Mariemont’s Mercy St.Theresa: A Retrospective
By Peter McBride
A full-service hospital to serve Mariemont and nearby communities was an important part of Mrs. Marie Emery’s gifted vision of an exemplary village. Accordingly, construction work for “Mariemont Hospital” began very early on - in 1924, in fact.
Yet, in A Descriptive and Pictorial Story of Mariemont (© Ohio University Press, 2011), author Millard F. Rogers Jr. stated, “Expectations exceeded accomplishments with the hospital, for its service to Mariemont and the surrounding eastern suburbs did not
materialize until 1942.” The revered Mariemont historian, former director emeritus of the Cincinnati Art Museum, and founder of The Mariemont Preservation Foundation offered the following observation about what is now Mariemont’s Mercy St. Theresa, 7010 Rowan Hill Dr., and the surrounding area:
• Mariemont Hospital was part of a larger undertaking named “Resthaven Gardens,” which was designed to be a “complete retirement neighborhood” for workers in Emery businesses who had “grown old in service [that they] may have a comfortable
home amid pleasant surroundings for the remainder of their lives.”
• The highest point in Mariemont in the northeast part of the Village on the slope of Indian Hill was chosen as the site for the hospital.
• The Resthaven project was designed by New York architect Hubert H. Reeves and was subdivided as per John Nolen’s subdivided lot plans.
• The complex, in the area roughly below and proximate to the hospital, included a barn
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Mariemont Hospital circa 1925.
Letter to the Publisher
Publisher’s Note: The following letter from Police Chief Hines was accidentally left out of our October issue tribute to our local front-line heroes. However, it is just as timely now as we share our appreciation and gratitude with one another during Thanksgiving and the holiday season.
As we all know, the year 2020 has been a very big challenge for everyone. As for the Mariemont Police and Fire, the challenges have been keeping our employees healthy so that we can be there for our residents whatever their needs may be.
We have made sure that we provided our employees with all of the PPE needed, and sanitized the offices, cruisers, and fire equipment multiple times each day. We are fortunate to report that we have not had any employees who have gotten sick due to COVID-19.
Our mission in the police and fire departments is to provide the very best safety services to our wonderful residents each and every day, and to go above and beyond in any way
that we are needed. I can’t express enough my appreciation for the dedication of our employees. They are the “Best of the Best.”
Richard D. Hines, Chief of Police/Fire Village of Mariemont
Mariemont's Own Ryder Cup Celebrates Inagural Year
Since the Village's inception, Wooster Pike has bisected Mariemont into North and South regions. This year, it became the battle line for golfers from the local HPGL (Hall Pass Golf League) to compete in a Ryder Cup style North vs. South competition.
The HPGL league has been around for more than 20 years and is open to Mariemont golfers for about three months on Wednesdays in the Spring and Summer.
The Mariemont North/South Ryder Cup was envisioned as a season-ending showcase for select invitees representing the North and South areas of Mariemont. Played at Blue Ash Golf Club the North team emerged victorious in the inagural event. If you are interested in playing the HPGL in hopes of being invited to future Ryder Cups, contact Jon Morgan at: jmorg111@fuse.net.
Thanksgiving! Happy
to all of our friends and neighbors for making 2020 another successful year! We couldn’t do it without your support and generous referrals
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November deadline:
The deadline for the next Town Crier is Novenmber 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
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Hospital (from front page)
(now the home of The Women’s Art Club of Cincinnati) and a working farm with its own plant nursery.
• The Resthaven project also included a cluster of cozy houses for seniors.
• Resthaven Barn itself was completed in 1924.
The original architectural design and look of the Mariemont Hospital buildings are described as follows in John Nolen and Mariemont, by Millard F. Roger Jr. (© The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2001):
• Designed by noted Cincinnati architects Samuel Hannaford and Sons whose “important buildings in Cincinnati before 1900 were Victorian expressions, ponderous and medieval looking.”
• “Quite unlike the neo-classicism displayed in the (final) Mariemont Hospital.”
The hospital’s planned layout and amenities were further described in A Descriptive and Pictorial Story of Mariemont: A New Town “A National Exemplar” (© The Mariemont Company 1925) and in Chapter 27 of “The Romance of Mariemont: Mariemont Souvenir
Edition” by Warren E. Leavitt, and in The E. Hamilton County MESSENGER, April 19,1973 (a single copy sold for 15 cents):
• The main building was to be four stories in height with a wing on each side and a driveway in the rear that opened to the second floor.
• The central building was designed as a full-service hospital to include: steam plant, laundry, kitchen; women’s, children’s, and
men’s private rooms (and public wards for men and for women placed “at each end of the building”); all facing the south downslope side of the building “insuring quiet and unobstructed views to the east, west and south for patients, nurses and physicians”; surgery, outpatient department, dispensary, and rooftop spaces for “heliotherapy” (treatment of disease
Cont'd on next page
Hospital (from previous page)
by means of sunlight).
• Construction on the hillside proved challenging and required the inclusion of 30-feet-deep concrete pillars as a foundation.
Warren Wright Parks was “intimately connected with the building of the town” and served as Chief Engineer when The Mariemont Company operated the community, before it was incorporated as a Village in 1941. In The Mariemont Story: A National Exemplar in Town Planning (© Mariemont Preservation Foundation, 2000), Parks tells his readers that in its earliest days:
• 30-foot deep pillars were needed to have the foundation of the hospital’s hillside location supported on solid rock.
• The managing Hospital Group was intended to be used “as a private hospital, operated by a group of physicians.” Unfortunately, no such group that was interested in operating the hospital could be found, so “the building was leased to Cytologic Institute as a Research Center… until 1942.” (According to Google, Cytology is a branch of pathology - the “specialty that deals with diagnosing diseases and conditions through examination of tissue samples.)
• After the Institute moved, the Sisters of Mercy purchased the facility and renamed it “Our Lady of Mercy Hospital.” A nurses dorm was added thereafter.
• The structure was enlarged in 1957 from 54 to 110 beds “through the addition of a four-
Community
story wing” to the main building. Due to the increased use of automobiles during this time, a “new driveway, parallel to Rowan Hill Drive that served a parking area” was also added.
• A “Diagnostic and Treatment Center,” which was added in 1965, provided an emergency reception entrance, a waiting room, and outpatient treatment areas.
The story of Our Lady of Mercy Hospital’s more recent decades draws less from scholarly histories and relies more on thencurrent media reporting, principally by The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Eastern Hills Journal, and The Town Crier. News items from those archives indicate that:
• For reasons not provided, the facility was closed in 1988 and remained vacant until late 1992-early 1993.
• In 1991 th not-for-profit St. Theresa Home in Silvertn was closed, and after a public hearing, a zoning amendment, and a $4.3 million renovation, the Home was sold to the Mercy Health System by the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati.
• The facility formally re-opened in October, 1993 as “Mercy Village of Mariemont” under the direction of Sister Franette Hyc, CEO/ Administrator of Mercy St. Theresa.
• The business, previously part of Catholic Health Partners, is now owned by Diversicare, a publicly-traded “Retirement and Nursing Care” business headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. Diversicare describes itself as a “Transitional Care Community with all levels of care including: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing Care, Long Term Nursing Care, and a Secured Dementia Nursing Unit.”
As described in the opening thoughts of this article, Mrs. Emery’s noble original intent and enlightened vision was to serve the larger community in southwest Ohio, especially its seniors, with high-quality accessible healthcare and “lifecare.” The ability of Mariemont’s own local “hospital” to adapt to changing times and needs over a century-long journey and evolution - all while maintaining a commitment to caring excellence - would make Marie smile.
