Archive for Kiwanis

2015 Memorial Day Essay Winners

The essay winners stand with the Kiwanis members who have served our country.  Left to right (top): Roger Stafford, Jim Downing, Mike Pope, Jim Gilchrist, Don Keyes, Dick Wendel Left to right (bottom): Olivia Simpson, Trip Fries, Ally Scheeser (not pictured: Ellese Lowery)

The essay winners stand with the Kiwanis members who have served our country.
Left to right (top): Roger Stafford, Jim Downing, Mike Pope, Jim Gilchrist, Don Keyes, Dick Wendel
Left to right (bottom): Olivia Simpson, Trip Fries, Ally Scheeser (not pictured: Ellese Lowery)

During a May Kiwanis Club of Mariemont meeting, the writers of the winning Memorial Day essays read their written works of art. All of the winners are currently in 6th grade in the Mariemont City School District, and all of the winners will read their essays during the Memorial Day ceremony in each district community.

“This is an opportunity for kids to investigate for themselves what this holiday really means,” said Ericka Simmons, principal at Mariemont Elementary. “It allows our students to realize their writing and research skills, while gaining an understanding about an important part of our collective history as a nation.”

The essay winners are Trip Fries from Terrace Park Elementary; Ally Scheeser from Mariemont Elementary, representing Mariemont; and Ellese Lowery from Mariemont Elementary, representing Fairfax. Olivia Simpson, from Mariemont Elementary, was named runner up.

“I feel honored to see the lasting impact that writing these essays has made on our students,” said Ann Williams, teacher at Terrace Park Elementary. “They go home and ask their parents about family members and their own family history. After Memorial Day, the students come to school and tell me they get it now, they understand the importance of the holiday.”

The essays focus on the bravery of all of those that have protected or currently protect our country, the sacrifices people have made for freedom and other patriotic anecdotes and historical facts, including the celebrations of and reflections on the life and impact of a soldier or veteran.

Trip Fries’ Essay
Ally Scheeser’s Essay
Ellese Lowery’s Essay
Olivia Simpson’s Essay

Kiwanis Recognizes Mariemont Elementary Students

Kiwanis Recognizes Mariemont Elementary Students

(left to right): Samantha Flerlage and Abby Scheeser

Kiwanis Recognizes Elementary Students for Outstanding Community Services

The month of May is Student Achievement Month for Kiwanis, and this week the group presented the Outstanding Community Service Award to students from Terrace Park Elementary and Mariemont Elementary.

This year, the Outstanding Community Service Award was presented to Samantha Flerlage at Terrace Park Elementary and Abby Scheeser at Mariemont Elementary.

Samantha is a 6th-grade student, who has accummulated 44 hours of community service this school year. She has volunteered with her church’s Sunday school program, Girls on the RunMatthew 25: Ministries and around her school and community. According to 6th grade teacher and Builders Club advisor, Ann Williams, “Samantha is always happy and optimistic.  Samantha once told me that she likes to give back what the community has given to her.” Samantha raised over $800 for Children’s HopeChest, which will help feed orphans in Ethopia. “I am so thankful that the community cared so much and was so generous,” said Samantha.

Abby Scheeser, a 6th grade student at Mariemont Elementary School, has spent countless hours serving her community, both around Mariemont and abroad. She raised money for her church, volunteered at a soup kitchen in Covington and recently went on a mission trip in Cancun, among many other activities that she does in and out of school. “She is a role model for her classmates and the younger students alike,” said Sy Miller, 5th grade teacher. “She just wants to make a positive impact on her community however she can, and she really puts her heart into everything she does.”

Congratulations to these two students and role models for us all!

We would like to extend our thanks to Don Guerney and Jack Smith, the Kiwanis members who help with the Builders Clubs in both of our elementary school buildings. Builders Club is dedicated to community service, and is where the students get an opportunity to get involved with leadership opportunities. The Builders Club members in both elementary schools assist in various ways around the school building and the community. Click here for more information about our local Kiwanis chapter. “Your presence is felt, is known and is greatly appreciated. We’re grateful for the impact you’re having on our schools,” said Ericka Simmons, principal of Mariemont Elementary, about Kiwanis.

Mariemont Schools Press Release

Students Recognized for Being Responsible

DSC00223 (1)The motto of our school district is to create scholars of today, leaders of tomorrow. As part of that mission, Mariemont High School focuses on leadership qualities to help students understand what it takes to become a leader. Each month, one leadership quality is highlighted and teachers can nominate students who have shown this quality during the month.

