Mariemont Town Crier, April 2020, Vol. XLIV, No. 7

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By the Book: A Salute to Betty Teeter, Mariemont’s First Children’s Librarian

In recognition of National Library Month, we thought it would be a great time to highlight a former and much-loved Mariemont Branch Library children’s librarian, Mrs. Elizabeth (“Betty”) Teeter. Longtime residents likely remember Betty, who passed away in 1995 but left a legacy to the children and families she served.

Betty Teeter was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where she met her husband, J. Gordon Teeter, an engineer. The couple had five children and moved into 6 Denny Place in Mariemont in 1953.

After completing her bachelor’s degree in 1930, Mrs. Teeter took a full year of rigorous librarianship training at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County under Miss Alice Dunlap, who conducted a demanding course of study for newly-hired library professionals from 1926 until 1956. Betty began her career at the main branch of the library in downtown Cincinnati, and then was assigned to the Madisonville branch, where she served for over a decade.

As announced in the November 13, 1967 edition of The Eastern Hills Journal, Mrs. Teeter was promoted to Children’s Librarian at Mariemont’s (then) Madisonville Road site branch. Betty proudly assisted with the library’s move to its “new” (and current) building on Pocahontas Avenue in 1972.

Mrs. Teeter loved books and reading and thus took great pride in imaginatively introducing “good reads” to children, sometimes through

her “Storybook Hour Candle” ritual, which she introduced during her years at the Madisonville Branch. Betty kept in touch with the children and parents she knew and worked with, both during and after her years of service, including consistently sending birthday cards to her young patrons as they grew up. (Some of you were probably among them!)

Mrs. Teeter continued her work as Mariemont’s children’s librarian for 10 years until her retirement in 1976. In thankful tribute to her years of dedication to local children, the Library

commissioned and presented her with a wonderful hand-carved statuette, customdesigned and crafted by local sculptress, Ellen Lynch.

Betty passed away in 1993 at age 85, but her legacy as a children’s librarian and Mariemont resident lives on. Her daughters, Carol Teeter Woodard and Nancy Teeter Sauer, both attended Mariemont High School and both became librarians! In fact, Nancy recently retired as senior children’s services librarian from the Fountaindale Public Library in Bolingbrook, Ill. And, fun fact: Betty’s granddaughter, Susan Knabb, is the owner of Sweeterie in The Mariemont Strand.

A Little Mariemont Library History

The Mariemont Library has been welltravelled over the decades.

• Original 1926 location was at 6646 Chestnut Street (Mrs. Maye Charni was its first librarian.)

• Moved to the basement of the “Recreation Building” of the Parish Center in May 1930 (Ursula Stubbs was the librarian.)

• Moved into the original Mariemont High School (now the elementary school) in 1942.

• In 1949, it was relocated to a storefront location at 6930 Madisonville Road (where Mio’s is today.)

• The new – and current - Mariemont Barnch location opened at 3810 Pocahontas Avenue in 1972. The current building is named after Ernest J. Miller, who was a Mariemont resident and was head of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Library system.

Betty Teeter would light a candle as part of her children’s story hour.
Betty Teeter’s daughter Carol Woodard, left, and granddaughter and Sweeterie owner Susan Knabb, right.

Staying in Can Be Fun, Productive

Yes, these are “unprecedented, crazy times”. Yes, Kroger and Walmart are consistently out of toilet paper, facial tissue, hand sanitizer… and meat, eggs and frozen pizza, for some reason. Yes, everyone’s kids - of all ages - are home and stuck there for who knows how long. Can’t go out to lunch, to the gym, the library, or see a movie in a theater. For those used to going to an office, learning to work remotely is the new normal.

But let’s consider the flip side. We’ve all been given time to step back and hit the refresh button. To reconsider our priorities, enjoy the simple pleasures in life, and do things we normally tell ourselves we’ll get to later.

Here are some suggestions for keeping sane, having fun, and reconnecting with those who are important in your life.

• Take time for a morning stretch, meditation, or stream a free YouTube yoga or mini-workout session before starting the day.

• Invite your “bored” kids to help plan, shop for, and learn to make some meals.

• Set up a card table or turn a dining table into puzzle central.

• Ask your teen to teach you how to play Super Smash Bros, Minecraft, or another of their fave video games.

• Start sprouting seeds indoors for a summer veggie garden. Then use any nice-weather days to create a vegetable garden in your yard. Reap the benefits of your labor by learning to can!

• Repurpose a rarely used guest room or corner of your family room or basement into a mini-

gym.

• Get some paint, markers, colored pencils, crayons and a sketch or coloring book, and tap into your inner artist while reducing stress!

• Create a fun playlist of favorites (or “quarantunes”) and blare them while doing some early spring cleaning.

• Clean out and organize your closets and dressers.

• Wash and store all winter coats, gloves, hats – and pull out those sandals and shorts.

• Finally dig into that pile of books you’ve been meaning to read.

• Get outdoors and enjoy fresh air, walk the dog, catch up with your neighbor – from 6 ft. away, of course!

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Staying In (from page 2)

• Spend more one-on-one time with family members, playing board and card games, and just talking.

• Support and encourage older family members and friends who may live alone by checking in with them regularly and helping where you can.

From the Editor:

The Town Crier wraps up our 2019-2020 publishing season with the May issue. We would love to share photos of activities and "pearls of wisdom" gathered from "sheltering in place" over recent weeks. Please send to mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com by April 15. Be sure to include names of people in photos, and any other information to be used in captions.

Stay well!

The

Club

The Town Crier would like to thank our supporters! Funding for production of the Town Crier comes solely from our advertisers and your contributions. Individuals contributing throughout the publishing year will have their names included in each remaining issue. Your contribution can be mailed to: Mariemont Town Crier c/o Matt Weinland, 3812 Indianview Avenue Mariemont, Ohio, 45227

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Staff

Contributors Kim Beach kimbeach13@gmail.com

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Peter McBride pete0948@gmail.com

Photographers Steve Spooner me@mariemontstuff.com

Carriers

D avi D a n D rews

J ulia B ohl

a lexis & o livia C lark

J osiah e riksen

C harlie G riffith

P axton l esseuer

a lly M aier

Z a C h M aier

C lara & P arker n i C hols

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Charles & Gretchen

Thomas

Rachel & Jim Votaw

Village Church of Mariemont

Suzy & Matt Weinland

o wen P roffitt w ill Q ueen

n oah v ana G s

C lara v au G han

D avis w i C kha M

B ray D en & D ylan w olu J ewi CZ

(Siblings listed together share routes; siblings listed separately have their own routes)

May deadline: The deadline for the next Town Crier is April 15, 2020 All camera-ready ads and articles must be submitted by 5p.m. to Matt Weinland at MariemontTownCrier@ gmail.com. Articles should be sent via email in Microsoft® Word, with photos sent as jpg files of at least 350KB. Payment and advertising contracts should be submitted to: Matt Weinland, 3812 Indianview, Mariemont, Ohio, 45227

The Mariemont Town Crier, LLC, "The Voice of the Village of Mariemont," is published monthly from Sept. through Dec. and Feb. through May as a service to residents and organizations of the Village of Mariemont.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: Press releases, photographs and event calendars are welcomed. Please contact Suzy Weinland at MariemontTownCrier@gmail.com to discuss article ideas. All submissions are due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. The editorial staff reserves the right to select and edit articles for both content and space. Photos sent as .jpg files via email are preferred, but originals also will be accepted and returned upon request. Signed letters to the editor are accepted and will be published as space allows. The Town Crier reserves the right to edit letters for length. Letters to the Editor reflect the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Town Crier Staff.

