Saluting Mariemont’s First Responders
By Peter McBride
Needless to say, the Coronavirus19 pandemic has exacted an exhaustive toll on people across the nation and worldwide. The number of confirmed Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations, and - alas - deaths has been staggering. However, equally impressive have been the efforts of those who have risked life and limb to protect, comfort, and save others during the crisis.
Mariemont has its own core of community protectors and first responders in its police and fire/rescue departments. The Town Crier was curious about how these local heroes were impacted by and have adjusted to the pandemic. So we invited a couple of them to share some thoughts.
Tim Feichtner, Mariemont Assistant Fire
Chief
Tim’s great uncle was a volunteer firefighter who inspired Tim to pursue a career in firefighting and as an EMT. He did his EMT training in 1997. He has been in his current position in Mariemont since October 2019, but previously served as a first responder in several other local jurisdictions.
Tim recognizes that in the earliest weeks and months of the pandemic, there was less knowledge of the infectious nature of the disease and lots of uncertainty. Despite their training and awareness of a virus’s effects, there were less well-defined protocols for Tim and his team. This included, for example, determining when masks needed to be worn, even when loaded down with firefighting gear, or even when grocery shopping for the fire/EMT team at Kroger’s. There was also less certainty in how to
interact with one another and with community members - in both emergency and even nonemergency situations during a pandemic.
Such best practices and regimens were soon put in place and continue to be strictly adhered to. Tim added that residents who have needed emergency medical or other assistance before and during the pandemic are always grateful for the support and assistance they receive from the Mariemont EMT/fire department. Moreover, despite the many shifts in community relations and other dynamics being caused by the pandemic, the fire/EMT team remains committed to respecting and prioritizing the needs and concerns of the people in the Village.
Tim’s biggest regret is that he and his colleagues cannot network with Village families as much as previously and as much as they would like to. Parents and grandparents can’t take the kids to see the fire engines and emergency vehicles or to give out hugs to their local heroes there at the station. Not quite yet, at least.
Fred
Romano,
Mariemont Police Department Schools
Resource Officer Officer Fred Romano serves the community - and especially our high school students - as the
Tim Feichtner (L) and Fred Romano
Letter to the Editor
In these COVID times, data and information are very important. Finding data on the U.S. and Ohio situations is fairly accessible; however, one has to dig a bit more for COVID data specific to Mariemont. Your readers may wish to know four websites that provide localized data on case counts and, unfortunately, some deaths.
www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org –
This is the Hamilton County Public Health website. There is a map on the home page and you can see the cases counts, hospitalizations, deaths and recoveries by clicking by zip code. Click on the “County Map” button for the full numbers, rather than what is in the jurisdiction of Hamilton County Public Health. Although 45227 is not further broken down by town, this is very localized data. Per the 2010 census, the zip code had just under 20,000 people.
coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ covid-19/dashboards/schools-and-children/ schools – This is the link for the Ohio Department of Health statistics page by school district for data on student and staff COVID case counts. Select Hamilton County and Mariemont City from the menu.
coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/ covid-19/dashboards/long-term-carefacilities/cases – A very high percentage of case counts for the both the country and Ohio have been at long-term care facilities or nursing homes. This link provides the case counts for residents and staff by facility. The St. Theresa facility is located in Mariemont. Scroll to Hamilton County and St. Theresa for the resident and staff case counts.
data.cms.gov/stories/s/COVID-19Nursing-Home-Data/bkwz-xpvg – This is
a Federal government website also providing data for nursing homes. There are two differences from the Ohio website, although this only has data from May 2020 rather than from the beginning of the COVID period it includes deaths by facility.
This website list is not intended to be fully inclusive as there may be other websites for Mariemont COVID data that I have not yet found.
Joel Rosenthal, Mariemont
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The
Club
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October deadline:
The deadline for the next Town Crier is October 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.
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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.
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Responders (from front page)
Department’s and the District’s Schools Resource Officer. Fred has spent the last two years in his current school liaison officer role, following an impressive 33-year policing career with the Springdale PD.
He confesses that his job has “not changed much” as a result of the pandemic and shutdowns, other than he is very, very glad that schools have finally re-opened. That is, of course, so he can get back to developing, nurturing, and reveling in his friendships with so many Mariemont students.
Fred works primarily at the high school (where he has his office), but he also visits our elementary school. (He doesn’t spend as much time at the Jr. High because - being located in Fairfax - it is well served by the Fairfax PD.) He makes the point that “police resource officers” who work in districts and at schools in other jurisdictions often have far more “policing” and discipline-rated duties than are needed from him. In fact, he enjoys his job as much as he does because he finds the kids here are so extremely well-behaved and respectful of others.
He observes this regularly, whenever he walks the school hallways before, during, and after classes. Fred also visits the cafeteria to mingle with students during the school’s scheduled lunch breaks. As a result, he can be a trusted adult friend and willing support-person for the students in Mariemont.
Although the school and Fred’s role are both getting back to their pre-pandemic normal, Officer Romano does have the sense that some students are now more withdrawn and thusfor safety’s sake - less inclined to shake hands or give high fives. He adds that unfortunately even just talking and informally interacting
Community
with students are both more challenging and less spontaneous as a result of responsible socialdistancing and mask-wearing.
Fred’s job with the Mariemont PD is perhaps not as much of a typical police officer’s first-responder role. However, he has had many opportunities to care for and protect our community members during the past few months.
