on Chase & Sarah Beach, Huggä Retreat...............12
Mariemont’s New Dime Store: Mary’s Dime...............................................17
Mariemont Theatre Update..................18
Dogwood Park Rededication: May 3................................23
Mariemont Preschool Parents Group families celebrated Easter at the Mariemont Concourse with an Easter egg hunt and a special visit from the Easter Bunny!
Top left, L-R: Margot Schmidt, Addie Stock, Riley Stock, Annabelle Stock. Top right: Lauren Brown Bottom left: Delilah and Dan Bross Bottom right: Braden Ragano and the Easter Bunny
Publisher’s Note
This issue wraps up another publishing season of the Town Crier. Thank you to all of our volunteer staff, junior couriers, residents, and businesses for your continued hard work and support and for a spectacular 50th!
A huge shout out to our Crier Club supporters for continuing to help us provide the unique opportunity to have kids in the community (junior couriers) hand-stuff inserts and hand-deliver news directly to residents’ doorsteps! We thought we’d share a few of the nice messages we received this year from Crier Club members:
• “Happy 50th! Thank you for connecting and sharing stories. Here’s to many more”.
• “Thank you for all you do for our community.”
• “I appreciate your work and read each issue.”
• “We always look forward to reading the Town Crier. It’s a great asset to our community.”
• “Thanks for leading the charge on the Town Crier! Got our first issue today and it’s excellent. Look forward to diving into all the news. It’s a great blessing to our community.”
• “Congrats to 50 years of excellence!! Thank you!”
• “I delivered the Town Crier in high school back in 1980! Great job!”
• “Thank you for the opportunity to serve as a junior courier for 5 of the 50 years!”
• “Thank you for all your good work!”
Keep us in mind as you take photos of your summer fun! Share them with us at mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com — along with your name and 1–2 sentences about your vacay or activity shown in the photo, by August 1, and we may run them in the September issue. Have a safe and fun summer!
Suzy Weinland Editor & Co-Publisher
The Club
THANK YOU to the following individuals and organizations for your support! Funding for delivery of the Town Crier to your doorstep by our junior couriers comes solely from your contributions! Individuals and organizations who contribute will have their names included in our Crier Club section for one calendar year following your donation. To donate, please write a check payable to Mariemont Town Crier and mail it to 3914 Miami Rd., #207, Cincinnati OH 45227, or drop it off in the door mail slot. We share space with Sanderson Insurance, just off the Square.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mariemont Town Crier, we invite you to show your support with a donation of $50 or more. Those donating at least $50 will have their names appear in bold and italics.
Clare Ackerman
Brenda & Paul Allen
Marty & Tom Allman
Anonymous
Denis & Marianne
Beausejour
Phil Bender & Janet Cleary
Ed & Karen Berkich
Rex Bevis
Biff & Janet Black
Jeff Bloomer & Beth Brubacher
Anne & Bill Burleigh
Bill & Maureen Coleman
David Davis
Susan Davis-Ali
Livingston Park Resident
Sam & Nancy Duran
Natalie Eisert & Andrew Fickas
Catherine & Art Evans
Kate & Peter Fenner
Mary Ann Fieler & Robert Faelten
Garden Club of Mariemont
Editor / Co-Publisher
Suzy Weinland mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com
Advertising Manager / Co-Publisher Matt Weinland mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com
Production Designer Zachary Weinland mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com
Distribution Manager / Editorial Assistant Margaret Jevic margaret101@gmail.com
Sandra Garland
Kathy Graeter
Andrew M. Grant
Jim, John & Helen Gray
Dean & Valerie Hanley
DAR Mariemont
Chapter / Sarah Hartkemeier
Drew & Taryn Hastings
Chuck & Tara Hatch
Marianne Jenkins
Janet Kalas
Tom & Dana Kauffmann
STAFF
Photographer Steve Spooner me@mariemontstuff.com
Contributors
Matt Ayer matt@ayerquality.com
Kim Beach kimbeach13@gmail.com
Aileen Beatty aileen.beatty@gmail.com
