

Architects of Mariemont: Dale Park School Part II
By Matt Ayer
Last month this series featured the life and work of Lincoln Fechheimer, the architect chosen to design Mariemont’s school building. The Mariemont Company’s marketing booklet described the educational benefits for families coming to this new town: “The Public School District of Mariemont will be created, under control of the County Superintendent; teachers have been engaged; and school will open on time in a temporary building until The Mariemont School, capacity 400, is finished about June 1, 1925. This school, kindergarten, and the eight grades will be operated free by the Company.”
Fechheimer laid out a perfectly symmetrical structure consistent with the Georgian Revival style and blending beautifully with the similarly designed Dana Group townhomes and apartments across the street on Chestnut Avenue. The building had ten classrooms and was described as such: “This brick structure, of the most modern design and fully equipped, was erected as an exemplar of what other school buildings must be to conform to the Mariemont ideal.”
Construction those days was not yet preceded by soil borings for foundation design. A surprise to the Mariemont Company, when the steam shovel excavated the boiler room area in the basement, it broke into a six-foot layer of muck and was extricated with tremendous effort to avoid its burial. Further investigation indicated that the entire building site was above a spring that flowed upward through a sandy layer, creating the phenomenon known as “quicksand.” After consultation with the architect, a drainage system below the quicksand layer was

constructed and piped to the creek. The sand dried and the foundation could be poured onto solid ground. Water from that spring trickles into the creek at the base of the hill to this day.
Today we see Fechheimer’s artistry primarily on the front and east side of the building, as two uninteresting additions from the 1950s hide the original south and west sides. Well intended at the time, the defilement of this classic, historic structure reinforces the need for Mariemont’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) and protections for designated landmark structures in our Village Code of Ordinances. Picture the beauty of this building set back from Wooster Pike atop its small hill, perfect in symmetry with its geometrically simple but balanced features, topped with its cupola and weathervane.
Fechheimer specified Flemish bond for bricklaying, whereby each course is laid alternating the header and stretcher end of a brick. The double-doored entrance to the school is flanked by pilasters (rectangular columns), graced with a semicircular fanlight beneath a pediment (triangular gable). The fanlight windows featuring divisions of sixths are best appreciated from the inside of the building, particularly where the windows are repeated at the entrance. This beautiful window pattern is also used in the stairwells of the building and in the attic on the east side.
Dale Park School has served as a school in a few formats and as a community center over the years, but today is currently beautifully maintained and preserved by the Cincinnati Waldorf School for its Lower Cont'd on page 4
The beautiful view from Wooster Pike of Dale Park School as Designed by Fechheimer.
Mariemont Chamber, Village to Sponsor Flag Walk and Fireworks
By Randy York
The Mariemont Chamber of Commerce and the Mariemont Red, White and Blue Tribute Committee will sponsor this year’s third annual “Mariemont Tribute to the Red, White and Blue” Fourth of July weekend events.
Last year over 7,500 American Flags lined the streets of Mariemont over the holiday weekend, and this year we hope to exceed that goal by adding flags to more public spaces and increase participation by Mariemont residents.

all weekend. Volunteers will place flags in public spaces on Friday as well; to help, contact ryork@mariemont.org.
Residents are asked to display their flags starting Friday July 1 so they can be enjoyed
The Flag Walk is scheduled for Saturday
July 2nd at 5 p.m. It will begin at the corner of Center St. and Mt. Vernon Ave. Decorate your bikes, wagons and strollers, wear your patriotic attire, and meet us there! Details on additional events surrounding the Flag Walk will be forthcoming this summer through the Village website and emails.
The Village’s Fourth of July fireworks will take place Monday July 4 at Dogwood Park at dark. Be sure to read the flier in this edition of the Town Crier. It includes event details and a form to order flags, including additional flags as a donation to “adopt” a public space(s). Any proceeds will be directed to Mariemont first responders and service department.


Club
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School, preschool through grade eight. Recent major projects include upgrading the ugly 1950s bare metal-framed windows of the old cafeteria on the west side with appropriately white-framed, energy-efficient replacements approved by the ARB and modernizing the HVAC system to forced-ventilation.
However, the most noticeable feature within the school’s interior is the attention to detail in preserving and restoring Lincoln Fechheimer’s beautiful, original design. Rooms today feature original oak flooring, doors, built-in cabinetry, slate blackboards, and cloakrooms. (Reporter’s note: Most readers today would not have experienced banishment to the cloakroom as old school “time out.”)
School designs and fads in education come and go. Judging from the care and enthusiasm of the Cincinnati Waldorf School staff during a tour of the building, the Dale Park School building appears to be in safe hands for the future preservation of Lincoln Fechheimer’s beautiful contribution to Mariemont.
Thank you to Linda Bartlett, Archivist of Mariemont Preservation, local photographer Ron Adair, and CWS Facilities Manager Andy Balzhiser.





Architects (from front page)
Second Grade classroom, 1926
Classrooms remain the same with slate chalkboards and oak floors, with modernized lighting and HVAC.
Permits Required for Decks and Patios
By Rod Holloway
As the nice weather returns for the spring, most folks spend much more time outside enjoying the weather and surrounds. Many also start to think about adding, replacing, or expanding their outdoor living space. A zoning and/or building permit is required to construct your outdoor dream space to ensure that the project is done in accordance with local ordinances and the Ohio Building Code.
Typically, outdoor living spaces are categorized as either a paver patio or deck. For most paver patios utilizing paver stones, fieldstones, or just pouring a concrete pad, a zoning permit is required to ensure the location is permitted and the required setbacks are observed. Depending on how close the patio is your property line, a survey may be recommended. If a retaining wall, arbor, or pergola is part of the patio design, a building permit may be required depending on the height and design of this structure.
The other important consideration with any outdoor work is how this new space effects water run-off. The drainage must be directed to a storm drain or swale and not towards your neighbor’s property. For most simple paver patios, the permit fee is $90. This fee will provide you assurance that your outdoor living space is compliant with all Village ordinances and applicable building codes.
The other category of living spaces are decks. Decks can be elevated or on-grade, and can be attached or detached from the primary structure. Each of these factors affects what is allowed and what zoning ordinances are in play. For most decks, the fee is $200 as there are required structural and safety issues that need to be reviewed against Ohio building code. Some of the details needed to approve a new deck are the attachment method to the existing building, deck structure, handrail and stair designs, and pier or foundation requirements.
There is a supplemental information sheet available for deck permits available at www. Mariemont.org to help the homeowner better understand the permitting process for decks.
As is the case with most new projects in the Village, the best course of action when considering a new or refresh of an outdoor living space is to contact the building department via email ( bldgdept@mariemont.org ) or via phone at 513-271-3315 to discuss the appropriate next steps.


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Mariemont Corridor Master Planning Invites Public Involvement
By Ronn Ross
Have you noticed recent progress in our region’s trail system? The Wasson Way now connects via a beautiful, wooded section in Ault Park to a pathway along Red Bank Expressway, to the Fairfax trail and to our Village’s Murray Path (completed in 2021). Recent sampling of our path in April (over a six-day period in a variety of weather, with weekdays and weekends) indicates an average of 25 users per hour.
Another exciting project is the “Columbia Connector,” a connection between the Little Miami Scenic Trail and Mariemont
come westward behind Kroger, up to the Promenade, cross the Pike at Mariemont Way (the new roadway to the high school), then “up” to the library. Great Parks and Columbia Township are partnering to seek grant funding to implement this plan. With a design basis to create a safe path protected from the highway (including traffic control, anticipated lane adjustments, and right-of-way purchases), the projected construction for this




