madisonville newsletter - Madisonville Community Urban

MADISONVILLE
NEWSLETTER
Spring 2015
Development Proposed For Medpace Area
At the rescheduled February 26 Madisonville Community Council
meeting, RBM Development, LLC presented its proposed plan for
developing its remaining space in front of Medpace at Red Bank and
Madison Roads. One of the primary project components planned is a
full service hotel with ample conference facilities to accommodate
more than one simultaneous conference, a large and open lobby,
green roof treatment, and a restaurant. Additional project
components planned include two office buildings, retail shops, a
restaurant with outdoor seating, outdoor event commons, covered
parking, and up to 300 market rate residential units.
RBM expects the project to create 220 construction jobs, and 700
permanent jobs in the areas of customer service, hospitality,
management, and maintenance. Benefits to the community as
presented by RBM will include green space with walking trails and
bike paths, environmentally responsible buildings, new visitors to
the community, improved public infrastructure, and will attract new
businesses to locate in Madisonville. RBM expects the project to
generate school tax revenues in excess of $1 Million annually.
Initially, prior to the Feb 26 presentation, there was at least one
barrier to moving forward with the project, and some early
resistance within the community to RBM’s proposal. RBM had made
What’s Up at The MACC
On February 28, the MACC hosted a
gathering for a Black History
Celebration. The attendees shared
historical information that stimulated
fond memories for some and brought
new insight for others. It was
enlightening to all participants to
remember that so many successful
individuals had come from our
community.
On March 1, the MACC hosted the musicians Simple Gifts, Linda
Littleton and Karen Hirshon, who played 12 instruments and moved
from Romanian, Klezmer, Greek, and Irish music to Scottish,
Appalachian, and more. They played a variety of ethnic folk
instruments including the fiddle, mandolin, banjo, recorder, bowed
psaltery, hammered dulcimer, baritone fiddle, guitar and percussion.
The small but intimate audience enjoyed the performance
immensely. To check for upcoming events at the MACC, contact
Claren Eberhardt at (513) 557-6637 or [email protected].
SCATT Scholarships Available
Scholarships are available for high school seniors and young adults
planning on or currently attending college, a technical school, or
community college. SCATT, Inc. (Students Concerned About Today
and Tomorrow) is a nonprofit organization made up of residents of
Madisonville who volunteer their time and efforts to assist
Madisonville young adults in their pursuit of education. SCATT has
been awarding scholarships since 1995. Our recipients have
graduated from UC, Xavier, the University of Michigan, Ohio State,
Indiana U, Eastern Kentucky, and many more. The deadline to apply
for the scholarship is April 15. For more information and to get an
application, call 561-4960 or email [email protected].
it clear to Cincinnati officials and the community that the project
would only move forward if the City and the Cincinnati Public
Schools agreed to build a “Duck Creek connector” road. The
requested road would begin where Duck Creek dead-ends into Red
Bank Road, cross Red Bank onto the lower portion of John P. Parker
Elementary School land, and across JPP property to connect with
Medpace Way.
At first, various community groups raised objections to having a road
cross school property both out of concern for the safety of the
students and because the school had plans to develop the lower
part of its property into sports fields and gardening sites. At that
time, the Madisonville Community Council weighed in on the matter
opposing the building of the road. However, after much community
discussion, and the excellent plan presented by RBM, the Council
voted at the March 19 Community Council meeting, to pass a
Statement of Principles which states that the Council will
enthusiastically support the project, including the building of the
road, if it includes a number of student, pedestrian, and traffic safety
measures, and enhances Madison and Red Bank as an attractive
gateway to Madisonville. Local officials, RBM, Cincinnati Public
Schools, and the Madisonville community are working to resolve any
remaining issues within the next few weeks.
What’s Up with MYCC
MYCC, the Madisonville Youth Community Council, meets on the 2nd
and 4th Thursday of each month to organize activities for personal,
social, and community growth. At a meeting in February, MYCC
hosted its first professional presentation. Community Council
President Luke Brockmeier discussed his career as a Social Worker
with the youth. He explored the new Affordable Care Act with the
youth and showed how a diverse education can open doors for
different areas of employment. The youth members are looking
forward to hearing about more careers to help them determine
what careers interest each of them. If you are interesting in sharing
information about your career with MYCC, contact Rosemary Tanks
at [email protected].
