INDIAN HILL VILLAGE
BULLETIN
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION of the VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL, OHIO
All Village Bulletins available on our website www.ihill.org
February 5, 2020 Number #1
COUNCIL ACTIONS
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
January 27, 2020
Presentation – Colonel Schlie presented the Ranger
Achievement Award to Lt. Shawn Perdue
Presentation – Council expressed its appreciation to Mr.
Harold Thomas for his generous donation to the Indian Hill
Rangers
Passed Emergency Ordinance – Establishing the Ranger
Fund
Passed Emergency Ordinance - Amending Ordinance 13-19
and making appropriations for the expenses of the City of the Village of Indian Hill for the Fiscal year 2020
First Reading – Ordinance approving the plat of DDB Towhee Woods Subdivision recorded in Plat Book 475, Pages
85 and 86 of the Hamilton County, Ohio Recorders Office and
accepting the dedication of Demar Road ID No. 529-0152-
0091
First Reading – Ordinance replacing Section 34.40 and 34.41
of the City of the Village of Indian Hill Codified Ordinances
First Reading – Ordinance repealing the Personnel Rules of
the Manager and the Rules of the Personnel Advisory and
Appeals Board and to amend Chapter 35 to incorporate and
approve the Civil Service Rules and Regulations of the City of
the Village of Indian Hill
Passed Resolution – Confirming the current appointments to
the Indian Hill Recreation Commission
Passed Resolution – Revising fees for the Indian Hill
Recreation Commission
Passed Resolution - Authorizing the City Manager to accept
the 2019 Green Area gifts
Passed Resolution - Authorizing the City Manager to employ
an engineer to prepare plans and specifications for street
rehabilitation, equipment, supplies and other special capital
improvement projects, advertise for bids, and award contracts
for the construction of said work and purchase of said
equipment/supplies
Announced - 2020 Village Council Meeting Dates
Please go to http://www.ihill.org/council/council.aspx
to review full Council Packet for more details
PLANNING COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
ACTIONS
January 21, 2020
Approved - A request for Final Plat approval to
subdivide Lot 3 Stevens Estates Subdivision into
two single family home sites was Approved. The
property is located at 5875 Towhee Lane.
Conditionally Approved - A request for Concept
Plan review to create three single family home sites
served by a private drive was Conditionally
Approved. The property is located at 5680 Drake
Road.
Conditionally Approved - A request for a
Resource Protection Area Swap for the property
located at 9 Stirrup Cup Drive was Conditionally
Approved.
Village of Indian Hill Public Meeting Dates
All meetings held in Council Chambers
Please see back page for a complete listing of Village Public
meeting dates & times.
COPY DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE
February 14, 2020
Village offices will be closed
on Monday, February 17th in
observance of Presidents Day.
February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 2
THE VILLAGE OF INDIAN HILL, OHIO OFFICIAL DIRECTORY
VILLAGE COUNCIL
6525 Drake Road
Melissa S. Cowan, Mayor
Richard J. Hidy
Elizabeth C. Isspording
Stephen H Krehbiel
Shayne Manning
Donald C. McGraw
Monique A. Sewell
VILLAGE STAFF
Dina C. Minneci, City Manager
Jonathan D. West, Assistant City Manager
Paul C. Riordan, Clerk/Compt.
Scott D. Phillips, Solicitor
Scott Gully, Finance Director / Tax Commissioner
561-6500
Chuck Schlie, Chief of Police
561-7000
911 (Emergency) Jason Adkins, Superintendent WW & PW Departments
831-3712
Rick Babcock, Park Ranger Grand Valley Preserve
979-6221
Stephen C. Oughterson, Fire Chief
561-7926 (Business)
911 (Fire call)
Tim Ingram, Health Commissioner
PLANNING COMMISSION
Paul F. Madden, Chairperson
Shayne Manning Joe Rhodenbaugh
Rita Stolper Richard C. Wiggers
GREEN AREAS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Ms. Liz Tilton, Chairperson
Eileen Alexander Todd Bailey
Ann Gibson Jeffrey Graham
Pat Hinkley Ken Koster
Cynthia King Trish Krehbiel
Wallace Lovejoy Shayne Manning
Jenny Margo Ellen Schiefer
STANLEY M. ROWE ARBORETUM 4600 Muchmore Road—561-5151
Jason Donovan
GUN CLUB REPRESENTATIVE Dick Steuerwald, Range Supervisor 831-0994
Jack Basham, Asst Supervisor 831-0994
Thomas C. Rink, Village Representative
PERSONNEL ADVISORY &
APPEALS BOARD Kim Burke, Chairperson
Eric Holzapfel
George Glover
MADEIRA/INDIAN HILL JOINT FIRE DIST.
Robert Gehring, President
Beth Wright, Vice President
Jim Gulick, Treasurer
Jeff Evans, Secretary
David Ellis Scott Gehring
John Hassan William Higgins
Jennifer Lightcap Don McGraw
Dave Parlin Sam Robinson
THE HEART CHURCH MINISTRIES
OF CAMP DENNISON
10048 Campbell St, Camp Dennison OH 45111
513-831-5659
Alfred B Winters Jr, Pastor
10:45 am Sunday Worship Service
7:00 pm Tues Night Bible Study & Perfecting Class
2:30 pm 1st Saturdays, Ministry of Love at Heartland
of Madeira Nursing Home
7:00 pm 4th Friday Men & Women Fellowship (please
call for Host/Hostess location for the month)
INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED
VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION 6855 Drake Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45243
Nancy Airchholz, President
Kim Martin Lewis, Vice President of Finance
Elizabeth Johnston, Vice President of Operations
Eddie Hooker & Niki Singh
Mr. Kirk Koennecke, Supt. 272-4500
Mick Davis, Treasurer 272-4513
Indian Hill High School 272-4550
Indian Hill Middle School 272-4642
Indian Hill Elementary School 272-4703
Indian Hill Primary School 272-4754
RECREATION COMMISSION John Rabenold, Chairman 271-4938
Jack Alley, Program Coordinator 979-6212
www.ihrecsports.com
INDIAN HILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
891-1873
Mrs. Frank Welsh, President
Mr. Chip Hunter, Vice President
Mr. Gregory Miller, Vice President
Ms. Lois Rust, Secretary
Mr. James Barber, Treasurer
ST. GERTRUDE PARISH Miami Ave. & Shawnee Run Rd.
