How Does a Construction Shed Become a Church?
A Brief Look at the Fascinating History of One of Mariemont’s Earliest Structures
BY PETE MCBRIDE
(with great research provided by MPF’s Lisa Woodruff)
When I was first asked if I could “take a stab” at writing a history of what is now The Village Church of Mariemont building, I agreed. I thought to myself: “That should be fun, simple, and straightforward.” After much archival digging, with the help of MPF’s Lisa Woodruff, along with conversations with Tom Woodruff, who attended the building in the 1980s through 2000s when it was a Masonic Lodge, and more current info from VCM’s Pastor Todd Keyes, here is the plethora of knowledge I gained about this historic building.
Q. Was the current Village Church of Mariemont (VCM) building at the corner of Oak and Maple Streets (officially “3920 Oak Street”) always a place of fellowship and worship?
A. Well, not exactly. The original wooden structure that became the VCM was originally a temporary construction shed used by The Mariemont Company in the earliest days of The Village’s development. It was located at the northeast corner of Beech Street and Wooster Pike.
Q. Huh? So when/why/how did it get to where it is now?
Erected in 1924, this building, which now houses the Village Church of Mariemont, was once a Village storage shed, then temporary first school building while Dale Park Elementary was being built, then a community building and movie house, and later a Masonic Temple. It was originally built at the northeast corner of Beech Street and Wooster Pike, and moved in June 1927 to its current location at the southeast corner of Oak and Maple Streets. Today it serves as home to the Village Church of Mariemont to host services, studies, youth ministry, and community activities, such as during the annual Village Luminaria and Tree Lighting each December.
A. As more and more new residents were arriving in Mariemont back in 1924, it became apparent that the children of the emerging community needed a nearby school. That same construction shed was modified and used as a “temporary” school from September, 1924 until the spring of 1925, when the Dale Park School (which had always been in the original Village plan) opened.
In 1927, for other uses and purposes, it was rolled “up the hill” (next to the original firehouse on Oak) to where it now stands at Oak and Maple Streets. It was supposedly moved because the land on which the shed originally sat was needed for residential construction - and possibly also to be closer to residences in and close to the original “Village Square”, now often referred to as “The Old Town Square”.
Q. Okay. Got it! So THEN it became a church, right?
A. Nope. After it was no longer needed as a school, the building became a “community activities hub” and was used as such until the new Thomas J. Emery Memorial Recreation Building (aka “The Parish Center”) on Plainville Road opened in 1929-1930. Note: That Parish Center is now home to Mariemont Community Church.
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Church (from page 1)
Q. I’m afraid to ask. So then …?
A. You’re starting to get it, Pete. Yes, after a brief stint from the Fall of 1925 to Spring 1927, it was used as a privately-owned (but apparently unprofitable) theatre known as Mariemont Movies. An April, 1973 article in The E. Hamilton County Messenger (as the defunct news publication was called) also briefly mentions the building’s use as an American Legion Hall without any further detail, and at some point in time before it became a Masonic center – as described in the next paragraph.
In the fall of 1927, the Mariemont Men’s Club became interested in the structure for use as a community meeting place for its own gatherings. The group was granted permission by Thomas Hogan - representing the Thomas J. Emery Memorial - to use the then-vacant building, which the group then formally rented.
That “club” appears to have also coalesced around and into the early Masonic movement in Mariemont, which counted as its members many
prominent (male) Mariemont citizens, including George Draper, Don Shanks, and Mariemont’s future mayor, E. Boyd Jordan (mayor from 1941 to 1959). In fact, Jordan became an early “Master of the Lodge”; and his wife, Marie Jordan (nee: Marie Hawk) was a teacher at the first school.
After being granted probationary status by The Grand Lodge of Ohio in early 1930, later that same year the organization became Mariemont Lodge #707, Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio. (By the way, don’t feel left out, ladies. The Mariemont Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star – the associated women’s Masons group - was chartered in 1931.)
In 1943, Lodge #707 purchased the structure from the Emery Memorial foundation (reportedly for $1). The group then renovated and repaired
the building, with industrious Lodge member volunteers doing much of the work. A second renovation was done in 1951 and a new wing was added in 1963-64, bringing the building to its current size and shape. Improvements over several years included adding a kitchen (thanks to the Order of the Eastern Star), and the covering up of several windows along the Maple Street side (in compliance with Masonic tradition). The current brick façade was added by the Masonic Lodge in the 1950s.
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MARIEMONT REAL ESTATE TRIVIA
(513) 476-8266 sreed@sibcycline.com www.sibcycline.com/sreed 18-Year Mariemont Resident
October Question
In the last ten years, what years had the least and most home sales over $600,000 in Mariemont?
Look for the answer in the November Town Crier !
September Answer
Of the 46 homes sold though July 31, 2019, 31 were sold in 30 days or less, and the average list to sale price was 98%,
From a Valued Client
Shelley is the go-to when selling your home in Mariemont — very knowledgable about the market which drives buyers to seek her out. Moreover, she knows what buyers want and works really well with the seller to ensure their house is the best it can be. Shelley is with you every step of the way, and is super fast at returning texts and emails.
— Nick G., 6703 Mariemont Avenue
The building was a school for grades K-8 until September 1925.
Church (from page 2)
Q. That was all quite a few years ago! How long was the building a Masonic Lodge?
A. Well, time flies. After Lodge #707 originally took over occupation and use of the building, it continued as owner and caretaker for several decades. Additional Mason-affiliated groups joined the Lodge along the way, including a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in 1949; Columbia Chapter DeMolay (which had previously met in Madisonville) in 1967, and No. 7 Job’s Daughters in 1970.
Q. But what about the Village Church of Mariemont? When did it become the owner?
A. In fact, that ownership change-event was quite recent. It was in the summer of 2013 and provided the fledgling VCM ministry with its own permanent home. Before that summer, VCM first met in the Mariemont Elementary Auditorium in 2010, then in the Dale Park Junior High School before it was sold to the Waldorf School.
VCM’s acquisition required some additional renovations, including adding attractive new,
ministry-enhancing internal décor, a few minor structural alterations, and some new furnishingsespecially for Sunday School.
And yet the building’s “epic” history is ongoing. The Village Church of Mariemont is looking for ways to steward the building – and its ministry - into a new era, in part to: expand its outreach through enhancing its appeal to families with children, to youth, and to foster teen involvement; add room for increasing numbers of Sunday School students (as well as hosting other children’s events for the community); provide new support services for church members; attract and encourage new members; and become even more of a “community gathering spot”.
VCM is currently providing worship services in the Memorial Chapel, which (along with the “Bell Tower”), remains the physical property of The Thomas J. Emery Foundation. VCM also plans to add a second service on Sunday mornings in their Oak Street Building.