In March, the youth will work with PNC Bank to open bank accounts
for its members and discuss personal finances. In addition, the
youth will plan for the next slate of officers and write presentations
to support their candidates. Other upcoming activities include
participating in Madisonville Community Council’s project -- Benches
& Planters at the Bus Stops – funded partially by a grant from Keep
Cincinnati Beautiful. The youth will build and install the benches,
and plant and install the planters. MYCC members will be exploring
summer employment opportunities through Hamilton County Job
and Family Services and Cincinnati’s Youth 2 Work program.
MYCC wants to applaud Natalie Church for her acceptance to
Howard University. To join MYCC or volunteer to help with its
activities, contact Rosemary Tanks at [email protected].
MADISONVILLE
NEWSLETTER
Spring 2015
John P Parker School – Highlighting
Community Partnerships
SAVE THE DATES:
KINDERGARTEN FEST
March 16-20, 2015 10:00am-6:00pm
PARENT ACADEMY: Power in My Parenting and My Family
Thursdays: April 16, April 30, May 14.
Dinner served at 5:30. Childcare available each session.
Call 363.2900 to reserve your seat!
John P Parker School is in partnership with many organizations and
companies to expand arts, academic, parent and community
engagement and recreational opportunities. The following is a
sampling of organizations and companies that provide turning point
services to our learners. All of this collaboration makes John P
Parker School one of the biggest secret in the city.
4C for Children Early Childhood Network of community based child
care providers in Madisonville continues to meet at John P Parker
School on a regular basis. The network includes participation by
MEAC, family child care providers, Beech Acres Home Visitation,
Children’s Home Early Childhood Center/SPARK, Madisonville
Children’s Librarian and the early childhood staff at John P Parker
School. Contact Lisa Garofalo at 4C for Children (758-1306) for more
information.
Madisonville Education and Assistance Center (MEAC) Early
Literacy program for preschool through grade 3, an exclusive
program designed for John P Parker School learners that offers oneon-one literacy instruction during the school day for kindergarten
and grade 1 students, and after school two days per week for
preschool through grade 3 students.
Supporting Partnerships to Assure Read Kids™ (SPARK) A familyfocused intervention program that helps children get ready for
school by building reading, language and social skills, and seeks to
create a seamless transition into school for children ages 3-6. SPARK
parent partners deliver monthly home- and group-based lessons and
activities to families of preschool-aged children. SPARK parent
partners also help the family become more familiar with the
neighborhood school and community by hosting and inviting them
to different events/activities held there. This is done in hopes of
building a relationship between the family and school community
prior to the child entering kindergarten.
Place Matters and Artswave awarded all Place Matters communities
with a $3,000 grant to increase the arts experiences in the schools.
John P Parker School selected an activity for each grade level and
has scheduled activities with Pones, Inc, the Cincinnati Art Museum,
The Carnegie, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Bi-Okoto Cultural
Institute, The Children’s Theatre, and Learning Through Art, Inc.
Shroder Jaguar Community News
There’s a great deal of achievement taking place at Shroder High
School these days. The school couldn’t be more excited and proud
of the students and staff who make it happen on a daily basis.
The 7th-9th grade students are preparing to take the PARRC/AIR
assessments coming in Spring 2015. The philosophy behind the
PARCC assessment is to measure real world critical thinking/problem
solving skills that are valued in college, as well as in the workforce.
Additionally, the PARCC test is a great predecessor for subsequent
college entry tests like the ACT and SAT. The school is also
addressing additional tutorial needs for the ACT with intensive
instruction through the TorchPrep™ Program. Adopted districtwide,
this rigorous program sets high expectations for student attendance,
participation, and completing mandatory homework.
As the rigor and expectations have increased, so have the rewards.
