Congratulations to Mariemont’s 2021 Citizen of the Year Mary Beth York
By Christie Motz
Passionate. Heroic. Tireless volunteer. Precious asset to the Village. Friend. These are some of the words used to describe Mariemont’s 2021 recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award.
This prestigious award was first presented in 2000. Since then, outstanding community members who have made a major contribution to the quality of life in the Village have been honored during the annual Memorial Day parade. This year, no one stood out quite like Mary Beth York.
York has been a resident of Mariemont for 36 years, first moving into a townhouse across from the chapel as a newlywed. She and her husband, Randy, decided to get more involved in the community, so they joined the Village Assembly to spend time together and meet people. They volunteered at the Annual Ice Cream Social and discovered volunteering was something they were both passionate about.
From there, York just kept on giving. She joined the Garden Club of Mariemont in 1991 and to this day holds the title of “Longest Current Member” at 31 years. She chaired their Annual Plant Sale for a total of seven years and the funds raised during that event sponsored the beautiful stone wall in the Village north entry. Last fall, York organized the planting of bulbs in Hopkins Park, which are an attractive addition to Mariemont’s charming landscape.
As a well-established trustee of the Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) and Chairperson of the Events Committee, York has organized the beloved Taste of
Mariemont event for 9 years, held annually in Dogwood Park. “During the year 2020, her efforts on behalf of the Village can only be described as heroic,” praised Marcy Lewis, a fellow MPF trustee and one of many who nominated Mary Beth for COY. When Covid prevented gatherings, York spearheaded a “Reverse Taste of Mariemont,” as an opportunity for MPF and residents to support local restaurants with discounted gift cards. The event raised over $6000 in gift cards for local restaurants; truly a magnificent gift during these unprecedented times.
Through her work with the Mariemont Tree Advisory Board, York acted as a liaison
between the board and MPF to organize tree planting in the Village and is responsible for the planting of the 22 Green Mountain Sugar Maple trees on Maple Street. “Mary Beth can always be counted on to promote any and all efforts towards beautifying the Village,” commended Rex Bevis, President of MPF and a former COY award winner.
York has three children, Riley (30), Matthew (28) and Audrey (24), all graduates of Mariemont City Schools. During her children’s time in the district, York served as an extremely active member of both
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Mayor Bill Brown (left) presents the Citizen of the Year award to Mary Beth York (right).
Letter from the Publishers
Welcome to the 46th year of your Mariemont Town Crier! After a year of meeting online and no in-person events, it is time to reconnect with your neighbors! Check out this issue for fall in-person meetings, activities and events around town, including: art events and classes at The Barn, children’s story times and adult book clubs at the Library, MariElders activities and outings, Civic Association “Meet Your Council Candidates” night, Chamber 9/11 ceremony and Pup Parade, church services and series, the return of the Rallye Porsche Mariemont, and more!
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Citizen of the Year (from front page)
the elementary and high school PTO organizations. She ran several fundraising programs, most notably the Back-to-School Kit program, Talent Show, Flower Program and Annual Spirit T-shirt sale.
Having three children plus a leadership role in many organizations might be a heavy load for some to carry, but that is not the case with York. “She does this work because she loves her community, and she puts 110% of herself into her projects without expecting anything in return. I’m proud to call her my friend,” Lewis said.
When asked about her “all-time favorite” organization, you can hear a smile in York’s voice as she immediately responds, “The Preschool Parents Group.” She joined the Mariemont Preschool Parents Group (MPPG) when her children were young and looks back fondly on her time as a member. “It was the best thing I could have done as a new mom. It was such a great way to get the whole family involved. We made lifelong friendships. I would encourage anyone who is new to the Village to join MPPG.”
“Mary Beth was one of the first residents I met when my husband and I moved to the Village over 20 years ago,” remembers Karen Berkich, president of the Garden Club of Mariemont. “She was most welcoming
Village
and shared all of the wonderful attributes of Mariemont with us!”
Even the one who knows her best can’t help but gush about his longtime love. “Her empathy and caring for all those around her is contagious. She is exceptionally intuitive and sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. She is always genuinely interested in listening and is selflessly sympathetic and compassionate. Her presence improves our Village every day.” Randy, who won the award in 2011, and Mary Beth join Rex and Sharon Bevis and Joe and Phylis Hoffman as the only three couples to have each been recognized as a Citizen of the Year.
kind. I felt so much love in that moment,” she recalled. Presented with a personal plaque, her name will also go on the master plaque, which hangs outside the council door in chambers.
The COY winner is historically presented at the Memorial Day parade, but with Covid preventing the gathering this year, the ceremony was postponed until the 4th of July firework celebration at Dogwood Park.
When York heard her name announced, she was humbled. “Our community is truly
“I just love the people of Mariemont. They are the ones who make it happen. Please just get involved, that’s what makes this place so special,” she said. The Village will soon be celebrating its 100th anniversary, and there will be events all year long. According to York, this is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the community. “Every person in this Village has something to contribute,” she encouraged. “Just take that first step and discover your abilities and skills! You get so much more back than you ever put in.”
“I feel so blessed to be a part of this community,” she added. Mary Beth, it seems that we are the ones blessed to have you.
Mary Beth and Randy York
Mariemont High School 2021: From a Unique Year to a New Year
By Suzy Weinland
As the new, in-person and fully active 2021-22 school year begins, a hearty congratulations goes out to the entire 202021 student body, and especially the 2021 graduates, who “powered through” a year of COVID-19 protocols with a positive attitude and hard work despite reduced or cancelled events and activities.
It was a year of reduced fan capacity for sports, along with many cancelled games and no “away game” cheerleading or competitions. No Homecoming parade or dance. No in-person concerts/fall play or student club meetings in the fall or winter.
Cancelled band/orchestra/choir competitions. Pre-recorded concerts. Online-only art competitions. And family-only attendance at concerts in the spring, along with a filmed/ streamed spring musical.
In the end, however, the men’s and women’s soccer, cross country, basketball, volleyball, swim/dive, and lacrosse teams proved they were the champions locally, regionally and statewide, including bringing home some Mariemont and area recordbreakers. Musicians were able to showcase their talents digitally until spring, when they finally got to have in-person concerts outdoors and in small groups. Several art students received top awards and showcases
in the Scholastic Art Competition and Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition. Seniors did get a prom and a beautiful graduation evening and boat party!
On May 30, 2021, Mariemont High School presented 129 seniors with their diplomas in a full, outdoor ceremony at Kusel Stadium. According to the school district, the class of 2021 submitted 635 total college applications, earned $13 million in scholarships, and were accepted to 119 different institutions. Again, congratulations to ALL of this past year’s seniors, and best wishes for wherever your next journey takes you.
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High school (from previous page)
On Sunday, August 22, Mariemont High School held an open house from 2-4 p.m., inviting all community members to walk the school and see the new and renovated spaces. The new-build academic and administrative
Schools
areas were complete and opened in August 2020, but with COVID-19 restrictions, most residents had not had a chance to see the wonderful new classrooms and gathering spaces. The second phase, which included
renovations and updates to the arts and athletic areas, was just finished this summer and will now be open for use during the 202122 school year.
Mariemont High School’s Senior Class “Signing Day” is an annual event that allows seniors and their families to celebrate their future plans. Pictured is the class of 2021 in the new MHS Hub.
In Loving Memory of Mariemont Teacher Darlynne Rief
Darlynne S. (nee Theiss), beloved wife of the late Conrad C. Rief, cherished mother of Todd (Julie) Rief and Amy (Ken) Dunlap, devoted grandmother of William, Meredith, and Jacob Rief, and Kiley and Makenzie
Dunlap passed away on August 14 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 76.
Darlynne graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Masters in Education and went on to teach kindergarten and first grade for 30 years at Fairfax and Mariemont Elementary Schools. She was also a member of St. John Fisher Catholic Church in Newtown and singing in the choir was very important to her. Also important to her was her love of animals. She was a devoted “dog mom.”
A visitation was held on August 21 at St. John Fisher, 3227 Church St., Newtown, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial and internment at St. Mary Cemetery in St. Bernard. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the SPCA of Cincinnati, Attn: Donor Relations, 11900 Conrey Rd. (45249), St. John Fisher Church or the Alzheimer’s Assn., 644 Lynn St., Suite 1026 (45206). Condolences may be shared with the family at ThomasJustinMemorial.com.
