New Village Spotlight Series Highlights the Mariemont Fire Department
Over the next several months, we will be highlighting the various Mariemont Village departments, committees and roles that serve our unique community. In the first of this series, we highlight the Mariemont Fire Department.
By Dan Copeland, Assistant Fire Chief
The Village of Mariemont Fire Department is celebrating its 95th year of service to the community. The department is staffed and modeled like no other department around and is as unique as the Village itself.
The department is led by a joint Police and Fire Chief, Richard Hines, who is not only responsible for all operations of the Village Police Department, he also has met the qualifications to be a state certified firefighter. The Assistant Chief, Dan Copeland, regulates department operations, safety planning, public education classes, fire department’s budget and payroll, standard operating procedures, incident command, and is the direct supervisor of all department daily operations. The Captain, Jim Henderson, oversees staffing, hiring, safety inspections, and the servicing of all of the Village’s fire hydrants.
cut up the limb and remove it from the roadway. The service department than came and removed the limb from the island for disposal.
rescue specializations such as structural collapse, rope rescue, machine entrapment, water rescue, and various other disciplines that ensure we are prepared for any emergency the residents call for.
For example, an emergency call this past summer involved a local cable company service member who fell from a phone pole. With appropriate training of our members, we were able to start patient care while simultaneously setting up a rope system to then bring the patient out from a heavily wooded embankment approximately fifty feet below stable ground.
All members work a twelve or twenty-fourhour shift, responding to a variety of not only emergency calls, but also public service needs, and assist with numerous Village activities throughout the day. On Saturday, July 17, your fire department responded to a call for a large tree limb that fell into the roadway, obstructing transit. Being a weekend, the public service department requested that the fire department respond and assess the situation. The on duty crew was able to
All members have been selected to represent the Village and serve the community through a hiring process based on recommendations, experience, and level of certifications. Every day, there are up to four members on duty with the ability to perform advanced lifesaving interventions. Of these members, at least one is a qualified Fire Apparatus Operator, and one is a Lieutenant or Acting Supervisor. The daily officer has been selected based on training, time of service with the Village, and has completed an interview process along with a training prerequisite that tests Village and responsibilities of a command officer.
Did you know? All members are certified in Firefighting and hold certifications as an Emergency Medical Technician or as a state certified Paramedic. Many of the members are certified Fire and/or EMS instructors, public safety inspectors, and have many other certifications that benefit the community. Numerous members are qualified in technical
The forty members of our Mariemont Village Fire Department have over 1,000 years of combined experience at high call volume departments all around the Tri-state. All members must recertify all certifications by completing a set number of continuing education hours required by the State of Ohio for each discipline. Many members are part of elite organizations like Ohio Task Force 1 and Hamilton County Urban Search and Rescue. These groups are deployed to incidents locally, nationally, and around the world to assist with major incidents and tragedies. They have responded to large incidents like hurricane Katrina, the Surfside building collapse in Miami, and the tragic events on 9/11 in New York City.
The Mariemont Fire Department is not only staffed by some of the best professionals in the area, the members are proud to serve the Village and enjoy the opportunity to be a part of one of the finest agencies in the area. We continue to serve the community with professionalism and continue to give the residents the service they deserve and work in compliance with the other Village service departments to ensure a better community for all.
Community
Letters to the Editor
Important Election
Mariemont Boards of Education have consistently operated from the foundation of “what is in the best interest of our students?” This unbiased foundation drives the culture of the entire district. This has resulted in a longstanding approach the superintendents, the administrative teams and our teachers have adopted. Our students have excelled because of it and our community has flourished.
For decades the Mariemont City Schools have been exemplary. One reason is that Board of Education members have never pushed a special interest or personal agenda. They are not political, nor have they ever been swayed by political voices over the years, especially voices from outside of our community. We have been unique in this area and, as a community, have held to this essential piece of integrity when electing people to the school board.
We seem to be in a time where this essential piece of the Mariemont City School District is at risk. Critical Race Theory (CRT) and masking are becoming agendas individuals are running on in our upcoming Board of Education election.
I believe that there is a false narrative circulating about Critical Race Theory working its way into our classrooms. I have been talking to others, reading and doing research to see if these accusations about our district and teachers are true. I truly believe it simply is NOT. As a school district we have been, and hopefully always will be, required to teach these students to think critically. We need to allow them to do this by introducing them to different ideas. This is educating them, not indoctrinating them. And this too has been a central part of our schools’ excellence.
I think the decision that the Mariemont Board members made about masking was a safe one made to protect the children. No matter what you
think about masks this decision was made with the best interest of the students to keep them safe, healthy and in the classroom.
We need to continue to choose Board of Education members who are not championing their own or any political agenda. There are candidates on the ballot in November’s election who understand this foundational piece of the district and others who may not.
Please do your homework. Talk to the candidates, read the information and listen to their ideas. Ask questions. Vote for our district to continue to move forward with excellent leadership. Let’s elect Board of Education members whose focus is on what is in the best interest of all the kids, not their own agendas.
Marie
Huenefeld
Mariemont
Resident and Former Board of Education Member
Letters (from previous page)
The Mariemont City School District’s Destination 2026 plan defines an engaged student as one who challenges him/herself, the status quo and previously held beliefs and assumptions by asking thoughtful questions and offering different perspectives. The engaged student makes connections and looks deeper through seeking additional information. The introduction of courses on the human experience and global competence helps advance this objective.
For example, in a class on the human experience, a student might learn about the widely published intersection between poverty and children’s health, including all of the important research on ACES (adverse childhood experiences) and how stress and trauma can literally alter a child’s brain chemistry. The student could learn that at a local level, there is research done here at our city’s children’s hospital that shows that a child’s likelihood of a hospital admission is closely linked to the zip code in which that child lives, and that overall, children who live in neighborhoods with high poverty and substandard housing conditions bear the burden of disproportionally poorer health outcomes. When a student reviewed the research
establishing that children in the zip codes of 45229 and 45204 have significantly higher hospital admission rates than other area children, it would be important to not only consider what interventions could be implemented to address that, but to also contemplate what factors have led to the historically high rates of poverty in these neighborhoods. Approaching it from this paradigm takes one on a very short drive to the linkage of historical policies and practices that lead to neighborhood segregation facilitated by discriminatory lending practices such as redlining, blockbusting, restrictive covenants, and steering.
This full picture of where we are now + what got us here = an example of providing context to contemporary issues by investigating the past. It is possible to examine the history of practices such as redlining without condemning a particular race or assigning guilt or blame. It happened. Here’s what happened. Here are the results. Any conclusion that redlining disproportionately impacted people of color is up to each individual learner. Arriving at that conclusion is not inherently divisive or regressive. Instead, it helps us recognize patterns and practices that one hopes will not be repeated because of the evidence of the harm it caused
generations of families. We don’t have to feel guilty about that; but we should try to work together to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Why would anyone want their student deprived of the opportunity to learn about what living in 45229 means for children’s health outcomes and how that is linked to the segregation of neighborhoods, redlining, and the development of the interstate highway system in Cincinnati?
Yet, there is a not so subtle threat looming in our community that aims to suppress students’ opportunity to look deeper at big issues like this and to examine different perspectives. A Trojan horse movement claims that studying the big picture could lead to the promotion of regressive and divisive principles. Any effort to deprive learners from the prospect of arriving at their own conclusions after an examination of the whole story is beneath the esteem of our district and the development of our global learners and ought to be placed back on the shelf alongside ideas like censorship and book banning.
Deanna White, Mariemont School District Parent
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Community
Becca’s Book Box
By Carolyn Hohl
Summer is officially over, and with older kids back to school this may be time for parents to focus more on their littlest ones as they learn and grow without the structure of school every day. Dr Becca Gasiewicz Thiemann’s Instagram account (@beccasbookbox) is a go-to spot to find a variety of resources for parents trying to enhance learning in their homes or for teachers trying to emphasize learning in their classrooms.
Dr Becca Gasiewicz Thiemann of Hyde Park, is a self-proclaimed nonfiction queen and has a real love for all things literacy. Mariemont families with little ones may remember Becca from her storytimes at Dogwood Park during Covid. Becca earned her Masters in Early Childhood Education from Xavier and a PhD in Educational Studies with a focus on Literacy from the University of Cincinnati. Her passion is to teach children and families about literacy and how to create strong at-home literacy environments to lay a solid foundation for lifelong learning. This can be done through the setup of your home, the time spent reading to your child, your family’s routines and habits, and Dr. Thiemann’s Instagramthe preeminent source for best practices for facilitating childhood literacy.