INSERTS: As a public service to the non-profit organizations of Mariemont, the Town Crier accepts inserts for a flat fee of $75, due at the time of delivery (check made out to Mariemont Town Crier). Inserts must be pre-approved and scheduled with the editor, printed and separated into stacks of 50, and delivered to Tiffany Proffitt at 3858 Homewood Rd. by the 20th of the month prior to publication. Please contact Tiffany ahead of delivery at tmproffitt@fuse.net or 513-271-0672. Inserts and ads of a political nature are not accepted.

ADS: All camera-ready ads must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the 10th of the month prior to publication to Matt Weinland at MariemontTownCrier@gmail.com. Payment and advertising contracts should be delivered to Matt Weinland, 3812 Indianview Avenue, Mariemont, Ohio, 45227, and must be received prior to publication.

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COVID-19 Updates from Village of Mariemont and Hamilton County

The Village of Mariemont is currently following the developments as well as the plans of prevention of the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (2019-nCoV). We are following the recommendations of the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) and the Hamilton County Public Health. We want to offer the following information to our residents to better help them to keep their families healthy.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The outbreak first started in China, but cases have been identified in a growing number of other areas, including the United States.

Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness. Data suggests that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Symptoms can include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and shortness of breath.

The virus causing COVID-19 is called SARSCov-2. It is thought to spread mainly from personto-person via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can land in the mouths or noses, or possibly be inhaled into the lungs of people who are nearby.

Close contact may include:

• Being within approximately 6 feet of an individual with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time.

• Having direct contact with body fluids (such as blood, phlegm, and respiratory droplets) from an individual with COVID19.

• To protect yourself from exposure (taking these steps can help you stay healthy)

• It’s currently flu and respiratory disease season and the CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.

• Cover your mouth while coughing and sneezing.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Stay home when sick.

• Most importantly, WASH YOUR HANDS for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

• If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer that is 60% alcohol.

Additionally, please contact a healthcare professional if you have traveled to an area with widespread COVID-19, have come into contact with anyone who has, or develop flu-like symptoms such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

In addition to practicing regular healthy habits to limit the spread of germs, you can sign up for alerts and tips from Hamilton County officials regarding COVID-19. Alerts are available via text message, e-mail, and voice call through the Alert Hamilton County system.

To sign up for COVID-19 alerts, please visit the Alert Hamilton County (Alert HC) website: www.alerthc.org. If you already have an Alert HC/ Smart911 account, log in to your existing account and select “COVID-19 Alerts” at the bottom of the opt-in alert list. If you have not yet signed up for Alert HC, create a Smart911 Safety Profile and select “COVID-19 Alerts” at the bottom of the optin alert list.

For more COVID-19 information, please visit the Hamilton County Public Health website: https://www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org/ announcements/corona-virus-information/.

Mariemont Kiwanis Teams Up with Mariemont Junior High, May We Help

The Kiwanis Club of Mariemont, the local chapter of the International Kiwanis organization, has teamed up with students at Mariemont Junior High School to build sensory chairs for May We Help.

The group, under the direction of Mariemont Kiwanis Vice President Don Keyes, assembled five sensory chairs at May We Help, the local non-profit focused on designing and creating unique custom solutions for individuals with special needs to engage in and pursue their passions. The chairs are designed to allow children with autism and overstimulated students to decompress without having to leave the classroom. These four chairs were then donated to schools in the Mariemont City School District.

which are hands-on, interestbased courses beyond the traditional curriculum.

Kiwanis and Fairfax Combine Golf Outings

The annual Kiwanis of Mariemont and Village of Fairfax Ted Shannon Memorial Golf Outings are being combined this year. This is an important fundraiser for both organizations, so mark your calendars!

This year’s event is moving to the California Woods Course, 5924 Kellogg Ave. Tee time is noon on Sunday, May 17, 2020. Included in the event is a dinner at the Fairfax RG Cribbet Rec Center (on Hawthorn), slated to start around 6 p.m.

For more details contact John Robb of Kiwanis at 513-509-5575 or robb.johnm@ gmail.com, or the Fairfax Village Offices of Mayor Shelton at 527-6505 or Jenny Kaminer at 527-6503.

More details and updates to come in May’s Town Crier and on the Kiwanis website at www.mariemontkiwanis.org.

These junior high students were presented with the opportunity to construct the sensory chairs through the Mariemont City Schools Warriors BEyond program, aå comprehensive, awardwinning K-12 initiative that allowed the students for experiential learning outside the confines of a traditional classroom setting. Each Friday afternoon students at the junior high participate in Expeditions,

3914 Miami Rd., Suite 201 Mariemont, OH 45227 kim@insurethevillage.com 513-831-0179

Schools

MHS Production of Legally Blonde: The Musical a Sold Out Hit!

During the weekend of March 6-8, students from Mariemont High School performed the musical, Legally Blonde.

The show is a 2007 adaption from the movie with the same title, and it follows Elle Woods as she chases a boy to Harvard Law School and ends up discovering herself. The musical is full of lively, full-cast numbers, lovable characters, and the message to chase after your dreams.

For some, Legally Blonde was their last time on stage, but many felt the show was a fitting ending.

“I definitely loved the choice,” said senior, Gabby Tollefsen, who portrayed Elle Woods.

“I felt like it gave a lot of people an opportunity to show off their stuff and it felt like a role I could really embody.”

Echoing Tollefsen’s sentiment, Shannah Renner, who performed the role of Paulette Buonufonte, Elle’s friend. She said, “I’m so happy with it. I thought it was so much fun, with there being so many full-cast numbers, there was really good cast bonding.”

and their work. “I really liked the end result. I think we all came together really well during tech week, especially near the end, and we

The cast was proud of the final product,

Locations:

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MHS seniors Gabby Tollefsen (Elle) and Shannon Renner (Paulette)

Schools

were all able to put on a really great show,” said sophomore Benny Mitchell.

English teacher and co-director, Lee Lowery, was pleased. She said, “I thought it was so good! During tech week, it made me cry. It was so good. So I couldn’t have been prouder or happier about how it turned out.”

In the end, the show seemed to be a hit, and all the rehearsals seemed to have paid off. Members of the cast practiced on-andoff since mid-December (auditions were the week of December 9th). And for some of the leads, that time has been filled with rehearsals nearly daily. According to Lowery, leads and featured dancers rehearsed four hours a day, four to five days a week. For the rest of the cast, they would practice a couple hours a day, two to three days a week.

The cast will see how their show compared with some of the other high school musicals around the Cincinnati area sometime in early May, at the Cappies Gala. Cappies awards are chosen by student critics

St. Thomas Church Welcomes You!

For more information, please visit www.stthomasepiscopal.org www.bachensemble.org

regular WorsHip sCHedule

Sundays (childcare provided beginning at 9:00 a.m.)

Holy Eucharist (Rite I): 8:00 a.m.

Choral Eucharist (Rite II): 10:15 a.m.

Occasional Evening Service: 5:00 p.m. (see calendar)

Tuesdays

Evening Prayer with Communion: 6:15 p.m.

from surrounding high schools, in categories such as lead actor, supporting actor, vocalist, dancer, makeup, sound, lighting, special effect, and more.