Home Run Derby Champion from Mariemont
Mariemont
8-year-old Charlie Zuckerberg won the spring 2021 8-andunder Little League Home Run Derby Championships. The Home Run Derby was held in May at the Home of the Braves Field in Loveland. The contest was open to all Loveland, Mariemont, and Terrace Park little leaguers. Charlie hit the most home runs out of all 75 participants, with a total of seven home runs. Each contestant got 10 pitches and was given the opportunity to hit as many home runs as they could. Any swing or hit that was not a home run, was considered an out. It was great event, and Charlie continues his love for baseball!
By Matt Ayer
Murray Multi-Use Path Update
I couldn’t be more delighted to write that we are well on the way to the completion of the long-awaited Murray Multi-Use Path. The path itself has been installed, along with the adjacent realigned parking pads. Little did we know how accurate the ‘Multi-Use Path’ name would be!
Even now, before the project is complete, we are seeing the path used for: dog-walking, scooter-riding, Graeter’s ice cream runs, marathon training, sibling races, training wheel courses, stroller rides, sprint time trials, Green Papaya meal munching, Starbucks strolls, pogo-stick rides, Cincinnati Sports Mall treks, games of catch, and bike-riding. And as the school year begins, it will provide a safe path to school for our children - no more walking down the middle of the road!
You will soon see Motz Turf Farms working on final grading and seeding. Local landscape architect Martin Koepke has incorporated suggestions from residents and refined the design to include a variety of trees (Serviceberry, Magnolia, and American Smoketree), shrubs (including Beautyberry, Juniper, and Spirea), and perennials (Black-eyed Susan, Russian Sage, and ornamental grasses) set in a green lawn and punctuated by boulders for sitting and visiting. Not simply a restoration of park space, but a major enhancement, sponsored by many generous donations. We are indeed a fortunate community.
The landscaping for our new path will be nurtured by a group of volunteer neighbors charged to see that the new plantings are watered and cared for as they become established and self-supporting. Come visit when you see them out watering. The path is a wonderful way to meet new friends.
Young residents enjoy a summer “roll” down the new Murray Multi-Use Path
Wednesday, October 6, 2021, will be this year’s Walk to School Event for the Mariemont District. The new path will provide a safe and fun way to participate. Please join the party by walking with your children to school that day, or coming out to share the walk with families and enjoy the newly landscaped Murray Multi-Use Path! Project updates are routinely posted on the Murray Path Group Facebook page.
By Margaret Jevic
Community Meet the Mariemont Tree Advisory Board
Nine months ago, Mariemont formed an official Tree Advisory Board (TAB) to address the needs of the Village trees. If you’re just catching up on this news, the board has quite the undertaking. Many of the trees around town are very old, very large, and reaching the end of their urban lives - all at the same time. Many need to be taken down, leaving us with extensive gaps in our beautiful tree-lined streets. This dilemma was the impetus for the formation of the TAB.
The question of what to do about the trees has been a focus of Mariemont since our Village began. Residents here have a deep appreciation for trees and the shade they provide, their beauty, and their benefits for wildlife. The planning, caring for, and decision-making is now being centralized in a committee of five voting members and a handful of other nonvoting voices to aid the process. I’ve spent nearly the last year on the TAB as a non-voting
member, and I’d like you to meet the rest of the team!
Barb Whittaker is the chair of our nascent committee and is at the helm of everything we do. She joined the TAB after taking a freshman level Tree Commission Academy (TCA) class, and is now at the sophomore level. TCA is a series of educational courses offered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources that, according to their course catalog, are “designed to give the citizens who are responsible for planning and managing… community trees the skills and knowledge they need to be successful.” The TCA classes build on one another from freshman to senior level, and graduates of the program are well-versed in the intricacies of building a healthy urban forest. After she took a course with TCA, Barb “knew it was possible to have a good tree program using volunteers and the resources ODNR provides to communities. It is important to me that we make that happen here.”
Kristin Van Scoy is the vice chair of the TAB. She is a former brand manager at P&G and brings experience with project management and communications to our committee. She also describes herself as a master gardener and is working through TCA. She grew up in Kansas City and went to college at Kansas State University. After receiving her MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia, Kristin took a job with P&G in Cincinnati, and has lived here for 18 years.
Kristin joined the committee because one of her favorite parts of living in Mariemont is “the abundance of beautiful, old shade trees. The trees we enjoy today are here because of the foresight and planning of individuals who saw their value decades ago. I joined the committee because I want to do my part to ensure that we create a sustainable plan to protect and expand our tree canopy. I want to preserve this legacy for our children and our children’s children.”
Jason Brownknight is the secretary and a voting board member whose vast array
of knowledge and talent lend themselves perfectly to the TAB. As a forestry management professional for twenty years, Jason told me he has “been fortunate to have helped restore and protect over 12,000 acres of land in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.” He holds a master’s degree in Landscape Ecology from Ohio University and is a graduate of the Ohio Watershed Academy from The Ohio State University. Jason says he joined the TAB because he is “passionate about urban forestry and the important role trees play in our community.” I have the good fortune of living across the street from him, and am glad to see such an asset aboard the tree committee. A fun fact about Jason - he shares a birthday with his favorite baseball player Ken Griffey Jr.
Mary Beth York is a voting board member and longtime Mariemont resident. She has been a part of the Garden Club of Mariemont for 30 years and is a trustee of the Mariemont Preservation Foundation. Some of her work with MPF includes being part of the MPF Tree Fund Program whose goal, she told me, “is to rebuild the street tree inventory with consideration of the John Nolen plan.” Any residents who would like to help this mission
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can donate to the Tree Fund on the Mariemont Preservation Foundation Website. As to why she joined the tree committee? “I love nature,” she said. “I love Mariemont, and I believe in preserving the uniqueness and beauty of our community.” Mary Beth is currently at the sophomore level of TCA, honing her skills and knowledge to be a valuable part of the TAB. A fun fact about Mary Beth - her favorite tree is at the end of her driveway and every year she decorates it with Easter eggs.
Marcy Lewis is a voting member of the TAB. You may already know Marcy as a member of our Village Council and part of the Parks and Recreation committee. Marcy has been in this community for 25 years and told me, “I appreciate the ‘National Exemplar’ in which I live. I am committed to maintaining and improving Mariemont’s Tree City USA designation so that our Village remains vibrant and sustainable.” This is a sentiment we all
married with two adult children and three cats (who also frequent our Zoom meetings).
Along with this panel of voting members, the TAB is fortunate to have the help of Wendi Van Buren, an Urban Forester with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Wendi has been a guiding presence at our meetings, assisting us in forming official protocol, hashing out plans for future tree sites, and providing us with a wealth of knowledge unique to planting an urban forest. Alongside Wendi is Mariemont Service Department’s John Scherpenberg. John and his team oversee and execute the Village tree planting and maintenance.
Filled with an abundance of expertise and passion, the TAB is beginning to determine and address the tree needs of the Village. As we have discussed at our meetings, there is a lot more to this job than simply planting trees.
creating and maintaining a healthy tree canopy. In an effort to increase awareness and interest in what the TAB is doing, you’ll regularly be hearing from me or another tree committee member throughout the year in the Town Crier. We’ll keep you up to speed on the interesting projects we’re doing as well as educational pieces.
Maybe you’ve never really thought about our Village trees, or maybe you’re acutely aware of the arboreal goings on. Either way, they’re an integral part of what makes this community special. The more we appreciate and understand our trees, the more they will thrive.
TCA course catalog and information: https://tinyurl.com/5eamjwrs
If you’d like to see Mariemont’s Tree Code, visit: https://tinyurl.com/t2yty53v
Schools Help Support the Arts in Mariemont Schools!
By Charlotte Hagen, MHS Junior
The Mariemont School District has called itself home to many talented artists. Every year, art classes and clubs are held to showcase visual mediums, students embrace musicality in band, orchestra, and choir programs, and months of rehearsals and hard work pay off in plays and musicals. The visual and performing arts
Mariemont Arts Association member donations helped purchase a cover for the new orchestra pit, which will extend the size of the stage. The renovated theater features new seats, additional seating, new acoustic tiles, and expanded storage.
continue to cultivate the skills of young artists, and the Mariemont Arts Association (MAA) helps support these programs.
Founded in 1974 as the Mariemont Music Association, the MAA has evolved to support Mariemont’s wide array of artistic programs. Projects the MAA has helped fund range from specialized furniture and equipment, to instruments and uniforms, to an international art show. The organization manages the MHS box office and annually provides scholarships and awards for seniors pursuing the arts after high school.
