December 2010 - Mariemont City Schools

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0 • M A R I E M O N T , O H I O • V O L U M E X X X V , N O . 4photo by Ron SchroederHark, the herald angels sing...Happy Holidays from The Town Crier!T H E V O I C E O F T H E V I L L A G E

H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S !Luminaria & Christmas Tree Lighting 2010Santa (and snow!) visited Mariemont’s annual tree lightingthis December 4. This beloved annual event, organized by theMariemont Preschool Parents Group, was made possible withthe support of many Village residents and businesses. TheMPPG would like to thank those who helped light the Villagethrough the donation of luminary kits. It is this sense ofcommunity that makes the holidays so special in Mariemont.photos by Ron SchroederP AG E 2M A R I E M O N T T O W N C R I E R

H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S !Photos from the eventcan be purchased.Email requests to:ronschroederimaging@gmail.comTroop #149 Christmas Tree SaleTradition ContinuesThe wonderful scent ofevergreens again fills the air duringBoy Scout Troop 149’s annualChristmas tree sale. The sale is at themunicipal building for the third year.As the Troop’s only fund-raiser,proceeds help to support monthlyoutings, new or replacementequipment, a week at CampFriedlander and the always popularsummer High Adventure trip. EveryScout family participates and boysacquire valuable skills such asinventory management and goodcustomer service. Older scouts serveas shift managers and direct all sales aspectsincluding crew management. These importantlessons let the young men experience what ittakes to operate a small business.The Scouts’ long standing relationshipwith a grower in North Carolina provides fresh,high quality trees ranging in size from fourfeet all the way up to 12 feet. Once the trees arecut in the field, they’re shipped directly to themunicipal building. Customers may request aclean cut help to the tree maintain its freshnessthroughout the holidays.Pine roping, decorated and plain wreathsare also available.Regular hours are Monday-Friday 4:00-9:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 am-9:00 pm; Sunday11:00 am-6:00 pm.Visit Troop 149’s evergreen forest, inhaledeeply to enjoy that heavenly scent, and let theScouts help you find that perfect tree!Mariemont SchoolsHoliday Glee on TV!Lots of holiday glee fills the WSTR-TVairwaves this month with four broadcastsof the “Star64 HolidayCarols”. Areachoirs willperformholidayselectionson FountainSquare. Thetwo-hourspecialpremieresDecember 19 (8 pm Channel 64) andrepeats at 10 p.m. on December 24, noonon Christmas Day, and noon on December26. Mariemont is one of the participatingschools. Other schools taking part include:Elder, Finneytown, Hamilton, Holy Cross,LaSalle, McAuley, Mother of Mercy, MountNotre Dame, Northwest, Norwood, Princeton,Ross, Seton, Seven Hills, St. Ursula Academyand Withrow high schools.M A R I E M O N T T OW N C R I E R P AG E 3

TheClubThe Town Crier would like to thank our supporters! Funding for production of The Town Crier comes solely from our advertisers and your contributions. Individualscontributing throughout the publishing year will have their names included in each remaining issue. Those donating more than $25 are indicated in bold type. Yourcontribution can be mailed to: Mariemont Town Crier c/o Claire Kupferle, 3844 Indianview Avenue Mariemont, OH 45227THE CRIER CLUB 2010 - 2011AnonymousMarty and Tom AllmanBarb AndersonMichael and Leslie BaggishAmelia BanisterMartha and Bob BartlettAnn and Charles BeachJoan and Carl BenderKaren and Ed BerkichJames and Phyllis CartwrightNina CoatesEl Coyote RestaurantDavid and Donna Lou DavisKathy and Stuart DeadrickJay and Sandra DegenChar and Jim DowningSam and Nancy DuranMark and Joan ErhardtMary Ann FielerJohn and Amy FischerKimberly FlickJames and Judy ForemanGarden Club Of MariemontH. Randall and Sandra GarlandLulu GetreuMark and Tracy GlassmeyerJohn and Helen GrayAnn and Walter GroomsChuck and Tara HatchAnn C. HawkHarry and Sally HerrlingerCharles and Marian HicklinPhyllis HoffmanJean HuangWes and Nina IredaleMarianne JenkinsLaura KarnesTodd and Jamie KeyesDon and Peggy KeyesClaire and Len KupferleJudy and Lloyd LindnerMadison BowlJ.H. and Edna MageeGail and Peter McBrideJoseph and Christine MillerNancy MillerDiane MorandBob and Jeanne NaugleMarilyn and Ron NewbanksChad and Leah OsgoodRosemary ParisGeorge and Susan PeckCatherine Ralph and Nancy BeckerRoger and Rosemary ReavillJulie and John RennerErika Renwanz and Sandy JenningsW.S. RobinsonDavid C. RobischNina and Millard RogersKristen Safier and Daniel HoyingSteve and Pat SalayJames and Recie ScottFred and Audrey SharnFrances TurnerMerilee and Charles TurnerEdwin and Carolyn TuttleBecca VianelloVillage Church of MariemontRichard and Ann WendelRandy and MaryBeth YorkThank You for Supporting The Town Crier!EditorClaire Kupferle561-4428/ckupferle@cinci.rr.comBusiness & AdvertisingManagerClaire KupferleDistributionLaura Karnes561-1331/lkarnes@fuse.netProofreaderMarty BartlettContributorsMarty Bartlett271-7069/blbart@fuse.netMichael & Shelley PadenBenson271-9774/bensonm@ucmail.uc.edu/padensl@ucmail.uc.eduAngela Forsythe898-9246/ancofo@yahoo.comAndy Gordon271-2086/andygordon2@gmail.comNina Iredale272-1551/nina90@cinci.rr.comS T A F FTeresa Mikesell272-2199/teresa_mikesell@fuse.netDina Wilder272-3081/dwilder@cinci.rr.comRandy York271-8923/ryork@cinci.rr.comPhotographerRon SchroederCarriersMeg, Celia and Ginny CaesarMargo DaileyLizzie DeadrickSarah FeeneyParker GilmoreDrew GoheenWill HenningAnalise and Hans HinebaughKatie and Anna KarnesJoe MolskiJoe and Emma VeenemanJack WilderAudrey York(Siblings listed together shareroutes; siblings listed separatelyhave their own routes. )February deadline:The deadline for the nextTown Crier is January 20,2011. All camera-readyads and articles must besubmitted by 9 pm toClaire Kupferle atckupferle@cinci.rr.com.Articles should be sent viaemail in Microsoft® Word,with photos sent as jpg files.Payment and advertising contractsshould be submitted to:Claire Kupferle, 3844Indianview, Cinti., OH 45227The 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 organizationsof the Village of Mariemont. Articles (typed and double-spaced) and photographs are welcomed. They may be dropped off or e-mailed by 12 noon on the article due date. Signed Letters to the Editorare 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-profitorganizations 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.©2010 Mariemont Town Crier.Mariemont Town Crier, 3844 Indianview, Mariemont, OH 45227 • (513) 561-4428M A R I E M O N T T OW N C R I E R P AG E 5