Special thanks to Linda Bartlett, Lisa Woodruff, and Jera Srikalasin at Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPFMariemontpreservation.org) for the historic photos and for lending their talents and support to this article. Although every effort has been made to verify both the information and the sources referenced in this article, any corrections are invited and welcome.
Mariemont Hospital construction in 1925.
Village
Murray Path Construction Planned for 2021
By Matt Ayer
Exciting news! The Village of Mariemont is ready to authorize construction drawings to build the Murray Path in 2021. The basic path construction now is fully funded, thanks to a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Clean Trails Fund ($268,000), a grant from Columbia Township ($75,000), and private donations ($35,000). An enthusiastic team of residents is now busy raising private funds to beautify the Path space.
Between Settle Road and Plainville Road, Murray Avenue is divided into two parallel streets -- the northern strip in Madison Place (Columbia Township) and the southern strip in Mariemont.
Historically, these streets paralleled a trolley line that connected Cincinnati and Milford. In fact, at their peak, Cincinnati’s railway companies offered commuters dozens of streetcar routes with nearly 250 miles of track.
The tracks were removed as fixed rail travel in this region gave way to the automobile. When the local electric utility acquired an easement for transmission lines, this ribbon of land between the two “Murrays” became a grassy median - with some trees and shrubs being added over time. A few years ago, this strip was cleared to make way for updated utility infrastructure. Much taller, galvanized steel poles replaced the wooden poles.
The Murray Path will build on the success and popularity of the Fairfax multi-purpose trail. From Plainville Road, the Murray Path will head westward and connect to the Fairfax Trail that ends at Erie Avenue. That highly successful project converted a 1.5-mile section of the old rail line to a multi-use path, which is popular with walkers, joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists.
The Mariemont project - building a 10-foot wide, landscaped pathway with gentle curves - has the following objectives:
• Restore green space, enhancing the Mariemont and Madison Place neighborhoods.
• Provide a safe route for kids walking to school (in an area lacking sidewalks in one stretch, and having inadequate sidewalks in the remainder).
• Resolve a number of stormwater drainage problems.
• Connect with local businesses.
• Enhance outdoor fitness opportunities and community engagement with a beautifully landscaped path.
• Continue to provide parking spaces for the Historic District of Mariemont, reoriented to accommodate the pathway.
• Enhance property values – studies show multi-use paths do just that.
Mariemont resident and Landscape Architect Martin Koepke has donated his time to the project to develop a Concept Plan for a finished, landscaped Path. This vision has evolved from concepts presented to Village Council as early as 2017. The design addresses input from the Mayor and Council, Duke Energy, the citizen committee raising the private funding for the landscape, and various community stakeholders. The plan can be viewed at www.murraypath.org/ Information; please send comments or suggestions to murraypath@gmail.com.
Another talented Mariemont resident, Tony
Cont'd on next page
Design rendering for the new Murray Path by Mariemont resident Tony Schmidt.
Schmidt, has translated the concept plan into this rendering to communicate the vision for the finished Path. Koepke has provided the following description for this Concept Plan:
The primary function of the Murray Road Corridor is for Duke distribution and transmission lines. The Village of Mariemont and Columbia Township propose to add a 10-foot wide path from Settle to Plainville, as a continuation of the current Murray Path west of Settle Road.
Flowering trees and plants are added to replace planting that was removed, screen the utilities, and convert the utility corridor into a greener, inviting community asset that provides greater community connectivity and healthy, active, lifestyle choices.
The path has a slight meandering alignment to navigate around parking, create space for planting, and meet the requirements of engineering and Duke.
Existing parking is being converted from angled parking to parallel parking with no reduction in spaces.
Although planting is severely limited by
Village
Duke’s requirements for planting under or near power lines, the proposed allée of Serviceberry softens the impact of the utilities and provides seasonal interest. Supplemental shrubs and plant beds are associated with signage, parking, and intersections. Planting was carefully considered to screen utilities, provide intermittent light shade, and add aesthetic value to a space currently void of focal interest, thereby enriching the Path experience for the user, passerby, and adjacent residents.
Plants shown are selected for their proven hardiness in similar environments, ease of maintenance, and tolerance to drought and salt. Multi-trunk trees offer a bit more screening value and are more informal than standard, singletrunk trees, which typically get too large to meet Duke’s maximum height requirement.
Large, 18-inch tall (seat height) slabs of limestone (seat platforms) are placed to give users a safe place to pause or stretch, and to remind autos that this is a pedestrian path.
The Murray Path Project exemplifies collaboration between the State of Ohio and two communities. The project is made possible with broad public support, with donations from
Murray Path Day at The Madison Place
Wednesday November 11 is Murray Path Day at The Madison Place coffee shop at 4200 Plainville Road. Proceeds benefit the fund established to beautify Murray Path. Hours are 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Come enjoy a cup of coffee and support the Murray Path! Or try the special sandwich introduced for the event– the Murray!
over 100 families. Currently, the funding gap to complete the landscaped Path is approximately $40,000. The ad hoc fundraising committee encourages residents to support this initiative by considering a tax-deductible donation.
Watch for fun, family-centered fundraising events to make this beautiful addition to our community a reality. Follow progress on www. murragypath.org or on Facebook and Instagram – Murray Path.
Murray (from previous page)
Village
Mariemont Scout Troops Gear
Up for Tree and Wreath Sales
By Julie Aiello and Ericka Turan
Senior Girl Scout Troop 40829 is honored to take over the wreath sale tradition from last year’s graduating group of Girl Scouts. The troop will be selling fresh wreaths, hand decorated by the girls. You can purchase the wreaths at the Boy Scouts Tree Lot starting Friday, November 27. Sizes range from 14” to 24” with a wide variety of decorations. Prices start at $20, and all sales benefit the local Girl Scouts (Mariemont High School’s only troop!). It’s a wonderful tradition to pick up your tree and wreath in the Village while also supporting these great Troops!
The Scouts of Mariemont Troop 149 will return for their 27th consecutive year of Christmas tree sales on Black Friday, November 27. Located on the lawn of the Mariemont Municipal Building at 6907 Wooster Pike, the Scouts’ Christmas tree lot is an annual tradition for many in the area. We offer extended Black
Friday hours: noon to 8 p.m., so you can kick the season off right!
Freshly cut Fraser firs and white pines ranging from 5-12 ft. tall are brought by truck from a family-owned farm. Scouts carefully place each tree on a stand, making it easy to inspect from all angles so you can make sure you’re getting the perfect tree. Every tree includes a fresh cut, branches trimmed following your instruction,
and mounting on your car for no additional charge. We’ll even happily take a photo of your family with your new tree.
The tree sales are Troop 149’s only fundraiser, so each Scout will volunteer for a minimum of 24 hours at the tree lot – rain or shine – in addition to his or her other extracurriculars, sports and academics. The troop receives several shipments during the season so you know you’re getting a fresh tree. Thick, fresh pine roping, tree stands and tree disposal bags are also sold at a Santafriendly price. Credit cards, cash and check are accepted, making payment quick and easy.
The lot is open November 27 to midDecember (or until we run out of trees, so don’t delay!) Learn more about the tree sales, including hours and events, at Troop 149’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/ScoutChristmasTree or on our website mcc149.com/tree-sales
Cont'd on next page
Boy Scout Troop 149 members carry a customer’s Christmas tree to the trim station.
Girl Scouts Keep Busy This Fall!
