Mariemont Town Crier, April 2024, Volume 48, Issue 7

Celebrate a “TREE-mendous” Spring in Mariemont

By Pete McBride

After the pure “tom-foolery” (with all due respect to everyone named Tom) of April Fool’s Day has passed, it’s time to spring into Spring in our Village.

Nothing signals the arrival of Spring more than April’s “Arbor Day.” (Except maybe the return of baseball and dandelions.) To quote an updated history.com article from April 2017: “Arbor Day - which literally translates to ‘trees’ day from the Latin origin of the word ‘arbor’ - is a holiday that celebrates the

planting, upkeep, and preservation of trees.” This year - as in most years - National Arbor Day in the U.S. will be celebrated on the last Friday in April, which in 2024 is April 26.

Several countries across Europe as well as Canada, Australia, and Japan hold their own versions of Arbor Day. In the U.S., Presidents Theodore Roosevelt (in 1907) and Richard Nixon (in the 1970s) referenced Arbor Day in their environmentally-focused efforts and messaging.

Mariemont has several special reasons for celebrating “Arbor Day" each year.

• In March 2007, Mariemont was recognized as a “Tree City U.S.A.” by the National Park Services, largely thanks to the efforts of the late Willard F. Rogers, Jr. and MPF. The Village has retained its “Tree City” status for years.

• In keeping with Mary Emery’s vision of a “garden city,” many of the Village’s original trees were purchased from Mount Vernon, George Washington’s Estate, by John Nolen as part of his historic urban planning for Mariemont.

• MPF continues to help fund the Village’s trees.

• In February, 2021, Village Council established the five-member volunteer Tree Advisory Board to oversee, protect, and promote awareness and education related to Mariemont’s “urban forest” and to Arbor Day activities. For more information, read Margaret Jevic’s informative article

in the March 2024 Town Crier. Or email MariemontTrees@gmail.com

Some of the more noteworthy trees in Mariemont include:

• Although yet to be confirmed, there have been reports concerning what might have been one of the largest trees in Mariemont: a huge oak that grew on Oak Street, at Cherry Lane, approximately opposite the Old Village Square, and near the Village Church of Mariemont. Photos (left) show the alleged tree being planted in 1927 and (above) as it stands today. Any information on or visuals of that tree from readers are welcome! (Send to MariemontTownCrier@gmail. com.)

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The "Old Oak Tree" being planted in 1927 (Photo courtesy of MPF)

The "Old Oak Tree" today

IN MEMORIAM

Kenneth L. Pendery Jr. (1954 – 2024)

It is with immense sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend and founder of The National Exemplar Restaurant, Ken Pendery, Jr.

After a multi-year battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) he passed away on March 4, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in Denver.

Ken was the epitome of “You First,” and everyone who crossed his path is better for it. The National Exemplar Restaurant is what it is because of Ken.

His dedication to people, relationships, community, and always striving to do the right thing has been a hallmark for us at The National Exemplar Restaurant.

We are saddened by his loss, but we will always cherish the memories and continue working hard to uphold all his standards at The National Exemplar.

Please keep Ken, his family, and The National Exemplar in your prayers and thoughts.

The

THANK YOU for your support! Funding for production of the Town Crier comes solely from our advertisers and your contributions. Individuals contributing throughout the publishing year will have their names included in each remaining issue. Your contribution can be mailed to: Mariemont Town Crier c/o Matt Weinland, 3914 Miami Rd. #207 Mariemont, Ohio, 45227 Club

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Contributors

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Carol Sanger csanger1@me.com

Photographer

Steve Spooner me@mariemontstuff.com

Junior Couriers

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May deadline:

The deadline for the next Town Crier is April 10, 2024

All camera-ready ads and articles must be submitted by 5p.m. to Matt Weinland at MariemontTownCrier@ gmail.com. Articles should be sent via email in Microsoft® Word, with photos sent as .jpg files of at least 350KB.

Payment and advertising contracts should be submitted to: Matt Weinland, 3914 Miami Rd. #207, Mariemont, Ohio, 45227

Arbor Day (from front page)

• “A Black Oak, near the southwest corner of the Pioneer Cemetery (near the gate) was estimated to be 150 (+/-) years old, [thus] pre-dating the Civil War.” This information was discovered over a decade ago by longtime Mariemont resident and current Town Crier contributor Matt Ayer, along with Jack Butcher, a veteran Certified Arborist for Madison Tree Service, when they conducted a survey of cemetery trees.

• Another 100-year-old Oak Tree on Belmont Street fell in a major thunderstorm in May, 2022.

• In April 2023, as a co-celebration of Arbor Day and Mariemont’s Centennial, as written in a Dec. 2023 Town Crier article by Margaret Jevic, “a Northern Red Oak was planted at the corner of Wooster and Oak Street. That November, the tree was honored with a plaque describing its species and significance for posterity.”

Finally - and not to go out on a limb, but merely to branch out further on this subject - we “leaf” you with this simple quiz about Mariemont’s arboreal treasures:

Village

Q. Which streets in Mariemont are named after trees or tree-related terms? Answers are below. And please, no sneaking a peek in the Village Directory.