For the month of April, the leadership quality of the month was responsibility.

The names of the nominated students were put into a drawing and three names were drawn as winners. The Mariemont High School Campus Life team rewarded the winners with a Chipotle lunch that is brought to them during their lunch time at school. The three students that were selected are:

Liz Geary was nominated by Mrs. Leszczuk for her work with her service dog.
Corrine Fanta was nominated by Mrs. Thomas because Corrine is “the definition of responsibility.”
Ryan Fields was nominated by Mrs. Arp because “he is often seen helping a fellow classmate navigate through daily events and situations within the school day.”

Congratulations to all of the students that were nominated. You are role models both in our school and in our community!


Kiwanis Recognizes Mariemont Junior High Students

DSC_0015This month is Student Achievement Month for Kiwanis. This week, the group presented the Outstanding Community Service Award to Kristen Keyes, a Mariemont Junior High School 8th grade student and recognized the Mariemont Junior High Stock Club, “Warrior Stocks,” that placed 1st in the regional competition and 3rd in state.

According to the Mariemont Junior High School Builder’s Club advisor Nicole Parr, Kristen Keyes “just has an awesome attitude all of the time. She is such a hard worker, both in the classroom and in the community. Kristen is committed, reliable and does everything with a smile on her face. I know she is involved in a lot of things – from performing arts to volunteering with her church – but she always finds time to help despite being involved in so much.”

The MJHS Builders Club has 25 active members, and in addition to the students volunteering collectively with many events and activities, they also pursued their own community service projects, through places of worship, with their families and within the Greater Cincinnati community.

Mariemont Junior High School Principal Molly Connaugton presented an award to the “Warrior Stocks” members. Annie Doran, Jossey Frye, Jacquelyn Kauffman, Abby Miller Melanie Weiss and Claire Wilder, lead by the Kiwanis of Mariemont Stock Market Game leader Roger Stafford, truly excelled this year.

The national Kiwanis Stock Club program’s goal is to help students develop investment interest and education. The Stock Club program at the junior high would not be possible without the generosity of Kiwanis. “Our partnership with the school district is instrumental to the success of everything we do for these children,” said Barb Anderson, Kiwanis member. “We just want to help young people be all they can be.”

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Kiwanis Club of Mariemont 15th Annual Golf Outing

Kiwanis Club of Mariemont
15th Annual Golf Outing

Saturday, May 9th
Reeves Golf Course at Lunken Airport

Dust off your clubs and join the Kiwanis Club of Mariemont
for our annual Spring Scholarship Fundraiser!

Cost is $70 per golfer and inlcudes cart rental and lunch.

Prizes awarded for:
1st & 2nd Place Men and Women
Longest Drive
Most Accurate Drive
Closest to the Pin
Longest Putt

The Annual Kiwanis Club of Mariemont Golf Outing helps our organization raise nearly $15,000 for local scholarships.

To sign up, call Ted Beach at 513-252-4258
or visit MariemontKiwanis.org and click on Golf Outing

Golfer form can also be found by clicking here

Can’t join us on May 9th? Considering a hole sponsorship or donation.

For just $100 a sign will be placed either at the tee or green of a particular hole featuring your Kiwanis Club of Mariemont services.

Hole sponsors also receive a $20 discount off their golfer fee!

Hole sponsor forms can be found by clicking here

You can also donate gift certificates or prizes for our awards ceremony.

See you on the green Saturday, May 9th!

Yours in Service,

Kiwanis Club of Mariemont

James Biro, Director of Operations at Kellogg

James Brio, a local resident and Operations manager of the local Keebler/Kellogg plant, will provide a perspective on industry and education at the Kiwanis meeting on Tuesday 2/10.  Whether or not Kellogg remains in Mariemont is open to discussion, as we suggest that you read the following article that was in the Business Courier.