By Leah Wilson, Troop 40829
The Mariemont third grade Girl Scout Troop 41238 is excited to begin their fourth year as Girl Scouts, and second year as Brownies. Last month, they chose three very worthy organizations to support with the earnings from their past two years of cookie sales. Their donation totaled $1,000, and was split between the Cincinnati YWCA (targeting racial injustice programs), Matthew 25 Ministries (targeting Covid relief efforts), and the Cincinnati Zoo (to ‘adopt’ Rico
the porcupine, and support the care and feeding of all zoo animals). We are so proud of the impact they are making in our community and their commitment to giving back.
In addition, the sixth grade Troop 45352 met with an older and younger troop over the last two months via Zoom, thus allowing them to bridge to Girl Scout Cadette status. Each girl received a silver key necklace as a symbol of their awesome achievement.
The ninth grade Troop 40829 recently participated in the virtual Warrior Run and raised $200 for 1N5. They walked/ran on the South 80 paths and had a great time contributing to a great cause. Several more of the troops’ members earned the Silver Award this month: Ellie Haynes, Erin O’Donnell, Hilary Laird, Leah Wilson, Lily Phillips and Madelyn Bailey. Congratulations!
Cub Scouts Create Beautiful Brick Project at the Bell Tower
By Sean Blessing, Communications Chair
Mariemont Cub Scouts have been hard at work during quarantine! While we’ve gone ‘virtual’, for the most part, we’ve continued to meet online and engage in activities where the kids can contribute to the community. We are evolving into ‘safe’ in-person meetings, with social distancing in mind.
In May, we asked all scouts to contribute painted bricks to build a symbolic and useful project for the community. Scouts were given bricks, some paint, and encouraged to paint the bricks with art or something meaningful to them.
In mid-September those bricks were assembled by a group of leaders, scouts, and parents near the Dogwood Park Pavilion and flag pole. Many thanks to the Badenhop, Wren, Raab, Hatch and Dzombar families for the installation of this beautiful display!
Another responsibility of the scouts organization is responsible and respective U.S. flag retirement. We continue this effort, and if you would like to recycle/retire your old flags please contact us at mariemont.cubscouts.pack1@ gmail.com.
Girl Scout Troop 40829 participated in the 1N5 Warrior Run.
Cub Scouts work hard on a brick paver project at the Bell Tower playground.
Village
Bringing Joy One Yard at a Time!
By Kim Beach
Growing up on the west side, Julie Renner didn’t envision a life of “bringing joy” to the east side of Cincinnati. After meeting her future husband John on a blind date (her first and only), Julie and John eventually married and landed in Mariemont (John’s hometown). They started in a townhome on Chestnut, next moving to Homewood, and finally settling in a lovely home on Hiawatha. Throughout these moves, the Renners raised three beautiful daughters who all went to Mariemont High School and enjoyed various sports and arts activities while there.
As a health care professional, Julie had a sense something was amiss at the beginning of 2020. She worked in a doctor’s office and knew the virus was starting to become real. She is also an independent Red Cross Instructor and had to
shut down this activity as COVID-19 put an end to all normal in-person training.
As the pandemic months went on, Julie started thinking about the graduation of her two daughters, one from high school and one from college. She was desperate to create a happy celebration for both. After seeing a yard on Indianview Avenue that had been “carded” by CARDMYYARD, Julie investigated the service and was surprised to learn that no one owned the franchise for the east side of Cincinnati.
Julie mentioned, “I was just looking for a sign and didn’t realize that it had two meanings. I was so excited to learn more about CARDMYYARD and started to research the company and its competitors. I was ready to jump in, and my family was super supportive of my entrepreneurial endeavor.”
Julie kicked off her company (CARDMYYARD Cincinnati-East) in mid-June of 2020 and has been going gangbusters since. COVID has brought a few blessings (more relaxed time with family, post-college kids living with us, etc.) and Julie feels that way about her business. She said it is “joyful and brings a sense of normalcy to this crazy time. CARDMYYARD has given families the opportunity to share a special moment in their lives and expand it through the use of social media.” Julie loves to be creative and feels this new career gives her the outlet to use her imagination and passion.
Her biggest opportunity for the next year “is to keep growing,” Julie says. She has plans to hire contractors to help expand the business in her territory. She believes in working hard
Village
and enjoying what you do. About her business, she said, “I LOVE it!” As far as favorite saying, Julie mentions “The harder I work, the luckier I get,” which is attributed to famous film producer Samuel Goldwyn.
Her favorite spot in Mariemont? “I love walking my dog on the upper field at the high school. The view of the valley is spectacular and the spot is so serene.” Another place Julie loves is
“anywhere in Northern Michigan.”
When asked if she had a fun fact to share, Julie answered, “I delivered singing telegrams for Balloons-N-Tunes in the ‘80s when I was a student at UC.” She has always been a believer in bringing joy and she suggests “we need to find joyful moments in each day.”
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Schools
A Peek Inside the New Mariemont High School
By Natalee Shriver, Journalism Student
Author’s Note: COVID- 19 has caused viewing to be closed to the public, but hopefully the following will give the community a better look into the new building.
As the new school year starts, staff and students have finally gotten a chance to explore the new Mariemont High School building. From the halls, to the insides of the classrooms, to the cafeteria (The Hub), everything is pretty unique. As students familiarize themselves with the school, they’ve also formed their opinions about it.
THE HUB
When you walk through the main entrance of the high school you are on the top floor. To your right is The Hub. There’s a large amphitheater-like staircase in The Hub that leads you down to the bottom floor of the school. As well as providing a place for students to sit at lunch, it’s also where the study hall is located. It has a special feature, which may be very helpful to students. Along the front edge of each row are outlets where students can charge their devices. The outlets are great since most of our assignments are online and our computer batteries can become drained before the end of the school day.
When you first think of The Hub, you immediately think of the big staircase. Mrs Scribner, Digital Art and Photography teacher, said, “I really love the stairs [in The Hub], they’re beautiful.” Overall, they give the school a likable look. The Hub also has a giant TV screen on one of the walls that gives information about any topic, ranging from clubs to the egg drop project that happened in Physics class.
stairs are not necessary because “The Hub is too big.”
PLENTY OF WINDOWS AND SPACE
Another great aspect of the school are the windows. Last year, I constantly heard students and staff complaining about the lack of windows. They have certainly fixed this issue. There are multiple windows in all of the classrooms and throughout the hallways.
When asked, Jack Bruner said, “The layout and windows are nice. I really like all the natural light.”
The school is very spacious, and at first glance it seems hard to find your way around. But it’s pretty simple to find the location of classrooms. The bottom and top floor
Students gather on the stairs of The Hub.
classrooms are divided by subject. On the first floor: History, Arts, World Languages, the Library and The Hub. On the second floor you can find sciences, math, English, the main office, and CCPC. Despite disliking The Hub, Ann Gilbertson said, “I like how easy [the school] is to navigate.”
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The Hub is very popular among students. Junior Lizzie Feeney said, “The Hub makes the school feel more open.” Another student, Katie Price, said it’s one of the best features of the new school because “It is really nice and not the boring lunchroom that most schools have.”
Ann Gilbertson disagreed. She believes the
Also located on the top and bottom floors of the school are collaborative spaces where groups of students can go when working on projects or assignments. Only a small number of students can use them right now due to social distancing rules. Those who have gotten a chance to use them enjoy them. Katie Price said they are her favorite thing about the new building. “Even though we really can’t use them yet, the
Schools
collaboration areas look like so much fun and a productive work space.”
