Framers’ Guild Owners Pass the Torch on a Mariemont Institution
By Carol Sanger
As the saying goes, it’s often not what you know, it’s who you know. Sometimes though, it’s more like what who you know knows about what you want to know. And when all of that comes together, there’s just one word to capture the moment...
Serendipity.
Few could argue that it wasn’t serendipity that first brought Judy Runnels and Pat Moores together more than four decades ago, turning Anderson Township neighbors into friends who then became business partners, successfully running the Framers’ Guild together in Mariemont for 44 years.
Nor could one say that serendipity didn’t play a role in David Smith’s decision to buy the Eisele Gallery in 2018, and to move it from Fairfax to Mariemont two years later – locating it across Madisonville Road from the Framers’ Guild.
days a week just trying to stay on top of everything. “I loved our time there and the people I met, and I knew I would miss that part of it,” she says, “but I also knew I couldn’t keep on that way.”
So what had begun as friends and neighbors deciding to go into the picture framing business together in 1980, came to a conclusion earlier this year when both Judy and Pat agreed the time had come to sell the business that had become a Mariemont institution.
Meanwhile, across the street, business at the Eisele Gallery was thriving and David had reached out to his friend, Jim Crooks, for some extra help. It came with a side of on-the-job training and exposure to the unique world of running an art gallery that specialized in traditional and contemporary fine art of exceptional quality.
These legacies of long-standing friendships and partnerships culminated in a changing of the guard earlier this year, after David Smith walked across the street and casually mentioned to Judy Runnels that he might be interested in acquiring the Framers’ Guild someday were she and Pat ever wanting to sell.
“I didn’t think he was serious,” Judy says of that brief encounter in the early fall of 2023.
And David admits that “Yeah, I did say it kind of off-handedly. I wanted her to know that I was interested, but I was trying to be sensitive, too.”
So time moved on as it is wont to do, and by December a lot had changed. Pat was experiencing her own health problems while needing to care for her husband ‘s illness at the same time. Being unable to be in two places at once, it meant that she was coming into work less and less often. That left Judy working without help and spending seven
For Jim, it was the closing of a circle that began with graduation from Earlham College in Richmond, Ind., in 1997. A year later, following David’s graduation from Miami University, the circle connected Jim and David through a mutual friend, with whom they opened a working art studio in Over-theRhine’s old Red Top Brewing Co. building.
Looking back on those days now, both men wonder how they managed to live and work in a building that was sweltering in
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Pictured L-R: Jim Crooks, Guild manager, framer, consultant, and artist; Judy Runnels, former Guild owner/partner with Pat Moores for 44 years; David Smith, owner of Eisele Gallery and Framers’ Guild.
A Letter From Mariemont Area Realtors to Residents
To the residents of the Mariemont City School District:
As real estate professionals working and living in the school district, we want to share our perspective on the proposed Mariemont City Schools Levy, Issue 27.
It’s fairly simple. Communities are defined by their schools, which in turn impacts the value of their homes. The number one factor bringing new families to our neighborhoods is the excellent reputation of the Mariemont City School District.
Our schools’ high achievement and strong support is a huge selling point to buyers and often the reason they end up purchasing in our community. The district’s reputation for quality programming, staff, and administration has a positive impact on the value of our homes.
Let’s come together as communities and support our number one asset, our schools. Please join us in voting FOR Issue 27.
Sincerely,
Shelley Miller Reed
Amy Roe
Avery Lindner
MacKenzie Elliott
Katie Cousino
Lauren Shteiwi
Megan Govert Willis
Steve Early
Carol Harris
Kelly Herkamp Pear
Rebecca Messenger
Jillian Kaminski
Jerry Garrison
Delta Crabtree
Malia Ridge
Ogle Annett
Club
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Framers’ Guild manager Jim Crooks custom frames a customer’s piece of artwork.
Kick-Off the Holiday Season with Luminaria at Old Town Square
By Meg Cooper
Luminaria is right around the corner on December 7. Luminaria will be held at Old Town Square and include chorus performances in the Village Chapel and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus after the tree lighting.
The evening kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with carols and speeches by MPPG President Alicia
Stock, the Town Crier, and Mayor Bill Brown. Raffle tickets are available to purchase with your luminaria kits for your family to win the honor of flipping the switch for the tree lighting following the kickoff activities.
Then, to the delight of the young and young-at-heart, the man in red will arrive in Old Town Square around 6:15 p.m. Families can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus until 8 p.m. Enjoy hot chocolate, generously provided
by Biggby Coffee, and cookies while visiting with neighbors and participating in the magical night.
Carriage rides will also begin at 5:30 p.m. in Old Town Square and continue through 8 p.m. Secure your carriage ride tickets ahead of time for $5 per person when purchasing your luminaria kits. Make sure to bring cash to purchase tickets the night of the event.
Do you think you have the best house on the block? Be sure to register for the House Decorating contest by Sunday, November 24! This year we will have three winners (first, second, and third place). In addition to bragging rights, each winner will receive at gift card to a local establishment!