W eek & e aster

at s t . t H omas

Palm Sunday Sunday, April 5, 2020

8:00 a.m. | 10:00 a.m.

Holy Week Noonday Eucharist Monday, April 6-Thursday, April 9, 2020 12:00 p.m.

Evening Prayer with Taizé Wednesday, April 8, 2020 7:00 p.m.

Maundy Thursday Thursday, April 9, 2020 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday Friday, April 10, 2020 12:00 p.m. | 7:00 p.m.

Easter Vigil Saturday, April 11, 2020 7:00 p.m.

Easter Day Sunday, April 12, 2020 8:00 a.m. | 9:15 a.m. | 10:45 a.m. JAMES T. WESTERFIELD, D.V.M. 6892 Murray Avenue • (513) 561-0020 Photos courtesy Steve Spooner,

Great Things are Happening Here!

Here are some of the exciting events at St. Thomas! (for a full listing, please visit the calendar at www.stthomasepiscopal.org/calendar)

Bach Vespers for Easter Sunday, April 19, 2020 • 5:00 p.m.

Bach Vespers Sunday, May 10, 2020 • 5:00 p.m.

M.A.D. Camp

Music | Art | Drama

July 12-17, 2020 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. for ages Kindergarden-8th Grade visit www.stthomasepiscopal.org/madcamp

Legally Blonde (from previous page)

MPF Planning “Dream Week” Events

On April 23, 1923, Mary Emery placed a silver shovel into the ground to ceremonially begin the construction of Mariemont. You’re invited to join the Mariemont Preservation Foundation as it celebrates Mary Emery’s dream of the Village as a special place for family life. Events include the following:

Thursday, April 23: 97th Anniversary of Mariemont’s Groundbreaking

Fly your Mariemont flag! Village flags available at MPF (3919 Plainville Road) or online at MariemontPreservation.org.

Friday, April 24: Arbor Day

Join in a tree planting ceremony to celebrate Mariemont’s 28th year as a member of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program. Details coming soon.

Sunday, April 26, 3 p.m.: Blessing of the Bikes & Village Birthday Party

All families are welcome to the Memorial Chapel parking lot in the Old Town Center for music, cake, refreshments, and a brief ceremony to bless the safety of all bike riders for the upcoming season. A bike-decorating contest (children up to age 12) will take place with prizes awarded for various categories. All “wheeled” forms of transportation are encouraged (bikes, scooters, wagons, strollers, etc.). A parade around the Old Town Center will follow.

Follow the Mariemont Preservation Foundation online (Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor, MariemontPreservation.org) for event updates and general information. Happy 97th birthday, Mariemont!

Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce: Join in!

Attention area businesses! Please join other local companies as we establish a local chamber for the Mariemont area. Goals of the chamber include:

• To further the interests of our local businesses

• To advocate on behalf of the business community

• To provide networking opportunities

• To offer cost-saving benefits to employers through SOCA (Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance)

• To work together on events that would showcase the local businesses

• To improve the economic, civic, and cultural wellbeing of the area

If you would like to be added to the list for future meetings, please email Kim Beach at kim@insurethevillage. com.

The annual Blessing of the Bikes includes refreshments, a safety lesson, children’s decorating contest, and a small parade around the Old Town Center.

MSF Now Accepting Distinguished MHS Alumni Nominations

The Mariemont School Foundation is seeking nominations for its 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award. A nomination form and guidelines are available on the School Foundation website:

https://www.mariemontschoolfoundation. org/distinguished-alumni-all, or by calling the Mariemont School Foundation at (513) 2727509. Nominations are due May 31, 2020.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes Mariemont High School alumni graduated at least 10 years who have notably distinguished themselves by their significant contributions and/or remarkable accomplishments in their chosen career; skill, trade, or business; in civic duties; in military service; in philanthropy; in volunteerism; in the arts; in the sciences; in education; in religion, OR any other field, endeavor, or pursuit, excluding athletics. Nominees may be living or deceased.

Nominations will be considered by a committee comprised of Mariemont School Foundation trustees. The number of recipients each year is at the discretion of the committee. Nominations will remain on file five (5) years.

Distinguished Alumni Award recipients will be recognized during Mariemont’s Homecoming Weekend in the Fall of 2020.

A permanent, dedicated space at Mariemont High School also honors recipients.

License: 16334, 14921, 11981

Village Important Messages from Mariemont Village Offices

Village Introduces New Waste Fee Protocol

The Village will be joining the ranks of many Cincinnati communities who partner with Greater Cincinnati Water Works for monthly waste fee billing. Moving to a small monthly, rather than large yearly, fee will avoid many of the headaches and resident complaints that we have heard over the years. Additionally it will save the village roughly $75,000 a year in staffing costs as the Tax Department will drop down to a single heroic employee.

The use and sale of garbage stickers will remain as it, this change only applies to the yearly waste fee that had been collected by the Tax Department.

Starting in July of this year you will see a

line item on your water bill for a monthly waste fee. The waste fee will be based upon a simple proration of the existing yearly fee. The fees will be based upon the Hamilton County Auditor’s record of the property “type.” Please see the fee schedule below.

Those properties that do not use Mariemont for waste collection should see no fee on their bill. Failing to remit the fee will function in the same way as failing to pay your water bill, with GCWW responsible for pursuing the outstanding charges.

GCWW customers who turn their water service off and on due to occupancy changes will not incur waste fees for the months the water service is off. Landlords who pay water bills for their tenants may choose to pass this fee on to tenants or absorb the cost.

The Village sees this move as a win-win: cost savings for the Village and increased convenience for residents. Questions? Please email treasurer@ mariemont.org.

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Please Pick Up After Your Pup

Recently we have received several complaints from residents about the amount of dog waste that has been left throughout Mariemont, both on public property and on private property (even in trash/recycling cans belonging to someone else). Not only is this a nuisance to our residents who enjoy walking and running in the Village but it is a health hazard to our neighbors and to other animals and beloved pets.

The CDC recommends always removing your dog’s feces from your yard and public areas by using a bag and properly disposing of it. Keep in mind that dog waste is not a fertilizer and belongs in the trash, not in planters or gardens. This will help keep our community beautiful and healthy.

Bonnie Phillips, of the Virginia Department of Conservation, lists ten reasons why you should clean up after your pet:

• Stormwater carries pet waste and other pollutants directly into waterways.

• Joining the growing number of responsible pet owners may encourage hotel managers to accept pets when you are traveling and help keep fees to a minimum.

• No one likes to step in pet waste and spread it into homes, cars and businesses.

• Scooping on a daily basis and applying lime will help prevent odors.

• It’s easy to clean up by carrying plastic baggies and paper towels in your pocket. The baggies can be secured and thrown away in the garbage (in your own trash receptacle please).

Your neighbors will appreciate your good manners.

• Animal waste adds nitrogen to the water. Excess nitrogen depletes the oxygen in water necessary for beneficial underwater grasses, wildlife and fish.

• Animal waste may contain harmful organisms such as Giardia, Salmonella and E. coli that can be transmitted to humans and other animals by ingesting contaminated water.

• Roundworms and hookworms deposited by infected animals can live in the soil for long periods of time and be transmitted to other animals and humans.

• It’s the law! Many urban and suburban areas require you to pick up after your pet. Even if there is no restriction, cleaning up after your pet is always the right thing to do.

