You know, before I took on this Levy Chair position, I was a pretty normal person in my opinion. I was a typical stay-at-home mom. Went to the gym, hit the grocery store, had coffee or lunch with a dear friend once a week if I was lucky, picked up my kindergartener after school, he and I played, then picked up his brothers. I worked on homework, ran everybody around to their activities, made healthy, sit-down meals for the family, found out how everybody’s day had gone, got the kids to bed, hung out with my husband Jon, surfed the net, read or watched a little TV, went to bed and had a good night’s sleep (although a little less good since I turned 40 – whatever that’s about).
Since I took on this position, my life looks completely different. I do still go to the gym because it keeps me sane, I rarely go to the grocery (the Mariemont Kroger shutting down was a great excuse!); coffee is now with fellow Levy volunteers to discuss Levy stuff. My phone has rung more in the last few months than it has in the last few years. I am late more often to get my kindergartener at pick up and he plays on the computer a lot more than we play together. I do get my older kids at school (again later than normal, and my normal is already late). They’re on their own for homework until it’s ready to be “checked”, and I am constantly answering the question, “Mom, do you have a meeting tonight?” with “Yes.” We’ve had pizza and pasta more than I ever thought possible (mostly cooked or brought in by Jon), and Jon and I catch up on the fly. Surfing the net, reading or TV is not on the agenda.
So, yes, my life is different these last few months. But I must say, in some ways it’s better. And here’s why – I’m doing something I passionately believe in! Something that, when it’s successful on May 4th, will change my kids’ education, other kids’ educations, future kids’ educations and ultimately our entire community. As we get closer to May 4th and are gathering widespread support, I’ve allowed myself to imagine just how amazing it will be to have new and fabulously renovated school buildings as the cornerstones of our community. Buildings that we can be proud of and that keep the architectural integrity of our villages. It’s a pretty cool thought to imagine our kids inside those new/updated buildings experiencing every day the very best we can give them, in the very best environment we can provide. Wow. And all you have to do to experience this is Vote Yes!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
43 Days Left Until the Vote
This weekend was amazing! Really this whole past week was amazing. And I’m not talking about the weather, although that certainly was fabulous. I’m talking about the level of excitement about the campaign.
We had so much to accomplish this week that I was a bit nervous about getting it all done. But, I had underestimated the commitment level of our unbelievable volunteers – and they’re in the hundreds! I was blown away by the energy, excitement and dedication the entire campaign volunteer team showed this week. If you’re reading this and you helped us this week – THANK YOU! If you haven’t gotten involved yet, don’t miss out - join the excitement!
Here are just three things to give you an idea of what I’m talking about:
1. We had 3,300 case statements (the campaign document at your front door this weekend) to get printed, folded, stuffed in door hanger bags, counted out and distributed to each and every doorstep in the district. We got them from the printer at 3:00pm on Wednesday and had planned to be done late Friday evening. We didn’t just get this done; we got it done early. Way Early! So early in fact, that when I went to Mariemont Elementary on Thursday to pick my kids up from school, I heard a PA announcement telling the teachers who’d volunteered that they did not need to go to Kris Faulk’s house to fold and stuff the case statements. Unbelievable!
2. Thursday we had to assemble 1,000 yard signs in my garage. We started at 7:00pm and were completely done by 9:00. And by done, I mean cleaned-up, garage-back-to-normal done. Actually, we would have been done before then, but we had to force the volunteers inside to eat free pizza (donated by Hyde Park Pizzeria) and grab a drink. I’m serious. They were cranking the signs out so fast, Kristen Arends, known as our sign czarina, needed a pause in the action so she could catch up on organizing them for distribution. I didn’t count, but I know we had many teachers & parents from across the district working like crazy that night. My garage was packed! And by the way, we also delivered 285 signs to people’s doorsteps by the next morning! Wow!
3. Finally, let me tell you about Super Saturday…we gave out hundreds of signs at several different locations – The Coffee Shop in Fairfax, the Easter Egg hunts in Mariemont and TP, the Porst’s house in TP, the Chili Cook Off in Fairfax and by teachers who literally went door-to-door to see if people wanted to support this school vote with a yard sign (we have a few left if you need one). Literally Super!