Betsy Bybee betsy.bybee@gmail.com
Peter McBride pete0948@gmail.com
Carol Sanger csanger1@me.com
Randy York ryork@mariemont.org
Junior Couriers
Charlotte Caudill
Cody Ching
Eli Ching
Alexis Clark
Mac Clark
Olivia Clark
Ben Jevic
Ella Jevic
Katie & Chris Kober
Claire Kupferle
Peggy & Charles Landes
Max Madl
MaryLou & John McIlwraith
Noble-Basora Family
Julie Northrop
The Qin Family
Jan Timothy Riker
Jan Ring
Beth Ruggles
Janet & Bill Sarran
Jane Lawson
Levi Lawson
James Lepa
Michael Lepa
Max Madl
Zach Maier
Laura Queen
Alex Rohal
Sam Rouse
Daxton Vaughan
Ford Willis Twyla Willis
Mike Schoeny
Carl Stich & Amy Banister
Kathy & John Stineman
Janet Stollmaier
Wendy & Gary Tomczak
Steve & Ruth Varner
Kurt & Nancy Vonder Ahe
Jim & Rachel Votaw
Suzy & Matt Weinland
Doug & Ellen Zemke
Sue & Bob Zepf
SEPTEMBER DEADLINE
The editorial and advertising deadline for the next Town Crier is August 1, 2025
All articles, photos and camera-ready ads must be submitted by 5 p.m. to mariemonttowncrier@ gmail.com.
Non-profit inserts are due by the Monday before distribution. For more information, see below.
The Mariemont Town Crier, LLC “The Voice of the Village of Mariemont,” is published monthly from September through December and February through May as a service to residents and organizations of the Village of Mariemont. Our junior couriers deliver to your doorstep or business the first full weekend of those months. If you do not receive your issue by the end of delivery week, please reach out to Distribution Manager Margaret Jevic at margaret101@gmail.com
Editorial deadlines are the 1st of the month prior to publication. News, story ideas, photos, and Letters to the Editor can be directed to Suzy Weinland at mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com. Full guidelines are available upon request
Non-Profit Inserts: Please confirm with us at mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com by the 1st of the month prior to publication. You will need to print 2,000 inserts, collated into groups of 50, and deliver to Margaret Jevic, 6951 Nolen Circle by the Monday prior to the first full weekend of the month. A $75 flat fee is due with your insert drop-off. Payments can be made via check made out to Mariemont Town Crier.
Advertising: Advertising helps fund production of the Mariemont Town Crier and is a targeted way for area businesses to reach over 2,000 homes and businesses in Mariemont, Spring Hill, Williams Meadow, and Mariemont Landing. In addition to a hard-copy edition delivered to doorsteps, each issue is digitally archived for public viewing on Issuu and posted monthly on our Facebook page. For ad rates, deadlines, forms, and payments, or if you have any further questions, please contact Matt Weinland at mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com
Mariemont’s Flag Project Team Prepares for America’s 250th!
BY SUZY WEINLAND
What began as a simple idea during a dog walk in 2020 has grown into a beloved Mariemont tradition. This year, as the nation celebrates the 250th Anniversary of its founding, organizers of the Mariemont Flag Project hope to make the Village’s Fourth of July display the largest yet.
The idea began on Memorial Day weekend in 2020, when Tom Walsh was walking his dog Bizzy along the Bluffs and noticed something that caught his attention. Two neighboring homes had lined the edge of their yards with small American flags.
The display reminded him of the luminarias that line Mariemont’s streets at Christmas. “Wouldn’t it be cool,” he thought, “if we could do something like this for the Fourth of July — lining the streets of Mariemont with American flags?”
Walsh shared the idea with three friends he knew would both love the concept and work hard to bring it to life — Kim Beach, Randy York, and Scott Hamlin (who separately had the same idea). Their response was immediate and enthusiastic, and the Mariemont Flag Project was born.
Once the idea took hold, things moved quickly. With the Fourth of July only weeks away and time short, the organizers enlisted
fellow Mariemont resident and friend Tom Gilmore to design a flyer and order form explaining the concept to residents, which he has updated each year since.