Mariemont regulations state that “No person, being the owner or in charge or control of any dog or cat shall allow or permit such dog or cat to defecate on any school grounds, village park, or other public property or upon any private property other than that of the owner or person

in charge or control of such animal, without the permission of the owner of the property.” Violation of said regulation can result in a fine of up to $500, per the Mariemont Police Department.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our Village clean and for being a good neighbor!

Drivers Please Help Keep Waste Collectors Safe

Please slow down when you are passing a Rumpke truck. We received a report recently from Rumpke that they were almost hit three times by vehicles who did not stop or even slow down to go around the trucks. Remember that it is difficult for the waste collectors to see around the trucks. Let’s keep everyone safe. If you are approaching a Rumpke truck, slow down and watch for waste collectors who may be coming around from the back of the truck and trying to cross the street. Thank you!

As a Mariemont resident present this ad and you will receive $10 off the $49 service call fee.

Robert Forsee Jr., President OH License PL #16160 and KY License

What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library - April

As of press time, all Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County facilities have been closed until further notice due to Coronavirus mandates. Ongoing updates are available at https://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/covid19/. You can also follow on social media @cincylibrary. Customers are encouraged to use the Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County’s robust eBranch, which features digital versions of books, audiobooks, music, movies, magazines, and more. Ohio residents can sign up for a free library card online and begin using the Library’s eBranch as soon as they receive their confirmation email.

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, April 9

Read a story to Bonny the therapy dog. Ages 5-10.

Crafty Kids — 4 p.m. Thursday, April 9

Make and take a fun craft!Ages 5-10.

Buckeye Search & Rescue Dogs — 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22

Learn about how search and rescue dogs work, the science behind it, and how they can find one particular missing person with a presenter from Buckeye Search and Rescue.  After the presentation, stick around and pet the search and rescue dogs. All ages welcome.

Adults

Which Craft? Needle Craft Club — 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, April 4 & 18

Stop by with your current work for pointers or just to have fun with co-enthusiasts. Knitting, crochet, needlework — whatever you like to do.

Armchair Explorers: Ultramarathons— 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 13

Kyle Fahrenkamp —a runner of more than 85 marathons and ultra-marathons, finisher of the Badwater 135 in 2016 and 2017, and a Barkley 2018 participant —is pleased to share his experiences on all things related to running. Adults and teens. Registration is recommended.

Memory Café — 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 9

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.

Book Club — 6:45 p.m. Thursday, April 30

We are discussing The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. Copies are 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

April Showers Bring Daffodils

As the old saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. But in Mariemont April showers bring daffodils!

Did you know the daffodil is the Village of Mariemont flower? Near the Chapel at the intersection of Oak and Chestnut streets, the hillside blooms with daffodils. While in the Beech Grove on Wooster Pike, yellow daffodils are on display for all to enjoy as they drive thru the Village.

How it all began is a tale of one man, a garden club of ladies and a love of flowers...

Mr. Carl Krippendorf, whose property in Clermont County is now known as the Cincinnati Nature Center, donated baskets of daffodil bulbs from his property to the Garden Club of Mariemont. In the early years of the Club these bulbs were planted in the Beech Grove, and over the course of time they have naturalized and become a sight to behold every spring.

Inspired by the beauty, the Mariemont Garden Club ladies approached Village leadership with a request to designate the daffodil as the Village flower and were successful. Thus began the ongoing relationship between the Garden Club and daffodils that is still present today.

the fall

In 2014, Dr. John Reed of Oakwood Daffodils bred a beautiful daffodil with yellow trumpet and orange center. The Garden Club was honored when, after a presentation on our Village flower, the presenter, Mr. William Lee, surprised the Club by announcing that his friend, Dr. Reed, had chosen to name a daffodil after the Village of Mariemont! You can see the Mariemont daffodil at the entrance to Hopkins Park, off of Pocahontas Ave.

Enjoy these April showers that bring us daffodils to herald the start of spring! Take a ride through the Village for a peek at the Village flower, and consider planting a few of your own next autumn.

Village
In
of 1950, Mariemont Garden Club members planted Daffodil bulbs in the Beech Grove.

Community

Marielders – April Activities

As of press time, all MariElders activities and events have been cancelled through April 14. Please check marielders.org or call 2715588 to check the status of events prior to registering or attending.

MARIELDERS with Mariemont Tennis Association: Pickleball Doubles

When: Tuesdays

Time: 9-10 a.m.

Where: 3912 Plainville Rd. Lower Courts No Prior experience necessary!!!

Ted Talks Video/Discussion:

Sleep is Your Super Power

Speaker: Matt Walker, PHD (Director of the Center for Human Sleep Science)

When: Friday, April 17

Time: 2 p.m.

Where: Lower Level

Sleep is your life-support system and Mother Nature’s best effort yet at immortality, says sleep scientist Matt Walker. In this deep dive into the science of slumber, Walker shares the wonderfully good things that happen when you get sleep – and the alarmingly bad things that happen when you don’t – for both your brain and body. Learn more about sleep’s impact on your learning, memory, immune system and even your genetic code as well as some helpful tips for getting some shut-eye.

Lunch & Learn: Sleeping Without Pain

When: Friday, April 17

Time: 12 p.m. (lunch) 12:30 (lecture)

Where: Lower Level

Cost: $5 (lunch & lecture) $1 (lecture only)

Sign-up by: Friday, April 10

We will be joined by Ben Spotts, PT, DPT, OCS from Athletico, located in the Mariemont Promenade, who will be discussing the various ways Physical Therapy can be provided to aid in sleeping without pain. Lunch will be Grilled Cheese, Organic Creamy Tomato Soup, Mixed salad, cookie, and a choice of beverages.

Lunch and Tour: Traditions at Camargo

When: Monday, April 20

Time: 11 a.m. (lunch at 11:30 a.m.)

Where: Meet at MariElders, then to Traditions at Camargo

Cost: $2 (transportation only)

Traditions at Camargo is located in Madeira. They offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and private Cottages in their senior retirement community. Nursing care and support, along with gracious amenities and lifestyle options are provided.

Vestibular Assessments with The Center of Balance

When: Wednesday, April 22

Time: 1 – 3 p.m. (15 minute time slotssign-up at MariElders)

Where: Lower Level

Dr. Patrick Shumrick BS, MHS, DPT of The Center for Balance and Dizziness will be setting up free 15 minute vestibular assessments at our Center. No walk-ins.

Author/Book Discussion

What Did You Do In The War, Sister?: How Catholic Nuns In Belgium Defied And Deceived

Cont'd on next page

Hop over today and Move with Malia!

Let my knowledge and passion about real estate work for you! As a Mariemont alumna and current village resident, I am committed to our community. I can handle all your real estate needs whether you’re moving locally, across town or out of country. Real Service. Real Solutions.

Marielders (from previous page)

The Nazis in World War Two - (Dennis Turner, 2018)

When: Monday, April 27

Time: 2 p.m.

Where: Lower Level

Join Author Dennis Turner whose

Community

inspiration for What Did You Do In The War, Sister? came from hundreds of letters and other accounts written by Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who were living in German-occupied Belgium and Italy during World War II. Sister Christina, who is described as an Ohio farm girl, joined the Sisters of Our Lady of Namur to teach English and agricultural skills to young

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Catholic girls. Assigned to Belgium in 1939, she worked Nazi-occupied Belgium for the duration of World War Two. She and other Sisters quickly learned that living their normal contemplative, disciplined lives was impossible in a country controlled by ruthless Nazis. Soon they were risking their lives by joining forces with the Belgian Resistance to hide refugees, Jews, and downed American pilots. Signed copies of his book will be available after lecture!

microbial re mediation projects. We use a six step process. We also offer state of the art duct cleaning and indoor air quality testing.

