JUNE 2021 NANA NEWS Volume LX No. 9
Published by the North Avondale Neighborhood Association
Your monthly news & updates
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Hello Neighbors,

I would like to introduce myself to all of you as the new President of NANA. First and foremost, I would like to give thanks to our outgoing President Ethan Perry and thank him for all of his time and many contributions that he has given to NANA throughout his term. Ethan masterfully managed all of the NANA President’s duties and responsibilities while having to navigate through the pandemic challenges of COVID and pivot meetings and engagement to the virtual world. I am excited that Ethan was recently elected as NANA’s Vice President and I look forward to continuing to work with him on the NANA Board for the next term.

I would also like to recognize and give thanks to all of the existing board members who faithfully contributed their time and energy to the board and the community throughout their recent term.  Finally, I would like to congratulate and welcome all new Board members and say that I look forward to working side by side with each and every one of you to continue to elevate the sense of community in North Avondale.

As a proud resident of North Avondale for over 20 years, I could not imagine raising my family anywhere else other than this wonderful neighborhood. As board President, I am resolved to work tirelessly to preserve, protect, and enhance the value of community throughout my term. I am committed to collaborating with all neighborhood stakeholders to enhance the lifestyle of all North Avondale Residents and provide for a harmonious atmosphere within the community. I look forward to seeing you around the neighborhood soon!
Heather Herr
NANA GENERAL MEETING 
 Tuesday, June 8, 7:00 pm

VIA ZOOM:
Passcode: 45217

Meeting Agenda Items:

  • Safety Update From Cincy Police
  • New Board Member Recap
  • Rubel House Update
  • Upcoming Events

Next NANA Meeting Tuesday, July 13, 7:00 pm
  
 THANK YOU FOR PAYING YOUR 2021 NANA DUES 

COMMITTEE UPDATES

BEAUTIFICATION
Please join us for a NANA Beautification Fundraiser, courtesy of Lauck Properties and Team Herr / Coldwell Banker!

Plan to join us on Sunday, June 27 anytime between 4 and 7 pm at 3997 Beechwood Avenue to tour this 1910 "diamond in the rough" -- serious rough! It is a very rare chance to see a North Avondale home BEFORE its renovation has begun. Now is YOUR chance! Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite or by paying $20 cash at the door. Entry will be regulated into the house for the safety of all and there will be guides inside to talk about the history of the house and share stories from the prior long term owner. Your ticket price includes a cocktail or mocktail to enjoy until you are able to enter the home. Masks are strongly suggested and this tour is not appropriate for mobility impaired persons or young children. You will not want to miss this event!!

To volunteer to be a house guide or for more information, please contact Jolene Struebbe at jmstruebbe@gmail.com.
HIDDEN GEMS

We are pleased to restage our former “yard of the month” to” featured garden(s) of the month”. This month Beautification brings you two HIDDEN GEMS! We feature two lovely gardens hand tended by their owners.

The first garden at 4220 Red Bud Place is the home of Michelle and John Ernst. When they moved to the neighborhood in 2008, they did not even know their garden had these amazing terraces and stone walls; it was so overgrown! In 2010, they began the big clean out. They uncovered the hedges, brought in new soil, and created perennial beds amongst their foundation plantings. Michelle gets many of her plants from neighbors and friends and says “her garden is a story of failed plants”! (Not so!) When you visit this garden, you will find dahlias (that she lifts every year), zinnias started from seeds, as well as catmint and a climbing Mandeville vine, which complement the colors of their home, among many other delights.
Our second HIDDEN GEM is at 3935 Abington and is the home of Mandy Pritchard. While this is the 6th year Mandy has lived here, she just started gardening this past year, partly due to available time during the pandemic.  Her home has lots of sun and not much soil, so she created visual appeal using pots.

Mandy works at the Cincinnati Zoo and has embraced their Plants for Pollinators challenge on the left side of her driveway! You can do this too. For more information check out: http://cincinnatizoo.org/horticulture/plant-for-pollinators/. Be sure to register your garden! In addition, to pollinators, Mandy feeds hummingbirds, squirrels and people!! She has an ingenious vegetable garden in her side garden and has even made her own potting bench. (Editors note: I don’t think I was this handy during the pandemic!)