You can register for the house decorating contest, purchase tree lighting raffle tickets, luminaria kits, and carriage ride tickets online or by mail by Friday, October 25. Paper order forms are inserted in this Town Crier issue, but you can also register and order Luminaria kits online by visiting www.mariemontppg. com/luminaria
A limited amount of kits will be available for an additional charge at the Boy Scout Christmas Tree Sale (located at the Mariemont Municipal Building/Firehouse) November 29 through December 1, and the day of Luminaria on December 7, from 12-4 p.m. each day.
We cannot wait to celebrate the holiday season with you at this Village favorite! Thank you for supporting MPPG and the Village of Mariemont.
Village Mariemont Wading Pool Construction is Underway!
By Alicia Stock Mariemont Pool Commission Member
The Mariemont Pool Commission is excited to announce that the recent capital campaign for a new wading pool was a huge success! Thanks to the incredible support of the Mariemont community, the campaign raised $254,000 on a goal of $252,000. The Village of Mariemont generously covered $84,000 (one third of the project cost), while over 125 individuals, families, and local businesses contributed the additional $170,000 needed to sign construction bids.
The capital campaign began in the spring of 2024 with several private donor contributions and was rolled out to the public in June. The Mariemont Pool Commission distributed flyers, hosted information booths at the pool, and met with individuals throughout the community to spread the word and gain support for the project. The campaign needed to gain traction quickly to meet tight timelines for demolition/ construction and fortunately surpassed expectations thanks to overwhelming public support.
Demolition has already been completed on the 70+ year-old “kiddie pool” that was original to the 1950’s installation of the Mariemont Pool complex. The kiddie pool was
badly in need of replacement and had to close a few weeks early this year due to the need for excessive repairs. The successful capital campaign came at the perfect time, and the new wading pool is on schedule to open for the 2025 pool season! This is a dream come true for many pool members, as the wading pool replacement has come up as a top priority on every member survey on record.
The Village of Mariemont selected Mid-American Gunite Pools to complete the pool installation. Mid-American Pools is the largest pool builder in the region, building approximately 80 pools per year. Mid-American routinely teams with Bzak Landscaping for the demolition, dig, decking, and hardscaping. Bzak immediately got to work when the pool closed for the season to complete the demolition phase of the project.
The outdated 1950’s 18 x 18 ft. square design is being replaced with a modern zeroentry style pool with twice the space for play and fun. The new 20 x 36 ft. wading pool will have four playful geysers in the beach-entry shallow end to delight kids and cantilevered parasols for shade in the 1.5 foot “deep” end. The pool itself will feature limestone coping, patterned floor and walls, porcelain tile along the edge, and plenty of seating along the edges for adults to relax while still being close to the children. The project also includes new aluminum fencing and
landscaping, a fully compliant safety gate, and an attractive retaining wall for extra seating along the edge of the new deck. The new infrastructure includes controls, recirculation and filtration to meet stringent state standards for a new wading pool.
The new wading pool would not be possible without the generous support of the community. The Pool Commission would like to thank the individual donors, the Village Council, and Mayor Brown for the unwavering support over the past several months. Walk or drive by the Mariemont Pool from time to time over the fall/winter and check out the progress. We can’t wait to unveil the finished product in time for opening day next year!
New wading pool design rendering
Bzak Landscaping began demolition on September 6, immediately after Labor Day closing.
The Taste of Mariemont Brings Community Together for End-of-Summer Fun!
It was another wonderful end-of-summer gathering at the annual Taste of Mariemont, sponsored by the Mariemont Preservation Foundation. Thank you to all the residents, business owners, organization members, and teachers who attended the event!
Photos courtesy of Steve Spooner. me@mariemontstuff.com
Top to Bottom, Left to Right:
1 – Scouts grilling corn on the cob, L-R: George Marsland, Carsen Hatch, Preston Badenhop, Connor Sullivan, Davis Wickham, Isabella Cox, Elizabeth Curran, and Andrew Moribito.
2 – Dave and Laurel Rinderle, owners of Mac’s, with daughters Lucy and Viv
3 – Councilman Rob Bartlett with wife and MPF archivist Linda
4 – Dave Spurgeon, Steve Watt, and Tony Jeter
5 – MHS teachers Marissa Zeller Szabo and Michael Hanley
6 – Brian Stock pulls a wagon train with daughters Anabelle and Addie and friends Sofie and Elsie.
7 – Chuck and Molly Stewart
8 – Jeff and Nancy Ayers, owners of Jersey Mikes
Community
Phase One of the Mariemont Connector Nears Completion
By Matthew Ayer
As this edition comes to print, construction crews are completing the segment of the Mariemont Connector from the Library to Miami Avenue. This 0.22 mile section of the path represents one more step toward connecting our community east and west to a regional shared-use path network. The new path segment already has use with strollers, recreational cyclists and walkers, and students getting to and from the high school. The following features were incorporated into the design of this segment:
Progress on the shared-use path on the median between Rembold St. and Hiawatha St. shows how the first phase of the Mariemont Connector is nearing completion.
• The path courses through the median between Rembold and Hiawatha in a manner to retain open play areas, while at the same time staying clear of the utility poles.
• The path’s gentle sways are intentional, for aesthetics, to terminate at the desired spots, and to meet the above objectives.
• The path design was narrowed to the current ODOT minimum of 11feet width.
• Mature trees (Turkish hazelnut) were preserved along Rembold, with all but a few of the “Fat Albert” blue spruce trees retained along Hiawatha.