The group purchased an initial order of 4,500 American flags and set out to spread the word. By mid-June, they had hand-delivered the flyers to nearly every home in Mariemont — roughly 1,600 residences throughout the Village.
The response from the community was immediate and overwhelming. Within just two weeks, Mariemont residents had purchased more than 5,000 flags, quickly exhausting the initial supply and requiring a second order. That Fourth-of-July weekend, residents placed their flags along the streets in front of their homes, creating a striking display throughout the Village. Additional donated funds allowed the Mariemont Flag Project committee to line many of the public green spaces with flags as well.
The weekend also included a community Flag Walk through the Village, featuring remarks from the mayor with the sound of a bagpiper leading the way. Residents were encouraged to decorate strollers and children’s bikes, enjoy Mariemont’s walkable streets, and take in the sight of American flags lining neighborhoods throughout the community.
Randy York said he enjoys being part of this annual event and seeing how people respond. “It’s stunning to drive through the Village when the flags are up — a chance for all of us to come together and celebrate.”
With more time to plan in 2021, the organizers focused on expanding participation and increasing donations to extend the display into more public spaces. Another 2,500 flags were sold, bringing the two-year total to 7,500. One of the year’s highlights was the placement of more than 1,000 flags along the median islands of U.S. Route 50, which runs through the heart of Mariemont.
The effort also became more community-driven, with a local Cub Scout troop helping to place and remove flags throughout the Village. The Flag Walk returned as well, continuing to bring residents together over the holiday weekend.
The momentum carried into 2022, as additional residents joined in and nearly 1,000 more flags were sold. That year, the Mariemont Flag Project was also featured on Fox 19’s Morning Show, highlighting the growing impact of the effort. By the end of the third year, more than 8,500 flags had been purchased, with an estimated two-thirds of Mariemont homes displaying flags along their yards each Fourth-of-July Continued on next page
Mariemont Flag Project founders, L-R: Tom Walsh, Kim Beach, Randy York and Scott Hamlin.
Tom Walsh’s dog Bizzy.
weekend.
From 2023 through 2025, the project remained a steady and visible part of the Village’s Fourth of July tradition, with approximately 500 additional flags sold each year, bringing the overall total to around 10,000. While the Flag Walk was discontinued after 2022 to make the fireworks the focal point of the holiday weekend, the streets of Mariemont continued to reflect that same sense of community pride that defined the project from the beginning.
Each year, proceeds from flag sales have been used to support community causes,
including contributions to the Mariemont fireworks and local first responders. Kim Beach shared, “It’s been an honor to be part of the Flag Project. We’re fortunate to live in a community that truly values patriotism and love of country.”
Now, in 2026, the Mariemont Flag Project is setting its sights on an even bigger goal as the nation celebrates its 250th Anniversary. Under the theme #MFP250, organizers are planning an expanded display throughout the Village, building on the momentum of the past several years.
New elements will include red, white,
and blue uplighting in the trees on the Mariemont Square islands, a large American flag displayed on the Bell Tower, and additional buntings and patriotic decorations throughout the Village’s public spaces. Organizers also plan to expand flag coverage across public areas, creating an even more visible and unified display.
“I think back to the summer of 2020, when we started this project and how difficult things felt — coming out of COVID and a time of division across the country,” said Walsh. “Yet in Mariemont, despite differences of thought and opinion, we came together around a shared love of country — and continue to do so each year. It’s a great lesson for all of us.”
A key focus for 2026 is increasing participation among residents, with a goal of having flags displayed in front of every home in Mariemont. To help achieve that, the Mariemont Flag Project will introduce block captains to coordinate efforts within neighborhoods, along with expanded outreach through local events, including flag sales outside Kroger, signage with QR codes placed throughout the Village, and communication through Village email, social media, and other community networks.
As in past years, volunteers will play an important role in bringing the project to life. Additional help is needed to place flags
America’s 250th (from previous page)
The green space along Wooster Pike, adorned with American Flags.
in public spaces ahead of the holiday and to assist with their removal following the Fourth-of-July weekend.
“I receive far more from this celebration than I give,” said Scott Hamlin. “It’s a chance to honor community heroes who have touched my life through their service, sacrifice, and example — Robert and Mark Hamlin, Tyler Swisher, Jordy Alsfelder, and Jerry Vianello. I’ll continue to honor them by participating as best I can, for as long as I’m able.”