A. Beech Street, Cherry Lane, Chestnut Street, Elm Street, Grove Avenue, Linden Place, Lytle Woods Place, Maple Street, Oak Street, Park Lane

Please feel encouraged to visit many or any of Mariemont’s heritage trees and to also share info on any of the Village’s most noteworthy trees. Every effort has been made to authenticate the information in this article, but amendments, corrections, and comments are very welcome, as are any related photographs.

Special thanks to Janet Setchell, Amanda Conners, and the MPF archives.

Sources used include: The New York Times, A&E Television Network’s history. com, Mariemont Town Crier (Margaret Jevic, Dec.2023), Arbor Day Foundation arborday. org, Mariemont.org, Wikipedia Commons, Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF).

A tree being moved on Chestnut Street (Photo courtesy of MPF)

A variety of trees surround the carillon at Dogwood Park (Photo courtesy of Steve Spooner and MPF)

By Kim Beach

Mapleton Social: An Empty Nester’s Journey

It is a story that so many of us are familiar with. We raise our children; they go off to college and our minds start to wonder “what is next?” For Cammy Trubisky, her creative juices started flowing and she ended up with her first novel. Below she shares her journey to becoming a published author and gives some advice to anyone who is thinking about taking on the challenge of book writing.

Town Crier (TC): What inspired you to become a writer?

Cammy: Once upon a time, in August 2021, I moved my children into college. Not wanting to go home to an empty house, I drove the opposite direction. I discovered a quaint town and wondered what would happen if I were not happily married and had a loving husband to go home to. So, I picked up a pen, and started writing. Mapleton Social is my first novel. Prior to this experience, I never had an interest in writing.

TC: What was your prior career/job?

Cammy: I am a speech pathologist.

TC: Can you share the journey of your first published work?

Cammy: When I finished Mapleton Social, I decided that I wanted to publish it. It’s a sweet story about an empty-nester moving onto the next stage of life, and I thought others might enjoy reading it. It’s a story of family, friendships, and new beginnings. Having never written a book before, I decided to use a company called BookBaby. They really help you along the selfpublishing journey. I learned a lot from them

and am using them with my second novel that is being released this summer.

TC: How much does your own life influence your storytelling?

Cammy: I use a lot of my personal experiences in my writing.

TC: What has been the most rewarding aspect of being an author?

Cammy: The most rewarding part of being a new author is pushing myself to do something that I never thought I could do before- write a book.

TC: What do you want people to take away from your writing?

Cammy: I hope that reader’s take away enjoyment. I like happy, peaceful stories that are full of hope. I hope that my readers are left filled with that!

TC: What advice would you give to aspiring writers who are contemplating writing a book?

Cammy: The advice I would give is to just start writing! You never know where your words will take you!

TC: What is next for you?

Cammy: I have a second book called “Return to Birch Woods” coming out this

summer. I am also currently enjoying traveling, pickleball, and skiing!

TC: Tell us about your family!

Cammy: My husband is Ron and we have 21-year-old twins, Ellie and Will. Our dog is Mollie.

TC: How long have you lived in Mariemont and what made you move here?

Cammy: We moved to Mariemont in 2008 and picked it because we wanted to raise our kids in a community that was walkable and friendly.

TC: What is your favorite spot in the Village?

Cammy: The South 80 Trails! I love to walk them and think it’s a gift that our community has available.

“Mapleton Social” is available at Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, BookBaby, and Kobo. And watch for Cammy’s new book “Return to Birch Woods” at the same locations this summer!

Cammy Trubisky signs her first book.

Community Invited to Enjoy Exemplar Anniversary Week

By Lisa Larkin Private Dining Manager

Founded in April 1983 by brothers Ken and Paul Pendery, The National Exemplar has been a cornerstone of the Village of Mariemont for 41 years.

Ken and Paul Pendery had the vision to open a restaurant built on consistency, fresh ingredients, great food, and great people. They brought their vision to life on the first floor of the Mariemont Inn, right in the heart of Mariemont. The restaurant started as a place where family, friends, and neighbors could gather, share stories, and make memories together. With its cozy fireplaces, comfortable atmosphere, and delicious food, the National Exemplar became an instant hit.

Over the years, the restaurant has become ingrained in the community. As Mariemont has grown, so has the restaurant. With five refreshes since it opened and the latest in 2022, the National Exemplar strives to grow with the neighborhood. Since 1983, the National Exemplar has become a place for families to dine and spend quality time together.

Forty-one years later, members of those families continue that tradition by bringing their children and grandchildren to dine with us. Countless memories are made yearly through dining, wedding and anniversary celebrations, birthdays, baby showers, graduations, and more. Through this time, more than 15 "National Exemplar couples" have met while working at the restaurant, and their children now work at the restaurant.

As a neighborhood restaurant, the National Exemplar always serves the community in the best way possible. From supporting local schools, hosting its signature Great Food for a Great Cause program, and supporting other businesses and programs, The National Exemplar is still as important in the neighborhood as it was the day it opened its doors in 1983.

The neighborhood is invited to join in the Exemplar’s annual anniversary celebration, April 9-14. Events include:

April 9: Great Food for a Great Cause to benefit the Brandon C. Gromada Foundation

April 9-12: Guests will enjoy a throwback menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner

April 13: The Mayor of Mariemont, Bill Brown, and the Mariemont Town Crier Bob Keyes will visit for a proclamation and a toast to the anniversary.

