Le Vésinet 50th Anniversary – Mrs. Turben displayed pictures from her visit to Le Vésinet for the 50th anniversary twinning festivities and shared the following information. Ann and Charles Simms are credited with establishing the sister city relationship with Le Vésinet. Le Vésinet is very similar to Oakwood in size, as well as mainly being a residential community that values green space. Le Vésinet was also celebrating their 45th twinning anniversary with Outremont, Canada. The festivities began with a gala dinner in a beautiful facility that rests on an island in the middle of the largest of five lakes. Official twinning ceremonies were held at City Hall, which is a beautiful historic building. Mrs. Turben gave the Mayor's speech with Oakwood Sister City President Dr. Kirsten Halling translating. At the end of the speech, a gift from Oakwood was presented to Le Vésinet Mayor Coradetti. The gift was a replica of the historical marker that stands out in front of the city building recognizing the 150th anniversary of the first platting in Oakwood. A brass plate on the plaque commemorated the 50th anniversary of Oakwood's twinning with Le Vésinet. Mrs. Turben invited Kirsten Halling to share some additional information.
Mrs. Halling thanked Mrs. Turben for attending the twinning celebration as an official representative from Oakwood. City officials from Le Vésinet, including the mayor and vice mayor, attended all of the festivities and gave speeches and toasts. The Le Vésinet Vice Mayor commented that he would enjoy seeing the Simms family again. Mrs. Halling shared that Oakwood will be hosting an event for Le Vésinet and Outremont from October 20 – 24. She encouraged City Council to participate in the festivities in October, as well as an oyster supper that Outremont is hosting in the weekend of October 14 – 16 in Canada. Dr. Halling then invited Charles Simms to address Council.
Mr. Simms thanked City Council for their support of the Sister City program. He shared the story of how Oakwood entered into a sister city relationship with Le Vésinet 50 years ago.
Mrs. Turben closed her comments by sharing that while the celebrations were grand, the best part was making new friends.
Mayor Duncan thanked her for the update and indicated that the upcoming events will be publicized.
VISITORS
Tour de Gem, "Wright Library Book Pedalers" – Oakwood resident Mary Crockett shared information about the Wright Brothers 2022 Cycling Classic event scheduled in October and encouraged participation. She is the co-captain of this year's "Wright Library Book Pedalers" team on October 9 in downtown Dayton. A virtual ride is also available on September 26. Mrs. Crockett invited the Oakwood Public Safety Department's bike patrol to participate in the October event.
Mr. Stephens asked if the fundraising proceeds will go to the Wright Library.
Mrs. Crockett answered yes.
2022 May and June Beautification Award Winners – Mayor Duncan explained that a video will be shown highlighting all the winners and then certificates will be mailed to the winners. The following properties were recognized and shown in the video:
Matthew & Emily Cook, 525 Ridgewood Avenue; 508 Irving LLC, 508 Irving Avenue; James & Patricia Parrish, 297 Hathaway Road; Steven & Kim Gilbert , 508 Acorn Drive; Jennifer & Andrew Alternberg, 148 Telford Avenue; Mark & Denise Kemper, 315 Wiltshire Boulevard; Kristi Hale, Director, Wright Memorial Public Library; Dan & Kimberly Lemaster, 416 Monteray Avenue; Justin & Erika Sheese, 343 E. Peach Orchard Avenue; Todd Barnhart, 345 Claranna Avenue; Dr. Gary & Pam Ensor, 2606-2610 Shafor Boulevard; Laurie Franz, 17 Lonsdale Avenue; Kyle & Alaina Siefring, 126 Greenmount Boulevard; Matthew & Kacy Ferrara, 1900 Southwood Lane; Pam & Pat Carroll, 351 Fairforest Circle; Dr. Jacob Gibson & Dr. Whitney Sharp, 1101 Ridgeway Road; Matthew Jessup & Mark McEvily, Jessup Wealth Management, 35 Park Avenue; Michael & Jelena Staub, 447 Kramer Road; Dr. Sam & Dr. Gwyn King, 205 Haver Road; Mitchell Detrick, 330 Patterson Road; Ann Carbonell & Robert Gajda, 675 Garden Road; Dr. Erich & Cynthia Mende, 254 Lonsdale Avenue; Dan Turben, 204 Forrer Boulevard; Keith Morris, 225 Monteray Avenue; Tessa & Andrew Stiene, 452 Orchard Drive; Scott & Jennifer Kujawa, 215 East Drive; Kirk & Ann Febus, 235 Spirea Drive; Michael & Angela Armitage, 112 Dellwood Avenue; Dr. Stephen & Lisa Schreck, 2425 Ridgeway Road; Jean Eckert, 1629 Far Hills Avenue; David & Katie Lunne, 718 Oakwood Avenue; and Paul Moore, 933-1001 Far Hills Avenue.