Currently, the walls are still pretty bare. I honestly think that’s a bit of a negative considering basically all the walls in the school are a mundane gray. The floors are gray too, so it’s just a ton of gray right now. Pretty soon, though, the walls will be filled with impressive artwork from students participating in various art classes.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Speaking of art classes, the new art rooms are huge and also have an outdoor patio attached to them. This opens up a wide range of creative projects students are able to do. There’s also a new broadcasting room and an AV room on the first floor. These rooms provide the proper technology for students interested in broadcasting or E-Sports and give them more
opportunities to really experience the subject they’re studying.
The Warrior motto is to "Be Better." It’s safe to say that the new high school building meets that expectation. It is really a step-up from the previous building. It has adapted to the modernity of society and is more convenient for staff and students. Most of us are eager to see the final product when the other half of the building is finished with renovations next year.
*Terms and conditions apply
New art rooms provide access to outdoors.
“Collab” spaces allow for small group work.
Community
Mariemont Branch Library Shares New Features
By Amanda Scott, Mariemont Branch Librarian
For Mariemont Branch hours and upcoming events, visit https:// cincinnatilibrary.org/locations/MM/
As it grows colder and wetter outside, many library customers may find themselves venturing out to their local branch of the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library less and less---so Mariemont Branch library staff wanted to let you know about new catalog features as well offer a reminder about digital materials available.
To get the most out of the new catalog, and to continue to access library card information, you can create an account by clicking the dark blue “Login” tab at the top right of the library’s new home web page. Account creation will require you to create a username, which is different from the previous catalog. For future logins, you can use your library card number or username. The username can be changed at any time, so don’t worry if no clever names come to mind.
One of the most exciting things about the new catalog is the shelves feature. You can add titles to three different digital shelves on your account: For Later, In Progress, and Completed. The For Later shelf is a wonderful option for those who have a habit of ordering more books at once than they are able to read. The For Later shelf lets you easily add titles to read in the future without having to lug
them home. The In Progress shelf is a good option for readers that tackle heavy or dense texts piece by piece with breaks between. The Completed Shelf is a good option for series readers who may have trouble remembering which titles in a long succession they have already completed.
Another new, interactive feature is reviews. You can now leave publicly visible reviews to share their opinion of a book or DVD with fellow users, helping others determine if the material is a good fit for them.
Searching the catalog has also become more-user friendly. Whereas the old catalog demanded exact titles and correct spelling to render any search results, the new catalog functions a little more like Google, making allowances for human error and suggesting titles close to user search requests. Another nifty function of the search is how results are displayed. Say you are looking for The Martian by Andy Weir. The first result in the catalog search shows four different formats of that title---eBook, Large Print, Audiobook CD, and Book---all under the same heading, indicating at a glance that there are four different ways to access that particular book, as well as the availability of each one. The old catalog would have scattered those four formats throughout the search results, making it more difficult to see available options.
Libby is the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library’s most popular source
for eBook and eAudiobooks. Libby is a service accessible by computer internet browser or as a user-friendly app downloaded to a tablet or smart phone. After quick account creation using your library card and pin number, you can access a wealth of eBooks and eAudiobooks.
eBooks are books that are read electronically on a computer, tablet, eReader (like the Kindle), or smart phone. Some stalwart readers may balk at accessing books in anything other than their ink and paper format, but eBooks and eAudiobooks are increasingly flexible. For instance, any eBook can become a large print book, because you can increase or decrease the font size, and even style, to make the text more legible. eAudiobooks played from a smart phone can connect via Bluetooth technology to wireless speakers, car radios, and wireless headphones, allowing you to enjoy audiobooks in more contexts than traditional audiobooks on CD or cassette tape permit. Both eBooks and eAudiobooks are well-suited for travel since users can access thousands of titles from something as small as their phone rather than lugging around six novels crammed inside their luggage.
As always, Mariemont Branch staff are glad to help you get started on your journey into the new catalog or dipping your toe in the world of digital materials. Please feel free to call or stop by, and staff will help you safely from the other side of the plexiglass.
By Kim Beach
Community Mariemont Area Chamber Members
Thankful for So Much
At a recent Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce meeting, members were asked what they are thankful for in this year of COVID and economic uncertainty. Fortunately, local companies are looking for the positive in today’s business environment! Please patronize these local businesses who take pride in supporting our Village and the surrounding communities. For more information about membership in the Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact Kim Beach at 513-252-4262 or kim@ insurethevillage.com
Delta Crabtree, Comey & Shepherd Realtors
“I am thankful that in the midst of COVID, realtors were able to continue to provide services to buyers and sellers looking to make a change. Perhaps because of the restrictions, our home environments are more important than ever before!” https://deltacrabtree.comey.com/
Nicole Christopher, Carriage House Car Wash
“Carriage House Car Wash is grateful for community support that allowed us to not just survive the business challenges of COVID, but we were able to help other businesses in the area. Because of the leadership of the Chamber and Columbia Township, we are now able to expand our business in the coming year.” carriagehousecarwash.com
Kim Beach, Village Insurance
“I am appreciative of our local business community who has worked so hard to serve the local residents among all the COVID restrictions. I am also thankful for our police and fire departments who continue to protect us and keep us safe during these uncertain times. I am especially thankful for family members from afar who have found a safe haven in our beautiful village this year.” www.insurethevillage.com
Lisa Hopkins, National Exemplar
“As a neighborhood restaurant since 1983, we’re beyond thankful for our Mariemont
community. For more than 37 years, we’ve served such wonderful guests, neighbors, friends and family. Now more than ever, we are honored and incredibly grateful for their continued support and love. We wish the Village of Mariemont a very Happy Thanksgiving, and look forward to serving you a fresh meal in the future!” https:// www.nationalexemplar.com/
Ted Beach, CT Beach & Company
“We are thankful for the many families and businesses who continue to rely on us to protect the important things in their lives. COVID-19 has given us a new appreciation for what is really important. As we gather this Thanksgiving, we hope you enjoy this special time with loved ones and friends (safely, of course)!” www.ctbeachco. com
The Chamber is grateful for and wishes a very happy Thanksgiving to our many members and their families, who also include:
Ben Spotts, Athletico Physical Therapy
Bill DeCamp, BulbsDepot
David Conners, Cincinnati Benefit Solutions LLC
Sharon Collins, Cincinnati Center for Improved Communications, Inc.
Erin Satterwhite, Comey & Shepherd
Brett Lebhar, Faith Presbyterian Church
Bridgett Karlson, Groovy Gumball
Tish Gayle, Inscribed Books & Gifts
Jeff Ayers, Jersey Mike’s
Kristen Klein, K’Bri Pure n’ Natural
Nick Kongdech, Mango Tree Thai & Sushi
Stephanie Crellin, MariElders
Suzy & Matt Weinland, Mariemont
Town Crier & PH2 Marketing
Matt Ackermann, Matthew J. Ackermann CPA
Nathan Powers DMD, Powers Dental
Shelley Reed, Sibcy Cline
Ken White, SiTec Innovations, Inc.
Laruen Austin, Studio 7 Thirteen
Aaron Tritsch, The Birch in Terrace Park
Allison McElfresh, The Dance Coalition
Adam Ralston, The Quarter Bistro
Dottie McIntyre, Training Coreters Pilates
Cameron Simoneau, Tri-State Running Co.
Tom Walsh, Walsh Asset Management
Brenda Westfall, Worthy Yoga
Village Garden Club Plants 300 Daffodils at Hopkins Park
By Mary Beth York
In a celebratory nod to the history of Hopkins Park and a continued love of the Daffodil, the Garden Club of Mariemont safely gathered this summer (wearing our favorite masks and maintaining social distance) to plant 300 Daffodil bulbs at the park. Watch for the cheerful blooms in the spring of 2021!