Mariemont residents enjoy a stroll along Murray Path. (Photo credit: Ron Adair)
As a proactive planning measure, at the Village Council meeting April 11, Mayor Brown assigned the Health and Recreation Committee to pursue a third-party, independent Mariemont Corridor Master Plan study to first collect residents’ input in a public meeting, then develop alternatives for linking Murray Path to the Columbia Connector. Funding for such a study is available via private sources. Village leaders and community representatives have clearly spoken that the Corridor Master Plan will 1) present alternative routes and pros and cons for each with respect to various criteria, 2) that our Village officials (led by Council) will define the scope and commission the Study, and most importantly, 3) that the community will have ample opportunity to express their desires and to evaluate alternatives. With input from the community, Council would ultimately make any decision with respect to a multi-purpose trail pathway through our Village.
Council also voted to accept its Health and Recreation Committee recommendations, which included the first reading of a Resolution concerning terms and conditions associated with seeking State funding via the Clean Ohio Trails Fund. Importantly, if the Village were awarded a grant, no commitments, engineering or construction drawings for any path segment would commence without Council’s direction, after public participation and evaluation of the independent Mariemont Corridor Master Plan study. The grant application itself is clear with respect to a robust public participation process preceding any project decisions. The Resolution reflects the above three qualifiers (and donorprovided funding for the grant match) and will require two more readings.
Watch for updates for this transparent, thorough, public process, on the Village website; via the Village email list (sign up if you are not yet on it); at Council meetings (televised on ICRC-TV); at an upcoming public meeting (watch for details); the Town Crier; and other media. A Murray Path volunteer team also provides updates on Council developments concerning this topic via its Facebook pages. With input from stakeholders, and the alternatives identified in the Mariemont Corridor Master Plan study, we will see real possibilities as we work through this process as a community.
Community
MHS Girls win Sectional Basketball Championship
Congratulations to the Girls High School Varsity Basketball team coached by Doug Spreen and Brad Lockhart. The girls finished their outstanding season with a record of 21-5. The season was highlighted by a win in the Sectional Championship game and a return trip to Springfield for Districts. Over the last two seasons these Lady Warriors have placed second in the Cincinnati Hills League and won the League Championship. They also have now won backto-back Sectional Championships.

Several individuals on the team were recognized for outstanding play during the season. Ally Frye and Amy Muller received All
League Honors. Erika Dewey, Marley Valentine and Kendal Spreen received All League and All District Honors. Congrats to this entire group of young ladies for their outstanding effort throughout the season and the way they represented themselves, the community, and Mariemont High School.
Custom Embroidery and Personal Sewing

janet @ enzyndesigns.com 425-418-3495

Logo Apparel
Personalized Gifts Home Décor
Janet Ensign, Proprietor Personal sewing and alterations Commemorative Hole-in-ONE Flags

Murray Path (from previous page)
Mariemont High School’s 2022 Girls Varsity Basketball Team
Community MariElders Events for May
Fundraiser to Support MariElders
Please support our upcoming fundraiser and possibly add a beautiful décor piece to your home or office! One of our members purchased a historical puzzle of the Village of Mariemont from the Mariemont Preservation Foundation. She put it together and had it beautifully matted and framed. She has graciously offered to auction it off to help raise funds for MariElders. Raffle tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the front desk of MariElders. The piece will be displayed at the center until the drawing on June 3.
Activities & Events
Thursday, May 5
Doughnuts and Discussion with Caring Transitions
We all know the older you get, the more things you seem to accumulate. Downsizing and organizing a lifetime of treasures can be a daunting and overwhelming task for anyone! Gina Siegel from Caring Transitions will be here to discuss how she and her team of caring professionals can help you with every step.
Friday, May 6
Cincinnati Historical Bus Tour
We will have our own MariElder’s tour bus that will pick us at MariElders!
Cincinnati has an incredible history and amazing structures and sights to behold. Places like the John Roebling Bridge, Carew Tower and Netherland Plaza, Fountain Square, Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine, Union Terminal, and more are waiting for you to learn their story. Hop on our tour bus and learn about Cincinnati’s history from an experienced tour guide, who will share these stories and more with us. We will make multiple stops so you can snap photos of your favorite spots. The tour lasts about 1.5-2 hours in length.

Monday, May 9
Tour of The New England Club (Anderson Township)
New England Club is an award-winning, independent senior living community. Residents appreciate the freedom and flexibility our independent living communities offer as needs around personal care and medical assistance change. Choosing a la carte from thirdparty health care and personal care providersmany with offices right inside the community -- gives them the power to choose their providers and obtain similar services as they would in a higher level of care like assisted living, but without giving up the independence, warm community of friends, and fun-loving atmosphere they enjoy so much. Lunch is included!
Tuesday, May 10
The MariCrafters
This month we will be making Decoupage Planters. I love the spring season for all the beautiful blooms and flowers. So, this month we will decoupage terra cotta pots with pretty floral napkins. Keep it for yourself or give it to a friendthe plant is included! You DON’T have to be a crafty, creative, or artistic to participate. The crafts are easy to do and fun to make!
Wednesday, May 11
Reds Game
Join us to cheer on our hometown team to victory over the Milwaukee Brewers! Tickets are $30 and include admission and transportation.
Wednesday, May 4
Non-Fiction Book Club: “The Great Influenza”
The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History is a nonfiction book by John M. Barry that examines the worst pandemic in world history, the influenza epidemic of 1918 and 1919. It follows American medical professionals as they try to combat this deadly disease, and it puts their story within a broader context by focusing on World War I, which exacerbated spread of the flu.
Get these books at MariElders.
Friday, May 13
Memorial Day Picnic at the Park
Join us for a catered picnic at the park! Enjoy good food and even better company! We will also hear from local historian and lecturer Diane Shields on the disappearance of Glenn

goats came to visit MariElders!!
Miller. Glenn Miller was one of the most popular bandleaders in the late 1930s and early 1940s, and in 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to lead the Army Air Force Band.
Monday, May 16
Root Beer Floats and Trivia
Wednesday, May 18
Lunch and Learn with Pro Seniors: Getting your Legal Documents in Order Miriam Sheline, managing attorney for Pro Seniors, will discuss the legal documents seniors should have to manage their lives, including Financial Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers of Attorney, and Living Wills. She will also discuss the legal documents seniors should have to manage their property after death, including wills as well as survivorship designations.
Wednesday, May 18
Senior Citizens’ Night at Nagel Middle School to see the musical “Into the Woods” Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by James Lapine. The musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for dinner and the performance will begin at 5:30 p.m. Pizza and salad will be served.
Tell your friends!
Baby
MariElders (from previous page)
Wednesday, May 25
Fiction Book Club: “American Dirt”
American Dirt is a 2020 novel by American author Jeanine Cummins. It’s an Action-packed, suspenseful thriller that tells a story about migration into the United States. In American Dirt, after her journalist husband runs afoul of cartel boss Javier Fuentes, Lydia’s entire family is murdered except for her young son, Luca. Now, Lydia and Luca must run for their lives to try to leave Mexico despite the many dangers lurking along the difficult journey and with Fuentes and his men nipping at their heels.
Get these books at MariElders.
Thursday, May 26 Reds Game
Join us to cheer on our hometown team to victory over the Chicago Cubs.
Tuesday, May 31
Day trip to Historic Clifton Mill
Join us as we travel to Clifton, Ohio (near Dayton) to the Historic Clifton Mill. The Clifton Mill is one of the largest water-powered grist mills still in existence. The first mill at this site was built in 1802 by Owen Davis, a Revolutionary War soldier and frontiersman miller. The mill was built in this location to take advantage of the natural
power of the concentrated water funneled into the gorge. Owen Davis and his son-in-law, General Benjamin Whiteman, also built a sawmill and a distillery.
Soon a village known as Davis Mills sprang up. The Little Miami River powered five other mills that were built within a mile of Historic Clifton Mill: a woolen mill, sawmill, paper mill, barrel mill, and another grist mill. Historic Clifton Mill is the only one still standing.
We will eat at the Historic Clifton Mill Restaurant which offers the atmosphere of yesteryear. Sit back and relax to the gentle sounds of the old mill wheel and the soft rhythm of the water gently cascading over the falls. Gaze out at some of the country’s most beautiful natural scenery, Clifton Gorge, and the Little Miami River.
After we have enjoyed the great food and spectacular view, we can browse through the charming Gift Shop. The shop is decorated with antiques and oddities from a bygone era. Outside at Historic Clifton Mill we will experience one of this country’s disappearing treasures, the covered bridge.
We will also tour their 1940s Gas Station