• The intersection at Pocahontas and Hiawatha becomes a three-way stop for improved safety.
• The crosswalk at Miami is moved to the optimum location based on recommendations from traffic engineers. As an additional safety measure, the crosswalk includes rapid rectangular flashing beacons to enhance the conspicuity of pedestrians at the crossing to drivers.
• A donor recently made a pledge to sponsor three to five strategically placed
landscaped beds. Near zero-maintenance plantings with three-season interest are desired, likely echoing the most popular and vigorous beds on Murray Path. The Mariemont Garden Club has been asked to recommend locations and specific plantings.
• The Tree Advisory Board Master Plan includes new trees on the Rembold side: fringetree (under the utility lines), sassafras and sweetgum (the “no gumball” variety), and serviceberry on the Hiawatha side. These are long-range plans as Village, grant, and donor funding become available and as new tree plantings take place zone by zone each year.
What are the next steps toward a connected path becoming a reality?
To the East: The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and its engineering design firm are busy finalizing plans for the Columbia Connector. This selected design option for this segment will begin at the terminus of the Mariemont Connector behind the Library, down the undeveloped hillside, crossing Wooster Pike at the high school driveway, downhill along the south side of
Wooster, turning right past the Kroger fuel station, behind the Kroger store, and linking with the path behind Fifty West at a new bridge across Walton Creek. Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2026.
The engineers have designed a pathway such that there is no more than a five-percent grade at any point. The following diagram shows curves and switchbacks to meet that design criterion.
To the West: Over the next several months, planning meetings will be held to solicit resident
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My local knowledge and expertise can help you achieve your home buying, selling, or investing goals!
812-820-8933 mwillis@sibcycline.com
input and to determine next steps for possible intersection reconfigurations and path developments. Residents are encouraged to watch for details via the Village email list and future Town Crier articles for more information.
Common questions from residents are “Why is the path built in segments?” or “Why does the path stop behind the library?” and “Why does this take so long?” The answer is that urban path development time is measured in years, not months. Funding opportunities for our Village come in discrete bundles. Examples to date:
• Murray Path was designed and built with funding from a Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) grant, a grant from Columbia Township, and over 200 private donors.
• This first phase of the Mariemont Connector was designed and built with
Community
trail network, funded by private and corporate donors.
• The Columbia Connector involves multiple agencies and jurisdictions (ODOT, Great Parks, Columbia Township and Mariemont), requires right-of-way acquisition, and has additional requirements associated with federal funding and its interface with US Route 50. The wheels seem to turn slowly but the project involves drastically more steps than our recent village projects.
In summary, the vision of a shared-use path connecting Mariemont to our regional trail network is becoming a reality. Imagine, soon (in “trail time” that is) Mariemont’s path will connect to the Little Miami Scenic Trail. And to the Oasis Trail, connecting Lunken Airport to Sawyer
Mariemont Connector Phase 1 and future Columbia Connector design rendering showing how the path will traverse the hillside at no more than a five-percent grade.
will be making recommendations to Council with respect to next steps including public
Mariemont Connector (from front page)
Safety, Service, and Lessons for a Lifetime
By Margaret Jevic
This past August, two important events took place that help teach kids (and kids at heart) all about safety and service. Safety Village, a camp put on by the Mariemont Preschool Parents Group (MPPG) at the Mariemont Elementary School, is for rising Kindergarteners who learn over the course of a week important lessons for life.
The M.E. gym is transformed into a tiny town with a taped-out road where kids learn about the importance of wearing a helmet while riding their bike, how to safely cross the street, what different traffic signs mean, and
how to make good decisions when out alone - like knowing their parents name and who to find for help if they are lost.
They also get special visits by the Fire Department, the Police Department, and a 911 dispatcher. Participants learn when and how to call 911, bus-riding safety, and how to follow a fire safety plan. At the end of their week, they are presented with a special “Driver’s License” at their graduation ceremony where they officially become “Safety Experts” on the road to learning to take care of themselves and others while out in the world.
Down at Dogwood Park, the Village celebrated its annual Safety Services
Night where departments from all around Cincinnati graciously gave their time to bring their vehicles to the lawn to be explored, and every question under the sun asked and answered. When else do you have the opportunity to board the police boat or get into the back of the Hamilton County S.W.A.T van? The fan favorite K9 demonstration drew its usual crowd as everyone learned about the training and abilities of our skilled K9 officers and their partners, culminating in the highly anticipated “bad guy takedown”. At the end of the night, after all faces have been painted, hotdogs and popsicles eaten, and the fire engine thoroughly explored, the finale U.C. Air-Care medical helicopter landing is a
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K-9 Officer Matt Kurtz with K-9 Dasty, and Amberley Village K-9 Officer Andrea Ault with K-9 Creed, demonstrate while families look on.
Mariemont’s fire and police departments shared safety tips and demonstrations to youngsters during a week-long Safety Village camp at Mariemont Elementary School.
Safety Services Night (from previous page)
special treat. Kids are then invited aboard to see inside this important piece of the safety puzzle.
Safety Services Night provides us all the awe and appreciation of those who give their lives to the service of others, while simultaneously making those in uniform
Community
more human. Safety Village helps kids feel knowledgeable and confident in their ability to navigate their town and make good choices. After all, we are raising the next generation of fire fighters, policemen, and medical personnel. And it all starts with a trip around the gymnasium on a tricycle.