These responsibilities have included delivering meals to home-quarantined students who have qualified for the schools’ free-and-reduced-lunch
Cont'd on next page
Responders(from previous page)
program. During the school shutdown, he also checked on a number of student shut-ins by handing out gift cards and vouchers. He also acted as a police escort atop an official MPD bike during the Village’s (per Fred, “totally orderly”) Black Lives Matters march during the summer. Fred also provides active-shooter training, teaching the district’s teachers how to react and protect their students during a school lock-down emergency.
Community
Everyday interactions with locals happen whenever Fred has taken his turn with police bike patrol duties around the Village. Passersby and people on their front lawns shout out “thank you’s” and encouragements at the welcome sight of a police officer.
To learn more about the ongoing services provided by Mariemont’s police and fire/EMS teams visit mariemont.org.
Did You Know?
In 2017 Congress designated October 28 as “National First Responders Day.” (It’s a Wednesday this year.) The intent was to recognize and honor the selfless and frequentlyanonymous heroes who so courageously and tirelessly continue to sacrifice their own well-being to serve others in their communities: police, firefighters, EMTs, disaster relief and rescue-recovery specialists, and, of course, medical caregivers such as doctors, nurses, hospital workers, and other medical professionals to name a few. Nothing could have been more prescient or better-suited for what has happened in 2020. The website nationaltoday.com suggests a few ways to show support for local first responders:
• Research how to help finance the purchase of needed equipment and resources.
• Look for ways to volunteer your time and support; no need to be a hero, but perhaps just take a CPR course if possible.
• Say “thanks” with personalized thank-you cards and notes. (In the past, at least, first responders have even been known to accept homemade cookies.)
By Kim Beach
As COVID invaded our lives in March of this year, many frontline workers struggled with the fear and uncertainty of exposure to the virus. As a healthcare worker, Mariemont resident Diane Appleberry had her own issues to deal withtimes two. Diane is a nurse and was pregnant with twins, due to be delivered in August of 2020.
Diane and her husband, Joel, have lived in Mariemont for five years. Joel is from Chicago and Diane is from Western Hills. She graduated from St. Ursula Academy and went to Miami University, where she and Joel met (but did not date). They eventually reconnected when Joel came to Cincinnati for a wedding in 2011 and their paths fatefully crossed again. They married in 2015 and eventually landed in Mariemont thanks to their wedding photographer, Ben Elsass, a Mariemont resident (and Village ambassador).
A Double Dose of Heroism
to become a neonatal Nurse Practitioner. She is responsible for treatment planning, prescribing medicine, and providing care for newborns born with complex health issues. Joel is also in the healthcare field as a partner in Strategic Health Care Services, a healthcare supply chain advisory business.
Earlier in 2020, Diane and Joel had found out the good news that they were pregnant. Their joy was doubled when they found out they were having twins (surprise)! As COVID appeared, Diane had concerns about working because of her pregnancies but she never thought about quitting.
Diane had graduated with a degree in Finance but decided the business world was not her passion. She went back to school at Mt. St. Joe Nursing School and graduated with a Masters in Nursing in 2014. She started her nursing career at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in 2015
and knew she had found her calling. In 2017, Diane went back to school
Diane and Joel Appleberry with their twins Rhett and Reece;
Cont'd on next page
Twins (from previous page)
“I love my job, I love the organization I work for, and it didn’t seem right to step away from something I worked so hard to achieve,” she relayed. “I didn’t want to give into fear and abandon the vulnerable population I had promised to protect.”
At the time, there was not a lot of information about how COVID would affect her pregnancies but she was healthy and her family and friends supported her decision to continue working. Diane’s work schedule included 12-hour days, with shifts from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. She continued this pace until she reached week 38 of her pregnancies.
When asked about the “scariest moment” during this time, Diane mentioned two things. The first being when healthcare workers started testing positive for COVID. The second was being a patient. She had to go to the majority of her doctor’s visits without Joel, which was unnerving because of the situation.
The Appleberry boy twins were born on August 28, weighing in at 5 lbs., 10 oz each. Rhett and Reece sailed into the world with no problems and have dropped anchor at their adorable Mariemont home. When asked if they were more concerned for the boys before or after birth, both agreed that before they were born was much more distressing.
Joel and Diane are thrilled with living in the Village and enjoy the walkability and neighborhood restaurants that fill the square. They are huge fans of the Quarter Bistro, enjoy happy hour at Southerby’s, and pick up wings from the Dilly on Wednesdays. They are looking forward to Luminaria night in December, their favorite Village event and one of many “firsts” for Reece and Rhett Appleberry.
We applaud Diane’s dedication as a frontline worker, especially at a time so critical to her family. Our world has changed but Mariemont is still blessed with strong individuals who honor their commitment to helping others above their own wellbeing. Thank you to all our dedicated healthcare workers!
Village
After Vote to Remove Image, Board of Education Begins Next Phase of New Logo
Submitted by the Mariemont City School District
After extensive research, discussion and public input, the Mariemont City School District Board of Education voted in September to remove the Native American “Warrior Head” image as the school district and athletic logo. This decision reflects a desire to respect and honor the perspective of indigenous people. The Warriors name and traditional colors of blue and gold will remain unchanged.