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News on Keebler/Kellogg in the Business Courier: April 25th

Summary: Tax breaks woo Keebler in NKY 

Avure Technologies Inc. and the Keebler Company each submitted project proposals for tax incentives to the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority and were approved on Thursday. Keebler Co. was approved to receive $2 million in tax incentives from KEDFA to purchase new equipment and add manufacturing lines at its Florence facility. The snack food manufacturer, which is owned by Kellogg, plans to invest about $19.2 million in the project as part of its corporate four-year global growth and efficiency program. It is expected to add 75 jobs in the next 10 years. For full text click go to http://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2014/04/25/tax-breaks-woo-keebler-avure-to-grow-in-nky.html

In the Mayor’s April Bulletin 2014, the Mayor says that “despite absurd rumors to the contrary, the Kellogg Snack Division in Mariemont is still going strong. When plant manager and village resident James Biro took over operations at the plant, there were approximately 450 employees at the Mariemont location. Mr. Biro raised that number to 560 workers. The company is laying off about 50 employees, but that leaves more than 500 working at the plant, which is more than were there when Mr. Biro took over the operation of the plant. Kellogg’s has a contract with their union employees that run through 2017, so the rumors of total shutdown of the plant at the end of this year are incorrect.

The Business Courier article hinted that Kellogg plans to consolidate its local operations into the Florence facility. If this were to occur, the loss in payroll tax revenues for the Village of Mariemont would be considerable. ($600,000 or about 18% of Mariemont’s budget)

Special Kiwanis Speaker on Memory

DrRobertKeyesTuesday, 13th of January, Robert Keyes, MD, PhD
Geriatrician/Co-Director, The Christ Hospital Center for Health & Aging
Ever wonder how to improve your memory? Come to the open Kiwanis meeting at Mariemont Elementary School at 7:15 am to hear how to expand your retention of information and increase your ability to remember.  For more information go to mariemontkiwanis.org

Mariemont Kiwanis Schedule of Speakers

The Kiwanis Club of Mariemont awards over $15,000 in scholarships annually to deserving and needy Mariemont High School seniors and graduates. The weekly Kiwanis meetings on Tuesdays feature excellent speakers and all residents of Greater Mariemont are invited to attend. Below are the list of speakers for November. Click here for more information.

Tuesday, the 4th:  Christine Masur, the Principle of The Waldorf School will speak about the Rudolph Steiner philosophy of teaching.

Tuesday, the 11th: Richard G. Wendel II, Attorney in Law will address: What if I am pulled over? How should I act and what are my rights?

Tuesday the 18th: Dave Kubicki, Columbia Township Trustee will speak about Economic Development in Villages and Townships

Tuesday the 25th: Kaitlyn Wheeler and Tom Cunningham from St Theresa will talk about the new management and range of services offered in this outstanding retirement facility.

 

Kiwanis Recognizes Students for Outstanding Community Service

The month of May is Student Achievement Month for Kiwanis, and this week the group presented the Outstanding Community Service Award to students from Terrace Park Elementary and Mariemont Elementary.

This year, the Outstanding Community Service Award was presented to Jacquelyn Kauffman at Terrace Park Elementary and Anne Stewart at Mariemont Elementary.

Jacquelyn is a 6th-grade student, who has accummulated over 40 hours of community service this school year. She has volunteered at places like St. Thomas in Terrace Park, and with events such as the Bug Fair, PumpkinFest and the book fair. According to 6th-grade teacher and Builders Club advisor, Ann Muennich, “Jacquelyn enjoyed her time as a crossing guard; she was an excellent role model of safety and leadership.” Jacquelyn also volunteered with the Easter Seals Foundation, while visting a loved one in Kansas, bringing therapy dogs to visit the handicapped. “Everywhere she went, she helped however she could,” said Mrs. Muennich.

Anne Stewart, a 5th-grade student at Mariemont Elementary School, has over 40 hours of community service this school year, and “was such a positive presence not only in the school but also in the community,” according to Ericka Simmons, Mariemont Elementary School principal. Teacher advisors Jill Colaw and Sy Miller spoke about Anne’s selflessless and compassion. “Anne helps with her neighbors however she can, making a difference to all of those around her. She walks a younger neighbor to school every day and does chores for a neighbor who is suffering back problems.” Said the neighbor, “She not only helped with the chores around my house, she helped with my spirit.” Anne also helped with the art raffle, pop tab collections for Ronald McDonald House and a bake sale for autism, among many other things.

Congratulations to these two students and role models for us all!

We would like to extend our thanks to Don Guerney and Jack Smith, the Kiwanis members who help with the Builders Clubs in both of our elementary school buildings. Builders Club is dedicated to community service, and is really where the students get an opportunity get involved with leadership opportunities. The Builders Club members in both elementary school buildings assist in various ways around the school building and the community. For more information about Kiwanis, visit mariemontkiwanis.org.

From left to right: Superintendent Steven Estepp, Don Guerney, Sy Miller, Anne Stewart, Jill Colaw, Lisa Stewart, Mariemont Elementary Principal Ericka Simmons and Mariemont Elementary Dean of Student Jim Counts.

