The goal of the CUREator is to not only inform, but also educate, entertain and engage. We also invite you to become active participants in this endeavor. If you have ideas for future articles or would like to become a contributing writer, we would love to have your help. Please email me directly at tomwurzelbacher@gmail.com. Lets all work together to make My. Airy a better place to live!
CUREator Issue #4
As the Mt. Airy Water Tanks approach their 100th year in service, it has become clear that major structural changes are needed to keep the iconic landmark viable. After years of passionate discussion among residents and stakeholders, in 2020 the City of Cincinnati granted historic designation to the Tanks which legally protects them from demolition. Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) is now in the midst of their planning phase to begin this important work. A detailed study conducted by the firm of Dugan and Meyers is currently underway that explores multiple options to make the necessary changes. They are seeking to do this in a way that preserves the architectural aesthetic, maintains the necessary storage capacity and provides structural integrity for at least another 50 years. GCWW has also hired Yard and Company, a local firm specializing in urban planning and development, to work with the community to design a plan for the surrounding property that will serve as a revitalization catalyst for the entire neighborhood. Residents of Mt. Airy are strongly encouraged to participate in forthcoming community engagement opportunities.
GCWW views this as a major project that will take a considerable amount of time and money to complete. They have created a comprehensive webpage dedicated to this project including multiple detailed articles and photos and will be providing numerous updates. Please visit
Music Event Coming to Mt. Airy Forest
Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the sounds of
renowned local R & B band Natural Progression taking the stage at 6pm.
Food, drink, adult beverages, and vendors available
Save the date for these other exciting Mt. Airy events!
- Civic Garden Center Class at Mt. Airy Commons Community Garden from 10am-12pm on Aug 23
- Mt. Airy Forest Trail Fest at Oak Ridge Lodge from
11am-4pm on Sept 13
- Civic Garden Center Class at Mt. Airy Commons Community Garden 6-8pm on 6 p.m-8 p.m Sept 18
- Mt. Airy Fall Festival at Oak Ridge Lodge
12-3pm on October 25
Email us at mtairyccg@gmail.com We would love to have you volunteer!
Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly: A Kind and Important Mt. Airy Organization Serving Seniors
Right in the heart of the Mt. Airy business district at 5530 Colerain Ave lies a very special place. Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly is a non-profit, volunteer based organization committed to relieving isolation and loneliness among the elderly. For nearly 30 years, the dedicated staff, board and volunteers of LBFE have provided important programs that improve the quality of life for countless seniors. Their friendly and hard-working staff consists of Executive Director Ja’Lah Willingham, Assistant Director Dawn Carlson, Program Coordinator Zaire Simms and Office Administrator Harrison Grisez. They not only have fun events at their Mt. Airy headquarters such as holiday parties, art group and movie nights, they also plan outings to museums and ballgames. In addition, they perform a great deal of important outreach. Some of the vital assistance that they provide are helping seniors connect to essential services, providing volunteer medical companions, initiating intergenerational friendships through their visiting volunteer program and providing outreach to someone that may just need to hear a kind word of encouragement.
One special LBFE elder is Larry Adams. You can find Mr. Larry as he is fondly known every day in and around the Mt. Airy business district performing the thankless duty of picking up trash and talking to friends and strangers alike. He also helps out at Airy Car Wash and assists LBFE with small tasks. Larry is a true Mt. Airy treasure. You can find his likeness as the only person depicted on the mural painted on the side of the LBFE building. Perhaps take a trip up to Mt. Airy Commons and see if you can find him hidden on the vibrant mural or you may get a chance to talk to him in person.
Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly relies on donations of both time and money from the general public. They hold fantastic annual fundraising events including a Spring gala and a golf tournament in August. They are especially reliant on residents of Mt. Airy and the surrounding area to volunteer their time. If you want to be a part of something truly rewarding, you can go to their website at www.littlebrotherscincinnati.org to learn more. You can also contact them directly by email at cincinnati@littlebrothers.org or by phone at 513-542-7555.
Have You Visited Mt. Airy Forest Arboretum Lately?
Mt. Airy is blessed to have one of the most picturesque and peaceful spots
in the entire city, the Mt. Airy Forest Arboretum. An arboretum is defined as
a botanical collection of primarily woody plants for scientific study,
conservation and public education. The land upon which it lies dates back
to the founding of the park in 1911 and the first specimen plantings began
in the early 1930s when multiple species of trees and shrubs were
cultivated throughout the Mt. Airy Forest. Some of the more prominent
arboretum collections that date back to that time are dwarf conifers,
magnolias, azaleas, lilacs and viburnums. Additional flower gardens have
been added since that time to enhance public interest.
Curator Josh Hill has initiated upgrades using technology to make browsing
the grounds an easier and more educational experience. Arboretum
Explorer, a website that can be accessed at home or in the field, has been
launched. This site invites visitors and fellow nature-lovers to explore the
collection via interactive maps to search for specific plants by name. You
can more easily discover your favorite tree or shrub or find special features
such as art, gazebos, memorial benches and commemorative plaques.
Josh has also diligently updated the tagging system that not only identifies
each plant by both scientific and common name, but also provides a QR
code that links you to Arboretum Explorer for further information.
There have also been several recent physical enhancements to the space. Right off the main parking lot is a paved loop trail that meanders through the lilac collection. Several new specimens have been added and a rejuvenating hard pruning is taking place that will result in a healthier and heartier collection of this showy and fragrant favorite. Charlotte’s Clematis Collection is also a short stroll away and features a lovely cobblestone walkway through a brand new series of redwood trellises. Unique varieties of clematis vines have been planted at each trellis and expect these spectacular bloomers to be showing off starting next year.
The Cincinnati Park Board has numerous new projects including a major repair to Everybody’s Treehouse in the pipeline for our beloved Forest. Please go to Mt. Airy Forest Projects to read a recent Cincinnati Enquirer article and learn more.
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