From a single idea during a walk along the Bluffs to a Village-wide tradition, the Mariemont Flag Project has always been about bringing neighbors together. In this milestone year for the country, organizers hope the display will once again reflect the pride, unity, and shared spirit that define both Mariemont and the nation it celebrates.
For more information or to volunteer contact Tom Walsh (tjwalsh127@gmail.com) or Kim Beach (kimbeach13@gmail.com). Find them on Facebook at facebook.com/ mariemontflagproject
Pool & Racquet Club Signups Now Available
Summer is almost here and the pool and racquet club are ready for you!
Mariemont Pool
Swim Team
Begins Monday, June 1. Champs on Tuesday, July 14.
Swim Lessons
Session 1 — June 8–26.
Session 2 — July 6–24.
Get your pool pass and register for swim team and lessons at mariemont.org/lifestyle/swimming
Mariemont Racquet Club
Enjoy six regulation tennis courts, one practice court, four pickleball courts, a backboard, two recently renovated restrooms, and a sheltered viewing area, plus be eligible for clinics and lessons, by joining the Mariemont Racquet Club at mariemont.org/lifestyle/racquet-club
VILLAGE
Rosie Polter Joins MPF
as Executive Director
BY CLAIRE KUPFERLE
Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) has hired Rosie Polter as its first Executive Director. Since its founding in 1980, MPF has relied on hard-working volunteers to carry out its mission to preserve, protect, and promote the integrity and character of Mariemont. With the addition of Ms. Polter, the organization is better positioned to fulfill its responsibilities and expand its influence in the Village.
Rosie has a background in historic preservation and nonprofit. She has worked as an historic preservation consultant for the last ten years and formerly held roles with the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. She earned bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and archeology, with a certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Cincinnati. She went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration from Northern Kentucky University. She has been working part-time at MPF as the Director of Development since August 2024.
Ms. Polter remarked that this position calls on her to pull from the various elements of her background, blending her background and interests into a single role. “This is an exciting time for MPF,” Rosie said, “with incredible opportunities for growth and engagement with the community. I am honored to help lead the organization into its next chapter.”
Please join us in welcoming Rosie in her new role!
If you are interested in becoming part of MPF as a member or volunteer, visit the web site at mariemontpreservation.org
Prayer Breakfast on May 2nd at 7:15am in the ME cafeteria www.villagechurchofmariemont.org
Rosie Polter stands outside the historic Ferris House, future home of the Mariemont Museum.
VILLAGE
Fifty Years in the ‘Mont: Part Three
BY SUZY WEINLAND
Our third and final segment celebrating residents who have lived in Mariemont for 50 or more years includes memories from David Davis, Sandra Garland, Carolyn Daly, and the late Reverend David Robisch. Whether we were able to spotlight you or not, we would like to give a sincere shout out and thank you to all longtime Mariemont residents for being such an integral part of our wonderful community over the years.
David & DonnaLou Davis
David Davis grew up in Bond Hill and moved to Mariemont in 1956 after marrying DonnaLou Meyers, who was born and raised in Mariemont. “She lived here from 1931–2017, when she passed,” said Davis. “Living in Mariemont was a non-negotiable for her. If you wanted to marry DonnaLou you were going to live in Mariemont!”
The Davises raised their two children in the same house Davis still live in today, on Fieldhouse Way. Donn Davis (Class of 1981) and Susan Davis Ali (Class of 1982) both graduated from Mariemont High School.
Susan remarked, “One very special place in the Village for our family is DonnaLou’s bench, which is located by the Bell Tower. It honors her as the longest living resident of Mariemont (1931–2017), apart from the four years she spent at Purdue University. She absolutely loved Mariemont!”
As we all know, Mariemont is an ideal place to raise a family. Davis commented that while raising his kids, he loved that they could run around, ride their bikes, and walk everywhere. “Everything that you want your kids to be a part of is within walking distance. You don’t have to drive them anywhere. It’s a safe place. As long as they stayed in the Village, I knew everything was ok.”