April 14: A complimentary piece of carrot cake for dinner (dine-in only)

From April 8-14, the Exemplar will also offer a $10 bonus for every $50 in gift cards purchased.

The National Exemplar is open for breakfast lunch and dinner and is located at 6880 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, OH 45227. Reservations are accepted at dinner only. Please visit www.nationalexemplar.com for more information or to make a reservation.

By Pete McBride

Who’s Fooling Who?

April Fool’s Day has been described by one source as “the most light-hearted day of the year.” (“February 30” came in second, BTW.) April 1 has traditionally been about playing practical jokes on friends, family, and other “victims” to make them look foolishly (well... shall we say?) stupid

But what do we really know about April Fool’s Day? For example ...

Q. When did it start?

A. No one knows for sure, but one theory has it that April Fool’s Day began in 1583 when the Roman Council of Trent called for adherents to switch from the Julian calendar (in which every New Year started on April 1) to the Gregorian calendar (in which every New Year began on January 1). Those who were unaware of (or resisted) the change were called “April Fools.”

Q. What have been some of the possible inspirations for the idea of playing tricks or making fun of people at a specific time of year?

A. Two prevailing ideas and possibilities that have been suggested include:

• The end of a March religious cult festival known as “Hilaria” (meaning “the

cheerful ones”) in ancient Rome, which celebrated the March equinox in honor of the goddess Cybele,

• “Tolie Day” and “hunting the gawk” (cuckoo bird) in Scotland.

Q. What have been some classic modernday April Fools pranks?

A. For example:

• In 1957, the BBC reported a record setting “spaghetti crop” being harvested from “noodle orchards” (a ‘tree-mendous’ amount!).

• In 1998, Burger King announced its launch of a “‘left-handed’ Whopper” (talk

Community Prayer Breakfast on May 2nd at 7:15am in the ME cafeteria www.villagechurchofmariemont.org

about “having it your way”). (History.com)

• In 2008, CBC Radio announced the Royal Canadian Mint’s plan to replace Canada’s five-dollar bill with a three-dollar coin called the “threenie” in keeping with Canada’s existing one-dollar and two-dollar coins (informally called “the loonie” and “the toonie”).

• On April 1, 1998, it was prankishly reported that the Alabama State Legislature was redefining the mathematical constant “pi” (“an irrational number” - Associated Press) from approximately 3.14159... to simply “3”.

Q. What are some April Fools jokes suitable for kids?

A. Here are a few fun ones:

• What kind of rabbit tells April Fool’s Day jokes? A funny bunny.

• Did you hear the joke at the gas station? It was on April Fuels Day.

• Why is everyone so tired on April Fool’s Day? They just finished a 31-day March.

• An April Fool’s Day joke about paper is tearable.

• Can January ever follow March? No, but April May.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article about April Fool’s Day. It was entirely created by the Town Crier’s new, state-of-the-art AI (Artificial Intelligence) authoring system, which will replace Suzy and Matt Weinland and all of the highly overpaid volunteer writer-contributors who have helped produce the Village’s top-rated (and only) monthly news, entertainment, and information publication since 1788. Beginning with the May issue, the magazine will be published in both English and Mandarin.

With thanks to: ohfact.com / EduFx / History.com / National Geographic / CNN.com / Washington Post / Wikipedia / The Daily Beast / linkedin.com

Just remember what was once wisely said by a famous American:

“Not every quote you read on the Internet is necessarily legitimate.”

- Abraham Lincoln

Top Five Local Sustainability Resources

By Alicia Stock Sustainable Mariemont Volunteer

Mariemont’s GoZero Food Scrap Collection Site

Why We Love It: Located right in our own backyard, this program gives Mariemont residents the option to drop off various types of waste to be commercially composted instead of sent to a landfill. Commercially compostable waste includes food scraps, pizza boxes, dog poop, dryer lint, pumpkins, yard waste, and more. The fee to join this program is $75 per year. Thanks to the participation of more than 45 local residents, over 10,000 pounds of waste were diverted from the landfill last year! Contact Mandy Rohal at mandyrohal@yahoo.com to sign up.

Location: Green Go-Zero Compost Bins are located in a fenced area behind the Mariemont Municipal Building at 6907 Wooster Pike.

Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub

Why We Love It: “The Hub” is a great place to take hard-to-recycle items, including

Arden Rohal at the Mariemont GoZero compost site with his kitchen compost bucket (free with program sign-up).

the pill bottles and batteries that Sustainable Mariemont has collected at Ace Hardware in the past. These items and more can now be recycled at the Hub. Founded in 2021, this nonprofit accepts clean pill bottles,

plastic cutlery and straws, Styrofoam, office supplies, rigid plastics #1-7, eyeglasses, coffee bags, and more for free. For a fee, they will recycle batteries, light bulbs, tires, electronics, and more. The Hub also offers shopping hours where you can find various items, including but not limited to fabric, tile, clothing hangers, gardening pots, and office supplies. Items are free but donations to this non-profit are appreciated. Visit CincinnatiRecyclingAndReuseHub.org for additional information.

Location: 911 Evans St, 45204 (West Side of Cincinnati)

Buy Nothing Hyde Park/Oakley/ Madisonville/Mt. Lookout Facebook Group

Why We Love It: The goal of the international Buy Nothing Facebook group is to “build community while decreasing the quantity of materials we are sending to our landfills.” This group encourages people within specific neighborhoods to post items they no longer need and reach out to their community for items they need or want.

