Dec09_Town Crier.indd - Mariemont City Schools

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New Village Council Takes Shape
Four new council representatives will take
office in January. On November 3, Mariemont
residents elected Jeff Andrews, Andrew Black,
Cortney Scheeser, and Joe Miller from a field
of seven candidates. They will replace Charlie
Thomas, Bill Ebelhar, Rex Bevis, and Melissa
Schmit, who did not seek re-election. Continuing
on Mariemont Council will be Kim Sullivan and
Dennis Wolter.
Official results for all seven were:
Jeff Andrews (Independent) 828 votes
Andrew Black (Town Meeting) 776 votes
Cortney Scheeser (Town Meeting) 741 votes
Joe Miller (Town Meeting) 644 votes
John Altman (Independent) 613 votes
Matt Weinland (Independent) 431 votes
Kevin Veeneman (Town Meeting and write-in
candidate) 190 votes
The Town Crier was honored to host the first
ever Candidate Forum on October 27. Six of the
seven candidates running for election gathered at
the elementary school for a question and answer
session which followed a League of Women
Voters format. Questions were solicited from
residents, and each candidate had an opportunity
to respond. Several residents told the Town Crier
they had been undecided before attending the
forum, but that they felt much better informed
after hearing the candidates. All six demonstrated
their passion for the Village and their desire make
Mariemont an even better place to live.
In two other issues on the ballot, a majority
of Mariemont voters defeated the proposed 4.75
mill operating levy and approved a new mixed-use
zoning district.
The
Club
The Town Crier would like to thank our supporters! 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. Those donating more than $25 are indicated in bold type. Your
contribution can be mailed to: Mariemont Town Crier c/o Claire Kupferle, 3844 Indianview Avenue Mariemont, OH 45227
THE CRIER CLUB 2009 - 2010
Marty and Tom Allman
John and Peggy Altman
Barb Anderson
John Andrews
Jeff and Courtenay Andrews
Paula and Matt Ayer
Michael and Leslie Baggish
Martha and Bob Bartlett
Rob and Linda Bartlett
Virginia Bay
Catherine Ralph and Nancy Becker
Jack and Liz Betemps
Rex and Sharon Bevis
Richard and Jeanne Boone
Bradley Bowers
Carole Bowman
Mark and Ann Caesar
Martha Cary
Nina Coates
Bob and Mary Crossett
Edna Crowe
Tom and Lucy Cunningham
Loree Danby
Jolene Dancey
David and Donna Lou Davis
Kathy and Stuart Deadrick
Jay and Sandra Degen
Stephen and Jennifer Dilbone
Judy Dooley
Char and Jim Downing
Sam and Nancy Duran
Mary Ann Fieler
Ann and James Foran
James and Judy Foreman
Terry and Pam Gaines
Garden Club of Mariemont
H. Randall and Sandra Garland
Andrew and Ellen Georgilis
Lulu Getreu
Arie Geurtz
Mark and Tracy Glassmeyer
Kathy Graeter
John and Helen Gray
Valarie and Dean Hanley
Tara and Chuck Hatch
Harry and Sally Herrlinger
Charles and Marian Hicklin
Phyllis Hoffman
Joann and Gilbert Hopkins
Wes and Nina Iredale
Wally and Marianne Jenkins
Erica Rennwarz and Sandra Jennings
Linda Dynan and Ken Katkin
George and Marjorie Keil
Douglas and Donna Kent
Donald and Peggy Keyes
Claire and Len Kupferle
Margo and Glenn Lindahl
Madison Bowl
Mr. And Mrs. Charles Marcks
Mercedes Martin
Jane and Peter McDonald
William and Darla Michael
Arnold and Gloria Morelli
Bob and Jeanne Naugle
Doug and Mary Anne Newman
Rosemary Paris
Jackie Pickering
Roger and Rosemary Reavill
David Robisch
Millard and Nina Rogers
Ruth Schmidt
James and Recie Scott
Fred and Audrey Sharn
Chris and Jen Shinn
Paul and Shannon Tontillo
Ron and Cammy Trubisky
Frances Turner
Edwin and Carolyn Tuttle
Richard and Ann Wendel
Woman’s Art Club
Robert and Susan Zepf
Thank You for Supporting the Town Crier!
STA
F F
February deadline:
Editor
Claire Kupferle
Contributors
Dina Wilder
Marty Bartlett
272-3081/dwilder@cinci.rr.com
561-4428/ckupferle@cinci.rr.com
271-7069/blbart@fuse.net
Randy York
Business & Advertising Manager
Mike Monahan
271-7246
Kim Beach
271-8923/ryork@cinci.rr.com
271-2398/kbeach@cinci.rr.com
Photographer
Marketing Manager
Kim Beach
Angela Forsythe
Ron Schroeder
898-9246/ancofo@yahoo.com
271-2398/kbeach@cinci.rr.com
Distribution
Laura Karnes
561-1331/lkarnes@fuse.net
Proofreader
Marty Bartlett
Andy Gordon
271-2086/aglg@fuse.net
Nina Iredale
272-1551/nina90@cinci.rr.com
Laura Trachtman
271-0226/thertachtmans@yahoo.com
Carriers
Meg, Celia and Ginny Caesar
Margo Dailey
Lizzie Deadrick
Parker Gilmore
Drew Goheen
Steve Hassey
Analise Hinebaugh
Hans Hinebaugh
Katie and Anna Karnes
George Koglmeier
Joe Molski
Andrew Sizer
Jonah and Eli Trachtman
Joe Veeneman
Jack Wilder
Audrey York
(Siblings listed together share
routes; siblings listed separately
have their own routes. )
The deadline for the next
Town Crier is January 21,
2010. All camera-ready
ads and articles must be
submitted by 9 p.m. to
Claire Kupferle at
ckupferle@cinci.rr.com.
Articles should be sent via
email in Microsoft® Word,
with photos sent as jpg files.
Payment and advertising contracts
should be submitted to:
Mike Monahan, 6833 Wooster
Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227
271-7246.
The Town Crier is published monthly from September through May as “The Voice Of The Village Of Mariemont.” The Mariemont Town Crier is published as a service to the residents and organizations
of the Village of Mariemont. Articles (typed and double-spaced) and photographs are welcomed. They may be dropped off or emailed by 12 noon on the article due date. Signed Letters to the Editor
are accepted as space allows. The Town Crier reserves the right to edit letters for length. Letters to the Editor reflect the opinions of the authors and do not represent the views of the Town Crier staff.
Photographs will not be returned unless indicated. Due to limited space, the editorial staff reserves the right to select and edit articles for both content and space. As a public service to the non-profit
organizations of Mariemont, The Town Crier does accept inserts for a fee. The editorial staff reserves the right to select and edit inserts. Inserts of a political nature are not accepted.