Photos courtesy of Steve Spooner. me@mariemontstuff.com
Top to Bottom, Left to Right:
1 – Sloan Semberg sits in a firetruck.
2 – UC Air Care Helicopter lands in Dogwood Park.
3 – L-R: Mayor Bill Brown, Police Chief Rick Hines, and Judge Josh Berkowitz
4 – Paige and Charlie Kranack
5 – Annabelle, Addie, and Riley Stock
6 – Chief Hines with Amol Deepsingh and his family, as one daughter has her face painted by Mariemont cheerleader Kaylee Buswell.
What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library — October 2024
Youth — Please note, our storytimes have changed!
Movers & Shakers — Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.
You and your child will shake it together! Sing, dance, and enjoy music, movement, and fun. Ages 1-4.
Library Babies — Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories, and movement. Ages birth to 18 months.
Toddler Storytime — Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Encourage emerging language skills with books, rhymes, music and fun. Ages 18–36 months.
NEW! KinderBridge Storytime — Thursdays from 2-3 p.m.
Get ready for kindergarten with stories, songs, and hands-on activities. Recommended for ages 4-6 years.
Stem Discovery Day — Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Oct. 23 from 4-5:30 p.m.
We offer a variety of hands-on STEM activities designed to inspire and educate. Drop in any time between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Recommended for grades 2-8.
Legos @ the Library — Saturday, Oct. 12 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Show us what you can build and connect with other LEGO enthusiasts.
Crafternoons: Spooky Slime — Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 3:30-5 p.m.
Create eerie, oozy slime that’s perfect for the Halloween season. For all ages! Registration recommended.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Club — Saturday, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Learn to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game, challenge other trainers, trade cards, and make new friends. Bring your own cards or play with one of our decks. Ages 7-15.
Spooky Ooky Time with May Festival MiNiS — Thursday, Oct. 24 at 10:30 a.m.
Wear your costume and get ready to learn some fun sing-along songs for the season!
R2-D2 Library Visit — Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Zoom over to the Mariemont Library to meet a life-size, working R2-D2 astromech! Chat with its creator, Steve Mays, and embark on a Star Wars scavenger hunt. Costumes are welcome!
Mariemont Monster Mash — Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Wear your favorite costume and dance the night away. Venture into our spooky tunnel (if you dare!) and enjoy a thrilling scavenger hunt. Plus, there will be plenty of library goodies for everyone. For grades K-6.
Adults
Which Craft: Knitting and Crocheting Group — Saturday, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Bring the knitting or crocheting project you're working on to the library and work with others.
Mariemont Mystery Book Club — Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us to discuss Wicked Autumn by G.M. Malliet. Copies available at the branch.
Your Library is Your Free Kindle Resource — Friday, Oct. 11 from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Bring your mobile device, along with any questions that you have about searching, borrowing, and managing Kindle titles through Libby, and join us as we learn all about accessing your library’s Kindle collection.
Book Club — Monday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us to discuss Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez. Copies 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
A Forever Home with Jackie Barnes Design
By Kim Beach
A product of White Oak on the west side of Cincinnati, Jackie Barnes was a driven woman from her early days at McAuley High School. Jackie then attended Xavier University where she majored in psychology, afterwards adding her master’s in sociology from the University of Cincinnati. She landed a job at Children’s Hospital, where she helped families for over 19 years.
During these 19 years, Jackie’s life had many exciting changes. In her early years, Jackie took up running and was involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma’s Team in Training. While training for the Chattanooga Triathlon, Jackie met her future husband, Josh. Josh was from Indianapolis but had landed in Cincinnati after graduating from UC’s DAAP program. Josh and Jackie settled down in Wyoming, Ohio, and eventually started a family. They have a son, Fletcher, who is 15 years old, and a daughter, Gwyneth, who is 13.
Amidst life’s highlights, Jackie was also faced with challenges. In 2015, she was diagnosed with lymphoma and went through a vigorous series of successful treatments. This was a pivotal moment in her life and she began to think about her “purpose and passion.” While attending a retreat with Crossroads Church in 2017, Jackie decided to pursue her dream of working in the design field.
creative outlet, so the birthday parties I would throw for my children were somewhat ridiculous.”
As a younger girl, she had always been interested in fabrics and textiles. Her creative spark also explains her “over the top” birthday parties for her children. Says Jackie, “I needed a
hustle. She posted her design-help availability on Facebook and work began to pick up. Jackie eventually went part-time at CCHMC and was enjoying her leap into the design world.
In April of 2019, Jackie quit her corporate job and opened the doors to Jackie Barnes Design. Looking for networking options with her new-found company, Jackie joined the Route 50 Networking Group (through a referral of her client, Rebecca Endres). I met Jackie through this group and was immediately impressed with her passion and work ethic. She loved doing business on the east side of Cincinnati and began looking for a permanent home for her business.
When her current space became available, Jackie jumped at the chance. The new home of Jackie Barnes Design at 4204 Plainville Road is “perfect,” Jackie says. She is thrilled with “the location, the neighbors and the energy of the area.” The studio opened in April 2024, and she is thrilled with the response. She is enjoying the sense of community, the walkability, the central location and the welcoming spirit she has enjoyed so far.
