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November 27, 2006

Elves to be in motion again

Spinnenweber Builders, Inc., has another nostalgic Christmas treat to unveil Dec. 2, 2006. In conjunction with the village of Mariemont’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Luminaria event, SBI will also have on display three animatronic elf scenes from the historic Shillito’s Christmas Display.

The three scenes, which will feature many moving elves vigorously at work in preparation for Santa’s departure from the North Pole en route to every child’s rooftop, will be set up on the Mariemont Towne Square next to the Mariemont Theatre. Last year, a portion of the 14-scene display was unveiled to the public after being purchased by Bill Spinnenweber in January 2005, and included the mailroom, sewing room and workshop. This year, the windows will be replaced with three different scenes. The disclosure of this year’s scenes are being kept as a surprise.

The display will operate every day from December 2 until January 1, 2007. Due to the fragility of the historic elves, which includes their original bodies, attire and beards, the display will only be in motion between 2:30pm and 10:30pm; however, it can be viewed all day.

In 1955 downtown Cincinnati’s Shillito’s Department Store had the handcrafted holiday display created as a Christmas attraction. This display was designed for its original store windows on Race Street. Each window featured a scene of elves on the North Pole both playing as well as helping Santa build toys and deliver them on Christmas Eve. The windows were such a success that Shillito’s decided to bring the display inside their store and open it to the public every winter. The Christmas tradition was discontinued in the 1980’s when Shillito merged with Federated Department Stores and renaming the store Lazarus. Over the next 15 years, the elves were forgotten.

Then, in 1997, when Lazarus moved locations to Fountain Square, two Boy Scout Troops from the West side of Cincinnati purchased the elves display. Up until 2005, they had been running the elf display from the Old Dent Schoolhouse, located off of Harrison Ave in Dent, Ohio. All of the animatronics were cleaned and restored. Many of the motors running the elves had also been repaired or rebuilt. Once restored, the 14 scenes featuring over 75 elves was open to the pubic.

In January of 2005, Bill Spinnenweber personally purchased the display when it went to auction. The display was in danger of being sold to another individual who planned on moving the display to Louisville, Kentucky. “As a child, I remember the Shillito’s display and it is still one of the strongest memories from my childhood,” said Mr. Spinnenweber. “I hated to see the exhibit moved out of Cincinnati and I thought it would be a good opportunity to be a part of the few true Cincinnati holiday experiences such as Cinergy’s train exhibit, the Festival of Lights at the Zoo, and the Krone Conservatory’s nativity set.” Due to the size and fragility of the display, Spinnenweber is seeking a space that can allow the display to be setup year-round and only opened during the season, as it has been for the last 50 years.

The level of excitement and nostalgia created by the small showing in 2005 was tremendous. Numerous local radio, TV and print media covered the elves and their famous Cincinnati history. Families from as far as Chicago and Columbus came down to rekindle their childhood memories. “I have received phone calls and letters from people expressing their appreciation of saving this Cincinnati tradition and even offers of volunteering to help setup the next season.” First things first, though: Make it through this season in tact, and then hopefully find a location next year.

Posted by johnston at 03:54 PM

Holiday Tasting Extravaganza

It wouldn't be the holiday season if it wasn't kicked off by the Dilly Deli's annual ode to excess, the Holiday Tasting Extravaganza. From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, the deli will have wines (lots of 'em), champagnes (naturally), and even holiday beers and spirits for everyone to try. The hors d'oeuvres buffet is the most opulent of the year, and Chef Eric Vice is already working on ideas and dishes to tantalize. There should be no scheduling conflicts, for the Bengals will have dispatched the Ravens the previous Thursday evening, so there is no conflict This event always sells out, so reservations (with a credit card confirmation) are a must. It is $30 per person. Call 561-5233 to make sure you are in.

Special Beer & Wine Releases in stock, and more arriving daily!

The Dilly Deli has received its annual blessing of Stone Double Bastard and Oaked Arrogant Bastard, in stock now and ready to go. Double Bastard is in the 22oz bombers for $5.99, and new this year, the Oaked Arrogant Bastard is in 12oz six-packs for $14.99, or individual 12oz bottles for $2.99 each! Also in new, back from the past, is the Abbaye de Leffe Blonde Belgian Ale at $7.99 per six-pack. And for Imperial Stout fans, two have arrived for the colder weather: Victory Storm King ($9.99/6pk) and the Great Divide Yeti ($11.99/4pk)!