2009 Mariemont Town Crier.
Mariemont Town Crier, 3844 Indianview, Mariemont, OH 45227 • (513) 561-4428
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
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Neighboring with Nina
B Y NINA IREDALE
The Christmas
Holiday Season is fast
approaching; have
you got your shopping
done? The days are
getting colder; is snow
in the future? I wish for
a white Christmas this
year! Now on to our
new neighbors:
Chip and Merilee Turner purchased
6820 Hammerstone Way in September.
They relocated from a suburb of Chicago
and chose Mariemont to be closer to family.
Merilee is originally from Kenwood and Chip
is from Decatur, IL. The Turners have 2
children, Ellie, who is in the seventh grade
Michael T. Monahan, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
271-PAIN (271-7246)
6833 Wooster Pike
Mariemont, Ohio 45227
and Ben, who is in the third grade. Dog
Jessie rounds out the family. Merilee enjoys
tennis, so watch for her out on the courts
this summer. They are all looking forward to
meeting many more of their neighbors.
Ryan and Heather McGuire purchased
3860 Homewood Rd. in October and moved
in the Saturday before Halloween. Heather
grew up in Cincinnati and Ryan is from
Cleveland. However, they just relocated
back to the states from a tiny town outside of
Venice, Italy called Mirano. Ryan works for
dunnhumbyUSA, which is a marketing and
analytics company that locally is working
with Kroger’s. Ryan and Heather have 2
daughters, Emma (age 6) and a first grader
at Mercy Montessori and Kate (age 4) who
is in pre-school at Hyde Park Methodist.
The McGuires just got a new puppy, Lucca
(named for the first city they visited in Italy).
Heather is a stay at home mom with dreams
of being a writer. They chose Mariemont
for its kid-friendly, family-friendly, safe
neighborhood.
I’d like to WELCOME all of our new
neighbors and if anyone knows of a new
addition to someone’s family or a new
neighbor that I might have missed, please let
me know so they may be included in a future
issue. My phone number is 272-1551 or
email is nina90@cinci.rr.com.
Mariemont Schools
Receive SOAR
Progress Award
At the presentation of the 2009 SOAR
Progress Award to Mariemont City School
District were: back row - Tim Mahoney,
Natalie Lucas, Ken White, Lance Hollander,
Kevin Grimmer, Steve Brokamp, Judy
Schmitz, Ann Muennich, Linda Lee; front
row – Karen Potoka, Annie McFarland,
Paul Imhoff, Deb Delisle, Peggy Braun and
Marie Huenefeld.
On November 9, Mariemont City School
District was one of five school districts in
Ohio recognized as a recipient of the 2009
SOAR Award for Significant Progress.
Approximately 100 of the top school
districts in Ohio are currently participating
in the SOAR Value Added Project, an
initiative by the Battelle for Kids non-profit
organization. Battelle assists districts in
improving teachers’ and schools’ impact
on student learning. Mariemont placed
in the top five based upon exceptional
student growth demonstrated on state
assessments.
NATIONAL EXEMPLAR
Mariemont Inn
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
271-2103
Mariemont Eyecare
Dr. Mark Kuhlman, O.D. Inc.
7437 Wooster Pike
561-7704
PAGE 4
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
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Scouts' Christmas Tree Sale Underway
Did you know the municipal building
has gone green? No, it’s not an ecological
movement. It’s more like the invasion of
Christmas trees!
After many years at the Mariemont
Promenade, Troop 149 returns for its
second year at the municipal building
for their annual Christmas tree sale. The
front lawn has become a forest of trees
and the brightly lit area is a beacon for tree
shoppers. Proceeds help to fund monthly
outings, a high adventure trip, a week at
Camp Friedlander, and the purchase of new
equipment along with other items. This is
the Troop’s only fund-raiser each year so
every scout family participates.
Due to its long-standing relationship
with a grower in North Carolina, the Troop
offers trees which have been freshly cut in
the field and shipped directly to them. A
wide range of heights is available, from 4 to
12 feet. In addition to trees, wreaths with
and without decorations are available along
with pine roping.
Scouts learn important life skills as they
participate in the sale. The youngest scouts
learn to re-stock empty poles, clean up the
area and eventually graduate to making that
important clean cut at the tree base exactly
where each customer wants it. As they
grow older, boys work with customers on
finding the right tree and help secure it to
the car. Each shift is led by an older scout
who is given the opportunity to manage the
sale for that time period. It’s up to him to
ensure that all workers not only understand
their duties but carry them
out, track the sales and keep
everything running smoothly.
In the process, they develop
interpersonal skills, managing
others, and insight on what it
takes to run a small business.
They also learn more about
Christmas trees than they ever
imagined possible!
Last season, numerous
Mariemont families took
advantage of a snowy weekend
to walk to the sale, select their
tree and carry it home. A few
even used a snow sled. Many commented
it felt as if they were re-creating a Normal
Rockwell painting.
Regular hours are Monday-Friday 4:009:00pm; Saturday 9:00am-9:00pm; Sunday
11:00am-6:00pm. Please stop by the
municipal building to let Troop 149 help you
with this year’s tree and wreath selections!
What's Happening at the Library
Library Babies: the first Friday of the
month at 10:30 am. This is a great opportunity
to introduce your little ones to books, songs,
and fingerplay. Ages birth to eighteen months.
No program, January 1.
Movers and Shakers: Wednesdays at
10:30 am. Ages 1 to 4 years. Bring the little
ones for stories, songs and dance as they learn
about the library. No program December 23 or
December 30.
Pre-school Storytime: Wednesdays at
1:30 pm. Join Miss Katheryn for stories and
crafts. Ages 3 to 5. No program December 23
or December 30.
Special Needs Story Time: Thursday,
December 10 at 10:30 am. Please call Miss
Katheryn at 369-4467 if you are interested. No
program January 14.
Tales to Tails: Read to a therapy dog
and practice your reading skills. Thursday,
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
December 3, January 7, 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
Registration suggested.
Holiday Wreath Craft: Tuesday, December
8 at 4:00 pm. Make a special wreath for the
holidays and enjoy a snack. Ages 10 to 18.
Birds of Prey: A naturalist from the
Hamilton County Parks District introduces these
beautiful and dramatic birds to the branch.
Tuesday, January 19, 6:30 pm. All ages welcome.
The Library is closed December 24, 25 and
January 1. Happy Holidays!
Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday,
Noon to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thank you for supporting the library on
November 3.
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News at the Promenade
As most everyone in the community is
aware, there has been much conversation
and concern around the happenings at the
Promenade Plaza over these past three years.