V I L L A G EHear Ye! Hear Ye! Residents to Gather for70th Annual Town Meeting in March 2011photo by Ron SchroederSeveral important elected offices will beopen for nomination by residents at the 70thannual Mariemont Town Meeting on Sunday,March 13. The meeting will be held at 1:00pm in the elementary school auditorium.The call for candidates is on. TheMayor, Clerk, and Districts 1 and 5 Councilrepresentative positions will be available fornomination. The following residents currentlyhold these positions:Mayor: Dan PolicastroClerk: Paul TontilloDistrict 1: Council Representative -Dennis WolterDistrict 5: Council Representative - KimSullivanTo be eligible for nomination by TownMeeting for Mayor or a Council position,the following criteria apply: Nominee needsto be of voting age, live in the Village and(for Council positions) reside in the districtwhere s/he will run. He or she should alsodeliver a signed notification of his or herintent to be a candidate to Town MeetingChairman Todd Keyes prior to the meeting.One of the reasons this process hasbeen used in our village since 1941 is tonominate our council members accordingto districts so that each district can beequally represented on our Village council.These districts are not recognized onthe November ballot, so we use the TownMeeting process to nominate our councilmembers according to our Village districts.Those candidates nominated by this processwill then put their names on the ballot forthe binding election in November.Candidates who are not selected throughthe Town Meeting process are able to runat large and can get their names on theNovember ballot by following the procedureslaid out by Hamilton County.The Town Meeting Executive Committeeis also re-elected every two years and willbe up for re-election this year. At the timeof publication, the current committee(besides Hank Kleinfeldt, the Town Crier)has decided not to seek re-election.After two consecutive two-year terms ofservice, the group has decided to makeroom for other citizens to serve on theTown Meeting Executive Committee. Thepositions of Chairman, Vice-Chairman,Treasurer and Secretary will be opento interested residents. Please contactChairman Keyes for more information at:pastortoddkeyes@gmail.com.“Resident participation is crucial tomaking Town Meeting a productive process.I look forward to a solid turnout,” stated.He said that in addition to candidatenominations, a Village update from MayorPolicastro and a school administrationupdate from Mariemont City SchoolsSuperintendent Paul Imhoff will be featuredin the March Town Meeting program.Town Meeting is a time-honored,unique, nonpartisan system and process fornominating candidates for elected office inthe Village of Mariemont. The yearly meetingis also an information and idea exchangebetween Village officials and citizens. Allresidents are encouraged to attend, but onlythose of voting age will be able to participatein the nomination process.Submitted by Sara Zack, SecretaryCivic AssociationCalendar AvailableThe 2011 Mariemont Civic AssociationCalendar is now available! For only$10, you can enjoy beautiful picturesof Mariemont all year long. Joe Stonerhas provided some lovely shots of theVillage for the calendar, which is availableat MariElders, The Villager, and otherlocations around the VillageFor Town CrierAdvertising Information,Please Call 561-4428P AG E 6M A R I E M O N T T O W N C R I E R

S A F E T Y B E A TVillage Watch Program Partners with PoliceI am writing insupport of the VillageWatch program establishedin conjunction withthe Mariemont PoliceDepartment.Since the beginningof the program, the PoliceDepartment has benefitedfrom numerous callsand tips from residentswho have reportedsuspicious activity orsuspicious people in thearea. Members have takenthe time to contact thedepartment due to activitythat they perceived to be out of the ordinary.A tip was called in a couple of years ago bya village watch member that proved to beinstrumental in the arrest of a suspect who wasinvolved in a residential burglary.The Police Departmenthas partnered with theVillage Watch, and hasassigned a liaison officer(Officer Phil Mitchell) toattend monthly meetingsand present criminalactivity statistics as well asany other information thatmay be of interest withinthe village. The liaisonofficer also is on hand toanswer any questions orconcerns that the membersmay have.The Village WatchProgram also helps thePolice Department to get information out tothe community about upcoming events, as wellas other important information concerningsafety. They help to coordinate the annual“Police Night Out” at the Bell Tower whichis held in the month of August of each year.Members volunteer to hand out food anddrinks at the event as well as helping to set upand clean up after the events.The Village Watch is indeed a veryimportant asset to the village and its policedepartment. I strongly encourage residents toget involved in the program and to take time toattend the monthly meetings.Submitted by Richard Hines,Chief of Police/FirePlease Note:The regular monthly Mariemont Boardof Education meeting for January has beenrescheduled from January 11 to January 18at Mariemont Junior High.PENDING!SOLD!3606 CenterSOLD!3605 MoundResults Through Teamwork • Over $10 Million Sold This Year!6500 MariemontSOLD!Shelley Miller Reed Sales Vice President(513) 476-8266 sreed@sibcycline.comwww.sibcycline.com/sreedKaren Laurens Sales Vice President(513) 607-2251 klaurens@sibcycline.comwww.sibcycline.com/klaurens4336 Ashley MeadowContact us today for a free market analysis of your home!M A R I E M O N T T OW N C R I E R P AG E 7

BY TERESA MIKESELLWhen I look back at the holidays as a child,one of my favorite memories is making cookieswith my Aunt Kim. Baking is still a favoriteholiday tradition that I now share with mychildren. We use old family recipes and try newrecipes to mix up the fun during the holidays.While creating in the kitchen is one of my familyholiday traditions, I was eager to find out whatother special moments are being cherishedaround our Village this holiday season.Another tradition that starts in the kitchenis celebrated by the Scholtz family. “Aseveryone has traditions, one that we havedone with the kids is to bake a birthday cakefor Jesus for Christmas day. It helps us keepthe real meaning of Christmas alive. AfterChristmas dinner we all sing happy birthdayto Jesus and cut the cake to eat with our othergoodies,” shared Denise.H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S !Residents Recall Holiday TraditionsTammy Adams remembers how Santawould leave her a filled stocking at the bottomof her bed on Christmas Eve every year. “Iwould wake up in the middle of the night andsqueeze it with excitement,” she said. “It wasalways so much fun and now Santa continuesthe tradition for my boys Andrew, Wesley, Eliand Elliot.” Stefanie Neal and Stacey Freemanfondly talked about the tradition of beingtogether as a family on Christmas Eve andcelebrating in new holiday pajamas. For VickiQuiambao, going to the Christmas Eve serviceat Mariemont Community Church is a favoriteholiday childhood memory.Courtenay and Jeff Andrews always lookforward to the holiday progressive dinnerwith their friends, while their children Carter,Mark, and David enjoy the tradition of goingto Mio’s for pizza after participating in theMariemont Luminaria festivities. MollySmyth’s family would get together withcousins when she was a child. That traditioncontinues, but now there are 13 excitedgrandkids in the mix.The New Year is also time for fun, familymemories and traditions and RebeccaBrugemann’s family has great fun with timecapsules. “Every year I make a survey tocomplete,” said Rebecca. Some questions arethe same like, Who is your best friend? Whatis your favorite song? Other questions aredifferent. After the surveys are completed, theyare tucked away in a time capsule along with alittle trinket or two (we’ve saved polly pocketdolls, sea shells, acorns found on holidayRebecca and Hannah Bruggeman displaytime capsules from past Christmases.walks, etc.) until the following year. Each yearwe get out our time capsule and look back atwhat we wrote. It’s really fun to look at ourfavorite things from years ago.”Bridgett Karlson’s favorite holidaymemory travels a bit closer to home. “Everyyear as a child, we traveled to the beautifulAppalachian Mountains where my father’sside of the family lived in West Virginia. I stillremember how fresh the air smelled. EveryChristmas Eve, all of the gentlemen in thefamilywho played an instrument (almost all)would come together for a night of bluegrassmusic. There you would find my father’s goldbanjo and handmade Dobro’s that were madewith talents as fine as a Renaissance artist. Ifanyone has ever listened to bluegrass, you’dknow how hard it is to sit still! All the childrenwould dance, sing, and twirl their skirts. Thewives and mothers would gather and chat overbaked goods. It was a wonderful tradition andone that truly was unique to that part of theChristmas in Mariemont is special.SChristmas in Mariemont is special.SChristmas in Mariemont is special.Celebrate the SeasonChristmas Eve :: Hear the Christmas Story told throughScripture and song at a candlelight Christmas Eve serviceMemorial Chapel at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 P.M.Sunday Worship :: Services in the Parish Center at 10:00 A.M.Loving nursery care and children’s programs forPre-K to 6th grade. Youth activities are Sunday evenings.“The Wonder of Christmas” :: Dec. 19–Jan. 9Explore the truth and grace of the Christmas storythrough a four-week study on the wonder ofworship, salvation, reconciliation, and new beginnings.www.MariemontChurch.org513.271.4376P AG E 8M A R I E M O N T T O W N C R I E R