More Beers!

The deli has two Bell's of Kalamazoo, Michigan, beers in; one new, one respected elder: New, the Bell's Hop Slam, so new we haven't tasted it yet, but we kinda think we'll like anything called Hop Slam. The other, the always stupendous new release of Bell's Expedition Stout. Both Bell's are $14.99/6pk.

And who says a squeaky wheel doesn't get greased? When Three Floyds went through an operational upheaval this summer, word was no more Floyd until the new year. Well, Ohio hollered so loud that, yes indeed, some Three Floyds Alpha King ($9.99/6pk) as well as some Dreadnaught Imperial IPA ($9.99/22oz bomber) has come the Dilly Deli's way and is on the shelf now.

New on the shelf from Belgium: Nostradamus Brown Ale, a big rich 9.5%abv brown ale that's a wallet friendly $6.99/750ml!

JUST ANNOUNCED !!

The Barrelhouse Brewing Party will be held 5 p.m. to 9 p.m Wednesday, Dec. 6, with special guests brewmaster Rick DeBar and bockfest artist Jim Effler.

Posted by johnston at 01:12 PM

November 20, 2006

Annual Tree Lighting and Luminaria Night

The holiday season in Mariemont does not really start until the Christmas Tree is lit.

This annual event is certainly a festive event that should not be missed. In addition, three new scenes of the historic Shillito's Christmas Display will be reveiled on the Towne Square that evening. The scenes are being kept a secret but promise to bring back memories of past childhood memories. The display is brought to you by Spinnenweber Builders.

Here is the itinerary for the activities:

The Annual Tree Lighting and Luminary Night is 5:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Saturday, December 2, located at the Old Town Center.

Schedule of Events
5:15 - 6:00 p.m. - Carillon Concert
5:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Refreshments, Entertainment, Visits with Santa
6:30, 7:00, 7:30 - Mariemont High School Chorus and Showstoppers Sounds of
the Christmas Season in the Community Church

Opening Ceremony and Main Stage Events

6:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony, Tree Lighting, Santa Arrives
6:30 p.m. Holly Jolly Follies, a marionette show
7:00 p.m. Holiday Storytelling
7:15 p.m. Caroling by the Girl Scouts
7:45 p.m. Holly Jolly Follies

If you would like to purchase a Luminaria kit for your home or business for the night of the 2nd, they are still available. One kit has the supplies for 12 luminaries and the cost is $8/kit. Contact Amy Getgey at 271-1577, Nan Dill at 272-0880 or Teresa Mikesell at 272-2190 if interested.

Posted by johnston at 10:45 PM

November 18, 2006

Good news before Great Depression unveiled from Inn's walls

The Mariemont Inn has been undergoing major upgrades and interior renovations that, when completed, will reposition the mid-market hotel to an upscale boutique property. But while taking down old walls, even older items of some merit have been uncovered that have not seen the light of day since 1926 -- when the Inn was erected.

After getting inside one of the walls, workers discovered a page from the Cincinnati Commercial Tribune found crumbled and stuffed in a window frame on the third floor of the Madisonville Road wing of the Inn. It was found six days before the paper would be 80 years old.

"Apparently it was used for insulation to fill a hole behind the frame, most likely the only insulation in the building" Mariemont Inn Director of Operations Bill Spinnenweber said. "It is interesting to note that the stock market was at an all time high. Also, there must to have been some rumblings of a down market (bear market) developing. These were the boom days before the market collapsed in 1929."

The piece of historic newsprint, which had become yellowed with age but whose print is still perfectly legible, was flattened, mounted and framed behind glass for keepsake. What will be done with the paper -- if and where it will hang -- has not yet been determined.

Also found within the walls are colorful soda bottles, probably left by thirsty workers in the '20s who first erected the walls of the Inn.

The rennovation work, which is presently concentrated on the Madisonville Road wing of the Inn, will continue through this fall and winter. When this wing is completed, work will start on the Wooster Pike wing. All the work is expected to be completed by winter 2007.

The result of the renovations, which will have included a complete gutting of the Inn’s interior, will be a significant upgrade in the size of the rooms and quality of service.The Inn presently has 60 rooms, but the renovations will drop that number to approximately 44 larger, more luxurious rooms that will include four-fixture bathrooms and modern-day technological upgrades such as wireless Internet access throughout the facility.

“Renovations will also extend to the first floor and include a historic gallery, business center, fitness center and rear entrance connected to the main lobby,” Spinnenweber said.