As I watched them working this week, I noticed a couple things about our volunteer team. First, the people involved represent a medley from the district – preschool parents, school parents, parents of Mariemont graduates, many teachers and beyond. Second, They’re all focused on and driven by one thing – what’s best for the kids. And that is what all this really comes down to isn’t it? It was quite a week.
We had so much to accomplish this week that I was a bit nervous about getting it all done. But, I had underestimated the commitment level of our unbelievable volunteers – and they’re in the hundreds! I was blown away by the energy, excitement and dedication the entire campaign volunteer team showed this week. If you’re reading this and you helped us this week – THANK YOU! If you haven’t gotten involved yet, don’t miss out - join the excitement!
Here are just three things to give you an idea of what I’m talking about:
1. We had 3,300 case statements (the campaign document at your front door this weekend) to get printed, folded, stuffed in door hanger bags, counted out and distributed to each and every doorstep in the district. We got them from the printer at 3:00pm on Wednesday and had planned to be done late Friday evening. We didn’t just get this done; we got it done early. Way Early! So early in fact, that when I went to Mariemont Elementary on Thursday to pick my kids up from school, I heard a PA announcement telling the teachers who’d volunteered that they did not need to go to Kris Faulk’s house to fold and stuff the case statements. Unbelievable!
2. Thursday we had to assemble 1,000 yard signs in my garage. We started at 7:00pm and were completely done by 9:00. And by done, I mean cleaned-up, garage-back-to-normal done. Actually, we would have been done before then, but we had to force the volunteers inside to eat free pizza (donated by Hyde Park Pizzeria) and grab a drink. I’m serious. They were cranking the signs out so fast, Kristen Arends, known as our sign czarina, needed a pause in the action so she could catch up on organizing them for distribution. I didn’t count, but I know we had many teachers & parents from across the district working like crazy that night. My garage was packed! And by the way, we also delivered 285 signs to people’s doorsteps by the next morning! Wow!
3. Finally, let me tell you about Super Saturday…we gave out hundreds of signs at several different locations – The Coffee Shop in Fairfax, the Easter Egg hunts in Mariemont and TP, the Porst’s house in TP, the Chili Cook Off in Fairfax and by teachers who literally went door-to-door to see if people wanted to support this school vote with a yard sign (we have a few left if you need one). Literally Super!
As I watched them working this week, I noticed a couple things about our volunteer team. First, the people involved represent a medley from the district – preschool parents, school parents, parents of Mariemont graduates, many teachers and beyond. Second, They’re all focused on and driven by one thing – what’s best for the kids. And that is what all this really comes down to isn’t it? It was quite a week.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
47 Days until the Vote!
Wow, the last week has been a bit of what I’m beginning to call “Levy Blur.” Great stuff happening, and a whole lot of it! Don’t miss out on Super Saturday this weekend! Check the Website for Details!
Recently, I keep hearing two things from people relating to the levy, or more specifically the academic cuts connected to the levy. Here’s what I’m hearing:
(1) “Do you know people are saying these cuts aren’t real, that they’ll never happen and it’s just a threat? How can people think that?”
(2) “These cuts aren’t real. They will never happen. It’s just a threat.”
Funny isn’t it? Two totally different things, right? Here’s what I’m finding out. The people informed are saying #1. They know the cuts will happen if the levy in not successful.
As somebody who has been in just a ton of meetings relating to “these cuts” and the levy, all I can say is the cuts are real and without the May 4th levy, they will happen. In fact, the way I look at it is they have already happened. I’ve talked with some of the teachers who have already been told they will lose their job if the levy fails. Those teachers know these cuts are real.
Voting yes on May 4th stops these cuts and keeps the schools and community heading in the direction we all want. The district is committed to “living within its means” and that either means getting additional money via this vote in May or cutting into the academic program. I’m glad the district is “living within their means”. It’s a good thing. Think about it, if somebody tells you they can’t go out to the movies or dinner because they’re “living within their means”, you probably don’t say to them, ”You’re threatening me by sticking to your budget.” Seems like something we should be respecting.
You can pick the future of the school district on May 4th. You can make sure these real cuts don’t happen. Because on May 5th, something is changing – let’s make it a positive change!
Gotta go – have tons of people showing up to make 1,000 “Vote Yes” yard signs in my garage. If you still need a sign, check the website for places to grab one this weekend.
Recently, I keep hearing two things from people relating to the levy, or more specifically the academic cuts connected to the levy. Here’s what I’m hearing:
(1) “Do you know people are saying these cuts aren’t real, that they’ll never happen and it’s just a threat? How can people think that?”