Those wanting information on the
Margaret Jevic
research considered, along with community feedback submitted, can find it on the school district’s website at https://www. mariemontschools.org/DistrictLogo.aspx.
Now, the district moves to the next phase, which will include a process to phase out the Native American “Warrior Head” and identify and develop a new logo. More details will be announced soon along with opportunities for community feedback and input.
To stay informed about the latest news and information regarding the Mariemont City Schools logo, head to the district’s website.
Sustainable Mariemont Update
Hello sustainable readers! It’s been about 6 months since we halted most of our endeavors, so it’s time for an update on where things stand with Sustainable Mariemont.
We’ve stayed in touch with many of you on our Facebook page, and answered individual inquiries as best we can. At this point, Ace collections are still on hold. I know many of you probably have a large stock pile of items (just me?), so we are working to find the right, safe solution. While businesses are indeed open, we’ve tried to be conscious of the health and safety of our volunteer collectors. Once we have a plan we feel
is responsible for both the public and our volunteers, we will let everyone know. In the mean time, you can check our Facebook page for interesting articles and discussions about all things sustainability.
As always, if you have questions you can email us at sustainablemariemont@gmail.com or ask us on our Facebook page, Sustainable Mariemont.
By Beth Dulle
Still Time to Join the 2020 Virtual Warrior Run
In order to protect the health and safety of participants and fans, the 11th annual Warrior Run: The Race for Life has been changed to a virtual event. The pandemic and social restrictions are negatively affecting physical and mental health, and we are all being challenged to figure out how to navigate the changes. With so many community events cancelled as a result of COVID-19, we believe the Virtual Warrior Run is a great opportunity to join forces with other mental health warriors.
“Over 80 Years of Service”
Participants can register individually, create a team or join a team at www. classy.org/event/warrior-run-2020/ e292299 . The theme of Find Your Path to health, both physical and mental, supports 1N5’s mission of optimal mental health for local youth. The 5K or 1 Mile Walk can be completed anytime between September 26 and October 10, 2020. Runners and walkers are encouraged to share their path via social media and the Warrior Run website.
Mariemont resident and 1N5’s Founder and Executive Director Nancy Miller
has shared her path by establishing the James W. Miller Memorial Fund to honor her husband, Jim, who died by suicide in 2008. The fund led to the creation of 1N5, inspired by the statistic that one in five teens and adults suffer from mental illness. 1N5 is a non-profit organization with a mission to prevent youth suicide through awareness, education, and stigma reduction.
Since 2008, 1N5 has raised over $1.5 million and impacted over 146,000 local elementary, high school, and college students. The Warrior Run benefits Adapting for Life, a Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center program and is used to provide mental health education programs in schools in the Greater Cincinnati area.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24. Twenty percent of youth ages 13-18 live with a mental health condition with 50% presenting by age 14 and 75% by age 24. Our youth are in crisis
Register or volunteer for The Warrior Run at www.cincywarriorrun.org
For information about Adapting for Life: www.cincinnatichildrens.org/ service/a/suicide-awareness/outreachprogram.
By Lisa Wharton & Matt Ayer
The Murray Path is getting closer! A team of Village residents has stepped forward to assist with the final phase of fundraising needed to cover the projected costs of landscaping.
Fifty West Burger Bar is sponsoring an event to support the Murray Path project on Wednesday evening, October 21, from 4 to 10 p.m. A limited run Murray Path brew (details coming soon!) will be available at the Burger Bar while supplies last. A portion of those sales and of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to support the Murray Path project.
Following construction drawings to be completed soon, and a competitive bidding process over the winter, the Village is making plans to build the 10-foot wide
path in Spring/Summer of 2021. The Murray Path team’s goal is to fund a landscaping plan, with installation in the Fall of 2021.
For additional information, please visit (and like) Murray Path on Facebook and Instagram, visit the website at http:// murraypath.org,, and watch for upcoming articles in the Town Crier.
Momentum is building, with broad support across the community. Please consider helping close the funding gap. Contributions can be made:
By check to: “Eventz for Charity – Murray Path Project” and mailed or dropped off to Joe Stelzer, 6609 Pleasant St., Mariemont OH 45227
PayPal: murraypath.org/Donate/ Venmo: @Murray-Path
See you at 50 West Burger Bar on Wednesday, October 21 between 4-10 p.m.!
Schools
Please Support Our Student Athletes and Artists
Suzy Weinland, Mariemont Arts Association President Thomas Gilmore, Mariemont Athletic Boosters President
The past seven months have been challenging for all of us. While the focus during COVID-19 has primarily been on how to NOT contract the virus, very little has been promoted about how to keep emotionally, mentally, and physically healthy.
Arts and athletics are proven outlets for relieving stress, boosting self-esteem and confidence, teaching teamwork and leadership skills, helping with concentration and problem-solving, and much more. Our Mariemont Warrior student athletes, musicians, and artists need robust athletic and arts programs –now more than ever!
Even with state-mandated limitations
in attendance at sporting events and performances, there are still significant costs involved for sports equipment, officials fees, and entry fees as well as accompanists, art and music competition fees, instruments, and senior scholarships.
Mariemont Athletic Boosters
President Tom Gilmore stated, “While this year will be different, the Mariemont Athletic Boosters is still committed to the ongoing needs of our athletic teams, players and coaches—allowing them to pursue excellence. Booster membership doesn’t include tickets to events this year, but it will continue to provide for Warrior Athletics.”
