Sterno – This comedy is a comingof-age play set in an Alice in Wonderland-like world that explores the triumph and heartbreak of growing up as well as the societal pressures women face just trying to make it across town. Show dates are May 10-26.
Grease – Relive the high romance of past “Summer Nights” with Danny Zuko, Sandy Dumbrowski, and the rest of the gang in this rollicking musical that became the soundtrack of a generation. Show dates are July 12-28.
To order tickets or subscriptions, call Betsy at 684-1236 or purchase online at mariemontplayers.com. Ticket prices are $20 general admission, $15 student. The MPI season runs from September-July.
Walton Creek Theater
By Fran Turner
Village Garden Club to Host Lecture on Bulbs
The Garden Club will come out of hibernation on Wednesday, March 6. We will meet at 1 p.m. at The Barn to hear Brian Jorg speak on “Bringing up Bulbs.” Brian is the Manager of the Native Plant Program at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden and is an experienced lecturer and teacher. It will be an interesting program about bulbs, the easiest plants to grow!
On April 3, also at 1 p.m. at The Barn, Jason Neumann from the Cincinnati Nature Center will be speaking on “Dandelions: Panacea or Plague.” I can’t wait for the “Panacea” part!
Also in April, on Wednesday the 17th at 6:30 p.m., Kathy Edelon will be speaking on “Bats in the Barn.” Kathy is the Founder of EchoBats, Inc. We are having this program in the evening so that anyone who cannot come during the day can see what the Garden Club is all about. If you have children who would enjoy the program, please call Karen Berkich at 271-3612.
To keep you up-to-date in plant fashions, the
magazine of The American Horticultural Society, January/ February edition, has articles on the growing popularity of succulents, house plants in general, waterwise plants, and native plants.
Succulents come in amazing varieties, and it is fun to buy several and plant them together in an eye-catching arrangement. You do need special soil for them so buying the plants already arranged may be the best option. Native plants are a really good investment because they know how to grow in our climate so they last longer! They also attract butterflies and beneficial insects.
Cemetery. They are closed now, but certainly worth a visit in the Spring. Their website gives good instructions on what information you need to bring to a nursery when you want to buy plants for your garden.
We are fortunate to have a nursery that specifically grows native plants—Keystone Flora Nursery at 5081 Wooden Shoe Hollow Le. It is off Winton Road, north of Spring Grove
Closer to home, Pipkins in Blue Ash (owned by Mariemont residents Steve and Kim Pipkin) also carries a nice selection of native plants.
Mark Your Calendar
Here are some upcoming events around the Village during March and April:
March 2 - ME Carnival from 4-7 p.m. at Mariemont Elementary
March 9 – The FAB Affair from 6-10 p.m. at The Summit Hotel. Visit mariemontschoolfoundation.org and click on the FAB Affair image at the top of the page.
March 10 - Daylight Savings starts March 15-17 - MHS Spring Musical Cinderella. For tickets, visit mariemonths. seatyourself.biz.
March 22-31 - Mariemont School District spring break
April 5 - MARIELDERS Italian Festival at the Fairfax rec Center from 5:30-9 p.m.
April 6 - 1N5’s Spring4Life Event at The
Summit Hotel. Go to www.1N5.org/events for tickets.
April 19 – Village Church of Mariemont
Good Friday services in Dogwood Park, 12 p.m. -12:30 p.m. Enjoy Carillon music for 15 minutes before and after the service.
An ocean of tulips on display at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
By Erin Kelly
Girl Scouts Spend Winter Bonding, Helping Others
On January 12, the Senior Girl Scout Troop 47773 had their annual mall movie night. The cold and snow were perfect for a day of troop bonding inside. They voted on movie choices and ended up watching the popular film Crazy Rich Asians. It was a funfilled night and is a tradition that is much anticipated each year.
On February 2, they went on a service trip to Matthew 25 where they covered the logos on donated shirts to ensure safety for the people that receive them. It was a great way to give back to the community.
On February 9, the girls went to a candy making class at Cincinnati Cake and Candy Supplies. It was a fun way to spend the afternoon and they were able to bring home an assortment of treats to share with their families.
It’s Cookie Season!
Girls Scouts have been working hard individually to sell cookies for the last couple of months and now it’s time to keep a lookout for booths! Boxes are $4 each; if you don’t want to buy cookies, many troops are also accepting donations that they will give to a charity of their choice.
Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls are able to tap into their inner leadership potential and use their earnings to fund amazing experiences for themselves and their troop, including travel and outdoor adventure. In addition, many girls put the money toward impactful local community projects. Buying cookies is a great opportunity to support your local Girl Scouts and help them develop valuable skills.
MariElders Features an Active Spring Calendar
By Kathy Chapman-Dick
Here is a list of some of the activities we are doing in March and April. Come join us!
Line Dancing
Thursdays at 2 p.m. at the Fairfax Recreation Center (5903 Hawthorne). Classes are one hour and led by dancer Kim Cafazo. Cost is $20 a month for members and $30 for non-members and must be paid in advance at the MARIELDERS. If you would like to try out a class, the first one is free.
Fiction Book Club
On Thursday, March 7 at 11:15 a.m. we will be reviewing the book, Girl Waits with Gun by Amy Stewart.
Great Decisions: Middle East
This structured discussion group meets monthly to talk about topics chosen and written by the Foreign Policy Association. This month we will be talking about the turmoil in the Middle East. The Trump administration has aligned itself with the strongmen in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, which along with Israel have a common goal of frustrating Iranian expansion. What will be the fallout from policy reversals such as withdrawing from the Iranian nuclear accord and moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem? If you are interested in this discussion join us on Wednesday, March 13 at 1 p.m. in the lower level of the Center.
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
We will be attending the performance of American in Paris and Ameriques on Friday, March 15 at 10 a.m. Cost is $25 a ticket and space is limited to 12. Reservation must be
made by March 11 at the Center’s front desk.
‘Just the Guys’ Trip
On March 21 the men’s group will be going to the Model T Museum in Richmond, Indiana. We will be leaving the Center at 9 a.m. Lunch will be at the Firehouse BBQ and Blues. Cost is $15 and space is limited, so sign up soon.
Lunch and Lecture: CPR and First Aid
Mariemont Firefighter/EMT Dan Copeland will be teaching a non-certified CPR class and basic first aid. This program will be held in lower level on Monday, March 25. Lunch will be served at 12 p.m., and the lecture starts at 1 p.m. Lunch and lecture is $5. Lecture ONLY is $1. Please sign up by March 18.
Non-Fiction Book Club
On Wednesday, March 27 at 11:15 a.m, we will be discussing the book, The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey by Rinker Buck.
Keenland Racetrack
Spend the day at the racetrack on April 17! We will be taking a Motor Coach with Anderson Senior Center, leaving the MARIELDERS at 9 a.m. and returning at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $65 for members and $70 for non-members and includes transportation, admission and reserved grandstand seating. Lunch is on your own. Space is limited so sign up soon at the MARIELDERS.
ITALIAN FESTIVAL - Everyone is Welcome
Our spring fundraiser will be held on Friday, April 5 from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Fairfax Rec Center. This year our music will be by Radio Personality Jim LaBarbara “The Music Professor.”
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ORTHODONTIST
Dr Edward J Wnek… extensive experience and education… a personal approach to each and every patient… and outstanding outcomes! For a beautiful healthy smile, contact us for your personal consultation at 513-271-5265, or visit us at www.wnekorthodontics.com. Edward J Wnek DDS,MS • Mariemont Square
Dinner includes spaghetti/ravioli with meatballs, salad, Italian Bread, dessert and drinks. There also will be a meatless option for lent. Wine and beer will be available for purchase. During the evening you may purchase tickets for our raffle baskets and split the pot.
Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Children under 12 are $6. Stop by the Center to purchase tickets.
6755 highland avenue cincinnati, ohio 45236 (513) 791-3282
www.osterwisch.com
Ohio License: 16334, 14921, 11981 Kentucky License: CE12931, HMO2565
By Kim Flick, Marielders Transportation Coordinator
Community Please Don’t Take My Car Keys
I’ll bet you can remember THE DAY when you first drove a car on your own. It almost felt like you had wings, right? Eventually you may be faced with giving up that privilege. That can be a huge adjustment late in life. Age related changes can affect vision, reflexes, memory, along with other health conditions and medications that impair driving performance.
Making the decision to transition away from driving is essential. Finding out after it’s too late can have devastating effects. Driving restrictions may be a good start:
• Avoid driving at night, rush hour and peak times like weekends.
• Don’t drive on the Interstates.
• Drive only in familiar places or within a certain radius of home.
• Limit distractions, avoid
conversations, and do not use the cell phone while driving.
• Use a network of alternative transportation. Perhaps family and friends can set aside time to drive to the places you need to go. Give Lyft and Uber a try, and take a friend along.