Just as the building has welcomed and
provided shelter and service to many groups over the years, Pastor Todd Keyes is also committed to keeping the church and his ministry vital, open, and welcoming to all - especially given its (in Todd’s own words) ‘mission statement and objectives’: “Loving God, loving others, and inviting other people to do the same.”
Special thanks to The Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) - specifically to Lisa Woodruff, MPF Executive Secretary/ Archivist; to Tom Woodruff (Lisa’s husband), who provided details on Mariemont Lodge #707; to Pastor Keyes; to Mariemont Building Commissioner, Don Keyes; to Janet Setchell, MPF member and former MPF Archivist; and to MPF member Gail Cooley (aka, my dear wife.)
For more information, to visit, to volunteer, and/or to become a member, contact MPF at (513) 272-1166, via email at administration@ mariemontpreservation.org, or visit them at www. mariemontpreservation.org. MPF headquarters is also open every Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.
LIVING, LOVING & SELLING MARIEMONT
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Village Government
Introducing Candidates for Mayor and Village Council
BILL BROWN – Mayoral Candidate
So why do I want to be the Mayor? The answer lies in the sense of satisfaction I get from making a commitment to the community in which I’ve lived for over half my life. As a resident of Mariemont for more than three decades, I have had the experiences and gained the knowledge that I feel will allow me to successfully fulfill the role of Mayor for the Village.
I currently serve on Mariemont Village Council (3 years), am Chair of the Planning Commission, Chair of the Health & Recreation Committee, formerly chaired the Economic Zoning & Development Committee, and was a member of the Architectural Review Board.
Outside of Council commitments, I am a Trustee on the Mariemont Preservation Foundation and volunteer at its annual Taste of Mariemont fundraiser. As a member of MPF’s Historic Property Protection Task Force, I am proactive in preserving the unique architecture of
our Village. I am vice president of the Mariemont Civic Association and volunteer at its annual City Wide Track Meet fundraiser, and am also member of Dr. Grooms Communities Planning Team.
Most recently, I have been heavily involved in the new Native American Cultural and Education Center in the Municipal Building, consulting, overseeing the building of, and gathering artifacts for the new Center. Around the community, I am active in raising funds for new trees to be planted, and I share my carpentry skills with students as a volunteer at Mariemont Junior High School. This summer, I volunteered at MPPG’s “Safety Village,” a new safety awareness camp for kindergartners.
I was born into a military family at (the former) Mercy Hospital in Mariemont. My father served in the Air Force, and we were stationed from California to New York and places in between. I spent my sophomore year of high school in Bitburg, Germany. It was then I decided to hop a military transport to return to my grandmother’s home in Terrace Park and complete my education in the Mariemont School District.
After graduating from Mariemont High School, I earned a degree in finance at the University of Cincinnati, where I met my wife
Debbie, who grew up in Mariemont. When we were ready to start a family, we knew Mariemont was where we wanted to raise our son Ted, and we’ve been here for 35 years! Together, Debbie and I founded and managed an interior design business in Hyde Park for 25 years.
I’m enthusiastically looking forward to the possibility of serving as your Mayor.
Hello, I am your neighbor, and my name is Michael Cain. I live at 6737 Murray Avenue in the heart of our Historical District, and I am running for Mariemont Village Council to be a representative for the Historical District. I am 32 years old, and my wife and I have lived in the Village now for two years. Mariemont is an absolutely lovely community with great people. I grew up in the small town of Troy, just north of Dayton. I graduated from Troy High School in 2006 and went on to study at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. I graduated in 2010 with a BA in Anthropology and a Minor in Geology.
After graduation, I moved back to Troy for a few years before meeting my lovely wife and moving to Tipp City, Ohio. While in Tipp City I worked as a Financial Counselor for Wilson Memorial Hospital in Sidney, Ohio, helping the self-pay patients find financial assistance to alleviate bad debt for the hospital. During my tenure there, I was able to solve the crippling debt crisis plaguing the hospital.
Following that, we moved to Oakley and lived there for three years. During this time, I worked as a National Sales Account Executive for Integrity Express Logistics in Blue Ash. Problem solving was at the forefront of my day-to-day existence during my tenure.
Two years ago, we moved to Mariemont. I may not have lived in the community for as long as some, but just like every other person in this community, we purposefully chose and love living
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MICHAEL CAIN - Village Council Candidate
Candidates (from page 5)
here.
I am currently the Assistant Special Events Manager for Great Parks of Hamilton County. I love my job and I love providing events and activities for the public to enjoy. One of my goals in running for election for Village Council is to bring my talent and experience in event planning to the Village of Mariemont.
I was compelled to run for election due to the strong belief I have in this community. I have spent my life solving problems by listening and engaging with people to come to the best possible outcomes. My desire to work with others makes me a perfect fit for the position.
If elected, I vow transparency to the public. In the communities I have lived in previously, the one thing that tied all of them together was the feeling of fellowship, as a result of sharing common interests, attitudes, and goals. I want Mariemont to have a greater sense of this, and I know that we can achieve this through greater outreach and involvement within the community. Please feel free to reach out to me at 937-765-7208 or cainmj19@gmail.com.
Marcy Lewis – Village Council Candidate
As a 23-year resident of the Mariemont community, I’ve been involved in almost every aspect of Village life.
Whether I was assembling luminary kits for Mariemont Preschool Parents Group, volunteering for one of the many positions in the ME, MJHS or MHS Parent Teacher Organizations, serving on the Mariemont High School Athletic Booster Board or engaging as a Trustee in the Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF), it has been a pleasure to be a part of and give back to Mariemont.
As a candidate for Mariemont Village Council, my goals are to maintain Mary Emery’s
Village Government
vision, improve our economic viability, and increase our environmental sustainability. My length of service to the Village as a whole and my dedication to the preservation of Mariemont through my work at MPF demonstrate my commitment to Mariemont. These attributes, coupled with my business experience, exemplify the unique qualities I have to offer in order to solve problems as our community moves forward.
I was raised in Madeira, received my BS in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, and earned my MBA from Indiana University. I then lived and worked in Indianapolis in advertising, sales promotion, and as a market research manager for a consumer products company. After eight years in business, I decided to pursue a lifelong dream to become a doctor. Upon graduating from medical school, my husband and I moved back to Cincinnati and settled in Mariemont.
My husband, Steve, and I have been married for 30 years and have two children, Ryden (MHS Class of 2014) and Amanda (MHS Class of 2017). Both children attended Mariemont City Schools from kindergarten through high school. Ryden graduated from The University of Michigan in 2018 and Amanda is currently a junior at The University of Pennsylvania.
