Tag: The Grail

Claire Mirkowski-Purdy interviews world renown author and artist Trina Paulus

Claire Mirkowski-Purdy

by Claire Mirkowski-Purdy

Published in 1972 and winning the Chistopher Award for the most inspirational book of the year, Trina Paulus’s Hope For The Flowers has been one of the most powerful books published in our time. The story of two caterpillars following the crowd to the top of the caterpillar pillar is a versatile metaphor that can apply to all of our lives, and at any age.

I had the opportunity to visit the HOPE Celebration at The Grail in Loveland. Upon walking into the oratory, I was stunned by the gorgeous setup. Illustrations of Hope For The Flowers were spun across all four walls, in the order of the story. Right at the front of the oratory was an adorable set of yellow flowers and sketches of butterflies.

Photo provided by Grailville

At the celebration, I was able to converse with Trina. Needless to say, Trina is an amazingly successful woman, and it seems to me like she was destined for the greatness she has achieved. As a child, Trina would, “draw pictures of a caterpillar, a cocoon, and a butterfly” when someone would pass away. She has always loved the idea that once a caterpillar is brave enough to complete the stages of metamorphosis, they come out the other side a dazzling new creature.

A while back, before the publication of Hope For The Flowers, Trina embarked on a journey in Egypt, doing what she does best: helping and inspiring others. Her work in Egypt is still alive today, helping women and young girls in Upper Egypt learn to embroider and weave, among other things.

On this visit, Trina revisited her “second home” in Loveland, she went straight to work, doing art projects and readings with children and adults. Trina visited Loveland Primary School and Loveland Elementary School, helping the young students with Hope For The Flowers-inspired art projects, only using the colors yellow and black. As an artist, Trina taught me that there are different kinds of black: some that are more red and some that are more blue. Trina taught the young students to make the green that is in Hope For The Flowers only using black and yellow. Greatness can be achieved, even with a scant amount of resources.

Trina Paulus is one of the kindest people I have ever come across. Her cordial demeanor and positivity make for the most pleasant of interactions. Trina’s inspiring and commendable background of working at The Grail, creating Hope For The Flowers, activism, and sculpting is something many people never even dream of. What can’t she do?

In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video Paulus talks about the current public exhibition of her Abraham and Isaac statue which was once hidden from the public and stored in a garage at Grailville.

To learn more about Trina and Hope For The Flowers, visit https://www.hopefortheflowers.com

To get your own copy of Hope For The Flowers, visit https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Flowers-Trina-Paualus/dp/0809117541

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Below you can watch the interview with Trina Paulus by Alana Johnson conducted on December 09, 2011.

The Trina Paulus Abraham and Isaac statue is a poignant and significant piece of art. It is wretched, distressing, tragic – and beautiful. It was stored temporarily for several years just outside of Loveland. Loveland Magazine Reporter Alana Johnson went with Paulus to an unlit garage at the Grailville Conference and Retreat Center to see it for the first time. Paulus hadn’t seen her statue for several years.

Paulus said at the time, “Over here you will see a hand with the knife in it… and over here… you’ll see the hand with his son. I’ve done a lot of thinking about this over the years – the great Christian mystery of the crucifixion and the resurrection and… The very unpleasant thing that God can ask everything of us sometimes… The whole mystery of why we die, and why we die so miserably sometimes… In our time it’s a very unpopular story.”

Oct 30, 2024
Cardinal Land Conservancy and The Grail issue joint press release about land transactions

Loveland, Ohio – This press release was issued on behalf of the Cardinal Land Conservancy and The Grail on Monday, April 22.

[pdf-embedder url=”https://lovelandmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Grailville-official-press-release.pdf” title=”Grailville official press release”]

Apr 23, 2024
Chamber honors local organizations and businesses

WCPO Weatherman Steve Raleigh was the guest emcee for the awards dinner

Chamber Board Member, Brian Garry was the Emcee for the Awards Dinner

Loveland, Ohio – On Thursday evening, November 16 the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance held their annual Awards dinner at the Oasis Conference Center. Chamber Board Member, Brian Garry was the Emcee for the evening and WCPO Weatherman Steve Raleigh was the Guest Emcee.

Kaitlyn Brennan is the site manager of Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati, the Emerging Business of the Year. She told attendees about the organization’s free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome.