As a former second grade teacher, Becca found her love for literacy when she realized that kids really struggled with abstract concepts and that picture books made those concepts more attainable. Nonfiction is not typically introduced to children until third or fourth grade, but Becca challenges parents to introduce it much earlier. She believes that the illustrations and vocabulary alone can present great opportunities for conversation and learning. Children can make connections with real things in the real world.
Not sure where to begin finding age appropriate nonfiction literature for your children? Becca’s Amazon storefront (linked in her Instagram account) has a plethora
of suggestions that are sure to interest your little one. She has something for everyone and also provides suggested reading to tackle difficult topics with your children. In her Amazon storefront she also links her favorite toys, arts and crafts, literacy play, playspace favorites, and much more. It’s a great go-to for parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles when looking for fun and educational gifts.
Becca offers courses for purchase where you can learn how to incorporate more literacy into your home, including teaching your child the alphabet, maximizing learning during nightly bedtime stories, and finding tools and information needed to create a home literacy environment where children can grow and thrive.
Becca recently released a book that she co-wrote with Sarah Liebenrood titled Kindergarten Ready Through Play: Play Based Learning Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers. Her book shows how to use play to introduce the skills and concepts necessary to enter kindergarten with confidence. Becca believes that play is foundational to creating a love of learning and allows exploration and experimenting to see how children fit into the world.
Becca does not just focus on the Pre-K crowd. Her business, Becca’s Book Box and Tutoring Services, works with schoolaged kids as well to provide children and young adults with a personalized tutoring experience, tailored to their specific needs. Becca and other qualified tutors focus on areas that are challenging to students
while creating a curriculum that increases
You can access all of Becca’s work on her Instagram page @beccasbookbox. Check out her website at beccasbookbox.com. The goal of her page is to provide resources and ideas for parents and teachers to integrate reading and play into their classroom or home. She emphasizes that learning is not a race but that parents and children alike all learn at their own pace. Engaging playfully is key to growing kids’ curiosity and will eventually lead to more independent play. The academic skills will come, but prioritizing unstructured playtime is important for children at any age.
Dr Becca Gasiewicz Thiemann (photo courtesy Ross Van Pelt as seen in The Scout Guide Cincinnati)
confidence.
Village
Covid Leads to Career Pivot for Mariemont
By Suzy Weinland
Resident Kristen Klein
Mariemont resident Kristen Klein has worked as a registered nurse for 12 years. She has worked in telephone case-management, home care, and most recently as an infusion nurse for a rheumatology office. Providing home-care is where she was able to make the biggest difference, helping the elderly and those recovering from illness or surgery. She
has always loved people, and helping others improve their health was the reason she got into the vocation in the first place.
Over the years Kristen has also volunteered serving others in the community. She belongs to a local alumnae group of her college greek organization, ZTA, that does regular service projects including partnering with Making Strides for Breast Cancer and the
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
Bengals Crucial Catch. Kristen also volunteers with Marielders providing rides for senior neighbors to their medical appointments.
In 2016, Kristen began a “side gig” selling a clean skincare line called L’BRI (named after husband and wife founders Linda and Brian Kaminski). Kristen discovered it after a lifelong battle with severe acne and undesirable skin changes resulting from weight loss surgery. The main ingredient in L’BRI products is aloe. According to myriad sources and research, in addition to being a well-known treatment for sunburn, aloe has been proven beneficial for healing wounds, moisturizing skin, fighting skin aging, reducing infection and acne, lightening blemishes, helping hair growth, healing fungal infections and dandruff, acting as a conditioner, and more.
So she decided to give it a try. Kristen said, “After just 60 days, I saw BIG changes. My skin was clear for the first time since I was a teen!” She believed in the results and the company’s mission to “change lives for the better,” then decided to become a L’BRI consultant. “Since I love helping people, and I believe in this natural product that is safe and gentle, and produced dramatic results for even my sensitive skin, becoming a consultant was a great fit,” shared Klein.
As Covid hit, Kristen, who is immunocompromised, had to step back from her full-time RN position in home care nursing. With her daughter Katie finishing high school and attending college, and her step-son Dominic expecting their first grandson, steady income was a necessity. Kristen decided to do what many have done during Covid, and turned her side-gig into a career.
She started sharing L’BRI products with more people, and asked friends to help with new introductions. “I was able to do parties on Zoom. I hosted virtual ‘spa’ parties with
Cont'd on next page
Career pivot (from previous page)
mini facials, dropping off or mailing samples to guests before the party.” She shared that hosts and guests really enjoyed being able to do something somewhat normal – and fun –during this time of social distancing, closures and cancelled events.
“Lots of guests at the virtual spa parties could already feel a difference in their skin right away and wanted to have their own virtual party too!” Klein shared that L’BRI offers a generous referral program that rewards “Hosts” with free and discounted products when introducing products to their friends and family.
“Not only do the products really work, people nowadays are looking more and more for natural, healthy, affordable skin and body products,” she explained. “My business actually exploded during the pandemic!”
And as if helping others find healthy, positive results for their skin and meeting new people through fun “virtual” parties wasn’t reward enough for Kristen, she earned a trip to the Dominican Republic with her husband, which they took in March. “The L’BRI company recognizes accomplishments often,” said Kristen, who recently became a top L’BRI sales leader in Cincinnati.
L’BRI is based out of Wisconsin, and is not well-known locally, so one of Kristen’s goals for 2022 is to introduce these natural and gentle products to as many people as possible. “In addition to an amazing product line that practically sells itself, I love the freedom, too. I can do this from home, make my own hours, and earn a steady income. I also have been
Village
able to mentor others who want to earn some extra money as consultants.”
Covid may have closed a door, but L’BRI opened a window of positive change for Kristen. While she is able to now work two-and-a-half days a week as an infusion nurse, she is grateful for the trajectory change and the growth she has found with what was originally a side gig. “I never expected the personal growth that would come with becoming a leader in the company and sharing this small business model with others,” said Kristen. “It’s a very simple and risk-free way to learn how to run a small, home-based business – which is ideal for
so many during these times. I get to help others gain confidence, not only through soft healthy skin, but also by finding success as an entrepreneur, just like I have.”
“The great thing about L’BRI is that there are products for everyone, and the impacts on skin are life-changing,” Kristen concluded. The perfect career pivot for a nurse who loves helping people achieve their healthiest selves.
If you are interested in learning more about L’BRI products or trying out some free samples, visit Kristen’s website at www. peacelovealoe.com, or email her at Kristen. lbri@gmnail.com to request samples.
Kristen Klein (L) with a host and guest during a recent in-home L’Bri spa party.
Mariemont Tree Advisory Board Offers Free Pruning Workshop
By Kristin Van Scoy
Looking to brush up on your tree pruning skills? Learn pruning for free with professional urban foresters from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry.
The first part of the workshop takes place via Zoom on October 27 from 9 a.m. to noon and will cover everything you need to know about proper pruning techniques -- How to Make the Right Cuts, Where to Make the Cuts, and Young Tree Structure Pruning.
Online training will be followed with handson pruning practice, hosted by the Mariemont Tree Advisory Board, October 28 at 9 a.m., right here in Mariemont. Urban foresters will demonstrate techniques discussed during the online session, with a focus on young tree training, and participants will get to put their new knowledge into practice (under the watchful eye of the urban foresters)!
Once you have pruning basics under your belt, please volunteer to share your newfound skills with the Tree Advisory Board on our Tree Training Team! The Village is responsible for maintaining ALL trees planted in the right of way -- the strip of land at the edge of your property that is dedicated for public use (utilities, road expansions, street trees, and the like).
The trees in these right of way areas are a critically important component of Mariemont’s impressive tree canopy, which not only adds to the beauty of our Village, but increases property values and intercepts 36% of the rainfall that might otherwise end up in Mariemont basements! As we ramp up our planting program in Village right of way areas, we will have even more young trees to care for. We need your help to give these young trees a great start.