Some of the highlights from my involvement and volunteer work in Mariemont are:
• Currently serve as a Trustee for Mariemont Preservation Foundation as the Publicity Committee Chair. Also serve on Events Committee, Education Committee, Historical Property Protection Task Force, and Village Interface Committee (2015-present)
• My family was asked to serve as the face and lead donors for the Mariemont School Foundation’s (MSF) fundraising campaign for the College and Career Planning Center at MHS, and we have also supported many of MSF’s other fundraising efforts (2012)
• Organized, executed, and promoted both
the 75th Anniversary of Incorporation Celebration (2016) and the Mariemont Theatre’s 80th Anniversary Celebration (2018)
• Was invited to and participated in the planning phases of Mariemont High School redesign (2017)
• Served on the Mariemont High School Athletic Booster Board (2011-2014)
• Consistently participated in many positions in Mariemont”s Parent Teacher Organization at every academic level (2001-2017)
• Mariemont Preservation Foundation Lifetime Member
My work at MPF has naturally led to working with The Mariemont Village Council, and I am excited to expand my role in the Village. My family has had an idyllic experience through all phases in Mariemont, and I seek to ensure that Mariemont retains its excellence for all.
Kelly Rankin – Village Council Candidate
Hi! I’m Kelly Rankin, and I’m running for re-election to Mariemont Village Council.
I have been on Council since 2017 and am currently chair of the Public Works and Services Committee. Being a councilperson has been rewarding, and I feel that we have developed a good synergy among the members.
My goal is to enable us to continue to maintain the charm and traditions of this Village along with encouraging better means of involving the community.
I have been a resident of Mariemont for 17 years and enjoy being “out and about” with my husband Gordon and our two cocker spaniels, Kelsey and Barley. I have a small business accounting company, and my best clients are Mariemont residents!
I find the principles from my childhood still ring true for me as an adult: I work and play well with others, I can tie my own shoes, and I don’t run with scissors!
By Kim Smith
Teal Pumpkins Provide a Safe, Happy Halloween
We are extremely thankful to the 110 incredible Mariemont families who created a safe, unforgettable experience for our 4-year-old daughter, Parker, and other children with food allergies, by participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project last Halloween. We hope that you will participate again this year!
Our goals are to promote inclusion, increase awareness of food allergies, but most of all to show Parker and other children with food allergies that we are so very lucky to be in a community that helps to keep each other safe. While we could not make it to every home last year (what a wonderful problem to have), I think we equally enjoyed searching for Teal Pumpkins with our daughter on stroller rides leading up to Halloween!
What is the Teal Pumpkin Project?
A teal pumpkin indicates that in addition to handing out candy, you also have non-food items available (such as stickers, temporary tattoos, mini bubbles, etc.).
This helps trick-or-treaters with food allergies (which are often life-threatening) to safely participate alongside family and friends!
Participating is Simple!
Display a teal pumpkin by your front door. Teal Pumpkins are available at many retailers such as Target and Michaels, you can paint a pumpkin, and I’m also happy to provide one if you contact me directly (information below).
Provide non-food items such as glow sticks, spider rings, and slime (found in bulk on Amazon, Target, Walgreens, CVS, etc.). If you are also handing out your favorite candy, placing the non-food items in a separate bowl is helpful.
Share that you are participating so that families can easily locate your house. You can notify me privately that you’re participating, and I’m happy to share your address with other Mariemont families managing food allergies. You can also register your address at tealpumpkingproject.org.
Our family is more than happy to provide the non-food items to pass out and teal pumpkins if you are interested. Please send me an email at kimdonovansmith@gmail.com or text at 513-7088990 and we’ll drop off supplies! Thank you!
Parker Smith
By Rex Bevis
Memory Café Debuts at Library
The Mariemont Public Library has introduced a new program for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care partners. The Memory Café debuted on Thursday, September 12 at 10 a.m. and will repeat on the second Thursday of each month. (The 10–11:30 a.m. time slot is reserved for the Memory Café as the Library is not generally open at this time.)
The Memory Café is an opportunity to
New Village Chamber of Commerce to Meet
Join local businesses for the next Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce meeting on Thursday, October 17th at 5:30. The group is forming a new chamber to further the interests of local businesses and engage in events that will showcase our wonderful Village companies. We are also looking at some cost-saving benefits for small businesses. Meeting will be held at 3915 Oak St., 45227. To be added to the invite list, please send your email to kim@ insurethevillage.com. If you have any questions, please contact Kim Beach at 513-252-4262.
socialize, enjoy music, crafts, games and other activities, and it is presented by The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County in conjunction with the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and Episcopal Retirement Services (ERS).
This summer I met with Ms. Kelly Hartman, Mariemont Library Branch Manager, and Amanda Scott, Library Services Associate, and learned that the Mariemont Branch was the fifth branch in Hamilton County to introduce the Memory Café. The library in Blue Ash is another East Side library
that has had the Memory Café for some time. Ms. Scott informed me that representatives from the Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and from ERS will assist Branch Library personnel in the Café programming.
This added service from the Mariemont Branch Library addresses a need in our community. Caregivers may want to mark their calendars for the second Thursday of each month and enjoy Memory Café at the Mariemont Public Library.
“Over 80 Years of Service”
Dance Coalition Reaches Across Borders
By Kim Beach
Allison McIlfresh and Monica Chaney are excited, and their enthusiasm is catching! The pair has owned the Dance Coalition (the DC) since 2015 and have been dedicated to teaching and educating students from the Mariemont area and beyond.
The two met when they coached the Turpin Dance Team together from 2014-2016. The focus of the DC is an academic base, so each dancer is also a learner. McIlfresh and Chaney report that the DC is the only dance studio in Cincinnati to offer superior dance instruction paired with classroom academics to “build brilliant dancers.”
To that end, the two recently had the opportunity to build into some young dancers far from the Mariemont community. Through a contact from the studio, McIlfresh and Chaney became aware of the Palace Foundation, which services orphanages in Mexico. Feeling blessed with their success, they wanted to give back to the sport of dance that had given them so much. The Palace Foundation made this possible.
Seven girls and boys of the Casa Hogar Foster Home in Cancun really wanted to learn to dance, so individuals from DC dance
classes helped pay for dance gear for them, and the DC’s costume company helped provide and deliver them. The children were thrilled with their “real” ballet-wear, and even held a short dance recital. Afterward, their dance leader sent a short video thanking the DC for all they had done in helping build self-esteem, boost their confidence, and create a sense of place for the foster children.
While happy with their donation, McIlfresh and Carney wondered what else they could do to bring ballet to the children of Cancun. The young dancers of Mexico loved their new costumes, but they still didn’t have a dance instructor. The ladies decided to change that.