H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S !country. I miss those days but it’s comfortingto know it’s only a day’s drive away. We planon taking our four children there one day toexperience the uniqueness and beauty of thatland. Until then, we’ve got a few great cds weplay that get the kids moving!”For the Collister family, a favorite memoryis now a tradition that comes in the shape ofa pickle. “Every year a pickle ornament ishidden somewhere on the Christmas tree,” saidMerret Collister. Because of its color, it’s hardto find the pickle on the tree. The person whofinds the ornament gets to open the first gift ofChristmas. It’s a fun tradition that’s been withme since I was a child.” Merret added.The Lynch family on Indianview Avenuecounts down the days until Christmas eachDecember with books. Myles and Conner’smom Natalie wraps 24 books: some new, someold and some checked out from the library.She places them under the Christmas treeConner and Myles Lynch unwrapping one oftheir 24 book pre-Christmas books.and each night a different book is unwrappedand read at bedtime. “The kids can really seeChristmas is getting closer just by looking atthe books under the tree.” Natalie commented.She also mentioned that the most challengingAnnual Parent/Grandparent DayOn November 23,Mariemont Elementaryhosted their traditionalParent/Grandparent Dayto share the students’school experiencewith their families. Asalways, family membersenjoyed a variety ofactivities includingpoetry readings, musicalperformances, SMARTboard presentations andmuch more.First graderMary Tullywelcomed hermother ShawnTully, brotherCharlie and sisterKatie.part of this fun tradition is working it out sothat “The Night Before Christmas is chosenthe night before Christmas.Michelle Saruwatari clearly remembers hergrandmother hanging tinsel on the Christmastree . . . strand by strand. Her father was a pilotso tradition for her as a child was celebratingChristmas whenever her dad got home.Anita Hunt remembers the Christmas EveOpen House her parents hosted for friendsand neighbors. “We loved having everyoneover and it only heightened the anticipationof Christmas. Afterwards, we would go tomidnight mass. My parents’ families all livedfar away and it was a great way to be able tocelebrate with other families when ours couldnot be with us.”Annabelle Manzler’s favorite memorycomes from Germany. Annabelle recalls, “InGermany Santa comes on Christmas Eve. Weusually have a Christmas goose, which is liketurkey on Thanksgiving here. After dinnerevery child needed to perform something. Itcould be a poem that they rehearsed or a songor even a play. [After the performances] wealways had to go to our rooms while Santacame in the evening. We didn’t have a tree untilthen and it was always so magical to come outof the room and see the tree with the presentsunder it.”When looking at these favorite holidaymemories and traditions and recalling yourown holiday treasures, one thing is very clear:time spent with family, friends and neighborsbrings happiness into our lives. May you allenjoy a magical holiday season and a HAPPYnew year.Henry Teghtmeyer and Grandma Teghtmeyerenjoyed sharing a classroom activity.ATTENTION: Home Owners... If You Have a PlumbingProblem, Don't Panic! "How to Get a 'Top Talent' Plumber toShow Up On Time So You Don't Waste Time"Call FORSEE PLUMBING Co., Inc. 513-271-6720for your appointment window.As a Mariemont resident present this ad and you will receive$10 off the $39 service call fee.Robert Forsee Jr., President MasterCard & Visa AcceptedOH License PL #16160 and KY License M7256M A R I E M O N T T OW N C R I E R P AG E 9

P AG E 1 0W O M A N ’ S A R T C L U B C U L T U R A L C E N T E RExhibit Features Parisian Photographs whimsical,December in the GalleryHoliday Open House and aPhotography Exhibition“Carousel Horses of France” by H.Stephen Bjornson opened on Sunday,December 5. This colorful exhibit featuresphotographs of the whimsical, prancing,whirling, creaturesof antique Parisiancarousels that havecharmed generationsof adults andchildren. The Barn isbeautifully decoratedfor the Holidays. Thepublic is welcome!The photographyexhibition willcontinue through December 30. Galleryhours are Monday-Friday, 9:30 am to 3:30pm, except December 24.January EventsGallery Exhibit“Know it by ART: Ohio”Opening Reception, January 7, 2011 from5 - 7 pm: “Know it by Art: Ohio” is a resourcekit in development under the direction ofMariemont City Schools. It features crosscurricularclassroom lessons based on Ohio’sbest examples of art, architecture and artifacts.During the current school year, Mariemontart teachers Melissa Rupe, Kelly Meyers andShelley Komrska have been teaching "Knowit by Art: Ohio” lessons to their students inCINCINNATI CENTER FOR IMPROVEDCOMMUNICATION, INC.,provides a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for individuals withcommunication disorders and language-based learning problems.Affiliated occupational therapy services through Cincinnati Occupational Therapy Institute (COTI).Sharon K. Collins, MS, CCC-S/LPOwner/Director513-771-0149 faxwww.ccicinc.comDiscover a practice which offerscomprehensive speech, language,and language-based learning servicesthroughout the Greater Cincinnati area.Central Intake Number 513.771.7655Certified FastForWord® ProviderTwo Convenient LocationsBlue Ash Site4440 Carver Woods DriveCincinnati, OH 45242Mariemont SiteMariemont Executive Building3814 West Street, Suite 321Cincinnati, OH 45227grades 1-6 at TerracePark and MariemontElementary Schools.Know it by Art:Ohio has partneredwith over 20 art andcultural institutionsin the state to develop50 art lessons thatteach studentsabout Ohio’s history,geography, culture and outstanding traditionof visual art, all while helping students meetOhio’s academic content standards and localcurriculum benchmarks. The resource will becompleted in the fall of 2011.This exhibit will feature the best examplesof Know it by Art projects. Some of theartwork on display will include: ceramic bowlsmodeled after famous Cleveland artist ViktorSchrekengost’s “Jazz Bowl,” textured reliefsculptures inspired by the work of Columbusfolk artist Elijah Pierce, cut-out Hopewell‘Copperplates’, and architectural maquettesthat students created after looking at the Ohioworks of architect Frank Gehry (specificallythe Peter B. Lewis building on Case WesternReserve University’s campus, and the VontzCenter for Molecular studies here in Clifton).The artwork will be on display during themonth of January.Circus Class at the Barn!Let your child run away and join thecircus-without leaving home-in this unique,fun and rewarding class. Skills taught includestilt walking, rolling globe, plate spinning,juggling, clown, and more. Circus is a magicalblend of performance, movement, skill,physical fitness, play, and child like wonder.Class will be taught by Steve Roenker, directorof My Nose Turns Red Youth Circus. Steve is aprofessional clown and youth circus educator.For beginning and intermediate students, ages7-16. The class runs for 10 weeks on Monday,4:00-5:30 pm from January 17-March 21. Fee:$150, Siblings $120. To register or for moreinfo: rednose@fuse.net or 859-581-7100.Live Theater in the Barn Gallery!Playhouse Off the Hill productionspresents its second theater production in theGallery of the Barn on January 22, 2011, atM A R I E M O N T T O W N C R I E R