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THE MARIELDERS, INC. is a non-profit senior center dedicated to the enrichment of life for adults 55 years and older by providing activities and services. We were established in 1977, and membership is open to any older adult living in any neighborhood. For transportation services, we serve Mariemont, Fairfax, Madison Place, Plainville, and Terrace Park.

content cleaning, using ozone and thermal fogging techniques to remove odor. We pack contents after cle aning and then store them in a climate controlled facility

Call 271-5588 or Visit 6923 Madisonville Road.

Community May We Help: Moving People with Disabilities from “I Can’t” to “I Can”

After a most cordial, interesting, and eyeopening visit with its Executive Director Rob Seideman, I couldn’t help but think: if Santa ever relocated his operation and workshop to Mariemont, it would look at lot like May We Help.

Inconspicuously tucked away behind the Tire Discounters store along the eastern portion of Wooster Pike as you leave Mariemont, the Cincinnati area’s May We Help headquarters, offices, workshop, and display area is, well… a lot like the North Pole. Not exactly easy-to-find, not high-visibly, and not exactly front-and-center in its neighborhood. Which says a lot about this praiseworthy, behind-the-scenes, “do-good”, notfor-profit, volunteer-based charity.

May We Help’s mission is perhaps best described in its own words:

“Sometimes, a device is all that stands in the way of an individual with a disability achieving independence or pursuing their passion. And when that device is not available in the marketplace, that’s when May We Help’s team of volunteer engineers, industrial designers, inventors, welders, woodworkers, seamstresses, doctors, OTs (occupational therapists) and PTs (physical therapists) step in. They create one-of-akind custom devices at no cost to the client.”

To illustrate, in 2019 alone, May We Help volunteers responded to the needs of 268 people by designing, building, and delivering devices that included:

• a foot-operated bow that allows a young lady named Farrah who was born with no arms to fulfill her passion for playing the cello

• a customized vest that holds a cumbersome pump and “continuous feed tube” that young Jonathan relies on for food and nutrition

• a suction cup-furnished, long-handled, footoperated “dressing hook” device that allows Inga (who also has no arms) to dress herself independently. Occupational therapists at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital were so impressed that they commissioned one for each of their eight locations!

A custom vest holds a feeding tube and pump. A special cane helps mobility-challenged children.

mechanical rocking chair that can accommodate a wheelchair and “rocks” with the push of a button for residents of St. Joseph Home

• at the request of therapists at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, a pediatric walking cane that allows mobility-challenged young children to walk independently

• a “sensory chair” for Patrick who suffers from autism and whose mom requested a customized chair that could – as needed and at various times – rock, provide compression, and/or shut out sensory input - according to her son’s needs. The device that May We Help and Mariemont Junior High School volunteers designed and built for Patrick was such a success that 300-plus of them were placed in homes like Patrick’s – as well as at St. Joseph Orphanage, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the Cincinnati Zoo, and the Linden Grove School in each of its 12 classrooms. [See separate story about the May We Help and MJHS project team, on page six.

The May We Help process begins when a caring someone – a parent, a friend, a family member, an acquaintance, another service provider or caregiver - reaches out to May We

Help for assistance. The need is run through a set of standard, feasibility “filters” by members of the MWH team, which consists of only five staff, but over 75 volunteers.

The identified need is then researched and findings shared with the client to see if a possible solution to meet the need already exists commercially or via some other channel. If no existing solution is found, the project is presented and assigned at a MWH monthly meeting. As approved, the project is then:

• designed in consultation with the client by May We Help’s “technical volunteers”

• provided with the parts and materials needed by “resource volunteers”

• built by an array of volunteers who perform the actual construction of devices

• tested with the client and, if needed, redesigned or modified

• visited by “follow-up volunteers” to make sure the devices provided are continuing to meet the client’s needs.

There are many other ways in which May We Help meets the needs of the community.

Cont'd on next page

• a

May We Help (from previous page)

For example, May We Help’s quarterly Adaptive Equipment Swap provides individuals and families a no-cost alternative to obtaining muchneeded equipment that 1. (would) take years to get, 2. insurance doesn’t cover, or that 3. is simply too costly to afford. In fact, in 2019, the swap matched over 250 people with an estimated $1 million-plus of adaptive equipment!

Here’s how the swap works: May We Help hunts for, procures, collects, stores and stockpiles existing and previously-used assistance devices. That could be as simple as a no-longer needed basic or even modified wheelchair, a walker, a lift, a therapeutic bike, or some other piece of adaptive equipment - that just might be the perfect match to meet the needs of a different client. These devices are “off the shelf,” so to speak, as opposed to custom-built from scratch.

These stockpiled types of solutions are made available at regular “adaptive equipment swaps” held at MWH’s HQ. Anyone can attend, there is no charge, and the new client does not actually have to “trade in” a previously-used assistance device. Donated equipment can also be dropped off Wednesday and Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings. Procurement volunteers work with potential service and material providers to contact donors, collect stock, and build relationships.

Thus efficiently, effectively and eclectically enriching the lives of people with disabilities.

How May We Help Began

Well, it was apparently through a coincidental but fortunate collection of “Bills”. A gentleman named Bill Wood discovered a young lady named Patty Kempf who suffered from cerebral palsy. Patty loved reading, but had trouble turning the

Community

pages of a book. Through a mutual friend, the late Bill Wood met Bill Deimling who was helping out a physically-challenged member of his family, and the two started working together. In 2006, they met yet another “Bill” – Bill Sand – and what was apparently a “meant-to-be” came into focus.

At a LaRosa’s dinner one night in 2008, the “boys” envisioned and planned out the concept and purpose of May We Help. The organization that was born that evening was granted 501(c)(3) status (i.e. legally recognized as a “not-for-profit” organization) in 2010.

Incidentally, Chip Wood, founder and owner of Tire Discounters (125 locations, including the one on Wooster Pike in Mariemont) is the son of the late Bill Wood. In the giving spirit of Mr. Wood senior, Chip generously donates the use of the current May We Help building, at 7501 Wooster Pike, directly behind Tire Discounters.

Rob Seideman, May We Help’s executive director since 2018, came from a successful background in marketing and strategic planning/corporate consulting. As a father of a daughter who suffered from epileptic seizures uncontrolled by medicine, Rob was keenly and personally aware of the challenges that people with disabilities face. Wanting to help others with similar challenges, Rob later became involved with Vets suffering from PTSD. He became involved with “equine therapy” or therapeutic horse riding, and – in a somewhat roundabout way - eventually discovered and was hired by May We Help.

When asked to name his biggest challenges as executive director, Rob quickly listed resourcing

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and dealing with MWH’s very rapid growth, for example, in the endless need to find more and more volunteers. He confessed that he “has not yet had to say ‘no’ to anyone who has requested MWH’s assistance,” and he hopes that will remain the case.

Growth is also the part of his job Rob enjoys most and of which he is most proud. “And I don’t mean just the success we’ve had in ‘growing’ May We Help.” He meant “doubling the hope of the people whom May We Help serves – helping people succeed and rise above their challenges.”