When young trees are properly trained, their longevity increases significantly. They become a healthy and long-lasting part of our tree canopy, generating up to $120 in benefits per tree to Mariemont annually! To maximize the lifespan of these Village assets, crews of volunteers will be out pruning young trees during the dormant season. If we work on trees in the right of way in front of your house, we’ll leave a calling card so you know we were there.
If you want to be part of the Tree Training Team, or if you need assistance registering for the pruning workshop, contact Barb Whittaker barbarabarewhittaker@me.com or Kristin Van Scoy at ksvanscoy@gmail.com. Register for the two-part pruning workshop at https://bit.ly/ OhioPruning. If you want to learn more about the right of way abutting your property, search for “CAGIS online” then look at the CAGIS property map overlay. You’ll be able to search for your address and measure the width of your right of way.
By Elyssa Haynes
Girl Scouts Jump into Fall
The Girl Scouts of Mariemont have had lots to celebrate this month. The second grade troop 4162 have bridged to become Brownies and they are excited about the year to come; they plan on earning their First Aid, STEM, and Outdoor pursuits badges.
The 6th grade troop 45334 had a full bridging weekend camp-out at Camp Stonybrook. They are looking forward to being Cadettes this year! The 7th Grade Troop 45352 just transitioned from elementary school to junior high and are completing their Silver Awards.
The 10th Grade Troop 40829 has been busy as well. They volunteered at the Warrior Run food booths, and they had a booth at the Kiwanis Arts & Crafts Fair where they sold candles that they made, and did face painting and kids crafts for the attending community.
By Kim Beach
Community Breakfast Eggcellence at Scramblers
A 1983 Mariemont High School graduate, Tom Boylan grew up in Terrace Park and ended up in Colorado for 25 years, running the Beavercreek Ski School. Wanting to own his own business, Tom returned to Cincinnati and opened a Scramblers franchise in Sharonville five years ago. He picked Scramblers because it is a smaller Toledobased franchise (currently 30 stores) and he is able to get more attention from the franchisor.
Tom opened his second Scrambler’s
franchise in the Wooster at Walton Creek Center, just east of the Mariemont Kroger. He said the new location is doing well and thinks the biggest opportunity will come from an increased weekday business. Tom mentions “large portions, a nice outdoor patio, and full bar are some of the positive attributes of the new Scramblers location.” An automatic senior discount (over 50, ouch!) is also available for those looking to save some money on eating out.
Tom met his wife, Amy Youngblood, when he was in college at Depauw in Greencastle, Ind. They both ended up marrying someone else but re-connected when they found each other single years later. The family lives in Hyde Park and includes two children from Amy’s first marriage, Nolan and Elle Schuermann.
When not working, Tom enjoys playing golf and hockey and also listening to music. His love of music comes from his mom, who lives close by in Milford and was a piano teacher in Terrace Park while Tom was growing up. He is also an avid snowboarder (from his 25 years in Colorado) and also enjoys traveling. His favorite place he has visited is Vietnam. Tom said the “beauty of the country and the food are both incredible.”
When asked about a favorite saying, Tom said he lives by the Golden Rule of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” As a graduate of MHS, Tom enjoyed growing up in the area and is happy to own a business in his alma mater’s school district. His favorite location in Mariemont is the Concourse, where he had his senior picture taken many years ago.
Please stop in to say hi to Tom and his staff and enjoy a yummy breakfast or lunch. You can also order online (https://order. scramblersrestaurants.com/order) if you would like to have your breakfast or lunch picked up or delivered. Welcome to the neighborhood Scramblers!
Village Four Council Seats up for Election This November
About Our Village Council
There are six seats on our Mariemont Village Council, and four of them will be up for election on November 2, with two incumbents running. Each Council member’s term is for four years, and each member is required to serve on three committees: one as chair, one as vice-chair, and one as a member. The six Council committees are: Health & Recreation, Safety, Public Works, Finance, Rules & Law, and Zoning & Economic Development.
The purpose of Council is to serve as the legislative body for Mariemont. As such, Council votes on any new laws as well as any directed actions, such as: approving members of other committees, commissions, boards, or positions created by Council; implementing any new safety procedures in the Village; setting budgets; approving one-off expenditures or contracts exceeding $5,000, etc.
Council is also responsible for oversight of all public property in the Village as well as the Village’s finances, including setting budgets, headcount and salary ranges for employees. Since we don’t have a Village Administrator, the Mayor is responsible for implementing all of those items
directed by Council.
Please exercise your right to vote on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.
This Year’s Candidates
ROB BARTLETT
I was born and raised in Mariemont. I raised my three kids here as well, and have been a resident for 48 years in total. The reason I am running for re-election to Council is I want Mariemont to continue to be a special place for people to live and work.
As Chair of the Finance Committee, I have implemented several items to ensure the Village is being fiscally prudent with taxpayers’ dollars. Specifically, the Village has: gone from two
people in the Tax Office to one person, employees are now paying a portion of their health care premiums commensurate with neighboring communities, restructured the Building Department and moved from salaried to hourly pay, transitioned to a new payroll and accounting system, invested surplus cash in a money market account, began charging fees to companies using Mariemont’s right of way, implemented a franchise fee with Cincinnati Bell, and increased court costs and fines for Mayor’s Court.
These steps have reduced the Village’s costs by over $155,000/year and increased revenues by almost $50,000/year. I believe there are still opportunities, though, to improve our revenues via economic development and grants, and I am running for re-election to address those and other areas. Please reach out with questions and ideas at 513-312-8379 and robbartlettcouncil@gmail.com.
SUSAN BROWNKNIGHT
Candidates (from previous page)
My husband Jason and I, and our two children have been Mariemont residents for the past eleven years. I have my Masters from Xavier University’s Williams College of Business, Executive MBA program. I have committed myself and my career to public service and hope to lend nearly 25 years of organizational leadership experience to Mariemont’s Village Council.
I am the CEO of LADD, one of the region’s largest organizations that houses and supports adults with developmental disabilities. Additionally, I have served in leadership roles within the Cincinnati Nature Center, the Sierra Club, and was President of the Cincinnati Chapter of the US Green Building Council. I am a former collegiate athlete, and have coached the Mariemont girls’ recreational soccer for the past five years. I am passionate in my belief that coaches play an important role in developing strength, confidence and leadership within our girls.
Some recognition for my community work includes a Business Courier C-Suite finalist, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce’s CLIMB Award for LADD’s Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives, “Susan Knight Day” in the City of Cincinnati for my community impact, and the Greater Cincinnati Down Syndrome Association’s Community Advocate Award. You can reach me at sbrownknight@gmail.com.
I grew up in Terrace Park and graduated from Mariemont High School in 1983. I moved out west in 1987 and travelled throughout the US living in some amazing states and communities. I returned to Ohio after the birth of my daughter. We settled in Mariemont in 2010, as I wanted Avery to have the same experience growing up in a family-
Community
friendly community.
I have worked for U.S Bank for the past ten years as an Appraisal Reviewer, recently being promoted to the Appraisal Resolution Team. Over the last few years, I have volunteered for several projects from coaching kids’ soccer, implementing and managing the Mariemont Farmer’s Market for the last three years, and working on the Park Board for the past four years. It is through my work on the Park Board that I learned the history of Mariemont including Mary Emery’s vision for this community.
One of the reasons I decided to run for Village Council is to honor (while modernizing) Mary’s commitment to having a planned community where everyone from all walks of life can raise their family in a safe neighborhood that values inclusion, education and strong resident involvement for the benefit of the community. I can be reached at 513-549-9499 and leahgeld2@ yahoo.com.
RANDY YORK
MyfamilyandIhavelivedintheVillagefor over30yearsandraisedourthreekidshere.I amrunningforVillageCouncilbecauseIhave thededication,passionandenergytoworkon behalfofthisVillage. Mariemonthasbeenatruly specialplaceforourfamily,andIwanttocontinue tocontributetothislegacy.
Ihavebeeninvolvedwithavarietyof Mariemontorganizations.Iwaseditorofthe MariemontTownCrierfor17years;coached MariemontRecreationbaseball,soccer,and basketball;wasbaseballcommissionerfor5years; afounderoftheJimMillerMemorialMile (WarriorRun);aMariemontFlagCommittee member;andwashonoredtoreceivethe MariemontOutstandingCitizenAwardin2011.