Did you know MARIELDER’S offersparatransit van. We can pick you up at your home and take you to health care providers and local businesses throughout Mariemont, Fairfax, Terrace Park and points in between. Call us to discuss your transportation needs at 271-5588.
For transportation outside of the MARIELDER’s van area, and if you have disabilities or other medical issues that keep you from being able to use the METRO bus, Cincinnati’s METRO services also include paratransit program. Contact METRO to find out more.
As for groceries and other shopping, these days most goods and services can be delivered right to your door.
Here are a few signs that you should stop driving completely:
• Having collisions or side-swiping when parking
• Running stop signs or stopping at green lights
• Getting lost often
• Hearing from friends who are concerned about your driving
• If you’re not sure about your driving skills, talk to loved ones, your physician, or your family attorney. Consider what could happen to your estate in the event of a serious accident. Could you be sued by a victim or the victim’s family?
Or, make an appointment with the Driver’s License Exam Station and take a written test, eye exam and road test. Driving evaluation programs are offered by Tri Health (513-569-6777) and Beyond Driving & Dignity through Deaconess (513-313-7115).
Driving has its drawbacks, like the cost of insuring, maintaining and operating a car. Maybe the freedom you used to feel as a motorist can become the freedom you will feel when you give up the stress of driving.
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
Artists, Activities & Flix
Readers Theatre Project: March 6
The Readers Theatre Project opens at The Barn on March 6 with a presentation of Win Wells’ Gertrude Stein and a Companion.
Stein is an insightful and often humorous conversation between two iconic figures of the 20th century arts world—Stein and Alice B. Toklas—beginning on the day of Stein’s funeral. Kimberly Daniel* will serve as Artistic Director. She will join friend Dale Hodges* for this reading.
The event begins at 7:00 p.m.
March ARTflix
- Rembrandt: March 14
The Barn, also known as The Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center Foundation invites the community to its monthly feature film entitled Rembrandt. This 85-minute film, made by London Film Productions in 1936, chronicles the life of 17th-century Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. It tells the story of an artist, known for his biblical interpretation on canvas as he experiences the lifestyles of both the wealthy and the poor in his search for artistic achievement.
Admission, door prizes and snacks are free. BYOB. To sign up, go to the Barn. cincyregister.com/artflix or call 513-272-3700.
The Barn welcomes walk-ins. The film starts at 7 p.m. Suggested donation is $5.
A Variety Puppet Show: March 16
Thanks to the talents of the The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and the generosity of The Mariemont Preservation Foundation, the Frisch Marionette Company, A Variety Puppet Show, is coming to the Barn on March 16.
Kevin Frisch’s puppets have appeared in People Magazine, the PBS Documentary entitled “The American Puppet,” and onstage with The Cincinnati Opera. They’ve also been featured in television commercials and shows such as Syfy Channel’s “2 Broke Girls,” and in the windows of downtown New York City. For the past five seasons, The Frisch Marionette Company has designed puppets for TCT’s MainStage productions at the Taft Theatre.
The event begins at 10 a.m. and is $5. To register, please go to artatthebar.org and go to “events.” Or call 513-272-3700.
Call for Artists: Deadline March 31
The Woman's Art Club of Cincinnati is accepting entries for its 126th Annual Juried Art Exhibition. The competition is open to women artists 18 years and older residing
in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana. The goal of this exhibition is to showcase and offer for sale exceptional works by female artists. All media except that which is created digitally is eligible.
Awards total more than $3,500. Best of Show Award — $1,500.
The exhibition, selected and judged by Jim Glover and Mark Gingerich, will focus on craftsmanship, color, and composition with an emphasis upon diversity in style and subject. Glover is a nationally recognized oil painter with 30 years of experience in wildlife illustration and graphic design for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Gingerich is a contemporary impressionist painter from Ohio. He is a founding member of the Ohio Plein Air Society and a signature member of the American Impressionist Society.
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Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
Entry Procedure: Up to two digital entries may be submitted at CallForEntry. org for jury consideration. Only one entry may be selected. The CaFÉ listing is titled “WACC 126th Exhibition of Women’s Art.” Entry deadline to receive images and fees is March 31, 2019. Accepted works must be hand delivered to the venue. More information and a link to our CaFÉ listing can be found on the Club website: womansartclub.com or tinyurl. com/126CAFE
• Exhibition Dates (Free and open to the public): May 10 - 26, 2019
• Opening Reception and Awards Presentation: Friday, May 10, 6 p.m.