Mariemont Arts Association (MAA)
President Suzy Weinland added, “This year, membership dollars and Kusel Stadium Concession Stand sales are more important than ever! These are our two annual income streams, and with limited
fan capacity at games, we are looking at a potential 70% reduction in our budget. ALL Mariemont students have to take art and music classes in order to graduate, and continuing to support arts programming across the district and recognize our hard-working and deserving senior artists and musicians with scholarships continue to be our top priorities!”
Please support our student athletes, artists, coaches, and teachers by donating and/or becoming a member of Boosters at: https:// mariemontsports.com/sports/2020/8/5/ tickets and MAA at: https://gofan.co/app/ events/87144?schoolid=OH418_2
Please also sign up to volunteer in the concessions stand for home varsity and junior varsity football, soccer and lacrosse games and track meets by going to: https://www.mariemontschools.org/ MariemontArtsAssociation.aspx and clicking on the “Volunteer with us…” link.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!
Community
Girl Scouts Stay Active, Earn Awards, Bridge Up
By Erin O’Donnell (Senior Troop 40829)
Although having a socially distant year, the Mariemont Girl Scouts have been active in the community. Recently, members of our Mariemont Girl Scout Troop 40829 bridged up a level from Cadettes to Seniors. The event took place outdoors at the Ann Buntin Becker Park on August 16. A candle ceremony took place to celebrate the nine girls moving forward advancing to the next step of their Girl Scout careers.
New senior scouts include (L-R): Ellie Haynes, Leah Wilson, Emma Aiello, Madelyn Bailey, Hilary Laird, Jillian Chen, Lily Phillips (not pictured: Erin O’Donnell and Rosie Kipperman)
The troop is also excited to celebrate members earning Silver Awards. A Silver Award is the highest honor a Cadette can earn. During September, Rosie Kipperman
successfully earned the award.
In addition, Troop 40829 is also excited to announce they will be continuing the wreath sales at the Boy Scout tree lot this year during
the holiday season. The Troop would like to thank last year’s graduating troop for passing on the sale to them. Please be sure to come and visit us come holiday time!
Submitted by Troop 149
Community Troop 149 Celebrates Nine New Eagle Scouts
Mariemont BSA Troop 149 recently held a Court of Honor to mark the achievements of its nine newest Eagle Scouts. Their projects benefited a number of organizations and communities, including Mariemont City Schools, local churches and food pantry, the Village of Mariemont and YMCA Camp Ernst. Congratulations to all!
Pictured top L-R: Alex Mantle, Ethan Wood, Jackson Hacias, Mac Marsland. Bottom L-R: Malachi Hammond, Tony Mershon, Trevor Stith, Kyle Romick. (Not pictured: Andrew Herlinger.)
St. Thomas Church Welcomes You!
For more information, please visit www.stthomasepiscopal.org www.bachensemble.org www.stthomasnurseryschool.org
Schedule
(In-Person)
Worship (Rite I): 8:00 a.m. Sunday Worship (Rite II): 10:15 a.m. Online www.youtube.com/ stthomasepiscopalchurchterraceparkohio
We are delighted to announce we have resumed in-person worship and other activities on a limited basis at St. Thomas. We will be adhering to all state and diocesan COVID guidelines. Please visit our website or contact us for the most up-to-date and complete information on how to join us
CVS On-Site Flu Shot Clinic at St. Thomas Saturday, October 17, 2020 | 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. to register, please visit our website to find the link or call (513) 831-2052 or email office@stthomasepiscopal.org for more information
Great Things are Happening Here!
(for a full listing, please visit the calendar at www.stthomasepiscopal.org/calendar)
Virtual Choral Evensong for All Souls Sunday, November 1, 2020 | 6:00 p.m. Please join us on our YouTube channel as we present a Choral Evensong for All Souls
What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library - October
You can now enjoy the library in many ways: walk up and curbside service available, or come on inside to pick up materials, browse, make copies, and use a computer. We ask that you limit your visit to one hour and wear a mask inside. Not comfortable coming indoors? Tables and seating on the patio are available for reading, chatting, and using free library WIFI. Call 513-369-4467 option 2 for more information. See you soon!
Children
Outside Movers & Shakers — 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Bring the little ones in for stories, songs, and dancing as they learn about the Library. Our story times will be held outside,* so please bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Masks will be required for parents/caregivers. Physical distancing will be observed. Ages 1-4.
*Weather permitting- Please call ahead to confirm
Let’s Paint Pumpkins! (Outside) — 4 p.m. Thursday, October 8
Enjoy painting pumpkins in an outdoor, safely-distanced environment in our beautiful Mariemont Branch courtyard. Mask up and spend time with other kids! A variety of pumpkins and painting supplies will be provided. Weather permitting! The rain date will be the following Thursday, same time. Please sign up early; space is limited. Grades K-6.
Story Walk — All hours
Come to the branch anytime to go on our story walk! Read a book one page at a time at stations set up outside the branch! Stories will be switched out periodically until October 31.
Adults
Virtual Memory Café — 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 8
Join our Zoom Memory Cafe. The Memory Cafe is a welcoming place for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care partners. Each month there will be an opportunity to socialize and enjoy music, games or other fun activities. Please register to receive an email invitation to this online event. You will need Internet access to use the link provided in the email, and if you are accessing Zoom on your phone you will need to download the Zoom app first. Please call 513-369-6900 or 513-369-4467 for assistance.