Supporting the MAA is one of the best ways
to support Mariemont’s visual and performing arts! Those who join as members have early access to musical tickets, program listing in arts performances and showcases, and are encouraged to attend monthly meetings to share ideas for how to continue to support the arts. Visit https://www.mariemontschools.org/ JoinMAA.aspx to join MAA.
The MAA is run entirely by volunteers. Memberships, donations, and sales from the Kusel Stadium concession stand all go towards funding the organization. Because nearly half of the MAA’s funding comes from Kusel, volunteer
work is another way you can help the arts. By volunteering in the concession stand, you can support the visual and performing arts - and cheer on the Warriors! Community members and alumni are welcome along with current families and MHS juniors and seniors looking for service hours! Sign up to work shifts at https://www. mariemontschools.org/Volunteer.aspx
For questions about membership, please contact mariemontartsmembership@gmail.com
For questions about volunteering, please contact mariemontartsconcessions@gmail.
“Over 80 Years of Service”
By Kim Beach
Community Keep on Rockin’ Me Baby!
The School of Rock in Madisonville opened in November of 2018 and has been helping kids and adults tap into their inner “rock star” ever since. Josh Ullrich learned about the School of Rock when his son Charlie was a student at the Mason location of the School of Rock. As he watched his son’s progress, he learned more about the business model and realized that it could be a fun, rewarding and viable franchise opportunity. He bought the building at 6710 Madison Road because it is central to so many Cincinnati neighborhoods and the building was already well set up for his business.
Josh grew up in Chicago and has an engineering degree from the University of Evansville and an MBA from Michigan. He owns a plastics distribution company and also a rental property business. So how did a left-brain analytical and logical person end up opening a right-brain creative company? He saw a need to encourage a group of kids and adults who have a passion for music and being a part of something bigger than themselves. As Josh said, “All have a place here where it is open and we encourage one another.” Josh and his wife have five kids ranging from 23 years old down to 2 years old. His daughter Shannon plays the trombone and according to Josh is a “very accomplished bassist.”
His son Charlie, 16, has been playing the drums since he was seven. Josh is also a trombonist and loves “jamming with his kids.”
When asked about the impact of Covid in 2020, Josh shared, “We adapted quickly and customers were very supportive. We went to online classes and re-configured our studios to adhere to Covid guidelines.” Because of the situation, Josh and his crew had to figure out a new way to bring all the students together for their annual end of the year show. They successfully blended all the student video performances together for an end of the season
show they called “Rock the Drive In,” and held it at the Starlite Drive-in in Amelia.
When asked about the biggest opportunity for this year, Josh explained, “Everyone wants to get out and try new things,” which is bringing in new students to the school. Covid has also made people re-evaluate what is important in life and they want to engage in activities that they have put on hold in the past. Josh attributes the success of the school to the great team that he has in place. “We have incredible local musicians who have a passion for teaching,” said Josh. “They love being here.”
A big part of the School of Rock are the concerts that they perform at the end of a season. This year’s end-of-summer concerts include: Sunday, September 11 at Fretboard Brewing, 2-5 p.m.; Sunday, September 19 at Riverfront Live! and Sunday, September 26 at Big Ash Brewing, noon-6 p.m. Giving kids real world stage experience is the main focus of The School of Rock. With a focus on performing, Josh stated proudly, “We put on shows to teach kids music.”
Josh is a big fan of the Mariemont area and The Dilly is his favorite spot in the Village. Perhaps we might see some School of Rock talent play there soon! If you want to catch one of their upcoming shows, please visit their website for details, https://locations.schoolofrock.com/ cincinnati. If you are interested in lessons or becoming part of a band, give them a call at 513586-7625. Rock on!
Community Warrior Run Benefits Mental Health Education
After last year’s virtual Warrior Run: The Race for Life, 1N5 is excited to be hosting the event LIVE and IN-PERSON in 2021. Participants will also have the option to sign up to do the race virtually so that all people can participate however they are most comfortable. The 5K is a USATF-sanctioned 5K race. The evening also includes an untimed one-mile walk and Kids’ Fun Run.
The Warrior Run will be held Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 5:15 p.m. The race starts and finishes at the Bell Tower at Dogwood Park and winds through the tree-lined streets of the Village. The race is followed by a night of music, kids’ games, and amazing food: homemade chili, grilled cheese sandwiches, and desserts. Also included are pizza, burgers, and barbecue from local establishments.
Money raised through the Warrior Run helps 1N5 support Cincinnati Children’s Hospital’s Adapt for Life, a mental health and wellbeing program designed for students, grades K-12. In addition, 1N5 is working directly with 85 local schools and 6 universities to provide customized, evidence-based mental health education programs.
Participating in the Warrior Run as a runner, walker, volunteer, donor, or sponsor helps 1N5 STOP the stigma and START the conversation about mental health. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our community.
Register or volunteer for The Warrior Run at www. cincywarriorrun.org. For more information about 1N5: www.1N5.org. For information about Adapt for Life: www.adaptforlife.org.
Village
Mariemont resident committee to review Fire/EMS proposals
By Kim Beach
The Village is looking at potentially developing shared services for Fire and EMS between Mariemont and the Little Miami Fire Department (LMFD) while still providing the same or improved level of protection. In June of this year, the Village put out a request for residents interested in providing resident input about the process and outcome.
Anyone who submitted their name has been included on the committee, and a steering team was selected by Council (each member of Council and the Mayor picked one person to be on a steering team). The responsibility of the steering team is to coordinate and run any meetings, and to also draw up the final report/ recommendation that will come to Council and the Mayor. The full committee will have a chance to participate in this process, but the steering team will be responsible for putting together the final product.
The members of the steering team are: Matt Ayer, Tom Boecher, Bill Herkamp, Steve Lewis, Katherine Mace, Tracie Wichman and Dennis Wolter. Tracie Wichman has been elected as the chair of the steering committee. She stated, “The committee is committed to ensuring that our recommendations to Council are sound and based in fact and that our process is transparent to our
fellow Mariemont residents, providing them opportunity to contribute feedback and relevant information.”
The full committee’s responsibilities include reviewing Fire/EMS proposals, working directly with the consultant company, Kramer & Associates, and providing resident input/concerns/recommendations/suggestions as to how the Village should proceed with our Fire/EMS Department. The full proposal from Kramer & Associates is posted at Mariemont.org
with a final written recommendation to the Mayor and Council, on how the Village should proceed with its Fire/EMS Department. The final report will include the committee's supporting factors for their recommendation. While the final decision rests with Council, resident input will factor into that decision.
The committee is tasked with assessing the different options available to the Village regarding Fire/EMS services and has access to whatever resources are necessary, including Fire/EMS consultant Bill Kramer of Kramer & Associates. Mr. Kramer has been engaged by the Village to produce a comprehensive report regarding area Fire/EMS operating expenses and analysis of similar fire stations.
The role of the committee is to provide recommendations and suggestions, along
Residents will be made aware of upcoming meetings through Village communications. If you are not signed up for this, please visit https://mariemont.org/registration-2/ to register. You can then choose to receive Mariemont News and Alerts as well as Village meeting notices, Council and Committees agendas and Council minutes. If you would like to submit comments to the Village, please email info@mariemont.org.
Community Rallye Porsche Returns to Mariemont
By Grant Karnes, Event Chairman
Rallye Porsche Mariemont, or RPM, returns to the Village of Mariemont this year on Saturday, September 18 (rain date: Sunday, September 19) from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. RPM is the signature annual event of the Ohio Valley Region Porsche Club of America (PCA), which has more than 1,800 members in counties along the Ohio River Valley in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. The Ohio Valley Region PCA is headquartered in Cincinnati where the majority of its members reside.
Grant Karnes, former Mariemont resident and RPM Chairman since its inception in 2012, said, “RPM is a community Porsche-themed event that brings together Porsche owners, cars lovers, families and the Cincinnati community with a day of fun and socializing.” Karnes conceived the RPM event, which was held in Mariemont from 2012-
2015, and has held various positions on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Valley Region Porsche Club, including being president from 2015-16.
RPM participants, families and friends will enjoy seeing many excellent examples from concours winners to race cars to daily drivers. Karnes said, “Any Porsche is welcome to be in the event, and you can expect to see race cars, sports cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles on display. There was even a Porsche tractor displayed one year.” Registration is open now through September 17 at ClubRegistration.net for any Porsche owner wishing to be a part of the day.