The hill slippage and the subsequent status
of the restoration process, along with the
unfortunate numerous exits and relocations
of several Mariemont small businesses have
created a lot of confusion. It appears we may
finally have some answers and be heading in
a positive direction.
The Promenade property has a newly
appointed trustee to manage, assess,
engineer repairs and maintain the property
to initiate the resurrection of the sadly
abandoned center. Towne Property, a very
well known property management team in
Cincinnati, has welcomed this challenging
opportunity and is working diligently and
completely to meet the needs of the center
and to the expectations of the Mariemont
community. They are also working with
existing tenants and past tenants that may
be interested in returning to the once vibrant
plaza.
Through this process, it is with great
enthusiasm and excitement that Events &
Florals by Lennox returns to the Promenade
STRICTLY DOGS
DOG DAY CARE & FUN CENTER
(513) 561-PLAY (7529)
5614 Wooster Pike • Cinti., OH 45227
Day Care, Obedience, Pet Sitting
I N S I G H T
’
Plaza. Previously known as the Mariemont
Florist, Events & Florals by Lennox reopened their doors on Friday, November 27,
just in the knick of time to meet your entire
floral, decor, event and gift basket needs for
the upcoming holiday season.
Whether it is the simplicity of a beautiful
fresh or silk arrangement, a dramatic decor
package for your home, or a scrumptious
gift basket, Events & Florals by Lennox will
assist your every need down to the smallest
detail. And the best thing is, they are right in
our own community. Know that regardless
of your floral, gift baskets and decor needs,
Events & Florals by Lennox has the answer
and can assist both your local and your long
distance or alternative destination needs.
Give Donna and her experienced staff
a call at 513.271.2266, or fax your order to
513.271.2201. They will be excited to hear
from you.
Hats Off!
...to the Mariemont High School ladies’
soccer team, who, under the leadership of
Coaches Mike Haney and Michael Hanley,
had a great season both on and off the
S E R V I C E
’
R E S U L T S
CRS • ABR
SENIOR SALES VICE PRESIDENT
OFFICE 513-527-3060
HOME 513-248-1453
VM 513-483-4001
ogleannett@realtor.com
www.cbws.com/ogle.annett
field. Continuing the charitable traditions
in Mariemont, like the Thanksgiving food
drives and Caring and Sharing programs, the
Varsity and Junior Varsity teams supported
a local charity, The Greater Cincinnati Down
Syndrome Association, by collecting money
from fans in the stands each time they scored
a goal during the season.
Towards the end of the season, some of
the teammates endured freezing temperatures
to participate in the annual Greater Cincinnati
Down Syndrome Buddy Walk around Sawyer
Point. Through these efforts, the girls showed
their winning spirit both on and off the field.
Go Warriors!
3908 Miami Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45227-3705
©2008 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademark
licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal
Housing Opportunity. Owned And Operated By NRT LLC.
PAGE 6
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
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Economy Driving You Nuts?
In a year of remarkable uncertainty
and unprecedented changes, one reliable
community tradition is our local Kiwanis
Club and its unshakable commitment to
service. For over 40 years, the Kiwanis Club
of Mariemont has served our neighborhoods,
brought programs to our schools and
scholarships to its graduates. You can
support this valuable local resource though
the Annual Kiwanis Nut Sale.
The Kiwanis Nut Sale has just what you
need for holiday parties, hostess gifts, or to
show your appreciation for the many people
who help you and your family throughout the
year. What a tasty way to spread the holiday
cheer to everyone from your teachers and
coaches to your babysitter, the paperboy and
the deliveryman.
“You can choose from a wide variety
of products. We know this is a fun way for
people throughout the area to help raise
money for our volunteer work throughout
our community,” said Jed O’Connell, club
president.
The variety includes Honey Cocktail Mix,
Salted Almonds, Large Cashews, Cinnamon
Almonds, Deluxe Mixed Nuts, Bridge Mix
or Fancy Holiday Mix - right on time for
the season’s festive get-togethers and for
spreading holiday goodwill. A great value
at just $5 or $10, each package is sealed for
freshness.
Nuts are available from any Kiwanis
member, at most local Mariemont and
Fairfax banks, the MariElders, Snappy
Tomato Pizza in Fairfax and Hi Tech
Graphics in Madisonville.
“We bring in fresh products weekly.
This year we have great chocolate covered
products and the Bridge Mix is flying out the
door!” said John Wenstrup, nut chairman.
“Business gifts, personal gifts or to just to
snack on at home or work, these are fresh
as can be and seriously delicious! And the
best part is that the money we raise makes a
difference right here in our own backyard!”
Kiwanis hopes this will be their best
Nut Sale Program ever. “So please buy a
bunch of nuts!” grinned Wenstrup. “At
just five or ten bucks, Kiwanis Nuts are the
gift that gives twice. Once by showing your
appreciation and a second time by saying
you care about our kids and our community!
Now we all can feel good about that!”
Kentucky Lottery Comes to Mariemont!
Even though it was only the beginning
of November, the home of Jane and Jim
Rogers on Hammerstone looked like
Christmas morning as the Kentucky Lottery
Commission staged their latest holiday
television commercial inside and outside
the house. Instead of elves, production
assistants crowded around the tree in the
living room as the actors and director
finished up a shoot in the kitchen. As
darkness fell, carolers stood on the doorstep.
Five different locations in the house were
used for the commercial.
Jane Rogers stood by, cradling her dog
Rudy, as controlled chaos unfolded in her
house. The cast and crew swarmed in at 8:30
am, and by 8:30 that night, they were gone
without a trace. This particular house has
been a long-time favorite of a production
scout, who originally chose it as the main
location for the movie Milk Money, shot
in 1994. Although that deal ultimately fell
through, the scout used the home for a
UDF commercial in 1997, when the Tontillo
family lived there. She told the Rogers that
their recent remodeling fit the feel they were
looking for in the Kentucky Lottery ad.
The Rogers learned a lot about how a
TV commercial is created and enjoyed the
experience.
The commercial is currently airing in this
area.
JAMES T. WESTERFIELD, D.V.M.
Rogers' residence on Hammerstone Way.
6892 Murray Avenue • (513) 561-0020
Understands the Real Estate Market.
Understands Your Needs.
Jennifer Lukey-Shinn, PBD, Realtor®
(513) 236-4988 Mobile
(513) 793-2121 Office
(513) 354-8133 E-Fax
8040 Montgomery Road
Cincinnati, OH 45236-2903
jshinn@sibcycline.com ❙ www.sibcycline.com/jshinn
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
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HGTV Features Two Mariemont Kitchens
Set your Tivo, DVR, or plan to tune in
to HGTV on January 22. The cable network
was recently in Mariemont to film the
popular show, Bang For Your Buck. Two
kitchens, which were remodeled by The
Howland Group, based in historic Milford,
are featured. The Haffners on Mt. Vernon
and the Campbells on Indianview played host
to camera crews as Monika Osborn, a realtor
with Comey & Shepherd, reviewed the work
with the HGTV designer on camera.