Her design career started with an easy request. Jackie had a friend who was an architect and a client who needed assistance with picking out a few light fixtures. After successfully tackling this project, Jackie continued to help the client with tile selections and other details. This client referred Jackie to another friend, and it evolved from there.
Jackie was still working full-time at Children’s while juggling her design side
She is excited to meet local families and help them to create memories with their “forever homes.”
As Jackie describes her design philosophy, “We care about giving our clients the best experience. We are working with your home; your personal spaces and it is an intimate process that we take very seriously. We want to work with homeowners to create what makes them happy. To help them find their style, not necessarily choose
Barnes (from previous page)
the style for them.” Jackie would also like to get involved in more commercial work, helping to style local boutiques and offices.
Design-wise, Jackie loves the color blue and is inspired by two fellow designers, Emily Henderson and Kelly Wearstler. When asked about a trend she would rather not see again, Jackie is quick to respond with “black plumbing fixtures!”
When not working, Jackie enjoys reading and running. She loves spending time in the Village and specifically enjoys the “perfect Mariemont day,” which includes shopping, dinner, a movie, and then ice cream - of course! Jackie has also traveled extensively and says her favorite destination is Japan. She loves how culturally different it is and embraces the true “humanity” of the country.
We are thrilled to have Jackie Barnes Design in the neighborhood and Jackie could not be happier. She relates, “I am so grateful to be where I am. I love our new location and appreciate the support we have received. We have an amazing team, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.” She is thankful she took the risk on her passion and reminds everyone to “lean into what you love.”
If you would like to contact Jackie or her team, you can reach them at hello@ jackiebarnesdesign.com, 513-374-8472 or for more information: www.jackiebarnesdesign. com
Community
Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce News
By Kim Beach
The Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce met Tuesday August 27 at Honey Designs Jewelry in the Mariemont Strand. Discussion items included the Chamber’s upcoming new texting program, which will be launched in October. To join the texting program and receive twice-monthly notifications about local events and sales, please text “Mariemont” to 1-855-725-3003.
The September meeting was held at Simply Well Chiropractic. If you would like information for the October meeting, please email mariemontareachamber@gmail.com If you are a local Mariemont area business and would like join the Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce, please check our website at www.mariemontchamber.com for more information and to fill out a membership form (scroll to bottom of landing page).
Member Updates and Offers
• Mariemont Care Center: Fall Fest on October 5, 7010 Rowan Hill Drive. The event is FREE and open to the public, with Pumpkin painting, food truck, face painting, a bounce house, and games. Check them out on Facebook at Mariemont Care Center.
• Thrive Natural Wellness: Twenty-five percent off Nutrition Response Testing initial consultations or fifty percent off all digital products. Scroll through their website at www. thrivecinci.com.
• IV Rejuve: B-12 shots and all vitamin/ mineral shots BUY 1 Get 1 FREE throughout September! Promo code BUY1GETSHOT. www.ivrejuvemobilehydration.com
• Jackie Barnes Design: Book an initial session before October 13 and receive $200 off. Visit www.jackiebarnesdesign.com
• Sherwin Williams: Forty percent off for LLC and business. Discounts for homeowners. See store for details.
Support Our Junior Couriers!
The Mariemont Town Crier is proud to present news and information about the activites, people, organizations, and schools that make Mariemont great.
Our wonderful staff is mostly volunteer, however our young couriers do receive a small stipend for their hard work sorting, stuffing inserts, and delivering your monthly issue.
Donations to the Crier Club go towards that stipend and help ensure our couriers get the Mariemont Town Crier to your doorstep eight times a year. Crier Club members are featured prominently for their support at the beginning of every issue for one year after their donation.
To join the Club, you can send your donation to:
Mariemont Town Crier 3914 Miami Rd. #207 Mariemont, OH 45227
Jackie
Deja-Boo: Reliving the Halloweens of Past Village
By Peter McBride
Witches and warlocks. Ghosts and goblins. Howling and hauntings. Pranks and pumpkins. Devils and demons. Spooky and scary. Tricks or treats.
All are part of the “spirits” of Halloween. But from where, when, what, and how did All Hallows’ Eve originate?
• Halloween traces its origins back approximately two millennia to the ancient Celtic religious harvest festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-win in Gaelic) in Scotland, Ireland, and part of Northern France.
• Led by Druid priests, festival participants were encultured to believe that the boundary line between the living and the dead melted away during Samhain.
• By the mid-first century AD, the then Roman rulers of the Celtic territories linked Samhain with two Roman festivals: Feralia, “commemorating the passing of the dead”; and giving thanks for a bountiful harvest to Pomona, “goddess of fruitful abundance.”
• In 609 AD, Pope Boniface IV launched All Martyrs Day in the Western Catholic church. Pope Gregory III broadened that honorific to include all saints, changing the date to November 1. And November 2 later became All Saints Day to honor all those
deceased and departed - and quite possibly to further offset any remaining vestiges of Samhain with a more then “theologically correct” Christian holy day.
• The middle English word alholownese means “all saints” (or “all hallows”). The night before All Hallows Day (All Saints Day) on November 1, is All Hallows Eve on October 31 – better known as Halloween.
Over the centuries and throughout multitudes of countries and cultures, Halloween customs and rituals have blossomed like…well…like magic.