The Daffodil continues to be a cheerful friend in the history of the Garden Club of Mariemont! Here are some FUN FACTS about the Daffodil:
• In 1945, “King Alfred”Daffodils were planted in the Village center. Later, “mixed varieties” naturalized the wooded hillside by the Carillon Tower.
• In 1949, the Krippendorf Estate (now the Cincinnati Nature Center) gifted The
Garden Club of Mariemont with baskets of daffodil bulbs. And so, the Mariemont Garden Club’s love of Daffodils began. Club history claims that newspaper articles from 1950 reported that members contributed and planted 600 bulbs in the Beechwood Grove in the Wooster Pike median and that each variety was to carry a permanent name marker.
• In the 1950 Club yearbook, the aim of the Garden Club was: to be known as “Mariemont, the Daffodil Village” through plantings of the Club flower, the Daffodil.
• Revenues from the Club’s annual plant sale continue to provide bulbs as well as trees throughout the Village.
Planting at the Hopkins Park entrance: Many hands make light work!
Village Garden Club of Mariemont Celebrates 80th Anniversary In Style
By Mary Beth York
On March 4, 2020, The Garden Club of Mariemont had the good fortune to celebrate their 80th Anniversary at The Art Barn Loft. Actually, good fortune may be an understatement because on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as a global pandemic. The timing of the celebration was truly a blessing.
The lovely afternoon shared by gardening friends has become a happy memory, revisited often during extended months of quarantine and social distancing. The sweet details of the day were created by talented and service oriented Mariemonters. The floral 80th invitation was designed by Marie Smith, long time Mariemont resident and artist. It beckoned for guests to put on a pretty hat and to join an indoor garden party!
The centerpiece was a YUMMY tripletiered, strawberry filled, buttercream flowered, vanilla cake by Mariemont Graduate Claire Mongenas of Claire’s Cakery (Mongenas.claire@ yahoo.com). Trustees from the Mariemont
Preservation Foundation, namely Aileen Beatty, Gail McBride, and Gretchen Griffith, volunteered to cut and serve the cake… how sweet! Table favors included a custom 80th sugar cookie by Mariemont resident Terri Spooner of Sweet C Heavenly Bites, (513225-3238). And club members hand made fresh flower Tussie Mussies wrapped in a vintage hanky as a “keepsake with meaning”: fresh Rosemary for remembrance of today, Baby’s Breath for festivity shared together, and Roses for friendship old and new.
The ladies mingled, posed for photos in their hats or with props, and viewed historical photo albums and yearbooks. The program began with a “bell ringing” welcome by our Town Crier, Bob Keyes! Both the past Mayor Dan Policastro and new Mayor Bill Brown honored the Club with a Proclamation of “The Garden Club of
Mariemont Day, April 23, the founding day of the Club in 1940”. And a historical slide presentation by Event Chair Mary Beth York evoked fond memories of friendship, annual plant sales, meeting programs, Christmas receptions, annual June luncheons, the Butterfly Garden, Hopkins Park, Garden Tours, and of members that are now missed.
The event was enjoyed by 46 members in attendance and by 17 members in their homes as goody bags were delivered with a personal visit! Sincere thanks for our honored guests; their ongoing work creates the landscape of the community: Mayor Bill Brown and wife Debbie, Past Mayor Dan Policastro and wife Barbara, Service Department Supervisor John Scherpenberg, service department members Kevin Schmid and Elisha Davis, Parks Advisory Board chair and “Guardian of Greenspaces” Louise Schomburg, and Official Town Crier Bob Keyes.
Looking forward to Spring 2021…a time of rebirth and blooming Daffodils!
Framed friends: Denise Scholtz and Marcy Lewis having fun!
Community
John Ruthven: A Mariemont Perspective on a National Treasure
By Rex Bevis
When my wife Sharon and I arrived in Mariemont in 1975 and began to develop new friends and neighbors, I first learned about Wildlife Artist John Ruthven. I ‘discovered’ his works by visiting homes of these new friends and neighbors and seeing his outstanding paintings on their living room walls. To this day I cannot even imagine how many “Ruthven Prints” populate the homes in Mariemont.
Renowned American artist and naturalist
John Ruthven shares his craft with Mariemont Elementary students in November 2017, at the age of 92. Mariemont art teacher Shelley Komrska commented: “I remember him being so cheerful and engaging with the students. What a treasure he was!”
John Ruthven has been referred to as the “20th Century Audubon” for his depictions of ducks and birds in the manner of John James Audubon, the American artist and naturalist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Ruthven’s wildlife painting career commenced with his Redhead Ducks painting in 1960, which won the Federal Duck Stamp competition. A lifelong naturalist, John Ruthven and his wife Judy lived in Georgetown, Ohio most of their lives. This location included his art studio in which his original art was created.
Mr. Ruthven used his art as a means to raise funds for organizations that he cherished. Examples of his charitable
works include the Cincinnati Zoo (The Zoo’s Passenger Pigeon Memorial) and Ducks Unlimited (raising nearly $2 million to protect and preserve wetlands.) Up the road in Oxford, Ohio, John’s work benefited Miami University with his outstanding “Miami Indian,” and a subsequent “Miami Indian II.”
Our own Mariemont Schools benefited from his generosity as well. John donated the proceeds from the sale of limited edition prints to the Mariemont School Foundation - 250 prints each of his “Carolina Parakeets,” “Baltimore Orioles,” “Scarlet Tanagers,” and “Bluebirds” were sold during this fundraiser. Mr. Ruthven was an occasional guest speaker at Mariemont Elementary, teaching young art students how to sketch animals. In 2017 he spent a day working with art students while touching up a flying pig statue called “Goldie Hocks,” which he had originally painted and that had been donated to Mariemont Elementary by the Carter family (it currently stands in an enclosed plexiglass case just outside of the auditorium).
Mariemonters also became acquainted with John Ruthven when he frequented the Village. His daughter, Ricki, raised grandsons Adam and Matthew Weismann here, so John and Judy visited frequently. They could often be spotted dining at the National Exemplar. Several years ago, John and Judy Ruthven moved their primary residence to the new condominiums on Madisonville Road so they both became very familiar faces in the Village. A couple of years ago, John Ruthven was guest speaker at a Mariemont Civic Association monthly meeting. His life story captivated the audience.
John Ruthven was a national treasure and an internationally renowned artist. Among his many awards was the 2004 National Medal of Arts received from President George W. Bush. And he was also a fellow Mariemonter
with an exceptionally pleasant personality, a knowledge of nature, a focus on conservation, and of course his prolific paintings.
The Staff of the Mariemont Town Crier join fellow Mariemonters in mourning the passing of Mr. Ruthven, a national and local treasure.
Official Family Obituary:
John A. Ruthven, 95, is lovingly remembered as the “Modern Day Audubon.” The Cincinnati-born artist was the beloved husband of the late Judy Ruthven for 43 years. Cherished father of Ricki (Steve Halper) Ruthven and Kevin (Mark Tipton) Ruthven. Devoted grandfather of Adam Weissman and Matthew (Molly) Weissman. Proud great-grandfather of William, Jack, and Michael Weissman. Passed away Sunday, October 11, 2020. John proudly served our country as a member of The United States Navy during WWII in the North Atlantic. Services will be held privately at Spring Grove Cemetery. A recording of the private service will be available in the near future for public viewing. To perpetuate their philanthropic spirit, family requests memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, be directed to the Judy and John Ruthven Foundation, P.O. Box 43069, Cincinnati, OH 45243 Sympathy may be expressed at www.springgrove. org. Arrangements entrusted to the Spring Grove Funeral Homes, 513-8531035.