Betsy Campbell remembers the work
done on their house in 2008. “Although the
renovation was one of the most stressful
periods in our lives, it turned out to be one
of the biggest rewards. We put our trust in
contractor Tim Howland and he delivered
with flying colors!” Karri Haffner recalls, “We
began construction in June 2008 and finished
in January 2009. The Howland Group ran the
project on time. There was never a day when I
was wondering if someone was going to show
Hafner kitchen above and Campbell kitchen at right. Bang For Your Buck airs on HGTV on
January 22.
up. The communication could not have been
better.” Karri also said that although they
used the same contractor many other factors
were different. “We did not have the same
overall team that the Campbells did. We used
a different architect, we used a space designer,
PAGE 8
and we used a kitchen designer from The
Hyde Park Lumber Co.”
Tim Howland, the hands-on president of
The Howland Group, submitted the kitchen
plans and a photographic record of both jobs
to the network for consideration, and both
were selected, along with an historic home
in Clifton. Producers of Bang For Your Buck
select the homes based on which ones got the
most value out of their home improvement
project. Tim says, “We try to be creative in
our designs yet mindful of the budget, which
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
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allows our customers to get a lot of ‘bang for
their bucks.’ We aim for a ‘wow factor’ within
a conservative budget.”
While both Mariemont kitchens feature
white cabinetry and were constructed by the
same team of tradesmen, Monika Osborn
said, “Both kitchens are completely unique
in function and layout. They are absolutely
beautiful and designed to function for family
living.” Monika is featured on camera, as she
on camera, but relaxed after a few takes and
just tried to have fun with it,” she said. Karri
Haffner admitted her family was also a bit
nervous, but are very glad they agreed to be
part of the show. “As an avid HGTV watcher,
it was quite exciting to meet one of the design
stars (Monica Pederson) from the show,”
Karri said.
At the end of the show, the three
renovations are ranked according to who
and the HGTV designer review the various
design elements. The owners watch the
discussion from another room and are shown
on camera reacting to the comments of the
designer and real estate agent. Monika said,
“The shoot was very fast paced and nothing
was pre-rehearsed. I discussed what potential
buyers would find appealing or unappealing
about each renovation.”
Betsy Campbell found the cast and crew
from HGTV to be very friendly and down to
earth. “We were all very nervous about being
got the best value, based on design qualities,
condition of the rest of the home, values of
similar homes nearby, and the rate at which
property values are rising or falling in the area.
Monika said the final ranking was very close
and that the decision came down to the wire.
Be sure to watch HGTV on January 22 to see
which of the families got the most “Bang For
Their Buck!”
To see more examples of The Howland
Group's work, and to find contact information,
please visit: www.howland-group.com.
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
PAGE 9
WOM
AN
'S A
RT
C
LUB
OF
C
I NC I N NAT I
Interview with Artist Charlie Berger
Charlie Berger teaches
Drawing Fundamentals for adults
and teens at WACCC, in addition
to his busy teaching schedule at
U.C.’s DAAP and the Art Academy
of Cincinnati. Alleen Manning
recently interviewed Charlie.
How long have you been
making art? Since I was three, my
Dad says. Since my junior year in
college, from my point of view,
when I began working every day,
and was deeply influenced by my
teachers.
Did you have an art teacher in school?
Did your parents support your artistic
goals? Were there any special teachers that
you can remember that encouraged you to
continue creating art? I studied art with Dean
Stambaugh throughout prep school, where
the painting studio was filled with plants and
cages of tiny twittering birds. Before that my
parents would take me downtown on Saturday
mornings to study oil painting (with adults, not
kids) in a big old-fashioned teaching studio.
Most influential was Eric Weller, at Dickinson
College, whose example led me to be an artist
and a teacher.
What is your favorite medium?
Your favorite subject matter-why?
My favorite medium is drawing, which for
me includes collage and work in a variety of
mixed mediums. But I am equally enamored
of sculpture and oil painting, and I’ve never
been willing to settle on a single medium. Art
making for me is most meaningful when it’s a
constructed, hand- made, physical thing. Even
oil painting is more engaging for me when I’ve
built the stretcher and primed the canvas.
Who are your favorite artists from
the past? Why? An eclectic bunch. Early
on it was illustrators and realist painters.
Then the abstract impressionists – Barnett
Newman, Franz Kline – and then color
field painters, especially Morris Louis and
Helen Frankenthaler. Now I look at as much
contemporary art as I can, but also Ingres,
Degas, Sargent. . . . there are many.
Please explain some of your most
effective teaching techniques. Energy,
empathy, a sense of humor. Working with each
student individually.
P A G E 10
How has technology
changed drawing and
painting at the student
level? Not a lot. Students
now are more likely to be
adept at illustration, and at
copying a wider range of
contemporary artists. The
computer is simply a given,
of course, and it’s still likely
that a student will be much more familiar with
comics and graphic novels than with the masters
of art history. Probably kids draw a little less,
since the computer takes up more of their time.
But there’s still a fascination with good drawing,
once you dig a little bit.
What are some neat things that you have
learned from your students? I learn from my
students all the time. That’s why I keep teaching!
Mostly I’m rewarded by seeing the constant
possibilities that flow out of them, the newness of
art making even when it’s grounded in principles
that are five centuries old.
Woman’s Art Club Foundation and
Playhouse in the Park Present Cyrano
The
famously largenosed Cyrano
is in love with
Roxanne. She,
in turn, adores
Christian.
What Cyrano
lacks in beauty
he makes up
for with his artful words and their effect on
the heart of the woman he loves. Christian,
though handsome beyond words, can barely
form a sentence without the help of his friend
Cyrano. The two are bound by one thing:
their love for Roxanne. They conspire to work
together to create the perfect man-one with
Cyrano’s romantic and thoughtful words and
Christian’s dashing features. Will Roxanne
fall in love with a face or the words behind it?
This unique adaptation of the French Classic
Cyrano DeBergerac uses only three actors and
one musician to retell a romantic and poetic
story in a theatrically exciting, and refreshing
new setting.
Please join us Saturday, January 16, at 3:00
p.m., Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center, 6980
Cambridge Ave.
Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets
early. To order tickets visit
http://wacccbarn.blogspot.
com for information
and ordering. Please call
272-3700 for additional
information. Tickets are
$5.00 for adults and $2.50
for children 12 and under.