Porsches will be displayed along Wooster Pike from West Street to East Street and around the Village square. A few cars will also be displayed on Miami Road, north of the square. Westbound traffic along this stretch of Wooster Pike will be consolidated into two-way traffic in the eastbound lanes to ensure the safety of everyone.
RPM is not a formal concours, but fun awards will be presented at 2 p.m. for the Top 25 most popular cars as determined by community voting. According to Karnes, the “People’s Choice” award is highly coveted so expect to see some Porsches polished for presentation! The Mayor’s Award (“The Car In Which I Would Most Like To Campaign”), The Chief’s Award (“The Car I Would Most Like to Have in My Fleet”), and the Preservation Award (“The Best Preserved Porsche”) will be selected by Mayor Bill Brown, Police Chief Rick Hines and Mariemont Preservation Foundation President Rex Bevis, respectively.
Karnes, who recently relocated to Columbus, Ohio, is co-chairing the event this year with Bill Altvater, Past President (2018-2019) of Ohio Valley Region PCA, and Trevor Barber, Ohio Valley Region PCA Concours Chair. “When Mayor Brown and Council welcomed the idea of the event returning to Mariemont, everyone was very excited. Mariemont provides a rich architectural backdrop for the display of the cars,” said Barber, adding that past RPM events have drawn nearly 200 Porsches to the streets of Mariemont.
A planning committee was formed in May to ensure all aspects of the event run smoothly. The planning committee includes Mariemont Councilman Rob Bartlett, and Dan Porter, resident and PCA member. Dan is also the graphic designer for the event and has produced another beautiful commemorative poster that will be available for sale at the event.
RPM gives restaurants and merchants a great opportunity to attract new customers who may not have been to Mariemont previously. “We expect to draw Porsche owners from Indiana, Kentucky, Central Ohio and West Virginia, not just Cincinnati, and we encourage all of the participants to spend money and enjoy the Village throughout the day,“ said Altvater.
And this year, those who would like to purchase an adult beverage from participating restaurants may carry their approved “DORA” cup while meandering among the cars, learning about Porsche and its history. Remember to bring your camera!
Community
Mariemont Chapel: Facets of the Crown Jewel of Mariemont
By Matt Ayer
This article is the first in a series of four describing the design, artists, materials and craftsmanship that went into the construction of the Mariemont Memorial Church, colloquially known today as the Chapel. Beginning with the imagery and symbolism in the architect’s design, the subsequent three articles will focus on specific crafts: masonry, metalwork, and the medieval stone roof. As we approach the building’s centennial in 2023, it’s hoped that a renewed appreciation will inspire care and preservation efforts for the next 100 years.
A deeply religious woman, Mary Emery fulfilled her desire to prioritize a house of worship as the first structure built in Mariemont. The result is a nationally significant, one-of-a-kind, remarkable piece of architecture that represents the crown jewel of our Village. As John Nolen developed the plan for a National Exemplar model town, he selected the site on a plateau at the highest point of the town, adjacent to the pioneer cemetery.
Mrs. Emery and Charles Livingood, her right hand and manager in constructing Mariemont, selected Louis Jallade as architect. Mr. Jallade had studied in both New York and Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He was selected for the project based on his established reputation of adapting classical styles into new buildings. Jallade had previously worked with Mrs. Emery on another philanthropic endeavor, the Navy YMCA building in Newport, Rhode Island. His training in the Beaux-Arts style emphasized architecture parlante, meaning “speaking architecture,” the concept that a building should engage in a dialogue with the viewer, thereby explaining its own function. As a result, each decorative element was connected to the building’s purpose or situation.
Per Mr. Livingood’s direction, Mr. Jallade designed a unique structure in the Norman Gothic revival style, resembling a parish church in the English countryside.
“Jallade understood Livingood’s desire to create a centerpiece for the Village. No single building or part of Mariemont excited [Charles] Livingood as much as the proposed church. It was the architectural gemstone of the community” (Rogers, 2001). As with an expertly cut gemstone, its facets not only create beautiful patterns, but they also enhance its overall brilliance. This article, with some license taken by the author in personal interpretation, describes imagery and symbolic elements incorporated by its architect.
When viewing the front of the church from Cherry Lane, one can see the elements of a fortress or castle. The strength of substantial stone masonry; buttresses; small, impenetrable arched windows; massive doors with immense hardware from another age; and the crenelated tower evoke a sense of protection, safety, stability, and refuge. The worshiper is reminded, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer. My God, my strength in whom I will trust.” (Ps. 18:12)
The tower design, with its indented parapet, would generally be associated with military architecture, but was also a common feature in late medieval churches. The notches of these defensive battlements are called embrasures, or crenelles, between the solid segments called merlons. Together they evoke an image of protecting the Kingdom.
The tower is a square. Perhaps the four equal sides symbolize the Gospels, or spreading the Good News to the four corners of the earth…or do they represent the Fourth Day, and the completion of the material universe, God’s perfect Creation? Or is the square simply an aesthetic feature selected for balance and symmetry?
The cross is not featured from this vantage point, but, looking from above, the building itself is in the form of a Roman cross. Directly above the intersection of this cross’s upright (the nave of the church) and its crossbar (the transept), the fleche (French for “arrow”) points heavenward, a reminder of the Resurrection. The final height of this steeple was determined by hanging white cloths from a pole, then viewing from every corner of the Village, to ensure that this symbol would be visible to every resident in the new town. Such was the importance our founders placed on the spiritual life of its townspeople.
Walking around the building, from the Oak Street side, one views the simple beauty of three perfectly centered, tall, lancet-style windows, symbolic of the triune God. Not ornately decorated like the stained glass of a grand cathedral, the striations of the clear glass lend a humble beauty. Tall windows on all three sides of the chancel provide the soft, gentle Light at a morning worship service.
Consistent with its less-ornate architectural themes, a simple wooden porch greets the worshipper at the main entrance to the building. Evident from the original building drawings, Mr. Jallade’s architectural
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The fleche points and crenelated tower of the Memorial Chapel as viewed from the Old Town Square
Chapel (from previous page)
Community
unvarying balance. Upon entering this edifice, perhaps the most prominent feature is the array of massive, handhewn hardwood timbers, featuring three crosses, not only reminiscent of the scene at Calvary, but also serving as integral structural members in Mr. Jallade’s design.
details include the massive door’s hardware. Unlocking this fortress of a building requires a key to a heart, perhaps a reminder to “Give me your heart, my son, and let your eyes delight in my ways.” (Prov. 23:26). Or perhaps it depicts the entrance to a spiritual cardiac unit, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). A reference to the two greatest commandments? (Love God, love thy neighbor).
Pointed (Gothic) arches throughout the interior have the advantage of transferring loads with a smaller horizontal component and a larger vertical component. Coupled with the simple whitewashed plaster walls, and the previously described clear glass, a building with such a foreboding exterior is home to a sanctuary filled with Light.
To gain entry, one grasps the oversized, hand-hammered wrought iron circular pull. It has no beginning and no end, a symbol of heaven in its perfect symmetry and
A somewhat obscure symbolic element in the sanctuary may not have been planned by Mr. Jallade. Above the altar area, protruding from the arch’s soffit is a row of three-sided pyramids as an ornamental feature. If one looks to the left side and counts to the fifth protrusion up, it’s in reverse… a perfectly shaped concave pyramid… one “innie” amongst all the “outies.” Is this intentionally placed outlier planned as a symbol of man’s imperfection? Was the craftsman instructed or was this a personal statement…. who knows? As with any artistic work, symbolic elements may have been carefully planned, or personal interpretations may have little semblance of the artist’s intent. Another visitor may find altogether new or different facets to this precious gem of Mariemont. Perhaps now you will take an opportunity
to discover another image or symbol in this beautiful gift to our Village.
Matt Ayer volunteers as a guide for Chapel tours in conjunction with Mariemont Preservation Foundation’s docent program. You can also reach him at (513) 335-0059 if your family or group would like to arrange a guided tour. Photographs for the article were provided by Ron Adair.