Church 561-5954
School 561-8020
Religious Education 561-8369
www.stgertrude.org
Fr. Andre-Joseph LaCasse, O.P. Pastor
Sister Mary Aquinas, O.P. Principal
Shari Siebert, Dir. of Religious Education
Mass Schedule:
Daily: 7:00, 8:00 & 11:30 a.m.
Saturday: 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
12:30 & 6:00 p.m.
THE INDIAN HILL CLUB
SWIM & TENNIS
Dot Lane off Shawnee Run Road
Across from St. Gertrude, www.ihclub.com
INDIAN HILL WINTER CLUB
10005 Fletcher Road
Camp Dennison, OH 45111
513-576-9444
ihwinterclub.com
CINCINNATI COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL
6905 Given Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243
513-561-7298
Anthony T. T. Jaccaci, Head of School
ARMSTRONG CHAPEL UNITED METHODIST
CHURCH
5125 Drake Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45243—561-4220
www.armstrongchapel.org
Www.armstrongpreschool.org
David Brown, Lead Pastor
8:20 a.m. Traditional Worship in Old Chapel
9:40 a.m. Traditional Worship in Sanctuary
10:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship in Worship Ctr
Student Ministries—Wed. at 7:00 p.m.
THE INDIAN HILL CHURCH
Episcopal-Presbyterian
6000 Drake Road
Telephone: 561-6805
www.indianhillchurch.org
The Rev. Dr. Stephen Caine, Presbyterian Minister
The Nancy Hopkins-Green, Episcopal Priest
Jennifer Taylor, Dir. Of Youth
Worship Schedule: Sunday 8 am & 10:30 am
(Alternating Services: Episcopal/Presbyterian)
Nursery/Preschool care provided 10:30 am
Sunday School (K-7th grade) 10:30 am
Adult Ed Forum 9 am (Sept-May)
CINCINNATI FRIENDS MEETING
8075 Keller Road—791-0788
www.cincinnatifriends.org
Jim Newby, Minister
SUNDAY:
Adult Discussion 10:00 a.m.
Meeting for Worship 11:00 a.m.
Children’s Sunday School 11:00 a.m.
Nursery and childcare provided
SONRISE COMMUNITY CHURCH
8136 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, Ohio 45227
513-576-6000
www.sonrise-church.com
Facebook: facebook.com/SonRiseCommunityChurch
Twitter: @sonrisec
Contemporary Worship & K-6 Programs:
Sundays @ 9 a.m. & 11 a.m.
Childcare provided at both services
Jr. & Sr. High Sundays @ 6 p.m.
HORIZON COMMUNITY CHURCH
3950 Newtown Rd.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45244
513-272-5800 www.horizoncc.com
“Yours to Explore”
Schedule of Sunday Services: 8:50 a.m. Equipping
Service, 10:00 a.m. & 11:10 a.m. Exploring Service
Separate programs offered for infants through high
school students
GREENACRES ARTS CENTER
8400 Blome Road, 45243
513-793-2787
AUDIT REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monique A. Sewell, Chairperson
Al Koncius David Williams
Michael Sewell Paul C. Riordan
February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 3
VILLAGE COUNCIL ESTABLISHES 2020 GOALS
Every year, Village Council meets for a Special Council
Session in January to discuss specific goals for staff to
pursue throughout the year. These goals represent various
opportunities for the Village to continue to provide
exemplary, high quality services to its residents.
On January 13, 2020, Village Council established a list of
several goals that concentrate in areas such as, but not
limited to, a study of Redbirdhollow Trail stream erosion,
a strategic plan for tree reforestation and soil preservation
within the Green Areas, completion of several major
infrastructure projects including the rehabilitation of
Blome Road bridge, and evaluating effects that adjacent
communities’ significant infrastructure projects may have
within the Village.
To review the full list of the 2020 Council Goals, please
refer to www.ihill.org or contact Dina Minneci, City
Manager, at 513-561-6500.
During its annual review of Village operating funds and a
ten year capital improvement program in 2019, Village
Council approved maintaining the local income tax rate at
0.525% for 2020 (for the 2019 tax year).
All residents will be receiving postcards in the mail which
provide information on the Village income tax process.
The postcard will include instructions, deadline and
contact information. To accommodate those who still
wish to utilize a hard-copy tax form, the Village will have
them available at the Administration Offices, and they also
can be downloaded from the Village’s website
www.ihill.org.
For questions regarding the tax rate or additional
information regarding the 2020 income tax filing season
(for tax year 2019), please do not hesitate to contact Scott
Gully, Finance Director/Tax Commissioner, at 513-561-
6500.
2020 TAX SEASON BEGINS
0.525% RATE REMAINS THE SAME
If you have moved into the Village within the past year,
you will be receiving a letter from Constellation
NewEnergy for the Village’s Natural Gas Aggregation
Program.
As background, Village residents voted in 2008 to create a
natural gas aggregation program. This program allows
Village residents to capitalize on a lower rate for the gas
generation portion of the utility bill through “bulk buying”
with other local communities and frees the residents from
having to negotiate such rates on an individual basis. The
flat rate for gas generation that the Village negotiates with
its suppler, Constellation NewEnergy, competitively
competes with Duke Energy’s monthly variable rate.