Navigating the many channels of the Mexican government, they were able to secure permission to have the children from Casa Hogar leave the foster home to attend
a “Ballet School” at a Cancun resort in the spring of 2020. The DC has invited its dancers to be a part of this exciting international service project. They will be teaching, choreographing, and engaging in fun dance activities with the foster dancers. There will even be a private recital held on the Friday of the trip.
Members of the DC will be raising money to take part in the trip. If you would like to learn more about the DC’s service project or help make their trip possible, please call or email Allison McIlfresh or Monica Chaney at 513-832-3411 or thedancecoalition@gmail. com.
In addition to setting their sights on raising funds for the upcoming service project, the DC continues to offer lots of engaging academics and fun for the entire community! They have had a great summer and start to their fourth season with a successful recital at Mariemont Elementary, busy camps for all ages, competition company team practices, a teacher summit that reached out to all area studios, request from the community to add more adult classes (Adults Matter Campaign), and two events of Reading Through Dance.
For more information about the studio and its classes, please check out www. thedancecoalition.com or visit them at the Mariemont Promenade.
Community
34th Annual Kiwanis Art & Craft Fair Raises Nearly $10k For Scholarships
The Kiwanis Club of Mariemont held its 34th Annual Fall Art and Craft Fair Sunday, September 8 under beautiful, sunny skies in the heart of downtown Mariemont. This year’s event once again featured over 70 exhibitors from across the Tri-State area, including many in our local community, showcasing a wide variety of original art, crafts, jewelry, woodworking, glass art, and more!
Kiwanis congratulates their 2019 Award Winners: Joanie Weidner with J’s CollageScapes (Best In Show – Art), Amy J. Evans with Evan’s Art (Runner Up – Art), Roger Little with Scrolling By Design (Best in Show – Craft) and Mary Borovich & Lisa Bachelder with B&B Crafts (Runner Up – Craft). This year’s winners were selected by our distinguished judges after an arduous selection from a tremendously talented group of exhibitors!
This year’s event once again raised nearly $10,000 for scholarships made available to graduates of the Mariemont School District. Along with their annual spring golf outing, Fairfax Fall Festival, and holiday nut sale, this event helps the Mariemont Kiwanis raise nearly $15,000 in total scholarship money each year. Since 2000, the club has awarded over $250,000 in scholarships to help support nearly 90 students from the Mariemont School District; many receive support beyond their freshmen year of college.
If you’d like to get move involved with the organization, visit MariemontKiwanis.org or
stop by an upcoming meeting. 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 and guests are welcome anytime. Meetings last less than one hour and feature a variety of local speakers.
Locations:
Conscientious Candy for Halloween
By Carolyn Hohl
Traditionally, Sustainable Mariemont has been a resource for all things recycling. We are proud of the work we have done to promote recycling in our community, and we have been working hard to keep batteries and other recyclables out of our landfills. With such great feedback and results with our recycling programs and promotions, we would like to begin educating residents about other sustainable activities in addition to recycling.
Halloween is right around the corner, and you know what that means - CANDY! The National Retail Federation reports that in 2018 over $2.7 billion worth of candy was purchased for Halloween. It seems like half of that is passed out in Mariemont alone, with the amount of trick-ortreaters in our neighborhood on October 31!
Nationally, over 40 million ghouls, goblins, and the like are expected to hit the streets on a quest for candy this Halloween. The potential environmental impact is huge. Our hope at Sustainable Mariemont is that with a little guidance you will make a sustainable choice when you purchase your Halloween candy this year in order to keep our trick or treaters and Mother Nature happy.
The not-so-sweet truth is that many candies (as well as over half of the packaged consumer products) are made using a vegetable oil called palm oil. Palm oil, derived from the mesocarp
(reddish pulp) of the fruit of the oil palms, is the cause of many environmental issues throughout the globe. Equatorial countries like Indonesia are being deforested in order to make room for Palm Oil Plantations. This deforestation is leaving animals like the critically endangered orangutan without a habitat. The use of herbicides and pesticides on the plantations wreak havoc on the surrounding water systems and poison many of the native plant and animal species. Furthermore, in order to clear the land to plant the palm trees, farmers use a slash and burn land clearing technique, which can result in out of control wildfires, like in Brazil.
It is not all doom and gloom though. In 2004 The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) was established in order to promote the production of palm oil sustainably. RSPO is globally recognized for their high standards for palm oil plantations and their eight principles for growers to be certified as sustainable(see graphic). These stringent sustainability criteria positively impact communities and the environment alike. Moreover, candy companies such as Mars and Hershey are making moves to only use sustainably-sourced palm oil for
In anticipation of Halloween, several zoos throughout the United States have been encouraging shoppers to choose treats that use sustainable practices to harvest the palm oil used in their candy. The graphic shown was created by the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden to help shoppers make good choices when selecting the candy they hand out for Halloween.
their candy. Shoppers can make a real impact by selecting candy produced by companies with sustainability commitments.
Children
What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library - October
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, Oct. 10. Read a story to Bonny the therapy dog. Ages 5-10.
Crafty Kids — 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10 Ages 5-10.
Library LEGOs — 4 p.m. Mon., Oct. 21. We’ll bring the LEGOs, you bring imagination! Ages 6 & up.
Teens
Teen Chef: It Came from the Kitchen — 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17
Join us for an hour of fiendish fun in the kitchen as we whip up ghoulish goodies and more! Registration required. Ages 12-18.
Adults
Which Craft? Needle Craft Club — 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 5 & 19
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.
Memory Café — 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 10
The Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care partners. Each month there is an opportunity to socialize and enjoy music, games, and other fun activities. Activities will vary each month. Registration is recommended.
Armchair Explorers: Vietnam and Thailand with Jon Bogart — 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17
Meet and talk with folks who have stepped off the beaten path in their travels. Fire up your imagination and build that bucket list. Registration required. Teens and adults.
Book Club — 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24
We are discussing Churchill’s Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare by Giles Milton. 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; closed Monday, Sept. 2, for Labor Day.
Mariemont Branch Library, 3810 Pocahontas Ave. 513-369-4467
Inaugural MPPG Safety Village a Huge Success Village
Late this summer, the Mariemont Preschool Parents Group hosted the very first Safety Village of Mariemont camp for 50 children ages five and six. The five-day camp, with both morning and afternoon sessions, was led by former kindergarten teacher Christie Motz and supported by many wonderful volunteers, including our local police and fire departments. Each day, the children learned valuable safety lessons on strangers, traffic, pedestrians, fire, bicycles, bus, and water.