• Closing Reception: Sunday, May 26, 1-4 p.m.
• Gallery Hours at The Barn: Weekends, 1-4 p.m.; Tuesdays – Fridays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
More information about The Barn at 513-272-3700 or online at artatthebarn.org/ the-barn
More information about the Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati at WomansArtClub.com
SAVE THE DATE - Paint-Out 2019: May 4
WACCCF welcomes plein air artists from around the Tri-State to participate in a springtime paint-out in Mariemont. Participants will have an opportunity to win cash and prizes for their work including Best of Show, First, Second, and Third places, as well as a few specialty categories—thanks to the generosity of the Helms Trust Fund, Damon and Melissa Powell, and Plaza Art of Montgomery.
Local artist Bruce Petrie will serve as judge.
The event begins on Friday evening, May 3 from 5-7 p.m. or Saturday, May 4 from 7-9 a.m., when artists may bring their blank canvases to The Barn so event staff may stamp them. Artists will then have until Saturday at 4 p.m. to submit them for competition. Paintings will hang until Sunday, May 12 in The Barn’s gallery where they will be available for purchase by the general public.
Entry Fee: $30, plus 30 percent commission to The Barn when it sells.
The Barn staff invites the public to attend the competition and show on May 4 from 6-8 p.m. Appetizers and wine au gratis.
Corner of Paradise: April 26
The Foundation presents PostImpressionist Paul Cezanne’s “Philadelphia Bathers” as its centerpiece for its annual fundraiser. This year features a wine-tasting event offered by Cincinnati’s finest sommelier, Kevin Hart of Hart and Cru, and a brief discussion by Dr. Richard Brettell from the University of Texas. Watch for more details in the next edition of Town Crier.
Classes for All
Drawing the Face and Hands with Charlie Berger: Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Skill Level - Intermediate, or Beginner with some experience. Graphite and charcoal. Each session with a professional model. Fee: $175 includes the model fee. Call 513-272-3700.
Mosaics with Sandy Caruso: Tuesdays, 6-9p.m. To sign up, go to the Art Academy Community Education page.
Pencil, Paint and Composition with Eileen McConkey: Tuesdays at Noon. 513801-7648 or Eileen.mcconkey@gmail.com.
Introduction to Creative Drawing and Painting with Dave Laug: Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. - noon. All levels. 513-831-5338 or dvdlaug@gmail.com.
WACC Open Studio: Tuesdays from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Free for members; $5 for nonmembers (Cash only, please.) No sign-up required.
WACC Open Model Sketch: First and Third Tuesdays, 1 – 4 p.m., $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Cash only. Deborah Ridgley at 513-259-9302.
Oil Painting with Jan Boone: Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:15 - 4:15 p.m. $20 per class. 513-7917044 or janwrites@fuse.net.
Acrylic Painting with Dave Laug: Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. – Noon and at 7 –10 p.m. dvdlaug@gmail.com or 513-885-5284.
Drawing and Painting: Thursdays with Mary Lou Holt. 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Through March 7. 513-226-3833 or marylou@ marylouiseholt.com.
Oil Painting with Jeff Morrow: Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. jeffmorrow@gmail. com or 937-267-6868.
Graduate Pastels with Ray Hassard: Second and final Fridays of each month. 12 - 3 p.m. 513- 941-1116.
Classes for Kids
Shadow Puppet Theatre with Christine Langford: Weds. from 4-5:30 p.m. Langfoc@ hotmail.com (type “Barn Registration” in subject line).
Drop In and Draw with Maria Bailey: Thursdays from 3:45-5 p.m. Grades 1-4, Free. The Barn.regfox.com/drop draw.
House fit for a Mouse with Maria Bailey: Fridays from 3:45-5 p.m. Grades 1-3. Requires Mail-In Enrollment or visit artatthearn.org. Scroll to classes.
Pinterest Palooza for Kids with Maria Bailey: Fridays from 3:45-5 p.m. Grades 6-8. Requires Mail-In enrollment or visit artatthebarn.org. Scroll to classes.
Art4Kids: Students will be introduced to a variety of art methods and techniques through hands-on projects designed to inspire the imagination and encourage creative thinking. This class will cover a range of materials, and is great for aspiring young artists. Ages 5 to 12. All materials provided. This class is offered by the Art Academy of Cincinnati. To register, call 561-6262.