Mandy’s home is on a cul-de-sac and she has cleared out much honeysuckle in efforts to plant wild flowers for all of her neighbors to enjoy. She enjoys “rescuing” plants at garden centers and her current favorite is her beautiful red rhododendron.
 
If you have a garden or know of a garden that may hold special interest for our neighbors, please email Jolene Struebbe at jmstruebbe@gmail.com to let her know. Future spotlights could be on back yard retreats, feature or specimen plants and trees, water gardens, etc. Thanks! 

●NANA Beautification is seeking a neighbor who likes to keep things CLEAN! We need someone in charge of Litter Control. This volunteer position would involve:
  • organizing community clean ups, and ongoing street clean ups
  • Interfacing with Keep Cincinnati Beautiful community clean - ups, special projects and Grants
  • Interfacing with City Services (clean-ups and making sure city services are obtained)
You do not have to clean up the neighborhood yourself!!
 
Please consider the impact this would make on the neighborhood and if you are interested in learning more, please contact Jolene Struebbe at jmstruebbe@gmail.com
Jolene Struebbe, Beautification Chair

Editors Note: Last month in the article "Urban Forestry is now accepting requests for Street Trees" I left the "e" off of the contact email. The correct email for Marianne Prue is Marianne.prue@cincinnati-oh.gov

●The 2021 Spring Clean Up was a huge success, thanks to neighbors coming out in perfect weather! City Councilman Derek Bauman gathered 2 bags of trash (and met some new friends). The mound of trash pictured here represents less than half of what was collected--most of the volunteers disposed of their bags in bins on route, or at their homes. Many thanks to all the participants, and the NANA and Keep Cincinnati Beautiful for the support!
Laurie Pike, 2021 Clean Up Event Chair
Irises in the neighborhood maintained by volunteers
Mary's Adopted Beds on Asmann Avenue

Roundabout On Marion & Dakota maintained by Deb Corwin
DEVELOPMENT

Rubel Property
 
The Port informed the NA Joint Development Steering Committee (JSDC) on May 24th that they have extended a six month purchase option on 3864 Reading to Rosemary’s Babies Co. There is criteria that needs to be met before a sale can take place. This was in opposition to the JSDC recommendation that it be awarded to Grace & Grit, a minority owned spa and self care business currently located in Silverton. 
 
The JSDC utilized published North Avondale and City plans, development strategy documents and past neighborhood surveys to assess four applicants. Applications and pro forma financials were reviewed as part of the assessment, using criteria pulled from the above mentioned documents. The Port requested we not meet with applicants during our process.
 
Pursuant to a letter between the City and NANA dated December 13, 2018 “whereas the City committed to attend a NANA General Body Meeting to present on the proposed buyer and end use of this property before granting written approval for the sale of this property”, we are awaiting the City to schedule this presentation. Any immediate comments or concerns related to this purchase should be directed to City officials and City Council. As the City gives us more information on this meeting, we will pass it along.

Jeff Herr, Chair And Beth Ewing, Co-Chair, NANA and the NA JSDC

EVENTS
●North Avondale Yard Sale – Saturday, June 5th from 8am – Noon

It’s time for Spring Cleaning and emptying out your house for the fourth annual community YARD SALE!!! If you are interested in participating, You may join at any point up until the June 5 date. Thank you, Laurie Pike, for planning this event for our neighborhood and surrounding community residents. Rain date June 12. Click Here for More Information: to sign up and to see the list of the houses on the day of the event!
 

●Sidewalk Shenanigans – Friday, June 18th 6pm – 9pm
Let’s throw it back to the “Good Ole Days” when neighbors would hang out in the front yard or porch, laugh at the week’s events and watch the kids play.
 
We invite you to set up shop on the sidewalk with your favorite neighbors, turn on some tunes, set up some chairs, walk around and say hello to everyone, sip a cold beverage, share a cold beverage and enjoy the beautiful summer evening. Engage in HAPPINESS for HAPPY HOUR! Rain date will be announced on Facebook or by email.
 
Future Events
All Future events will be posted in the Newsletter, Social Media, Email and on the NANA Website! If you have any questions, concerns or would like to plan or volunteer for an event, please contact NANA Board Member & Events Chair, Morgan Rottinghaus:
Phone : 917.683.0349

Thank you again to everyone who participates, volunteers and supports our community events. We appreciate you!!