The Power of Routine
By Kim Flick MariElders Transportation Coordinator
Think about how everything is driven by rhythm. Not specifically musical rhythm, like a beat or tempo, but a cycle, a pattern or a routine. Your heart, blood and breath are part of your rhythm. Your body is governed by circadian rhythms. There are rhythms all around us in nature from tides and waves, day and night, seasons and so on.
Perhaps that’s why routines feel so comfortable to us. And when we don’t adopt a routine, or we get out of an established routine, we feel somewhat discombobulated. The certainty of a routine can help us cope with the unpredictability of life. As we age, routines are
a great tool to help manage our health, home, finances, and relationships.
It’s important to understand the difference between a routine - something you do on a regular basis like wake up, personal hygiene, dress, eat healthy - and a schedule with rigid time constraints, like when you had to be out the door to catch the bus and show up for work at a prescribed time (ugh!). Taking medications can be part of your routine. But if they must be taken several times throughout the day, a schedule might be helpful. It’s important to manage your medication the same times each day. In this way, you are more in control, which can be empowering.
If you are noticing that your memory is not
what it used to be, routines and staying organized can help offset problems. If you’re at your sharpest during a certain part of the day, that might be the time to tackle important routine things like paying bills or running errands. Keeping a list of what needs to be done and checking off the tasks can actually help improve your mental health.
Get accustomed to using your Smart or IoT device (Internet of Things devices include smart phones, tablets, Amazon Alexa or Google Home, smart watches) to help manage your calendar, store contacts, set reminders and alarms. Members of MariElders can receive IT assistance by appointment.
Don’t forget personal routines for self-care, like medical check-ups, haircuts, entertainment, walks or exercise, and socializing. Personal goals and to-do projects are more manageable when you incorporate them into your routine.
Peace and predictability are so helpful, especially if you have a health condition or chronic illness. Stress, worry and anxiety can result when routines don’t exist. Studies have shown that seniors are healthier and better rested when there is a good sleep routine in place. A good night’s sleep goes a long way toward healing and building new cells, bolstering your immune system, and improving cognition.
“Spontaneity = flexibility within a routine.”Marty Rubin
Routines can get boring you say? You are absolutely right! So be willing to explore, which doesn’t mean you have to plan a big trip or special event. Build in some options – try new foods, visit parts of town that you haven’t seen in a whileand take a friend along, for sure! Put on a hat, take a selfie and send it to your grandkid. Most of all, rock that smile – which should be a part of your rhythm and routine every single day.
Lawn Skeletons a Fun Halloween Tradition on Homewood
By Suzy Weinland
About three years ago, 33-year Homewood Rd. residents Nancy and Chris Lonnemann decided to bring some Halloween spirit to their street. While visiting Louisville, Ky., they were inspired by an entire street that decorates for Halloween.
Each year, from October 1 to November 1, the Lonnemanns set up a different “skeleton vignette” on their lawn each day. “The first year we had two skeletons, then had three the second year, and currently have four, along with a skeleton dog and cat,” shared Nancy, who gets her inspiration from Pinterest. Nancy and Chris often include their now adult children’s childhood toys as props in the displays.
The Lonnemanns keep a running list of ideas year ‘round, and welcome simple and family-friendly suggestions from Mariemont residents. If you want to contribute your ideas, you can email Nancy at lonnemann@ fuse.net. Here are a few of this year’s skeleton displays…
Offices will be closed Nov. 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving.
Leaf Collection
Leaves will be collected by the Village October 26 through December 18. Simply rake leaves to the front of your lawn near the curb (but NOT into the street) and the Village will collect these leaves. Please be sure your lawn company knows to keep the leaves OUT of the street. Due to COVID-19, the service department will not be
Community
Village News
hiring any additional part-time help to assist with leaf collection. They will only have two trucks running with a two person crew. Thank you for your cooperation!
PLEASE NOTE:
• Prior to October 26 and after December 18, leaves must be bagged for pick up. If you do not wish to wait for the leaf vacuum, bag the leaves in brown paper yard waste bags or a can marked “Yard Waste”( bags available at most hardware stores and Kroger) and place them at the curb after 6p.m. the day before your pick up. They’ll be picked up by Rumpke on the same day your trash is collected. NO sticker needed.
• If your bagged yard waste isn’t picked up, please contact Rumpke at (513) 851-0122, ext. 8751.
• Do NOT rake leaves into the street. This slows the crew down as they have to unclog drains.
• Do NOT dump leaves in the swimming pool area.
• Do NOT mix limbs and branches with the leaves as this could damage the truck.
• The week of Thanksgiving and the week of November 30 through December 4, leaf pick up will be light as the service department prepares for Luminaria and the tree lighting.
Website & Email List
In an effort to regularly reach as many residents as possible, the Village Offices have begun to primarily use its website and an email distribution list to communicate with residents. Those who wish to stay current on Village news and events and receive Council agendas and minutes are strongly encouraged to sign up to be added to our email distribution list at www. mariemont.org/registration-2/
If you haven’t done so already, we invite you to check out the new Village website at www. mariemont.org. It is easy to navigate and your one-stop place to:
• Reserve shelters, pay for garden plots, and purchase tennis and pool memberships.
• Find contact information for Village staff and Council members.
• View public records, including Council minutes, full video of past Council meetings, pending legislation, and resolutions and ordinances.
• Get the latest calendar updates for Village meetings and events.
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
Happy Fall from The Barn
The Barn, also known as The Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center, is located at 6980 Cambridge Avenue.
International Quilt Exhibit
The Barn will be one of the few spots in the country to host the “Bob Ross” 150-quilt exhibit, from Nov. 16-29. Paintings of Bob Ross inspired themes will also be on display and for sale by Gary Waits and a few of his students.
This international quilt competition, sponsored by Cherrywood Fabrics, challenged artists to make a 20 x 20-inch quilt about the PBS painting instructor Bob Ross. Often children and adults had their first themed painting created from one of his inspirational television shows, and then went on to study painting in depth. The collection of quilts shows the story of his life in quilts. The exhibition will present the work of several Tri-state artists, all of whom received a packet of nature colored, hand-dyed fabrics.
The exhibit has extended hours from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Monday through Friday and from 1-4 p.m. on the weekends. Timed one-hour ticket reservations are required. Please make your reservation for a free ticket at: https://thebarn. regfox.com/bobrossquilts
Emiko Kuisel, an artist of Shodo (Japanese calligraphy), and her students invite the community to attend its first-ever show of Kanji—the art of bringing Japanese characters to life. The exhibition, titled “Zen in Black and White,” runs through Nov.11.
Kuisel, a native of Kyoto Japan, has been practicing Shodo since age 10. Kuisel, who has been trained in many styles and techniques of traditional calligraphy, has earned the highest rank master degree of the Japanese Calligraphy
Association. Since becoming a master, it has been her passion to embody a culmination of those styles into an original expression.
Kuisel’s art comes alive with the ebb and flow of her brush strokes, and through the shapes they take which bring the Kanji its meaning.
Encore, Encore!
Gail Morrison (GAIA) returns to with an exhibition of new paintings she has been working on since 2017. Encore begins Nov. 20 and runs through Dec. 2.
Many of the artist’s favorite works, which she has held personally since she began painting in 1992, will be released for sale in this show.
Passionate about painting, Morrison’s oil landscape and still-life paintings exude a vibrancy and color characteristic of the artist’s life and personality. She fell in love with Italy and the Italian way of life on her first extended stay in 1989, returning to live and study language in Florence.