InJulyIwasappointedtoVillageCounciltofill thetermofMaggiePalazzolo.Iamgratefuland impressedbywhatthisCouncilhas accomplished.Movingforward,mymajorfocus isoneconomicdevelopment.Wehavethe IndustrialPark,OldTownSquare,Mariemont Square,andMercySt.Theresafacility.Whether throughleveragingourresidentresources,third partyconsultants,orhiredVillageemployees,we needacomprehensiveassessmentand developmentplantofullyutilizetheseassetsfor VillageResidents.
Inaddition,IbelievethatourVillage governmentshouldbeanadvocateforourrenters andastewardforourparksandnatural resources,includingourtreecanopy.Village CouncilshouldbeaguardianofourHistoric District.Wearecontinuallyworkingoninitiatives toperpetuatethisstronglegacyinMariemont.If youhaveanyquestionsorideas,pleasecontact meat513-476-3447orrandyy0909@gmail.com.
TYLERCRAIGMARTIN
Noinformationavailableatpresstime.
LEAH GELDBAUGH
MariElders October Events
MariElders has a lot of field trips and activities planned for October. Here are just a few!
Trip to the Kentucky Wool Festival
The Kentucky Wool Festival is focused on sheep shearing as well as fall harvest celebration. It features a petting area and a large fair with more than 100 arts and crafts vendors. Entertainment includes live bluegrass music, historical re-enactments, sheep shearing demonstrations, local farm product displays, food booths and much more.
Movie and Popcorn Bar at MariElders
We will be watching the movie Poms, a 2019 American comedy film directed by Zara Hayes, starring Diane Keaton.
Martha (Diane Keaton), who has terminal cancer, decides not to undergo chemo or radiation. Instead, she moves to a retirement community to live out her last days. Reluctant to make friends at first, her next door neighbor, Sheryl (Jacki Weaver), eventually rubs off on her. As Martha remembers how she was chosen to be a cheerleader in her senior year of high school, only to have to bow out to take care of her mother, it stirs up memories. She and Sheryl decide to start a senior cheer club and recruit a group of other senior women in order to enter a competition within the retirement community.
NEW This Month: Crafting with Linda
Each month we will make a different seasonal craft. You DON’T have to be a crafty, creative, artist to participate. The crafts will be easy to do and fun to make and you’ll leave with a masterpiece for your home or a gift for a loved one or friend. In October we will be making Fall Napkin Luminaries!
Non Fiction Book Club: “Without Reservations: The Travels of an Independent Woman”
“In many ways, I was an independent woman,” writes Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Alice Steinbach. In this exquisite book, Steinbach searches for herself in some of the most beautiful and exciting places in the world: Paris, where she finds a soul mate; Oxford, where she takes a course on the English village; and Milan, where she befriends a young woman about to be
married. Beautifully illustrated with postcards from Steinbach’s journeys, this revealing and witty book transports you into a fascinating journey, an unforgettable voyage of discovery.
Lunch and Learn with La Soupe
La Soupe is a nonprofit organization that uses discarded food to produce meals and delivers them to other nonprofit agencies for distribution to people experiencing food insecurity. Among US cities, Cincinnati is ranked 5th in highest childhood poverty rates. At the same time, 40% of all food produced worldwide is either lost or wasted each year. With this statistical information, Suzy DeYoung, chef and founder of La Soupe, began to bridge the gap between food waste and hunger in the greater Cincinnati area. La Soupe will bring us a delicious lunch and share their mission and its impact in Cincinnati and on the environment.
Mystery Mansion Escape Room
Escape games are real life adventures where you and your fellow players have an hour to break out of a room by cracking codes, solving riddles, piecing together puzzles and finding clues. This spine-chilling holiday adventure story starts in the ruins of an old mansion – abandoned decades ago by a reclusive and eccentric family. Since then, rumors have spread about a presence looming over the old house. Work as a team to race the clock and uncover the mansion’s secrets in this all-ages mystery adventure. Lunch to follow at The Pub in Rookwood Commons.
Muffins with the Mayor
Mayor Brown wants to stay in touch with our community. Please bring questions, concerns, or just curiosity, and he will bring the muffins!
Fall on the Farm at Hidden Valley Orchard
Upon our arrival at the farm, we will eat lunch at the Farm Kitchen. From there we will get a guided tour of the farm and learn what HVO is growing. Next we will take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch and pick a pumpkin of your own to take home. Before heading home we will stop at “The Coop” soft serve ice cream barn for a tasty treat! The cost is $15 and includes the tour, hayride, pumpkin and transportation. Lunch and ice cream on your own.
Halloween Costume Party and Potlock
It’s Halloween time, we’re having a bash! Wear your best costume to our fun Monster Mash! Fly over on a broom or float like a ghost, just don’t be tardy to this Spooky Potluck Party! We will have an award for the Best Costume!
Tour of The Kenwood Senior Living Community
Lunch included!
Fiction Book Club: “The Reader”
“The Reader” opens in post-war Germany when teenager Michael Berg becomes ill and is helped home by Hanna, a stranger twice his age. Michael recovers from scarlet fever and seeks out Hanna to thank her. Michael discovers that Hanna loves being read to and their relationship deepens. Despite their intense bond, Hanna mysteriously disappears one day and Michael is left confused and heartbroken. Eight years later, while Michael is a law student observing the Nazi war crime trials, he is stunned to find Hanna back in his life - this time as a defendant in the courtroom. “The Reader” is a story about truth and reconciliation, about how one generation comes to terms with the crimes of another.
If interested in participating in any of the above, or any of our regularly scheduled activities, please stop by MariElders at 6923 Madisonville Road any day between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.!
By Kimberly Flick, MariElders Transportation Coordinator
We’ve all had those days when things just aren’t going our way. Anxiety and frustration become all consuming. Then unexpectedly, someone smiles. It’s an instant relief. A pleasant grin can feel like sunshine through dark clouds.
Smiles aren’t just beneficial to give and receive, they are transformative. The act of smiling results in the release of neurotransmitters dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. Dopamine is associated with pleasurable sensations, along with learning, memory, and motor system function. Serotonin helps regulate your mood as well as your sleep, appetite, digestion, learning ability, and memory. Endorphins are hormones that
Village
Just Smile
act as natural pain relievers.
When you have a smile on your face, people respond to you differently. You
appear relaxed, reliable and sincere - that is contagious. Studies show that seeing a smiling face activates the orbitofrontal cortex of the brain, causing the person you’re smiling at to actually feel rewarded. In a Swedish study,
subjects who were shown images of emotions took on the facial expressions of what they were viewing. So, if you smile at someone, it takes a conscious effort for them not to smile back at you. Their brain causes them to respond similarly, allowing you both to feel good.
Smiling is a good habit to practice. By adopting a happy facial expression, you can “trick” your mind into entering a state of happiness. This holds true whether or not your smile is real. You can improve your mood, push out the stress, lower your blood pressure, boost immunity and reduce pain. That is a lot to smile about!
As that old song says, “when you’re smiling - keep on smiling and the whole world smiles with you.” That just might be true! : )
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Taste of Mariemont (from previous page)
MPF proudly showcased the unique history of Mariemont. This year MPF welcomed historical displays of Clare Railway, presented by local aficionados Les Hemingway and Gary Rolins. And
Community
Mariemont Players board members
Linda Callahan and Vicki Rafferty shared interesting facts about the Walton Creek Theater building, which was originally built as the Little Red School House in 1869! With enthusiasm, they invited the community to explore the upcoming season performances (MariemontPlayers.com.)
Thank you to organizations that shared club information and encouraged membership: Mariemont Preschool Parent Group, The Garden Club of Mariemont, Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts of America, The Mariemont Tree Advisory Board, Kiwanis, and the Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce. Special thanks to our Village Maintenance Department, Police Department, and Mayor Brown.
Please “Save the Date” for next year: last Sunday in August - August 28, 2022, 5-7
Our heartfelt thanks to the Mariemont Community and neighbors who came out for the 9/11 Ceremony this year. We appreciate Todd Keyes‘ leadership with this ceremony over these many years. Special thanks to all the families who were part of the Patriotic Pup Parade following the ceremony. Events like these are made possible through the generosity of our local companies.