Did you know…
Rembrandt painted his face in several pieces of art, such as The Stoning of Saint Stephen, Raising of the Cross, and possibly even The Night Watch?
Village Government
The following is a summary of most recent Village Council and committees’ meeting minutes. For full transcripts, please visit the Mariemont Village website at mariemont.org and search under “Agendas & Minutes.” To receive emailed minutes, contact Sue Singleton at ssingleton@mariemont.org or call 271-3246.
Regular Council Meeting 1-14-19
From December 2018: Mr. Brown commended Chief Hines and his department on the giving program they provided over the holidays, which helped several families in need and which Chief Hines said could not have happened without the generosity of local businesses and our officers.
From Louise Schomburg: The Parks Advisory Board met and discussed preserving the greenspace between Rembold and Hiawatha and making it a park so it stays an area for children to play, as part of the vision of Mary Emery. They suggested naming the area the “Interurban Trolley Line Park.” Mayor Policastro referred to the Health and Recreation Committee for the naming of the area, as it is already designated park land.
From Fiscal Officer Borgerding: An overestimation on the earnings tax was due to tax law changes, plus having an extra payroll and the Village paid Workers’ Comp premium making two payments in 2018. The difference between 2017 and 2018 in the receipts was for the loan for the Municipal Building Addition. $400,000 was brought in, and $223,000 was paid back to the State of Ohio. Fiscal Officer Borgerding said the balance (approximately $460,000) will be repaid over five years. Mr. Brown said he is hopeful to have the finishes to the addition completed within two weeks. He also talked with Dr. Tankersley about the arrangements to get the artifacts for display.
Mr. Jerry Vianello said he understands that Mr. Bartlett wishes to be considered for President Pro Tem of Council. He believes Mr. Bartlett lacks the necessary experience to do the job along with other concerns. He believes Mr. Bartlett’s behavior costs taxpayers money and cost this Council time.
Mr. Brown moved, seconded by Ms. Schwartz to nominate Mrs. Rankin as President Pro Tem of Council. Ms. Palazzolo moved, seconded by Mrs. Graves to table the election of President Pro Tem of Council until all members of Council are present. Mrs. Graves said she feels Mr.
Bartlett should be here to say why he should be nominated and have a chance for Council to have discussion. Mr. Brown said Ms. Palazzolo was made President Pro Tem when Council was down two Council people.
Solicitor McTigue said the motion to table takes precedence over the motion to nominate Mrs. Rankin. On roll call to table the motion: Two ayes, three nays (Mr. Brown, Mrs. Rankin and Ms. Schwartz). Motion failed. On roll call to elect Mrs. Rankin as President Pro Tem of Council: five ayes, no nays.
Mrs. Rankin moved, seconded by Ms. Schwartz to appoint Mr. Brown as Council representative on the Planning Commission. On roll call; five ayes, no nays.
Applications for Outstanding Citizen of the Year are to be turned in to Mrs. Van Pelt by Thursday, March 13, 2019.
Planning Commission Meeting 1-23-19
Mr. Vianello was voted in as chairman, Mr. Brown as vice-chairman, and Ms. Reed as Secretary of the Planning Commission for 2019.
The first request was from the Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center Foundation (WACCCF), 6980 Cambridge Ave, also known as The Barn, regarding revising the conditions of use for the Barn. The March 21, 2007 Planning Commission approved conditions of use was found at the Nov. 26, 2018 Village Council meeting to be inadequate in regard to facility use for parties and receptions. The primary concern is the noise level of some outdoor activities, especially at night after 9 p.m.
Mr. Rick Koehler spoke as Board Member with the WACCCF, which owns the property, offering new language regarding noise. In part it reads: “Outside music is permitted until 9:30 p.m. NO amplifiers are permitted outside. All music sources must face the building. Music after 9:30 p.m. must be played only inside the building. Gallery doors must be closed when music is played in the Gallery.” Village Ordinance states: “outdoor music shall not be significantly audible off premises.”
Mariemont Police patrols Cambridge Avenue during events and if nuisance noise persists, after a warning, they will shut the event down. The Barn claims there have not been any complaints from the neighbors since the Loft was completed
Council Representatives
Rob Bartlett robbartlettcouncil@gmail.com
Bill Brown wbrown1750@gmail.com
Avia Graves aviagraves@gmail.com
Maggie Palazzolo magpal00@gmail.com
Kelly Rankin kellrankincouncil@gmail.com
Mary Ann Schwartz maschwartz@mariemont.org
Mayor: Dan Policastro mayordan1@gmail.com
in the summer of 2018. There was discussion about having an off-duty officer at events, with Chief Hines saying it would cost approximately $55/hour. Chief Hines said he would recommend having an officer present when music is being played and alcohol is being served.