Presented by the Cincinnati Police Department Sentinel Police
Association, four of the Senior Class Jags were honored for their
outstanding academic, community service, and athletic
accomplishments at the 27th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Banquet
held on January 19. The four students exemplify the standard longheld by the Sentinel Association of being of service to the
community-at-large, in addition to being outstanding citizens and
role models for their peers. Congratulations to Demontre Lewis,
also a finalist for the NFL Foundation “That’s My Boy” Award, Natalie
Church, Jeremy Triggs, and Mosiris Adams for being incredible
representatives of achievement both inside and outside of the
classroom and for demonstrating the exceptional standards of the
Shroder Jaguar community. Natalie and Demontre have both been
accepted to Howard University in Washington D.C., and Jeremy to
The Ohio State University. All three scholars have a number of
academic scholarships already awarded and more coming through!
They make the Shroder Jag Community proud!
On the extra-curricular and athletic fronts, the Jaguar Academic
Team is having a stellar year with a 6-1 record. Our boys’ varsity
basketball team came in second for the CMAC B-Ball Title and is
cruising into post-season play as heavy favorites in the race for the
Division III State Championship. Additionally, B-Ball star seniors Jalen
Avery and Ditalion Battle, affectionately known as “Batman” and
“Robin,” have signed with Kent State and Walsh University,
respectively. Several of the football senior leaders have signed with
colleges as well. As previously noted, Demontre Lewis will attend
Howard University, Chalfonte Butler signed with the University of
Cincinnati, and Anthony Brown will attend California State
Bakersfield.
Shroder thanks the Madisonville Community Council and other
community members for being active and engaging neighbors,
mentors, and supporters of the Shroder High School community. The
school is always seeking partners to help enhance its academic,
athletic and civic achievements. Visit http://shroder.cps-k12.org/ for
the latest announcements or for more details about how you can get
involved.
MADISONVILLE
NEWSLETTER
Spring 2015
Volunteers Needed -- Community Clean Up
Events
Come help weed, cut back
perennials, mulch, mow,
and plant in the
Madisonville Woodland
Foraging Garden and the
Murray Triangle Garden
on Saturday, April 11 from
9:30 am – 12:30 pm. Sign
up to help with Karen
Brown at wrendesign@
zoomtown.com or Joan
Willis at [email protected].
We’ll provide the tools,
you provide the work!
The Woodland Foraging
Garden, at the
intersection of Murray,
Erie & Brotherton, was
created in 2012 by the Cincinnati Civic Garden Center as a woodland
site for public foraging. The garden is planted with food-bearing
native plants including fruit and nut trees, woody perennials, and
berries. The garden plan uses a system of swales to capture and
sequester rainwater for irrigation. The site includes the Red Bank
Pawpaw Circle, a Fieldfaring project created by Susanne Cockrell and
Ted Purves, that consists of a 40 foot circle of Pawpaw trees to
provide a center-point for the naturalized landscape. Each year, as
the Foraging Garden grows, viewers can see how beautiful the
Foraging Garden will be as it matures.
Work to spruce up the sign and the landscape across the street at
the Murray Triangle Garden will happen at the same time.
Community members get together a couple of times per year to
plant, weed, and trim to keep the western entrance to Madisonville
attractive. Please join us with your ideas and your labor.
Then, on Saturday, May 9, join the volunteer group at Madisonville’s
Great American Clean-up to spruce up other spots in Madisonville.
Meet up at the intersection of Madison & Whetsel at 9:00 am to get
your assignment and your tools. Then move out into the
neighborhood to work on projects. We’ll work to clear out brush
and honeysuckle from the Little Duck Creek Trail. And we’ll weed,
mulch, mow, and clean up litter from the Pocket Park, Tollgate Park,
and the business district. We’ll touch up the paint on the Historic
Madisonville sign at Red Bank & Duck Creek. We’ll handle as many
projects as we have volunteers – so sign up now! Encourage your
friends and neighbors to volunteer too. Email Joan Willis at
[email protected] to volunteer or to point out additional areas that
need attention.
500 Gardens…….continued……
Here we go again! It’s time to get
ready for garden season- not
quite time to plant outside or
build new gardens, but very soon.
Sign up to get your new garden
box at www.sidestreams.org
now. First come, first served.
Building new gardens begins the
first week in April. Let 500
Gardens know if you want to add
new boxes to the garden you got
last year. After the new boxes are
built, extra boxes will be made.
Details are the same as last year.