The camp wouldn’t have happened without the help of a few very special people. A huge thank you to Alex Mantle who built the mini village and assisted in the recruitment of volunteers. In addition, we’d like to thank Christie Motz for donating her time and resources. And a very big thank you to Mandy Rohal, outgoing MPPG President, for her tireless efforts to make this camp come to fruition. We look forward to many more successful Safety Village camps in the future.
Let’s Light up the Village for Luminaria 2019!
Mariemont’s annual Luminaria is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 7 from 5:30-8 p.m. Luminaria kits, carriage ride tickets, and raffle tickets are already available for purchase online by visiting the MPPG website at: https://www. mariemontppg.com/luminaria. Or see the paper order form in this issue of the Town Crier.
Both online and paper orders are due Sunday, October 20. A limited number of kits will also be available for an extra charge at the Boy Scout Christmas Tree Sale (located at the Municipal Building/ Firehouse) on Friday, November 29, Saturday, November 30, and Saturday, December 7.
Reserve your kits online today, and help us light the streets of Mariemont for this special event! Thanks for your support!
Now accepting new patients - men and women 16 and older
One-hour specialty consults with Lisa Larkin, MD, FACP, NCMP, IF Nationally recognized women’s health internist, speaker and educator
Founder, Ms.Medicine
Member, Board of Trustees North American Menopause Society
*Note you do not need to be a member of the practice to schedule a specialty consult with Dr. Larkin
Gina Curry, MD
Village
School Year Off to Great Start for Mariemont’s Girl Scout Troops
By Erin Kelly
School is officially in session, and the troops are all excited to begin the year! To join a troop, contact the Girl Scout Council through the link https:// girlscouts.secure.force.com/girl and the Council will assist you in finding a troop that is the best fit.
Troop 40829
The 8th grade Cadette troop ended their summer volunteering at Matthew 25: Ministries on August 4. They had a fun time sorting shoes and helping out the community!
Troop 49884
Mariemont Elementary’s Junior troop is working hard on their Playing in the Past badge. They are creating characters from the 1600s and will be attending the Ohio Renaissance Festival on October 27th as their characters. It promises to be a fun and creative way to learn about the past! They are also looking forward to the Service Unit event at Castle Skateland, and also are organizing a day to volunteer at Mathew 25: Ministries.
Village
MariElders News
Line Dancing
When: Thursdays (Starting October 3)
Time: 1 p.m.
Cost: $20 each month for members/$25 for non-members
Where: Fairfax Rec Center – 5903 Hawthorne
Sign up at the MARIELDERS front desk. Can you boogie? Or do you have two left feet? Either way this Line Dancing class is for you. Trust us. We laugh as much as we make mistakes in the dancing. Teacher Kim Cafazo has 35 years of dance experience and makes this class a lot of fun. The music is lively and the routines are easy to learn. You forget you’re getting a great aerobic workout. Come join us and learn the electric slide.
TED Talks – Video and Discussion
When: Tuesday, October 8
Time: 2 p.m.
Where: MARIELDERS lower level
How to Live to be 100+ presented by Dan Buettner, longevity coach and National Geographic writer.
To find the path to long life and health, Dan and his team studied the world’s “Blue Zones” - communities whose elders live with vim and vigor to record-setting age. In his talk, he shares the nine common diet and lifestyle habits that keep them going well past 100.
Great Decisions Movie Group
When: Wednesday, October 9
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Where: MARIELDERS lower level
Cries From Syria (2015), is a documentary film about the Syrian Civil War. It contains video shot by Syrians with and interviews with guerilla fighters, activists, journalists, defectors, and refugees. Come see this searing, comprehensive account of the brutal conflict.
Lunch and Learn – Bones of Life/ Movement Intelligence
When: Thursday, October 24
Time: 12–1:30 p.m.
Cost: $5 (lunch and lecture) $1 (lecture only)
Where: MARIELDERS Lower Level
Sign-up by: Thursday, October 17
Bones of Life/Movement Intelligence, “A well-aligned posture and harmonious coordination of movement are essential for sustaining the springy pressure of this dynamic walk, which can stimulate bone strength.”
Our speaker, Melanie Moon, a Bones for Life Professional Certification Trainer, will be
discussing this form of exercise.
The Wizard of Oz’s Halloween Ball
When: Wednesday, October 30
Time: Witching Hour of Noon
Cost: $7
Where: Emerald City Downstairs (MARIELDERS)
Sign up by Friday October 5 or “I’ll get you my pretty and your little dog, too.”
Determine Your Best ROI Before Renovating Village
By Malia Ridge
Are you considering a remodel soon? Have you wondered what it would do to the value of your home?
When looking into renovations or additions, making sure you will get a good return on your investment is often a factor in decision-making. Here are just a few of the questions I’ve been asked over the years:
“If I’m going to have my basement finished, is it worth putting a bathroom in the basement while there?”
“If we blow out this wall, will our floor plan be too open? Will losing that room lower our house value for resale?”
“Is either putting a laundry room on the second floor or building another bathroom going to add the most value?”
“Will the cost of adding this mud room pay off when I go to sell?”
While contemplating what value these renovations or additions will bring to our quality of life in the near future, considering the return is important as well. For decades bathroom and kitchen renovations have added more value than their cost, and that still holds true. However, while open floor plans have become very popular over the last twenty years, some started becoming too open to add value. The actual number of rooms is less important to most buyers than the layout.
In touring a dozen plus houses a week, it became evident early on that the layout and “feel” of a house play a large roll in resale. You may ask, “What is important in a layout and what offers the ‘feel’ of a house?” Well, ceiling height and open floor plans certainly feel a lot bigger than they actually may be in square footage. Buyers I have worked with find their value in how big a house feels over the documented square footage. On top of the layout, the “feel” a home has to offer comes from design and décor.
With the layout, today’s homeowner should consider the purpose of each room. For example, formal dining rooms have lost their appeal to many buyers, especially millennials. Having
multipurpose rooms or a layout where rooms can serve many different purposes is incredibly valuable. A room that could be a formal dining room for one family but serve as a game room for another adds value.
A kitchen open to the family room has a lot of value for the lifestyle of the majority today. Do you notice when you have people over to entertain, everyone gathers in the kitchen? Opening that up to the family room allows for a larger space to combine food and entertainment in a comfortable setting. Many consider game-day festivities and being able to prepare food while watching the game. These are a few of the reasons kitchens open to family rooms have been a popular asset for the last twenty years, and that trend is predicted to stick around.
Speaking of trends, the finishes and product you choose in your renovations definitely determine the value you may be adding or
taking away from your home. Some products are timeless and others are just a fad. Designers, as well as your realtor, know the newest trends and if they will likely stay around for a while.