An exterior view of the three windows on the belfry end of the buildings
The heart and circular pull adorn each of the three primary entrances to the building
One of three crosses in the building’s trusswork is displayed above the altar and
The mysterious flaw in the plasterwork in the soffit of the archway in the chancel
Village
Scout Troops Gear Up for an Exciting Year
Girl Scouts
By Ellie Haynes
The Girl Scout Troops of Mariemont are excited to take on another year of service and fun! The troops have been very active this spring and summer. Seventh grade troop 45352 earned their Silver Awards by providing dance costumes and supplies to a non-profit dance organization downtown called Q-Kidz. The 10th grade troop 40829 was very busy too! They went tent camping in May as well as visited the Rankin House in Ripley, Ohio, took a fun trip to Wake Nation, went kayaking, and are elated to begin their sophomore year and earn their Locavore, Traveler, and Room Makeover badges this year. The Girl Scouts are ready for an awesome year. For info on local troops, go online to www.gswo.org.
Cub Scouts
By Katie Dzombar
Chances are you’ve seen a scout out and about in the Village recently. Mariemont Pack 1 Cub Scouts have been staying active this summer! In June, a group of scouts spent several days camping at Cub World in Loveland where they fished, swam, practiced archery, whittled, went hiking and made a bunch of new friends! In July, scouts from Pack 1 helped set up American flags throughout the Village in preparation for the Fourth of July flag walk and celebration. Starting in August, scouts will be present at the Mariemont Farmer’s Market where they are fundraising for the upcoming year through popcorn sales. Come by and see us!
If you know an elementary school-aged boy or girl who may be interested in scouting,
we invite you to join us on September 9 from 6:30-8p.m. at Mariemont Elementary for an information night, or email mariemont.cubscouts. pack1@gmail.com for more information. We are accepting enrollment for the upcoming program year now.
Going the Extra Mile – Troop 149 Scout Goes Out of his Way on a Hike to the Top!
Story submitted by Adam Blevins and published in the July issue of Scouting
“A Scout is helpful, friendly, courteous and kind.” Local Dan Beard Council, BSA Scout
A.J. Blevins from Troop 149 of the Mariemont Kiwanis took a Memorial Day weekend family
ank you to the Mariemont families who supported local businesses last year. ese local companies, both retail and service, invest in our community with their time, their money and their hearts. e owners of these Mariemont companies are vital to the life of the village; they sponsor school events, are involved in local churches, volunteer for village organizations and much more. ank you for your business! I appreciate being a part of this wonderful village and look forward to serving your family!
- Kim Beach
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Girl Scout Troop 45352 having fun at Q-Kidz
Cub Scouts celebrate the Fourth of July.
Scouts (from previous page)
trip with his father, Adam Blevins, to Smokey Mountains National Park. As they were heading up the steep half-mile climb to Clingman’s Dome on their way to the overlook at the top of the mountain, they noticed an elderly gentleman walking at a slow and wobbly pace.
A.J. and Adam asked if he needed any help. He mentioned that his plan was to continue up the climb slow and steady. Taking a break with the gentleman, who rested on a bench that was off to the side of the path, A.J. and Adam learned his name was Dave, was 69 years old, and hadn’t been to the top of Clingman’s Dome since he was 8 years old on a trip with his parents and sister.
A.J., being a helpful, friendly and courteous Scout, asked Dave if he would walk with them. Dave, after quickly objecting due to his slow pace and the fact that he may not be able to get to the top, agreed after Adam mentioned they are in no hurry.
After starting back onto the path to the overlook, A.J. and Adam joined Dave in conversation. They felt that if they could just get him to continue talking and walking, he could make it - they wanted him to be able to see the top after so long. Dave talked about his church, his strong religious beliefs and cried talking about the natural beauty around them and the wonders of God. A.J. talked with Dave about being a Scout, the Orion Patrol Leader in his Troop, and how he is hopeful to become Troop Guide in the near future. Dave mentioned that he himself was a Life Scout, stopping just short of making Eagle rank.
A.J. and Dave connected by sharing stories about their Boy Scout troops, forgetting about the distance in front of them. The three of them took many small breaks, taking 50-100 feet at a time.
The three of them passed by a few hikers at a point that intersected the Appalachian Trail. The hiker's faces were tired and feet dirty, but their eyes were bright with anticipation as they pressed up the hill toward Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in this part of the Appalachian Trail.
After a few more short breaks and around a couple more corners, there it was… the observation tower. Dave, overcome with
Village
emotion, said that it was a miracle and he never thought he would make it to the top. He exclaimed that he couldn’t wait to tell people he had made it. A.J., Adam and Dave took several photos together to celebrate this moment. Dave was smiling from ear-to-ear.
A.J. assisted Dave up the ramp by offering his shoulders for support. At the top of the observation tower, Dave began quoting scripture about God giving wings. He said that is how he felt up there, above the clouds. He graciously thanked Adam and A.J. and shed some more tears.
The descent went more quickly, with A.J. and Dave chatting like old friends about how natural beauty like this couldn’t be random. Dave
then mentioned he was from Carbondale–just 45 minutes away from Adam’s best friend. Mentioning that Adam and A.J. are from Cincinnati, Dave shared that he has a good friend who is a professor at NKU. Back at the parking lot, Adam and A.J. realized that Dave parked right next to them. What a small world!
A.J. showed the true meaning of what it means to be a Scout. He was kind, patient, polite, and genuinely enjoyed the moments that he had helping Dave that day.
After Adam and A.J.’s family vacation to Gatlinburg, Norris Lake and Great Smokey Mountains, A.J.’s mom asked what the best part of his family weekend was. A.J. proudly exclaimed that it was meeting Dave and climbing Clingman’s Dome.
From left, Dave, Adam Blevins, and A.J. Blevins, Mariemont Troop 149 Scout
Community
Events at MariElders
MariElders is very active! We have been open “for real” since April, and are busier than ever! For members of our community over 55 years old, we offer daily, weekly and monthly activities at our Center on Madisonville Road, along with at least one field trip a week to a local attraction. We also offer free transportation to the grocery store, medical appointments, or anywhere else you may need to go.
Below are our continuous weekly programs. If you are interested in any of these, or want to know more about MariElders, please call 271-5588!
Mondays
Senior Fitness with Meredith - 10 a.m.
Senior Fitness with Meredith is a platform of workouts for seniors. Meredith is a AFAA certified personal and group trainer and also works as the Fitness Coordinator and Instructor at a senior center. She has a plethora of workouts from seated marching cardio to standing balance workouts to seated boxing cardio to seated weights for
beginners. The choices are endless! We will rotate cardio exercises with strength training exercises each week. So bring your water and let’s get moving!
Needle Nook – 11 a.m.
Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, tatting, sewing, quilting, or cross-stitching? Join friends at MariElders to chat and craft together! Do your own thing or complete a project together.
Comedy Hour – 1 p.m.
Laughter is good for the soul! Join us for comedy hour and watch your favorite comedians that you grew up with - Red Skelton, The LaughIn, Carol Burnett, George Carlin, and more.
Canasta – 1 p.m.
Tuesdays
Chair Yoga - 12:15 p.m.
Chair Yoga is a yoga practice beginning with pranayama (breath work), followed by asana
(poses), and closing with a short, guided meditation. This program may include standing poses using the chair for support, or you may choose all seated postures for a more gentle session. This class is led by Helene Everhart.
Helene is a Certified Group Exercise Instructor and E-RYT 200 Registered Yoga Teacher with additional training and extensive experience working with active older adults.
Mah Jongg – 1 p.m.
Wednesdays
Pickleball – 10 a.m.
MariElders (from previous page)
Meet at Mariemont Tennis Courts to play some Pickleball. Games usually last 10 to 15 minutes, so players can take frequent breathers, and since the court is small and most people play doubles, there is no serious running involvedmaking it easier on the knees. You are also less likely to have an injury such as tennis elbow, thanks to the lightweight paddle (like a ping-pong paddle but larger) and plastic ball.
Board Games Galore – 1 p.m.
As kids, we learn through play. We feed our imaginations by way of games and countless hours of innocent fun. This doesn’t have to stop in adulthood! In fact, the older we get the more important it is that we keep the motors of our imaginations running and engage in interactive play and social activities.
There are plenty of health benefits to playing board games. It forces you to calculate risks and create your own strategy to win, which means you’ll be flexing parts of your brain that process complex thought. In fact, studies have shown that playing board games actually helps lower the risk of dementia.
Community
While good old Netflix might have the chill factor, time spent with friends over a light-hearted game has the potential to help you unwind, destress and simply feel happier. So come be a kid again! You can chose between nostalgic games such as Scrabble, Monopoly, Sorry, Clue, Uno, Rummikub, Yatzee - or bring in your favorite game!