Thank you to:
Fleet Feet Cincinnati
Beechmont Automotive Group
Delta Crabtree, Comey & Shepherd
Dilly Bistro
Harper
LaRosa's MedVet
Molly Zuckerberg, Sibcy Cline
National Exemplar
Pet Wants
Porsche/Volvo/Maserati of the Village Pugalicious Pet Treats
Red Dog Pet Resort
Village Insurance
Walsh Asset Management
Community
Mariemont Chapel Series: Masonry
By Matt Ayer
The second in a series highlighting the Mariemont Memorial Church, this article focuses on the building’s stonework. Charles Livingood, Mary Emery’s principal agent in carrying out her dream for a model town, had studied dozens of rural parishes throughout England and Normandy. Louis Jallade of New York City was commissioned to design a unique building in the Norman Gothic Revival style, to resemble a typical country church in the English countryside.
Selecting a Contractor
Just as Mr. Jallade had been carefully selected for his expertise in adapting classical styles, the premier stonemason contractor in this region was chosen to construct this centerpiece of our Village. A native of Prussia, Otto Kaiser arrived in the United States at the age of three in 1878. World War I was a time of violent discrimination toward Germans. According to family lore, one
day Otto sat down at the dining room table and pronounced he would “change his name to something that nobody could tell where it came from.1”
From immigrant to apprentice to master mason to successful contractor, Otto Kadon typified the American dream. He was the first in this area to use natural field stone as construction material for large projects. His firm constructed
buildings at Spring Grove Cemetery, as well as its massive border wall along Winton Road. Mr. Kadon designed this wall tall and thick enough, with a curved top such that even a tall man could not grab hold and climb it. (It is well worth checking out).
He directed the stonework for many of the large homes of Walnut Hills, Hyde Park and Indian Hill, as well as buildings and a bridge at Western College for Women (now Miami University). His final major project was our Village’s carillon, completed in his 50th year of work in 1929. Our Village’s stone church, an architectural gem of national significance, exemplifies the artisanship of Otto Kadon’s master stonemasons.
Materials of Construction
The choice of masonry materials is influenced by the prevailing geological formations and conditions in a given region. Today, stone is generally harvested from large, often distant quarries, and readily transported via rail and truck. The 1920s were a period of transition in mining and shipping technology. Previously, the limited ability to transport heavy stone products demanded quarries in close proximity to projects. The preferred building stone in the Cincinnati region was Ordovician age limestone, found interspersed with shale in planar beds, commonly 4 to 7 inches thick, ideal for use as dimension stone.
Numerous local quarries dotted the hillsides, including one operated near the base of Indian Hill Road near Plainville Road to supply stone for the Mariemont project. This limestone, with its
fossilized remains of marine life, was formed in sedimentary layers. The stonemason could readily chisel these local stones into rectangular blocks for the walls of the church. This stone was also used for some of Mariemont’s earliest homes.
However, the more decorative features of Mr. Jallade’s design required stone with a more omni-directional structure that could readily be sculpted into complex shapes. For this purpose, oolite (“egg” stone) was shipped via rail from the quarries in the Bedford, Indiana area. Just as the locally quarried material, this oolithic limestone is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate from an ancient sea. However, a different mechanism created a more uniform structure -- small fragments of sediment acted as seeds, accumulated layers of calcite precipitating in supersaturated water, grew to form ooids (spherical grains in concentric layers), and cemented together. With rail access to Mariemont, Indiana limestone was an ideal choice for the building’s more precisely sculpted details – the arched doorways and windows, belfry, and quoins (cornerstones).
Interestingly, another large formation of oolite Is found in the Cotswolds of England. As it turned out, Mr. Kadon had a regional stone supply with properties similar to the building materials of those medieval stonemasons that Mr. Livingood desired to emulate.
Specific Masonry Features of Mariemont Memorial Church
A study of Mr. Kadon’s work brings to mind the adage “They sure don’t build ‘em like they used to.” Modern masonry construction materials and techniques are characterized by massproduced, identical blocks cast from a matrix of aggregate, sand, and cement. Prefabricated steel framework, factory-extruded window and door frames, and hi-tech roofing materials can be assembled in weeks. Decorative features may be a façade such as brick, large panes of glass, or a departure from basic rectangles in some artistic fashion.
The efficiencies and uniformities of today’s construction methods contrast sharply with
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Livingood (front, L), Jallade (front, C), Kadon (front, R)
Masonry work near completion, 1926. Note the contrast between the local limestone (walls) and the Bedford limestone (door and window tracery).
Chapel (from previous page)
Mr. Kadon’s work. From stone created millions of years ago, each block was individually handchiseled onsite with the basic tools of the trade. Upon close inspection, no two stones in the church’s wall are identical, differing in size, color variations, texture, and tool marks. Mr. Jallade was not selecting features such as doorways, arches, windows, quoins, or any features from manufacturers’ catalogs – each was a unique, hand-crafted artisanal work, limited only by the architect’s vision and the masons’ skill.
These photos attempt to capture Mr. Jallade’s vision and the masons’ craft but are poor substitutes for taking the time to appreciate this work in person. Consider the level of effort and skill to craft these features from raw stone with hand tools – hammer and mallet, a few styles of chisels, brush, square, rule, scriber, pencil, trammel rod, and plumb bob.
Every doorway of this building is unique in size, shape and archway. Similarly, the windows are either “one of-a-kind” or in small groups of the same design. They vary in width, height, tracery, and in type (Roman, equilateral, gothic) and radius of arch.
Imagine yourself an apprentice mason who has learned the many steps to shape a block to size, plumb, square, and with the desired surface finish, and the techniques of laying these blocks for the church wall. A master mason believes you are ready to learn the steps to create a window opening shown in Mr. Jallade’s blueprints. A stone
Community
arch is made up of rising pairs of voussoirs (arch stones) beginning at a level plane (the spring line), then joined at the top with keystone. Shaping a voussoir requires these steps:
• Create face and section molds (i.e., working templates), typically from a metal sheet, referencing the blueprint and using rule, square, trammel rod and scribe.
• Mark the face mold and work the top bed surface, the vertical joint, and the two normal joints all square from the face, to the correct outline of the face mold.
• Now, work the soffit (the inner surface, also called the intrados) using a reverse template of the curve of the stone.
unique window, also noteworthy are the ornate woodwork, the diamond-shaped leadwork, and the bubbles and striations of the seeded glass used throughout the building.
Archways inside the building also showcase the superior craftsmanship completed under the direction of Otto Kadon. Doric columns are sculpted in relief in the stones forming the support of the arch, in historic detail down to the traditional number of flutes. The columns’ capitals form the spring line for an equilateral arch. Note the detail in the surfaces of each voussoir. Each block remains squared on its outer edge blended into the church’s inner wall, leaving an impression that a sculptor carved the work in place.
In this manner, the mason would create the six voussoirs of this simple Roman (semi-circled) arched window, and in a similar process fit the keystone. The knowledge, craftsmanship and level of effort by these tradesmen are worthy of appreciation in looking at this seemingly simple feature with its timeless beauty.
Next, consider the additional layout and finely detailed chisel work to add the intricate detail to each of the 14 voussoirs and keystone of this more ornamental stone window frame. How many days of work were needed to lay out, template, sculpt and lay the stone for just this one elaborate feature? While admiring the stonework of this
These are just a few of the many features in the stonework of the Mariemont Memorial Church. While walking our beautiful Village, take some time to marvel at the craftsmanship of this significant architectural work, the crown jewel of Mariemont.
Matt Ayer serves in Mariemont Preservation Foundation’s docent program as a guide to the Memorial Church. Photos are from the MPF collection and by Ron Adair. Next in this series will be a look at the building’s fine metalwork.
Walking Tour Challenge: Can you find the 26 stone arches on the Chapel’s exterior?
Inside doorway arch
Roman arched window
Schools
Meet the Candidates for Mariemont Board of Education
The upcoming November 2 elections include a race for Mariemont City School District Board of Education. There are five total seats, with three seats up for election/ re-election this year. Following are the profiles of candidates running to fill the three spots.
Tracy Gordon Fairfax
As a nurse and Army veteran, I know what it means to work hard for others. I hope you’ll vote for me for the Mariemont School Board in November.
My husband Louis and I are raising our children in this wonderful community and are looking forward to their days in school. I look forward to fighting for our school and listening to your voice. I am concerned the current school board administration is more focused on “equity” rather than equal opportunity for students. The implications of this will harm Mariemont’s tradition of excellence.