A raffle was held and the proceeds were divided between the Chamber’s scholarship fund and Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati. Kaitlyn Brennan is the site manager of Gigi’s Playhouse and made a presentation about their delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, through a “replicable playhouse model”.

Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati was also recognized as the area’s Emerging Business of the Year.

2023 Award winners

Business of the Year: Paxton’s Grill

Emerging Business of the Year: Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati

Beautification Award: Loveland PaddleSports (Loveland Canoe and Kayak)

Community Involvement Award: The Works

Business Community Advocate Award: LIFE Food Pantry

Non-Profit of the Year: The Grail

Woman Owned Business of the Year: The 1859

Young Professional of the Year: Katie Taylor

Randy K. Stanifer Health, Wellness & Fitness Business of the Year: Gray Nutrition

Customer Service Award: Hometown Café

Community Responder Award: Loveland Legacy Foundation

Hidden Hero Award: Angels by the Trail

Chamber Choice Award: City of Loveland Public Works

Lift Up Loveland Award: Ralph Dunnigan

WCPO Weatherman Steve Raleigh was the guest emcee for the awards dinner

Jimmy Hooper accepted the Customer Service Award given to Hometown Café

Tasha Danzilo accepted the Community Involvement Award for The Works

Shawn Hartness accepted the Chamber Choice Award on behalf of the City of Loveland Public Works Department

Ralph Dunnigan received the “Lift Up Loveland Award”

Mark and Robyn Bersani were awarded the Beautification Award for Loveland PaddleSports (Loveland Canoe and Kayak)

President Martha Hadley accepted the Community Responder Award given to the Loveland Legacy Foundation

The Hidden Hero Award was accepted by founder, Stacey Lund for Angels by the Trail

Angelo Veotte-Board President of Gigi’s Playhouse Cincinnati accepted the Emerging Business of the Year award

Linda Bergholz the Executive Director, accepted the Business Community Advocate Award for the LIFE Food Pantry

Kate Harden the owner of The 1859 was recognized as Woman Owned Business of the Year.

Katie Taylor, Owner of The Outsourced COO was chosen as the Young Professional of the Year

John Zielke accepted the Business of the Year honor on behalf of Paxton’s Grill

Terri Pucket accepted the Non-Profit of the Year award for The Grail

The silent auction still has a few items remaining. If you would like to bid or buy now, please CLICK. The auction benefits Gigi’s Playhouse and the chamber scholarship fund and is live until Monday, Nov 27.

Miss the wine and bourbon pull? Reach out to Meredith (Meredith@lmrchamberalliance.org) for more info and to grab a bottle!

All photos in this story © David Miller/Loveland Magazine 2023

Nov 21, 2023
[EXCLUSIVE FIRST RELEASE] Grailville land acquisition grant awarded to Cardinal Land Conservancy

David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine

Cardinal Land Conservancy Secures Future of Historic Grailville Site

Threat of development leads to protection in perpetuity

by David Miller

Loveland/Miami Township, Ohio – In sending a press release with this good news for the Loveland and Miami Township residents who worked so tirelessly preserving 89 acres of land at Grailville “in perpetuity”, Andy Dickerson with the Cardinal Land Conservancy said, “David, we’re getting ready to send this out, but I wanted to send it to you first. We just found out this morning… good news!”

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Andy Dickerson

After a yearlong effort in collaboration with The Grail and the Grail Land Preservation Group, Cardinal Land Conservancy has received favorable confirmation from the Natural Resources Assistance Council District 10 that its application is being recommended for funding to the Ohio Public Works Commission.

The $4.897 million grant through the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program will allow Cardinal to purchase 89 acres of the historic Grailville site in Loveland. Once used for spiritual growth, education, farming, and retreats, this property became a target for development in recent years due to its desirable location. Outspoken community members and former members of The Grail partnered with Cardinal to protect its scenic natural areas, historic buildings, and spiritual legacy.

For over 70 years, Grailville served as a retreat center and organic farm for The Grail, an international women’s organization focused on spirituality, ecology, and social justice. The property includes woodlands, wetlands, and productive farmland. Its historic buildings date from the 1830s and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The House of Joy at Grailville

The grant is the largest in Cardinal Land Conservancy’s 8-year history. It adds to the over 8,500 acres the land trust has already protected in Southwest Ohio. Cardinal holds and monitors 57 easements on private properties and the titles to 11 nature preserves to ensure the land is protected from development and maintained in a largely natural condition. Cardinal is based in Milford however hopes to relocate its offices to the House of Joy on the Grailville site.