Although some months may not be as competitive as
others, the aggregation program provides savings to
residents over a full year of gas usage.
In May 2019, Constellation was able to secure a fixed rate
of $0.396/Ccf ($0.4237/Ccf with current 7% sales tax) that
became effective with June 2019 meter reading (July
invoice) and will end with the May 2022 meter reading
(June 2022 invoice).
In order for new residents to take advantage of the
program, Constellation will be sending notification letters
to all new residents since last year. This notification
explains the fixed rate and provides additional information
about the Village’s program. If you did not receive a
notification in the mail but want to enroll, please contact
Constellation at 1-877-226-9456.
Upon receiving the letter, if you wish to participate in the
Village’s gas aggregation program, you do not have to do
anything as you will be automatically enrolled.
However, if you wish to opt-out of the program, please fill
out the documentation attached with the letter.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
the Indian Hill toll free customer service number at 877-
226-9456 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or log
on to Indian Hill’s dedicated web page at
www.constellation.com/oh-indianhill.
NATURAL GAS AGGREGATION INFORMATION
FOR NEW VILLAGE RESIDENTS
February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 4
At the Employee Holiday Luncheon in December, ten (10)
Village staff members were honored for their years of
service to Indian Hill residents and surrounding
communities. These individuals represent a vast amount of
dedication, experience, knowledge, professionalism and
ability. Their commitment to the Village mission of
providing high quality and beyond-the-call-of-duty
customer service on a daily basis is commendable. The
following are those recognized in 2019:
5 Years
Jon West – Assistant City Manager
15 Years Denise Burkert - Dispatcher
James Dunigan – Ranger
Diane Slagle – Dispatcher
Ken Smith – Public Works Foreman
Bill Schwartz – Ranger
Dean Ramsey – Ranger
20 Years Mark Rolfes – Service Worker
Frank Cogliano – Police Lieutenant
Mike Dressell – Police Captain/Assistant Chief
VILLAGE RECOGNIZES YEARS OF SERVICE
In conjunction with
The American Conifer Society
Invites you to attend our Conifer Connection
Lunch / Learn / Auction / Grafting Workshop
Join us for an informative presentation on Cohesion vs.
Chaos creating design in the collector ’s garden with
guest speaker Bob Iiams. Bob has been a long time
member of the American Conifer Society and president of
numerous plant societies.
Where: The Sky Galley Restaurant located within Lunken
Airport main building.
When: February 29, 2020
Informal lunch starts 11:30 - 12:00.
Presentation followed by auction 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Grafting workshop 2:30 - 4:00 pm
This event is free with no registration
Over the last several months, the Indian Hill
Bulletin and Village website have included
articles regarding the Village’s Charter Review
Committee which was created to assess the entire
Village Charter that was last amended by voters
in 1999. Over several meetings, the Committee
made recommendations which assist in creating
more efficient and effective municipal operations
while also bringing the Charter format up-to-date.
Those recommendations were discussed at the
September 2019 Community Forum and were
presented to Council in three separate readings at
Council meetings that included a public hearing
and final legislative approval in November.
This month, the Hamilton County Board of
Elections has validated Council’s request to place
the recommended Charter changes on the March
17, 2020 ballot. All registered voters within the
Village will receive a letter that includes an
Executive Summary of the recommended
changes along with a presentation of the
recommended revised Charter. This same
information is also available on the Village
website www.ihill.org.
If you have questions regarding the Charter
recommendations or if you do not receive a letter,
please contact Dina Minneci, City Manager, at
[email protected] or 513-561-6500.
INDIAN HILL CHARTER
REVIEW UPDATE
February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 5
APPRECIATION TO THOSE
WHO DONATED TO GREEN AREAS
In 2019, the Green Areas Trust expanded by 0.5686 acres.
Through the generosity of the resident listed below, the Trust
now comprises more than 3,000 acres of preserved natural land
in Indian Hill. Please join Village Council and the Green Areas
Advisory Committee in expressing appreciation to:
David Keefer 8725 Indian Hill Road 0.5686 Acres
Total Acres = 0.5686
The Green Areas Advisory Committee encourages residents to
consider green areas donations throughout the year. Those
living in a five acre zone may reduce their lot down to 3 acres
(2 plus acre gift). Three acre lot residents may reduce their lot
down to 2 acres (1 plus acre gift). Many past donors have
enjoyed tax benefits as a result of their contributions in addition
to the satisfaction of being an integral part of preserving the
Village’s mission of maintaining a rural community.
For questions regarding the green areas donations, please
contact Jon West, Assistant City Manager, at 561-6500.
February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 6
Check out our new look at www.ihill.org! With this new
look comes easier viewing and navigation, especially on
mobile devices. And on the back end, the new site will
allow Village staff to make changes to the site quickly,
keeping you up-to-date on important events, including
road construction, announcements from the Rangers,
Public Works and Waterworks and other pertinent
information. As always, the monthly Bulletin will be
available for download.
This updated website and the Indian Hill App allow you to
stay in touch with the latest events in the Village. In
addition, contacting us has never been easier -- by email,
phone or through the website or App Service Request
feature. Please check out the new site and catch up on all
the latest news and events from the Village of Indian Hill!
NEW VILLAGE WEBSITE DEBUTS
The new upgrades to the Indian Hill Shooting Club’s Five
Stand field are paying off in dividends of added
challenges and fun for the shotgun enthusiasts of the
IHSC.
In the Fall of 2019, the target throwers were converted to
a wireless system to improve the reliability of the
throwers. New light-weight carts and machine covers
replaced the old stationary wooded platforms to add
mobility and versatility to the target presentation on the
field. Each throwing machine was assessed and fitted
with new parts and circuit boards as needed. Tree limbs
and branches were trimmed to improve visibility for the
shooters. The shooting stations themselves got a facelift
and were made adjustable. All of this adds up to a vastly
improved experience for the IHSC members who enjoy
the shooting sports.