Wood, hardware, and soil cost
$50, installed. New gardeners
must take a one hour class. If you
are renting, you need the
landlord's permission to install a garden. If you do not have a good
place to garden- not enough sun, too many trees, fourth floor
apartment- we can find you a place in a community garden.
This year 500 Gardens will share stories of gardening, and pass on
ideas about everything from Stu's secret recipe for soil additives to
aid tomatoes to Lou's foolproof methods for fighting poison ivy.
500 Gardens now has a desk at the MCURC office, and will start
holding regular "office hours" and classes there. Gardeners can pick
up seeds and volunteers can pick up brochures. Hopefully, this will
make things easier for everyone. Classes will be Tuesdays and
Thursdays at 6:30, and Saturdays at 11. Steve Rock will be at the
MCURC office before and after classes if you want to stop by for
seeds or to talk gardening.
Free composted horse manure will be available for your existing 500
Garden at the Lighthouse Gardens (Ward & Chandler), hopefully
between March 17 to March 20. Each 4 x 8 bed only needs 2 to 3
buckets. Lighthouse will lend 5-gallon buckets to carry the compost
home. Delivery is weather dependent, but can be arranged. 500
Gardens will also be getting a donation of bags of organic fertilizer
within the next couple of weeks. Existing Garden owners will get
instructions on how to get some and how to use it. Seeds are also
free, thanks to a generous donation from Sarah at the Bubbling
Bucket. 500 Gardens hope to give away a few tomato, pepper, and
other starts in May. Stay tuned!
MADISONVILLE
NEWSLETTER
Spring 2015
Become a Community Council Member
Adopt-a-Planter
Did you notice the beautiful planters along Madison Road
throughout the historic business district last year? For the first time
last year, the planters were filled with flowers (spring, summer, and
fall) and watered by the Cincinnati Park Board. The Park Board did a
fantastic job of keeping the planters looking beautiful. And the
planters do so much to enhance the appearance of Madisonville.
But the cost of engaging the Park Board to maintain our planters is
very expensive. The community must pay $200 per planter, or a
total of $4,000 for our 20 planters. MCURC generously covered
$1,000 of the 2014 cost, and will do so again this year. The
Beautification Committee of the Madisonville Community Council
covered the remaining $3,000 last year using funds raised over
several years.
Now, for 2015, we need your help to cover the costs of maintaining
the planters. Will you, your organization, or your members Adopt-aPlanter for 2015? For a donation of $200, you or your group can
cover the cost of a planter for the full year. Your name, or the name
of your group or organization, will be displayed on a plaque on the
planter, so that your neighbors will know that you are helping to
beautify Madisonville. For a smaller donation, your name will be
added to a planter plaque along with others sending a smaller
donation.
Send your tax-deductible contribution payable to Madisonville
Community Council to the Beautification Committee c/o Joan Willis
(6702 Palmetto) or donate on your smart phone via the
Giveunity.org app at our $GiveTag $AdoptaPlanter. Please specify
how you want your name displayed on the planter plaque. Thank
you in advance for your support!
The purpose of the MADISONVILLE COMMUNITY COUNCIL is to
enlist residents willing to work to maintain high community
standards of health, housing, education, recreation, public safety
and the general welfare of the community. Madisonville Community
Council is a non-sectarian and non-political organization.
Madisonville Community Council is the organization the City of
Cincinnati Government recognizes as the “voice” of the community.
Madisonville is a fast growing community and it is important for all
residents to participate in necessary meetings and to keep abreast
of the things that are impacting our neighborhood, including, but
not limited to, new housing, crime prevention and safety, recreation
and neighborhood activities, business development, etc.
Your membership fee, your time and commitment will benefit not
only you but also the community at large. Please take the time to
send in the form below with your membership for 2015 and plan on
becoming an active resident of the community of Madisonville.
Membership – Resident and business/organizations may become
members upon payment of dues. A member shall be considered
active and entitled to voting privileges four (4) weeks after payment
of dues. Dues are paid annually by calendar year. Membership is
$5.00 for residents over 18 years of age and $25.00 for businesses
and organizations. Become a member and have a vote in the
decision making process for your community.