Sharon Scovanner (Loveland Magazine file photo)

Loveland resident Sharon Scovanner with the Grail Land Preservation Group told Loveland Magazine yesterday, “Today was a big day. It looks like the funding is coming through which is just amazing. It feels amazing what we have been able to accomplish in these eighteen months.”

“The protection of this new nature preserve in Loveland will be a huge benefit for the community as Cardinal Land Conservancy will protect it in perpetuity, said Dickerson in the early news release to Loveland Magazine.

Cardinal will need to raise additional funds to restore select buildings on site for public and private use and eventually open the property as a public nature preserve. Dickerson says that restoration efforts will begin as early as possible. Cardinal also hopes to work with healthcare professionals to utilize this preserve as a place where they can meet patients and “prescribe” nature as a treatment for certain mental and physical health problems.

This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is from an August public hearing before the Clermont County Commission in which members of the Grail Land Preservation Group and the Grail advocated Commission support for securing the grant.

In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, Andy Dickerson explained the details of the grant and what he was asking the Miami Township Trustees to do.

About Cardinal Land Conservancy:

Cardinal Land Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust serving 7 counties in Southwest Ohio. Its mission is to preserve waterways, native habitat, farmland, and open space in Southwest Ohio by working with individuals, families, and communities. For more information, visit www.cardinallandconservancy.org.

Read the History of Grailville

Sep 29, 2023
A SEAT AT THE TABLE: Artist Talk and Exhibit at Grailville

Rev. Dr. Wormack-Keels will lead Seat at the Table discussion

Loveland, Ohio – National non-profit based in Loveland, The Grail in The US, has announced its 2022 showcase for the Art at The Oratory Series in collaboration with Heritage Village Museum and Education Center. A Seat at the Table features Grail member Renee Wormack-Keels, a quilter based in Columbus. Rev. Dr. Wormack-Keels will lead an Artist Talk focusing on the role her art has played in her personal life and the purpose of her art in documenting and activating social transformation.

According to Wormack-Keels, “Historically women’s stories are either ignored or reduced in favor of another to subjugate their value, contributions, and importance. Telling stories has always been a part of the quilting traditions of African American women. In fact, every quilt has a story either in front of it or behind it. Each quilter, in my experience, generally has been inspired to make a quilt with intention.”

While the showcase is a one-day event, Rev. Dr. Wormack-Keels has curated an exhibit of over twenty quilts which will remain available for viewing until October 15th. When asked why it was important to give African-American women a seat at the table by sharing their stories in her art, Wormack-Keels said, “There are many reasons, and I may not be able to share them all, but it is important to know and hear the genesis of these quilts in this exhibition.”

After the Artist Talk, quilters from the Heritage Village Museum Quilters Society will have circles set up where attendees can sit and sew as they experience the historical importance of such circles. The event will take place the afternoon of Saturday August 6th from 1 until 4 PM and is free of charge; donations are always appreciated. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by emailing art@grail-us.org and follow the Grail Facebook and Instagram for more details. RSVPs are not required. For the safety of all, attendees who have not been fully vaccinated are required to wear masks.

Aug 2, 2022
There are a substantial number of Grail people throughout this country and the world who want Grailville to survive and thrive

An Open Letter To the dear people of Loveland, Loveland Council, and Zoning board

by Trina Paulus

Loveland, What a beautiful name!

I have been following the saga concerning Grailville from the inside of the movement and with great gratitude for David Miller and Loveland Magazine’s efforts to make sure that we know what we’re doing if we let this rare place go to so-called “development” and away from a better more sustainable vision people are calling for. (The Grailville Archive)

Maybe it has taken getting to the edge of permanent loss to realize this treasure we are about to lose if we don’t turn things around.