From left to right: Superintendent Steven Estepp, Don Guerney, Sy Miller, Anne Stewart, Jill Colaw, Lisa Stewart, Mariemont Elementary Principal Ericka Simmons and Mariemont Elementary Dean of Student Jim Counts.

From left to right: Superintendent Steven Estepp, Don Guerney, Sy Miller, Anne Stewart, Jill Colaw, Lisa Stewart, Mariemont Elementary Principal Ericka Simmons and Mariemont Elementary Dean of Student Jim Counts.

From left to right: Superintendent Steven Estepp, Don Guerney, Sy Miller, Anne Stewart, Jill Colaw, Lisa Stewart, Mariemont Elementary Principal Ericka Simmons and Mariemont Elementary Dean of Student Jim Counts.

Kiwanis supported investment education programs

Kiwanis supported investment education programs

Tuesday morning 5/26 Mariemont Kiwanis honored the winning teams of Junior High Stock Market Game (www.stockmarketgame.org), a national program to assist schools by exploring the fundamentals of personal finance and investing.  The six members of ”Stock Bros” (8th grade) and four members of “The Stalking Ninja Panthers” (7th) were 22nd and 28th out over 500 teams in the UC-operated SMG for SW Ohio schools.  Ten MJHS teams (48 students) each started with $100,000 on March 17 and had ten weeks to grow their portfolios.  Lead by four Kiwanis volunteers who met the teams once per week over lunch, they learned to

  • Gain an understanding of the free market system
  • Learn how to research and recognize good (and bad) businesses for investment
  • Apply math, social studies, reading and economics to financial decisions
  • Learn basic teamwork, time & information management

The “Stock Bros” (6 boys) were active investors focusing on technology and energy, gaining 8% in the 10 weeks.  The “Ninjas” (4 girls) were conservative investors retaining 30% cash (losing 1%).  During the ten weeks the DOW increased 1% and the NASDAQ dropped 4%; the advisors did not give them specific stocks to purchase, all ideas were their own.  Mariemont Kiwanis funds the MJHS SMG program and provides the volunteer advisors.

When they move on to the Mariemont high School, they will have the opportunity to join a unique investment club – the Green Envy Investment Club whose members are all students of Mariemont High School.  The students invest their own real money.  Meeting in the school library around a very long table, the 28 member club could be taken for a very young corporate board.  They oversee a diversified portfolio of 21 stocks.  Over their 12 year club history, graduating seniors have always left with a profit.  Over a four year period, this year’s seniors saw a 27.5% increase in their club portfolio.

The club has been fortunate to have two Kiwanians as mentors since the inception of the club.  Roger Stafford, who originated the club, is joined by Bob Lowery, who along with mentoring, handles the club’s accounting functions. Roger & Bob are also Directors of the local BI Chapter (www.betterinvesting.org). Kiwanis provides club’s accounting software and recruits local leaders (usually parents with investment management experience) who guide the club officers.  Typical annual agendas include a company visit and an annual meeting (PG, VIVO), with occasional excursions (Chicago/CME, NY/NDAQ).  For any further information about the club, contact Scot Weston (swestonoh@cinci.rr.com), Roger Stafford (Roger.Stafford@fuse.net) or Bob Lowery (rlowery@cinci.rr.com).

Kiwanis 2014 Arts and Crafts Fair

The 29th Annual Kiwanis Art and Craft Fair will be held on:

Sunday, September 7th, 2014 – 11 am to 5 pm on Wooster Pike in the center of historic Mariemont.

Free parking and admission

Exhibitors will be showing a wide variety of unique original Arts and Crafts ideally suited for home or office decor, gifts and collections.  There will be unusual toys, Christmas/ Halloween/ Thanksgiving gift items, jewelry, dolls, baskets, wood/ metal/ textile/ ceramic crafts and a variety of paintings and photography from artists in four states. Many of the items will be available at no other location

Food, drinks, and other facilities are close by.  Proceeds will benefit the Kiwanis Scholarship fund for needy and academically worthy college bound seniors.  Come, and be amazed by the hundreds of fascinating items.  For more information please call Matt Nickum at 561-2291 or visit our website at: www.mariemontkiwanis.org

To advertise in the Arts and Crafts Fair booklet, or to donate to the scholarship fund, follow the directions contained in the following PDF files.

Kiwanis Booklet

Kiwanis Scholarships