As realtors, we are with buyers regularly, touring homes, reading articles, and having discussions on what styles are coming in and out. These experiences provide us with a vast amount of information to help you make your best decisions in adding value while renovating or adding on to your home. We also learn which styles, even if timeless, may appeal more to the masses or only a select few.
There are many aspects of renovations and additions. Adding value while enjoying your new space and style is so very important. This is when we also need to discuss choosing your vendor and how to make sure you have a contactor, plumber, or electrician that will best serve you. That will come in ROI: Part 2, in November.
By Kim Flick, MARIELDERS Transportation Coordinator
It’s common to make plans in life to ensure that things go the way we would like. Education, career, marriage, home, family, vacations, retirement; a plan helps keep our life on track. A Financial Plan to manage your money through the later years of life. An Estate Plan, to include a Will and Living Will and designated Power of Attorney, to instruct your survivors how you want your affairs to be handled.
Consider formulating a Life Plan for your later years. Have you done most of the things you’ve dreamed of doing? Are there wishes that you haven’t carried out? Write out a vision statement or action plan. Define some goals for how you hope to live your life through the aging process.
Will you be able to maintain your home and property or hire someone to assist with that? Is your home too large? Are the bedrooms and bathrooms easily accessible? Are you putting off making decisions, thinking you might not have to deal with it?
Along with the success of living a long life comes the reality that you may become less independent. Physically and cognitively we all decline with age. It’s a good idea to think about contingencies for making life good for yourselfall the way through. Consult with your Primary Care Physician for input on any health conditions that might impact your goals. Of course, a lot of decisions cannot be made until you reach that point in your journey. But if you do not communicate your wishes to your loved ones, they may have to make decisions for you.
Some senior living options to familiarize
yourself with:
Aging in place: Living in your own home or with your family. In order for this to work successfully, you should be able to care for yourself. Simple modifications around your living area, such as lighting, fall alert systems and handrails can make stairs, kitchens and bathrooms safer and reduce the risk of injuries, which can be game changing. Family members can become exhausted and overwhelmed taking on extra duties and may not have the endurance to manage their own life plus yours. In-home care can be added as needed to help with medication tracking, meal preparation, cleaning, and personal care. This extra help can go a long way toward extending your independence and enhancing your quality of life.
Independent Living: If “downsizing” is a consideration, then you’ll be looking at senior communities, villages, or apartments. This concept takes care of the daily home chores and maintenance and may include dining facilities and transportation. Other advantages include opportunities for socialization, compact and easier to navigate campuses, some with amenities.
Assisted Living: Residential care communities are for adults who can live somewhat independently but benefit from assistance with dressing, bathing, housekeeping, and medication management. Levels of care may vary, but typically it is staffed around the clock with dining, social and recreation areas provided.
Residential Care: These smaller facilities offer a family setting and personalized assistance with “the activities of daily living.” The cost can often be significantly less.
Continuing Care: Residents can remain in one location without arranging for future care needs. Costs will increase commensurate with the level of care.
Skilled Care: 24-hour medically supervised physical and cognitive health management, personal assistance, meals, and activities.
Arm yourself with information by arranging tours of communities that appeal to you. It may be years before you’ll ever have to transition from your present home. But understanding how to prepare financially and mentally, can help you envision a life plan through all the stages to come; including after your assets have been depleted.
https://dailycaring.com and https://www. aarp.org/caregiving are just a couple of resource websites to look into for more information.
THE MARIELDERS has marketing materials from dozens of senior care communities and in-home care agencies. Additionally, you can find informational materials from unbiased professionals who can help you develop and implement viable estate or asset protection plans. Our staff and members are also a great resource for ideas about how to navigate through the years ahead.
THE MARIELDERS is a great place to socialize, exercise, and learn new things. We have a shuttle van to get you where you want to go. Our website, Marielders.org, is filled with information. Drop in anytime Monday thru Friday 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and take a tour. We’re at 6923 Madisonville Road in the heart of the Village of Mariemont. You can also call us at (513) 271-5588.
October’s Colors at The Barn
Seraphine at The Barn
The Barn invites the community to its monthly film feature Seraphine on October 10. Seraphine is a 2009 story about an artist’s secret paintings and of the man who introduced it to the world. Seraphine Louis was a servant in the home of a bourgeoisie residing in Senlis, France when a German art collector and critic, Wilhelmina Uhde, discovered her paintings. Taking place during World War I, the film follows the development of an artist touched by mental illness, but possessed unusual talent for her appreciation of nature and its application to art.
(2013), Mar. 12: At Eternity’s Gate (2018), Apr. 9: Thomas Hart Benton (1988), May 14: Final Portrait (2017), Jun. 11: My Left Foot (1989).
To reserve a seat, please go to https:// thebarn.regfox.com/artflix. The Barn welcomes walk-ins.
A Walk in Paris Continues
This eight-week lecture series by American/Parisian Gene Johnston will take you on a walk through the streets of Paris. The series discusses the artists, writers and people who made the city one of the world’s greatest cultural centers.
The 125-minute film stars Yolande Moreau and Ulrich Tukur. Awards include César Award for Best Film, César Award for Best Actress, Cesar Award for Best Original Score, César Award for Best Cinematography, National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress, César Award for Best Writing - Original, and the César Award for Best Costume Design.
Terrace Park resident Dave Laug will introduce the film at 6:30 p.m. and lead a discussion at its end. BYOB. Free admission, soft drinks and snacks. Please visit artatthebarn.org for registration or call 513272-3700.
Additional ARTflix dates include the following: Nov. 14: Desert of Forbidden Art (2010), Dec. 12: Big Eyes (2014), Jan. 9: Siskert vs. Sargent (2007), Feb. 13: The Best Offer
The series will take place in the Loft at The Barn on Sunday afternoons now through – Nov. 3, from 1 – 3 p.m.
Ms. Johnston is an American/Parisienne living in Paris and in the US. She is also a designer of interiors, furniture, fashion, jewelry, and owner of retail stores and art galleries. She has given this lecture series for various organizations through the years, and The Barn is thrilled to have her present in our newest artspace. Go to artatthebarn.org to sign up.
Saturday Morning Kids!
Oct 26: “Jungle Book: The Story of Mowgli’s Fire” (Frisch Marionettes)
Mowgli… stolen from his mother at birth, and raised in the jungle by wolves, must face his destiny as a man when Shere Khan threatens him and the peace in the jungle. The show is produced and directed by Kevin Frisch and adapted from an original script by Nicholas Coppola with original music composed and performed by Steve Frisch. Age 4+.
Nov. 16: “Fall Artmaking 4 Families” (Maria Bailey)
Come with your favorite adult and make seasonal art! Wear clothes that can get messy.