After restraining myself from bursts of gratitude with each installment in Loveland Magazine I feel compelled to let the Loveland community know that there are a substantial number of Grail people throughout this country and the world who want Grailville to survive and thrive and we join our voices with the people of Loveland who are organizing and speaking up. We believe the outpouring of Loveland support reveals new possibilities for a Grailville with new purpose within both the local and Global community. Maybe it has taken getting to the edge of permanent loss to realize this treasure we are about to lose if we don’t turn things around. Although some of us are now older we would be willing to help this happen believing in the generosity of the young who bear the future to bring their hopes and strength to support Grail and the Loveland community efforts.

I think that there are those representing us who have not read the signs of these speedily changing times correctly. Their hearts and intentions may be good, but I deeply believe that there is a vast number of people, especially the young, who yearn for the kind of holistic life I was privileged to experience at age 18 and for the next 20 years as I built up the arts at Grailville until called to help grow a woman’s weaving and embroidery cooperative in Akhmim upper Egypt.

What the new Grailville could be I’m not sure, but the values that built it were strong and still attractive to the young people I am in touch with. These are the ones who fill the Permaculture courses at Central Rocky Mountains Permaculture Institute, (CRMPI.org) where I am vice president, or here at home in Montclair, NJ, feeding people, planting community gardens, and pollinator corridors stretching from state to state.

It is hard at 90 years to volunteer knowing that whatever spiffy wisdom and energy I might bring I also bring the liability of age. However, the recent support of the Loveland people and the series published in Loveland Magazine: https://lovelandmagazine.com/history-of-grailville/ makes me feel excited and young enough to offer to help in any way I can to revitalize this magnificent place as a new kind of community neighbor that needs many of us to make it a new reality.

I and others have a vision of those able to be renewed to continue the habit of hospitality Grailville was famous for.

We would be facing some of the pioneering challenges the Grail faced in the 1940s. Some of the buildings will not make it, but I and others have a vision of those able to be renewed to continue the habit of hospitality Grailville was famous for. Imagine the greenest architects we know who love old buildings leading workshops each summer for all who want to learn how to renew and re-inhabit places rather than tear down and build new. We also still have many acres of organic certifiable land ready for a new burst of production to raise and share food.

There are Grail elders and younger ones around the world who would love to help.

There are Grail elders and younger ones around the world who would love to help along with the Loveland and wider local community who may be eager for this chance and new challenge to use our one glorious human life for building something precious.

We can create a place that will be valuable beyond money for the good of all.

I await the next development with prayer. May what is best for all happen.

Forward in hope always,

Trina Paulus, Grail Member – celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Hope For the Flowers” (www.hopefortheflowers.com)

Read more about Trina Paulus from the pages of Loveland Magazine

[Grailville Archive] The Very Unpleasant Thing: That God Can Ask Everything…

[Video Archive] The holy nature of Grailville for a teenage girl

May 2, 2022

A greater vision for the intrinsic beauty of the Grailville land

by Elizabeth Robinson

Dear Fellow Lovelanders,

I want to speak to you about vision and make sure you are aware of an important ongoing process before the Loveland Planning and Zoning Board and Loveland City Council. Drees Homes is requesting a change in the current low-density zoning status on 110 lovely acres of green unspoiled land, with historic buildings, currently owned by Grailville (The Grail). This land sits between where East Loveland Avenue turns into O’Bannonville Road and Rte 48. Drees desires this zoning status change to put 209 homes on this green space.

The Grail Mission and Vision Statement speaks of Care for The Earth. This has always been vital to Grailville/The Grail in its history and practice. Grail members including myself are expressing significant and ongoing distaste that the Grail is seriously considering divesting itself of this land to Drees to build another subdivision in our town.

There are important long-term practical reasons why many Loveland residents have spoken AGAINST enabling a zoning status change proposed by Drees to build 209 homes. They include, among others, an overcapacity school system, aggravating already clogged traffic and infrastructure concerns including sewer and water. (Please reference the below open letter to Loveland residents by Elizabeth Murphy for more details on these pressing issues)

I want to concentrate here on a compelling and magnanimous (great of mind or heart) vision of protection from development such as the proposed Drees subdivision. Standing up for a NO vote on this zoning status change from low density is a very important first step.

If the Grail is determined to divest itself of this land, are we as citizens willing to stand up for a vision that will honor the cultural and spiritual history of the Grail on this land, and also stand up for the inestimable value of added community green space which will do so much more than another subdivision to keep Loveland a treasured place to live into the future?