The result of the upgrades has been a resurgence in the
popularity of Five Stand shooting at the Indian Hill
Shooting Club. A league was started in mid-December
with 18 members participating and will culminate in
January with a handicapped tournament to determine the
champions.
More improvements are planned. In the spring of 2020,
construction will begin on the Five Stand shelter which
will include overhead protection from the weather, heater
units, lighting and other amenities.
Instructional classes on basic firearms ownership and
usage are conducted regularly at the Indian Hill Shooting
Club and membership is always available without a wait
to the residents of the Village of Indian Hill.
To become a member or for more information on
becoming a member, contact Dick Steuerwald, IHSC
Supervisor by emailing [email protected]
IHSC member & “League Co-
Commissioner” Mike Bausano
breaking a target downrange.
IHSC member Clay
Slusher calling for a
target in League play
“League Co-Commissioner” Ryan Conner & IHSC member Jerry
Ruschau keep score & oversee the contest
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SHOOTING CLUB BRING RENEWED INTEREST
February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 7
THE INDIAN HILL RANGERS RECEIVE GENEROUS DONATION
FROM HAROLD & GENIE THOMAS
It is with great pleasure that Indian Hill Council and the
Indian Hill Rangers express their heart-felt appreciation
(again!) to Indian Hill residents Harold and Genie
Thomas.
In December 2019, Mr. Thomas visited with Colonel
Schlie, Police Chief of the Indian Hill Rangers. On this
fateful day, Mr. Thomas expressed his desire to create a
special fund for the police department to assist with the
purchase of equipment and/or any other resources deemed
necessary to fulfill the Ranger’s mission of providing high
standard protective services to Village residents.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas’ generosity truly is an inspiration.
This donation is not the first for Mr. and Mrs. Thomas. It
is one of a long line of gifts that include, but definitely are
not limited to, the construction of the Madeira & Indian
Hill firehouses, the purchase of an ambulance for the
Madeira & Indian Hill Joint Fire District, fire hydrant
painting throughout the Village, the purchase of safety
vehicles and equipment for neighboring communities, and
the inception of a scholarship fund at Cincinnati State
Tech & Community College to honor retired Fire Chief
Steve Ashbrock.
Colonel Schlie states “The Village is fortunate to have
residents such as Mr. and Mrs. Thomas representing such
a charitable spirit and genuine passion for the Village. The
Thomas donation represents all that is humble and selfless.
The Rangers cannot express enough appreciation for this
gift as we will ensure that it benefits many people for
many years.”
“On behalf of the Village and its residents, I extend our
deepest appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas for their
extremely generous donation” stated Melissa Cowan,
Mayor of Indian Hill. “It is difficult to describe in words
how meaningful this gift will be to the Rangers and the
Village. We can never overstate the impact Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas and their gifts have had on the community.”
The recent Native Plant Symposium at the
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
gave lots of ideas about how to improve
our landscape plantings, and at the same
time reduce maintenance and support our
native wildlife— the birds, bees, butterflies, and moths. To
that end, author Doug Tallamy’s first suggestion was to
“cut your lawn in half,” by converting it into meadow.
Landscape designer Larry Weaner detailed how to plant a
native wildflower meadow. Here are a few highlights from
his talk.
1. Site planning and preparation is very important. Full sun
is a necessary requirement for a wildflower meadow
planting. Existing growth— especially invasive plants
including non-native grasses— must be eliminated from
the site.
2. Wildflower meadows always include grasses; these are
warm-season grasses, which are ornamental and clump-
forming. Native wildflowers (broad-leaved, herbaceous
plants) get along well with these clump-forming grasses.
3. A successful wildflower meadow planting grows to
maturity through succession over a period of several years.
Some plants (e.g. annual grass) establish a cover in the
first year, some (e.g. rudbeckia) during the next 2-3 years.
By the third year, desirable plants are adequately
suppressing the re-seeding of undesirable plants. Even so,
some plants (e.g. baptista) won’t be major players for 5-6
years. Planning for this succession will help assure that
there is no opening for seasonal weed invasion.
4. Almost all commercial wildflower seed mixes are not
worth planting. These typically grow a short-lived riot of
colors, but don’t allow for the succession (described
above) that is necessary to establish a permanent, low-
maintenance wildflower meadow. A better way is to order
seed by individual species (of native perennials and
grasses), with consideration of your local conditions (wet,
dry, loam, clay, etc.).
5. Sometimes it is possible to seed a new meadow without
turning over or tilling the soil. Large projects can be drill-
seeded. Smaller lawn-conversion projects typically start
with killing the grass, then de-thatching, then hand-
seeding, then lightly thatching again (to seat the seed).
(Continued on page 13)
PLANNING AND PLANTING A NATIVE MEADOW
February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 8
The 2020 Census counts every person living in the 50
states, District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories.
Every home will receive an invitation to participate in the
2020 Census by April 1, 2020. Once the invitation
arrives, you should respond for your home in one of three
ways: online, by phone, or by mail. The census provides
critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers,
and many others use to provide daily services, products,
and support for you and your community. The results of
the census also determine the number of seats each state
will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, and they
are used to draw congressional and state legislative
districts. The 2020 Census will mark the 24th time that the
country has counted its population since 1790.
The Census will ask you questions about the number of
people living or staying in your home, if the home is
owned or rented, the sex, age, race, ethnicity, and marital
status of each person in your home. **If you are every
contacted by a person claiming to be from the Census
Bureau, please remember that the Census Bureau will
NEVER ask you for your social security number, money
or donations, bank or credit account numbers.