Outdoor Memory Café — 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 15
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. We will meet in the branch’s courtyard facing Pocahontas Avenue. Please plan to wear a mask and maintain social distance. We have tables if you would like to bring a snack for yourself (but not to share, unfortunately). Please register for an event reminder, and so that we can contact you if weather conditions force us to cancel.
Book Club — 6:45 p.m. Thursday, October 29
We are discussing The Pioneers by David McCullough. Copies are available at the branch. Weather permitting, we will meet on the patio; if not, we will meet via Zoom.
NEW: Library hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mariemont Branch Library 3810 Pocahontas Ave. 513-369-4467
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ORTHODONTIST
Dr Edward J Wnek… extensive experience and education… a personal approach to each and every patient… and outstanding outcomes! For a beautiful healthy smile, contact us for your personal consultation at 513-271-5265, or visit us at www.wnekorthodontics.com. Edward J Wnek DDS,MS • Mariemont Square
Submitted by Allison Uhrig
Congratulations to Dan Policastro!
He was chosen as the Village’s 2020 Outstanding Citizen of the Year. The residents of the Village of Mariemont are grateful for all he has done and for the personal attention he has shown to all citizens in his 19 years as mayor. Thanks again, Dan, for your many years of service!
Fireworks a Success
Thank you to everyone for following the suggested safety guidelines and making the fireworks a fun and safe celebration! It was a fantastic show. We appreciate the cooperation from the community and the donations from residents and local organizations who made the fireworks possible this year.
Temporary Signs Requirements
Temporary signs not intended for permanent use are subject to requirements specified in § 151.131: Such signs will not exceed six square
Village News
feet in area and shall be placed back from every street lot line at least the distance in feet equal to the number of square feet area of the sign; provided, that no such sign shall be placed nearer to a street lot line than 15 feet. An exception may
exist where permanent shrubbery or topography prevent view of sign if placed as required above. In such event, approval may be given by the Chief of Police for a location other than that required under normal conditions as long as it does not create a safety issue.
Trick-or-Treat is On!
As of the time of this publication “trick-ortreat” is scheduled for October 31st from 6-8 p.m.
Please be sure to check our website and subscribe to our “Mariemont News and Alerts” email list for the latest Village updates. To register on our website and subscribe to Village email lists go to https://www.mariemont.org/registration-2/#
From the Administration Office
The office is still closed to the public due to the pandemic. Thank you for your patience as we continue to be available by phone or email. We can be reached at 513-271-3246, option #3 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email the office at info@mariemont.org anytime.
Mayor Bill Brown (L) presents this year’s Citizen of the Year award to former mayor Dan Policastro (R). (Photo Credit: Diane Sabo)
Community MariElders October 2020
Submitted by Stephanie Crellin, MariElders Director
MariElders has finally reopened! We are thankful to have our local seniors enjoying meeting with their friends again in a safe environment. Although we cannot go on any field trips or have any large group gatherings, we are currently offering small group activities where our members can be more than six feet apart. Here are our consistent offerings, each week:
Tuesdays
Exercise with Cara: 10 – 11 a.m.
This class is for anyone over 55, at any skill level. Cara will focus on core, balance, stretching, and some chair yoga, all outside to enjoy a safe class with distancing.
Mah Jonng - online: 10 a.m. - noon
Several of our members have continued to play this virtual game during our closure. If you want to get in on the fun, please let us know!
Art with local artist and teacher David Laug - online: 1 p.m. via Zoom
This is a fun, informative class on different artists and techniques.
Wednesdays
BINGO!: 10 a.m.
Come join us outside MariElders to play this classic game, and win some crazy prizes!!
Movies: We have started a new series of movies - winners of the Best Motion Picture each year, starting from the beginning in 1927! Each week we will be showing the next
year’s winner. In October, we will be showing “Cimmaron” from 1931, “Grand Hotel” from 1932, and “Cavalcade, “ the winner of Best Picture in 1933!
Thursdays
Exercise with Cara: 10-11 a.m.
All are welcome!
Mah Jonng - online: 10 a.m. - noon
TV Series - Inspector Morse 1 p.m., first floor TV room
We are going to watch this TV series from PBS every Thursday afternoon. Bring your own popcorn!
Inspector Morse embodies cultured, upper-middle-class Britishness, and enjoys the finer things in life - good beer, vintage cars, fine opera. He and his trusty companion, Detective Sergeant Lewis, solve the crimes that plague the environs of University of Oxford. Although he’s a brilliant detective, Morse is not infallibleand he’s often pretty grumpy to boot. But he and Lewis tend to make sure the bad guys pay for their crimes.
Fridays
Cornhole: 10 a.m., outside MariElders
Come ready to compete! If you haven’t tried this game yet, it’s easy! Throw your “corn” bag into the “hole” and win points!
We also have TWO book groups, a fiction and nonfiction group, which meet once a month. Our favorite librarian, Kelly from the Mariemont branch, leads the discussion on these amazing books! Please let us know if you want to read books with us.
As always, Kim will be running the van every weekday for our members. If you need a ride anywhere, or to get to MariElders for one of our activities, please call her to make a reservation at 271-5588.
If you would like to become a member of MariElders, please call 271-5588 to have the membership info sent to you, or to make an appointment for a tour! Membership is FREE for those that live in Mariemont, so what’s holding you back?