W O M A N ’ S A R T C L U B C U L T U R A L C E N T E RVoices Festival in Washington, D.C. Four actorseach play Greeks, Trojans and the OlympianGods. The play features fantastic costumes,deep passions, high and low comedy, excitingstage combat and all the theatrical elementsnecessary to excite and engage people of allages with this classic of Western Civilization.Seating is limited. Call Diana Taylor at272-3700 for reservations. Tickets are $5.00for adults and $2.00 for children.Deborah Scott, Director of the Taft Museum, Ann Bjornson, and Diana Taylor, WACCBarn Director.2:00 pm. Don’t miss, Dis/TROY, by YokanaanKearns Based on Homer’s “The Iliad.” TheGreek warrior Achilles refuses to fight in theTrojan War, leading to disastrous results forboth the Greeks and their enemy. Dramaticscenes in the mortal world alternate withcomic scenes on Mt. Olympus, where thegods fight their own, often ridiculous, “war”to see which side will win. Funny, lively andaccessible, Dis/Troy retains the eloquence andcomplexity of Homer’s well-known classic. Theplay was developed and produced at HonoluluTheatre for Youth in 2004 and played at theJohn F. Kennedy Center New Visions/NewWACC CLASS SCHEDULE WINTER 2011MONDAY12:15-3:15 Nancy Neville (351-7202) Watercolor Classroom6:30-9:30 Bruce Neville (351-7202) Watercolor TackroomTUESDAY10-3:00 Free to Members of WACC Open Paint Classroom6:00-9:00 Ron Johnson (741-1141) Oils ClassroomWEDNESDAY9:30-12:30 Jan Boone (791-7044) Oils Classroom6:00-9:00 Jonathon Queen (474-3526) Oils TackroomTHURSDAY9:30-12:30 Deborah Ridgley (259-9302) Oils Classroom1:00-4:00 Ron Johnson (741-1141) Oils ClassroomFRIDAY10:00-noon Tracy Johnson (398-4404) Beginning Drawing TackroomMark Your Calendars:WACC Foundation and theTaft Museum of ArtDeborah Scott, director of the TaftMuseum, Ann Bjornson, and Diana Taylor,WACC Barn director, discuss details inpreparation for an exciting spring lecture April17, 2011, at the Taft Museum. The lecture andseries will be conducted by Dr. Richard Brettell,the foremost authority on Impressionismand French painting of the period betweenthe years 1830-1930. This is a collaborationbetween the WACC Foundation and the TaftMuseum.Studio Available in JanuaryThe middle studio in the east wing willbecome vacant Jan.15. The studio is $350 permonth. Call Diana Taylor at 272-3700 for details.New Pastel Drawing ClassTaught by Ray Hassard. Class beginsJanuary 5, Wednesdays 1-4 pm.M A R I E M O N T T OW N C R I E R P AG E 1 1

The Mariemont School Foundation(MSF) is pleased to announce the creationof The Karen Herkamp Angel Fund and theCincinnati Hills SAY Soccer Fund.Mariemont Resident Bill Herkamp hascreated a fund in honor of his wife, Karen, whohas been an active Mariemont school volunteerfor the past 10-plus years. Most recently, sheserved as President of the Mariemont SchoolFoundation. Mr. Herkamp has donated$20,000 to set up the fund whose purposeis to provide financial assistance to Districtstudents.Bill Herkamp commented, “People aresurprised to know that in a school district asadvantaged as ours, there are families thatneed some assistance from time to time.Karen and I hope that this fund will provideS C H O O L SMariemont School Foundation Unveils Two New FundsAbove, Wendy McCracken, President of the Mariemont SchoolFoundation , Karen Herkamp and Bill Herkamp.gifts to help our own district families throughtheir difficult times. We realize that we maynot be able to help with the major financialissues facing families, but we do hope thatwe can help our neighbors lighten their loadsand alleviate at least some of their worries,particularly those concerning their children.”Wendy McCracken, President of theMariemont School Foundation commented“We are so pleased that Bill chose to honorKaren’s impressive contributions to theDistrict through years of service with thisspecial gift. The Fund will be a GuardianAngel for those District students in needand will go a long way in helping individualstudents enjoy the many benefits that theSchool District has to offer.”James Ferguson, President of CincinnatiHills SAY Soccer, has established the fund tosupport both the boys and girls high schoolsoccer programs. The Cincinnati Hills SAYSoccer fund was established with an initialdonation of $2,500 that can be used to financeany soccer-related needs that cannot becovered by the School District budget.“Maintaining a quality soccer programis an important part of the Mariemont HighSchool experience.”Ferguson said.He added, “Ourrecreational soccerprograms in Fairfax,Mariemont andTerrace Park arewhere most ofthe Mariemonthigh school soccerplayers get their firstsoccer experience.As such, we wantto make surewe help supportthe high schoolsoccer programsin whatever waywe can to ensure afun and rewardingexperience for all the players and coaches.”Ferguson indicated that the funds can alsobe used to help cover the “pay-to-play” fee forany player who cannot afford the additionalexpense.Wendy McCracken, President of theMariemont School Foundation commented,“The Mariemont School Foundation is verypleased that this generous donation will supportour soccer programs and we will work closelywith the athletic director and coaching staff todecide where the funds are best utilized.”The Mariemont School Foundation is anindependent non-profit organization whosemission is to raise funds to help preserve,enhance and sustain educational excellencethroughout the Mariemont School District andits communities. The Foundation helps fundthe gap between what the School District canafford vs. what it needs to sustain educationalexcellence. The organization supports a broadrange of needs within the School District,including, but not limited to, academicprograms, athletics, fine arts, languagearts, extracurricular activities, facilities andtechnology initiatives.NATURAL LOOK PAINTING& DECORATINGINTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING,WALLPAPERING FREE ESTIMATES513.531.3911naturallook.paint.deco@fuse.netJAMES T. WESTERFIELD, D.V.M.6892 Murray Avenue • (513) 561-0020P AG E 1 2M A R I E M O N T T O W N C R I E R

BY NINA IREDALEHappy Holidaysand MerryChristmas to all! Ithas been anotherwonderful yeargetting to writemy New Neighborcolumn. Thanksto everyone, and Ihope you are enjoying Mariemont.Nancy Barnett purchased 6976 GraceAve. in August. She has been very busyremodeling her new home. Nancy has livedall over Cincinnati for 40 years. She hasalways loved the history of Mariemont and isglad to be a part of it now. Nancy stays verybusy with her 5 grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.She loves to read, bake andgo antiquing. In her spare time she worksat City Mouse Country Mouse and the VeraBradley store at Kenwood.Maggie Palazzolo purchased 6908Thorndike Road in May. She rented inMariemont since 2005 and was waiting forthe right time to purchase in the Villageshe came to love. She worked at Starbucksduring college and grad school where someof her closest friends were made. Maggiehas worked for three years in the JamesM. Anderson Center for Health SystemsExcellence at Children’s Hospital. Maggie saysthe decorating of her new home is movingslowly but she was determined to plant avegetable garden this summer, which resultedin lots of tomatoes.Chris and Julie South purchased6803 Mt. Vernon. They moved back tothe Cincinnati area after living in NorthCarolina and Columbus, Ohio for the pastdecade. The move brought them closer tofamily after the birth of their first child,Brooks, who is now nine months old. Chrisis a Gastroenterologist for the Ohio GI andV I L L A G ENeighboring with NinaLiver Institute and primarily sees patientsin the Montgomery office. Julie was agraphic designer in the fashion industry(Abercrombie, The Limited etc…) and isnow staying home with Brooks and designingon the side. The Souths chose Mariemontbecause they have family and friends who livehere and they love the charm and walkabilityof the village. Chris and Julie have knowneach other since kindergarten in Middletown.They have a Vizsla named Riley who loves tochase squirrels.3707 Petoskey was purchased by PamLyons in July. She is recently widowedand moved here to be closer to her middleson Scott, his wife Erica and their children,Griffin and Annabel. Pam fell in love withMariemont this spring while helping Scottand his family get settled into their newhome. She loves the fact Mariemont is awalking community and is a great place forher hobby which is running.3916 Petoskey was purchased by MariaKathmann and Jordan Gaietto in September.Jordan and Maria are getting married soonand wanted to find a place to start their livestogether. They chose Mariemont becauseit is convenient to both of their jobs andthey heard nothing but good things aboutthe Village. Maria and Jordan have a goldenretriever named Molly. They have beenoverwhelmed by how nice and welcoming theneighbors are.6974 Cambridge AvenueMariemontThis charming Mariemont Cape Cod is perfectfor first-time home buyers or for a buyer whowould prefer first floor living. Only a few blocksaway from the Village Square.Offered at $175,000.Beth Reiter Benson would like to welcomeher new husband to Mariemont. Beth andher children, Elsa and Benjamin moved to6968 Thorndike in August of 2005. This pastAugust, Beth married Jay Benson, a highschool classmate with whom she reconnectedin 2008. He relocated from Sharonville sothey could continue to enjoy the schools andcommunity. Beth has been with The GreaterCincinnati Foundation for 12 years and Jay isa business analyst with Mike Albert Leasing.Elsa and Benjamin attend MariemontElementary and are active in soccer, CubScouts, and Taekwondo. Jay also brought twocats into the family.I’d like to WELCOME all of our newneighbors and if anyone knows of a newaddition to someone’s family or a newneighbor that I may have missed, please letme know so they can be included in a futureissue. My phone number is 272-1551 oremail is nina90@cinci.rr.com.Correction:In the November issue, the name ofthe Principal of Mariemont Elementarywas incorrect. His name is LanceHollander. We sincerely regret this error. Elizabeth Brookhart Mixcell: (513) 560-8850 | direct: (513) 527-3231emix@comey.com | www.comey.comM A R I E M O N T T OW N C R I E R P AG E 1 3