Museum, completely stocked with original products. The old gas station is covered with authentic signs from the era. The moment you step inside, you are flooded with childhood memories of family outings and vacations, nickel candy bars and bottles of cold soda pop.
Tuesday, June 7 from 10-11 a.m.: Mary Leep-Pichert, a representative from the Ohio Senior Health Insurance and Information Program (OSHIIP) will be here to talk about and answer your questions about Medicare before the next open enrollment begins.
Monday, June 13 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (with an hour lunch break): Want to save money on your auto insurance and learn how to be a safer driver? Please join us the AARP Driver Safety Course. $20 for AARP members / $25 for non-members. SIGN UP FOR THIS NOW! Spots are limited!
Monday, June 20 at 11 a.m.: Tour of Sem Laurels
Wednesday, June 22 at 1:30 p.m.: Van Gogh Immersion
Monday, July 18 at 11:30 p.m.: Lunch and Learn, Queen City Transitions
Friday, July 22 from 7-9 p.m.: Senior Prom!
Tuesday, July 26 at 10 a.m.: Muffins with the Mayor



Village Mariemont Cub Scout Troops Have an Impressive Year
By Katie Dzombar
This continues to be an impressive year for the Mariemont Cub Scouts. In February, our oldest scouts achieved their final rank as Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light, and moved up to join Mariemont Scouts BSA Troop.

Over their years with the pack, these scouts have learned so much about what it means to be curious, adventurous, responsible, kind, and resourceful. It has been a remarkable experience watching them grow up and do amazing things. There is no doubt that they are on the path to even greater accomplishments. We thank them for sharing this time with us and wish them all the best!

Congratulations to Jonathan Andre, Zoe Clark, Corrine Cline, Nathan Lester, Bryson Lindsley, Jacob Losekamp, Luke Mace, Noah Maurer, Connor Sullivan and Nate Wren.

Girl Scouts Wrap Up the Year with
Cookies, Cooking, and Travel
By Ellie Haynes
The Girl Scouts of Mariemont have been busy this past spring. The Fourth Grade Troop 41238 finished up their cookie season with a grand total of about 300 boxes sold in their cookie drive-thru outside of Ace Hardware. They would like to thank the community for their support!
The rest of the pack celebrated their year of achievements at April’s annual Blue and Gold Ceremony. Scouts have worked hard (and had a lot of fun!) throughout the year earning their badges and learning new skills. While our official program year winds down around the end of May, we look forward to continuing to plan fun activities throughout the summer such as camping, rock climbing, swimming, hiking and, of course, community service projects around the village. We’ll see you out there!




The 10th Grade Troop 40829 completed their Locavore Badge by participating in a Sur La Table cooking class, where they made their own pizza, salad, and gelato. They are excited for their Lake Hope trip in May where they will partake in outdoor activities. The Troop would also like to thank the community for all of their Easter Egg orders and support; they had a fun time egging yards on Easter Eve! These girls will also be bridging to Ambassadors this fall, the highest level of Girl Scouts.
All of the girls are looking forward to the coming years and appreciate the support of the town.

AOL Scouts, just crossed over to Scouts BSA Troop
Community clean up at Mariemont Junior High, organized by Fourth Grade Webelos Scout, Claire White (center).
10th Grade Troop 40829 at Sur La Table
4th Grade Troop 41238 scouts pose with a customer at their cookie drive outside ACE Hardware
By Jodie Zaveri
Schools Mariemont DI Team Heads to the World Stage
Destination Imagination (DI) is a long-held extracurricular tradition in Mariemont Schools. DI is a competition that requires teams to choose from a list of challenges, spend months preparing for that challenge, and do it all with no adult interference. They also perform an Instant Challenge where they can show off their creative problem-solving skills as they work together and “think on their feet.” In a very short time frame, they are asked to solve a task, create a performance, or a combination of both.
This year, the “Cookie MonStars” team finished first at the State competition in March to earn a slot at the Global Destination Imagination competition in Kansas City this May. The Cookie MonStars is made up of seven 8th graders from Mariemont Junior High School, including Abby Conners, Lucy Good, Lincoln Griesmer, Beckett Wendler, Lily Wickemeyer, Jaxx Wright and Lillah Zaveri. This is the sixth year the team has competed together. In those six years, the team has qualified for State competition five times, but this marks their first time making a trip to Globals.
They’ve worked since September on building components of the Technical Challenge that included a culvert tunnel, a broken bridge, two cars, and a hill. Team members learned to make

balloon animals, build sets and prop pieces, and play car chase music on a saxophone as part of their performance.
While they were at State, the Cookie MonStars also received the prestigious Renaissance Award, given to one team that demonstrates outstanding skill in design, engineering, execution or performance. The Cookie MonStars were recognized for their comedic timing, unique custom designs and the

art of balloon making.
The trip to Globals is expensive, and the team is working hard to raise funds to make it possible for them to go to Kansas City in May. Please consider donating to the team!! There are two ways to help:
Donate to the team’s GoFundMe campaign:
1. Navigate to GoFundMe.com
2. Using the search tool in the upper left, enter: “Mariemont Team Is Headed to the World Stage”
OR
Donate via check made payable to team leader, Amanda Connors and mailed or dropped off to:
Amanda Connors, 3969 Miami Road, Mariemont OH 45227
The Cookie MonStars thank you in advance for your support!

The Cookie MonStars eighth grade DI team include, L-R: Lily Wickemeyer, Beckett Wendler, Lillah Zaveri, Lincoln Griesmer, Lucy Good, Abby Conners, and Jaxx Wright.
Village Spotlight on Mariemont Pool Commission and Tennis Board
By Mandy Rohal and Linda Bartlett
The Mariemont Pool Commission is a group of Village residents that volunteer their time and talents to oversee, plan and make recommendations to the daily operations of the pool. We were instrumental in the opening of the pool during the Covid summer of 2020 and are currently busy building a long-term strategic plan so the pool can be around for many more generations.
All of the recent cosmetic improvements, including landscaping, external painting, new roofing, and fencing, have been managed by us, and we facilitated the entire process of finding a Pool Management Company when the pool manager retired this past year. The current board has been together since 2020 and is comprised of many diverse backgrounds with a common interest in keeping the pool thriving.
Pool Membership NOW OPEN!
Mariemont Pool membership is open to Mariemont residents of all ages. To purchase a season membership, visit the Pool’s page on the Mariemont Village Website at https://mariemont. org/lifestyle/swimming/. Be sure to keep up to date on events and happenings by following us on Facebook: Mariemont Pool and Instagram: mariemontpool.
Join us for Village Day at the Pool, Sunday, June 12. This free event for Village residents allows you and your family to enjoy all the

amenities that the pool has to offer. Come spend the day with us and your neighbors.
In addition to explaining what the current Mariemont Tennis Board does, we thought it would interest residents to also share the long history of tennis in our Village. The Mariemont Company constructed the first court around 1926, and by 1928 there were four. The two closest to Madisonville Rd. were of concrete, allowing them to be flooded in the winter “for hockey, ice-tennis or similar cold-weather sport.” Ice-tennis? Yes, it’s a thing…Google it! The others were a mixture of asphalt and gravel, which was also used in our streets.
Within a few years, the concrete courts had
become slippery and too reflective, so a thin overlay of asphalt mixed with stone chips (colas) was spread over the top. The fifth court beside the Parish Center, made of cinders penetrated with colas, was added in 1930, and a grass court just south of the Parish Center was ready for play in 1931. This was specifically constructed “for the exclusive use of girls and women who wished to play tennis,” even though women and kids played on asphalt courts as well.
The Mariemont Tennis Club assumed responsibility for managing the courts before 1930 and signed annual contracts with the Mariemont Co. and then the Thomas J Emery Memorial as ownership of the courts changed hands over the years. After Mariemont’s incorporation in 1941, the Village leased the courts from the TJEM until the early 1970s, when it took ownership.
In 1932, MTC had exclusive use and responsibility for the four main courts. Membership was limited to residents of Mariemont proper (excluding the Indianview and Homewood subdivisions, which were finally permitted to join in 1940), and dues of 50¢-$2 were charged. The other two courts were available to non-members. Tournaments and dances were additional ways MTC raised money for general maintenance, repairs, and a court monitor. Every