Movie – 1 p.m.
We are showing the list of Oscars Best Picture winners!
September 1: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1958)
September 8: Gigi (1959)
September 15: Ben-Hur (1960)
September 22: The Apartment (1961)
September29: West Side Story (1962)
Thursdays
Bingo – 10 a.m.
FUE-LD with Erica - 11:15 a.m. Fun, Uplifting, Encouraging - Line Dancing will leave you feeling revived, refreshed and energized as you move your feet to songs of
What about now?
By Kimberly Flick, MariElders Transportation Coordinator
Rebounding from the Coronavirus Pandemic can fill us with as much trepidation as it does hope. We have earned a newer appreciation of our families, friendships and freedoms. We also have a view of how we humans are all interconnected, how precious our life is, and how each day - right now - matters.
Leo Tolstoy said, “There is only one time that is important - NOW! … because it is the only time that we have any power.”
According to Psychology Today, living in the moment - also called mindfulness - can relieve stress, boost immune functioning, reduce chronic pain, lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease. The present is a safe and healthy place to be.
We seem to continually look for what is to be done next. It might be healthier to focus on the
future just long enough to make necessary plans and preparations, then bring yourself back to the present. Taking care of NOW can result in the future working out just the way it should.
Visiting the past is good - in small doses. Relive pleasant events or successes - careful not to dwell on negative experiences. Let go of those. Stay in the present, because it’s fleeting.
Drop your worries for a time, think about what you love in life, listen and pay attention to nature, feel the earth beneath your feet, give thanks and focus on your breathing. Inhale and say to yourself, “I’m here.” Exhale and say, “This is now.” Give yourself a smile. Smiling magically releases a dose of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine – mood lifter, pain reliever and stress buster - Ahhhh!
Find joy in the ordinary and feel fully in touch with the ever present NOW. As corny as it sounds … “the past is history, the future is a mystery, and the present is a gift.”
different music genres that have fun beats and good, clean lyrics. FUE-LD playlists are family friendly. Dances are taught step by step by step with lots of repetition so you DO NOT need prior experience. All are welcome. Come as you are and dance with us! Burning calories has never been so much fun. Bring a friend and a bottle of water and join us!
Chair Yoga - 12:15 p.m.
Euchre – 1 p.m.
TV Series: Inspector Morse - 1:30 p.m.
Fridays
Brunch Bunch - 10:30 a.m.
We are meeting each week at a different local restaurant. If you want to try new places and meet new people, this is for you!
Party Bridge - 12:30 p.m.
Competitive Bridge – 1 p.m.
Lunch at a local restaurant 1 p.m.
Meet up with your friends for a lunch at some of your favorite places, or maybe a place you haven’t tried before!
JAMES T. WESTERFIELD, D.V.M. 6892 Murray Avenue • (513) 561-0020
License: 16334, 14921, 11981
License: CE12931, HMO2565
Community
No Place Like Home
By Jaclyn Dunn, Award Winning Interior Designer for Ethan Allen
Welcome to the newest addition to the Mariemont Town Crier, a column dedicated to everything you need to know about making your house your home, and in these - shall we say - “interesting” times, your haven.
Quickly, a little background on me. I have lived in Mariemont for just over two years now, and I love it here! The art of interior design is not just an occupation for me, it is my lifetime passion. There is not a design aesthetic I do not love. I believe design is a collaborative rather than dictatorial process between designer and homeowner. It is my goal to guide you to creating the functional home of your dreams that beautifully reflects your personality, not mine. So, let’s make this a collaborative column! Tell me what you want or need to know, and send me your questions or suggestions to: jaclyndunn333@gmail.com.
With school just starting, many Moms and Dads are faced with creating a homework/ school room space at home, which also may need to serve as their new home office space. Square footage is at a premium in a lot of our Mariemont homes, so how do we combine all those needs into a functional yet aesthetically pleasing area? The answer is creating enough storage to organize it all!
If you are not blessed with a dedicated home office, often the next best space to plan a truly workable working environment for all is in the dining room. If the space is available, a long rectangular table can accommodate the family whether working or dining. Many manufacturers offer rustic or textured dining tabletops that can hide a multitude of mishaps. Oak finishes have come on strong in the past few years, giving that modern farmhouse vibe that Joanne Gaines made so popular. Oak is one of the strongest hardwoods, and the typical graining patterns tend to show less wear and tear.
If your desire is for a more formal look, an old fashion table pad (yes, they are still available!) can easily protect a beautiful
mahogany table from scratching or water rings. And for dining chair seating, for practical purposes there are performance fabrics, many under the brand name of Crypton, that allow for spills to be easily blotted away. Most performance fabrics are cleanable with a little soap and water; I have seen Dawn dish soap work wonders.
Now onto the storage issue, the most important aspect of any working space. For the base furniture or cabinetry, you can choose a classic china cabinet or buffet for a more formal setting, or you can be eclectic and add some home office styled cabinets with open shelving if your look is more casual. I especially love the Ethan Allen Villa collection - you have options on base cabinets for solid wood doors to hide stored items, then you can select open shelving or decorative glass doors to showcase dishes, books, or even beautiful storage baskets. The wood species is maple, and they come in single, double or triple sizes. Available in twentytwo finishes, you can select a painted one for casual charm or a beautiful warm wood tone to complement your dining table and add all the storage you could possibly need.
office section features all sorts of colorful and clear organizers for paper, pencils and anything else you need to grab quickly. There are also beautifully papered boxes that can easily stack. There are baskets in any size you might possibly need, many of which are pretty enough to place on top of the dining table. With no reason to hide a woven basket or two, just add one beautiful and textured table runner, a pretty vase of fresh flowers and you won’t mind that your dining table has now become homework central.
The actual storage methods are next; the right containers can hold office and school supplies to make them easily accessible. The organized items can be easily moved back and forth for use at the table or kitchen countertop, then once again hidden behind closed doors. The Container Store at Kenwood offers multiple storage options for every need imaginable. The
Next month I’ll give you an update on current design trends and how to incorporate them into our Village’s wonderful architectural mix of classic Tudors, Colonials and Cottages. There really is no place like home.
Wooster Pike
Photo courtesy of Ethan Allen Interiors
By Carolyn Hohl
Her Boards are the Beez Knees
Chelsey “Beez” Berghuasen is a long-time lover of all things Mariemont. Her first job was at The National Exemplar, and she worked for 10 years at The Wardrobe, located in The Strand. She is now making her mark on Mariemont as the owner of Boards & Beez, located at 6836 Wooster Pike, in the former Mariemont Florist location.
Chelsey got her start by making charcuterie boards for her family and friends. Demand for her wonderfully curated boards grew and she eventually decided to start her business, Boards & Beez. When the pandemic hit, Chelsey was one of the lucky business owners who was able to pivot in order to keep her business thriving. Chelsey began making her signature “minis,” which were not only delicious but also Covid-friendly.
Chelsey quickly outgrew her workspace at home and started looking for a storefront. Not surprisingly, Chelsey looked for a space in Mariemont. She found a great location, and with the help of her father and the support of her three children and husband, she transformed a
white box space into one of the most unique and welcoming businesses in the Village.
Chelsey has filled her shop with unique table-top decor, gourmet groceries, and more. As a female business owner it is important to her to keep other womanowned brands in her store. She has also focused on using eco-friendly packaging. Chelsey tries to keep everything local-ish in order to support local businesses but also supply unique products. She has everything you need to take your board to the next level, whether for a hostess gift, the holidays, or personal consumption.
butter, fresh locally baked bread, jams, dipping olive oils, tinned sardines, and much more. You can also make your own board, pick up a mini, or order boards for future pickup. Along with the food items, table decor, including table clothes, napkins, serving trays and knives, will enhance any occasion.
Once Boards & Beez receives its liquor license, you will be able to take advantage of Mariemont’s DORA designation by picking up a bottle of wine, a charcuterie board, and having a picnic at the park. Chelsey also hopes to offer classes where you can learn how to make a wellbalanced board that is sure to impress your guests.
Although Chelsey started her business curating unique and delicious charcuterie boards, Boards & Beez caters to a wide variety of appetites, offering sandwiches, French-made
Boards & Beez fills a needed niche in the Mariemont Square, just in time for Villagers to grab a board and enjoy the Fall weather. If you’d like to order your board in advance of your day out, you can order online or contact Chelsey at (513) 914-5004.