Dec. 21: “A MadCap Christmas Carol” (Madcap Puppets)
If you think you know the story of miserly old Scrooge, think again! Madcap turns this Christmas ghost story into a fantastically funny tale, bringing your favorite Dickens characters to life with giant puppets and exciting new twists. Ages 4+.
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Barn (from previous page)
To register for these events, please go to artatthebarn.org or call 513-272-3700.
Live and Learn
Fundamentals of Drawing and Painting (Mary Lou Holt)
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Thursday Mornings now - November 14
1:30 - 4:30 p.m., Thursday Afternoons now - November 14
Registration -marylou@marylouiseholt. com or call 513-226-3833.
Dissecting the Landscape in the Medium of Your Choice (Mary Lou Holt)
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Tuesdays, October 8 - November 12
$170 for 6 weeks or $144 for 4 classes (you choose which ones) with additional classes $36 each.
Registration - marylou@marylouiseholt. com or call 513-226-3833.
Beginner and Intermediate Painting (Jan Boone)
9:30 - 12:30, Wednesday Mornings 1:15 - 4:15, Wednesday Afternoons Questions & registration - janwrites@fuse. net or 513-382-7044.
For a complete list of artistic learning opportunities, please visit artatthebarn.org.
Save the Date
Showcase of Art: December 7 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and December 8 from Noon – 5 p.m.
The Barn, also known as The Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center, is located at 6980 Cambridge Avenue.
Village
Jordan Park Art Project Showcases Mariemont’s History
By Marcy Lewis
Jordan Park Art Committee members, Candace Grafton and Esther Osman, have been hard at work incorporating artwork that highlights Mariemont’s unique history into their entry hallways and common spaces.
“Originally the artwork that was hung in the common hallways consisted of pieces owned by the residents, but there was no common theme,” stated Osman. The first phase of this process was to enlarge and frame architectural drawings obtained from the Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF).
member Nina Rogers. Lifetime members have exclusive access to Nancy Ford Cones’ prints.
Esther Osman is pictured here with a Nancy Ford Cones’ photograph of the Mariemont Concourse. Grafton commented, “I love the misty and nostalgic quality of
The second phase was to include two prints of photographs by the renowned photographer Nancy Ford Cones. Cones, who was nicknamed “The Lady of Loveland,” lived in Mariemont for a year in 1926 in order to photograph the growing town for publicity. The Jordan Park Art Committee was able to obtain these prints through MPF lifetime
Nancy Ford Cones’ Mariemont exhibited in our Jordan Park Pub. Aren’t we fortunate to enjoy such an important piece of our neighborhood’s history? I’m grateful to the Mariemont Preservation Foundation.”
Mariemont is fortunate to have been the subject of this illustrious female photographer’s work. It is indeed exciting that after almost 100 years, the present day residents of the Village have access to and can continue to enjoy Nancy Ford Cones’ photos.
ATTENTION: Home Owners... If You Have a Plumbing Problem, Don't Panic! "How
for your appointment
As a Mariemont resident present this ad and you will receive $10
the $49 service call fee.
Robert Forsee Jr.,
Village Government
The first September Council meeting was cancelled due to lack of a quorum. For additional Council and Committees minutes, visit the Village website at mariemont.org
September 18 – Finance Committee Meeting
Agenda items included: Village website proposals and discussion of a storage facility shed for the maintenance department.
August 26, 2019 - Regular Council Meeting
Police Officer Derek Bischoff has completed his Probationary Period and Mayor Policastro recommended that he be made a Regular Full-Time Employee. Mayor Policastro said Officer Bischoff was a 2008 graduate of Ross High School and attended Miami University for two years. He graduated from Butler Tech Police Academy in 2011 and worked parttime as a patrol officer for the Batavia Police Department from August 2012-December 2012. He also worked as a corrections Officer with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office assigned to the jail and court services from February 2013-January 2017. He was hired part-time with the Mariemont Police Department as the School Resource Officer on January 3, 2017. He was hired full- time with the Mariemont Police Department on August 12, 2018 as a Patrol Officer and completed his one year probationary period on August 12, 2019. He is married to his wife, Deanna, and they have one son.
Chief Hines said that Officer Bischoff is doing an excellent job and recommends his employee status be changed from probationary to a Regular Full-Time employee of the Mariemont Police Department. Mayor Policastro and members of Council congratulated Officer Bischoff.
Council Member Rob Bartlett requested
to refer to Rules and Law the recodification of Mariemont’s Code of Ordinances. Mayor Policastro referred the matter to the Rules and Law Committee. Solicitor McTigue said he has looked at the vicious dog section of the ordinance and signage. Mr. Bartlett said funds have been allocated for 2020 budget to do the recodification.
Mr. Joe Stelzer, 6609 Pleasant Street, was granted permission to address Council. He gave Council an update on the Murray Bike Multiuse Path fundraising and distributed a flyer. There are a lot of great volunteers on the project with one rendering the logo for free. The rendering of what the path may look like was also rendered by a volunteer. It is not to scale or exact but it conveys what the project may look like. The first contribution was from Mariemont 5K in the amount of $6,700. The Facebook page is built and there is a group on Nextdoor Mariemont. The website is being built by the husband of one of our Council members.
The first fundraising event is a Bengals Tailgate Party hosted by former Bengal’s quarterback Kenny Anderson and given in partnership with Columbia Township. The date is Sunday, September 8 from 1-7:30 p.m. There will be a large screen TV showing the 4 p.m. Bengal’s game, food trucks, beer from Fifty West, raffles that include Bengals tickets and sports memorabilia and donations for services from local businesses. It’s a great way for both communities to work together to raise money for this project.
They formed a partnership with a local organization, so now have a 501C status and can add contributions to the project. They are working on larger contributions from larger contributors and ways for those individuals to
October Events
October 19 - Drive-Thru Garage Sale
Mariemont Landing residents will be having a unique neighborhood garage sale October 19 from 9-noon. Residents are planning to put large price tags on items so customers may simply drive through and check out the items. If interested in purchasing something, the buyer can pull up and purchase the item directly from their car, or they can park and walk to the home to purchase an item.
October 31 – Trick-Or-Treat in Mariemont from 6-8 p.m.
Those planning to participate in handing out treats, please turn on your front porch lights. Also, see the article on page 7 of this issue for information about the Teal Pumpkin Project, and consider non-candy treats for those with food allergies and sensitivities.
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
be recognized in the process. They are looking at yard signs to advertise the event and asked what the process/restrictions would be to have those approved. Mayor Policastro said he has the authority to approve temporary signs but no signs are to be placed in the square. Mrs. Van Pelt said she would get a request to Mr. Stelzer.