Looking Toward Spring
In Seventeenth century Holland,
“Tulipomania”, drove prices for this exotic
bulb from central Asia so high that family
fortunes were created and then ruined when
the market dropped. We are lucky we can
enjoy tulips simply for their spectacular
beauty!
This spring, our WACCC Barn will be
adorned in a blaze of red and yellow tulips,
1,000 to be exact! This special gift is due to
the generosity of Carl and Edyth Lindner.
The tulips, named “Carl Lindner”, are red
with yellow centers. They are cultivar group
“Triumph” and bloom mid-spring.
We would also like to thank the Art
Club members, trustees, and the Town and
Country Garden Club for their energy and
hard work in planting this generous gift.
You haven’t seen the Barn yet? Please
come visit! The Barn is open Wednesday or
Friday, 10:00-3:00. Our phone number is
513-272-3700.
Interested in classes? Look for a new
schedule of Winter Classes coming in
January, 2010. Call Myrtle at 513-5614498 or visit www.womansartclub.com for
information.
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
MA
R I E MONT
P
R E S E R VAT I O N
F
OU N DAT ION
MPF's Monthly Messenger
Vision Plan Progress
MPF is happy to report significant
progress on its Vision Plan 2021 has been
made. Thanks to more than 100 survey
responses as well as input from many local
organizations, the Village’s Architectural
Review Board, Village Planning Commission,
school administrators, and two local
developers, a lot of good ideas have been
recorded.
While several more group meetings,
surveys of Village employees, and input from
the Mariemont Schools are planned, the big
news is that the Vision Plan Committee is
currently evaluating dates in January and
February for meetings with Village residents.
At our next Town Meeting, MPF will
make a presentation on the preliminary
results of our efforts. Shortly afterwards
M
MONT TOWN CRIER
P AAGREI E11
we plan on securing grant monies which
will enable us to not only write and publish
Vision Plan 2021, but to develop a handsome
document that will include pictures, maps,
and illustrations.
Upon adoption, Vision Plan 2021 will
create a “blueprint” which can be used
to guide future public and private sector
investment in the Village. In addition
to economic development and tax base
enhancement, many other priority areas,
including open space, redevelopment,
historic preservation, public facilities, and
local governance will be discussed.
This is an exciting time to live and work
in the Village of Mariemont. We look forward
to seeing you as well as hearing from you at
one of our information exchange meetings in
early 2010!
Family Movie Night
At Mariemont
Elementary
Mariemont Elementary PTO teamed
up with local orthodontist, Dr. Wnek, to
host Family Movie Night in the all-purpose
room. 70 kids and adults gathered in early
November to enjoy popcorn, drinks, and
treats as they watched Toy Story. The kids
were in their pajamas, and brought pillows
and blankets for an extra snuggly good
time. Thanks to the sponsorship of Dr.
Wnek, the event was free for all.
M A R I E M O N T T O WPNA GCER I11
ER
VI
LL AGE
Meet Our Carriers
All year long, our faithful delivery kids
carry the papers through rain and snow, facing
dogs and icy steps to bring the Town Crier to
your doorstep. We thought you’d like to meet
Andrew Sizer would like an NFL finger football, skills
mini hoop, and X-Box 360, video games, and money.
some of them, and find out what they would
like Santa to carry to their houses in his big bag!
Happy Holidays to ALL our carriers!
Drew Goheen (L) would like a drum set and
two x-Box games. Parker Gilmore would like
Madden 10 for Wii.
For Town Crier
Advertising Information,
Please Call 271-7246
Hans Hinebaugh would like a Beatles CD.
Audrey York would like glow-in-the-dark
juggling balls, and more cow bell!
Joe Veeneman would like a personalized Bengals
jersey and trip to the Super Bowl for the Bengals.
Who Dey!
Not pictured: Steve Hassey would like Duke to
win the NCAA championships.
P A G E 12
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
MHS Students
Inducted into National
Honor Society
Joe Molski would like DJ Hero for the PS3.
Anna Karnes would like mint green splint boots
for her horse.
Katie Karnes would like a gift certificate to
Michael’s.
Analise Hinebaugh would like stilts (or a horse!).
On November 5, the following senior
and junior students were inducted into
the Mariemont High School chapter of the
National Honor Society (NHS).
Senior inductees are Tim Kuck, Lizzie
Laboda-Lyman, Maura Weaver and Riley Webb.
Juniors include Stephanie Allen, Lizzie
Arington, Audrey Askam, Brian Austin,
Joel Beeby, Angie Bell, Sarah Bessey, Quinn
Budig, Conor Coyan, Will Degerberg, Haley
Fallon, Joey Fening, Taylor Fields, David
Finn, Andy Gorman, Abby Hofrichter,
Drew Hyer, Christian Lehman, Alex
Ljubisavljevic, Whitney Lonnemann, Katie
McGraw, Emily Mehl, Mari Mileham,
Emily Moreton, Teddy Murphy, Erin
Purcell, Hillary Purcell, Stacy Purcell, Tim
Purcell, Sarah Ries, Matisse Rogers, Kelsie
Rutherford, Mackenzie Saffin, Emmie
Stehling, Chip Stewart, Emily Taylor,
Jordan Walter, Chelsea Weaver, Wes
Woodruff and Matt York.
Green Seal Certified
Don’t Buy the Hype!
For many leading brands, the only thing “green” is the label!
GreenSolver is a versatile cleaner formulated to replace hazardous cleaning solutions.
GreenSolver meets Green Seal’s environmental standards for industrial and institutional
cleaners based on its reduced human & aquatic toxicity and reduced smog protection potential.
GreenSolver is now available to retail consumer/households.
This eco-friendly, multi-purpose cleaner/degreaser replaces:
• All Purpose Cleaners
• Neutral Floor Cleaners
• Fabric & Spot Remover
• Glass Cleaners
• Mold Remover
• Tile and Grout Cleaners
• Hard Surface Cleaners
• Wood Cleaners
www.GreenSolver.org
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
P A G E 13
VI
LL AGE
ARB Approves Greiwe Request For Rezoning
B Y MARTY BARTLETT
On Nov. 18 three members of The
Architectural Review Board met to consider
Greiwe Development Group’s request to change
Residence B to Residence D on two blocks of
Madisonville Road and Thorndike. The change
would rezone 2/3 of one lot and 1/3 of the other.
“It will be a slow process,” said Rick Greiwe
principal of Greiwe Development. “Residents
don’t have to move.” Griewe estimated
construction would not start for at least a year
or possibly a year and a half.
Addressing previous concerns, Griewe said
there will be no backsides to the building; there
will be units on all four sides; all the sycamore
trees will be kept on Madisonville Road, as well
Expires 12/31/10
as maples on Thorndike. Two full apartment
lots will be made into a park at the corner of
Thorndike and Lane K. There is a big oak tree
there that Greiwe likes to think may have been
planted by John Nolen; the park will be named
John Nolen. A bird sanctuary on West St. will
be restored.