BY MARTY BARTLETTResidents can now view Council meetingsTuesday at 5 pm, Saturday at 3 pm, or Mondayat 7 am. A Time Warner subscriber can watch onchannel 8. With no cable box, channel 14. On yourcomputer go to http://www/icrctv.com/Mariemont.Emergency Council MeetingNovember 4An emergency Council meeting wascalled on November 4 to consider enteringinto a contract with The Ohio Department ofTransportation for a program called Safe Pathsto School, designed to encourage childrenK-8 to bike or walk to school. Mayor DanPolicastro said it would be possible to get grantmoney for infrastructure, like sidewalks andreplacement of signage.Caroline Duffy, representing theMariemont Schools, said the first phase of thestudy has been completed; when it is approvedfunding would be available for a maximum of$500,000 for infrastructure and $100,000 fornon-infrastructure, such as enforcement andeducation. The study proposes three trails toeliminate conflict points between those whowalk or bike with those who are dropped offby parents: the west side of Plainville fromChestnut to Wooster; Wooster in front of theElementary School; and the west side of WestSt. from Wooster to the playground fence.ODOT proposes to restripe Wooster, reducingthe lanes to 12 feet in width as they say thepresent width leads to speeding. They also planto construct curb bulges at the intersection ofWooster and Plainville and Wooster at West,which is also intended to slow traffic. Otherrecommendations are to revise the centermedian at Wooster and West for pedestrianuse; update sign and pavement markingsaround the Elementary School; construct asidewalk on the south side of Wooster nearPark Lane; replace asphalt walk on Murraynear the school; replace sidewalks on streetssurrounding Mariemont Elementary.The study envisions that Fairfax children willenter Mariemont at the intersection of Settle andthe terminus of the Murray Ave. bike trail, or atSettle and Hawthorne. Signage will be installed toalert motorists and to guide children.Uniforms will be purchased for sevencrossing guards. Clerk Paul Tontillo pointedC O U N C I L N O T E SCouncil Meeting Summariesout that Mariemont currently has fourcrossing guards and asked who would pay formaintaining seven after the funds expire at theend of the first year. Policastro said the Villagecould re-apply; Duffy said that might not benecessary as they choose items that should beimmediately fixed. Mr. Tontillo observed thatthe Village currently pays $40,000 for crossingguards; the new plan would cost $70,000.The first year is free, but the Village could berequired to continue indefinitely with seven.That could undo some of the deficit work witha choice we haven’t really discussed. Tontillosaid that Section Three states “should provideample financial provisions as necessary formaintenance of desired project.” Tontillo thinksthe Village would not be allowed to back offfrom seven guards and said he would ratherask for $40,000. Policastro said that once themoney is exhausted, they cannot tell us whatto do. Councilman Dennis Wolter asked if wereverted to four guards, would there be anaffect on future grant applications. CouncilmanCortney Scheeser asked if Ms. Duffy wouldbe available each year to help resubmitpaperwork. Policastro suggested the Villagecould help pay for her services. Imhoff said theschool board would help with the cost.Street Improvements and Traffic FlowJoe Trauth, an attorney representingSpinnenweber Builders, said there is a concernthat West St. is overburdened and asked ifthere was a plan for a traffic light at West andPlainville. Policastro said no, there were enoughproblems with the redesigned traffic light atthe library and Wooster. School SuperintendentPaul Imhoff said the latest draft for the schoolrenovation takes all of the parent traffic off West,so the only traffic there would be school busesfor ten minutes in the morning and ten minutesin the afternoon at the far end of West nearMadisonville . In a subsequent Council meeting,Imhoff said the plans for West St. are still fluid,as the major property owners on Madisonvillehave objected to the buses being so close to thatstreet.Tontillo noted that the Village had beensurprised by cost overruns on the last streetimprovement project and asked if the Villagewould have to pay for anything over $500,000.Engineer Chris Ertel said all funding would goout for bids. Councilman Jeff Andrews referredto Section Two: “total cost of project $500,000in infrastructure and $71,000 for enforcementLPA (Local Public Agency) agrees to pay anycost over and above the maximum provided byODOT.” If the State funds half of the projectsand grants $250,000 the Village will not have tofund the entire project. Duffy said the Villageshould prioritize and ask for money for specificprojects they want to do. Other projects could gointo next year’s application. Policastro said theVillage has the option to turn down any projectand suggested next year applying for lights inthe historic district.Dan Spinnenweber of SpinnenweberBuilders asked how big the bulge at WestSt. would be. Duffy said it would reduce theroad to 12 feet. Spinnenweber then said itwould affect aesthetics and he felt the Villagewould be disappointed in what it looks like.He questioned if snow plows and emergencyvehicles would have difficulty negotiating it.Overall, he concluded, it was a bad idea.Council voted 4-0 to enter into a contractwith ODOT to complete the Safe Route to Schoolproject and to declare an emergency. But analert citizen later pointed out that it requires 3/4of the Council members to be present to passanything as an emergency. As there were onlyfour members present, the resolution had to beconsidered again at the November 22 meeting.Council Meeting November 8It was a short meeting on November 8so everyone could get home for the Bengals-Steelers game. An ordinance to adopt theFloodplain Management Program (FEMA) waspassed as an emergency. Rep. Dennis Wolternoted that there is no cost to the Village, norestrictions, and membership would be usefulin procuring grants.A Public Works report that recommendeda renewal for one year of the current Rumpkecontract for garbage and recycling at a 3%increase was adopted unanimously. Someonesaid that The Center for Local Governmentwas working on consolidating trash pick up for2012. Ms. Sullivan noted there was an error inthe contract, stating it was for two years ratherthan one. Clerk Paul Tontillo will check withRumpke’s on a clarification.Kim Sullivan, chairman of Public Works,asked why the topic of grass cutting had beenreferred to her committee so early. She wasadvised to start now to avoid the rush.The need to clean up the salary scheduleP AG E 1 4M A R I E M O N T T O W N C R I E R