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Sustainability Resources (from previous page)

Everything offered on the site is free and there is no bartering or selling allowed. In this group, one man’s trash truly is another’s treasure. You will see all sorts of items offered here, ranging from furniture and electronics to plastic cups and egg cartons. You can even request or offer the gift of time (asking if someone will shovel an elderly neighbor’s driveway, for example).

Location: This Facebook group serves multiple zip codes, including 45227. People generally offer porch pickup for items, making it an easy and convenient way to share unwanted items with our neighbors.

Community

Scrap it Up

Why We Love It: Scrap it Up is a local nonprofit that aims to keep gently used art materials out of the landfill. They accept donations of arts and crafts supplies, jewelry making supplies, fabric, paper products, clean containers (baby food jars, cigar boxes, etc), office supplies, and more. These items are then sold at low-cost as an affordable option for teachers, parents, artists, students, and craft-lovers. Appointments must be made for donation drop off. Refer to the website ScrapItUpCincy.org for hours and more details.

Location: 5935 Pleasant Ridge Rd. Parking is available in the upper lot of the Pleasant Ridge Recreation Center.

Simply Zero and Fill More Waste Less

Why We Love Them: These two retail stores are both locally owned and offer bulk refillable options for cleaning products, dishwasher and laundry soap, shampoo, body wash, body lotion, and more. These shops allow you to refill your own bottles or jars instead of buying single-use plastic containers. You can also find a variety of sustainable products including reusable paper towels, wool dryer balls, bamboo toothbrushes, biodegradable kitchen sponges, etc. These make great unique gifts for the environment lovers in your life.

Location: Simply Zero is located in Over The Rhine at 1235 Vine Street and Fill More Waste Less is located by Findlay Market at 1813 Elm Street.

Upcoming Events

The Mariemont Community Volunteer Day is coming up on Earth Day, Saturday, April 20. Sustainable Mariemont is seeking volunteers to come help clean up and refurbish the Pool’s lounge chairs to give them new life and keep usable materials out of landfills. Please follow the QR code below to sign up for a two-hour shift.

Join Mandy Rohal on Saturday, April 27 for a Composting 101 class at the library. Visit the Sustainable Mariemont Facebook page for more details on this and the Earth Day Community Volunteer event.

Want to get involved with Sustainable Mariemont? Please email us at sustainablemariemont@gmail.com to find out about volunteer opportunities.

Mariemont Fire Department Celebrates 100 Years of Service

By Matt Ayer

One aspect of Mariemont living we may often take for granted is safety. Mariemont’s Police and Fire Departments provide superior services for our residents and businesses by various measures. Assistant Chief Dan Copeland recently wrapped up the Mariemont Fire Department’s (MFD) annual report to the Village Council and the community. Some of the following highlights may surprise you.

Staffing

MFD maintains a minimum of four firefighters 24 hours per day, 365 days per year with Advanced Life Support capabilities. The average level of experience is 16 years. Supplementing MFD’s Emergency Medical Technicans (EMTs), all our Firefighters are also trained Medics. Mariemont has one of the most experienced leadership teams in the region.

Response Times

In 2023, MFD’s response time averaged 4 minutes 39 seconds. This value is measured from dispatch to patient contact or establishment of command on a fire scene. This average response time includes “mutual aid” runs outside our Village.

The National Fire Protection Association Standard 1710 establishes a national benchmark for response time for a full complement of fire suppression equipment. Not less than 90 percent of incidents must meet a 9 minute 20 second response time, consisting of 80 seconds “turnout time” and 480 seconds “travel time.”

541. Among those fire runs were 38 classified “high hazard details” including 30 structure fires.

Superior Equipment

National fire consultant William Kramer characterized MFD’s response times to be “as good as any seen.” We enjoy peace of mind knowing that an MFD ambulance and/or fire truck is such a short distance and just a few minutes from our homes, schools and businesses.

Number and Types of Runs

Chances are, you drive by MFD and nothing is going on in our sleepy little Village, and that’s good! But our fire department made 343 EMS plus 198 fire runs last year. This number continues to grow, with the department on pace to reach 580 emergency responses in 2024 compared to last year’s

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MFD’s large truck is Quint 67. A quint is a fire-fighting apparatus that serves the dual purpose of an engine and a ladder truck. “Quintuple” refers to the five functions: pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial device, and ground ladders. The capabilities of this apparatus are critical to protecting our industrial district. MFD has the only ladder company staffed every day within five miles. The nearest ladder companies are in Anderson on Hunley Road and Deer ParkSilverton on Blue Ash Road.

Recently, MFD supplemented its quint with Engine 67, a smaller, nimbler multi-function firefighting vehicle suited to serve the narrow streets and lanes of our historic district, or to quickly respond to an incident at a public event, or even in the unpaved terrain of the South 80. Engine 67 accompanies Medic 67 on ALS runs and carries ALS medications. It also carries tools to gain entry into secured buildings. This smaller apparatus also minimizes runs of the Quint and thus extends the life of our most costly piece of Village equipment.

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Mariemont is fortunate to have all the capabilities of a "Quint."

Engine 67 ensures service to our lanes and narrow streets and supports Medic 67 (ambulance).