I wonder: If Loveland has the foresight to reject this proposed Drees zoning change, would The Grail accept significantly less money from the city or other entity committed to a higher vision that cares for the earth and the people of Loveland?

I have lived in Loveland all my life and our Loveland Bike Trail was just such a vision. There were many who could not see the immensely positive difference this green path of natural beauty that intersects our town and all enjoy, would make for the future of Loveland. It is with gratitude we now look back and honor those who had vision and were tenacious, so we could see the flowering of that vision.

Today Loveland is thriving. With that has come some of the problems of success mentioned earlier such as traffic and stress on infrastructure. We can make decisions now that see another subdivision that destroys precious green space and exacerbates traffic and stressed infrastructure will not be a decision that is truly good for the future of Loveland.

Loveland citizens will thank us years from now if we reserve green and natural places for the good of all, as did those bike trail visionaries.

I ask the Loveland Planning and Zoning Commission and Loveland City Council to reject this Drees proposed zoning change. Reject it not only on very real practical matters such as traffic and infrastructure, but to support a greater vision of the intrinsic beauty and value added of green spaces for Lovelanders into the future.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Robinson

East Loveland Avenue

April 11, 2022

Dear Fellow Loveland Residents,

It is important that you are aware of a process which is now ongoing involving 110 acres of Grailville land between Rt.48 and O’Bannonville Rd. Loveland City Council and the Zoning Board will have to make a decision on the Drees Homes’ request for a change in the zoning status to allow them to build 209 homes on that land.

The iniPal public hearing drew a standing room only crowd. Everyone who spoke, with the excepPon of the Drees representaPves, requested that the Zoning Board say NO to the Drees proposal. There are important long-term reasons why it is best for our community that the Drees proposal does not go forward.

We all know the traffic situaPon in downtown is bad now. The construcPon of a large subdivision on this Grail land will iniPally cause several years of construcPon trucks and dirt funneling into town from Rt.48 and O’Bannonville Rd. As the houses are built and sold regular traffic of several thousand car “trips” through town will phase in. This will never stop.

Our school system is currently overflowing recommended capacity. Extra trailers are needed for space. It is esPmated that 4-5 addiPonal classrooms of children are likely to be added by this subdivision. We are all painfully aware of the costs that would be incurred to build new schools, as well as the stresses on children and teachers involved in overcrowding. Again, once this increase is allowed to happen it is unlikely to be reversed.

There are also serious general infrastructure issues relaPng to water. The Loveland water system is a series of wells which when run at high demand can drop the water table in a significant way. One must ask at what point will this become a problem. Water pressure has at Pmes been an issue and more homes drawing water cannot but aggravate this.

The other end of this problem is the management of the addiPonal sewage. The sewer line under East Loveland Ave. is outdated, fragile, and it is quesPonable whether it is adequate to handle a large new neighborhood. The receiving Polk Run sewage treatment plant has no more room to expand. There has been no confirmaPon of sewer availability, capacity, or access compliant with MSD standards. Will the City of Loveland be put in a posiPon of providing this infrastructure at Loveland residents' expense? With the Liale Miami River so nearby it is crucial that there be no chance of contaminaPon.
Natural rainwater run-off must also be considered. The land from White Pillars on slopes to the northwest. The homes along O’Bannonville Rd. are all in the path of this natural drainage and vulnerable to surface flows or overflowing of Bares Run Creek in Pmes of heavy rain. The new roads and houses will eliminate acreage which currently absorbs the rainwater and so more will conPnue on downhill.

The final thing I need to speak of is the special quality of this parPcular piece of land. For about 80 years women of The Grail have lived or worked there. They have tended the land, holding it, knowing the sacred nature of this place. As the Grail has shared access to their land with others
for walking and connecPng with nature, many have become aware of the spiritual calm which it provides. In today’s world we need this more than ever.

In conclusion, I would encourage everyone who feels that we do not need another big subdivision on this Grailville land, with all the negaPve side-effects, to please make your views known. Aaend the public meePngs (the next is on May 4), write or call members of the Zoning Board and City Council. In our country we have government of ciPzens for ciPzens. Our officials have a duty of honor to listen to the members of the community which they serve. They are us; and therefore, we must speak so they may be guided.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Murphy - Fallis Road Loveland OH