and job names was referred to Finance, AndyBlack, chair.Councilman Dennis Wolter addressed thecontinuing research on traffic problems inthe north west area of the village. There havebeen two or three meetings outside of Council.Data collected will be collated and brought toCouncil. Homewood Road is being used as thestudy street. If necessary, speed humps will beinstalled. Councilman Joe Miller brought upthe idea of making Murray Ave. one way. MayorDan Policastro said it had been suggestedbefore but would need the cooperation of TheCity of Cincinnati. The next meeting will beheld on Nov. 22 with the Safety Committee.Village Engineer Chris Ertel has been namedas the newest member of the District 2, ODOT,support team.Mayor Policastro brought attentionto the Adopt-a-Unit program, wherein acommunity adopts a military unit. Theprimary people running the adoption activitiesfor the community are generally residentsand not employees. However, the communityauthorities are asked to make a commitmentto the program by signing the AdoptionAgreement form and the Adoption Resolution.Policastro would like the Village to adopt aunit in Afghanistan or Iraq in time to sendChristmas packages to the troops.Leaf pickup ends Monday, December 20.Appointments by third readings ofresolutions: Darla Michaels to The ParkAdvisory Board; Don White as magistrate forthe year 2011.Council Meeting November 22School Facilities Plan On TrackMariemont School Superintendent, PaulImhoff, spoke to Council to give a progressreport on the renovation and rebuilding ofMariemont Elementary School. Imhoff saidthe project is on schedule and on budget. OnJanuary the modules will be brought in forassemblage. In April the students will beginto have classes in the modules and thendemolition of the back part of the school willbegin. In the fall of 2012, the move into thebuilding will begin.Imhoff said that in order to take trafficoff West Street, the school is working with thechurch to allow parents to drive behind thechurch to drop off the children. The drive willbe widened and a retaining wall will be built bythe tennis court. Access to the present parkingC O U N C I L N O T E Slot will be through Madisonville Rd., and the exitto West St. will be closed. The school bus issue isstill pending. There are four buses which woulddrop students off on school property on WestStreet. Major property owners on Madisonvillehave objected to the bus drop off being too closeto their street.Imhoff said that all or the architectsthey could find who live in Mariemont wereinvited to meet with the school architect andgive input. The meeting was very successful,he said. The new aspects of the school aredesigned to look like the building has alwaysbeen there. Imhoff showed drawings of variouselevations of the school. There is not spaceenough to go into detail here, but interestedcitizens can stop by the School Board office onChestnut to see the plans.Safe Route To School PassedThe resolution that was passed at theemergency meeting of Nov. 4 was revisited.The resolution to enter into a contract withThe Ohio Department of Transportation tocomplete the Safe Route to School program waspassed as an emergency, which requires 3/4of Council to be present. Since there were onlyfour council members at that meeting, onlythe first reading of the resolution was legal.At this Nov. 22 meeting, the second and thirdreadings were held, followed by an emergencyclause. The vote was 5-0, and the resolutionwas ratified.MiscellaneousThe Time Warner franchise fee of $11,866has been received. Treasurer Tony Borgerdingsaid the General Fund was holding is own,though some funds may have to be diverted tothe paramedic fund. The General Fund shouldend the year just under $1,000,000. with adeficit of $70,000 or less.Mary Sanker, Mariemont Branch headlibrarian, said the library is getting newequipment, including eight new PC’s. Thelibrary is listed as one of the top ten in thecountry for is size. The library will be offeringhelp with hand-held downloadables.Don Frost of Homewood addressedCouncil about the nuisance of flyers thrownon driveways. Solicitor Ed McTigue said hewill look at the code but thinks it amounts tolittering and the deliverer could be told to placethem closer to the door.Jerry Vianello said Kim Beach hadcontacted him to speak on her behalf insupport of the upcoming vote on the AmericaSupporting Americans. The program arrangesfor a group to adopt a combat unit. Ms. Beachwill be the point of contact; The MariemontCivic Association has agreed to pay the costof postage to mail packages. A resolution tojoin America Supporting Americans passedunanimously as an emergency.There were two verbal reports. CouncilmanCortney Scheeser had attended the HamiltonCounty Recycling Award Banquet and acceptedan award on behalf of the Village for BestCommunity Recycling in a community under10,000 population. The award will be placed inthe cabinet on the first floor of The MunicipalBuilding. Mariemont was second in thecountyfor recycling per citizen. Scheeser said a studyshowed that communities using large volumereceptacles have larger recycling rates. JeffAndrews said his Health and Recreation willmeet in early December to get a jump on pooland tennis items that have been delayed, aswell as repairs at The Tot Lot. Policastro askedabout replacing the fence at the tennis courts,but Andrews felt if would be better to wait andtalk to the schools.The following appointments were madeon third readings of resolutions: named toArchitectural Review Board were LouiseSchomberg and Charlie Thomas; DaveTensi was named inspector for the BuildingCommissioner; Chris Ertel was confirmed asVillage Engineer; Peggy Keyes was named tothe Park Advisory Board; Carl Stich, PlanningCommission; Gretchen Thomas and ScottMcIntyre, Pool Committee.There were two readings of ordinancesto amend the Village code. One was to installa stop sign at Indianview and Rembold; theother to establish the functions of an EconomicDevelopment Committee. An ordinanceto supplement the annual appropriationsordinance was passed as an emergency. ClerkTontillo explained that this would make surewe were not overspending. This would not be anet increase.Council Representative InformationJeff Andrews – jeffcandrews@gmail.comAndrew Black – andy@blackformariemont.comJoe Miller – jmiller1@fuse.netKim Sullivan – sullivank@pwchomerepairs.orgCortney Scheeser – cscheeser@yahoo.comDennis Wolter – dwolter@airmod.comFor full minutes, go online to www.mariemont.org.M A R I E M O N T T OW N C R I E R P AG E 1 5

V I L L A G EDecember & January Library ProgramsChildrenLibrary Babies is the first Friday of themonth at 10:30 am. This is a great opportunityto introduce your baby to books, songs, andfingerplay. Ages birth to eighteen months.Movers and Shakers meet Wednesdaysat 10:30 am. Ages 1 to 4 years. Bring the littleones for stories, songs and dance as they learnabout the library. No storytime December 22and December 29.Pre-school Storytime is Wednesdays at1:30 pm. Join Miss Katheryn for stories andcrafts. Ages 3 to 5. No Storytime December 22and December 29.Special Needs Story Time: Specialneeds children and their parent/caregivershare a reading adventure in a fun and safeenvironment. Thursday, December 9 andJanuary 13 at 10:30 am. Please call MissKatheryn at 369-4467 if you are interested.Tales to Tails: Read to a therapy dogand practice your reading skills. Thursday,December 2 and January 6, 5:00 to 6:00 pm.Registration suggested.Celebrate National Puzzle Day withpuzzle races and crafts. Tuesday, January29 at 2:00 pm. Ages 6 to 12. Registrationrecommended.TeensOrigami Art: Take part in a city-wide artproject creating origami houses and see if yourartwork is displayed at the Prairie Gallery inFebruary. Thursday, December 2 at 4:00 pm.Ages 12 to 18. Registration required.AdultsQueen City Gothic: Author Jeffrey Tesch takesyou through some of Cincinnati’s most gruesomemurders. Thursday, January 20 at 6:30 pm.Social Security and MedicareUnraveled: Social Security Public AffairsSpecialist Sue Denny arms baby boomers withnecessary information to plan for retirementand other life changes. Monday, January 24 at6:00 pm.Adult Book Club: Ghost Train to theEastern Star by Paul Theroux will be discussed.Thursday, January 27 at 6:45 pm. Copies willbe available at the desk.Closed December 24, 25 and January 1.Happy Holidays from the Mariemont BranchLibrary.Mariemont Branch Library, 3810Pocahontas Ave., 369-4467Hours: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday,Noon to 8:00 pm. Wednesday, Friday andSaturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.Come Celebrate Christmas at St. Thomas!12/24 – Community Worship & Christmas Pageant (4pm)Holy Eucharist with Carols (8pm)Special Music & Choral Prelude (10:30pm)Candlelight Festive Choral Eucharist with Choir (11pm)12/25 – Christmas Day Holy Eucharist with Carols (10am)12/26 – Holy Eucharist, Rite I (7:45am)Christmas Lessons & Carols with Holy Communion (10am)Join us for worship Sundays:7:45am – Rite I Eucharist9:00am – Rite III Community Eucharist*10:00am – Christian Education for ALL Ages*11:15am – Rite II Choral Eucharist**Nursery Care for children up to 4 years-old provided@M A R I E M O N T T OW N C R I E R P AG E 1 7