Mariemont Fire Department (from previous page)

Medic 67 is a state-of-the art ambulance. It connects and reports to our receiving hospitals in real time. Not typical, it is a fourwheel drive vehicle. Our ambulance consists of two modules, as it has what is referred to as a “million mile box.” The life-saving equipment is contained in this unit, such that it can be easily removed and refit to a new chassis when it is time to replace the vehicle. Credit Assistant Chief Copeland for planning ahead by specifying this design, found on fewer than 10 percent of Hamilton County ambulances.

A Small Sampling of Other Services

Beyond day-to-day emergency responses, MFD serves our community as follows:

• Annually inspects all public buildings, businesses and facilities

• Develops Emergency Action Plans for all our major events as well as storm planning

• Conducts fire inspections (188 in 2023 including 47 new Life Safety inspections)

• Assists our industrial sector, in Confined Space entry policies, chemical inventory reporting

• Provides CPR, AED and First Aid training to Village groups and individuals

• Maintains a Knox Box (emergency key) system with Mariemont businesses and institutions

• Provides station tours for groups of all ages as well as safety talks and school programs

• Maintains our fire hydrants, performs the grounds maintenance at the Municipal Building

• Provides back-up snow plowing and storm damage capability to our Service Department

• Coordinates with our Building Department concerning Building and Fire Code compliance

Cost Efficiencies

Mayor Brown and the Village Council Finance Committee have recognized MFD for various cost control measures beyond planning for its principal equipment. Specifically, our Department is particularly adept at a) securing available grants for various upgrades and replacement; and b) obtaining reimbursements for EMS runs.

Village

Mariemont’s Fire Department has served our Village since 1924. Wrapping up the Department’s annual summary in its centennial year, Copeland noted: “We look forward to the involvement in the Village with the multiple events taking place and building community relations. We will continue to

meet the needs of our residents, businesses, institutions and those fortunate enough to visit this incredible town. THANK YOU to Mayor Brown, Council, our Administrative Office and Mariemont residents and businesses for their continued support.”

All Ages

What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library — April 2024

Eclipse Viewing Party — Monday, April 8, 1;30-4 p.m.

Come learn about solar eclipses and experience this once-in-a-lifetime event together. Eclipse glasses for safe solar viewing will be available at CHPL locations only on April 8 for library events, while supplies last.

Children

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.

Preschool Storytime — Tuesdays at 11 a.m.

Enjoy books, songs, activities and more, while building early literacy skills. Ages 3-6.

Toddler Storytime — Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Encourage emerging language skills with books, rhymes, music and fun. Recommended for ages 18–36 months.

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.

Coding Club — Tuesday, March 5 at 4 p.m.

Learn to code with new games and challenges every month. Ages 8-12. Registration required.

Legos @ the Library — Saturday, March 9 at 11 a.m.

Show us what you can build and connect with other LEGO enthusiasts.

Math and Music with Skool Aid — Thursday, April 25 at 11 a.m.

In this engaging hands-on class, we will apply fundamental music principles to explore math, and vice versa.

Teens

Dungeons and Dragons: Character Creation — Tuesday, April 16 from 6-8 p.m. at the library OR Saturday, April 20 from 3-5 p.m. at the Fairfax Rec Center.

We will help create your own D&D character for summer play at the library. Ages 11-15. Registration required.

Teen Advisory Board (TAB)— Tuesday, April 30 at 6 p.m.

Want to have a say in what happens in your library? TAB is for you! For ages 12-18.

Adults

Mariemont Mystery Book Club — Tuesday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us to discuss Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara. Copies are available at the branch.

Adult Tabletop and Puzzle Club — Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m.

Come roll the dice, strategize, and puzzle your way through a fantastic evening of fun.

Composting Basics — Saturday, April 27 at 2 p.m.

Come learn about composting at home or in your community from Hamilton County R3source.

Book Club — Monday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us to discuss Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. Copies are available at the branch.

Coming in May

Saturday, May 4 — May the 4th be with you! Come enjoy Star Wars activities! Thursday, May 9 — New Baby Bootcamp! Drop in, or stay all day, to learn about literacy, development, CPR and more!

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

The Mariemont Racquet Club Serves Up Fun For Friends and Family

By Matt Tripepi

Nestled in the heart of Mariemont, next to the elementary school, the Mariemont Racquet Club stands as a beacon of community, camaraderie, and active living. The MRC has been a staple here since 1928 with the courts also being home to the Mariemont JV and Varsity Warrior Tennis teams, as well as clinics, pickleball tournaments, and many opportunities for friends and families to hit the hardcourt.

As we anticipate the arrival of a new season, there's no better time for individuals and families to become part of this awesome community resource for tennis and pickleball enthusiasts alike! The courts were resurfaced and painted last year, and we’ve purchased two new nets for the season. We have the ability to switch between pickle or tennis on three of our courts and can host up to seven matches simultaneously.

We're proud to announce the establishment of our new board, consisting of longtime members Kevin Taylor, Hilary Lepa, Stan Bahler, Linda Bartlett, and Matt Tripepi. Their dedication and vision ensure that our

club continues to thrive as a welcoming, inclusive space for players of all ages and levels.

But our club is more than just a place to play tennis; it's a hub for building lasting connections among family as well as many different neighbors. I’ve been lucky enough to play with my wife and kids over the last decade or so and the clubhouse has plenty of shade for our kids to hang out and watch their

iPads if they are tired of getting smoked by our aggressive net play.