Listen to Your Inner Grandma
By Kim Flick, MariElders Transportation Coordinator
Grandma used to say, “Don’t slouch, keep your shoulders back, and hold your head up.” This fundamental advice had more to do with general health than good posture, when you think about it.
Poor posture and sitting too much can reduce your lung capacity. Getting into the habit of proper breathing can lead to clearer thinking, better balance, reduced respiratory infections and even lower anxiety.
We need to get the oxygen in and the carbon dioxide out. Lung function is something that gradually diminishes with age. Changes in the shape of your ribcage, the elasticity in your
lungs and weakening of diaphragm muscles can reduce the air getting in or out. Tiredness and shortness of breath can result. That contributes to inactivity, dizziness and fatigue. Nerves that trigger coughing also age, making it harder to expel germs and toxins. The changes are gradual and over time can make you vulnerable to other health complications, like pneumonia, bronchitis, and confusion.
If thinking about this leaves you holding your breath, remember it is never too late. There are simple things you can practice routinely that may help you breathe a lot easier. Box Breathing is probably the simplest:
• Inhale gently but deeply through your nose while mentally counting to 4.
• Hold while counting to 4.
• Exhale through your mouth and let it all
out slowly while counting to 4.
• And hold once again for a 4 count before starting over.
Do the four Box Breathing steps throughout the day. Build in other good habits like drinking more water, taking walks, standing up tall and doing gentle stretches while holding onto a stable object. Deep breathing improves relaxation and thus blood flow, promotes the cleansing of toxic stress hormones, and enhances immune function.
Instead of feeling like you have the weight of the world upon your shoulders, listen to your inner grandma. Be conscious of your posture, open your ribcage and practice deep breathing throughout the day. And as grandma would also say – “Don’t worry so much.”
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
Falling Leaves Color The Barn
All-Member Show Returns
The Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati invites the public to attend its annual all member show at The Barn.
The Art We Make runs from October 16, through November 1. The opening reception is tentatively planned for October 16 from 5 – 8 p.m., depending upon the current pandemic situation.
The exhibition will showcase a wide variety of media artworks representing the individual experience and expression that color each member’s art. The show will draw works from more than 250 members. Tina Tamarro, an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP, will serve as judge for the competition.
The Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati is the oldest continuing art club in the United States, dating from 1892. It’s first annual exhibition was in 1893 at a Closson family gallery in Cincinnati.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekend gallery hours from 1 to 4 p.m.
Wings and Wheels Continues
The Barn invites the public to attend its inaugural Big Art show: Wings and Wheels to Imagination.
The goal of this exhibition is to showcase works that are usually excluded from other shows due to size. Instead of maximum dimensions, this exhibit requires large minimum dimensions.The opening reception and awards presentation is on Saturday, October 3, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Wings and Wheels to Imagination, a product
of Big Art Collaborative, has been designed by a local group of Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati (WACC) members including Bobbi Thies, Bev Seibert, Judith Affatato, Kathryn Al-Lamadani, Bonita Goldberg, Claire Long, Gail Lundgren, Angie Meehan, and Marie Smith.
WACC is sponsoring three People’s Choice Awards of $300, $200, and $100. The BAC is donating 20 percent of its sales to benefit the nonprofit Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati Foundation, which operates The Barn. The Barn serves as headquarters for WACC and presents numerous art shows and low-cost classes for the community.
Days and Hours include the following: October 4-11 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and weekdays, 1-4 p.m. The Barn is closed on Mondays.
The Hog Bristle Painters Return to Beat the Quarantine Blues
Adding more color to your blues just got a little easier, thanks to the efforts of the Cincinnatibased Hog Bristle Painters. On Oct. 22, the oilpainting group invites the public to attends its annual show and opening reception in the Loft at The Barn, beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at 8:30 p.m.
Unique to this year’s show, is an exhibition of experimental art pieces produced by the artists while in quarantine. Due to the Covid outbreak, the group, who was unable to meet in person, set a goal to create pieces that would normally lie beyond the realm of their personal comfort. The artist tried varied sizes, textures, and subjects that we previously regarded as techniques lying out of their personal limits.
Viewers can expect to see traditional styles common to the Hog Bristles, such as landscapes, public scenes and still lives, including their signature wall of eight-by-eight paintings. Twenty percent of the show’s profit will help support activities at The Barn.
The exhibition will run Oct. 22- 27, Tuesdays through Fridays 10 a.m. – 2p.m. and weekends 2 - 4 p.m.
The Barn enforces strict COVID-19 protection guidelines by limiting 10 guests at a time and requiring the use of face masks at its functions. In an effort to provide effective tracing methods in the event of a break-out, staff requests registration
upon entrance. Please visit artatthebarn.org for a COVID-19 update before visiting The Barn.
Classes that will Soften the Quarantine Blues
MONDAYS: Learn to Paint the Bob Ross Way with Gary Waits. Oct. 19, 6-9 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS: Oil Painting with Jan Boone. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
SECOND WEDNESDAYS: Japanese Flower Arrangements. Students will make one to two arrangements in each class and can work toward becoming an instructor. Classes through Dec. 9 from 6-8 p.m. Please email sogetsucincinnati@ gmail.com. Fee $30, plus $10 for arrangements. Teachers: Mr. Koukichi Uchiyama and Ms. Teruko Nesbit. Classes also offered on the fourth Friday of each month.