• Donning costumes was originally a safeguard to prevent the living from being recognized by roaming ghosts.
• Devout believers begged and collected foodstuffs that could be given to appease those spirits that roamed the countryside.
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Here are some frighteningly funny Halloween Riddles to share… perhaps with any trick-or-treaters who may come to your door:
Q. How do you open the locked door of a haunted house?
A. Use a spook-key.
Q. How does a zombie get to be the best in his/her profession?
A. Dead-ication
Q. How do you get rid of an evil demon during a workout?
A. Exor-cise
Q. What’s the problem with twin witches?
A. You never know which witch is which.
Q. How do ghosts keep their hair neat?
A. Scare-spray
Q. Why did the man ghost fall in love with his ghoulfriend?
A. She was boo-tiful.
Q. Why did the baby ghosts cry?
A. They missed their mummy.
Q. Why are skeletons afraid to go to the doctor?
A. They haven’t got the guts.
Q. How do you repair a broken pumpkin?
A. You use a pumpkin patch.
Q. Why was the pumpkin so futuristic?
A. It was always ahead of the “carve.”
Q. What was the ghost doing when she got home from trick-or-treating?
A. Goblin up her candy.
Q. What is a math teacher’s favorite Halloween treat?
A. Pumpkin Pi.
Halloween (from previous page)
• It was believed that generous donors would be blessed and prosper (treated); the stingiest and less generous would be cursed and suffer illness and misfortune - even death (tricked).
• Jack-o-lanterns were originally carved from turnips, but U.S. immigrants from Ireland (where turnips were in short supply) substituted pumpkins.
• The Irish myth of “Stingy Jack” who pranked the Devil for his own ill-gotten gains was sentenced at his death to roam the earth carrying a lantern (or carved out turnip) for light. Hollowed-out pumpkins with candles inside represent Jack’s travails.
• Some lost and pretty-much-forgotten Halloween traditions involved helping young maidens to determine if they would someday find a husband, and who that future spouse might be, by looking for a ring in their mashed potatoes; tossing hazelnuts into the fireplace; eating a sweet and sugary concoction; tossing apple peels over their shoulders; or bobbing for apples. All of these traditions apparently predated on-line dating and matchmaking services.
Yes. Halloween started out as a “spiritlifting” harvest festival with historic origins, customs, superstitions, and legends, “witch” still provides millions of people – young and old - with fun, goodie bags overflowing with treats, costume parties, and good times. And yes… maybe even some goosebumps.
Whatever the case, may your own Halloween be truly spook-tacular!
Sources used include: Library of Congress blogs, history.com, Scholastic kids Press, spirithalloween.com, HouseBeautiful.com.
Community
Fairfax Events & Activities in October
By Chandra Buswell Fairfax Forum Editor
The Village of Fairfax enjoys being neighbors with Mariemont and would love to make sure that the residents of Mariemont know about the events in Fairfax that they might like to join in!
Find more information on these and other events on the Village of Fairfax Facebook Page!
Weekly Playgroup: Tuesday mornings at the Fairfax Rec Center
Rec Arts: Children’s arts and crafts at the Fairfax Rec Center. Next date October 5 Registration required.
Chess and Game Night: At the Fairfax Rec Center. Next date October 7.
Little Miami Fire Department Neighbor Day and Chili Cookoff: Hosted with the Village of Fairfax and Columbia Township
on October 12. Email lmfrchili@yahoo.com for information on submitting your chili for the contest!
Book Club: Monthly with the next one on October 15
Fifth Third Financial Wellness Classes: Monthly, and FREE, in the Fairfax Rec Center. Email jeanette.trujillo@53.com for more information and to register.
Hocus Pocus Double Feature in the Park! Join us for two FREE movies in Ziegler Park off Southern Ave on October 26. Starting at 7 p.m. with Hocus Pocus and then followed by Hocus Pocus 2!
Fairfax Creative Arts Club: Next date October 28. The FCAC is a creative group who get together to work on fun art projects. Think a book club for creative people!
Community
Kiwanis Art & Craft Market Enjoys Another Successful Year
By Suzy Weinland
This year’s Kiwanis Art & Craft Market took place on Sunday, September 8 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. It was a beautiful fall day for perusing the one-of-a-kind goods from more than 90 artisans and vendors from across the tri-state.
This year’s participants sold everything imaginable! Custom-made jewelry; estate jewelry; original watercolor and oil paintings; hand-thrown and glazed pottery for the home and garden; hand-carved woodworking; seasonal décor and goodies; local honey, salsa, dipping spices, sauces and more; French linen table runners, placemats and napkins; handpoured soaps; repurposed wool items turned into mittens, hats and scarves; and upcycled quilts made into sweatshirts, jackets and pouches.
And of course, the Village Church of Mariemont was once again on hand to feed hungry shoppers with delicious grilled selections, chips and soda.
The annual Kiwanis Art & Craft Market is held every second Sunday in September and is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Kiwanis Club of Mariemont.
Clockwise from top left:
1 – The 2024 Art & Craft Fair was bustling with shoppers and over 90 vendors!
2 – The Loop booth was a hit with jackets, sweatshirts, and pouches made by Megan Weinland (L, with friend Kailyn) from repurposed quilts and tapestries.