Playing at the MRC has allowed me to get outside of the typical circle of friends in Mariemont that are tied to your kids, fostering friendships with some amazing individuals that I likely wouldn’t have otherwise interacted with. And at the Mariemont Racquet Club, we welcome players from other communities as well - memberships and guests aren’t just limited to residents.

Membership signups start mid-March, and play typically extends into November/ December. Whether you're a seasoned player seeking to refine your skills or a newcomer eager to learn, club pros Dave Russell and Tracy Glassmeyer have many opportunities around individual and group tennis lessons for both kids and adults.

We hope you come out to enjoy some time on the courts, whatever your sport and level of play is! Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on the latest club news and upcoming events. Just search for “Mariemont Racquet Club” on each. Hope to see you on the courts soon!

Mariemont's tennis courts were resurfaced and repainted in 2023.

Village

Village Grant Updates

By Randy York

Village Receives $500K Grant for Dogwood Park

On March 14 the Village of Mariemont received notification from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources that we were awarded a $500,000 Land & Water Conservation Fund Grant for Dogwood Park.

The project has been conditionally awarded funding pending final approval by the National Park Service, which is expected in July. Formal notice of award from the National Park Service is expected to be issued with an effective date of 10/1/24. The grant is structured as a matching grant and the Village will be reimbursed for costs associated with the Centennial rehabilitation of Dogwood Park.

The Village has been working with Representative Greg Landsman’s office on funding opportunities for the Centennial projects. Chris Dalton, Deputy Chief of Staff for Representative Landsman, suggested that the Land & Water Conservation Fund may be an opportunity for funding.

In June, the Village received notice from Steve Johns of Hamilton County Planning + Development of an opportunity for a municipality in Hamilton County to work with Northern Kentucky University in the preparation of a federal grant application.

Mariemont submitted the application to participate in the program and in August, Mariemont was selected to work with Dr. Darrin Wilson, Associate Professor of Public Administration at Northern Kentucky University and his Masters of Public Administration program in the preparation of the Land & Water Conservation Grant.

Last fall, the Village worked with the students and Northern Kentucky University to prepare the grant application and on November 15th the 479-page application was submitted.

Final planning for the Dogwood Park Centennial Renovation Project will evolve over the next several months with the goal of breaking ground this fall.

Village Receives Stormwater Grant

The Village of Mariemont was recently awarded a Hamilton County Stormwater Infrastructure Grant. The grant will fund the Pleasant Street stormwater project in the amount of $45,090. The grant will cover 90 percent of the cost of the project.

The storm water drainage pipe that runs from the catch basin on Pleasant Street to Whiskey Creek is damaged and in need of replacement. This system diverts storm water from Pleasant Steet and Dogwood Park into Whiskey Creek. The terminal point at Whiskey Creek is also damaged.

“Over 80 Years of Service”

Work is scheduled to begin this fall to minimize disruptions to summer activities in Dogwood Park and before any proposed rehabilitation of Dogwood Park.

Village Engineer Chris Ertel completed the application in late November and the Village was notified of the award in late January.

The grants are intended to help mitigate overland flooding and help strengthen stormwater collection systems against increasingly intense rain events. Hamilton County expects to award a total of $3.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act – State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA-SLFRF).

Village of Mariemont Receives Grant for Mariemont Pool Water Station

By Alicia Stock Mariemont Pool Commission Member

Great news for environmentally conscious pool users… a filtered water bottle filling station is being installed at the Mariemont Pool! Save your money on bottled water this summer and bring your own reusable bottle to refill for free – a win/win for the environment and your wallet.

The Village of Mariemont has been approved for a waste reduction innovation grant from Hamilton County ReSource* for 75 percent of the estimated $3,000 cost of the filling station. The Village will pay the remaining 25 percent (about $750). The new ADA compliant bottle filling station will supply refrigerated and filtered water, allowing pool employees and members/guests to fill up their own reusable bottles for free.

The grant also includes the purchase of 250 26-ounce reusable water bottles to be given to pool and Village employees as well as pool members (while supplies last). The bottles will be available in five colors, feature a sleek design with the new pool logo, and are top-shelf dishwasher safe.

The environmental impact of installing this bottle filling unit is substantial. It is estimated that the installation of the filling station will eliminate the use of approximately 2 metric tons of virgin PET for single-use plastic bottles over a 20-year life span of the equipment. This estimate may be low, as it conservatively assumes that only 30 percent of pool users will utilize the filling station. In addition, the availability of free chilled water will also likely reduce the number of plastic soda bottles purchased at the Snack Shack.

Elimination of single-use plastic is largely preferred over recycling. Unlike metal and glass, plastic cannot be recycled indefinitely. Thermoplastics cannot be used over and over, as the quality downgrades with each use. Most recycled plastics are therefore only recycled once or twice before they are sent to the landfill or incinerators.

In addition to the environmental benefits, pool members, guests and staff will appreciate the convenience of having cold filtered water available for free on a hot summer day.

The pool commission would like to thank Village Council Member Matthew Ayer for writing and submitting the grant proposal and Hamilton County ReSource for the generous approval.

*Hamilton County ReSource is an organization that is “responsible for ensuring that the County achieves State-mandated goals for recycling and waste reduction” (hcdoes.org).