I love freedom and personal responsibility, so this is concerning. I want my children to grow up in an environment where they will be “judged by the content of their character.” An environment where they are excelling at learning and growing academically, preparing them for their future.
I support full transparency from the school administration. I support the right
of parents to be aware of the specifics of their children’s curriculum. Nothing is as important as supporting the exclusive right of parents to instill values into their children without the school system overriding.
It would be an honor to serve Mariemont on the school board, I look forward to listening to your voice. I can be reached at tracypurtell@gmail.com
Andi Murphy Terrace Park
Hello, I’m Andi Murphy. I’m currently a stayat-home mom, an avid gardener and cook, a furniture maker, a wife, an animal enthusiast, and a proud Terrace Park resident. Having paused my career in Internal Medicine to be at home more with my three children - Reece (ninth grade), Sean (seventh grade), and Sammy (first grade), I would like to add ‘Mariemont City School Board Member’ to that list.
I’ve lived in Terrace Park for over ten years with my husband Dan, a pulmonary and critical care doctor, whom I met during UC medical school. I vividly remember our first visit to Terrace Park and I thought to myself, “We are home.”
I love Mariemont schools and I want to give my time and expertise back to the community that has given us so much. Running for the board comes from my desire to continue the system’s success and
to serve all district families by investing in our children as whole people.
My medical perspective will support the school in the coming years, as we continue to navigate COVID-19 and our new public health realities. I look forward to getting to know and serve our district community. I can be reached at a ndimurphy78@gmail. com
Laura Organisciak William’s Meadow
Hi, I’m Laura Organisciak. I am currently a CPA and Director of Finance for PricewaterhouseCoopers, but my favorite role is raising my three school-aged children with my husband, Greg.
I am very civic-minded and have long been invested in the schools and community. I have served as the Mariemont Elementary PTO Treasurer, Vice-President and President, served on the 2014 and 2018 Levy Committees, am a member of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council, and have served on the Board of Education for the past 15 months.
Our award-winning Mariemont schools are among the very top in the state and nation. I want to keep the focus on student academics and opportunities while helping to ensure continued strong fiscal management. My keen financial background brings a focus of fiscal responsibility to ensure we protect the investments made by each taxpayer within our district. I am looking forward to continuing to serve our community. I can be reached at laura. k.organisciak@gmail.com
Formerly Oyler Group
Board of Education (from previous page)
Dave Rogers Mariemont
I’m Dave Rogers and I’m running for the Mariemont Board of Education for one simple reason: to help continue its longstanding tradition of success. We have a thriving, world-class school district that I’m fortunate to experience as a parent of two current students and a MJHS football coach.
I believe our district’s success is due to its strong commitment of putting our students first, regardless of politics or personal agendas. This empowers our talented, dedicated staff to work together
Schools
toward the goal of educating our children for success.
My education and work experiences have prepared me to serve on the school board:
• The Ohio State University, MBA
• Harvard College, Cum Laude Indian Hill HS
• 12 years leading a successful family business
• 7 years serving on two national nonprofit boards (helping wounded veterans heal and supporting STEM education programs)
• Financial discipline creating and maintaining profitable organizational budgets
• Experience working with grassroots
organizations and in team-oriented, collaborative environments
I moved to our community for the outstanding schools. It’s my turn to give back. I want to make sure all of our students continue to get an excellent education and are equipped to chase their dreams. The future is bright! I can be reached at dave@ timetimer.com .
Ken White Mariemont
Joy and I moved to Mariemont in 1986. We raised two children here and now have a grandson attending
Mariemont Elementary, and his sister will soon. When I first joined the school board we had many issues, including five older buildings and spending growing by over 6 percent per year. Today we have four modern buildings and spending growth at 2.5 percent.
My current focus areas are:
• COVID: Keep our students in school SAFELY using local data. Pivot as needed.
• Advocate that a bi-partisan parents/ teacher board committee (a public meeting) be formed to review controversial curriculum.
• Advocate for ICRC TV recording and broadcast (public access channels) of school board meetings.
• Advocate for a Board sponsored citizens committee to advise on ways to reduce costs while maintaining key services for any future financial crisis
Schools
Why more Transparency? Rumors are that a major employer in Mariemont may close within two years, which will affect revenue. Over 60 new townhouses are under construction in Mariemont and Fairfax. The teardown and rehab trends in Fairfax are also bringing younger families and more school age children to our district. We need full community awareness and involvement more than ever. Feel free to contact me for discussion or with questions at kenwhiteforschools@ gmail.com or 513-404-1422.
My wife Cynthia and I have lived in Mariemont for 35 years. I was a member of Mariemont Village Council for 10
the safety committee for six years. I have been active in various community organizations and will work hard to ensure that our schools maintain a balanced and education-focused curriculum. Having taught at a technical college prior to starting my aircraft renovation business, I know the value of engaging the community in decisions involving our students.
• I believe in full transparency on the part of the board; meetings should be televised via ICRC TV.
• I believe in a balanced education; all students should be presented with equal opportunities to learn and succeed, regardless of ability.
Dennis Wolter
Mariemont
Board of Education (from previous page)
• I believe our school system should be fiscally responsible with thoughtfully controlled spending.
• Strengths and experiences that will benefit this board:
• I have been a teacher, and understand relationships among staff, students, and parents.
• I have run a successful business with challenges that come with managing employees, schedules, and spending.
• I am comfortable with municipal leadership, working with committees, and making decisions for the good of the community.
I can be reached at drwolter@airmod. com
Community
Save the Date for the 2022 FAB Affair!
Mark your calendars! The 2022 FAB Affair will take place the evening of Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the historic Monastery in Mt Adams. FAB Affair is a joint fundraiser benefiting our three district-wide support organizations: Mariemont School Foundation, Mariemont Arts Association, Mariemont Athletic Boosters.
To celebrate all that we love about the district, this year’s
theme will be “For the Love of the Schools.”
The event will feature both a live and silent auction, raffle baskets, delicious food and drinks, and more! Proceeds from the event will impact students across the district in the arts, athletics and academics.
Tickets will go sale in November 2021. Save the date!
Community
Trending in Design for 2022
By Jaclyn Dunn, Award Winning Interior Designer for Ethan Allen
This month I had promised to give you an update on current design trends, so let’s start with a basic definition of the word TREND. According to the Oxford Language Dictionary, used as a noun a trend is a “general direction in which something is developing or changing.” As a verb, a trend is “to be the subject of many posts on a social media website within a short period of time.” Homeowners can now use Instagram or Pinterest to see how to design their living room, but this is what I have to say as a schooled professional interior designer with 30 years’ experience in the business about trends…let them inspire you, but keep in mind it is perfectly alright to ignore them!
The wonderful thing about the practice of interior design is there is no right answer, and for once it is only all about you. While there are certainly design aesthetics that can be appreciated and copied, the best design trend to follow is what speaks to you in a way that inspires you. If you look at the trends in design publications or social media or HGTV, there is a wide variation as to what is the next “new”.
According to several current trade publications like Veranda, House Beautiful and of course Traditional Home, traditional interiors are swinging back into full fashion. More is more once again. It may be because open concept homes, the trend for the past several years, while spacious and easy to entertain in are not always the easiest way for families to live in. Sometimes we need space away, where the TV is not always on view and family members are not always on top of each other. This trend toward traditional suits many Mariemont homes, where open concept is not always possible or practical.
According to homedecoratetips.com, the priority in interior design for 2022 is natural materials, flowing simple shapes, accent metal decor and the leading design principle: a cozy and comfortable environment, personally focused on a specific person. Calm color palettes, comfortable furniture, but with a hint of luxury. [Photo credit: homedecoratetips.com]
On the flip side of the traditional design aesthetic, now returning to popularity is the California modern interior. Made popular
by Leanne and Steve Ford on HGTV, this minimalist design aesthetic features white walls, white upholstery pieces, light hardwood floors and natural stone. Woven wood materials are popular for window coverings. Baskets placed everywhere are a staple of this trend, as are a healthy number of live plants in the main living spaces. It is fresh and bright, and the neutral background is easy to live with.