V I L L A G EJunior High Girls SoccerWins CHCA TourneyAfter a winning season of ten victories,three ties and one loss, the Mariemont JuniorHigh Girls Soccer team was the number oneseed in the CHCA Invitational Tournament.After beating Cincinnati Country Day andCincinnati Christian School, they headed intothe finals. In front of a crowd of over 100Warrior fans the Lady Warriors beat Kings 1-0to win the tournament.Mariemont Junior High Girls SoccerTeam members and coaches include (frontrow: McKenzie Dingle, Jamie Westmeyer,Molly Coates, Katie Newman, Olivia Griffiths,Grayson Snyder, Gretchen Wittry, McKennaCorson; back row: Carley Stelzer, LizzieGeary, Hannah Remey, Maddie Arends, EmmaToman, Morgan Turner, Madison LeMay, SarahBell, Chrissy Gohman, Julia Whittelsey Headcoach - Dan Telgkamp and Asst Coach - DanWhittelsey.News from theMariemontTax OfficeThe Village Tax Department is excitedto offer an alternative to mailing paper taxforms; instead, a personalized URL will bemailed in January. You will be connectedto your personal website where you canaccess the online preparation tool that willcalculate both the tax due and the allowablecredits for you OR you can enter yourfigures on an interactive form. You can alsoprint a blank form. Either way, you mustprint and mail the form with all documentsand payment to the Tax Office. No data istransferred electronically. There is also anoption on the online preparation tool to seethe amount of your estimated payments.You must enter your name and accountnumber to access this option.The letter that you will receive inJanuary will have your account numberand PIN printed on it. It is important thatyou keep that letter for use by you or yourtax preparer.If you do not have the use of a computer,you can contact the Tax Office and a form willbe mailed to you. Forms will also be availableto be picked up at the Administration Buildingand the Tax Office. The personnel in the TaxOffice will complete your Mariemont Finalreturn for you. There is no charge for thisservice. Deadline for filing your 2010 finalreturn is April 18, 2011.Submitted by Darlene JuddBring this ad & receive10% off your entireHoliday purchase of$50 or moreCoupon Valid through 12/24/10.All sales exchangeable within 14 days ofpurchase with original receipt; without receipt,replaceable with gift card only. All sales finalon Sale Merchandise.7257 Wooster Pike | At Mariemont PromenadeP AG E 1 8M A R I E M O N T T O W N C R I E R

V I L L A G ETempt Your Guests – Or Yourself – With Cheese PlatesBY SHELLEY PADEN & MIKE BENSONHoliday meals almost inevitably end withcandies, sweets, and other rich desserts. If you feellike you need a change of pace, consider serving acheese course at the end of some of your holidayfeasts. A well-constructed cheese plate can offer arefreshing and surprisingly satisfying break fromheavy sugar-laden cakes and pies. The secret,according to Julie Francis, owner and head chef ofNectar restaurant in Mt. Lookout Square, is to mixa variety of flavors and textures. While samplingone of the cheese plates that are always on themenu at Nectar, we had a chance to talk with Julieabout her approach to the cheese course.Beginning with the cheese, Julie recommendsusing an odd number of cheeses, usually three orfive, depending on the number of people you haveto serve. Plan on about one ounce per person. Inpicking the cheeses, one standard approach is tomix hard, semi-hard, and soft cheeses, such as,for example, Parmiagiano-Reggianno, Manchego,and Brie or Camembert. Another idea involvescombining cheeses that represent different kindsof milk (sheep, cow, and goat). Or you can try todo variations on a theme, such as, cheeses froma particular country or cheeses made from thesame milk but having different textures. Theidea is to try to achieve a harmonious variety.Of course, as with everything related to food, beguided primarily by your own tastes and those ofyour dinner partners. Cheese should be servedat room temperature. So, slice cheese thinly andplan to give it 20 minutes or more to rise to roomtemperature before you serve. Finally, if you’re indoubt about what to choose, ask for a taste and forsome guidance from the cheese monger.Most cheese courses also includeaccompaniments. In addition to bread or crackers,these accompaniments can include seasonal fruits:figs, nuts, chutneys, and cured meats like prosciuttoand chorizo sausage. At Nectar in the fall, Julie oftenserves thinly sliced local apples with a splash of localhoney on the plate.Although artisanal cheeses are oftenassociated with Europe, there are a number of verygood local producers in the southwestern Ohioarea whose products are available in local grocerystores. Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese (BarrenCounty, KY), Heini’s Cheese (Millersburg, OH),and Capriole Farmstead Goat Cheese (Greenville,IN) are some examples marketed at Whole Foodsas well as other grocery stores. Murray’s Cheese,a famous New York cheese purveyor, is openingoutlets in several local Kroger stores, including theone in Hyde Park.M A R I E M O N T T OW N C R I E R P AG E 1 9

BY CLAIRE KUPFERLE, EDITORIn the last issue of the Town Crier, we askedour readers to let us know about Mariemontresidents who donate their time and talent toa variety of causes. We got many wonderfulresponses, although we are sure there are lotsmore “unsung heroes” in our Village. None ofthe volunteers featured in this article activelysought publicity or reward, but they or theirfriends felt that these examples might inspireothers to volunteer, and could draw attention tothe causes that they serve.Matt and Paula AyerBoy Scout Troop #149 is one of the Village’sgreat organizations, but it wouldn’t be as strongas it is without the leadership of so many Villageresidents, especially Matt and Paula Ayer. Forthe last 18 years, Matt has acted as CommitteeV I L L A G EGiving The Gift of ThemselvesChairman, and even though their son, Brendan,went off to college many years ago, Paula stillkeeps all the advancement records and managesall the Board of Reviews. She will leave very bigshoes to fill when she does “retire”, according toher friend Joni Welsh. Matt has also been a keyplayer in the tree sale for so many years and doesa lot of behind the scenes work on this projectstill. In Scouting, there are the Scoutmasters andother leaders who work directly with the boys,and then the Committee volunteers, who handleadministrative tasks such as the fundraising andinfrastructure of the organization.We have had some wonderful Scoutmastersover the years. John Fakes is currently in the role.Prior to him were Rob Mathews, Paul Tontillo, DaveRoberts, and Bob Hendricks. Rob has two sonsstill in the program who are at the Life Scout rank.All three of Paul Tontillo’s sons went to Eagle Scout,while Dave Roberts had two sons attain that rank.“Boy Scout Bob” saw one son attain Eagle and theVillage Church of Mariemont Wishes You A VeryMerry Christmas and Joy-Filled New Year!December 19that 10 a.m.The Nativity Storyperformed by our children- families welcome!December 26that 10 a.m.“Reflections on Christmas”- Christmas Carolsand a Christmas DevotionalChristmas Eve Service Friday, December 24th at 5 p.m.in the Mariemont Elementary School Auditorium.Join us for The Story and Carols of Christmas,including organist Richard Watson - Mariemont Carilloneur“Experience Christmas with us!” - Pastor Todd KeyesServices held in the Mariemont Elementary School Auditorium6750 Wooster Pike Mariemont, Ohio 45227www.villagechurchofmariemont.orgother finish as a Life Scout.Bob BlumBob is aretired P&GFacility Manager.He is putting hisfacility/design andbusiness skills touse as a volunteerat Resthaven Barn.Bob is a boardmember for theBarb and Bob Blum Woman’s Art ClubFoundation andis involved in anumber of projects for them. He is currentlyconverting a storage closet into an efficient,attractive office space …with his bare hands andtalent. Bob is involved in all aspects of the project,from designing the layout to putting up dry walland painting. He is even locating interestingartifacts, furniture and carpet to transform thisunder-used space.Bob would also like to mention two otheramazing volunteers who have been instrumentalin helping The Barn: Jane McDonald and StanBahler. Jane is one of the original Board membersand has been involved with the Barn since it wasa maintenance facility. She has been a drivingforce behind turning it into the great communityasset it has become. Stan is a new comer to theBoard, and his financial skills that he employedon behalf of Procter & Gamble and the VillageCouncil will be a tremendous boost to the BarnFoundation.Arlene BrillArlene is abusy lady witha truly diversevariety of causes!She has beenvolunteering onthe sidelines withthe UC BearcatBands during thefootball seasonfor at least the last Alrene Brill15 years, and hastraveled with themon road trips and to bowl games. She also givesof her time to MariElders, where she has helpedP AG E 2 0M A R I E M O N T T O W N C R I E R