Fall at The Barn
Fourth Annual Mariemont/Kharkiv Student Art Exhibit – Sept. 15-29
This September will bring the fourth annual cultural exchange of student artwork between Kharkiv, Ukraine, and Cincinnati, USA. The exhibit, which will feature artwork from Mariemont City School District students for the fourth consecutive year, will be held at the WACC Barn, in partnership with the Cincinnati Kharkiv Sister City Partnership.
This year’s theme is “The Four Seasons” and includes 120 works of student art, with 60 from each country. Mariemont’s art teachers have been working with Sergei Grichanok and his colleagues from the Lyceum of Arts School #133 to collect the best student pieces for the show. Past themes include “Everyday Life and
Culture” and “Transportation.”
Despite a challenging last school year, the students have created colorful drawings, paintings, collages and photographs that present the beauty of each season in our countries. At the conclusion of the show, all artwork will travel to Kharkiv for the Ukrainian exhibition in February of 2022.
The Exhibition will be open in The Barn’s loft space on September 15 and run through the 29th, with viewing hours from 3-6 p.m. weekdays and 1-4 p.m. weekends. An Opening Reception will be held on Sunday, September 19 from 1-4 p.m. All are welcome to come and see winter, spring, summer and fall through the students’ imaginations, and the artwork that unites us.
Losing your Head?
You’re not alone. On Saturday, October 23 at 10 a.m.,The Mariemont Preservation Foundation presents The Legend of Sleepy Hollow – LIVE!
The lanky schoolmaster, Ichabod Crane,
can’t decide what’s worse in the glen of Sleepy Hollow: the headless horseman or the silliest of ghosts, the horseless headman. To complicate matters, Ichabod unwittingly vies with the local brute, Brom Bones, for the affections of Katrina Van Tassal. Ichabod endures a series of pranks and ghost stories, only to find himself on the ride of his life in this hilarious version of Washington Irving’s classic short story. Written by Dylan Shelton. Five dollars per person admission (adult or child). Thanks to a generous grant from the MFP, the Headless Horseman rides on!
Classes
Tuesdays
Mosaics with Sandy Caruso: September 14-December 7 from 1-4 p.m. OR September 14- October 19 from 6-9 p.m. Another series: November 2 -December 7 from 6-9 p.m. Sandylou1031@gmail.com. Sandy also offers Thursday classes.
Cont'd on next page
Clara Vaughn, Mariemont
Vira Dudinove, Ukraine
Eloise Letton, Mariemont
Gigi Andrus, Mariemont
Wednesdays
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
Oil Painting with Jan Boone: Ongoing. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. janwrites@fuse.net
Watercolors with Bruce Neville: Ongoing 6-8 p.m bnneville@aol.com
Japanese Flower Arranging: October 13, November 11, December 8.
Thursdays
Ukulele For Kidz with Kelly James: Through November 18 from 4:30-5 p.m. $150 per semester. Any level for second through sixth-grade students. Call 513-272-3700.
Mosaics with Sandy Caruso: October 14December 2 from 6-9:00 p.m. Sandylou1031@ gmail.com. No class on Thanksgiving.
Fridays
Friday Morning Pastels with Charlie Berger: September 17- October 22 from 9 a.m.-Noon charlieberger3@gmail.com.
Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arrangement): September 24, October 29, November 19 and December 17 from 10 a.m. -Noon. Ongoing.
TGIF with Charlie Berger: Open to acrylic, oil and pastels. 1- 4 p.m. Please RSVP to Charlie at charlieberger3@gmail.com. Reservations needed.
Saturdays
Paint the Bob Ross Way with Gary Waits. September 18 – October 23 from 2-5 p.m. Call 513-272-3700 to reserve a spot.
Sundays
Paint the Bob Ross Way with Gary Waits. September 12 and October 24. Call 513-2723700 to reserve your spot.
ARTflix
ARTflix is a series of movies about art and artists. Each month Terrace Park resident Dave Laug selects a movie or documentary about artists, art collecting or art history from his vast movie archives and will provide an introduction, a scintillating post-movie discussion, and fantastic door prizes.
Please join fellow art lovers for light refreshments and beverages (BYOB) as we start our new season of ARTflix at The Barn on Oct 14. The big Barn doors open at 6:30 p.m. The film starts at 7 p.m. The Barn prefers registration at artatthebarn.org, although we love our walk-ins. The fee of $5 covers administrative costs associated with this educational program.
The 2021 season opens with Packed in the Trunk, a story about artist Edith Lake Wilkinson, whose family admitted her to a mental-health institution in1924. They packed her worldly possessions into trunks and shipped them to a relative in West Virginia where they sat in an attic for 40 years. Edith’s great-niece, Emmy-Award winning writer and director Jane Anderson, grew up surrounded by Edith’s paintings, thanks to her mother who poked through
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the dusty attic and rescued Edith’s work. The film follows Jane in her decades-long journey to find the answers to the mystery of Edith’s buried life and her art’s eventual return to the world. Register at artatthebarn.org or call 513-272-3700.
How you can support The Barn
The Barn, also known as The Women’s Art Club Foundation, needs to replace its 100-yearold shingles on its exterior walls. A twenty-five dollar tax-deductible donation will buy a single shingle, a time capsule that can include a photo and a message at your discretion. If this is a gift, The Barn is happy to send a greeting card to the recipient.
Also—The Kroger Company donates annually to participating organizations based on a percentage of its clients’ spending. This program makes it easy to support local organizations, like The Barn, based on the shopping you do every day. Once you link your card to an organization, all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Shopper’s Card. This will not have an impact on your gas points.
Please stay posted with us at artatthebarn.org for possible Covid restrictions.
The Barn (from previous page)
The Town Crier will no longer publish complete Village Council minutes. To view current and archived Council and Committee agendas and minutes, visit the Village of Mariemont website at www.mariemont.org, click on the upper right dropdown menu/governance/public records. To receive council agendas and minutes, as well as important announcements, via email, register at https://www. mariemont.org/registration-2/.
Village Council
Randy York was selected by a vote of Council this summer to temporarily fill the vacant seat left by Maggie Palazzolo. Four Council seats will be up for election or re-election this November.
Mariemont Civic Association
The Mariemont Civic Association has invited all candidates running for Village Council to speak
Village Government
Ceremony and Pet Parade to Honor the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 Village News
On Saturday, September 11, a ceremony will be held to honor the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. The ceremony will take place at 11a.m. at the corner of Plainville and Wooster in the Village. Please join us for a time of reflection by several area residents, music, and remembrance of the fallen.
Following the ceremony, the Patriotic Pup Parade will commence at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of West and Wooster. All area dog owners are invited to participate in this patriotic-themed event, which will also include a costume contest. Money raised from
at their September 16 meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. in the Village Church of Mariemont, located at the corner of Oak and Maple Streets.
This meeting will be open to all residents and a great opportunity to find out how each candidate feels about the issues facing Mariemont now and in the future. Each candidate will have three minutes to speak and at the end there will be an opportunity for questions. We encourage all to attend!
Halloween
Trick or Treat will be held from 6-8 p.m. on October 31.
Muffins with the Mayor
Mayor Brown will be collaborating with MariElders to meet with its members on
Council Representatives
Rob Bartlett robbartlettcouncil@gmail.com
Avia Graves aviagraves@gmail.com
Marcy Lewis marcylewiscouncil@gmail.com
Randy York ryork@mariemont.org
Kelly Rankin kellrankincouncil@gmail.com
Joe Stelzer joestelzercouncil@gmail.com
Mayor: Bill Brown mayor@mariemont.org
September 8 to discuss Village issues and answer questions. Refreshments will be served. MariElders members should check with activities coordinator, Becky Ventura, for more information.
the event will fund a future dog park in the Village (location TBD).
For more details, and to register your pup, please visit the Patriotic Pup Parade page on Facebook.
You can also download the registration form directly here: https://form.jotform. com/211954539012150
The event is being sponsored by the Village of Mariemont and the Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce. The Patriotic Pup Parade is being brought to you by Fleet Feet Cincinnati, with additional sponsors:
Harper
Dilly Bistro
LaRosa’s
Village Insurance
Molly Zuckerberg, Sibcy Cline
Walsh Asset Management
National Exemplar
Pet Wants
Red Dog Pet Resort
Delta Crabtree, Comey & Shepherd
Porsche/Volvo/Maserati of the Village Pugalicious Pet Treats
MedVet
Eisele Gallery
Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce looking for a leader
Are you interested in the viability of our Mariemont area businesses? If you would like to be a part of our growing local business community, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
The Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for a volunteer executive director. This is a very part-time position (maybe a couple of hours per week) that will plan, organize and oversee a range of services and events for its members. This could include social events for the members as well as community events. If you are interested, please contact Kim Beach at kim@ insurethevillage.com.