(2) “These cuts aren’t real. They will never happen. It’s just a threat.”
Funny isn’t it? Two totally different things, right? Here’s what I’m finding out. The people informed are saying #1. They know the cuts will happen if the levy in not successful.
As somebody who has been in just a ton of meetings relating to “these cuts” and the levy, all I can say is the cuts are real and without the May 4th levy, they will happen. In fact, the way I look at it is they have already happened. I’ve talked with some of the teachers who have already been told they will lose their job if the levy fails. Those teachers know these cuts are real.
Voting yes on May 4th stops these cuts and keeps the schools and community heading in the direction we all want. The district is committed to “living within its means” and that either means getting additional money via this vote in May or cutting into the academic program. I’m glad the district is “living within their means”. It’s a good thing. Think about it, if somebody tells you they can’t go out to the movies or dinner because they’re “living within their means”, you probably don’t say to them, ”You’re threatening me by sticking to your budget.” Seems like something we should be respecting.
You can pick the future of the school district on May 4th. You can make sure these real cuts don’t happen. Because on May 5th, something is changing – let’s make it a positive change!
Gotta go – have tons of people showing up to make 1,000 “Vote Yes” yard signs in my garage. If you still need a sign, check the website for places to grab one this weekend.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
54 Days Until the Vote
I’m convinced spring is here, aren’t you? If you’re not, please don’t answer. This weather just puts me in a better mood.
Okay, what’s new on the levy front…Well, I was picking my kids up today at school, and when I hopped out of my car (yes, I drove, even on this beautiful day – you can yell at me about my carbon footprint later), one of my neighbors stopped me and asked how the levy was going. I told her it was going well. She asked, “Do you think it’s going to pass?” I said it absolutely should because it makes so much sense. She quickly agreed and went on to tell me why she thinks it’s so important it passes. I listened and was so impressed by how much she knew about the bond/levy issue and the effect it’s passing (or not) would have on the district.
Now, I know this person enough to wave at and talk with a bit when we pass, but not much more than that. She’s couldn’t be nicer, but I just don’t know her well. For example, I have no idea if she is secretly a public-school-funding junkie, but I’m guessing probably not. So, what that means is she chose to educate herself on the issue. At some point, she chose to engage. Why? Again, I don’t know her well so I have no idea, but my guess would be the obvious reason -- she wants what’s best for her kids and their education. And maybe she wants what’s best for the community too and maybe she wants to protect her property investment. Maybe all of the above.
My brief conversation with her reminded me just how important it is to SEEK INFORMATION about this bond/levy issue. It takes a little effort, but it’s worth it to understand what all is at stake here. I would encourage you to gather your own information on this one. Do the work. You’re already on the website. That’s great! Keep looking and dig a little deeper. Come to a Saturday Session or attend that coffee your neighbor is having about the levy. Hearing this woman today talk about what she had learned, reminded me of just how much sense this Master Facilities Plan makes (by the way, every time I hear or read that terminology, it makes me think it’s a plan for Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance in Star Wars). So, please engage. You’ll be glad you did!
Ordered Levy Volunteer t-shirts today. They look great. If you want one, get involved – ENGAGE!
Okay, what’s new on the levy front…Well, I was picking my kids up today at school, and when I hopped out of my car (yes, I drove, even on this beautiful day – you can yell at me about my carbon footprint later), one of my neighbors stopped me and asked how the levy was going. I told her it was going well. She asked, “Do you think it’s going to pass?” I said it absolutely should because it makes so much sense. She quickly agreed and went on to tell me why she thinks it’s so important it passes. I listened and was so impressed by how much she knew about the bond/levy issue and the effect it’s passing (or not) would have on the district.
Now, I know this person enough to wave at and talk with a bit when we pass, but not much more than that. She’s couldn’t be nicer, but I just don’t know her well. For example, I have no idea if she is secretly a public-school-funding junkie, but I’m guessing probably not. So, what that means is she chose to educate herself on the issue. At some point, she chose to engage. Why? Again, I don’t know her well so I have no idea, but my guess would be the obvious reason -- she wants what’s best for her kids and their education. And maybe she wants what’s best for the community too and maybe she wants to protect her property investment. Maybe all of the above.