Feel warmly and collaboratively invited to contact Rob to donate, volunteer, or learn more about May We Help by phone at 513-834-6443 or via email at workshop@maywehelp.org.

SAVE THE DATE: Rise to the Shop Event

See May We Help’s facilities and custom equipment for yourself! On May 9, beginning at 7 p.m., May We Help will hold its annual “Rise to the Shop” event. The event is held at May We Help, 7501 Wooster Pike, and the workshop will be open to tour. There will be lots of May We Help-created devices on display, just like those mentioned in the article, plus the event includes dinner, drinks, a live band, and beer from Big Ash Brewing. Tickets are $45 through April 18 and $55 after. For more event info and to register, visit www.maywehelp.org.

Farrah with her customized cello.

Community

Village Earth Day Cleanup, County Yard Trimmings Recycling Update

Mark Your Calendars for April 25

Spring has sprung! My tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths have come up, and our dog is finally getting long walks again. If anything welcomes you back to the great outdoors, it’s that fresh spring air and warmth of the sun. With all the good spring vibes in mind, we’d like to invite you to our annual Earth Day Cleanup hosted by Sustainable Mariemont.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring your kids, your dogs, and your friends to Dogwood park at 10 to help us canvas the streets of Mariemont, collecting and sorting trash and recyclables hidden in plain sight. Sustainable Mariemont volunteers will be there to greet you, pass out labeled “trash” and

“recycling” bags for collection, and direct you to your cleaning route. Once you’re done, you’ll bring your collection back to the park where volunteers will separate trash from recycling to be collected by the Village.

If you’ve cleaned with us before, you know this is a great way to enjoy a Saturday morning outside, doing one small deed in a string of many that add up to a big impact. Keeping trash out of the sidewalk cracks and woods keeps wildlife healthy, and lets us get into the practice of caring for our Earth in small ways.

More details, and any updates that should occur due to the Coronavirus mandates, will be shared on Sustainable Mariemont’s Facebook page. This truly is a family-friendly event on every level - no person is too small to help out! We hope to see many of you on April 25 in celebration of Earth Day.

Recycle Yard Waste

To further assist in keeping green by recycling yard waste throughout the season, here is an update from Hamilton County Recycles:

One of the Hamilton County’s free residential yard trimmings drop-off sites, formerly at Kuliga Park, is being relocated to Oakdale Elementary School, 3850 Virginia Court in Green Township for 2020.

The county’s three drop-off sites, Oakdale, Rumpke Landfill, and Bzak Landscaping will open for the season on Saturday, March 28! Open weekends, March 28 – December 6, 2020, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit HamiltonCountyRecycles. org for more information on yard trimming recycling.

Dishing the Dirt on Composting

Although composting may seem to be an arduous and gross task, we at Sustainable Mariemont are here to tell you -- YOU CAN DO IT!  Even the most faint of heart can compost! Whether you are a hard core gardener or a person who wants to make a small step towards living a more environmentally conscious lifeYOU CAN COMPOST and we are here to help!

But first - what is composting and why is it important? Simply put, composting is the process of turning organic material into a nutrient rich form of soil. If compostable material is thrown away it will end up in landfills where it would decompose without access to oxygen. Without oxygen, the organic materials take a long time to decompose and may release methane gas, a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Composting allows for organic materials to decompose naturally and the result can be very beneficial for your garden soil. It is estimated

that each household can divert 600 pounds organic waste per year through backyard composting!

So - how do you compost? Here are some basics.

First - You need a minimum space of 3 ft. by 3 ft. by 3 ft. to maintain proper volume for an active compost pile. However, if space is a limiting factor or if you do not want to set up a composting area in your yard, containers to compost may be available at your local community gardens (see below). Just collect your compostable materials at home and bring them to the gardens.

Second - You need a bin. This is a nonessential step but is recommended to contain your organic material.

Third - The organic material needs oxygen. It is not enough just to leave your compost in a pile. It is important to mix your

materials to provide oxygen to the bacteria and microorganisms throughout the compost pile in order for it to breakdown.

Fourth - Your pile needs water. It should be moist throughout.

Fifth - Your compost needs two types of materials in order to properly feed the microorganisms:

Carbon for energy, which is mostly “brown stuff” (dead leaves, grass, and plants, eggshells, shredded newspaper, etc).

Nitrogen for reproduction, which is mostly “green stuff” (fresh grass clippings, fruit/ veg scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, etc).

Understanding what materials are compostable is VERY important. Composting the wrong things can ruin your pile. We have

Sustainable (from previous page)

included a graphic by the Play Geek to help you keep it straight.

Mariemont residents can keep a container of compostable materials in their kitchen or garage and dump it in the compost bins down by the South 80 Community Gardens (by the pool). The local Boy Scouts donated and installed two compost bins down by the gardens that are available for residents to use! You can drive down to the gardens or walk your compostables right to the bin. They are to the right after you cross the train tracks.

If you are in the market for a new bin to keep at your house, there are many different options to choose from. You can build your down using wood or wire fencing or you can purchase a tumbler for your backyard.

Want to learn more about composting?  Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District offers free seminars close to Mariemont. Seminars cover the basics of composting, and last about an hour. Each family attending gets a free kitchen scrap collector

Community

and a $10 off coupon for a compost bin during their spring Compost Bin Sale (details soon to be released).

There are five backyard compost seminars being offered in April (see chart below). However, due to the Coronavirus mandates for public gatherings, you will want to check the HamiltonCountyRecycles.org website for updates.

Fortunately, new this year, online webinars are being offered on April 20 at 7 p.m. and April 21 at 12 p.m. You can register for one of our online classes using the link below. Attendees will receive a $10 off coupon for a compost bin. https://event.webinarjam. com/register/1/74pwpa7

Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center

Spring Up to The Barn

As of press time, all classes, public events, exhibits, and community meetings at The Barn are cancelled through Friday, April 3, except where noted below. If you have already registered and paid for a now-cancelled event, you received an email announcing the cancellation and a full refund. If you are currently enrolled in a class, please look for an email from your instructor about rescheduling. Please visit The Barn “Events” webpage at https://artatthebarn.org/events-at-the-barn for ongoing updates.

Registration for Summer Camp at The Barn opened on March 17, and summer camps begin July 6. If The Barn should have to cancel camp classes due to the Coronavirus, fees will be refunded in full. Camp registration link is: https:// thebarn.regfox.com/camp2020.

A Very Artsy and Mostly French Evening

*This event has been postponed. If you have already registered, you will be notified via email.

Please join The Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center Foundation on April 17 for its annual gathering of art-lovers and Barn supporters.

“A Very Artsy and Mostly French Evening” begins at 6 p.m. at The Barn.

Enjoy fine French wine and hors d’oeuvres, lively French music and miniature masterpieces by Woman’s Art Club Members— inspired by Claude Monet. The event includes a silent auction of 12 x 16-inch paintings of Monet’s work by Hannah Beck, Kathleen Wilkins, Nancy Achberger, Nancy Neville, Carol Shikany, Deborah Ridgley, and Mary Beth Dowlin.

Outrageous Cancan Dancers and, peut-être, an appearance by Claude Monet, as well as our guest of honor, Dr. Richard Brettell, are all part of the ambience of the evening.

Our celebration of Dr. Brettell’s return to Cincinnati for the tenth installment of the Annual

Celebration of Impressionism Lecture Series at the Taft Museum of Art coincides with The Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati’s 127th Annual Juried Exhibition in the Barn’s Main Gallery.