August 12, 2019 – Regular Council Meeting
Police Chief Hines gave his July report and reminded Council of the Safety Services Night Out at the Bell Tower with many door prizes, a K-9 presentation and a helicopter visit. Assistant Chief Kiefer reported the new ambulance has arrived and is presently being detailed.The other truck has been moved to the maintenance facility and our police/fire has keys to access the truck at any time should the need arise.
Various monthly reports were read, along with a permanent improvement request from Service Superintendant Scherpenberg for a shed.
Mr. Tony Mershon with Mariemont Boy Scout Troop 149 addressed Council. He is currently working on his Eagle Scout Project and would like approval to build six bird houses
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Council (from previous page)
for Eastern Blue Birds and post them in the South 80. The Mayor suggested he contact the Parks Board President Louise Schomberg and work with the group on location of the bird houses. Council gave unanimous approval for the project to proceed.
Bills approved by the Fiscal Officer, Mayor and Chairman of the Finance Committee to be paid were approved. Mrs. Rankin asked if the $52,365 payment for tree work was final payment of work to be done in the Village. Superintendent Scherpenberg said it was for the first three phases, but there is one more phase to do with trees damaged in recent storms. Mrs. Graves had concern about a dead tree near the Tot Lot. Super. Scherpenberg will look into it.
Mr. Bartlett moved, seconded by Mr. Brown, to accept the recommendations of the Finance Committee, which met July 31 to discuss some proposals that PNC had previously brought to the Village about its checking accounts. Items included Direct Deposit that is currently available but not being utilized, and Scanning Checks for Deposit. Due to both items being a cost increase and/or causing extra work for Village employees, the Finance Committee recommends not pursuing either option. However, PNC shared that Fairfax is using the ACH system for some of their payments, and the Finance Committee is interested in understanding what areas Fairfax is using ACH for direct deposit and the benefit they are seeing. Mr. Chris Moorman from PNC said he would talk to Fairfax. Additionally, Finance Committee discussed use of the new PNC credit card, which offers 1.5 percent cash back on all purchased. While Mrs. Van Pelt and Mrs. Singleton shared that using the credit card creates some additional work for them, after discussion it was decided to go ahead with use for larger purchases exceeding $5,000, which would generate at least $75 cash back to the Village, and for things like online subscriptions for computers.
Other discussions included:
Renewing the contracts for several of the insurances held by the Village. Emergency was declared to vote and approve paying premiums due to the deadline. Ordinance No. O-18-19 was adopted.
Mr. Brown acknowledged all the work
Village Government
Native American Cultural & Education Center Ribbon Cutting
The Mariemont Native American Cultural & Education Center officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 4 at 6 p.m. (Photo credits: Joe Stoner)
Dan Policastro,
Assistant Fiscal Officer Wendler has done on pulling together info and reconciling account for upcoming waste collection to be collected by Cincinnati Water Works.
Mr. Bartlett has discussed with Solicitor McTigue sections of the code that need to be changed, and which the Solicitor is reviewing. One is our code for vicious dogs is breed specific – mentions not allowing Pit Bulls. Solicitor is reviewing code now and Council may have to change wording due to a Supreme Court decision. Another is section 151.126(A)
Specializing In Orthodontics
(9) regarding political signs and signage in general. We need to conform to case laws that have come out in recent couple of years, and the Solicitor mentioned how we were sued in the past for American Legal Publishing not codifying our updated legislation, even though the Village was not enforcing the code. A third issue involves several inconsistencies in the code language for Planning Commission and ARB. Mayor Policastro referred to the Rules & Laws Committee and suggested that the Solicitor attend the Committee meetings, which he said he would.
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Mayor
State Representative Tom Brinkman, UC anthropologist Dr. Ken Tankersley, and Council member Bill Brown officially cut the ribbon as Town Crier, Bob Keyes, looks on.
MPF Hosts Another Successful Taste of Mariemont
On August 25, families, friends, and neighbors gathered for the Mariemont Preservation Foundation’s annual Taste of Mariemont in Dogwood Park. Under the dappled sunlight and shadow of the Bell Tower, local restaurants featured their unique, delicious fare while Village organizations shared information, crafts, games, roasted and popped corn and cotton candy. MPF thanks all who joined the celebration and the many people who bring this annual tradition to life each year. Joe Stoner, MPF President, adds “It was a wonderful day in the neighborhood!” (photo credits: Joe Stoner and Lynn Long.)
Community Village Worship Services
Mariemont Community Church
Mariemontchurch.org
Denis Beausejour, Senior Pastor
Paul Rasmussen, Worship Pastor
Jamie Moore, Discipleship 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.
Coming Up
October 16, 6:30-8 p.m. - Worship Night
at MCC. Be refreshed and encouraged! All are welcome.
New Sunday Morning Sermon Series: “Walk the Talk with Jesus”, Sept. 8-Nov. 24. We will be exploring true maturity in Christ and true community as we walk together through challenges. Join us!
Joy in the Morning: Women’s Bible study is just beginning! Tuesdays, 9:00-11:15 a.m. There are several study groups available. We would love to have you. Contact Barb Leonard at tfleo@cinci. rr.com for more information.
Joy in the Evening: Women’s Bible study available on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. Contact Paula Ayer at ayerpaula@gmail.com for more information.
Ongoing
Weekly Prayer Meeting – Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. in the Parish Center Hearth Room.
Joy Women’s Luncheon – Second Wednesday of each month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Family Shop Sale – Second and fourth Saturdays of each month, 9 a.m.-noon.
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 us for worship services each Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Mariemont Memorial Stone Chapel on Cherry Lane. Children’s Sunday School for pre-K through 6th grade is provided during the service at our Oak Street Building, 3920 Oak St. (corner of Oak and Maple), just a block from the Chapel.
Coming Up:
Current Sermon Series for October: Got Questions? Time to Find Real Life Answers. You are invited to explore some challenging questions with us on Sunday mornings, such as “Why on earth am I here?” “What does the Bible say about Heaven and Hell?” “Does Christianity Give Us Any Hope?” and more. Hope you can join us for this engaging series.
Ongoing:
Wednesday Night Dinner - Join us each month on the first and third Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in our Oak Street Building (3920 Oak St.) for dinner and engaging Bible discussion. RSVP for dinner by calling 513-515-1551.
Whiz Kids - Weekly after-school reading program at Mariemont Elementary; anyone interested in tutoring a child in this program contact Jamie Keyes at jamiekeyes6@gmail.com.
Men’s Breakfast Discussion - First Saturday of each month at 8 a.m. in the Oak Street Building fellowship hall.