What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library
September
Children
Library Babies 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays
Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories, and movement. Ages 6-18 months. Registration required for both babies and adults.
Outdoor Storytime: Movers & Shakers — 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Join us on the lawn to sing, dance, enjoy movement, and have fun! A blanket or chair to sit on is recommended. Event is cancelled in instances of foul weather. Ages 1-4.
Outdoor Storytime: Preschool — 11 a.m. Wednesdays
Enjoy books, songs, activities, and more while building early literacy skills. Ages 3 – 6. Registration required.
Adults
Book Club — 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30
We are discussing Finding Dorothy: A Novel by Elizabeth Letts. Copies are available at the branch.
Library hours are noon to 8p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 10a.m.-6p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; closed Monday, Sept. 4, for Labor Day. Mariemont Branch Library, 3810 Pocahontas Ave. 513-369-4467
Making Spirits Bright with the 2021 Luminaria Stroll!
By Joanna Manon, MPPG Luminaria Co-Chair
It’s September, which means it’s time to start thinking about the holidays! Mariemont’s annual Luminaria is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 4 from 5:30-7p.m. Join your neighbors, family, and friends for a festive night as luminarias light up the Village of Mariemont!
Similar to last year, the Luminaria Stroll will light up our Village streets and local landmarks including the Bell Tower, Wooster Pike, Old Town Square, and the Concourse on Miami Bluff. We’ve received word from the North Pole that once again, Santa will be making a magical journey through town on his sleigh! Stay tuned for route information.
In addition to Luminaria, MPPG is pleased to announce that the House Decorating Contest is back! This was such a hit last year that we have decided to make it an annual tradition. The winner will receive bragging rights and a gift card to a Mariemont business.
issue of the Town Crier. A limited number of kits will also be available for an additional charge at the Boy Scout Christmas Tree Sale (located at the Mariemont Municipal Building/Firehouse) on November 26th, November 27th, and December 4th.
The deadline to order your Luminaria kits and enter the House Decorating Contest is Sunday, October 24th. Orders may be placed online by visiting https://www.mariemontppg. com/luminaria or through the paper order forms, which will be included in the October
This year’s Luminaria proceeds will benefit St. Joseph School, the Mariemont School District Angel Fund, and other community projects. Please contact Joanna Manon or Annie Gossett at mariemontluminaria@gmail.com with any questions. Thank you for your support!
Community Letter to the Editor
Is Critical Race Theory (CRT) working its way into Mariemont City School District’s K-12 schools? Some district leaders say “no”, citing the lack of technical legal theory appearing in classrooms. However, Mariemont School District parents are rightfully concerned that CRT’s regressive and divisive principles are infiltrating Ohio public schools. It’s crucial to assess this question accurately, for the sake of all kids.
Our school district is increasingly embracing race essentialism, a core tenet of CRT, which trains children to focus on their differences, and believe that race is the most important determinant of their identity. The recent Student Equity Audit given to 6-12 grades this past school year is a prime example of this. According to this ideology, our nation’s institutions and founding principles must be “dismantled” in order to achieve equal group outcomes. Proponents of this ideology believe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was wrong to promote judging others by the content of our character instead of the color of our skin.
Those who dismiss parents’ concerns by claiming CRT’s technical legal theory isn’t taught in K-12 classrooms, are missing the point. The point is that the theory’s regressive principles—race essentialism, neo-segregation, institutional systemic racism, and the assertion that skin color determines a person’s power or victimhood— are now showing up in K-12 school districts throughout Ohio, including our own.
In our new high school class, Human Experience & Cultural Perspectives, recommended reading includes Mediocre: The Dangerous Legacy of White Male America, and Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You, the latter written by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi (the preeminent Marxist proponent of CRT). The entire MCSD staff was given Stamped to read, and some teachers are actively promoting it to our students. Let’s be clear, developing leadership skills in a global world is a good goal. Promoting this goal through a racial and critical theory lens is not.
Training kids to fixate on skin color— to think the color of their skin defines what they can achieve, and that America’s institutions are irredeemably racist and need to be dismantled - will not help any child succeed. That divisive and dispiriting message is antithetical to the Civil Rights movement—it is regressive, not progressive— and is a message that people across all demographics reject.
What’s progressive is to teach the full and balanced history of our country, including our history of racial injustice and the great progress we’ve made as we’ve striven to more fully live up to our founding principles of equality, individual rights, and equal justice for all. Upholding, not rejecting, our founding ideals is essential for continued progress.
Fortunately, our non-partisan organization, the Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism (FAIR), was founded to uphold these principles–promoting civil rights for all Americans based on a
common culture of shared humanity. FAIR promotes our mutual dignity, that we’re unique individuals with self-determination, and that we should judge by the content of character, not the color of skin. This mentality helps build resilient, confident, tolerant children prepared to thrive and reach their fullest potential. FAIR will be keeping our administration and school board accountable and transparent to the desires of all the Mariemont community.
To learn more, please sign up for our email list and join our local chapter FAIR Mariemont Schools by going to https://www. fairforall.org/southwest-ohio/ or emailing us at southwest-ohio@fairforall.org
Don Venderbush and Matt Urshel Volunteer Coordinators FAIR Mariemont Schools
Community Village Worship Services
Village Church of Mariemont
Villagechurchofmariemont.org
Todd Keyes, Pastor
Jamie Keyes, Children’s Ministries
It’s Time to Come Back to Church! Fall is just around the corner, and The Village Church of Mariemont would love to have you join us Sundays for worship at 10 a.m. You can find us just off the Old Village Square at the corner of Oak and Maple Streets (3920 Oak Street).
We are a small church with a big heart. A place to learn, grow, be involved, and be known. We strive to be a Caring Community, providing Relevant Teaching and Authentic Relationships. In today’s fast-paced world, we offer a place to slow down, connect, and fellowship.
Wednesday evenings this past summer, we were able to build into our kids with
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Vacation Bible School. Kids experienced God’s amazing creativity and handiwork with science experiments and projects. We will be extending our Children’s Ministry to Sunday evenings this fall. Details to come on our website: villagechurchofmariemont.org.
If you’re in town on Labor Day weekend, we invite you to kick off fall with us at the Bell Tower. Our annual Church in the Park service begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 5 with a Carillon prelude at 9:45 a.m.
We livestream all of our services at facebook.com/VCMChurch. Check us out there or listen to an abbreviated audiocast on our website: villagechurchofmariemont.org.
Mariemont Community Church
Mariemontchurch.org
Denis Beausejour, Senior Pastor
Jamie Moore, Co-senior Pastor
Paul Rasmussen, Worship Pastor
Leslie Seetin, Children’s Director
Sunday Services 9 and 11 a.m. We are having in-person services with Children’s Classes at 9 a.m. and Youth at 10:30 a.m. No RSVP needed. Masks required. Limited interaction outdoors only. Livestream at 9 a.m. can be found on: Facebook: Mariemont Church; our website: mariemontchurch.org . and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ MariemontChurch/videos
Family Fall Kickoff and Picnic - Sunday, Sept. 5. Worship at 10 a.m., picnic following at 11:30 a.m.
Women’s Ministries Fall Kick-Off - Monday, Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Parish Center.
JOY in the Morning - Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 14, 9:15-11:30 a.m. at the Parish Center. Three studies will be offered Fall semester:
A Study of Exodus. There will be no homework for this study.
Surprise the World by Michael Frost and Walk With Me: Simple Principles for Everyday Disciplemaking, by Bill Mowry. Available on Amazon or Kindle.
God of Deliverance: A Study of Exodus 1-18, by Jen Wilken. This study includes a podcast and homework. Workbook available at Lifeway or Christian Book Distributors.
Evening JOY – First and third Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Parish Center Study will be The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and their Lessons for Today, Shannon Bream.
Fall Sermon Series on Spiritual Gifts: Gifted and Going for It! begins Sunday, Sept. 19
SAVE THE DATE: Women’s RetreatFebruary 4-5, 2022 at the Jesuit Retreat