Mariemont Pool Commission members, L-R – Alicia Cline, Lorne Hlad, Terry Donovan, Mandy Rohal, Karen Berkich, and Brian Kelly. Not pictured: Ted Beach, Betsy Bybee and Tom Gilmore.
Pool and tennis (from previous page)
few years, when the larger expense of resurfacing the courts was required, the owner of the property generally paid at least half.
Mariemont High School requested and was granted practice and match times for their boys and girls beginning in 1946. An arrangement with the school district was made in 1976, when the Village acquired enough land in the area below the existing courts to build two more. The current shelter was added in 1981 and beautifully renovated last year.
According to Warren Parks’ book “The Mariemont Story,” by 1967 the courts were under the control of the Village, and memberships were sold by the Recreation Department. At some point, the Mariemont Tennis Association was formed to operate in much the same capacity as the former Mariemont Tennis Club. Membership was pretty low by 2013, and the MTA Board made a concerted effort to grow the program by retaining top-notch pros, creating an on-line presence and payment system, adding pickle lines, and finally opening up to non-residents several years ago.
When we began collecting payments online, the Village took over all finances, and the MTA Board’s structure hasn’t varied since (though some
Village

of the faces have). We are responsible for tracking memberships, publicizing the seasonal offerings, and working closely with the pros to ensure members’ needs are met. We also coordinate with the Village to set rates and locate other revenue streams, and arrange for maintenance, repairs, and renovations - like the shelter and pickle lines mentioned above, portable pickle nets, new fencing and windscreens several years ago, replacement nets and the annual repair of cracks in the playing surface.
Along with getting the 2022 season off to a strong start, we have been gathering estimates and assisting the Village in long-term planning
and budgeting for future needs. The courts were neglected for a while, and for the past several years received only patchwork repairs. They are overdue for resurfacing, which is expected to be in the $100,000 range.
To assist the Village with this large expense a $25 Capital Improvement Fee will be collected from each household with at least one member who participates in our pros’ lessons and clinics, teams, or in other groups that have recurrent court reservations during the 2022 season. Discussions are taking place to determine the school’s financial obligation toward this project and annual maintenance, as the Junior and High School teams have become some of the biggest users of the courts.
As we plan this major investment, I hope we can count on everyone’s enthusiastic support of the Village as we work together to keep the recreation facilities we all enjoy in great condition!
If interested in joining MTA for either Pickleball or Tennis, you can find additional information, contact details, and make online payments at Mariemont.org/Lifestyle/Tennis. Our pros are available for lessons and clinics from peewees to seniors, from beginners to advanced







Mariemont Tennis Board: Kevin Taylor, President; Linda Bartlett, Membership; Carter Kemper. Not pictured, Nancy Lonnemann and Stan Bahler.
Community Annual Kiwanis Spring Golf Outing is Back!
By Dave Peterson
The Mariemont Kiwanis annual Spring Golf Outing returns to the California Golf Course on Sunday, June 5th. This year’s event will once again be held in conjunction with the City of Fairfax and the Ted Shannon Memorial Golf Outing. First tee time is at Noon with teams of four teeing off every seven minutes from the front and back nine of the course.
Cost is $65 per player or $230 per foursome, and includes two golf carts per team, a gift at the golf course, and dinner afterwards at the RG Cribbet Recreation Center in Fairfax.
This year’s event will include a chance to win door prizes from area businesses, and the Patriot Grill Food truck will be on-site during the outing. If you are interested in entering a
team, please visit MariemontKiwanis.org/golf
Proceeds benefit the Mariemont Kiwanis Scholarship program. Along with the Club’s annual Art & Craft Fair and Holiday Nut Sale, collectively, these events raise nearly $15,000 each year for scholarships to local Mariemont Schools’ graduates.

Since 2000, the Kiwanis Club has awarded over $250,000 in scholarships to help support nearly 100 students from the
district, many of whom receive support beyond their freshmen year of college. In addition, Kiwanis works closely with students in the surrounding communities to provide mentoring relationships and support local youth activities.

The Kiwanis Club of Mariemont meets every Tuesday morning at 7:45 a.m. at the Mariemont Elementary cafeteria. A continental breakfast is served, and guests are welcome anytime. Meetings last less than one hour and feature a variety of local speakers. For information about how you can become more involved in serving our youth visit MariemontKiwanis.org

Memorial Day Parade 2022
By Rev. Dr. Lorne Hlad, Memorial Day Parade Marshall
After two years of improvising with a “drive-by” parade on Memorial Day, The Village is excited to return to our longstanding traditional parade route this Memorial Day, Monday May 30th. The parade will step off at 8:30 a.m. from the Parish Center on Plainville Road and will march toward the town square for a ceremony in front of the Municipal Building, during which the annual citizen of the year award will be announced.
After the ceremony at the Town Square, the parade will march toward the Memorial Grove Cemetery for a wreath placing at the Veterans Monument.
Community Warriors for a Cure Raise over $100,000
All Veterans of the Armed Services are encouraged to march in the Memorial Day Parade. This year, school-aged children are invited to decorate their bikes or scooters and ride in the parade as well. Those marching or riding in the parade should meet at 8:00 a.m. in front of the Parish Center on Plainville Rd.

As our Village honors those who died in service to our country, may we come together this Memorial Day to pay respect to their selfless service and sacrifice.


By Carrie Carothers
Mariemont High School Team Warriors for a Cure was named Runner Up in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2022 Student of the Year fundraising competition. The team raised just over $100,000, earning them the Top Campaign Fundraiser Impact Award. Team leaders Patrick Crowley, Graham Kempiners, Sadie Kohlman, and Ryder Osgood pitched and received several local sponsorships during the campaign, including sponsorships from the Oliver Family Foundation, United Dairy Farmers, ENT & Allergy Specialists, the Cyclones Foundation, and Snow Commerce.
The team sent out over 1800 letters and held successful events, including a bake sale and a community open mic night. Terrace Park Elementary sixth graders generously contributed by organizing a fund drive at TPE. This was a record-breaking year for LLS Student of the Year with a grand total of $743,000 raised, shattering the previous record by $100,000. Warriors for a Cure would like to thank its sponsors and the Terrace Park and Mariemont communities for supporting their efforts and for giving hope to blood cancer patients worldwide.
Team leaders would like to thank their hardworking Mariemont HS team: Timmy Ackerman, David Andrews, Griffin Byers, Hadley Dickinson, Lucy Dorn, David Dorsten, Evan Ekouevi, Camryn Estepp, Reed Gearhart, Piper George, Clara Hampton, Jackson Hampton, Macy Hampton, Ava Hoffer, Sophia Hunt, Simone Kempiners, Adison Kaiser, Porter Koehler, Noah Kruthaupt, Lucy Lysagt, Max Marquez, Owen Metze, Evan Morgan, Mark Morgan, Megan Muller, Delaney Osgood, Sam Parker, Jack Peirol, Sarah Pschesang, Will Pschesang, Anna Reiter, Laney Riportella, Thomas Sauter, Peyton Shoemaker, Trevor Stith, Olivia Tritsch, Benjamin Webster, Marko Zanardo and St X team: Jack McMurry, Sam Hawkins, Matthew Schwanekamp, Matthew Langenderfer, and Carter Heekin.
Col. Jerry Vianello (L) and Rev. Dr. Lorne Hlad (R)
Park Projects Planned for Centennial
By Randy York
The Village of Mariemont will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its groundbreaking in 2023. To commemorate the centennial, the Mariemont Centennial Committee along with the Mariemont Preservation Foundation and the Village of Mariemont have organized a number of capital improvement projects to preserve, upgrade, and enhance the parks and green spaces of this historic Village.
On April 23, 1923, Mary Emery, a beloved Cincinnati philanthropist, broke ground for Mariemont. She envisioned a “model town” that would be planned in every detail to provide its residents with a high quality of life. 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. In 2007, the Village of Mariemont was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Providing outdoor spaces for the health and enjoyment of the residents of Mariemont were always at the forefront of Mary Emery’s vision for her new town. In John Nolen’s plan, over 100 acres was set aside for parks. To honor this rich heritage and as a prologue to the next century, we are upgrading our parks and green spaces to ensure that the residents of Mariemont and the surrounding community will continue to benefit from her legacy. Parks will remain an integral component of family life today just as they were in 1924.
This summer we will continue to develop and refine our restoration plans for Dale Park, Dogwood Park, and Hopkins Park. We welcome and encourage your input. We will be posting progress on our website www. mariemontpreservation.org/centennial and will be utilizing the Village website and email blasts for updates. You can also reach us at centennial@ mariemont.org with questions and comments.
We have already been aggressively seeking funds for these projects. While our progress has been impressive, we appreciate that we may not be able to complete all of the projects that we have planned. Here is a description of the current and evolving plans.