For more information about the 2020 Census, please visit
www.census.gov
The Census Bureau is already recruiting to fill important
temporary positions. Apply online at 2020census.gov/jobs
UNITED STATES CENSUS 2020
EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE
BY MR. EPPA RIXEY, MAYOR 2007-2009
I wanted to take a moment, at this special time of the year,
to express my sincere appreciation to all the Indian Hill
Village Employees, Staff and Volunteers. We are
exceedingly fortunate to live in a wonderful community
with such dedicated and caring people surrounding us.
Our Village Administrative Staff and the Public Works
and Waterworks departments exhibit a commitment to
service which is exceptional. The Rangers and Fire
Departments are second to none in their respective fields.
Their collective dedication to taking care of our
community is unwavering. In the rare instances when
their help is needed, it is a huge comfort to see a familiar
face. I addition, I would like to recognize and applaud our
outstanding community volunteers who serve our Village
on the Village Council, School Board, Planning
Commission, Fire Department Board, Green Areas,
Recreation Commission, and so many, many other
volunteer positions throughout our community. These
great volunteers offer not only their time and talent but in
many cases their treasure as well. We are blessed with
individuals that are extremely talented and willing to give
their personal time and share their many talents to make
our Village what it is today.
I would like to offer a very special thank you to our
retiring Mayor, Mr. Mark Kuenning. His six years on
Village Council, with an additional two years as Mayor, is
the commitment that has been made by many of our
residents, over the years. Mark agreed to run for Council
nine years ago, when our Village truly needed his
extensive talent in both business and finance at a time the
Village was dealing with financial challenges. Mark’s
leadership on the Finance Committee was invaluable in so
many ways. One special example is when the State of
Ohio enacted legislation requiring every local
municipality to standardize their local taxing procedure to
an “earnings” tax, and run the collection of that tax
through the State. This was totally different from the
system the Village had always used for collecting our
local taxes which was based on a resident’s “adjusted
gross income”. This change, in addition to the elimination
of the Ohio State Estate tax, would have had tremendous
negative impact on the Village Budget, our residents, and
the services that we have all become accustomed to
enjoying. Mark was committed to addressing this
situation and presenting our special case to the Ohio
Legislature. After numerous trips to Columbus, and
endless phone calls, he was successful in winning a
special exception which allowed us to continue using our
tried and true formula for collecting and calculating our
Village Taxes. This is just one example of what goes on
behind the scenes and how fortunate we are to have
talented and committed people dedicated to helping guide
our Village daily.
A big thank you to everyone that makes our community
such a wonderful place to live.
Sincerely,
Eppa Rixey
February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 9
COUNTRY DAY’S HIRSCHAUER NAMED
NATIONAL SOCCER COACH OF THE YEAR
Jack Kruse, 7th grader at
IHES and lifelong IH
resident, recently starred in
a Children’s Theatre
production at Taft
Theatre. He played the title
role in “Casper, the Friendly
Musical.”
Not many people were
aware of how Jack tirelessly
rehearsed leading up to
opening night making his
solos, flight, lines, and
choreography perfect for the world premiere of
"Casper, the Friendly Musical."
He sang solos while flying over Taft Theatre’s stage
(via harness and cable wire). Jack embodies the
friendly ghost’s spirit with his generous smile and
playful nature.
Because Jack is so humble, you wouldn’t be aware
that he is a star; that is, unless you attended the
musical. And since there were 17 performances at
Taft Theatre, which has a capacity of 2000 people per
show, it’s quite possible you were in attendance.
The United Soccer
Coaches have named
Cincinnati Country
Day School’s Theresa
Hirschauer the 2019
National Girls’ Soccer
Coach of the Year.
Hirschauer, coached
the soccer team in
back-to-back Ohio
Division III state
championships in 2018 and 2019, posting a 20-0-2 record
in 2019.
“This is an incredible honor,” Hirschauer said. “I credit
our players and the entire coaching staff of Brady Brandt,
Brittany Woods and Olivia Robinson. The head coach gets
credit, but it is a total team effort. I’m proud to represent
the CCDS Girls Soccer Program as well as the Southwest
Ohio Soccer Coaches at the national convention.”
Hirschauer had previously been named Region Coach of
the Year by the United Soccer Coaches for the Central Fall
Region. She was one of 11 finalists for United Soccer
Coaches National Coach of the Year.
She won the national award in the category of Private/
Parochial schools. The award will be presented at the
annual High School Coaches Breakfast on Jan. 17 at the
Hilton Holiday Ballroom in Baltimore, in conjunction with
the 73rd United Soccer Coaches Convention.
Hirschauer was also named Ohio Coach of the Year by the
Ohio High School Coaches Association. This is her 29th
year as a head coach at CCDS and she sports a career
record of 389-133-41.
She is a member of the Brown University Athletic Hall of
Fame for soccer and softball and was selected as a
member of the Ivy League women’s Silver Anniversary
Team in soccer in 1999. From 1986-89 Hirschauer led the
Brown soccer team to four straight Ivy titles and two
NCAA appearances. In the process she was named Ivy
Rookie of the Year in 1985 and Ivy Player of the Year and
All American in 1988.
Hirschauer also serves as the Head of the Middle School at
Country Day and coaches the softball team in the spring.
For more information, contact Theresa Hirschauer at
[email protected] or 513-218-6345.
February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 10
CCDS MIDDLE SCHOOL WINNER IN THE STOCK MARKET GAME
Cincinnati Country Day School Middle School teams have
won the Fall Stock Market Game for all Middle School
teams in Ohio. CCDS teams took the top 10 places in the
Middle School Division of the Stock Market Game out of
126 teams.
The top three of the CCDS teams were in the top 10 for all
schools, High Schools, Middle Schools and Elementary
Schools out of 613 teams.
Top Middle School Winners in the State from Indian
Hill:
4th Place Team – 8th Grade - Alex Reaves, Will Deimer,
Sam Kohnen, Story Rufener - $119.067.28
CCDS eighth-grade math teacher Susie Lewis is the
advisor for students who play the Stock Market Game.