Groups Support Addition of Gazebo to Hopkins Park Village

By Jane McDonald former Mariemont resident and Outstanding Citizen

The Centennial Committee has given our Village the opportunity to recognize the altruism of Isabella Hopkins by enhancing Hopkins Park with the addition of a gazebo, when funds permit. The gazebo would provide a more useful setting for reading, reflection, and gatherings. It would also provide a significant visual impact for the area’s gateway approach to the Village.

The Garden Club of Mariemont has been faithful to beautify and maintain the designated park for decades. Thank you! They

have expressed support for the addition of the gazebo. Hopefully others will join this vision and the project will move forward.

When asked, “Who was Isabella Hopkins?” most people say, “She was Mary Emery’s sister.” Nothing to add. So, who was Isabella Hopkins, for whom a Village park was named? There are no pertinent descriptions or quotes remaining that might provide answers. She was buried at the foot of a cross with just her name and hyphenated dates. Yet second only to Mary Emery, she left the most lasting impact of any other woman on Mariemont –and she never lived here.

cont'd on next page

Hopkins Park Gazebo (from previous page)

Isabella Hopkins may not be well known, but she left a rich legacy. Let’s begin with what we know. She was a caring and devoted sister. She moved to Edgecliffe, to be with her widowed sister, after their mother died. She was a loyal companion when Mary traveled and resided in Mariemont, the Rhode Island estate, or Philadelphia.

She was capable and trusted by John Emery who recorded that Isabella Hopkins was to serve as executrix if Mary Emery was unable to serve. She was asked to raise funds for the first children’s hospital in Cincinnati, which paved the way for the current Children’s Hospital. She also provided a swimming pool for the Girls Friendly Vacation House, in Cincinnati. She was striving for

Village

the betterment of others – living with a purposeful life – as her charitable giving reflects.

Mary Emery died on Oct. 11, 1927, having willed her two estates to Isabella for her lifetime, as well as her personal effects and $500,000. With a sense of deep gratitude, Isabella Hopkins gifted the Village of Mariemont the strikingly beautiful Bell Tower and Carillon in honor of her sister. Isabella further revealed insight into her persona by stating the bells were to ring on every National holiday, to foster patriotism in the youth, including Lindbergh’s Day. Each late Sunday concert was to conclude with Eventide, thus closing the week with a quiet blessing. The project was completed one month before the market crash of 1929.

Miss Hopkins remained at Edgecliffe until 1935. Throughout the years, she has reminded us to take time - time to enjoy… and be grateful. Be grateful for those who served and for the peace and joy we experience because of their sacrifice. Carpe diem!

Garden Club Plant Sale

May 11, 9-3

Village Municipal Building Lawn

Join Mariemont Garden Club to peruse and purchase perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, and gently used garden items from the Garden Market.

Mariemont Resident Anthony Dorsey Wins Matinee Musicale Scholarship

By Nancy Bailey Matinee Musicale

Violinist Anthony Dorsey, a resident of Mariemont and student at St. Xavier High School, placed third in the High School Instrumental category at the Seventh Annual Nancy F. Walker Memorial Scholarship Auditions sponsored by Matinée Musicale Cincinnati.

This scholarship awards audition for classical instrumental and vocal students was held recently at Anderson Hills Church. The 2024 competition awarded a total of $53,500 in scholarships. To date, an impressive total of $268,200 has been awarded in the seven years of the event.

The competition was open to area high school and college juniors and seniors. In a great response, students studying under 38 teachers from three colleges and 14 public, private and home schools applied. In addition, six counties were represented. Student auditions were adjudicated by highly qualified, distinguished judges who also provided comments shared with the individual students.

Nancy Fuldner Walker, memorialized by these scholarships, was a musician, music teacher and strong advocate for all music and arts organizations. She provided able leadership to Matinée Musicale Cincinnati for more than four decades before her death in 2017. Matinée Musicale Cincinnati is honoring her legacy of support and encouragement of young musicians through these scholarships.

Matinee Musicale Cincinnati takes great pride in offering young music students this scholarship opportunity. We hope their participation in the event, along with feedback from the judges, encourages them to continue with their studies/performance of classical music.

Learn more at MatineeMusicale Cincinnati.org

Originating in 1911, Matinee Musicale began its professional recital series in 1913. The recitals feature up-and-coming musicians as well as established vocal and instrumental

generous bequest from philanthropist and Matinée member, Louise Dieterle Nippert, the professional recital series continues to flourish; and, awards of grants and student scholarships have become a part of the organization's

MAA Introduces 'Maker’s Market'

Are you a crafty person? A local artist? A student with a hobby? Professional or on the side?

The Mariemont Arts Association is preparing to host our first ever Mariemont Maker's Market, and we would love for you to be one of our first vendors!

The Maker's Market will be hosted at Mariemont High School on April 28th from 12-4 p.m. Not only will we have participation from local artists, but we will also be hosting the current high school student organizations as they fundraise for all the great things they do!

For more information, email MariemontArtsPresident@gmail.com.

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS: Don't Panic!

If you have a plumbing problem, get a 'Top Talent' plumber to show up on time so you don't waste your time!

Call FORSEE PLUMBING at 513-271-6720 for your appointment window.