Dogwood Park
The Rehabilitation of Dogwood Park would include the construction of a trail loop walking path around the perimeter of the park. This trail loop would connect to the Whiskey Creek hiking trails with signage and trail information. The rehabilitation would also include the repositioning and rebuilding of the three baseball diamonds that are located in the park. The backstops and dugouts of the existing park are over 30 years old.
The baseball diamonds would be repositioned to provide for a green space and a clear vista to the Carillon Tower. The ideal positioning to hear the carillon bells are between 300-500 feet. The repositioning of one of the baseball fields would better accommodate this optimal positing while listening to the carillon bells.
The rehabilitation project would also include the installation of a limestone entrance to the Park. Bedford limestone was used in the initial construction of the Bell Tower. This entrance would include historical informational plaques on the history mechanics, and operation of a carillon.
Finally, the rehabilitation of the park would include the expansion of parking lots to improve universal access and provide for bicycle parking. The Village of Mariemont prides itself for the ability of its residents to age in place and this park would be another amenity for this population.
Dale Park
Dale Park includes the frontage of Wooster Pike from the Lich Gate to the Family Statue Park and the valley behind the Family Statue that includes a smaller baseball diamond. The
main feature of Dale Park is the Family Statuary Group, which is located at the high-profile corner of Wooster Pike and Plainville Road. The Family Statuary Group depicts three generations of a French peasant family. Carved in Paris out of French limestone, the group includes the standing figures of a loving father, mother and child in the center, and to each side there are seated figures of adoring grandparents with playful grandchildren on their laps. The statuary group entitled A L’Enfance (“to Childhood”) by sculptor Lucien Alliot was commissioned by the Mariemont Company in February of 1928. The unveiling and dedication of the family statue and the Carillon Bell Tower took place on Saturday November 16, 1929.
Unfortunately, over the years, rain and other environmental factors have dramatically deteriorated the Family Statuary. Today, the freezing and thawing continues to compromise the structure. The Mariemont Preservation Foundation has consulted with Midwest Art Conservation Center (MACC), Old World Restoration, as well as a number of art experts, and their overwhelming recommendation is that the Statuary Group will need to be covered and protected from the elements for it to survive.
The main objective for the Dale Park renovation is to protect and preserve the historic Family Statuary. The primary component of the renovation is to build a structure over the Family Statuary Group to protect it from further damage. The surrounding park and plantings would be updated to provide a more open and inviting environment
Cont'd on next page
One of two design plans for Dale Park Statuary updates
Park projects (from previous page)
and resident experience.
Dale Park Amphitheater
Just below the Family Statuary Group in Dale Park is a valley that slopes down on three sides that creates a natural bowl to accommodate naturalized seating for an outdoor amphitheater. The semi-permanent amphitheater would include a stage and storage/dressing spaces. The amphitheater would also include electrical to accommodate a lighting grid and speaker/ amplification. We anticipate that the amphitheater would be used by area schools, drama clubs, and civic groups.
Hopkins Park
Hopkins Park is located across the street from the Mariemont branch of the Cincinnati Public Library. The library will complete a renovation project this spring with the construction of a three-season patio that will face Hopkins Park.
Support Our Mariemont Centennial
May 1 marked the official launch of the private fundraising campaign for the Mariemont Centennial Commemoration. In this edition of the Town Crier we have included a flyer that details giving options. There are a variety of choices, including the opportunity to “adopt” one of our historic street lights for renovation.
Over the past several months, a committee of 25 of your neighbors has put together a framework for our Centennial Commemoration. We see this as the best opportunity in our lifetimes to do something significant and lasting for our Village. We view our efforts as a prologue to the next century of life in Mariemont; the legacy of our generation.
We have put together some ambitious goals for this Centennial and we do not know yet how many projects we will be able to complete. With your help, perhaps we can complete them all! We humbly request your support and welcome your ideas, suggestions, and input. You can reach us at centennial@mariemont. org. To learn more and to keep up with progress please visit us at www. mariemontpreservation.org/centennial.
Village
The addition will feature comfortable furniture, a skylight, and a ramp to ensure Library access to all members of the community. The goal of the redesign and renovation of Hopkins Park is to transform the park into a library park. The plan features a pedestrian walkway across Pocahontas Avenue to improve connections from the library to the park, the installation of handicapped
parking spots to improve universal access, outdoor spaces for storytelling, book walks, and other library events, and to provide improved screening from Wooster Pike for safety and noise reduction.
Please look for updates on these plans and please let us know what you think by reaching us at centennial@mariemont.org.

Community Thanks, Farewell, “Godspeed” and Welcome
By Pete McBride
Denis Beausejour has served Mariemont Community Church’s (MCC) membership for 18 years, ever since taking up that ministry in 2004 as the historic local church’s 13th pastor.
Pastor Denis earned a Master’s degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill., an institution founded in 1897. Denis and his wife of 40 years, Marianne, are surrounded with a loving family of four adult children and nine grandkids. Marianne also facilitates MCC’s prayer ministry. Pastor Beausejour will be retiring from his pastoral role July 1.
His impressive track-record as a senior executive with Procter and Gamble apparently equipped him well for his calling to pastorship. Starting at P&G in Toronto, Ontario, back in his native Canada, Denis rose to the rank of Vice President, Global Marketing, leading the organization’s initiatives in emerging marketsintroducing such signature products as Tide into growing consumer markets in China, Australia, and Japan.
Connecting Denis’ successful P&G career with his call to pastorship was not without some fortunate coincidence - and what some might consider “preordination.” While working in China, he attended a Christian retreat in Hong Kong led by business leaders. That experience of “finding Jesus” had - in his own words - a “profound” impact on him. Three years of volunteer service with Campus Crusade for Christ and the many “pastoral friendships” that he cultivated along the way made Denis aware of his calling to the ministry and to MCC.
As MCC's Co-Senior Pastor, Denis approaches his scripture-based ministry as “leading open-


handedly” and “helping to communicate to ‘everyday people’ what the Bible says.” He believes that pastors in any ministry should aim to adapt to individuals’ own needs, “meeting people to be served on their unique spiritual journeys.”
He metaphorically visualizes the church’s role as a pyramidal triangle, with outflow emanating from God at the apex, first to the church’s direct membership, then outward to the world beyond. He emphasizes that “a church” is not just a building, but rather a fellowship and community of believers, as was the early Christian church. And, as in the early centuries of Christianity, there should be less distinction between “clergy” and “laity,” with all believers and Christ-followers using their gifts and talents in sharing the “good news” of Scripture. This is the concept that facilitates a variety of forms and means of worship at MCC, including: traditional Sunday services
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with fellowship, sermons, readings, and music, mid-week evening services focused on prayer, worship, and equipping, and informal weekly get-togethers in small groups hosted by individual families in their homes.
In Pastor Denis’ vision, everyone can and does bring her or his own particular talents and gifts - whatever they may be - to support others: speaking, sharing, offering wisdom, leading, organizing, coaching, counseling, making music, cooking, cleaning, fixing, etc.
Such generous involvement materializes into the larger community, in many ways, such as: the church’s preschool program - one of the longest-running in Ohio; hosting meetings for community groups, including the Mariemont Boy Scouts and Girl Guide troops;
Cont'd on next page