Do not think that because your home was built in the mid-1900s you cannot duplicate this trend. When I attended the Maison D’Object design show in Paris a few years back, I stayed in an Air B& B in Marais. All over the interiors of Paris and in my walk-up fourth floor apartment, I saw amazing architecture dating back hundreds of years that has been combined with modern furnishings. This juxtaposition between the old and the new is the best of both worlds. I love the mix of beautiful antiques and contemporary furnishings and that is easily accomplished in any Mariemont home.
Community
Design Trends (from previous page)
As far as fabrics and furnishings are concerned, you need look no further than the pages of your favorite fashion magazines to predict the trends in this category. Home color palettes always follow, usually within 6 months to a year, the color palettes featured in Vogue. Luxe is everywhere this season with velvets, faux furs, and beautiful leathers in shades of browns, camels, and rich jewel tones… think classic Ralph Lauren patterns and colors.
Always of importance are the new paint color trends. Each year every major paint producer introduces their Color of the Year. Benjamin Moore last introduced Aegean Teal (2136-40) in 2021, the 2022 color is shortly to come. The new Colormix Forecast 2022 from Sherwin Williams is named MODE, a collection of 40 “hyper-current colors from which four unique palettes were drawn, all designed to welcome each wondrous transition.” The M in MODE stands for Method, as in the natural order of things and it features organic and warm earthy tones. The O stands for Opus, created to be a new kind of classical or as SW phrases it, “a masterpiece of your own making” featuring dramatic deep colors. D stands for Dreamland, focused on tones that induce wellness and renewal like blush and green. Finally, E stands for Ephemera, a nod to mid-century modern, remembering pieces of the past yet looking to the future.
The colors here are a play on primary colors that are saturated. Happily, not one of the companies I researched for this article showed any shade of gray, looks like that trend is finally over!
Naked windows are over as well, with full scale window treatments back in vogue. Think of window treatments as jewelry for your windows. Who does not appreciate nice jewelry? Stationary panels are always an appropriate and less costly way to dress up a window, and trims of all types are a great way to keep them from being too simple. Over the top window treatments are also returning, featuring panels and valances layered over roman shades or woven woods using multiple fabric patterns. Wood blinds and shutters remain popular.
Bottom line, it is up to you what trend, if any, you follow. You can be more is more or less is more, the most important trend to follow is to be true to yourself. Let your surroundings express your unique personality rather than a popular design aesthetic and always remember, there is no place like home.
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
Cooler Temps, Warmer Hearts at the Barn this October
Annual All-Member Show
The Art We Make: Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati All-Member Exhibition & Sale showcases a wide variety of media artworks
at 10 a.m. when Mapcap Puppets and The Mariemont Preservation Foundation present The Legend of Sleepy Hollow— with all its calamity and hilarity for kids of all ages.
representing the individual experiences and expressions that color each member’s art. The Club invites the public to attend its opening Reception Friday Oct. 15 from 5-7:30 p.m. The exhibition continues through Oct. 31. The event takes place in the main gallery. Hors d’ouvres and wine are available au gratis depending upon the latest COVID-19 status.
from The Barn… with strings attached!
Ichabod Crane will be galloping through the streets of Mariemont this month, but he can’t decide what’s worse in the haunted barn that sits on Cambridge Avenue—the headless horseman or crazy antics of the lovable ghosts who live among its rafters. Aww, but will love complicate everything? Ichabod unwittingly vies with the local brute, Brom Bones for the affections of Katrina Van Tassal. He endures a series of pranks, only to find himself on the ride of his life in this version of Washington Irving’s classic short story, written by Dylan Shelton.
Admission is $5 per person (adult or child). Goosebumps are free. The good folks at The Barn thank MFP for its most generous support. Please visit artatthebarn.org for registration.
ARTflix: Packed in a Trunk
The 2021 season opens Oct. 14 with Packed in a 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 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 art world.
Register at http://the barn.regfox.com/ octoberartflix or call 513-272-3700. A $5 fee covers administrative costs associated with this educational program. Barn doors open
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
at 6:30 p.m. BYOB. The Barn provides light refreshments.
Fall Classes
Please contact the instructors or The Barn at 513-272-3700 to confirm times and dates as they could change.
Mondays
Creative Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arranging): Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-Noon. Contact terukonesbitt@gmail.com.
Tuesdays
Mosaics with Sandy Caruso: Nov.2 -Dec. 7, 1-4 p.m. Also 6-9 p.m. Sandylou1031@ gmail.com. Sandy also offers Thursday classes.
Mosaics with Sandy Caruso: Through Oct. 19, 1-4 p.m. Also 6-9 p.m. Sandylou1031@gmail.com.
Intro to Drawing and Painting with Dave Laug: Through Nov. 9, 9:30 a.m.-Noon.
Wednesdays
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: Oct. 13, Nov. 11, Dec. 8, 6-8 p.m.
Thursdays
Ukulele For Kidz with Kelly James: Through Nov. 18 , 4:30-5 p.m. $150 per semester. Any level for second through sixthgrade students. Call 513-272-3700.
Mosaics with Sandy Caruso: Oct. 14Dec. 2, 6-9 p.m. Sandylou1031@gmail.com. No class on Thanksgiving.
Fundamentals of Painting and Drawing with Mary Lou Holt: Through Nov. 18, 2-4 p.m.
Expressive Oil Painting with Charlie Berger: Through Oct. 21, 9 a.m.-Noon.
Watercolors with Chris Campbell Through Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. mmlvsu2@comcast.net.
Needle-Felted Pumpkin Workshop: Oct. 21, 6-9:30 p.m.
Fridays
Friday Morning Pastels with Charlie Berger: 1-4 p.m. charlieberger3@gmail.com.
Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arrangement): Oct. 29, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17, 10 a.m.-Noon.
TGIF with Charlie Berger: Open to acrylic, oil and pastels students. 1-4 p.m. Please RSVP to Charlie at charlieberger3@ gmail.com. You must reserve a spot.
Saturdays
Long-Pose Figure Drawing with Charlie Berger: Through Oct. 23, 9 a.m.-Noon.
Paint the Bob Ross Way with Gary Waits: Oct. 23, 2-5 p.m.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ORTHODONTIST
Dr Edward J Wnek… extensive experience and education… a personal approach to each and every patient… and outstanding outcomes! For a beautiful healthy smile, contact us for your personal consultation at 513-271-5265, or visit us at www.wnekorthodontics.com.
Edward J Wnek DDS,MS • Mariemont Square
Sunday
Paint the Bob Ross Way with Gary Waits: Oct. 24, 1-6 p.m.
Thank you very much!
Thanks to the generosity of Wohlemuth Herschede, The Barn is approaching its $78,000 goal in its effort to replace the decaying shingles of its century-old exterior. The Board would like to thank everyone else who helped assemble grants and who purchased time capsules. If you know of a company or foundation that might offer assistance, please let Lynn Long at 513-2723700.
Please stay posted with us for possible COVID-19 restrictions. The Barn is located at 6980 Cambridge Avenue in Mariemont, Ohio, 45227. For more information or to volunteer for any of its events, please call 513-272-3700 or visit artatthebarn.org.
“All the really good ideas I ever had came to me while I was milking a cow.”
~ Grant Wood, American Artist, 18911942. Best known for American Gothic, below. (Courtesy of inspiringquotes.us)
The Barn (from previous page)
Village Government
Mariemont Residents Invited to Join Centennial Committee
By Randy York
The Village Of Mariemont will celebrate the 100th year anniversary of its ground breaking on April 23, 2023. To facilitate an appreciation and the celebration of this historic event the Mariemont Village Council is currently forming a Centennial Committee to develop and coordinate community events and activities, signage, and centennial-themed community construction/revitalization/renovation projects. These community projects may be targeted for completion by our centennial “birthday” or they may be launched as our contribution to Mariemont for its next century.
If you are interested in serving on this committee please contact Mayor Bill Brown at mayor@mariemont.org or contact the Village office at 513.271.3246.
Potluck Thank You for Village Employees
The Mariemont Park Board is holding a potluck gathering to say thank you to all of our Mariemont Village Employees. Everyone is invited!
WHEN: Sunday, October 10 from 2-6 p.m.
WHERE: Lawn in front of the Municipal Building
Please stop by to thank our wonderful employees. Feel free to bring a “nut free” side dish, chairs, and non-alcoholic beverages. The Park Board will supply plates and utensils. The Firemen will have the grills going for hamburgers and hot dogs provided by the Village.