THURSDAYS: Watercolors with Chris Campbell. 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 8 for six weeks.
FRIDAYS: Soft Pastel Essentials with Charlie Berger. 9 a.m. – Noon, or drop in from 1-4 p.m.
Cont'd on next page
JAMES T. WESTERFIELD,
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
Sogetsu Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arrangements. 10 a.m. – Noon on the fourth Friday of each month. Classes also offered on second Wednesdays of each month.
Japanese Calligraphy with Emi Kuisel. 4-6 p.m.
SATURDAYS: Long Pose Figure Drawing with Charlie Berger. 9 a.m. – Noon starting Oct. 3 for six weeks.
Create Decorated Eggs in the Ukrainian Style with Ivanka Lempitskiy. A one-day class... sign up for as many as you wish! Oct. 3, 17, 31 from 2-5 p.m., Nov. 14, 28 from 2-5 p.m. and Dec. 12 from 2-5 p.m.
Creating Wire and Bead Jewelry with Ivanka Lempitskiy. Oct. 3, Oct. 17 and Oct 31, Nov 14, 28 and Dec 12 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. A one-day class, so students may sign up for as many as they desire.
SUNDAYS: Learn to Paint the Bob Ross Way With Gary Waits. 1-6 p.m. Oct. 25.
Workshop: Introduction to Cold Wax Medium with Rachael McCampbell. Nov 6 – 9 from 9a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mark your Calendar
Nov. 20 - Dec. 2. Encore, an exhibition of oilpainted landscapes and still life works by award-
winning Gail Morrison. Look for more details in next month’s Town Crier.
For the greater good…
The Barn enforces strict COVID-19 protection guidelines by limiting 10 guests at a time and requiring the use of face masks at its functions. In an effort to provide effective tracing methods in the event of a break-out, organizers
request registration upon entrance. Please visit artatthebarn.org for a COVID-19 update before visiting The Barn.
The Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center is located at 6980 Cambridge Avenue, Mariemont, Ohio Please visit Artatthebarn.org or call 513-2723700.
W ater R estoration- Offering 24 hour
emergency response. We have 7 dedicated trucked mounted extraction vehicles, 100 dehumidifiers and over 1000 fans. For large structural drying projects we use the unique Water Out process.
G arment R estoration- Free pick up and delivery, as well as free storage. There is no charge for any item that is not successfully restored.
M old R emediation- Extensive experience in microbial re mediation projects We use a six step process. We also offer state of the art duct cleaning and indoor air quality testing.
F ire R estoration- Complete structural and 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.
W ater R esto emergency response W mounted extraction vehi over 1000 fans. For larg we use the unique Wate
G arment R e delivery, as well as free charge for any item tha restored
M old R emed microbial re mediation p process. We also offer cleaning and indoor air F ire R estora content cleaning, using fogging techniques to r contents after cle aning climate controlled facili Emergency: (937
Barn (from previous page)
American Carpet Masters Is A Widmer’s Company
Village Government
Mariemont Village Council Minutes printed in the Town Crier are edited for space only. To view full minutes and agendas from Village Council as well as all committees, please visit the Village of Mariemont website at www. mariemont.org. The full August 24 minutes can be read here: https://www.mariemont. org/download/public-records/council/ minutes/2020/2020-08-24-Council-Minutes.pdf
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
August 24, 2020
Mayor Brown called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m. Present was Mr. Bartlett. Present virtually due to the COVID19 pandemic were Dr. Lewis, Mrs. Rankin, Mr. Stelzer, Engineer Ertel, Solicitor McTigue and Fiscal Officer Borgerding.
Mayor Brown said at the Council meeting July 27, 2020 he wanted to mention a slight miscue on his part. He referenced a phone call/conversation with Louise Schomburg referencing Waldorf School desire to erect tents and what impact they may have on the grounds. He misquoted Ms. Schomburg as agreeing with the Mayor that the impact would be minimal. She did not agree with Mayor Brown and basically she does not have any comment one way or another on the impact.
Pool Commission meeting summary from August 21, 2020: Mr. Stelzer said we are trying to get the pool reorganized. In the past the Pool Commission was prevented from performing the duties that were specified in the Code of Ordinances. Lorne Hlad will be working on bylaws and the Commission will be submitting minutes so Council is updated. It is something all of our boards are doing.
We are now aware that the pool was mismanaged for many years. It was not mismanaged by the Pool Managers. They were prevented from doing their job by the former Mayor who did not provide the pool with adequate financial resources to properly maintain the pool. COVID-19 presented additional challenges operating the pool this year. Hamilton County Public Health said Mariemont Pool was one of the few pools that they did not get a complaint about failing to follow guidelines. He gave kudos to Manager Schad and the whole pool staff.
Over the next few months we are going to be gathering information and start to address the years of neglect. This year the pool was leaking water. This week there will be a full assessment of the integrity of the systems. Many systems may be past their prime. The Pool Commission is looking for guidance from
Council. He asked Council to think about what level of financial results they expect from the pool as the Pool Commission is looking for that feedback. There is a lot of work ahead and some tough decisions.
There has been some conversation about a possible tax levy in 2021 but it is something we need to do a lot of homework before we get to that point. Part of that is making a fair and critical assessment about where the Village stands right now. He indicated that all the members wished to be reappointed to their terms.