Morrison lived on the Ligurian Coast fulfilling a yearlong contract with the Acquario di Genova where she served with an international team of consultants before joining a group of artists in Tuscany.
“I was painting for the first time, stretching canvases and applying rabbit skin glue and gesso…and laying our canvases to dry in the Tuscan sun. I scribbled GAIA for identification on mine. When those canvases were paintings and sold, GAIA was a brand. It has carried me through a wonderfully rewarding career, spanning nearly 30 years, all in Cincinnati,” Morrison said.
GAIA is Italian for the artist’s first name and is the signature on all her work. For 15 years, she returned to Italy to paint en plein air in Tuscany, often leading small groups of painters. Since changing careers in 1992, Morrison has been the recipient of numerous awards and the focus of solo shows, the first of which followed two years after she began painting.
Encore’s opening happens on Nov. 20 from 3-8 p.m. Additional hours: Saturdays and Sundays 1–4 p.m., Tuesdays – Fridays 10 a.m – 2 p.m.
To learn more about Morrison and to view
more of her paintings, please visit her website at artgaia.com.
Landmarks of Cincinnati
Artist Deborah G. Ridgley features Landmarks of Cincinnati, a collection of pleinair oil paintings of various sites throughout the Cincinnati area.
“Living in the area for over six decades, I am continually surprised by the numerous extraordinary landmarks, museums, parks, picturesque and charming areas of our beautiful and historic river town, the Queen City,” said Ridgley.
Ridgley, a 30-year Kenwood resident, fostered inspiration from her 2019 show titled Portrait of Cincinnati, which included a collection of oil paintings of more than 60 faces of Cincinnatians. During the sittings, the artist asked about what they enjoyed most about the town. Most responses involved the skyline, museums and parks.
“Last year’s exhibit was a springboard for this exhibit, said Ridgley, who is a Signature Member of the Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati.
She said her biggest challenge was painting on-site (plein air).
“You are only good for two hours. The light changes too much. I have to get in and make a quick oil sketch and finish the rest in the studio. If you painted all day in the same spot you would be chasing the light,” she said.
Ridgley’s exhibition features the likes of the Little Miami Bike Trail, Findlay Market and the urban core, among others.
The opening reception takes place Nov. 13 from 5– 8 p.m. Additional hours: Weekdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends 1– 4 p.m. The
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Shodo Show
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
exhibition runs through Nov. 18.
Classes—Just for Fun!
Please call The Barn at 513-272-3700 to confirm availability.
WEDNESDAYS / FRIDAYS:
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. Second Wednesdays and every Friday morning. Please email sogetsucincinnati@gmail.com. Fee $30, plus $10 for arrangements. Teachers: Mr. Koukichi Uchiyama and Ms. Teruko Nesbit.
THURSDAYS:
Good Oil Painting - Next Steps. This session will focus on composition and brush-handling with continuing development in color mixing. Five Thursdays 9 a.m.-noon, Nov. 12, 19, Dec. 3, 10, 17 (no class on Thanksgiving Nov. 26). Five weeks $155. Limited to seven participants.
FRIDAYS:
Soft Pastel Essentials with Charlie Berger 9 a.m. – Noon. Or Drop in from 1-4 p.m. This session will continue to build on the effective use of color, with an emphasis on composition and picture development. Six Fridays 9 a.m.-noon, Nov. 13 - Dec. 18. Six weeks $185. Limited to seven participants.
A Friendly Drop-in Studio. Work on your own projects or set up a colorful still life, and get as much helpful feedback as you like. 1-4p.m., Nov. 13, 20, 27, Dec. 4, 11, 18.
Sogetsu Ikebana. Japanese Flower Arrangements from 10 a.m.–noon on the fourth Friday of each month.
Japanese Calligraphy with Emi Kuisel. 4-6 p.m.
SATURDAYS:
Decorated Eggs. Create eggs in the Ukrainian Style with Ivanka Lempitskiy. A oneday class. Sign up for as many as you want. Nov. 14, 28 from 2-5 p.m. and Dec. 12 from 2-5 p.m.
Creating Wire and Bead Jewelry with Ivanka Lempitskiy. Nov 14, 28 and Dec 12 from
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A one-day class, so students may sign up for as many as they desire.
Long-Pose Figure Drawing. One long pose per session allows you to work at your own pace and make significant progress toward developing a fully finished drawing. 9-noon, ends Nov. 21.
The Barn loves its community
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.
I have walked the earth for 30 years and out of gratitude, I want to leave a souvenir.
~ Vincent van Gogh (Courtesy of quotefancy. com)
Barn (from previous page)
Village Government
Mariemont Village Council Minutes printed in the Town Crier are edited for space. To view full Council and Committee minutes and agendas, please visit the Village of Mariemont website at www.mariemont.org, click on the upper-right dropdown menu / Governance / Public Records.
Village of Mariemont Regular Council Meeting
September
28, 2020
Residents are encouraged to sign up at https://www.mariemont.org/registration-2/ to receive Village news and announcements as well as Council agendas/minutes.
Port-o-lets / Tents:
Mr. Bartlett referenced an email that was received from a resident in the last minutes regarding the port-o-lets violating sections of the Mariemont Code of Ordinances. We asked the Village Solicitor to look into it and Mr. McTigue responded back that there was no violation of the code. That is good considering the Village does allow them at the Tennis Courts and various locations for Village events.
There is also a precedent about tents on public property. The same issue applies. We need to apply the rule consistently. We cannot say no to certain organizations and yes to other ones. Tents are used for really good fundraising events such as the 5K Race, Taste of Mariemont and Farmers Market. The important thing is to treat everyone equally. We cannot single out one organization and say they cannot while everyone else can. The Mayor is trying to treat everyone equally and he believes it is an important message for the residents as well that the Village is trying to
consistently apply the law.
Mayor Brown said the Village does not have any really clear defined ordinance regarding port-o-lets other than on private property and even then it is not well defined. In the future it may be something we look to having a committee work on to define where they should be placed and the length of time.
Communications:
From Hamilton County Auditor: 2nd Half Real Estate Tax Deposit $601,836.34
From Service Superintendent Scherpenberg: Memo Dated September 4, 2020 re: Handicap Ramp Hampstead Park Condominium. Mayor Brown referred the matter to the Safety Committee. The ramp would go from the sidewalk to the curb and would be in the Village right-of-way. The question is who would pay for it. Mrs. Graves said she would contact Superintendent Scherpenberg to get the contact information.
Speeding on Miami Hill:
Mayor Brown said he has talked with Mr. Molski, 4004 Miami Road, who was telling him about a “speed table”. It is not a speed hump or bump but lays flat on the surface with perhaps an inch elevation. He asked Mrs. Graves and the Safety Committee to exam to see if those would be a possibility on the Miami Hill. The speeding issue on the hill is ongoing. Discussion surrounded that we have signs and reflectors, but no good remedy. Ideas included: grooves in pavement, small speed tracker devices that could also be used on other streets instead of the speed trailers, and using the “good old fashioned” police officer at the bottom of the hill. Chief Hines is looking into devices, costs. Mayor Brown said the Safety Committee can look into the
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
Joe Stelzer joestelzercouncil@gmail.com
options and make a recommendation.