Davis has fond memories of the community garden, of which he was one of the first gardeners. “I am a big gardener (I had four plots), and we started the first year with 25-30 gardeners. Only seven of us were still gardening at the end of the first season; the Johnson grass won out. The community garden gave me a chance to plant everything I ever wanted. The kids and I spent many
David and DonnaLou Davis, July 4, 2016, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Mariemont’s 75th anniversary of incorporation.
weekends picking produce — so much that I had to buy half a dozen bushel baskets! I still garden at my house and grow my beloved tomato crop every year, sharing the harvest with my neighbors.” Davis also recalled one night getting trapped by the train down at the garden and having to leave his car there and walk home.
Davis also has many fond memories of Horton’s Pharmacy “We were good friends with Jerry Jones, the pharmacist. You could call Jerry in the middle of the night, and he’d open the store and bring you any medicine you needed. Hortons had a soda fountain where we got sodas and phosphates before Graeters opened on the Square. Horton’s sold everything! I remember seeing one of my neighbors doing their last-minute Christmas shopping there on Christmas Eve one year.”
Today, Davis’ favorite spot in the ‘Mont is Graeters. “Whether it’s picking up donuts or a pint of ice cream, Mariemont would not be Mariemont without Graeters.”
The Davis family shared that DonnaLou always enjoyed the Village Kitchen on the Square. “We’d eat there once or twice a week,” said daughter Susan. “The food was
like home cooking, and you knew everyone there. It was a great gathering spot.”
As for events that Davis always participates in, “I love luminaria night! The Fourth of July fireworks are another one of my favorite events. Living on Fieldhouse Way, I have the perfect view of the fireworks from my backyard. I never miss them.” He also said the Sunday concerts at the Bell Tower are another event he never stops appreciating.
A special day for DonnaLou and David was the July 4, 2016, celebration of Mariemont’s 75th anniversary of incorporation as a Village. “It was a fun day for us as DonnaLou was invited to cut the ribbon,” said Davis. “That honor meant a lot to her, and we spent the day enjoying all that is special about Mariemont.”
Davis concluded by saying, “There is something always going on in Mariemont. I love that about the Village! So many things we’ve been involved in over the years. Mariemont has it all. It’s a very special place, as all the Mariemont residents know. It has lived up to Mary Emery’s vision of a village with a real sense of community.”
Sandra Garland
Sandra Garland’s parents moved to Mariemont when Sandra was three years old. She has been a Mariemont resident for 86 years! She graduated from Mariemont schools, as did her children and grandchildren. Sandra has been in Garden Club for more than 25 years and serves on the MariElders’ board.
Carolyn Daly
“It’s hard for me to believe that I have lived in Mariemont for 61 years. But it’s true.”
Rev. David C. Robisch
Thank you to Mike Schoeny of Albert Place for sharing the following memories about the late Rev. David Robisch.
“David Robisch grew up in Mariemont in the 1940s–1950s. His dad was Chris Robisch, Mariemont’s first police chief. Dave spent time with his parents at 3 Sheldon Close and inherited the house from them after their passing.
While Mariemont was always his ‘home,’ his career as a Catholic priest with the Archdiocese of Cincinnati took him to numerous assignments around the Archdiocese. Father Dave attended St. Gregory and Mt. St. Mary Seminaries and graduate studies at XU. He was ordained on December 22, 1962, after which he taught at Elder High School and served as assistant director of the Newman Center at UC.
Father Robisch spent most of his career in parish pastoral work with significant time spent as pastor of St. Albert the Great in Kettering and St. Mary in Hyde Park. He retired in 2007 from St. Mary and moved full time to Mariemont. Father Dave served as a Trustee on the Mariemont Preservation Foundation.
He loved this community, enjoyed daily three-mile walks around town, and did extensive volunteer work at St. Columban in Loveland.
I was a parishioner of Dave’s while he was at St. Mary. We have been friends since the early 1990s. We traveled a bit together and Dave officiated at three of my kids’ weddings and multiple baptisms.”
VILLAGE
Insurance should never feel confusing. That’s why at Sanderson Insurance, we take time to understand your needs, explain what you have and how it works, and personally shape coverage options we present.