The hotel will remain open throughout the renovations and the National Exemplar and pub will remain open.

Posted by johnston at 01:00 PM

November 17, 2006

Mariemont features in Ohio Magazine

The village of Mariemont is one of the featured "Best Home Towns" in this month's edition of Ohio Magazine.

"Charming. Quaint. Scenic. These are just some of the words Mariemont residents use to describe their hometown, a tiny village (pop. 3,000) 10 miles east of Cincinnati," is how the story begins (www.ohiomagazine.com) A profile shot of the Mariemont Inn and Wooster Pike headed towards the village square decorates the story, which gives a succinct history of one of the most unique communities in America.

Ohio Magazine, a publication out of Cleveland, "... publishes stories that celebrate Ohio— its people, its rich culture and heritage, and especially its travel spots. Our audience is educated, active, affluent and very loyal to Ohio," according to the Web site.

To read the story, just visit http://www.ohiomagazine.com/OhioLife/

Posted by johnston at 03:39 PM

November 09, 2006

Food drive for Thanksgiving

PNC Bank in Mariemont is presently hosting a food drive for Emanuel Community Center. People -- bank members and non-members alike -- are being asked to donate non-perishable food items for Thanksgiving that will be given to the center. The food drive ends Nov. 18 so there is still time to make a difference.

For more information, call the bank at 271-0480.

Posted by johnston at 03:43 PM

Events at the Dilly Deli

Be sure to check out the Dilly Deli’s Saturday's tasting, Nov. 11, from 1p.m. to 4 p.m. with special Guest Andrea Elliot, Vintage Wine Dist.

The wines that will be on display include:

Albrecht Rose – a sparkling wine from Alsace under $20

Cloudline Pinot Noir – a yearly favorite, this wine suffered some from being released too early but now is an outrageously delicious, very "Oregon" Pinot Noir.

Seghesio 2005 Sonoma Zin – a delicious Zinfandel, it is on the Wine Spectator's Top 100 every year.

Bogle Phantom – Apparently Cost Plus or some place like that was supposed to sell through 100 cases of this great Petite Sirah and Zinfandel blend, but they only chewed through a fraction of that in the allotted time, so the wine is now available again.

Posted by johnston at 12:53 PM

November 03, 2006

Specials for 11/03 thru 11/05

Here are the specials for the upcoming weekend!

At the Dilly Deli:

* Pumpkin Seed Crusted Halibut sautéed and served with basmati rice and sweet glazed carrots $20
* Herb Stuffed Black Bass whole, rolled, sea salt crusted, and grilled; served with basmati rice and haricots verts $18
* Fresh Sautéed Sea Scallops served over Porcini Mushroom Risotto and drizzled with White Truffle Oil $21
* Mushroom Duxelle & Fontina Stuffed Pork Chop grilled and served with a horseradish demi-glace, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and haricots verts $17

... and at The National Exemplar

* Pompano~sauteed with a lemon butter sauce and fresh mango. Served with rice medley and grilled asparagus $20.95
* Pork Tenderloin~marinated in sage and white wine. Grilled with a mustard cognac sauce. Served with garlic mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus $17.95
* Pasta~linguini tossed with black pepper crusted sea scallops, blue crabmeat, fennel, peppers, red onion in a roasted red pepper sauce $18.95

For all of those that are members of the Examplar's frequent diner's program, the restaurant will be offering double points on Monday’s in November.

Posted by johnston at 05:02 PM

November 02, 2006

Villager named new executive director

Mariemont villager Amy DeBrunner has been named Executive Director for Creative Aging Cincinnati, an organization who provides mentally stimulating arts and humanities programs to area seniors.

DeBrunner is more familiarly known as the president of the Mariemont Preservation Foundation; she will continue as acting president for the next 14 months and then will abdicate the postition. She has been president of the MPF for approximately eight years and has served 10 years on the board.

Creative Aging Cincinnati received the Post-Corbett Award of Excellence in 1993, then under the name of The Arts & Humanities Resource Center for the Elderly. The organization still serves the five-county Greater Cincinnati area with quality programs and services.

“Ms. DeBrunner plans to continue the excellent mission of the organization and to establish growth to take the group to a greater level of service," CAC Board of Trustee Chair James Waddle said.

To learn more about Creative Aging Cincinnati, visit www.creativeagingcincinnati.org or call 513-561-7500.

Posted by johnston at 04:20 PM