Regular meetings of the Madisonville Community Council shall be
held on the third Thursday of each month except August at the
Madisonville Recreation Center located at 5320 Stewart Avenue.
Please contact the Council office at 561-9343 if you have any
questions.
Madisonville Community Council Membership
Send your name, address, phone number, and email
address to:
Madisonville Community Council
PO Box 9514
Cincinnati, OH 45209
Enclose $5.00 for an Individual or $25.00 for a
Business/ Organization membership.
MADISONVILLE
NEWSLETTER
Spring 2015
Kids Needed – Come Play in the Park!
Curb Appeal Contest & Garden Tour
MCURC will launch Play in the Park Days at Bramble Park beginning
this summer in June. Bring your kids to Bramble Park on Tuesdays
from 6:30 to 8:00. Meet your neighbors and help your kids to meet
their neighbors! Be sure to take advantage of the Park Days and the
other fun, healthy happenings in the neighborhood. To keep
informed of these and other community events, please Like the
Madisonville Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation on
Facebook or send an email to [email protected] to be added to
our e-newsletter list. See you there!
Nominate Your Neighbor’s Beautiful Garden!!
Let’s Get Fit!
According to a 2014 study on the status of adult health in
Madisonville by Interact for Health, 8 in 10 people had exercised in
the previous month, and 5 in 10 had done muscle strengthening
exercises. That’s the good news. The same report showed that 57%
of Madisonville adults are obese, far exceeding the regional average
of 33%.
The Madisonville Garden Tour 2015 is scheduled for Sunday, June
28. If you are proud of your garden or yard, and want to be
considered as part of the tour, contact Ann Human at
[email protected] or Regina Matthews at [email protected].
As part of the Garden Tour, the Beautification Committee is
conducting its annual Curb Appeal Contest for the neighborhood’s
most beautiful yards and gardens. Winners will be announced on
Friday, June 26 at Music on Madison. Nominate your neighbor or
your own yard! Nominations are due to Ann or Regina by Monday,
June 9. For more information or nomination forms, contact Ann at
or Regina at the email addresses shown above.
This year, MCURC is offering some options to help improve the
health of the community. MCURC will install walking routes
throughout the neighborhood and initiate a training program for the
3rd Annual Madisonville 5K Run and Walk.
The training will take place twice a week, on Wednesday evenings
and Saturday mornings, beginning in June. This is a great
opportunity for everyone in the neighborhood, walkers and runners
alike. The training will be designed for people of all physical
abilities. The purpose of the training program is to promote health
and wellness in the neighborhood and prepare people to participate
in the 5K. MCURC is looking for running and walking coaches to hire
for this program. If you have experience coaching or running,
contact Hannah Smith at [email protected]. Information sessions
with the coaches will be held on Wednesday, April 15 and April 22 at
5:30 pm at MCURC (5906 Madison). To sign up, contact Hannah.
Madisonville has also teamed up with go Vibrant, to create
pedestrian friendly walking routes throughout the neighborhood.
The routes are split into 1, 2, 3, and 5-mile routes leading runners
and walkers through residential areas, neighborhood parks, and past
historic buildings. The routes are mapped by colorful, vibrant signs
hung throughout the neighborhood. Detailed, colorful maps and
brochures will be available to print and online. Certain signs along
routes will have QR codes on them. Scanning the electronic codes
directs you to information about that specific building or
establishment. This is a great step towards making Madisonville the
walkable, pedestrian friendly neighborhood the community
advocated for during the Quality of Life process.
go Vibrant has also created walking routes Downtown, in Avondale,
Northside, Walnut Hills, Covington, and Mt Adams. For more
information on go Vibrant, visit www.govibrant.org, a great resource
for people looking to get fit and healthy in Cincinnati. For more
information about the project and routes in Madisonville, again
contact Hannah at [email protected]. The routes will be up by
early summer, perfect timing for everyone to get out and about!
Music on Madison Concerts Return
Due to popular demand, Music on Madison continues! Music on
Madison is a happy hour in the Pocket Park at the intersection of
Madison and Whetsel. The events take place on the 4th Friday of
each month from May to July (May 22, June 26, and July 24) from
4:30 pm -7 pm. Last year, dozens of people attended Music on
Madison to relax and get to know the neighbors. Local beer, food,
and music will be offered to keep the community entertained after a
long week’s work. MCURC is looking for Madisonville musicians for
this event so if you are interested in participating, email Hannah at
[email protected]. Be sure to stop by to greet other community
residents and learn what’s happening in the neighborhood. Cheers!