Keeping Community Strong,
Morgan Rottinghaus, Chair
HEALTH & WELLNESS

Alzheimer's Association Virtual African American Free Forum
 
The Alzheimer’s Association has long valued and is fully committed to advancing diversity and inclusion, ensuring that it is one of the six pillars of their strategic plan. They serve all communities in programs, science, advocacy, development and awareness and their vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
 
The association believes that we must create a society in which people feel safe, cared for and valued. Discrimination is a barrier to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. 50% of African Americans reported discrimination when seeking care and they are twice as likely to have this disease more than any other group.  
 
A virtual African American caregiver forum: Empowering African Americans in Navigating Dementia Care will take place on Thursday, June 24 at 5pm by Zoom. Register for this free event by calling 1.800.272.3900. Learn how to get an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the ten warning signs and the difference between Medicare and Medicaid benefits when considering home care options and long-term care needs.
Kimya Moyo, Health Liaison
RECYCLING/ENVIRONMENT

●List of Farmers Markets and their information
Online grocery shopping is convenient, but is grocery delivery better or worse for the environment than going to the store for our groceries?
●Do Not Use Insecticides on Emerging Cicadas
●Save the bees Save the planet
Pollinators are important. Hornets kill Honey Bees (you can buy or buy Hornet traps) https://fortcollinsnursery.com/news/how-to-control-yellowjackets-without-harming-bees/
●Give, receive, lend, share, and show gratitude in hyper-local gift economies, where the true wealth is the connections between real neighbors. Link to Rules: https://buynothingproject.org/

Buy Nothing Evanston/Hyde Park, Cincinnati, OH has 86 members. To join us, click “Join Group” and answer the three membership questions. Contact local volunteer admin Valerie Jane with any questions...
AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
●Neighbors! You are all invited to our Sweet Summertime Open House to support women-led cancer research! ️🧁

We'll be hosting a party on 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟭:𝟬𝟬-𝟰:𝟬𝟬𝗽𝗺 and hope to see many of you there. We are at 𝟯𝟴𝟳𝟱 𝗗𝗮𝗸𝗼𝘁𝗮 𝗔𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲.

This is a family event with a bounce house, face painting, Gomez tacos, yummy cupcakes, and margaritas! Plus, the chance to win some fun prizes from local women-owned business. ️

I'm not sure if you'll be able to view the FB event if we're aren't friends on FB, (mine or North Avondale Parents & Friends) but if you cannot and have any questions, please just reach out via nanacincinnati@gmail.com.

Ashley Solomon ( Dakota Ave.)
●Burton Street Honorary Renaming on June 12 from 10am to 2pm. Robin Pearl II was shot and killed on Burton Avenue on June 15, 2015 at the age of 18. She was at the wrong place at the wrong time and was not the intended victim.
AROUND TOWN
●The Over-the-Rhine Museum is pleased to announce the start of our 2021 Walking Tour Program. Join our tour guides for an exciting adventure into the stories Over-the-Rhine has to tell! Tours will begin May 29, 2021 and continue through September. Tours cost $15 per person and last approximately two hours. Tickets can be purchased through the Over-the-Rhine Museum website at: www.otrmuseum.org/walking-the-stories. 



Donna M. Harris, Director of Museum Administration, Over-the-Rhine Museum
www.otrmuseum.org
●The Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network (CROWN) is a vision for a 100+ mile active transportation network comprised of multi-use trails and on-road bike lanes. Stretching from the far west side to all the way east, it will connect more than 356,000 people in 54 communities to significant destinations like parks, schools, centers for employment, retail, recreation, and entertainment.   

The Crown is anchored by a 34-mile, multi-use paved urban trail around the City of Cincinnati. This trail loop will connect existing bike trails, and it will create new and safe pedestrian features in communities. The most prominent trails being linked are the Wasson Way Trail in Hyde Park, the Little Miami Scenic Trail, the Ohio River Trail, and the Mill Creek Greenway.   

From Uptown Updates
.FROM YOUR NEIGHBORS
●It is time to update the Rose Hill, Beechwood, Betula, Redbud, Avon Fields block watch map and neighborhood directory.
 