She explained how to play: Each team receives $100,000
in virtual money to invest for 10 weeks. Whoever makes
the most money wins.
Teams must invest in at least four stocks, bonds or mutual
funds. Companies must be on The NYSE or NASDAQ.
Teams can have no more than $30,000 in any one stock.
They must buy at least 10 shares. No share can be bought
that is below $3 per share. Students can buy or short sell
stocks.
The game started on Oct. 1 and ended on Dec. 13
CCDS VOLUNTEERS PACK GROCERIES FOR KIDS IN NEED
Cincinnati Country Day students, faculty and staff once
again rolled up their sleeves to ensure that food insecure
families had enough groceries to feed their children over
winter break.
Thirty volunteers packed 480 bags of groceries that
Childhood Food Solutions (CFS) supplied and distributed
to schools that mostly serve Price Hill students. Some 300
sacks were delivered to Roberts Academy, 155 sacks were
given to Resurrection School, a parochial school that
serves poor children, and 25 sacks went to Oyler School.
Tony Fairchild, executive director of CFS, spoke with two
staff members at Resurrection School. “They gratefully
accepted the sacks for distribution to their students but
told about how easy it is to “hope” students are OK for
food at home. They mentioned school lunch items that are
not tried and become waste. Is this because nutritious food
can be unfamiliar? CFS provides familiar groceries that
provide reasonable nutrition.”
CFS groceries are very “filling” so about 250 calories can
fill a child's stomach, Fairchild said. The sacks CCDS
packed provide 9,230 calories, about 37 “fill-ups.” Among
the items packed were peanut butter, ramen noodles, fruit
and grain bars, graham crackers, boxes of macaroni and
cheese, and Aldi’s coupons.
Fairchild shared a story he heard about a student who said
he enjoyed going to Burger King. “Does this mean that his
family has plenty of money for food? Unfortunately, it is
more likely that Burger King was a one-time treat the
student was proud to report. The lack of food, during a
time like winter break, is not reported for fear of being
placed in foster care because his family runs out of food.”
This is the second year that CCDS Upper School
chemistry teacher Paula Butler and her son, Brian ’20,
have brought CFS to campus and invited students, faculty
and staff to participate in the service project.
Submitted by resident Louise Vaughan.
This year’s sixth graders came full circle when they
mentored younger students during Hour of Code, a one-
hour introduction to computer science designed to
demystify code.
“Many of the current sixth graders were here in first and
second grades, and they remember the ‘big kids’ working
with them during our annual Hour of Code,” said Director
of Technology Rob Baker. “I think it is so empowering
for them to now be the ‘big kids.’ They have a chance to
help them make a difference.”
(Continued on page 11)
CCDS SIXTH GRADERS HELP YOUNG STUDENTS DEMYSTIFY CODE
February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 11
During Hour of Code, K-2 students began coding with
Angry Birds and other puzzles. Parents receive a link to
the games so students can continue coding at home at their
own pace.
“I am so impressed with how seriously they took
mentoring some of our youngest learners here at CCDS,”
Baker said. “We pair them up with Coding Buddies, and
they encourage the younger children to solve puzzles using
code. I love to see our students collaborating across
divisions, and it was great to hear cheers and see high fives
among these students as they celebrated learning.”
Formal coding becomes part of the curriculum in third
grade when students have an opportunity to work through
different levels and challenges of coding. Coding
continues in fourth and fifth grades.
Sixth graders take STEAM classes that include coding,
plus a significant amount of engineering that involves
hands-on making, controlling robots and other electronics
with code. “Controlling a physical object really adds
another layer to it. Not only do you code, you've got to put
some wheels on it, attach a motor and figure out how to
make the motor spin the way you want,” Baker said.
“This isn't all about making engineers. It’s about kids
being good problem solvers and giving them open-ended
challenges that they don’t get right away. Too much
material is information they already know, and they tell
you. We want a little struggle. We want the right amount
of friction for the kids to not know exactly what to do, but
not tell them the next step. When you have that kind of
open-ended, hands-on learning, it's really powerful and
they always step up.”
(Continued from page 10)
Dr. Candace Kendle is the Co-founder
and former Chairman and CEO of
Kendle International Inc., a global
clinical research organization that
delivered a wide range of clinical
development and clinical trial services
to biopharmaceutical companies around the world. INC
Research, LLC, acquired the company in 2011.
Prior to founding Kendle International Inc., Dr. Kendle
held senior faculty positions at several leading academic
institutions including University of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill, Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine;
University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine;
Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science; and the
University of Cincinnati, College of Pharmacy.
She is the President and Co-founder of the Read Aloud 15
MINUTES National Campaign, a national non-profit that
fosters parent engagement in early childhood
development. As a result of this work, she was a recipient
of the Business Champion for Children Award,
ReadyNation, Washington D.C. in October 2015.
Dr. Kendle earned a Bachelor of Science and Doctorate in
Pharmacy from the University of Cincinnati, College of
Pharmacy. She was awarded an honorary Ph.D. in
Science, University of Cincinnati in 2010.
Brave Service Award: Dorothy Koch Family
Foundation
“The Dorothy Koch Family Foundation honors our
mother Dorothy Kautz Koch and her lifelong commitment
to education,” state her children Lisa Greene (’74), Bill
Koch (’68), Jim Koch (’67) and Susan Koch (’65). Mrs.
Koch emphasized education both in raising her four
children and in her career as an elementary school teacher,
including many years at Indian Hill Elementary. All of
her children and four of her grandchildren are Indian Hill
graduates.
Starting in 2008, gifts from the Dorothy Koch Family
Foundation, given through the Indian Hill Foundation,
have totaled over $150,000 and have continued her legacy
of impact by transforming the STEAM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) curriculum
across the IH District.