Mr. DeBlasio moved, seconded by Mayor Policastro, to accept the current language in the accepted conditional uses from the Planning Commission Meeting March 21, 2007 #8 “… or other activity at the facility”…would include events that include music and other types of events. In addition, the conditional use would be amended to add item #9 which will state “when music is played at such events a Mariemont off-duty Police Officer will be contracted by the renting party.” On roll call; five ayes, no nays.
The second request was from Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), to move curbing and change the size of the island in the center of Wooster Pike at the intersection of Indianview Ave. to increase the number of traffic lanes to two in each direction at the curve of the chicane. The purpose is to address sideswipe crashes and peak hour congestion from Mariemont Square to Walton Creek.
ODOT would like to do this as part of a resurface project on US-50 from Fairfax to Terrace Park in the summer of 2019. ODOT requests that the Village of Mariemont pass consent legislation to allow the work to be completed. The proposed change has a $30,000 construction cost that will be paid by ODOT. No new right-of way will be
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required and speed on US 50 could possibly reduce to 25 mph. The curb will shift 4.5 feet inward on the east end of the island.
The chicane was placed in the highway when the Village was designed to slow and improve safety as traffic exits the Village past the school section. The curve in the road (the chicane) and the granite curbing are both listed in historic documents as part of Mariemont’s original design. The State Historic Preservation Office’s feedback is that it does not appear to be a critical impact nor will it create negative impact to the National Historic Landmark designation.
ODOT representative Tom Arnold said the proposed modification will force drivers to travel slower at a design speed of 30 mph in order to stay in their lane. In addition, ODOT plans to complete a study that could potentially lower the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph. Field observations indicate lane utilization is significantly imbalanced resulting in inefficient traffic flow through the Pocahontas traffic signal.
Ingress/Egress to Indianview Avenue is anticipated to be similar to today. During times of heavy congestion, access to Indianview is
also available via traffic signals at Miami and Pocahontas. He encouraged those who want to learn more to visit the
Eastern Corridor website at www. easterncorridor.or or sign up for ODOT email updates on active construction projects at www. dot.state.oh.us . Residents can contact the ODOT District 8 Public Information Officer at 513-9336517 or DO8.PIO@dot.ohio.gov.
Residents as well as all Commission members either spoke about their concerns or asked questions regarding ODOT’s proposed changes. Comments included: that the new lane sizes (10’ or 11’ each) will be too narrow, causing drivers to get “squirrely” as they need to stay in tight lanes; that cars will still need to race up/slow down to jockey into one lane near the Inn; that this proposal is based on drivers going 25 mpg, which ODOT cannot promise at this time; that allowing removal of the original granite curbing and chicane, which John Nolen originally petitioned the State of Ohio for, continues to nibble away at our historic village; that the area should be brought down to one lane each way, with a turn lane in the middle, like Fairfax or Terrace Park; that why should Mariemont take the brunt of this traffic flow issue when Fairfax and Terrace Park both were allowed to go down to one lane; that residents would like to see 25 mph and sidewalk expansion on the south side of Wooster Pike; that crosswalk signage at Indianview and throughout the Village needs to be more “direct” vs. “suggestive; that we should try moving merge signage to better locations, such as at Spring Hill/ Kroger light going westbound and just after the elementary school area going eastbound before permanently changing lane numbers; that traffic is backed up through curve not BECAUSE OF the curve, and that a city planning concept called “induced demand” has proven that adding lanes increases traffic, and we do not want more traffic through our area; that we already have four lanes at Petoskey and Wooster so it wouldn’t be any different; that it would likely relieve the racing ahead to avoid the bottlenecks where it goes into one lane; that it should go to one lane and a designated bike lane; that we should wait until the new entrance to the school is decided to see how that affects traffic flow; and that Mariemont has a responsibility to other communities to ensure safe and efficient flow through here, it’s not just about Mariemont.
Discussion ensued regarding tabling the matter to have more presentations by ODOT and waiting on the work to be done at the high school.
Mayor Policastro moved, seconded by Mr. Brown to maintain Wooster Pike at the chicane locations as is. On roll call; five ayes, no nays.