3 – L-R: Pat Sabo, Cynthia and Dennis Wolter, and Miguel Keyes, with Ray Sabo at the grill, work the food booth, sponsored by the Village Church of Mariemont.
4 – A visitor looks for the perfect treasure at the MariElder’s booth.
5 – Hungry shoppers wait in line at the VCM food booth.
MariElders Embraces Seasonal Changes
By Erin Rothfuss Executive Director
As fall unfolds with its vibrant colors and crisp air, let’s take time together to reflect on the season’s lessons about change. Just as leaves fall to make way for new growth, this is a great opportunity to review and adjust your plans for the future.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7. Use this time to review your medical plan and make any necessary changes. Additionally, consider creating or updating your advanced care planning documents. Discuss your
healthcare wishes with your family, doctor, and attorney to ensure all of you are clear about your future wishes.
In this season of transition, let’s support each other through both joyful and challenging conversations. Whether you’re enjoying cozy moments or facing difficulties, remember you’re not alone. Embrace the changes fall brings and lean on your community for support. Together, we can navigate this season with grace and resilience.
For information on MariElders services and activities, visit www. marielders.org or call us at 513-2715588.
MariElders members take in the Monet Experience.
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
Sweet October at The Barn
Thank you!
Applying for and writing grants is an important ongoing effort by The Barn’s staff and talented board members. It is highly competitive. The Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati Foundation is extremely grateful to the following foundations and campaign donors who have kept our doors open and funded essential projects at The Barn through grants awarded between 2019-2024. This includes our popular family programming for adults and children, operating expenses, and The Barn’s exterior renovation, which is still ongoing.
Thomas J. Emery Memorial Fund
Harvie Trust
William G. and Mary Jane Helms Charitable Trust
Mariemont Preservation Foundation
Ohio Arts Council
Scripps Howard Foundation
Louise Taft Semple Foundation
Vista Foundation
Wohlgemuth Hershede Foundation
Private campaign donations include the “Buy a Shingle Campaign” and the “WACC Matching Campaign.”
Education
For a complete list of classes, please visit www.artatthebarn.org.
King Me: Made Of
Come see the photography of Nina Wells at The Barn, October 5-27. Black men and boys donned with crowns signify hope, perseverance, and achievement.
Nina Wells, widely recognized in the art realm as ninamdot, crafts a world where photography transcends mere images, becoming a narrative of passion and social reflection. Since embarking on her artistic journey in 2014, Nina has interwoven her
love for the lens with the tapestry of her community, creating pieces that resonate with authenticity and engagement.
ninamdot’s King Me Indefinite installation has been a public art staple in Cincinnati since 2020. Her selection from 300 applicants to execute this outside art installation speaks volumes of her exceptional talent and vision. Managing everything from weekly plans to budgets, and even guiding youth apprentices, ninamdot has established herself as a creative leader, fostering team rapport and solving problems through innovation and resourcefulness.
ninamdot continues to redefine the boundaries of photography and art. Her work is not just seen — it is experienced. It challenges, inspires, and ignites a dialogue that extends far beyond the confines of a
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The Barn (from previous page)
frame. As she continues to evolve and create, one thing is certain: ninamdot is painting her legacy with the indelible ink of artistic brilliance.
The Barn Painters
The Barn Painters return for the 2024 Exhibition of new works by emerging artists. This group of 15 painters meets at The Barn each week to paint in oils and share ideas. The subject matter of this work varies from dogs to seascapes to portraits and everything in-between. The public is welcome to meet the artists at the opening reception to be held in the main gallery on Friday, October 11, 6-8:30 p.m. Additional Barn gallery hours are Friday 10 – 2 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 1-4 p.m.
All-Member Show: The Art We Make
The Barn, also known as The Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center, is pleased to host The Art We Make— an annual exhibition presented by The Woman’s Art Club. The show opens for public viewing from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20 and continues through Sunday, Nov. 3. Weekday gallery hours include Tuesday – Friday from 10 a.m. -2 p.m. and on weekends from 1- 4 p.m. The show takes place at The Barn, 6980 Cambridge Ave.
Drawing works from more than 250 members, the exhibition showcases various media artworks representing the unique experiences and expressions that color each member’s art. For more information and updates about this exhibition, visit www. womansartclub.com.
Visitors will have a chance to vote for the People’s Choice Awards.
ONE GIANT SUB GET ONE
Halloween: Trick or Treat will be observed on Thursday, October 31, 6-8 p.m.
Holidays: Offices will be closed on October 14 for Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Shelter Reservations: The online reservation system will be shutting down October 14 for scheduled website maintenance.
Leaf Collection: Leaves will be collected by the Village from October 21 through December 30. Simply rake leaves to the front of your lawn near the curb (but NOT into the street) and the Village will collect these leaves. Please be sure your lawn company knows to keep the leaves out of the street. Leaf collection will go faster if cars are parked in driveways during the day and if ONLY LEAVES are in the piles on the curb. The crew has to stop to pick out sticks or other debris that can damage the leaf vacs. Thank you for your cooperation!
Village Village News
Please Remember…
• Do NOT rake leaves into the street — this is a safety issue for our employees and creates parking problems.
• The week of Thanksgiving and the week before Luminaria, leaf pick-up will be light as the department prepares for Luminaria/tree lighting.