In the fall of 2018, the District opened the Elementary
School’s Dorothy Koch iLab. “The iLab is an innovative,
hands-on space that builds important skills of critical
thinking, creativity and collaboration,” explains Dr.
Melissa Stewart. “The iLab has become a model of space
and instruction, resulting in over 30 visitors from other
districts and agencies to gather inspiration for their own
initiatives in STEAM.”
Young Brave Award: Sarah E. Sanders (IHHS 2008)
(Continued on page 12)
IH FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2020 ALUMNI AWARDS HONOREES
February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 12
HIGH-FIVE FOR INDIAN HILL HIGH
SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL TEAM
The Indian Hill High School (IHHS) Mock Trial Team has
five reasons to celebrate just before winter recess; Braves
earned their fifth-consecutive victory at the fifth-annual
MockHawk Tournament hosted by Miami University the
weekend of December 14-15.
“In the four previous years of this tournament, no school
other than Indian Hill has taken home the title, so the
expectations were high – and our kids did not disappoint,”
said IHHS teacher and Mock Trial coach Steve Reger.
IHHS junior Brooke Youngblood and sophomore Paige
Falter earned Outstanding Witness awards. Sophomores
Avery Valz, Tacey Hutton, and junior Ethan Marx (the
third highest scoring attorney in the entire tournament) won
Outstanding Attorney awards. The IHHS Mock Trial Team
defends their title at the University of Cincinnati
Tournament in January.
Members of the winning Indian Hill High School Mock Trial Team
included (L to R): Brooke Youngblood, Sydney Poffenberger, Audrey
Bristol, Tacey Hutton, Kanksha Buch, Michael Ragnone, and Ethan
Marx.
Sarah Sanders is the Co-founder of
Native AgTech, Inc, a software company
based between New York City and the
Midwest focused on generating greater
efficiency and transparency in our food
supply chain. Sarah began her career
working in hospitality at the Tavern
Restaurant Group. Upon completing her
MBA in 2014 she joined Rubicon Global, a cloud-based
platform for waste and recycling services, where she
worked for the CEO managing investor relations through
multiple rounds of fundraising.
In 2017 Sarah joined Toast, a cloud-based point-of-sale
system addressing the antiquated restaurant technology
market. She relocated to New York City to grow Toast’s
market share in Manhattan, prior to launching Native. In
2019 Sarah was awarded the Distinguished Young Alumni
Award from the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College
of Business & Economics, and shortly after joined the
college’s Emerging Leaders Board. She earned her
undergraduate degree in Business Management from UK
and her MBA in International Business from Xavier
University.
(Continued from page 11)
Conquer the Hill 5K Race
and Walk
April 25, 2020
8:00 am start
Info and Registration at
www.indianhillfoundation.
org
February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 13
SUBMITTING ARTICLES AND PICTURES
All copy and pictures sent to the Village office to be included in the Bulletin should be sent by email to
[email protected]. If it is not possible for you to email, you can contact Kari at 979-6218.
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE WWW.IHILL.ORG
You can find the Indian Hill Bulletin on our website at www.ihill.org. Just click on Bulletin and begin
reading! You will find the most recent Bulletin as well as past Bulletins. You will also find information on all
our departments, Grand Valley and meeting minutes for Council and Planning Commission. You can find
schedules for recycling and trash pickup and fill out forms for Building and Zoning, the Rangers, Public
Works and Taxes. There are also links to the schools, churches and the Recreation Commission.
Village of Indian Hill
2020 Bulletin Schedule
ONLINE BILL PAYMENT
NOW AVAILABLE
Residents and customers can now make payments online. This service is a bill payment service for alarm
monitoring, boat storage, bridle trail membership, gun club membership, extra pickups, water bills, or any
other account you may have with the Village. One time payments can be made, or you can sign up for
payments to be deducted from your bank account on their due date automatically. This service allows for
secure electronic transfer of payments from your bank account. To sign up for this service, log on to the
Village’s website at ihill.org and click on the link on the homepage.
6. Soil nutrient levels aren’t very important, since most native plants are adapted to existing conditions. Any fertilization
is likely to favor the weeds more than the desirable species.
7. For the first one to two years after planting, the new meadow can be mowed every six weeks to a height of 4” to 6”.
This will prevent annual weeds from seeding, and allow young perennials growing below mow height to get enough
light. So, you don’t want annual wildflowers in your seed mix.
For further details, see: Larry Weaner, “Wildflower Meadows; Let’s Get Real,” at http://lweanerassociates.com/?p=1203
(Continued from page 7)
Copy Deadline Mailing date
1/10/2020 2/5/2020
2/14/2020 3/4/2020
3/13/2020 4/1/2020
4/10/2020 4/29/2020
5/8/2020 5/27/2020
6/5/2020 6/24/2020
8/21/2020 9/9/2020
9/18/2020 10/7/2020
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February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 14
Minstrel Shows of the Past - and in Indian Hill
IMAGES
...THEN AND NOW
From the Indian Hill Historical Society Buckingham Lodge 1861
Minstrel shows were derived from European traditional carnivals, but were adapted by Americans in the 1830s. This
form of entertainment was popular for more than 120 years.
While there were variations from show to show, the performance began with the company assembling (and sometimes
parading through the audience) and taking the stage. Then there was a series of jokes between the middleman (Mr.
Interlocutor) and the end men – who were to the far left or far right of a line or semicircle of performers. Jokes were
intermingled with songs, dances and comedic banter. Then the show concluded with a skit
or group song and dance.
In the 20th century, minstrel shows’ popularity declined nationally as vaudeville, radio,
film and television competed against this older form of entertainment. Yet amateur groups
continued to stage minstrel shows – often as benefits for churches or other organizations.
Jokes often commented on local issues or personalities. From these exhibitions, some of
the most beloved songs in American history were popularized including “Camptown
Races”, “Oh Susannah”, and “My Old Kentucky Home”.