If you have an interest and time (this summer) to help with this project, please reach out to Jolene Struebbe at jmstruebbe@gmail.com. I particularly need someone who knows how to re-create this map, as the neighbor who originally did it has long since moved out of the neighborhood, but all helping hands are more than welcome!

Let’s get to know each other again!

 Jolene Struebbe (Beechwood) 

●This is Senator Thomas, the photos are regarding a utility pole in the rear sidewalk area of the flower garden, corner of Clinton Springs and Washington. It was no longer in use, so I contacted Duke Energy to have it removed. It was situated in the middle of the walkway causing a serious threat of injury.

FYI, I successfully requested Duke Energy remove an unused utility pole in the sidewalk area behind the flower garden, Clinton Springs and Washington!
Cecil Thomas (Clinton Springs)
IN MEMORIAM
● It is with a heavy heart that the Crutcher family shares that Jennifer Lea Crutcher died after a year-long battle with ALS. She died peacefully in her sleep on May 17 in the presence of her loved ones. 
 
Originally she lived on Lenox Place, but most recently at the Belvedere.
 
She is survived by her husband, six children and eighteen grand-children, eight of which live in North Avondale. 
 
Jennifer loved and cared deeply for her friends and family. She was a bright light in all our lives and we are heartbroken that she is no longer with us. We are also joyful that she is reunited her Father in heaven.
Reg Crutcher (Lenox Pl.)
ABOUT YOUR NEIGHBORS
●Rev. Dr. Donald E. Jones, Sr.: Portman Leadership Award Winner 2021

In the spirit of Rob Portman’s leadership as Founder of PreventionFIRST!, this award is presented to an individual who has significantly contributed to substance use/misuse prevention at the system — demonstrating a commitment to influencing a community or system to take action and support substance use/misuse prevention.
Pastor of Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
 
WELCOME NEW NEIGHBORS 

  • Yolanda Romice Johnson at 3976 Abington Ave.
  • Lauck Holdings LLC at 3997 Beechwood Ave.
  • Timothy Lynn Roberts at 3900 Rose Hill Ave. 904A
SUMMER CAMPS
●Summer Camp
Summer Camp program for Youth ages 6-12 with lots of planned and educational activities 513.908.8841 carolharmon271@yahoo.com
Carol Harmon

●Contemporary Dance Classes
SUMMER SESSION - JUNE 1 - JULY 3 2021 REGISTRATION!
CLASSES BEGIN TUESDAY, JUNE 1ST
LIBRARY, PARKS & RECREATION
● Explore Nature!

Welcome to our Explore Nature newsletter - your monthly dose of nature, videos, tips, and upcoming events from our professional storytellers a.k.a. Parks Naturalists.

Articles: Out With Invasives, In With Natives; Calculate your Carbon Footprint; How to Make Seed Balls; What can I recycle?; Smale Riverfront Park's Sustainability Initiative; Tips for Reducing Waste at Home; and more...

●Kids and teens can pick up a free Discover Summer To-Go pack from the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library, starting June 1!

 
Discover what's inside:
  • Activity booklets — For kids and teens, and packed with activities by our partners like the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Observatory, and the YMCA. 
  • Books to keep — Fifty titles are available, from board books to teen reads!
  • Take & Make kits — Projects, with supplies and instructions, to do at home.
 
Complete at least five activities in an activity booklet to win end-of-summer prizes!
●North Avondale Recreation Center - 617 Clinton Springs Ave. 513.961.1584 

  • Hours: open Monday thru Friday 9 am to 8 pm
  • Weight Room is by reservations only
  • Open Gym from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and after 6:00 pm - call for reservations 
  • Masks must be worn and your temperature must be taken upon arrival.
  • 7 Star Dragons Karate has resumed indoor classes at the Center
  • Soccer
  • FCC will be putting a mini pitch soccer court on one of the Tennis courts. That will be completed the week of 6/7. Part of that capital improvement will include a new sign for the rec center and landscaping around the tennis courts/mini pitch. 
S.T.E.A.M Specialty Camp June 7th to August 13th 9:00am to 4pm
$150.oo per week
Ages 5-12 apply to cincyrec.org
Inside the Gym, Monday & Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:30pm
Paddles & Balls provided
National Junior Tennis & Learning
Golf Program
Camps for Champs
6/7/21 to 8/16/21 Mondays at Sawyer Pt 6 ppl/team
Tim Johnson, Service Area Coordinator
 