Height, another concern, will transition
from two to three stories, with a maximum of
45 feet. Entrance to parking garages will be off
Madisonville, requiring a new left turn lane.
Architect Sari Lehtinen, with the firm of
Cole-Russell, described the buildings. There
will be gables that give a break in the roofline,
dormers and balconies. Ms. Lehtinen said
it was the same kind of treatment as Jordan
Park, but “this one is more playful.” The site
on the block from Murray to West St. is to be
called Emery Park, with units ranging in size
from 1250-1400 square feet and in price from
$325,000-425,000. There will be units with
one bedroom and a study, and some with two
bedrooms. The other building is to be called
Nolen Park, on Madisonville from West St. to
Lane K, and will feature two bedroom and two
bedroom with study condominiums. Prices
range from $450,000- 575,000. There will be 38
units in each building.
In a press release, Rick Greiwe said, "The
product will appeal to a broad market segment,
especially those who desire the lifestyle of
a walkable community and convenience
of a single-level residence that requires no
maintenance."
Dan Spinnenweber of Spinnenweber
Builders owns the apartment building at the
corner of Lane K and Madisonville Road.
Greiwe said, “Dan and I will get together on
options that would work. It could be mixed
use.” Spinnenweber and Greiwe are working
together, he said. Mark Bruggeman expressed
support for mixed use, with business on
the ground floor and a concrete deck above.
Martin Koepke, chairman of the ARB,
expressed his feeling that the styling was
excellent with minimal impact on Thorndike.
“Great job,” he concluded. Paul Wright, a
resident of Thorndike, said the apartments still
there are a concern. Three years from now what
happens there? Koepke said if the developer
wants a different design, he would have to
go through the process again. Chad Osgood,
Martin Koepke, and Frank Raeon, members
present, voted unanimously to change the zone
and grant a Certificate of Appropriateness.
ATTENTION: Home Owners... If You Have a Plumbing
Problem, Don't Panic! "How to Get a 'Top Talent' Plumber to
Show Up On Time So You Don't Waste Time"
Call FORSEE PLUMBING Co., Inc. 513-271-6720 for your
appointment window.
As a Mariemont resident present this ad and you will receive $10 off the
$39 service call fee.
Robert Forsee Jr., Owner State License PL #16160
104
Master Card and Visa Accepted
P A G E 14
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
VI
LL AGE
The Safe Route to School
B Y ANGELA FORSYTH
An interview with
Police Chief Richard Hines
It’s a huge leap of faith parents take when
they allow their children to walk to and from
school on their own. Parents do everything
they can to protect their kids, but inevitably
there comes a time when a child will ask to
walk to school by himself. It takes only one
bad news report to set parents’ minds racing
with fears of abduction or car accidents, but
by taking certain safety measures, parents can
help their kids get to and from school safely.
Mariemont Police Chief Richard Hines
offers valuable advice on making the route to
school a safe one. He suggests parents walk
their children to school or be able to see them
get there if they can. If that isn’t possible,
parents should have their child walk with a
friend or in a group.
Hines also suggests families create a
code word for their child and teach them to
never go with anyone who doesn’t know the
code word. Parents should never put their
child’s name on the outside of their clothing
or backpack, as this would allow a stranger to
call the child by name and confuse them into
thinking the person knows them.
Children should be taught to never
approach a stranger’s vehicle and never go
anywhere with someone they do not know. If
they are ever in trouble, the child should know
to scream and be as loud as they can to alert
someone for help, says Hines.
Although keeping kids safe from strangers
is a big concern, keeping them safe from
vehicles is equally important. Chief Hines
suggests children cross the street at the corner
or at a crosswalk. They should walk facing
traffic and stay on the sidewalk. If they are
riding the bus, children should only cross in
front of the bus when the bus driver says it is
safe. They should not cross behind the bus or
anywhere the bus driver cannot see them.
“Our children and our elderly are the top
priority of the Mariemont Police Department.
They are the most vulnerable groups of people
that we serve. Our children are our future and
we will continue to go the extra mile to protect
them,” says Chief Hines.
WELCOME!
Sunday Worship:
7:45 am: Holy Eucharist Rite I with Hymns
9 am: A Eucharist for All People*
10 am: Christian Formation, all ages
11:15 am: Choral Eucharist Rite II*
CHRISTMAS AT ST. THOMAS:
Dec 24, 4pm: Family Eucharist and Children’s Pageant*
8 pm: Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10:30 pm: Carol Sing
11:00 pm: Christ Mass
Dec 25, 11:00 am Holy Eucharist with Carols
*Nursery Care for Children Up To 4
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EMAIL: OFFICE@���������������������
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
P A G E 15
COU
NCIL
N
OTES
Council Minute Highlights
B Y MARTY BARTLETT
Budget Deficit
Residents who crowded the Council
chambers on Nov. 9 heard Councilman Rex
Bevis recommend that Council deal with the
budget shortfall and the defeat of the tax levy
by staffing changes. He proposed leaving
the Police Department staffing as is, with
ten officers with one vacancy; reducing the
Maintenance Department from five to four
men; and restructuring the Fire Department
so there are three full time men instead
of five. Bevis said he would like to see the
incoming council members who will take
office in January have a say. Councilman Bill
Ebelhar asked if Bevis wanted a vote on his
proposal that evening; Bevis responded yes.
However Solicitor Ed McTigue said that for
a vote, it should have been on the agenda.
These changes should be discussed in open
meeting, he said, and he recommended
Council meet as a Committee of the Whole
to get citizens’ input and to make public the
facts and figures. There could be budgetary
options other than layoffs, such as selling a
police car or offering furloughs, he suggested.
Council representative Kim Sullivan said the
budget problems had been referred to The
Committee of the Whole to start with, and
she felt it was appropriate to follow through
the same way. Bevis noted there might not be
time to accomplish his proposal by the end of
the year.
Earlier in the meeting, Cortney Scheeser,
who won one of the Council seats in the recent
election, asked Council to postpone action
until the New Year. By then Scheeser felt
the deficit information would be clearer and
better than in the past; a new council would be
in place; and it would be past the holidays.
Bevis later told the Town Crier that
having two full and two part time fire fighters
on a shift should be adequate to answer
emergencies. There would still be four men
on duty at all times. Sometimes there might
be two or three full time during the week,
but always a combination of four, as we
have now. Asked why apparently the Fire
Department has been singled out over the
Police Department for layoffs, Bevis said there
was a lot more opportunity to operate the Fire
Department with part time than the Police
Department. Five full time firefighters are too
many to sustain, he concluded.