Regular Council Meeting 1-28-19
From Hartman & Smith Construction: Proposed removal of existing fire hydrant at Madisonville Road and Lane K (right behind Mios). Mr. Spinnenweber wants to remodel the area and requests more parking. This issue was looked at about one year but nothing came of it. Solicitor McTigue said if the fire hydrant is on Mr. Spinnenweber’s property and he wants it removed it should be his responsibility to have it removed. Ms. Palazzolo said the Committee should have a legal opinion on who is financially responsible prior to the meeting. Solicitor McTigue said he would look into the matter.
Ms. Leah Geldbaugh, 6942 Murray Avenue, ran the Farmer’s Market in Mariemont several years ago and was approached by a previous vendor to start one up again. The market is proposed to be Sunday mornings May through September at the Elementary School parking lot. Ms. Geldbaugh asks permission from Council to move forward with planning the market. If it does go through she would like to get volunteers from the community to help with the actual running of the market. Mayor Policastro said Council and former Superintendent Imhoff reached a deal where the Village helped pave the parking lot and in exchange the lot would be open after 6 p.m. weekdays and weekends for the merchants to use.
Mr. Jerry Vianello, 6570 Wooster Pike, commented that according to State of Ohio the school would be liable should an incident take place on the parking lot. Mayor Policastro said the Village has sovereign immunity. Solicitor McTigue said liability flows to whoever was negligent. If the Village was the one who was negligent then the Village could potentially be liable, but we do have the concept of sovereign immunity that does protect the Village. The School Board does not have the same concept. Mayor Policastro said we have seven million dollars liability insurance but we have sovereign immunity – they would have to go through their own insurance company first before they could collect from the Village.
Mayor Policastro referred to the Safety Committee crosswalk lighting/camera at Pocahontas and Wooster Pike, and to the Health and Recreation Committee the request to increase Tennis Membership Rates.
Council Minutes (cont'd from previous page)
Village
“March into Spring” Trivia Quiz
By Pete McBride
1. The month of March is named after the Roman god Martius (Mars) and was:
a. the first month of the Roman calendar year
b. the opening month of the gladiatorial season
c. considered a good time to sweep out and hose down the Coliseum floor
d. the start of the astrological year under the sign of Aries
2. In 2019, March 20 is the official first day of Spring:
a. only in Ohio and Kentucky
b. only in Cincinnati
c. only west of Route 50
c. across the western hemisphere north of the equator
3. The first day of Spring is called the “vernal equinox,” a term derived from Latin meaning:
a. the middle of major league baseball’s spring training season
b. the first day of the Christian season of Lent
a. the multi-centuries-old English expression “as mad as a March hare,” which described the observed springtime mating frenzy of male rabbits
b. seasonally windy weather that can result in “a bad March hair day” (Sorry. Couldn’t resist.)
c. Elmer Fudd’s oft-repeated references to his nemesis, Bugs Bunny, as a “cwazy wabbit”
d. a phrase in one of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales
a. public transit strikes
b. significant reductions in worker productivity
c. blizzard conditions in the U.S. northeast, as far south as Virginia
d. a major power outage in Buffalo, NY
11. The birth flower and birthstone for people born in March are:
a. the shamrock and emerald
c. time to tap the over-wintered kegs of German “boch” beer
d. “spring (vernal) equal (equus) night” (nox)
4. The date of the vernal equinox is:
a. the point in the Earth’s yearly rotation when its north pole axis begins to tilt toward the sun
b. the first day of six months of uninterrupted daylight each day at the North Pole
c. the day when Santa and Mrs. Claus return home from their Florida condo in Miami
d. a wise time to take in your lawnmower for a seasonal sharpening and tune-up
5. At the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, the date of Easter each year was permanently established as:
a. the first Sunday after the first full moon after March 21
b. the last day of the season for pre-treating streets in Mariemont
c. the one day per year that the Easter Bunny was available
d. the third Sunday in March
6. The mad “March Hare” character from Lewis Carol’s original Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (and its later Disney movie adaptation) is based on:
7. March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day – celebrates:
a. Irish culture
b. that holy missionary’s miraculous “exorcism” of snakes from the Emerald Isle
c. everyone whose last name begins with “Mc” or “O’” and many others who suddenly claim Irish ancestry