●Hirsch Recreation Center - 3620 Reading Road ● 751.3393

  • Hours: 9am to 7pm Monday thru Friday, Summer 7-7
  • Hirsch Pool Opens Saturday May 29 and closes August 14.
  • Main Pool Line (downtown) 377.7665
  • Hirsch Pool Phone Number 751.0601
  • People can make reservations by calling the Hirsch Pool line or online (see below for instructions)
  • Monday - Friday: Block 1 - 1 to 4pm; Block 2 - 4:30 to 7:30
  • Saturday: Block 1 - 12 - 3pm; Block 2 - 3:30-6:30
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Pool Fees (per swim block):
  • Youth (ages 0-17) $1
  • Adult (18-59) $2
  • Senior (60+) $1
  • Reservation Rules:
  • You can reserve up to 72 hours in advance
  • Can make reservation on the same day up to 1 hour before swim time
  • Reservation will be forfeited if you do not show up to your reservation within 1 hour of the start of the swim block
  • Must wear facemask and have temp taken upon entry
  • Ages 8 and under must be supervised by an adult 18 and older
  • Ages 9-11 can swim alone if there is a Permission Slip signed
  • Making a Reservation Online
  1. Go to cincyrec.org
  2. On left hand side click on "Programs"
  3. Click on "Aquatics and Pools"
  4. Click "Pool Information"
  5. Click "Click here to make a pool reservation"
  6. Select Hirsch and the enter the day you would like to make a reservation for.
  7. Select your time block
  8. Follow instructions on Screen to register
  • Online reservation won't start before June 7.
  • Summer Day Camp 10 week program: June 7 to August 13. $150 per week, apply at Cincyrec.org
  • Our weight room by reservation only. There are seven one hour time blocks within the day that customers can call to reserve.
  • Spinning classes: Mon. & Wed., 6:15 – 7:00 pm.; Thursday 7:30-8:15am It is necessary to sign up before class. To register call 751.3393 or go to the front desk.
  • Pick up a Gym Schedule  and a Program Schedule at the Center.
Blake Williams, Service Area Coordinator
NORTH AVONDALE SCHOOLS 

North Avondale Montessori 
363.3900 ● 615 Clinton Springs www.namrockets.org
●Third Annual Golf Outing

Huge shout out to our NAMS Foundation & Fathers Group volunteers, sponsors and participants at our 3rd Annual Golf Outing on May 15 at Avon Fields Golf Course. Thank you all for coming out on this beautiful day today to support our school!
Cars lined up all the way down Clinton Springs
Lined up in the parking lot
All the cars were decorated but this was a wow!
Each graduate received a bag of goodies
Nominating Committee Member Kim Russell with her graduating son Kai
Congratulations NAM 6th graders

The New School Montessori (TNSM) 
● 3 Burton Woods Lane ●  281.7999 ●www.newschoolmontessori.com   
●The Students learn an important skill - saving a life

New School Montessori 6th graders have been learning and practicing an important life skill. Through the American Heart Association's program for schools, our sixth graders practiced chest compressions on their individual mannequins to the beat of a song by the BeeGees called, "Staying Alive." The rhythm of the song matches the frequency with which the hands-only CPR compressions are delivered. All the 6th graders agree that learning CPR was an excellent practical life skill.
Ann Baumgardner, Communications Director
NANA CALENDAR
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NANA EXECUTIVE BOARD AND COMMITTEES
President: Heather Herr
1st VP: Ethan Perry
2nd VP: Patrice Watson
3rd VP & Events: Morgan Rottinghaus
Corresponding Sec.:  Ryan Jarrell
Recording Sec., Sandesh Samdaria:
Treasurer: Robin Senser
Beautification, Jolene Struebbe
Block Watch & Law & Safety: Carolyn Gillman
Membership: Tristen Yarborough
NANA/NABA Joint Strategic Development
Jeff Herr - Chair
Beth Ewing - Vice Chair
USEFUL LINKS
North Avondale Neighborhood Association
PO Box 16152
Cincinnati, Ohio 45216
513.401.5356