MCC Co-Senior Pastors Denis Beausejour and Jamie Moore
Pastors (from previous page)




Cool Colors and Warm Days Ahead at the Barn
A Summer with a Flare for Kids
The Barn is providing two weeks of summertime adventures in art for kids grades 1-12 this summer. This year’s agenda includes drawing, painting, mosaics, weaving, miniatures, Manga drawing, embroidery, knitting, printing, “Sweater Critters,” and more. New this year: Learn to Paint the Bob Ross Way for kids entering grades 7 - 12. Maximum class attendance is 12 to allow for social distancing. Please visit http://the bar. regfox.com/2022 for more information.
Hog Bristle Show Continues
The Hog Bristle Painters’ show runs through May 15. Hours and Days: Weekends 1-4 p.m. and Weekdays 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
ARTFlix
May 12 - “Ansel Adams” (2002)

June 9 - Double Header: “Toulouse Lautrec & Montmartre” (2005) and “Renoir: Revered & Reviled” (2016)
Spring Adult Classes
Wednesdays
Oil Painting with Jan Boone: Ongoing
from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 1:15-4:15 p.m., throughout most of May. No summer classes. Instruction in technique, realistic rendering, and design. Four classes each month for $80. Call 513-382-7044 or janwrites@fuse.net.
Watercolors with Bruce Neville: Ongoing 7-9 p.m. Develop and expand your creativity and watercolor skills with Bruce Neville’s pay-as-you-go class, allowing you to work in as many classes as you wish around your schedule. This class is for advanced beginner | intermediate | advanced students. Each class begins with a demo by Bruce Neville. You will learn the process of painting watercolor in your style. Learn how to mix colors, create values and the importance of composition. $30 per class. To register, email bnneville@ aol.com.
Thursdays
Fundamental Drawing and Painting with Mary Lou Holt: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. OR 2-4 p.m., through July 7. $160 per eight-week series. Each class hosts sections for beginners and advanced artists. Call or write Mary Lou at 513-226-3833 or marylou@marylouiseholt. com. Instructor requires face masks and vaccinations.
Watercolor Makes Magic with Bobbi Thies. 9 a.m.- Noon. Runs through June 2. Contact Bobbi at 513-218-2418 or theisbobbi7@gmail.com
The Oil Painting Workshop with Charlie Berger: Begins at 6:30 p.m. Runs through May 26. This class is for oil painters with some experience who are looking for serious professional instruction and frequent personal feedback. Charlie provides instruction in both traditional oil and water-soluble oil. Charlieberger@gmail.com or 513-212-4679.
The Pastel Workshop with Charlie Berger: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Runs through May 27. All experience levels. Individual professional feedback and advice. Register at Charlieberger@gmail.com or 513-212-4679. $185 per six-week series.

Fridays
TGIF with Charlie Berger. 1-4 p.m. Six sessions. Runs through May 27. Each threehour drop-in class is $25. Charlieberger@ gmail.com or 513-212-4679.
Open to experienced beginners and above in any painting or drawing medium. Personal, professional instruction, feedback and advice geared to your individual skill level. Please call, text or email ahead to sign up for each individual Friday afternoon session.
Saturdays
Paint The Bob Ross Way. 2-5 p.m. July 9. (Also Sunday 1-6 p.m).
Sundays
Paint the Bob Ross Way. 1-6 p.m. June 12-July 10.
Save the Date
June 2: Contemporary Quilt and Fiber Artists Exhibition.
June 17-26: The Barn Painters. Opening reception is on June 17.
July 7-12: The Art Shodo Show
July 15: Sogetsu (Japanese Flower Arrangements)
July 22-31: Pat Buckley Art Show
August 4: Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society Summer Exhibition
“Art, freedom, and creativity change society faster than politics.”
~ Victor Pinchuk, Ukrainian Entrepreneur (Courtesy of BrainyQuotes)
Ansel Adams
The Best Kept Secret in Mariemont
By Teresa Earhart
Shhh… Mariemont has a big secret! Did you know that Mariemont Community Church (MCC) has operated its “Family Shop” thrift store for over 35 years? It has been in several community locations, initially moving between different rooms in the Parish Center, then to Madisonville during the Parish Center renovation. Finally, post-renovation in 2009, the Shop moved to its current “boutique” location in the Parish Center’s lower level.
The idea of the Family Shop began in the 1970s to replace bake sales as a way to fundraise for Women’s Ministries. It began as an outreach for missionaries, providing free clothing donated by the members. An early mission of the Shop was also to provide inexpensive clothing to members of the church and others in need who lived in the community.
Over time, the demand for clothing grew significantly. In the late 1980s, Women’s Ministries formed a partnership with a local consignment shop to donate their unsold/



unwanted items to the Family Shop. Shop volunteers pick up the donations and meet several times a week to sort and hang the donated clothing in the Shop.
The Family Shop has clothing for the entire family: women (including plus size and maternity), men, children and infants. To help you accessorize your wardrobe the shop has a wonderful assortment of beautiful

scarves, jewelry, and purses. Our shop’s “collection” of women’s shoes is large and not to be missed. You can find formal clothing, as well as casual and vintage clothing, trendy items, and maybe even a tux or a wedding dress! The men’s department continues to expand. Shoppers who aren’t interested in clothing can peruse household items such as vases, linens, candle holders, and other treasures.
The Shop often receives donations of designer clothing… brands like Michael Kors, Nicole Miller, Valentino, Worth, Tory Burch, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Dana Buchman, as well as Lucky Brand, Tahari, Vineyard Vines…the list goes on and on! You’ll also find many popular, well-known brands such as Banana Republic, Forever 21, Nike, BCBG, J. Crew, Hollister, Victoria’s Secret, Land’s End, Levi, Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Wang, Coach, and others.
The Shop continues the tradition of providing gently-used and occasionally new clothing to the community at extremely affordable pricing. All proceeds from shop sales are used by the MCC Women’s Ministries to support individuals and organizations, locally and worldwide. These include clothing and/or financial donations to: Tapestry of Love, Prison Ministry; Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU); Navigators, Cincinnati; Conductive Learning Center; Kingdom Warriors; Manna From Heaven, Myra, Ky.; Matthew 25; City Gospel Mission; and Hope Emergency Relief Organization.
Without the vision and willingness of long-time Mariemont residents and church members to volunteer, the Family Shop would have never been founded or flourished. Today’s volunteers continue that legacy.