d. Tullamore DEW 18-Year-Old Single Malt whisky
8. In Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor is warned by a seer to beware of:
a. purchasing Bengals season’s tickets
b. Brutus
c. telemarketers
d. the Ides of March
9. The vernal equinox has been celebrated as a key date in many world cultures including:
a. Ancient Egypt and throughout the Roman Empire
b. Ancient Persia and in Mexico’s Aztec culture
c. Anglo Saxon England
d. all the above
10. The national outplacement services firm of Challenger, Gray and Christmas Inc. estimated that U.S. businesses lost approximately $1.92B during the 2015 NCAA basketball tournament due to:
b. the dandelion and rock salt
c. the daffodil and bloodstone
d. irises and cracked pavement
12. After an earlier March 17 celebration of Irish culture by the many Irish immigrants living there in 1782, New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade became an annual event in:
a. 1800
b. 1875
c. 1907
d. 1848
13. March comes:
a. in like a lion and goes out like a lamb
b. whenever it feels like it
c. only after teasing Mariemont with 60-degree temperatures in early February
d. like a thief in the night
14. Match the dates with the events
a. first year of the annual NCAA tournament
b. date St. Patrick’s death
c. earliest recorded uses of the word “springtime” (so named for when flowers in northern Europe started springing from the ground)
d. when pubs in Ireland were first permitted to (legally) open on St. Patrick’s Day
• the 1960s
• 1939
• 461 CE
• 14th century
With grateful acknowledge to readersdigest.com, justfunfacts.com, gardendigest.com and factretriever.com
11.) c. 12.) d. 13.) a. 14.) a. – 1939; b.- 461 CE; c.-14th century; d. - 1960s
Quiz Answers: 1.) a. and d. 2.) d. 3.) d. 4.) a. and b. (and quite possibly d.) 5.) a. 6.) a. 7.) All of the above 8.) d. 9.) All of the above 10.) b.
Community Village Worship Services
Mariemont Community Church
Mariemontchurch.org
Denis Beausejour, Senior Pastor
Paul Rasmussen, Worship Pastor
Leslie Seetin, Children’s Director
Mariemont Community Church welcomes you to their Sunday services, held at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Parish Center building, 3908 Plainville Rd. All activities are held at the Parish Center unless otherwise noted.
Family Shop Sales
Located in the basement of the Parish Center on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 9 a.m. - noon.
Saturday Seminar: Integrating Family and Work
Saturday, March 16, 9-11:30 a.m. Come hear practical ideas and encouragement to build a teamwork culture in your family and insights into a family that works, rests and plays together. Contact: Terri Cofskey terri@ mariemontchurch.org.
Financial Peace University begins on March 17 and continues each week until May 19 (except Easter Sunday, April 21)
from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Get out of debt; manage your money; spend, save and give wisely. Childcare provided. Contact Rob Urbanski at urbanskirob@yahoo.com
Sunday Morning Sermon Series:
Our current series Building Strong Families in a Complex World continues through April 14. The following are the titles of the sermon topics for March:
March 3: Discipline in the Family on Mission
March 10: Stewarding the Resources of the Family
March 17: The Wider Scope of the Family on Mission
March 24: Rhythms of a Family on Mission
March 31: Habits of a Family on Mission
Village Church of Mariemont
Villagechurchofmariemont.org
Todd Keyes, Pastor Jamie Keyes, Children’s Ministries
The Village Church invites you to bring a friend or neighbor and join them for worship services each Sunday at 10 a.m. in the Mariemont Memorial Stone Chapel on Cherry
Lane. Children’s Sunday School for pre-K through 6th grade is provided during the service at the Oak Street Building, 3920 Oak St. (corner of Oak and Maple), just a block from the Chapel.
Sunday Morning Sermon Series
Our current series: The Sermon on the Mount. We are exploring the longest recorded sermon by Jesus, which summarizes the Christian Life in its rawest form. Jesus challenges His followers to live countercultural to the traditions of the day and live as God intended. This month the series will deal with topics like anger, lust, divorce, fasting and prayer. Hope you can join us for this engaging series.
Coming Up & Ongoing:
Ash Wednesday Service: Start the Lenten season with us March 6 at 7 p.m. in our Oak Street Building (3920 Oak St.). The service includes a ceremony with ashes.
Wednesday Night Prayer: Join us every Wednesday night in our Oak Street Building (3920 Oak St.) at 6:30 p.m. for prayer.
Whiz Kids: Weekly after-school reading program at Mariemont Elementary. Anyone interested in tutoring a child in this program please contact Jamie Keyes at jamiekeyes6@ gmail.com.
Men’s Breakfast: First Saturday of each month at 8 a.m. in the Oak Street Building fellowship hall.
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