My brief conversation with her reminded me just how important it is to SEEK INFORMATION about this bond/levy issue. It takes a little effort, but it’s worth it to understand what all is at stake here. I would encourage you to gather your own information on this one. Do the work. You’re already on the website. That’s great! Keep looking and dig a little deeper. Come to a Saturday Session or attend that coffee your neighbor is having about the levy. Hearing this woman today talk about what she had learned, reminded me of just how much sense this Master Facilities Plan makes (by the way, every time I hear or read that terminology, it makes me think it’s a plan for Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance in Star Wars). So, please engage. You’ll be glad you did!
Ordered Levy Volunteer t-shirts today. They look great. If you want one, get involved – ENGAGE!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
58 Days Until The Vote
March 7, 2010
Good Morning! I’m writing this from Colorado. My in-laws have a place out here and with frequent flyer points that makes for a very inexpensive getaway. It’s 6:00 am here and my 3 boys aren’t up yet. Can’t tell you the last time I was awake before them…maybe never! So why am I writing this blog instead of having a cup of coffee and enjoying the mountain view and no doubt brief solitude? Well, I’ll tell you…
I woke up this morning thinking about Jill Thompson. You may or may not know her. She was a Mariemont resident until just before the holidays this year. She has 3 kids almost exactly my kids’ ages. They moved to Colorado (about 3 months ago), and we were trying to hook up with them during our short trip out here. Unfortunately we couldn’t make it happen. Now, I was thinking about her for lots of reasons, but one in particular relates to this levy blog. In our e-mails back and forth about trying to get together, she made an interesting comment. Here’s what she wrote:
“Hey nan, how's it going? I hear you’re busy w levy stuff. Good for you... Tell everyone to pass it b/c I am living the alternative out here and it's not pretty. Merging schools w/ no notice, teacher cuts, less school day and program cuts. District is so big that no real community involvement. If they only knew about mariemont. Ok, real reason for my email....”
In addition to Jill’s situation, my brother’s kids’ schools in Indiana are making drastic cuts, my best friend from college, who’s taught her entire career, has her school in Minneapolis closing and all kids & teachers (lucky enough to have kept their jobs) merging with the remaining schools. The thing that struck me most is all 3 of these are super school districts - like ours. What I’m learning is this is happening everywhere, not just Ohio and certainly not just Mariemont.
BUT…and this is a big but, we have an opportunity to take this in a great direction. We have a chance in May to help our district adapt positively to what is happening to public education all around us. And what I believe is that my vote can help or hurt my kids’ education, my property value and the community in general. I’m choosing to help.
Well, everybody is now up and asking, “Mom, when are you getting off the computer?” Right now.
Good Morning! I’m writing this from Colorado. My in-laws have a place out here and with frequent flyer points that makes for a very inexpensive getaway. It’s 6:00 am here and my 3 boys aren’t up yet. Can’t tell you the last time I was awake before them…maybe never! So why am I writing this blog instead of having a cup of coffee and enjoying the mountain view and no doubt brief solitude? Well, I’ll tell you…
I woke up this morning thinking about Jill Thompson. You may or may not know her. She was a Mariemont resident until just before the holidays this year. She has 3 kids almost exactly my kids’ ages. They moved to Colorado (about 3 months ago), and we were trying to hook up with them during our short trip out here. Unfortunately we couldn’t make it happen. Now, I was thinking about her for lots of reasons, but one in particular relates to this levy blog. In our e-mails back and forth about trying to get together, she made an interesting comment. Here’s what she wrote:
“Hey nan, how's it going? I hear you’re busy w levy stuff. Good for you... Tell everyone to pass it b/c I am living the alternative out here and it's not pretty. Merging schools w/ no notice, teacher cuts, less school day and program cuts. District is so big that no real community involvement. If they only knew about mariemont. Ok, real reason for my email....”
In addition to Jill’s situation, my brother’s kids’ schools in Indiana are making drastic cuts, my best friend from college, who’s taught her entire career, has her school in Minneapolis closing and all kids & teachers (lucky enough to have kept their jobs) merging with the remaining schools. The thing that struck me most is all 3 of these are super school districts - like ours. What I’m learning is this is happening everywhere, not just Ohio and certainly not just Mariemont.
BUT…and this is a big but, we have an opportunity to take this in a great direction. We have a chance in May to help our district adapt positively to what is happening to public education all around us. And what I believe is that my vote can help or hurt my kids’ education, my property value and the community in general. I’m choosing to help.