• Prior to October 21 and after December 30, leaves must be bagged for pick-up in brown paper yard waste bags, available at most hardware stores and Kroger, or a can marked “Yard Waste” and place them at the curb after 6 p.m. the day before your RUMPKE pick up. They’ll be picked up by Rumpke on the same day your trash is collected. Bagging your leaves is the best option if you are concerned about leaves sitting on your grass, as the leaf vacuum schedule can change frequently. Your patience is appreciated!
Council Representatives
Mayor Bill Brown mayor@mariemont.org
Rob Bartlett rbartlett@mariemont.org
Susan Brownknight sbrownknight@mariemont.org
Matthew Ayer mayer@mariemont.org
Marcy Lewis mlewis@mariemont.org
Robert Van Stone rvanstone@mariemont.org
Randy York ryork@mariemont.org Luxury your way, every day.
The only thing better than a Porsche? The whole fleet. With our Porsche Drive subscription, rent any Porsche you desire for the day, week, month, or more. It’s luxury with no limitations.
513.271.3200 4113 Plainville Road Cincinnati, OH 45227
SALES HOURS
Mon. – Thu. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Community
Village Worship Services
Village Church of Mariemont
villagechurchofmariemont.org facebook.com/VCMChurch
Mariemont Memorial Chapel Offices at 3920 Oak Street
Todd Keyes, Pastor Jamie Keyes, Children’s Ministries
Summer has come to a close, and we invite you to worship with us this fall on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Mariemont Memorial Stone Chapel. Our children’s classes and office are just off the Old Village Square at the corner of Oak and Maple Streets (3920 Oak Street). We also livestream all our services at www.facebook.com/VCMChurch
We are a small church with a big heart. We strive to be a Christ-centered caring community, providing relevent teaching from the Bible and authentic relationships. In today’s fast-paced world, we offer a place to slow down, connect, and build lasting friendships.
Our Kidz Connection program is a fun way for children (Nursery to 6th Grade) to learn about God and the Bible during our Sunday morning worship services – 9:3010:30 a.m.
Trail Life USA (OH-1199) is a Christcentered, boy-focused mentoring and discipleship journey that speaks to the heart of a boy. Boys from ages 5 to 17 are engaged in a troop setting with outdoor adventures by male mentors where they are challenged to grow in character, understand their purpose, serve their community, and develop practical leadership skills. Troop Meetings will be 6:30-8 p.m. every other Thursday at 3920 Oak Street in Mariemont. Troop sign-up at www. TrailLifeUSA.com – click the button “Find a Troop.”
American Heritage Girls (OH-1346) is a Christ-centered character and leadership development program for girls 5 to 18 years of age. AHG is dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. Troop Meetings will be 6:30-8 p.m. every other Thursday at 3920 Oak Street in Mariemont. Troop sign-up at www. AmericanHeritageGirls.org – scroll down and click the button “Find a Troop.”
Women’s Bible Study meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 4-5:30 p.m. in our Oak Street Fellowship Hall. Check our website for more information.
Men’s Lunch Discussion meets weekly. Contact Pastor Todd if you have interest in this study at toddkeyes@ villagechurchofmariemont.org
For more information about these and other events or to learn more about our church, visit our website at www. villagechurchofmariemont.org or contact Pastor Todd Keyes.
Mariemont Church
mariemontchurch.org
facebook.com/MariemontChurch
The Clocktower Building at 3908 Plainville Rd. 513-271-4376
Jamie Moore, Lead Pastor
Paul Rasmussen, Worship Pastor
Katie Smith, Kingdom Kids Director
Renee Brownfield, Preschool Director
Mike Brownfield, Director of Operations
Nancy Clausen, Office Manager/Communications
Sunday Morning Services take place at 9 and 11 a.m. Livestream services at our website, www.mariemontchurch.org,
and YouTube, www.youtube.com/ MariemontChurch
Current Sunday Series: “...With Him”: Living life with Jesus daily.
Kingdom Kids Sunday School takes place for infants (nursery) through grade 5 during both Sunday morning services at 9 and 11 a.m. Contact Katie at katie@ mariemontchurch.org for more information.
Next Chapter Youth Group for Junior High and High School (Grades 6-12) meets Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. Contact Katie at katie@mariemontchurch.org for more information.
Women’s Ministry: Worship, prayer, connection and community. Grow closer to God and in relationship with other women at Mariemont Church.
• JOY in the Morning Bible Study starts September 17 and meets Tuesdays from 9:15-11:30 a.m.
• Evening JOY Bible Study starts September 16 and meets 1st/3rd Mondays of the month from 7-8:30 p.m.
Weekly Worship, Prayer, and Meditation Opportunities: Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10-11 a.m. in the Clocktower Building Auditorium. Join us for worship, prayer, and ministry time. All are welcome! Come for a few minutes or stay the whole time.
Men’s Friday Morning Bible Study: Starting at 6:30 a.m. every Friday.
Small Groups are available for adults including 20s-30s and seniors.
Mariemont Church Pre-School is in Session! To learn more, contact Renee Brownfield at preschool@mariemontchurch. org
To learn more about events and offerings at Mariemont Church, visit www. mariemontchurch.org or contact Nancy Clausen at nancy@mariemontchurch.org