Murray Path Updates:
Mayor Brown and Mr. Stelzer met with Melissa Taylor, Columbia Township Administrator, and Trustee Dave Kubicki regarding the funding for Murray Path. Mr. Stelzer said the fundraising is going well. An event at 50 West (took place) on October 21, 2020 - 50 West is going to brew a special beer featuring the Murray Path logo. The new alignment plan was presented to Columbia Township. They have indicated they are fully behind the project and ready to fund immediately with a resolution being passed. We got the contract from ODNR for the grant. Solicitor McTigue believes the Village needs a Resolution to give the Mayor authority to sign the contract. Mr. Stelzer said hopefully we can get it signed and moving at the next Council meeting. Mayor Brown said he would send the contract to all Council members for their review. Discussion ensued around whether or not to sign the contract to move forward with the construction documents, ODNR’s requirements for approval, timeframe for completing documents, whether or not we’d be penalized if we don’t hit the 15-month mark and have to re-apply for the grant, and whether to go ahead with use of private funds raised or to use Village money so as to be able to get re-imbursed by the State of Ohio.
CARES Act Money:
Mr. Bartlett moved, seconded by Ms. Palazzolo to accept the recommendation
Mayor: Bill Brown mayor@mariemont.org Cont'd on next page
Council (from previous page)
of the Finance Committee which met on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. via Zoom to discuss the possibility of using CARES Act money to pay for an IT Infrastructure project that would support social distancing and remote access within the Municipal Building. Present at the meeting were Finance Committee Chair Rob Bartlett, Finance Committee Members Joe Stelzer and Kelly Rankin, Mayor Bill Brown, and IT Leader Eli Wendler. To date, Mariemont has received $92,865.71 in CARES Act funding, with $36,842.04 allocated so far, leaving $56,023.67. One of the ways this money can be used is for IT projects that would support social distancing. Eli Wendler shared with the committee four interrelated projects that meet that criteria. The Finance Committee is recommending we proceed with this project.
Village Government
In order to qualify for CARES Act money, the work needs to be encumbered by October 15 and completed by December 15. All of the suggested vendors have said they can get this work done on that timing, provided they start the work in early October. Resolution passed. [See full minutes online for list of projects and potential vendors and costs discussed.]
Pool Commission:
Mr. Stelzer said the Pool Commission is bringing more formality to the commission and working on a draft of the by-laws. He will forward a copy to the Solicitor for review. The Chairperson will be Lorne Hlad, ViceChairman is Leesa Blanding and Laura Stith is Secretary. She will be preparing minutes, which will be prepared and distributed to Council. We are still dealing with the leaks in
the pool and what the solution is. He is hoping to have more information to Council by the end of October.
Street Maintenance / Spending:
Mr. Stelzer said he circulated a spreadsheet with the street spending. He worked with Engineer Ertel to gather data on what the needs are for the Village going forward. His opinion is that we have not been spending enough in the past. At some point Council needs to address how to spend more. Some will be solved by the gas tax but we cannot ignore streets that we should be spending money on.
For resolutions, re-appointments and ordinance readings and votes, please visit www. mariemont.org and click on the upper-right dropdown menu / Governance / Public Records.
Making Spirits Bright with the 2020 Luminaria Stroll
By Elizabeth Plachecki
The holidays are just around the corner! Mariemont’s annual Luminaria may look different this year, but is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Bundle up your family for a sociallydistant and festive walk as luminarias light up the Village of Mariemont! Enjoy the Carillon Tower Bell concert and listen to carolers who will be stationed outside the Village Church of Mariemont on Plainville Road. In addition, Mariemont landmarks will be decorated in holiday spirit, including Dogwood Park, the Concourse on Miami Bluff, the General Short Trolley Turnaround Park on Miami Avenue, and Old Town Square.
Don’t forget to walk by the homes in the
house decorating contest and cast your vote!
Santa will be making a magical journey through town on his sleigh that night! Visit https://www. mariemontppg.com/ luminaria/for more details.
A limited number of Luminaria kits will be available at the Boy Scout Christmas Tree Sale (located at the Mariemont Municipal Building/Firehouse) on November 27, November 28, and December 5. This year’s Luminaria proceeds will benefit St. Joseph School, the Mariemont School District Angel Fund and
other community projects. Mariemont Preschool Parent Group strongly encourages social distancing. When that is not possible we ask that you please wear a mask out of respect for those around you.
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A Thanksgiving Trivia Quiz
By Pete McBride
1. The nation with the highest level of total annual turkey production is:
a. Turkey (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)
b. The US (specifically MN and NC)
c. China (specifically Gobul province)
d. Turkestan
2. The cornucopia (“horn of plenty”) symbol probably originated:
a. in Greek mythology
b. as part of indigenous Native North American harvest festival culture
c. at Iowa City’s annual “Cornfest” fall costume parade
d. as part of the 19th century New Orleans jazz tradition
3. Which nation celebrates Thanksgiving (although in a limited way) as a result of past visits from American whaling ships?
a. Belgium
b. Wales
c. Australia
d. Mexico
4. Canada also celebrates Thanksgiving every year. When?
a. July 1, the date in 1867 that Canada achieved full nationhood
b. the second Monday in October
c. opening day of the NHL season
d. the date of the first frost
5. Where were the first recorded references to pumpkin pie as we know it?
a. at Graeter’s
b. in European cooking school journals, probably northern Spain
c. in 19th century American cookbooks
d. when Peter Parker picked a patch of pumpkins
6. Who declared Thanksgiving to be a national holiday in the U.S.?
a. Abraham Lincoln
b. Benjamin Franklin
c. the CEO of Butterball
d. the NFL
7. When was the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade?
a. 1924
b. 1894
c. 1914
d. 1954
8. What do Americans consume 80,000,000 pounds of at Thanksgiving?
a. Budweiser
b. stuffing
c. bread crumbs
d. cranberries
9. What teams played the first Thanksgiving Day football game?
a. Bengals vs. Indian Hill HS
b. Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears
c. Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants
d. Liverpool vs. Manchester United
10. Where did the Pilgrim colonists (the second group of English settlers) originally make their first historic landing in North America?
a. LaGuardia, NYC
b. Plymouth Bay, MA
c. Chevrolet, MI
d. Nova Scotia, Canada, after being blown off-course from Massachusetts
11. How many passengers were aboard the Mayflower?
a. 102 plus crew
b. 6, including “The Skipper” and Gilligan
c. approximately 210
d. 42
12. Who ceremonially presents a turkey to the president every Thanksgiving?
a. The SPCA
b. Poultry-Plus.com
c. the FDA
d. the National Turkey Federation
13. The most popular uses of leftover turkey is in/as a:
a. soup
b. sandwich
c. burrito
d. casserole
14. The average pre-cooked weight of a Thanksgiving turkey is:
a. 5 pounds
b. 15 pounds
c. 20 pounds
d. 25 pounds
15. The first ever green bean casserole recipe was created and published
a. in 1955, by the Campbell’s Soup Company b. in 1955, by Green Giant, now B&G foods c. in 1897, as a “new world delicacy” at The Cafe Paris in London, England d. by Fritsch’s Big Boy founder David Frisch in 1939
With thanks to: Wikipedia, University of Illinois, triviachamp.com, icebreakerideas.com, conversationstarterrsworld.com
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Community
Village Worship Services
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. During this pandemic period, services are temporarily being held inside our location at 3920 Oak Street. We ask that you be safe
and respect others 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. During the next several 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 November, we will be resetting our hearts and asking, “What does it mean to love God with all our hearts?”
Our Christmas Advent services will begin on Sunday, November 29.
Service Project Opportunity
Operation Christmas Child: Pick-up a shoebox beginning November 1. Fill it with toys and necessities for impoverished children around the world (we will provide you with an easy list to follow). Register your box online at Samaritan’s Purse and return it to the VCM Oak Street Building on Saturday, November 21. It is an easy way to impact a child’s life at Christmas. Please contact Valerie McEnroe for more information: vmcenroe1@gmail.com.
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