deliver school calendars, has worked hard gettingthe “junque” sale organized, and has providedmany baked items for their annual sale.At the Cincinnati Nature Center, she bottlesmaple syrup, monitors the bluebird nestingbox program, and helps eradicate invasiveplants. Arlene also volunteers at The KrohnConservatory, where she works at the annualbutterfly show and participates in the KrohnCrafters. This group makes all the ornaments forthe large indoor Christmas tree. Each year, theCrafters also carve pumpkins for the HalloweenHike at the Caldwelll Center.Arlene is involved with several charitiesin Portland, Oregon, where she performswith the One More Time Around MarchingBand, touted as the world’s largest adult, allvolunteermarching band. She is also in thesmaller Get A Life Marching Band in Portland,which was honored to perform at the 2009Inaugural Parade. While on the west coast,Arlene lends a hand in decorating floats forthe Grand Floral Parade.Phyllis HoffmanPhyllis isdescribed byher friend BarbBlum as, “one ofthe most warm,wonderful peoplein this Village.”She taught atMariemontElementary forPhyllis Hoffmanyears and hasvolunteered atChildren’s Hospital for over 20 years. PhyllisV I L L A G Eescorts families to the Post Anesthesia Care Unitwhere their children are recovering from surgery.She is often asked how she bears the sadness shesees there, but she replies that she doesn’t see thesadness; she sees miracles. In 2008, she receivedthe October Jefferson Award from Children’s.Phyllis is also involved with CampSWONEKY, operated by the Salvation Army.Camp SWONEKY has operated since 1958, andis located off of I-71 near Ft. Ancient. Camperscome from needy families in Southwest Ohio andNorth Eastern Kentucky, hence the name. Phyllisacts as Secretary for the organization and ischarge of putting together hospitality kits for theincoming campers. She noted that many of thecampers return as counselors and ultimately goon to college.Christina LimkeMultiple Sclerosis is a horrible disease, andChristina is working to raise money to find acure. She is part of the Accelerated Cure Projectfor MS and has created a calendar that the groupsells. So far, they have raised $20,000 for thecharity. The “Calendar For A Cause” is made up ofphotos shared by dog owners to benefit MultipleSclerosis research. Christina said, “Cincinnati areavolunteers have created this unique date book/calendar that directly benefits the AcceleratedCure Project (ACP) for Multiple Sclerosis. Severalof the dog owners suffer with MS and have sharedtheir stories about their relationship with theircalendar canine. 100% of the proceeds are gladlydonated to the ACP.” Presented by U.S. Bank, thecalendar measures a full 8 1/2 x 11; it is spiralbound for easy use and is artfully executed inblack and white. The pages are sprinkled withcharming quotes and canine factoids. These makethe perfect holiday, hostess or teacher gift. Thecalendar was such a popular gift in its debut;many fans placed their orders for 2011 a yearin advance! If you would like to place an order(Continued on page 22)I N S I G H T ’ S E R V I C E ’ R E S U L T SCRS • ABRSENIOR SALES VICE PRESIDENTOFFICE 513-527-3060HOME 513-248-1453VM 513-483-4001ogleannett@realtor.comwww.TeamAnnett.com3908 Miami Rd.Cincinnati, OH 45227-3705©2008 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered trademarklicensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. EqualHousing Opportunity. Owned And Operated By NRT LLC.M A R I E M O N T T OW N C R I E R P AG E 2 1

'Volunteers' Continued...or have your dog’s photo in next year’s calendar,please visit http://acpcalendardogs.org or call Debat 321-2123. The calendar is available for a $20donation to the ACP.Kristin SafierKristin is also involved in helping those withMultiple Sclerosis. She is a Board member andimportant volunteer for the Ohio Valley Chapterof the National MS Society. She works with KimDeaton, chapter president and also a Mariemontresident. Kim is thrilled to have Kristin’s help, andsaid, “Kristen Safier, an attorney at Taft, has servedon my Board of Trustees for a number of years,and her service to our Society has been invaluableand significant. Kristen not only provides probono legal oversight to our chapter when neededbut is also on the committee for our Women onthe Move Luncheon and Fashion Show, for whichMariemont’s own Sara Benjamin’s is one of thefeatured boutiques. Kristen also attends ourannual Dinner of Champions Gala and servesas a member of our Government RelationsCommittee.The Chapter was founded in 1952, and servesover 6,000 families in 24 Ohio counties and thethree Northern Kentucky counties of Boone,Kenton and Campbell. They are committed tofinding the cause and cure, while ensuring thatpeople living with MS across the chapter territoryhave the information and quality care they need.to live healthy, productive and independent lives.Carolyn TuttleCarolyn believes that we’re put on earth tohelp others. She spent many years as a teacher atMercer Elementary and is now using those skillsto help children who have no advantages. She iscurrently involved with tutoring at Inner City YouthOpportunities and lends her talents at RockdaleElementary. At Inner City Youth Opportunities,Carolyn travels to a building at Section and Readingto tutor kids from kindergarten to sixth grade. Shesays it’s a wonderful program, which draws youngvolunteers from Indian Hill High, UC and XavierUniversity. The organization feeds the childrenand then providestutoring.At Rockdale,she helps ChristaBell Wall (daughterof Jim Bell) with herkindergarten class.The school waslisted as failingbut has recentlyCarolyn Tuttleimproved twolevels. Locatednear Children’s Hospital, the school draws apopulation that has many needs. Carolyn saysit has really opened her eyes to see how little thechildren have at home – no crayons, books, orbasic supplies.Recently, Carolyn has gotten involved with TeenChallenge in Milford, which helps young peoplewho are battling addiction. She says, “I have a realcompassion for children and for anyone in need. IfI can sprinkle a little hope and joy around, I feel I’mdoing what I am meant to do.”We are indeed fortunate to have so manyselfless residents in Mariemont, who give up theirleisure time to improve the lives of others. Thanksto all the volunteers mentioned in this article andto all the others that we didn’t learn about!The Mercy Circle of Caring. ®In-Patient. Out-Patient. Always Patient.Rehabilitation Where You Come First.At Mercy, our compassionate, caring staff of professionalsis hand-picked to assist your loved one with the caringcommitment promised by Mercy. Call us today to schedulea personal tour. You’ll feel and see the Mercy difference. It’sall part of the Mercy Circle of Caring.7010 Rowan Hill DriveCincinnati, OH 45227(513) 271-7010EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITYe-mercy.com/seniorlivingP AG E 2 2M A R I E M O N T T O W N C R I E R

V I L L A G EFall Soccer Season ConcludesThe Mariemont Recreation AssociationFall soccer season concluded on the weekend ofOctober 30 with the Cincinnati Hills SAY SoccerArea tournament. Seventeen Mariemont teamsconsisting of over 300 players participatedin the tournament, competingagainst teams from Fairfax,Terrace Park, Indian Hill, Reading,Madeira, Eastgate and Deer Park.The Mariemont girls Wings teamGirls Strikers team coached by Stu Shelley, Brad Dewey andJonathan Phillips.Congratulations to the Girls Wings team coached by Vickie Quiambao (center), Dan Telgkamp(left) and Chris Shenton (right) on a first place finish in the CHSS Fall 2010 Tournament!coachedby VickieQuiambao,DanTelgkampand ChrisShentonachieved afirst placefinish in thetournament.The Mariemont Recreational Soccerorganization is a member of the CincinnatiHills SAY Soccer Area of the Soccer Associationfor Youth (SAY). Seasons are conducted inboth the fall, and in the spring in conjunctionwith Terrace Park. On-line signups for Springseason start the first week of January at www.mariemontsoccer.org. In-person sign-ups willbe held Saturday, Jan 22, 9-12 pm at the ParishCenter.M A R I E M O N T T OW N C R I E R P AG E 2 3

Pat Donaldson, Deupree House resident since 2009Robert McFarlan, Marjorie P. Lee resident since 2009We’ve always known wemade the right choice.Our staff chose us for a Top Workplace 2010 Award, and nowreaders have selected our retirement communities for the top twoReaders’ Choice Awards. It’s nice to know we’re all on the same page.For more information and a personal tour call 513.271.9610.Deupree House and Marjorie P. Lee are not-for-profit communities ownedand operated by Episcopal Retirement Homes. episcopalretirement.comP AG E 2 4M A R I E M O N T T O W N C R I E R