While Mariemont was incorporated in 1941 and we celebrated our 75th anniversary of incorporation in 2016, it was in 1923 when ground was first broken. On April 23, 1923, Mary Emery turned the first spadeful of earth as the construction of Mariemont, a “National Exemplar” in practical town planning, began. Twenty-five of the country’s leading architects were employed, working with the plan developed by John Nolen, the eminent town planner retained by the Mariemont Company to design and build this community on the 420 acres of gently rolling farmland. The first buildings were completed in 1924-25.
Mariemont was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 24, 1979, in recognition of its “unique history in our nation’s cultural and natural heritage worthy of preservation.” The Village was incorporated under Ohio law in 1941.
In 2007, the Village of Mariemont was designated a National Historic Landmark. In 2008, owing to its “unique character, compact and walkable design, and strong citizen participation and engagement,” the American Planning Association designated Mariemont a “Great Neighborhood”.
Village News & Events
Fire/EMS: The Village is looking at potentially developing shared services for Fire and EMS between Mariemont and the Little Miami Fire Department (LMFD). A resident committee has been selected by Council to help review Fire/EMS proposals, work directly with the consultant company, Kramer & Associates, and provide resident input as to how the Village should proceed with our Fire/EMS Department. More information can be found at https://mariemont.org/fire-ems-residentcommittee/
Muffins with the Mayor: Mayor Brown
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
had a great turnout in September and will meet with MariElders members again on October 20 to discuss Village issues and answer questions. Refreshments will be served. MariElders members should check with activities coordinator, Becky Ventura, for more information.
News from Cincinnati Bell: 10-digit dialing will take effect in October. If your area code is 513 or 859, you will need to dial the area code for all local calls starting on October 24, 2021.
New Residents: Are you new to the Village? We are happy you’re here! Stay up to date with Village news by signing up for our email distribution lists: https://mariemont. org/registration-2/
Leaf Season is almost here!
Leaves will be collected by the Village beginning the week of October 25 through the week of December 20. Leaf vacuum collection directions: Rake leaves to the front of your lawn near the curb (but NOT into the street!) and the Village will collect them. Please be sure your lawn company knows to keep the leaves out of the street as this becomes a safety hazard to drivers, pedestrians, and our service department.
Leaf Collection Guidelines: Prior to October 25th and after December 20th, leaves must be bagged for pick up by Rumpke. Bag the leaves in brown paper yard waste bags or a can
Cont'd on next page
What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library
October 2021
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 is required for both babies and adults.
Outdoor Storytime: Preschool — 11 a.m. Tuesdays
Enjoy books, songs, activities, and more while building early literacy skills. Ages 3-6. Registration is required.
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.
Teens
Outdoor Art: Let’s Paint Pumpkins! — 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5
Enjoy painting pumpkins in an outdoor environment, weather permitting. Pumpkins and painting supplies are provided. Grades 5-9 (tweens). Registration is required. Please sign up early; space is limited.
Adults
Book Club — 6:45 p.m. Thursday, October 28
We are discussing The Ritual Bath by Faye Kellerman. Copies are available at the branch.
Library hours are 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Mariemont Branch Library, 3810 Pocahontas Ave. 513-369-4467
marked “Yard Waste”(bags available at most hardware stores and Kroger) and place them at the curb after 6 p.m. the day before your trash/ recycling pick up. They’ll be picked up on the same day your trash is collected.
• Do NOT rake leaves into the street. If you are concerned about the grass under your leaves, you are strongly encouraged to bag your leaves rather than waiting for them to be collected by the Village.
• Do not dump leaves in the swimming pool area.
• ONLY leaves may be collected by the Village’s leaf vacuum trucks. Pumpkins, branches, and sticks are unable to go through
the leaf vacuum and will damage the equipment. Repairs are costly and will slow the crew down.
• The week of Thanksgiving and the week before Luminaria, leaf pick-up will be light as the department prepares for Luminaria/ tree lighting.
• The service department makes every effort to service each address at least once a week. Your patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated!
Halloween
Trick or Treat will be held from 6-8 p.m. on October 31. Those participating in handing
out goodies, please turn on your porch light. If you are not participating, it is recommended to turn your porch light off.
Election Day
Election Day is November 2, 2021. Your polling location may have changed. Call the Hamilton County Board of Elections at 513-632-7000 or check their website to find your polling location. https:// votehamiltoncountyohio.gov/where-to-vote/
Village News (from previous page)
MJHS Earns Blue Ribbon Status
Submitted by Mariemont City Schools
Mariemont Junior High School (MJHS) was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2021.
Blue Ribbon status is one of the most prestigious awards given by the U.S. Department of Education to recognize the best in education throughout the country. MJHS will receive the status of “Exemplary High Performing School.”
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 325 schools as National Blue Ribbon schools for 2021. The Department recognizes all schools in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates:
• Exemplary High-Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
•Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.
The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.
“I am humbled by the recognition of Mariemont Junior High School as a National Blue Ribbon Exemplary High Performing School,” said principal Rob Polca. “The partnership of our students, faculty, families and an extremely supportive community has created a positive learning environment where impacting students is the driving force of everything that we do. I am so proud of our learning community, and this recognition is even more meaningful as we’ve navigated and supported each other through the COVID-19 pandemic. I am grateful for the passion and enthusiasm that our staff brings to each school day and could not be more appreciative of the collective dedication that has made National Blue Ribbon recognition possible. This is an award we will treasure for years to come, as we continue to build meaningful
learning environments and relationships, embracing growth together.”
With this honor, MJHS joins the other three Mariemont City Schools buildings as National Blue Ribbon Schools. Mariemont High School, which is one of only 14 public schools in the entire country (and the only public school in the state of Ohio) to be named a National Blue Ribbon school
at least four times, earned the recognition in 1984, 1988, 2001 and 2005. Terrace Park Elementary School earned its award in 2004 and Mariemont Elementary School in 2018.
With this achievement, the Mariemont City School District is now only the fourth public school district in the state of Ohio to have each of its schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools.
Community Village Worship Services
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 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. We are having in-person services! Masks are optional. Kingdom Kids Ministry at 9:00 a.m. during the first service and Youth at 12:30 p.m. just after the second service. Livestream is at 9:00 a.m. on Facebook: Mariemont Church; our website: mariemontchurch.org; and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ MariemontChurch.
Worship Every Wednesday in the Parish Center auditorium. 7:00-8:30 p.m. All are welcome!
Fall Activities
Women’s Ministries
JOY in the Morning: Tuesdays from 9:1511:30 a.m. at the Parish Center. Fall studies are: A Study of Exodus; Surprise the World by Michael Frost and Walk With Me: Simple Principles for Everyday Disciple-making, by Bill Mowry; God of Deliverance: A Study of Exodus 1-18, by Jen Wilken
Evening JOY: 1st/3rd Mondays 7-8:30 p.m. at the Parish Center. Study is: The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and their Lessons for Today, by Shannon Bream
Save the Date: Women’s Retreat, February 4-5, 2022 at the Jesuit Retreat
Fall Sermon Series on Spiritual Gifts: «Gifted and Going for It!»
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.
School is back in full swing. The pool’s closed. Days are getting shorter. What’s a kid to do? Look no further than VCM’s new Sunday night program for kids. Join us Sundays from 5-6:30 p.m. for a fun time of praise, games, crafts, and community projects. We want our
much potential they have to serve others. We welcome all kids in elementary and junior high. Find us in our Fellowship Building off the Old Village Square, on the corner of Oak and Maple.
For worship and fellowship on Sunday mornings, join us at 10 a.m. at our Oak Street location. We are deep in our current series called Seeking Wisdom for Today in Proverbs. We hope you will join us in person or online at facebook.com/VCMChurch.
Other Ways to Connect
Women’s Bible Study resumes the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 7-8:30 p.m. at the VCM Fellowship Building. We will be digging into Priscilla Shirer’s study of Elijah.
We love meeting new people and just being together. If that sounds like you, come on over to the Bell Tower shelter on Sunday, October 24 at 5:30 p.m. We’ll be roasting hot dogs around the campfire and generally having “s’more fun.” All are welcome and invited.
For more information about these and other events, visit our website at www.villagechurchofmariemont.org or contact Pastor Todd Keyes at toddkeyes@ villagechurchofmariemont.org.