Fire Chief Jack Phifer noted this is a 40%
reduction in his staff. He stressed that the
part-timers are very good and skilled, but
they don’t know the village and are not as
loyal. The National Fire Protection Agency
standards for fires are that two men go in
and two are backup. Before any medical
procedure can be administered at the scene
there must be two paramedics there. Phifer
says his main concern is there would be no
backup medic service if one full time and
two part time men make a run, leaving only
one at the station. Fifteen times last year
Mariemont Fire was out on a run and their
backup, Little Miami, was also out. Madeira-Indian Hill came in, but they are located
farther away. Phifer said his men are willing
to forego holiday pay and overtime in order
to ease the budget deficit.
Finances
The Village received the quarterly
franchise fee from Time Warner of
$11,745.82. Time Warner also sent notice of
commencement of service by video service
provider, which the Village must apply for.
Treasurer Tony Borgerding told Council
that finances are all right now, but there will
be a loss of $100,00 each month in the next
quarter, so the Village will end up $275,000
short. In answer to a question from the Mayor,
Borgerding said there was close to $1,000,000
in the General Fund.
An ordinance for application and
contract with the Ohio Public Works
Commission was passed at the Nov. 9
meeting. Clerk Paul Tontillo explained
that this would enable communities to get
matching grants. Mariemont could use it
for street repairs on Miami and Plainville.
The Village would put up $35,000 and Ohio
Public Works Commission would put up
$175,000. This ordinance would authorize
the mayor and Tontillo to apply but is not a
commitment.
Safety
A resolution on The Safe Route to
School Program passed. This is a program
sponsored by The Federal Government and
administered through The Ohio Department
of transportation. The principal of the
Fairfax Elementary School had asked for the
resolution as he is trying to get grant money
for sidewalks or crossing guards for the
Fairfax children who walk to school.
Police Chief Rick Hines said the Police
Department has secured a grant of $7000
for bulletproof vests. Four vests need to be
replaced.
P A G E 16
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
Poultry in Mariemont
Valerie Taylor of Montgomery
addressed Council on the subject of keeping
chickens. This has been an issue recently
in Montgomery, which first criminalized
chickens, she said, but after hearing from
residents interested in a greener life in
the suburbs, made chickens legal again.
She said she could almost guarantee that
someone in Mariemont is keeping chickens.
She encouraged Council to grant approval
if approached by residents. Policastro said
someone had called the Village office.
Tax Levy Flyer
Much of the Oct. 26 Council meeting was
taken up with discussion of the flyer created
by Village employees that urged passage of
the 4.75 mill tax levy. Matt Ayer said he had
sent an e-mail concerning a fraud complaint
about the flyer. Ayer had asked Chief Phifer
who told him the cost was less than $100,
though Ayer discovered the real cost was $300.
Solicitor McTigue said he saw no basis for a
fraud complaint. When employees learned
the flyer was not legal because it did not list
the name of the organization that paid for it,
adjustments were made, according to Fireman
Tim Feightner.
Bank Robbery
For the second time this year, Mariemont
has had an armed robbery. The afternoon of
Nov. 5, an armed robber entered U.S. Bank,
showed a semi-automatic weapon and told
the teller to fill a pillowcase with money. He
left by the back door. Dogs tracked him to
Thorndike, where it is presumed a getaway car
waited. The robber wore gloves, a mask, and
a hooded sweatshirt. The bank video could
discern only the tip of his nose, which showed
him to be Caucasian, and his stature. Hines
estimated he might have gotten $1100. Hines
noted that crime is more prevalent during the
holidays and that drugs drive 90% of crime.
The Mariemont Police were backed up by
Fairfax Police, Madeira-Indian Hill Police,
both of whom helped establish a quadrant,
and the Cincinnati Police, who have an actual
crime scene unit. Earlier this year two armed
robbers held up The Mariemont Theater, with
a take of $100-300.
Budget Deficit
At the November 23 Council meeting,
Council considered an ordinance
establishing a video service provider fee
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
to be paid by any video service provider
offering video service in the Village;
authorizing the mayor to give notice to the
video service provider of the video service
provider fee and declaring emergency.
Councilman Charlie Thomas questioned
why this should be an emergency. Solicitor
Ed McTigue responded that he thought this
was Time Warner’s version of continuing
the franchise fee. Thomas said he thought
it had nothing to do with the franchise
fee. He has seen franchise fees, but not
this fee. McTigue agreed, “We don’t really
know what we’re passing. Maybe it should
be tabled for the second reading until the
next meeting.” Councilman-elect Cortney
Scheeser said that Time Warner might want
to lock in the video service because Bell is
putting in a fiber optic system.
Matt Weinland presented a letter from
Mariemont resident Jenny Ferguson, which
she asked to be read into the minutes. Mrs.
Ferguson questioned the elimination of
personnel at the same time the Village has
given most Village employees $25 Kroger gift
cards, costing a total of $1300. In addition,
Mrs. Ferguson noted that the Mayor had
requested that all department heads submit
personnel reports to him in order that
performance bonuses up to $1000 each could
be awarded to all full time employees. In 2007
the village issued $18,547 in performance
bonuses and in 2008 the village spent $19,285
in performance bonuses. Mrs. Ferguson wrote,
“While I appreciate all of the hard work of our
Village employees, I imagine they would be
willing to forego bonuses in order to save their
jobs.” She asked that Council look everywhere
else before considering employee layoffs, such
as increased garbage rates and sticker fees,
requesting department heads to find more way
to cut spending (i.e. overtime), and polling
employees as to what they might be willing to
contribute to the solution, i.e. some paid days
off, etc., in exchange for job security. Mrs.
Ferguson concluded that difficult decisions lie
ahead and she supports Mr. Scheeser’s request
that the choices be left to the newly elected
Council or at least to consider their input. The
Committee of the Whole is meeting Dec. 7 at 7
p.m. to consider personnel layoffs.
Resolutions: second reading to appoint
Dennis Malone building commissioner for
20010-2011 and set compensation. First
reading to re-appoint the following persons
to the Parks Advisory Board: Nancy Stelzer,
Louise Schomburg, Bev Kranitsky, and Mike
Benson, all for 2010-2011; to re-appoint Frank
Raeon to the Architectural Review board for
2010-2011, and to appoint Mark Bruggeman
as a member of the Architectural Review
Board for 2010-20111.
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P A G E 17
More Can
Be Recycled
Rumpke has announced it will now
pick up all plastic bottles and jugs,
regardless of the number on them.
They have also expanded their recycling
program to include clean pizza boxes.