Well, everybody is now up and asking, “Mom, when are you getting off the computer?” Right now.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
61 Days Left Until Election Day
March 4, 2010
61 Days left until Election Day
Hi! I’m Nan Dill. I’m the Mariemont Levy Chair for the grassroots campaign supporting the bond/levy vote on May 4th. Wow, that sounds like a mouthful.
I’ll be blogging until May 4th to keep you updated on the inside scoop of the campaign. Guess it would be prudent to give you a bit of background on how I got here…
When first approached to take on this role, I was hesitant. No, wait, I was more than hesitant, I was pretty sure I was going to say no. I mean, things were busy enough running after my three boys and just doing life. Imagine most of you are more than familiar with the feeling. To add to my plate just wasn’t on my agenda.
Jon, my husband, encouraged me to thoroughly consider it. That seemed reasonable. So, I did my research on the issue, sought information about the things I didn’t understand or agree with, and ended exactly where I thought I wouldn’t – Mariemont Levy Chair. I actually made my decision standing at the Mariemont Elementary Halloween parade watching one of my favorite days in our community unfolding. How could I not help with something that makes so much sense and gives back to this fabulous community? No wasn’t an option.
That was October and here we are already in March. Lots of work has been done on the campaign, but I know the most exciting and busy time is still to come.
I’ve met the most amazing people in our community by being involved with this; starting with the 3 other Chairs – Julie Curran (Fairfax), Mike Gaburo (TP) and Chris Miller (Columbia Township). Truly talented and generous people. I’m honored to be a part of this team. And they’re just the start. Fairfax, Mariemont and Terrace Park are literally full of folks like this.
As of today, we have 2 months until the May 4th vote. I am so excited! What an amazing time to be a part of our community. We really have an opportunity to be part of great change in our little corner of the world. It’s a rare chance to give back. A chance that only comes along in this district once every 50-75 years. Now that’s cool. In a time when we’ve heard all too much about greed in the world, I look at this as an opportunity to “do it differently”.
All right, time to hop off my soapbox and feed my kids…the wheels are starting to come off the bus! Keep checking on this blog to find out the goings on of the levy campaign and see if I keep my sanity until Election Day! Thanks for reading!
Nan
61 Days left until Election Day
Hi! I’m Nan Dill. I’m the Mariemont Levy Chair for the grassroots campaign supporting the bond/levy vote on May 4th. Wow, that sounds like a mouthful.
I’ll be blogging until May 4th to keep you updated on the inside scoop of the campaign. Guess it would be prudent to give you a bit of background on how I got here…
When first approached to take on this role, I was hesitant. No, wait, I was more than hesitant, I was pretty sure I was going to say no. I mean, things were busy enough running after my three boys and just doing life. Imagine most of you are more than familiar with the feeling. To add to my plate just wasn’t on my agenda.
Jon, my husband, encouraged me to thoroughly consider it. That seemed reasonable. So, I did my research on the issue, sought information about the things I didn’t understand or agree with, and ended exactly where I thought I wouldn’t – Mariemont Levy Chair. I actually made my decision standing at the Mariemont Elementary Halloween parade watching one of my favorite days in our community unfolding. How could I not help with something that makes so much sense and gives back to this fabulous community? No wasn’t an option.
That was October and here we are already in March. Lots of work has been done on the campaign, but I know the most exciting and busy time is still to come.
I’ve met the most amazing people in our community by being involved with this; starting with the 3 other Chairs – Julie Curran (Fairfax), Mike Gaburo (TP) and Chris Miller (Columbia Township). Truly talented and generous people. I’m honored to be a part of this team. And they’re just the start. Fairfax, Mariemont and Terrace Park are literally full of folks like this.
As of today, we have 2 months until the May 4th vote. I am so excited! What an amazing time to be a part of our community. We really have an opportunity to be part of great change in our little corner of the world. It’s a rare chance to give back. A chance that only comes along in this district once every 50-75 years. Now that’s cool. In a time when we’ve heard all too much about greed in the world, I look at this as an opportunity to “do it differently”.
All right, time to hop off my soapbox and feed my kids…the wheels are starting to come off the bus! Keep checking on this blog to find out the goings on of the levy campaign and see if I keep my sanity until Election Day! Thanks for reading!
Nan
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)