The Family Shop is open to the public on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Visit our Facebook Page: The Family Shop, to sign up for a sale and to donate gently-used clothing. Prices generally range from $1-$5; children’s clothing $1; infant clothing 2 for $1. Only cash is accepted
Village Government
Village
Memorial Day: The offices will be closed on May 30, 2022.
Memorial Day Parade: The parade will start at 8:30 a.m. It will begin on Plainville and continue onto Wooster Pike, in front of the Municipal Building. The Outstanding Citizen Award will be presented in front of the Municipal Building.
Pool Membership Registration: The pool’s website has been updated with information for the 2022 season. You may purchase your pool membership online. Please visit https://mariemont.org/lifestyle/ swimming/ to find information on hours, rates, policies, and more!
Graduation Parties: Graduation is just around the corner, and we wish our best to the soon-to-be 2022 graduates and their families! As a reminder, Mariemont shelters may be reserved through our website (“Parks and Shelters” under the Lifestyles section). Please note: ALL reservable shelters in the Village have a maximum capacity of 30 people. No exceptions will be made for graduation parties. Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted in any Village park.
If you reserve a shelter for a private event, please make sure to bag your trash and take it with you. Shelters may be reserved for TWO HOUR blocks. The online reservation system automatically inserts 30 minutes before/after your reservation to allow time for set-up and clean-up.
Village Email List: Sign up for the Village’s email distribution lists to receive the latest news and alerts as well as Council agendas, committee meeting notices, and meeting minutes: https://mariemont.org/ registration-2/
Shred Day – Cancelled: The Community Shred Day which had originally been scheduled for early June has been cancelled. Residents may check https:// www.hcdoes.org/302/Documents for a list of shredding events and providers in the Cincinnati area.
News
Limb Collection: The Village Service Department has a scheduled limb collection route, determined by street name, to collect branches and large limbs. Branches and trimmings should be stacked in manageable bundles not to exceed 8 ft. in length or 50 lbs (do not place in boxes or cans) and set at the curb, or adjacent to the street where there is no curb (not in the street) after 6:00 pm the day prior to scheduled day. Items should be placed no later than 7:15 a.m. the scheduled day to guarantee pick up.
The pick-up dates are as follows: April 4/5/18/19, May 2/3/16/17, June 6/7/20/21, July 5/6/18/19, August 1/2/15/16, September 5/6/19/20, October 3/4/17/18, November 7/8/21/22, December 5/6/19/20. Visit the Service Department’s page on www. mariemont.org to view the Village’s limb collection schedule by street. Limbs and honeysuckle under 2 in. in diameter and smaller than 4 ft. should be placed in brown paper lawn and leaf bags or a container clearly marked as “yard waste” for Tuesday Rumpke pick-up.
Council Representatives
Mayor Bill Brown mayor@mariemont.org
Rob Bartlett rbartlett@mariemont.org
Susan Brownknight sbrownknight@mariemont.org
Leah Geldbaugh lgeldbaugh@mariemont.org
Marcy Lewis mlewis@mariemont.org
Kelly Rankin krankin@mariemont.org
Randy York ryork@mariemont.org
Independence Day: The office will be closed on July 4, 2022.
Fireworks: The fireworks show will be on July 4th at Dogwood Park. The Village is thankful for its generous residents and local organizations whose donations allow for events like this. Donations for the fireworks show can be mailed to Village of Mariemont at 6907 Wooster Pike
Spring is here! Gardening season is
By Mary Alice Maze
The Garden Club of Mariemont will be hosting its annual Plant Sale on Saturday May 7th from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. on the Village lawn in front of the Municipal Building on Wooster Pike.
Shop local for Mother’s Day plants, colorful annuals, come again perennials, veggies and herbs, and beautiful flowing baskets. Convenient parking on Wooster Pike.
Thank you for supporting our projects at the Butterfly Garden at the pool, Hopkins Park, and the North Entrance to Mariemont!
upon us!

The Butterfly Garden by the Mariemont Pool
Children
What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library May -August 2022
Indoor Library Babies — Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories, and movement. Ages birth to 18 months. Registration is required for both babies and adults.
Indoor Preschool Storytime — Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Enjoy books, songs, activities and more, while building early literacy skills. Ages 3-6. Registration is required for children and adults
Outdoor Movers & Shakers —Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
You and your child will shake it together! Sing, dance, and enjoy music, movement, and fun. Ages 1-4. Registration is required for children and adults.
In Person STEM: Robot Petting Zoo — Wednesday, May 18 at 4 p.m. Explore a variety of coding and robot kits including Botley Coding Robot, Code and Go Mouse, Code-a-Pillar, and more. Recommended for children ages 4-12 and their families. Registration required.
Outdoor Event: Summer Dance Party — Saturday, June 4 at 11 a.m. Kick off Discover Summer with a dance party, crafts, and more. All ages welcome.
In Person Coding Club — Monthly
Learn to code with new games and challenges every month. Laptops are supplied and no prior coding experience is needed. Recommended for Ages 8-12. Registration required. Thursday, June 16 at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 21 at 4 p.m. Thursday, August 18 at 4 p.m.
Outdoor Event: Honey Hill Farm Petting Zoo — Thursday, July 21 at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Program is offered twice; please register for one time slot.
Teens
Teens TED Talk — Thursday, June 23 at 4-5:15 p.m. Watch an entertaining and thought-provoking TED Talk video, then discuss it while enjoying and ice cream treat. Ages 10-18. Registration required.
Art Inspiration: Street Art — Thursday, July 14 at 4-5:30 p.m. Come look at and discuss different genres of street art! Ages 10-18. Registration required.
Adults
Mariemont Mystery Book Club — Monthly
Join us for lively discussions of books across the mystery subgenres. Registration encouraged. May: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman — Tuesday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m.
June: The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton — Tuesday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m.
July: The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler — Tuesday, July 19 at 6:30 p.m.
August: The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey — Tuesday, August 16 at 6:30 p.m.
Book Club — Monthly
May: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig — Thursday, May 26 at 6:45 p.m.
June: Title TBA — Thursday, June 30 at 6:45 p.m.
Library hours are 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Closed Monday, May 30, for Memorial Day; Monday, June 20, for Juneteenth; and Monday, July 4, for Independence Day.
Mariemont Branch Library, 3810 Pocahontas Ave. 513-369-4467
Village
Letters to the Editor
I was surprised to read Mr. Venderbush’s letter in the March Town Crier alleging a continuing “culture war” in the Mariemont School District (MSD). According to the Hamilton County Board of Elections, just 30% of the November vote went to the three school board candidates who ran on a platform of making structural changes to the content and manner of educating children about race and other so-called “controversial” issues. Those candidates who supported school leadership and the curriculum got 70% of the vote. The parents of the MSD exercised their parental rights by a massive majority to ensure that the book banning, classroom surveillance, legal and physical threats to librarians and teachers, bathroom bills, gag orders, and other nonsense that are crippling other school districts are not welcome in our community.
The reason for this landslide is that the concepts Mr. Venderbush describes as “new” to him are not new or scary to the majority of us. Those of us who lead and contribute to diverse teams have been involved with these ideas for years, in the hopes of becoming better colleagues, congregants, neighbors, and, most importantly, better Americans. Somehow we remain optimistic, patriotic capitalists. The MSD should prepare students to lead empathetically and collaborate with the people of all cultural backgrounds that they will find in the American workforce and consumer base. The business world will expect nothing less. How can they lead if they are taught that the experiences of their African-American colleagues with policing, wealth, housing, health, and racism are false and primarily about making sensitive white people feel discomfort? How can they lead if they learn that their LGBTQ colleagues are a sin against God, that the parents of trans kids are child abusers, that we now magically live in a post-racial world where skin color no longer matters, or that the goal of their Islamic colleagues is to destroy Western civilization (all viewpoints espoused by the sources we are asked to consider on Mr. Venderbush’s website)?
With the introduction of “Don’t Mention
Race” and “Don’t Say Gay” bills in Ohio, you might wonder what it will be like when you have to co-parent with the state government. The co-sponsor of the “Don’t Mention Race” bill stated in an interview that her bill’s requirement for impartial discussion of controversial events in history would require teachers to have students consider the position of the German soldier in writing a paper about the Holocaust. One would assume the same is true of the slave master or the police officer who murdered George Floyd. At Turpin High School, a Racial Awareness Diversity Day was due to be held with record student attendance only to be postponed the day before because of a handful of emails to the school board. The event was entirely optional and required a permission slip to attend, even for students over the age of 18. Has America grown so weak that legal adults who can vote and serve in our great military need Mommy and Daddy’s written permission to be exposed to mere ideas?
Mr. Venderbush’s website makes clear that the same panic has arrived in the MSD. The first link I followed went to a transphobic article on The Epoch Times, a publication best known for echoing QAnon conspiracy theories and antivax disinformation owned and operated by a Chinese religious sect. The “book reviews” consist of bullet points and a few personal reactions with all the intellectual rigor of a middle schooler who read the CliffsNotes. Look up the sources referenced in the articles and videos and read their websites and tweets to see what they believe. It will give you an idea of what we are in for if these folks are permitted to cancel the pedagogical wisdom that has made the MSD a perennial National Blue Ribbon School District and replace it with the educational equivalent of an angry Facebook post.
Giles Roblyer Mariemont Resident and Parent
It is regrettable that the Mariemont Town Crier has published several antivaccination letters that, regardless of how well intended, are based on misstatements
of fact. For example, an April 2022 letter asserts “that according to the CDC’s OpenVAERS database, [mRNA] vaccines have already caused 25,000 deaths and over 1.1 million adverse events. . . .” “As with most misinformation, th[is] statement g[o] t traction because [it] start[s] with a kernel of truth.” [Scary Reports of Deaths Following COVID-19 Vaccination Aren’t What They Seem, University of Missouri, www. muhealth.org/our-stories/scary-reportsdeaths-following-covid-19-vaccination-arentwhat-they-seem.]
The CDC’s website actually states “Reports of adverse events to VAERS following vaccination, including deaths, do not necessarily mean that a vaccine caused a health problem. More than 562 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in the United States from December 14, 2020, through April 4, 2022. During this time, VAERS received 13,853 preliminary reports of death (0.0025%) among people who received a COVID-19 vaccine.” [VAERS Summary, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html (emphasis in original, viewed Apr. 6, 2022)].
Not only is the report of 13,853 preliminary reports less than 25,000, but the “statistic offers no insight into the cause of death for those people.” [Scary Reports.]
For example, a 95-year-old nursing home resident who dies from a pre-existing condition weeks after being vaccinated would be included in the 13,853 even though the vaccine had no causal connection to the death. In fact, rather than 13,853 people dying after receipt of more than 562,000,000 Covid-19 shots, the CDC concluded only that “Continued monitoring has identified nine deaths causally associated with J&J/ Janssen COVID-19 vaccination.” While nine deaths are regrettable, the April 2022 letter ignores that “COVID-19 vaccines prevented more than 139,000 deaths during the first five months they were available.” [National Institute of Health, www.nih.gov/ news-events/nih-research-matters/vaccinesprevented-140000-covid-19-deaths-us.]
Although the letter accurately states that
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Letters to the Editor (from previous page) the no longer “experimental” mRNA vaccines increase the likelihood of myocarditis in persons under 30, it ignores that “Young males infected with the virus are up [to] 6 times more likely to develop myocarditis as those who have received the vaccine.” [Risk of Myocarditis from COVID-19 Infection in People Under Age 20: A Population-Based Analysis, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC8328065/ (rev. Mar. 21, 2022)]. This result is not surprising inasmuch as during “March 2020–January 2021, patients with COVID-19 had nearly 16 times the risk for myocarditis compared with patients who did not have COVID-19.” In short, children under 20 who are not vaccinated are more likely to develop myocarditis than those who are.
The letter, not unreasonably, expresses concern that the vaccines might have unidentified adverse long-term effects for children. What is clear is that unvaccinated children who are infected with Covid can develop long-term adverse effects. [See While Covid-19 causes relatively mild disease in most children, previously healthy youngsters are showing signs of longer-term issues related to the virus, www.bbc.com/ future/article/20220225-are-children-at-riskof-long-covid (Feb. 28, 2022).]
As the father of two Mariemont High School graduates and the grandfather of three grandchildren who still await the ability to be vaccinated, I believe that the science and statistics are clear. The science and statistics overwhelmingly demonstrate that the benefits of Covid vaccination for our children over the age of 5 materially outweigh the risks in both the short- and long-term.
Jack F. Fuchs, Mariemont Resident