As a Mariemont resident present this ad and you will receive $10 off the $59 service call fee

Robert Forsee Jr., President OH License PL #16160 and KY License M7256

Anthony Dorsey (Photo by Gayna Bassin)

Mariemont Legacy Foundation Completes First Year

The Mariemont Legacy Foundation was established in 2022 on the eve of the 100th anniversary of Mariemont’s groundbreaking by Mary Emery on April 23, 1923. The official letter of determination establishing the Foundation was dated November 14, 2023.

The foundation was created to enhance the quality of life in the Village of Mariemont by engaging community resources of skill, interest, and finances to accomplish projects that supplement and extend the assets and services of the Village of Mariemont.

The Mariemont Legacy Foundation was involved in several projects in the Village in 2023, including:

• $7,000 from a corporate donor to assist with electrification in the Wooster Pike median. This project has not yet been completed.

• $5,170.00 from a private donor for two park benches along Murray Path that were placed in early 2023.

• $479.50 from a private donor for plantings at the Mariemont Pool that was completed in the spring of 2023.

• $280.60 from a private donor for the rebuilding of the four permanent park benches at the concourse. This was completed in late summer as part of an Eagle Scout project.

• $2,633.55 from private donors for new umbrellas at the Mariemont Pool. The umbrellas have been ordered and will be placed at the pool for the summer season.

Total value of projects completed in the Village in 2023 was $8,563.65.

The Mariemont Legacy Foundation is a 501(3)(c) not-for-profit organization. Gifts made to the Mariemont Legacy Foundation are fully deductible up to the limits of IRS

regulations. If you would like to partner with the Mariemont Legacy Foundation to enhance the Village of Mariemont, the foundation can be reached at info@mariemontlegacy.com.

Woman’s

Goats and Hogs This Spring at The Barn

Yoga With Goats

If you need a good stretch, a good laugh and an incredible photo op, The Barn in Mariemont is the place to be!

On April 20, baby goats will scamper, climb, and jump about while Farmer Rob from the Good Green Earth Farm provides you with a gentle yoga session.

The Barn will offer two sessions: 9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Participants must be 10 years old or older. Please bring a mat or a towel and a closable water bottle. Parents or guardians must sign waivers for individuals under the age of 18.

Space is limited to 35 people. Register at ArtAtTheBarn.org. Cost is $25.

For more information about the Good Green Earth Farm, please visit GoodGreenEarthFarm.org

Hog Heaven 24

The Hog Bristle Painters invite the Tri-State Community to its annual art show and sale featuring original oil paintings from the studios of 13 regional artists. The artwork varies in size, content, genre, and style.

Hog Heaven 24 happens on May 8 and runs from 6–8:30 p.m.

cont'd on next page

The Barn (from previous page)

Twenty percent of the artists’ proceeds will help support upcoming programs pertaining to the visual and performing arts at The Barn, including classes and seminars.

Summer Camp

Join us at The Barn for this year’s Summer Camps! Camps run July 8-19. Registration is now open on our website ArtAtTheBarn.org

Come Celebrate 100 Years

The Barn turns 100 years old this year, and the community is invited to celebrate with us June 15, 1-3 p.m. We hope everyone will join us for cake, ice cream, and live music by HBO-Band Cincinnati.

Save the Date

Paint Out! - September 27-29

PLEASE NOTE: The Barn has cancelled all ARTflix events for the remainder of the season.

MJHS Presents The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and became the hottest star on Broadway? Why, it's SpongeBob SquarePants! And now he’s ready to ride the wave to our theatre to entertain and delight you in this brilliant, bright, and hilarious musical.

Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world!

Join us under the sea as SpongeBob, Patrick, and Squidward learn to be the best they can be. Performances will be held at the Mariemont High School theater on April 12 at 7 p.m. and April 13 at 2 p.m.

Tickets go on sale March 11 at mariemontschools.org/theater or scan the QR code below.

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

We invite you to worship with us on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Mariemont Memorial Stone Chapel. Our children’s classes and office are at 3920 Oak St., just off the old Village square at the corner of Oak and Maple Streets. We also livestream all our services at 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.

National Day of Prayer Community Breakfast on Thursday, May 2 at 7:15 a.m. in the Mariemont Elementary School cafeteria – Join us for a free breakfast as we are led in prayer by local leaders for our community, city, and country.

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/Communication

Sunday Morning Services at 9 and 11 a.m. Livestream of services is at facebook.com/MariemontChurch; our website,  mariemontchurch.org; and YouTube,  www.youtube.com/ MariemontChurch.

Current Sunday Series: The Book of John and connecting with Jesus.

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 during the 11 a.m. Sunday service and on Thursday nights at 7 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: Tuesdays from 9:15-11:30 a.m.

• Evening JOY Bible Study: 1st/3rd Mondays 7-8:30 p.m.

Weekly Worship, Prayer, and Meditation Opportunities: 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 in the Emery Room at the 3908 Plainville Rd. Clocktower building.

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

Annual Flying Pig Marathon “Bacon Station”: Join us on May 5 during the Flying Pig Marathon at the corner by the Mariemont tennis courts on Plainville Rd. for our annual Flying Pig Bacon Station and Kids Fun Area with bouncy houses, crafts, and other fun activities. Voted one of the top three stations for the marathon!

For more information about events at Mariemont Church or to learn more about our church, contact Nancy Clausen at nancy@ mariemontchurch.org.