MADISONVILLE NEWSLETTER
PO BOX 9514
CINCINNATI, OH 45209
TO DO IN MADISONVILLE
Sat, April 11 – 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Fri, Jun 26 – 6:00 pm
Every Tue – 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Murray Triangle Clean Up
Community Meal
Volunteers needed!
RSVP to Joan Willis 604-8581 or
[email protected]
Curb Appeal Winners
Announcement
ONGOING
New Mission Baptist Church
4809 Ravenna St, 271-8377
Park at Madison & Whetsel
Sun, Jun 28 – 1:00 pm
Every Tue in June – 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
Family Play in Bramble Park
For info, call MCURC 271-2495
Every Wed eve & Sat am in June
Time TBD
5K Walk/Run Training
Wed, April 15 – 5:30 pm
Information Session for 5K Training
MCURC, 5906 Madison, 271-2495
Thu, April 16 – 7:00-8:30 pm
Madisonville Community Council
Meeting
For info, call MCURC 271-2495
Madisonville Recreation Center
EVENTS
Wed, April 22 – 5:30 pm
Information Session for 5K Training
MCURC, 5906 Madison, 271-2495
Wed, March 18 – 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Madisonville Meet Up
Millie’s Place Restaurant
5923 Madison Road
RSVP required to MCURC 271-2495 or
[email protected]
Thu, March 19 – 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Madisonville Community Council
Meeting
Madisonville Recreation Center
Fri, March 20 – 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
Madisonville Learning Lab
Presentations by Local Brewers & Foodies
Starfire, 5030 Oaklawn
For info, call 281-2100
Sat, May 9 – 9:00 am–1:00 pm
Kindergarten Fest
John P. Parker School, 363-2900
Thu, March 19 – 2:30 pm-3:30 pm
JP Parker School PTO Meeting
Thu, March 19 – Dinner served at 5:30 pm
JP Parker School Parent Academy
Thu, April 16 – 2:30 pm-3:30 pm
Sat, May 16 – 9:00 am-1:00 pm
Go Cincinnati/Madisonville Clean Up
Crossroads Church Event
Thu, May 21 – 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Madisonville Comm Council Meeting
Madisonville Recreation Center
Park at Madison & Whetsel
Presented by MCURC
Volunteers needed!
RSVP to Karen Brown 241-9501 or
[email protected]
Mon-Fri, March 16-20, 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Volunteers needed!
RSVP to Joan Willis 604-8581 or
[email protected]
Tax Preparation Assistance
Foraging Garden Clean Up
SCHOOLS
Childcare provided
Call 363-2900 to reserve seats
Fri, May 22 – 4:30 pm-7:00 pm
Sat, April 11 – 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Locations to be Announced
Madisonville Great American
Clean Up
Sat, March 21, April 4, April 11
9:00 am-1:00 pm
Provided free by United Way
(if under certain income level)
Madisonville Recreation Center
Madisonville Garden Tour
Music on Madison
Thu, Jun 18 – 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Madisonville Comm Council Meeting
Madisonville Recreation Center
JP Parker School PTO Meeting
Thu, April 16–Dinner served at 5:30
JP Parker School Parent Academy
Dinner served at 5:30, childcare provided
Call 363-2900 to reserve seats
Thu, April 30– Dinner served at 5:30 pm
JP Parker School Parent Academy
Childcare provided
Call 363-2900 to reserve seats
Thu, May 14 – Dinner served at 5:30 pm
JP Parker School Parent Academy
Childcare provided
Call 363-2900 to reserve seats
Thu, May 21 – 2:30 pm-3:30 pm
JP Parker School PTO Meeting
Fri, Jun 26 – 4:30 pm-7:00 pm
Music on Madison
Presented by MCURC
Park at Madison & Whetsel
Send articles or calendar items to
include in the next Newsletter to
Communications Chair Joan Willis
at [email protected]