Reserve tickets at thebarn.regfox.com/ mostlyfrench or send a check to 6980 Cambridge Avenue, Mariemont, Ohio 45227. Tickets are $50. Valet parking available.

The Woman’s Art Club Juried Show Returns for its 127th Year

*THIS EXHIBIT IS STILL ON!

The Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati will open its 127th Annual Juried Exhibition on Sunday, April 5. Sixty pieces of outstanding art created by women artists from the Tri-state area will be on display through April 26. The annual display includes a wide array of media and disciplines, including painting, fiber arts, ceramic and more.

Gallery hours will continue Tuesdays through Sundays until April 26 (closed on Easter Sunday). Hours include the following: Tuesdays through Fridays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and weekends 1-4 p.m.

A closing reception and award ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 26. The show will award more than $3,500 in cash and merchandise, including First Place at $1,500; Second Place at $1,000; and Third Place at $500 to a few talent artists. Awards will be determined by Judge Professor Elizabeth Neal, an Assistant Professor of Studio Art at Thomas More University, and Gallery Director of the University’s Eva G. Farris Gallery.

For more information about the historic Woman’s Art Club and the exhibit, as well as continued updates regarding cancellations

Cont'd on next page

Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center

The Barn (from previous page)

and closures, please visit its website: www. womansartclub.com.

The Hog Bristles Return for Charity

*As of press time, this event has not been cancelled. Please check The Barn website for updates.

The Hog Bristle Painters invite the community to support local charities by attending their annual art show and sale on May 1.

The Hog Bristle Spring Collection opens at 6:30 p.m. at The Barn in Mariemont. New this year to the event is a Wall of Giving featuring 15 10-inch square original oil paintings. Each painting is for sale at $120, which the artists will give in its entirety to the charity of the buyers’ choice.

“We want to involve our patrons more directly this year,” said Kathleen Wilkins, event coordinator.

This is the Hog Bristles third show dedicated to charity. The group, which meets weekly, will also feature smaller and larger paintings at various prices. Twenty percent of those profits will benefit Barn events, such as lectures, general maintenance, and classes for all ages and abilities at no or low costs.

The Hog Bristle Painters are composed of

15 local artists, all oil specialists, representing genres in still-lifes, urban settings, portraits, and landscapes. Artists include Dianne Bierman, Susan Conway, Sue Helbling, Charlie Florentino, Ellen Isfort, Phil Oblinger, Dana Olsen, Angie Meehan, Susan Meyer, Rick Koehler, Kym Kuenning, Joanne Sloneker, Tom Seward, Kathleen Wilkins, and Doug Welsh.

The Hog Bristle Spring Collection runs through May 5. The latter days will include Artful Accessories, which is a collection of wearable art presented by a group unrelated to the Hog Bristles.

Hog Bristle hours include the following times: May 1 Reception from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 2-3 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. May 4-5 from 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

In case you were wondering…Hog Bristle brushes are made from the hairs on the back of a hog—strong, yet spongy. Natural ends. Used by the masters.

Artful Accessories

On May 2-3 from 12-4 p.m., a team of local artisans will present its unique wearable collection of original artworks at The Barn.

Annual Paint-Out

*This event has been cancelled, but may be rescheduled. If you have already registered, you will be notified via email.

Calling all artists! Thanks to the generosity of Plaza Art, the annual Paint-Out will return on April 25.

Come and paint the lovely settings and quaint village architecture nestled in this quiet corner east of Cincinnati. Parks, walking trails and overlooks are among abundant choices within the borders of the Village of Mariemont, although artists can choose to paint any location within Greater Cincinnati. Your imagination will be supercharged by what you see. After the plein air painting, the event hosts a reception and public exhibition to show and sell the pieces. Cincinnatibased artist Josie Gearhart will be judging.

For eligibility, rules and registration, please go to artatthebarn.org/paintout2020.

The exhibit and reception will be open to the public from 6 – 8 p.m. on the day of the competition. Additional hours: Sunday, April 26 from 11 a.m to 4 p.m.

Best of Show award: $500. Second Place award: $300. Third Place award: $150. Plaza Art will make 3 awards of $100. Three Honorable Mention (Plaza Supplier) awards of $50.

The Barn, also known as The Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center Foundation is located at 6980 Cambridge Avenue in Mariemont. Please call 513-272-3700 or visit artatthebarn.org for more information or to seek volunteer opportunities.

Special

Council Meeting – Feb. 3, 2020

Village Council held a special meeting to fill the Council seat vacated by now Mayor Bill Brown. Candidates included:

Adam Blevins, 3853 Indianview Ave.

Michael Cain, 6737 Murray Ave.

Leah Geldbaugh, 6942 Murray Ave.

Joe Stelzer, 6609 Pleasant Street

Each candidate shared their reasons for running for Council. Residents had an opportunity to voice their support of the candidates. Current Council members had a chance to share their thoughts.

Mrs. Rankin moved, seconded by Dr. Lewis to nominate Mr. Blevins. Mr. Bartlett moved, seconded by Ms. Palazzolo to nominate Mr. Stelzer.

On roll call; Mr. Bartlett voted for Mr. Stelzer, Mrs. Graves voted for Mr. Stelzer, Dr. Lewis voted for Mr. Blevins, Ms. Palazzolo voted for Mr. Stelzer and Mrs. Rankins voted for Mr. Blevins.

Mr. Stelzer was sworn in as the Council member to fill the vacancy of Bill Brown.

Regular Council Meeting – Feb. 10, 2020

At 6 p.m., prior to the Regular Council Meeting, Council members met to discuss and approve the Capital Improvement budget for 2020. For detailed minutes, please go to the Village website, under Agendas & Minutes at the top menu bar.

Village Government

Regular Council Meeting - Mayor Brown read 2019 Annual Reports from the Police, Service, and Tax departments as well as January 2020 monthly reports from those departments and from Fiscal Officer Wendler.

Engineer Ertel said at the next Council meeting he will have the legislation prepared, with the Solicitor’s approval, to go out to bid for the Petoskey Ave. project. It will need to be passed on an emergency basis in order to have the bids by the first of April.

Mr. Bartlett said the Village of Newtown is potentially interested in bidding with us because bidding together could result in better bids. If the project is more than $500,000, the bigger players tend to participate, and Newtown has multiple projects. Mrs. Rankin said she has not discussed it yet with Engineer Ertel. Mr. Bartlett said they need to be contacted.

Police Chief Hines said he wanted to compliment the Fire Department and Acting Assistant Fire Chief Feichtner. He attended a function and talked with someone who said she had friends who had a fire in their apartment on Beech Street. The friends were very complimentary of how the fire personnel responded and how professional they were and how they were treated. They did a phenomenal job – that fire could have really been bad. They were able to keep the damage to a minimum.

Payment of bills was approved, and Fiscal

Council Representatives

Rob Bartlett robbartlettcouncil@gmail.com

Avia Graves aviagraves@gmail.com

Marcy Lewis marcylewiscouncil@gmail.com

Maggie Palazzolo magpal00@gmail.com

Kelly Rankin kellrankincouncil@gmail.com

Mayor: Bill Brown mayor@mariemont.org

Officer Wendler certified that funds were in the treasury or in process of collection for payment. For a complete list of collections and payments by department or individual, go to mariemont.org under Agendas & Minutes.