Mayor Brown reminded residents to submit by email questions or concerns that they wished to be addressed by Council as we are meeting remotely during the pandemic.
Mr. Bartlett clarified that a separate account was set up for the costs for the CARES Act funding. Fiscal Officer Borgerding said yes that the appropriate costs will be moved to that specific account. Some of those costs should start to appear on the August report. Mr. Bartlett reminded Council that we have until late October to commit the money and mid-December to utilize the funds. Whatever is left over must be returned.
Ohio Municipal League indicated that there is another $175 million that the state legislation vote on to release to local municipalities. We may be getting more access to funding. Fiscal Officer Borgerding said BWC is looking to make another distribution to employers who paid premiums – which could potentially be another $50,000.
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
Mr. Bartlett said if the Village gets additional funding, it was mentioned by Eli Wendler, Village IT point person, that there may be IT projects as that was one of the CARES Act funding items the Village can spend the money on if it helps maintain distancing. Mrs. Wendler had ideas of things Council could look at that were part of the long term plan. Mr. Bartlett recommends Council direct Mrs. Wendler to go ahead and to develop what that plan might be and what we can get done this year to allow for more distancing.
Fiscal Officer Borgerding said some of the expenses that have already be incurred they have talked about moving into the CARES Act Account. Mayor Brown said he had a lengthy conversation with Mrs. Wendler regarding
Council (from previous page)
this already and she has already made contact with Spectrum/Cincinnati Bell and Intrust. He believes this is a great use for the money. Fiscal Officer Borgerding is the point person on this project. Mr. Stelzer suggested having our plan together by the end of September. Mr. Bartlett said sooner would be even better. On roll call; four ayes, no nays.
Mr. Bartlett moved, seconded by Mrs. Rankin to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee which met on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 3 p.m. in Council Chambers to discuss the possibility of charging for overnight parking stickers. Present at the meeting were Finance Committee Chair Rob Bartlett, Finance Committee Members Joe Stelzer and Kelly Rankin, Mayor Bill Brown and Chief Hines. Section 79 (B) of the code book states that parking is not allowed on the streets of Mariemont between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. However, exceptions are available for those
Village Government
who live on certain streets in the Village, and also for those who do not have enough room in their garage and/or driveway to accommodate all of their cars.
The latter group is required to get an exception from the police and an overnight sticker to put on their car. The exception process is carried out annually, with a new colored sticker issued on January 1 every year. Chief Hines estimates that we are currently handing out 70-90 stickers a year. We currently do not charge for the stickers and they cost us roughly $150 a year. The purpose of having the stickers is to ensure that cars that are parked on the street truly belong to residents who live there and they do not belong to someone who is possibly casing the neighborhood. Also, keeping the streets clear makes it easier for the police to monitor what is going on at night and keep our neighborhoods safe.
The Finance Committee is proposing that beginning in 2021, we charge $100 for each sticker. Searching online, we found that annual overnight parking fees range from $40 to $150, with the mean of $100. Requiring a payment also helps to ensure that those people who request a sticker truly need it. Finally, if in the future, Council decides to create a program to incent people to create more offstreet parking, this money could be used to help fund that effort. On roll call; four ayes, no nays.
Solicitor McTigue will prepare the necessary legislation. Mr. Stelzer asked if during the reading of the legislation it was asked to change the rate, can the Ordinance be amended or does it have to go back to Committee. Solicitor McTigue said the legislation could be amended with a vote of Council.
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
In-person services by a simple RSVP approach. Members can respond using the Church Center app, others contact terri@ mariemontchurch.org. First come, first served. Limit 40. We will keep six feet of distance, wear masks, and limit interactions to outdoors only.
We are in a series looking at the life of David and what it means to be After God’s Heart - all of which will point us to Jesus.
Sunday services are also livestreamed at 9 a.m. and can be found on:
• Facebook- Mariemont Church
• mariemontchurch.org
• https://www.youtube.com/c/ MariemontChurch/videos
Village Church of Mariemont
Villagechurchofmariemont.org
Todd Keyes, Pastor
Jamie Keyes, Children’s Ministries
The Village Church of Mariemont invites you to join us Sundays this fall for worship at 10 a.m. outside on the Memorial Chapel lawn, weather permitting, or inside our auxiliary location at 3920 Oak Street. We ask that you be safe by wearing a mask and social distancing. Sunday School is running as usual during the adult service. We welcome children in K-6 to join us.
If you can’t be with us in person, we encourage you to tune in online at facebook. com/VCMChurch at 10 a.m., or you may prefer to watch later on our YouTube channel:
Village Church of Mariemont. Either way, we hope you enjoy our service and look forward to meeting you in the future. For more information about our church, visit our website: www.villagechurchofmariemont.org.
Current Series
2020 has left many of us feeling off track and in need of a LIFE RESET. For the next six months, Pastor Todd will guide us as we push the reset button on different areas of our lives: purpose, mind, heart, life skills, spirit, and habits. During the month of October we will be resetting our minds.
Community Event
Need s’more fun? We’ve got you covered. All of our friends and neighbors are invited to join us at the Dogwood Park shelter on Sunday, October 25 from 6-8 p.m. Warm yourself by the fire then grab a hotdog and some marshmallows for roasting and toasting. Finish it off with a cup of fresh apple cider. It’s not mandatory, but it won’t be the same without you. Hope to see you there!