Village
Town Crier Letter to the Editor Policy
Throughout its 41 years in publication, the Town Crier has been the “Voice of the Village of Mariemont.” And all along, the Town Crier has offered a Letters to the Editor section where community members can share their opinions and have a voice on a wide variety of topics.
As is the purpose of a “letter to the editor,” topics may range from a factual correction to a previously printed article, to praising or critiquing a previous letter to the editor or article, to thoughts/opinions about something happening locally or beyond. Sometimes “letters” can be controversial. Every reader is not going to always like or agree with the writer’s opinion. BUT, freedom to have a voice and share a thought as well as print it is our right under the First Amendment.
Rest assured, neither we the publishers, nor our writing staff, pick and choose what to run, nor do we edit out anything. What you see is what we receive. Aside from grammar/spelling corrections, if there is anything that won’t fit our page allotment, we contact the writer and offer for them to either reduce the size of their letter or offer to move it to another edition.
We print contact information within the first four pages of each issue on how to submit letters, articles and photos, and include a disclaimer on any Letters to the Editor pages we run, explaining that “opinions are those of the writer and not the publishers or staff of the Town Crier.”
We understand we are a small and close-knit community, and it’s comforting to see fun stories spotlighting residents and local businesses, factual information about our Village governance and history, upcoming events and classes, etc. We are also a community with diverse ages, backgrounds, beliefs, interests, and experiences. And in this digital age, where many socialize and vet things out through social media and emails, there are still readers who only get their news - or prefer to receive it - via a printed publication.
We are proud to provide printed news, and it is not our desire for this community publication to facilitate ongoing arguments, nor disallow readers to share their thoughts and opinions on important school/government/local topics. Let's share viewpoints and at times “agree to disagree.”
Our publication also needs to set word limits in order to be able to run what is submitted (every overage onto a new page requires adding a 4-page spread). And so, beginning with our 2022-23 season, we will be outlining guidelines for Letter to the Editor submissions. Look for more info in our September issue.
We wish everyone a joy-filled summer of exploring, gathering together, and sharing with our neighbors and community.


“Over 80 Years of Service”

Check out the Chamber
Please join area businesses for a networking event on Thursday May 12, 2022, 5:30-7 p.m. at the National Exemplar. Current and prospective members are encouraged to attend.
The Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce is also pleased to announce Lisa Hopkins, of the National Exemplar, as the President of the Chamber for 2022. Mariemont resident Claire O’Dell is also lending her marketing skills to the Chamber as the Interim Executive Director.
Check out information about the Chamber and its members at MariemontAreaChamber.com. If you would like membership information, please check out Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Application at: https://form.jotform.com/200153917798160

Community Village Worship Services

Village Church of Mariemont
Villagechurchofmariemont.org
Todd Keyes, Pastor
Jamie Keyes, Children’s Ministries
The Village Church of Mariemont meets in the Memorial Chapel on the Old Village Square. We invite you to worship with us Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Services are also live streamed at facebook. com/VCMChurch.
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
Upcoming Events
Summer Services: Church on the Lawn –check our website for Sundays we will worship outside on the lawn of the Chapel.
Women’s Bible Study continues the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month - mornings at 9:30 a.m. or evenings at 7 p.m. Contact Valerie McEnroe for more information at vmcenroe1@ gmail.com.
Men’s Lunch Discussion meets weekly. Contact Pastor Todd if you have interest at toddkeyes@villagechurchofmariemont.org
Kidz Connection continues Sunday
evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. for elementary age kids in our building at 3920 Oak Street. Our children learn biblical principles through science projects, crafts and discussion. If your children are looking for a group to engage with, this is it!
Mark your calendars! Labor Day Sunday (Sept. 4th) we will have our Church in the Park event at the Mariemont Bell Tower Shelter. All are welcome. Join us for a worship celebration with lunch following the service!
For more information about these events or to learn more about our church, visit our website at www.villagechurchofmariemont. org or contact Pastor Todd Keyes at toddkeyes@ villagechurchofmariemont.org.

Mariemont Community Church
mariemontchurch.org
Denis Beausejour, Co-senior Pastor
Jamie Moore, Co-senior Pastor
Paul Rasmussen, Worship Pastor Katie Smith, Interim 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 and 11:00 a.m., 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! Check mariemontchurch.org for any weekly details.
Family Shop Thrift Sale - 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Sign up to attend on our Facebook page: The Family Shop
Spring Activities
Women’s Ministries
JOY in the Morning: Tuesdays from 9:1511:30 a.m. at the Parish Center. Ongoing 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.
April 24 - May 29 Retiring Pastor, Denis Beausejour, leads a new sermon series titled, “But God,” centered on Paul’s last letters to Timothy and Titus, which are filled with wisdom for life today. He will share highlights from his time of

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