Items from the Wed., Feb. 5, 2020 Finance Committee meeting were discussed. First was the Village’s spending trends. In 2019, expenses again exceeded revenue. For the fifth year in a row, excluding the municipal building addition, the Village ran a deficit. The two tables showing the total Village revenue and expense, both excluding and including the municipal building addition, are available at mariemont.org.

The Finance Committee report shared that at the beginning of 2015, the Village had $2,007k in cash. At the beginning of 2020, we have $1,146k. Over the past five years, we have drawn down our cash by $861k, and we have added ~$650k of debt due to the addition and the new ambulance. In comparing our cash position relative to neighboring communities of similar size, we are clearly in the weakest financial condition (see table below).

The Finance Committee recommends sharing with residents our current financial situation and seeking their input/suggestions on ways to reduce costs and/or increase revenue. Suggestions provided at the meeting included communicating via the Mayor’s Bulletin, sharing this at the Town Meeting if one is held this year, a survey to residents asking what services they value most, pursuing grant opportunities (including potentially paying a grant writer), and creating a foundation that residents could voluntarily contribute to. Mr. Bartlett said he does think it is

Village Government

important to share this information broadly and to engage the residents on ways to turn things around and move in a positive direction. He also noted that the Ohio Auditor’s website indicates if a municipality would get down to one month’s cash on hand there is a special category that they are put into.

The next Finance Committee item shared was their recommendation for annual salary increases for Mariemont employees. Two salary ordinances were reviewed: the ordinance related to all grades of recreation employees, and the ordinance for all full-time and part-time employees. Ohio increased the minimum wage from $8.55/hour to $8.70/ hour in 2020. Some recreation employee roles were scheduled to earn less than that.Working with Jordan Schad, the Pool Manager, the Finance Committee is proposing the updated recreation employee ordinance which is included in the council packet. This increases all of the wages by $0.15/hour, putting the lowest wage at $8.70/ hour to comply with Ohio law, and maintaining the same hourly wage differential between roles and between years of service as the previous ordinance. For full-time and part-time employees, the Finance Committee is recommending a base increase of 2% in the salary range for all of the roles. Last year, the inflation index used for Social Security was 2.8% and we gave a 3% salary increase. This year, the Social Security inflation increase was 1.6%. Also, the increase in the Ohio minimum wage was 1.8%. The Finance Committee is also recommending a slightly larger pay increase for the roles of Lieutenant, Sergeant, Assistant Fire Chief, Administrative Assistant, Firefighter/EMT and Firefighter/Paramedic. These increases are in order for these roles to stay competitive with the pay for other similar size municipalities. To help pay for the extra increase for the Sergeant and Lieutenant, Chief Hines has asked that his pay be kept constant for 2020. All of these pay changes will go into effect April 19, 2020. Mr. Bartlett commended Chief Hines who

proactively approached him with the suggestion that his salary be held constant to help with the other two positions in the police department.

The third item discussed was the ability for council to voluntarily waive their salary. This proposal was previously shared with the Village Solicitor, who confirmed this is allowed by law. The Village Solicitor has drawn up a change to the Section 32.05 of Mariemont’s code book to allow any council members to voluntarily waive his or her salary. A “Waiver of Compensation” form has also been created to properly document any council member who chooses to waive his or her salary. To be clear, this is a voluntary decision on an individual by individual basis, and it is also a private decision. Given the Village’s financial trends and some of the tough choices we will need to make going forward, the Finance Committee believes it is appropriate to make this option available for council members if they choose, but they should not feel pressured to do so. If passed, this change in Section 32.05 would go into effect in April, 2020. Mrs. Graves said she gets

the symbolism of Council willing to give up their own salary. The amount Council is paid is not the solution to the problem. We have bigger problems that we need to look at holistically and Council’s salary is a small drop in the bucket. Mayor Brown said to be clear this is voluntary and a private matter. Mrs. Graves said it would be public record and now is not the time but in the future making some adjustments to the salary to attract those to the role. It takes a lot of time and effort. Mr. Bartlett said we should benchmark the salaries same as we did for police and fire.

Resolution No. R-3-20 was adopted, renaming the Hiawatha/Rembold Median to “Interurban Trolley Line Park”.

Mr. Bartlett asked if anyone has heard if there will be a Town Meeting this year. If not, he believes we should have a State of the Village discussion where the Mayor has a chance to talk along with other local community organizations. Mayor Brown said he is having a conversation with Mr. Lukens regarding Town Meeting.

2020 Summer Tennis on the Horizon

As I write this at the end of February, the 2020 season still seems a long way off. But by the time you read this, the boys’ season will have started. The upper courts should be cleaned and

repaired by mid-April (weather permitting!)

We’re also launching a new online membership and guest payment system this spring – if it’s not already up and running, it will be soon.

Dave and Tracy will return as pros to lead

Save The Date for This Year’s Mariemont 5K!

The Mariemont 5K is a Memorial Day tradition in the Village. This year’s event is slated to take place Monday, May 25. However, due to the COVID-19 situation, as of press time organizers are uncertain as to the status of the race. For now, please SAVE THE DATE of Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day) and check mariemont5k.com, and follow @Mariemont5k on Facebook and Instagram, for updates.

Should the event proceed, the route will be the same as last year, starting and finishing near the Mariemont Pool on Miami Bluff, and winding through the southern half of the Village. The event is for runners and walkers alike, and volunteers and local business sponsors are always needed to support the after party.

For more info, contact Matt Griffith at mgriffi712@gmail.com or Dan Hoying at dhoying@gmail.com.

adults and youngsters alike to new heights of tennis glory! With private lessons, clinics, teams, and drills, there’s something for everyone. Plans are proceeding for exciting upgrades to the tennis shelter and grounds.

This year’s Mariemont Tennis Association Board includes Dina Wilder (president), Linda Bartlett (membership), Carter Kemper, Nancy Lonnemann, and Kevin Taylor. We are looking forward to joining you for an invigorating 2020 at the courts.

Watch for announcements, registration info, and COVID-19 updates on our Facebook page and Nextdoor Mariemnont!

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Village Worship Services

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. 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

Mark your calendars and Join us for Easter Weekend!

- Good Friday Service: April 10  Service at Noon / 11:45 Carillon Prelude at the Bell Tower Pavilion, with Carillon Music.

- Sunrise Service: April 12

7 a.m. at the John Nolen Pavilion (Near the Mariemont Swim Club). A simple celebration service with a Resurrection Drama.

- Easter Service: April 12

10 a.m. at the Mariemont Memorial Stone Chapel

Ongoing

Wednesday Night Dinner - Join us every Wednesday in our Oak Street Building  (3920 Oak St.) at 6 p.m. 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 please 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.

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.

Worship Nights on 2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings - 6:30-8:00 p.m. The second Wednesday is contemplative worship; the fourth Wednesday is celebratory worship.

Coming Up

Palm Sunday - April 5, Special Kids’ Participation in Services

Resurrection Sunday - April 12, Services are at the usual times.

New Sermon Series: “Spiritual Disciplines” - April 19 - June 14

“Listening for Heaven’s Sake” and “Speaking the Truth in Love” Seminars - April 18, 9:005:30 p.m. at the Parish Center, 3908 Plainville Rd., 45227. Contact: Pam Ping pping@ equippingministries.com

“Journey of Transition from Childhood to Adulthood” Parenting Seminar -May 16, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Parish Center, 3908 Plainville Rd., 45227. Contact: Jamie Moore jamie@mariemontchurch.org

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