The Indian Hill Men’s Community Club presented 10 minstrel shows between 1930 –
1940 at Jefferson School or the Grange Hall to benefit Armstrong Chapel. The doors
opened at 7:00 p.m. and the curtain rose at 8:15. The local amateur troupe interspersed
slapstick comedy with music from the Indian Hill Orchestra or individual soloists. Usually
8-10 actors were on stage with the local orchestra seated below the stage at the audience’s
level.
Families from Indian Hill, Terrace Park, Madeira, Newtown, and Madisonville attended
these annual springtime shows, which took place on 2 consecutive nights. Before the
performance, spectators chatted amongst themselves or looked through the 20 page
program, which listed the characters, orchestra members, soloists, and the sequence of
events. It also contained advertisements for commercial establishments which were
sponsors. Some of the products advertised were Silver King
tractors, baby chicks from a Mason hatchery, a family size
refrigerator for $140 in Madisonville, laundry washing
service at Model Laundry in Fairfax, asparagus and fruit from Sky Farm, or “Butter that
Betters the Bread” from Breezy Hill Farm.
The evening’s amusement began with an overture (often a southern medley), and then
the minstrels took the stage, with Mr. Interlocutor and the others engaging in repartees,
sometimes singling out their friends. For instance, one young male was teased about being
a Girl Scout, because he was always scouting for a girl, and one family was ribbed about
pregnancy being contagious to the neighbors. The end men’s language was peppered with
vernacular, and after each segment of the show there was a musical interlude, either lyrical
or instrumental. One year, there was a juggler with a trained dog, and another year the Leap
Year Chorus belted out melodies. Special attractions included a tap dance, and the arrival
of a real horse while the orchestra repeatedly played the chorus of “The Old Gray Mare” until the horse got up on the
stage. The night ended with a Grand Finale, usually a song featuring the entire orchestra and cast.
The rousing songs and skits that poked fun at local folk provided amusement for village residents and those of nearby
communities during the Depression and pre-World War II years. The show’s profits raised funds for Armstrong Chapel.
This unique, captivating form of entertainment showcased local talent in the particular American cultural tradition of
minstrel shows.
Program cover from the
Indian Hill Men’s Community
Club 10th Annual Minstrel
A picture of one of the skits
from the Men’s Community
Club Minstrel Show
February 5, 2020 —Indian Hill Bulletin— Page 15
INDIAN HILL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
E-Newsletter Indian Hill Historical Society’s quarterly newsletter contains fun facts, stories and news!
If you would like an emailed copy (you do not have to be a member), please provide your
email address by sending it to [email protected] or by calling 891-1873.
Tales & Tastings with Woodford Reserve
It will be an evening of fun and bourbon sampling with one of the area’s finest distillers.
Chris Poynter of Woodford Reserve will share the rich history of Kentucky bourbon and its
connections with horses and the world famous Kentucky Derby.
A roaring fire, bourbon tastings, and a burgoo dinner will warm this February evening.
Saturday, February 22nd ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ Livingston Lodge
Members $55, Non-Members $65
RSVP by 2/14
Call 891-1873, email: [email protected], or visit
www.indianhill.org
Rent the Little Red Schoolhouse
For your next party, off-site business meeting, rehearsal dinner, wedding, reunion,
anniversary, shower, or any occasion!
Charming, beautiful, historic one-room
schoolhouse
Choose your own caterer
Bring your own food / alcohol
Modern, commercial kitchen
A/V system,Wi-Fi, BlueTooth
Tree shaded lawn - perfect for tents and
outdoor activities
Unique rural setting
Inquiries: 513-891-1873 [email protected] www.indianhill.org
Battle Royale: The Fight for Women’s Suffrage Enjoy lunch, celebrate the centennial of the 19th Amendment, and
learn about Ohio’s pivotal role in the process.
Wednesday, March 18, 11:00 a.m.
RETURN TO:
INDIAN HILL BULLETIN
6525 DRAKE ROAD
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45243
Village of Indian Hill Public Meeting Dates
All meetings held in Council Chambers
February 2020
Recreation Commission 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3, 2020
Green Areas Advisory Comm 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 2020
Public Safety Committee 7:30 a.m. Feb. 13, 2020
Law Committee 8:00 a.m. Feb. 13, 2020
Finance Committee 7:30 a.m. Feb. 14, 2020
Water Works Committee 7:00 a.m. Feb. 18, 2020
Public Works Committee 7:30 a.m. Feb. 18, 2020
Buildings & Grounds Committee 8:00 a.m. Feb. 18, 2020
Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. Feb. 18, 2020
Mayor’s Court/Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. Feb. 24, 2020
March 2020
Recreation Commission 7:30 p.m. March 2, 2020
Green Areas Advisory Comm 5:30 p.m. March 4, 2020
Public Safety Committee 7:30 a.m. March 12, 2020
Law Committee 8:00 a.m. March 12, 2020
Finance Committee 7:30 a.m. March 13, 2020
Water Works Committee 7:00 a.m. March 17, 2020
Public Works Committee 7:30 a.m. March 17, 2020
Buildings & Grounds Committee 8:00 a.m. March 17, 2020
Mayor’s Court/Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. March 23, 2020
Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. March 24, 2020
Within the next few months work will begin within the Village of Indian Hill. Star will be burying fiber cable for
MCI/Verizon for their fiber densification project. The majority of the work will take place in the right of way next
to the roads, but there will be times that the equipment could possibly block a lane temporarily. This project is
both passing through and servicing sites that are within Indian Hill. A week or two before the planned start of
work you should find a door hanger either on your gate or front door. Please note that there is a contact number on
the placard where you can report any issues. Our goal is to be in and out of the Village of Indian Hill with a
minimum of disruptions and pristine restorations.