Remember not to place your garbage
cans and recycling bins at the curb. The
Village pays a premium to Rumpke
to pick up at the rear of the lot. Also,
garbage will not be picked up if there is
no sticker. Some people have thought
that garbage brought to the curb does not
need a sticker. This is not true. For your
garbage to be picked up, it must have the
sticker. Please keep your trashcans in the
rear of your lot and use the stickers.
For Town Crier
Advertising Information,
Please Call 271-7246
MA
RI
EL
DERS
December Programs
Shop MariElders for Christmas
Happy Holidays everyone from the
MariElders! Don’t forget us when you are
shopping for the season we have some great
gift ideas. We have Mariemont Charms,
Brass Replicas, Mariemont note cards and
Entertainment Books. Another idea is a Kroger
gift card. Stop in and see us. We are open
Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Center Transportation
The Center will be offering transportation
to the new Wal-Mart in Fairfax on Thursdays
from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.. You must finish your
shopping and be waiting no later than 4
p.m. We continue to provide the Van Shuttle
service to all the regular places; Kroger,
Walgreen’s, Library, banks etc. on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays, and Fridays.
With the weather getting ready to turn
remember that the MariElders will shop for
you or pick up items that you may need from
prescriptions to books at the library. Just call
us – we are happy to help.
HEAP – Home Energy Program
The MariElders has the new Home Energy
Assistance Program applications. HEAP is a
federally funded program designed to assist
eligible Ohioans with their winter heating bills.
You are eligible for the program if you own
your own home or are renting an apartment
or house and pay for your own heat. This
program is based on your gross household
income. When applying you must have proof
of income, age and social security number for
everyone living in the household. You also
need a copy of your current gas & electric bill.
The HEAP program makes a one time
payment directly to your gas & electric company.
If you would like an application or have
questions please call Kathy at the MariElders.
OM E F O R
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Photos by John Cowell.
Th
mont C
hurch.
Children’s Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 20
10:00 A.M.
Parish Center
www.MariemontChurch.org
513.271.4376
Candlelight Christmas Eve
4:30 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.
Chapel
Renovated Spaces • Renovated Lives
P A G E 18
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
SE
ASON
'S G
REETINGS
Exchanging Cookies and Holiday Cheer
Cookie Decorating
B Y LAURA TRACHTMAN
In addition to exchanging cookies, you and
your guests could decorate already baked, cut out
sugar cookies. Have on hand
icing, food coloring and edible
decorations. A few years ago,
I took a class from Richard
Prince, the pastry chef at the
Bonbonerie in O’Bryonville.
Now, several times a year, I
make his recipe for butter cut
out cookies with milk fondant
icing and decorative buttercream icing. (You can
find copies of these recipes on my blog.)
If you are looking for a fun, easy and
affordable get together this holiday
season, consider hosting a cookie
exchange. Simply invite 6-8 guests and
ask them to bring 3 or 4 dozen of their
favorite homemade cookies. Provide
drinks, snacks and bakery boxes so
everyone can take home an assortment
of goodies. You can structure your
cookie exchange in a variety of ways:
Heirloom Recipes
Ask your guests to make and share a recipe
that was handed down to them from a previous
generation. This is a great way to learn about
your friends’ backgrounds and family traditions.
One of my childhood memories includes the
walnut thumbprint cookies made by my Polish
Grandma Otsie. The shortbread base melted in
your mouth and the cookies were topped with
pastel colored buttercream icing.
Children’s Tea Party
Kids love tea parties and one with a
holiday theme could be extra special. Most
children also love to bake, so this is a way they
could share their creations with their friends.
Serving hot cocoa or apple cider would be a
nice addition. Peanut butter and jelly finger
sandwiches could be fun too.
Dessert Buffet
A cookie exchange could be incorporated
into a dessert party. Serve champagne, hot
toddies or Irish coffee and provide a selection
of festive desserts. A store-bought Bûche de
Noël (yule log cake) would be especially nice.
I like to serve a variety of sweets that include:
chocolate (cheesecake, brownies or flourless
cake), spice (Bundt cake or cookies) and fruit
(tart or pie). A small selection of cheese and
fresh fruit is also lovely for dessert.
For the past several years, Mariemont
Elementary PTO has hosted a cookie swap
for the teachers. Parents bake several
dozen cookies and teachers get to take home
an assortment to share with their family.
Cookies are a wonderful part of our holiday
traditions and a great way to spread
holiday cheer.
(You can find Laura’s blog at http://
villagefoodie.blogspot.com/.)
Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas with the Town Crier!
Can you match the Mariemont-oriented gifts for the twelve days with the Town Crier
advertiser?
The Gifts:
Advertisers:
12 Patrons Yumming
Mercy St. Theresa
11 Cleaners Wiping
Schmitty’s Cyclery
10 Breakfasts Heaping
The Quarter
9 Caregivers Enhancing
Great Clips
8 Homes A-Showing
National Exemplar
7 Stylists Trimming
Swisher Landscaping
6 People Praying
LaRosas
5 Chicken Wings
Cincinnati Center for Improved Communication
4 Better Words
Mariemont Community Church, St. Thomas Episcopal Church
3 Health & Wealth Friends
Green Solver
2 Cycling Gloves
Health First Physicians, Miller Insurance, Financial Management Group
…and landscaping for my pear tree
Ogle Annett, Patti Harrier, Shelley Reed, George Peck, Jen Shinn
(See answers on back page.)
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER
P A G E 19
SE
ASON
'S G
REETINGS
Light Up the Night!
Tree Lighting 2009
photos by Ron Schroeder
Mariemont’s annual Luminaria and village tree lighting was
held December 5. As always, one of the highlights was the visit
from old Saint Nick himself. This beloved village tradition was
successful because of the collaboration and support of village
residents and businesses. The Mariemont Preschool Parents
Group would like especially like to thank the 85 individuals
and families who helped light the Village through the donation
of luminary kits. It is this spirit of community that makes our
Village so special.
Answers: 12 Patrons Yumming (The Quarter); 11 Cleaners Wiping (Green Solver); 10 Breakfasts Heaping (National Exemplar); 9 Caregivers Enhancing
(Mercy St. Theresa); 8 Homes A-Showing (Ogle Annett, Patti Harrier, Shelley Reed, George Peck, Jen Shinn); 7 Stylists Trimming (Great Clips); 6 People Praying
(Mariemont Community Church, St. Thomas Episcopal Church); 5 Chicken Wings (LaRosas); 4 Better Words (Cincinnati Center for Improved Communication);
3 Health & Wealth Friends (Health First Physicians, Miller Insurance, Financial Management Group); 2 Cycling Gloves (Smitty’s Cyclery); …and landscaping for
my pear tree (Swisher Landscaping).
P A G E 20
MARIEMONT TOWN CRIER