Sanderson Insurance began near Dayton, Ohio, in 1957, and has been a steady presence in the lives of Ohio – and now Northern Kentucky – families and businesses ever since. We value our role in the community and aim to foster long-lasting, informed relationships built on trust and understanding. Our mission is to serve you with integrity, insight, and care – every step of the way.
Now owned by third-generation, Deanne Fisher, our independent agency has an office right off the Square in Mariemont. Whether you are looking for home, auto, life, or business insurance coverage, we represent multiple insurance companies, so we can find the best fit for you!
Give us a call today. We look forward to meeting you!
The perceived convenience of selling your home “off-market” often comes at a cost to sellers!
Off-market sales limit exposure to buyers.
Less exposure means less competition.
Less competition often means a lower sale price. If
Chase and Sarah Beach Plunge Into Slowing Down
BY SUZY WEINLAND
In the past four years, Chase and Sarah Beach have been on a course that is anything but slow.
Chase, a 2011 Mariemont grad, is a tech industry start-up professional and entrepreneur. His first entrepreneurial venture was the creation and sale of a cartoon booklet in fourth grade on the Mariemont Elementary playground, with friends Alex Jevic and Davis Mendenhall. While earning an entrepreneurship degree from Wittenburg Univ., Chase interned in San Francisco for a company that ran Shark Tank start-up pitch events, immersing him into the world of start-ups.
By age 23, Chase was living in San Francisco, working for various tech start-ups, and travelling the world. In 2019 he started his own business, Insure Grid, and designed a program to automate data collection for insurance companies. Then in 2021, he moved to Encinitas, just outside of San Diego, and ran the business remotely, with a team from across the U.S.
In February 2022, at an offsite retreat in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Chase met his future wife, Sarah, at the hotel’s rooftop pool. Sarah, from Oaxaca, Mexico, is an interior designer and was in town for three days. From that chance meeting, their whirlwind
courtship and partnership began.
The couple dated long-distance, with Chase living in San Diego and Sarah in Guadalajara, got engaged in Mexico in September 2023—with a surprise visit from both families—and married in May 2024. They lived in San Diego for a time, and Sarah became pregnant with their first child. Then in June 2025, the couple sold their belongings and made a cross-country move back to Mariemont, where Chase’s parents Kim and Ted Beach still live. Baby Annie arrived in July 2025, and in November, they bought and began updating a retreat in Hocking Hills.
Huggä is a 42-acre retreat with four private, Scandinavian-inspired cabins, just around the corner from Cedar Falls. There is over a mile of trail wrapping around and through the Huggä property, and each cabin has its own sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, and fire pit.
The idea for having a place like Huggä began on Chase and Sarah’s honeymoon in Idyllwild, a small mountain town in California. “We were staying at an AirBnB that was so thoughtfully designed, with attention to small details, and we were sitting in the hot tub looking out on these beautiful pines, thinking how cool it would be to have our own place like that – a place to connect with nature,” said Chase. “We experienced what
intentional space can do for a newly formed marriage, and a mind. Huggä is our attempt to create that same invitation for others, to rest, reconnect, and step away.”
The addition of hot tubs, saunas, and cold plunges was inspired by experiences at Breathe Degrees in Carlsbad, Calif., where Chase would go while living in San Diego to revive in their cold plunge tubs and infrared saunas when he felt burnt out. Upon purchasing Huggä, the Beaches immediately added saunas from Sisu in Cleveland. “It’s a powerful way to recover after a hike, clear your head, or wind down in the evening.”
The design philosophy, in an out, is built around the Nordic idea of simplicity, slowing down, and reconnecting. Each cabin has plentiful seating and varied height tables for sharing meals, game time with family, or drinks and laughter with friends. Décor showcasing photographs and geological collections from around Hocking Hills is sprinkled throughout.
Sarah is adding splashes of rich, warm tones and comfortable, nature-inspired materials to the already inviting modern-rustic vibe. Large beds full of pillows and plush couches invite you to cuddle up. Cozy robes and nature-scented toiletries for R&R Essentials, along with woodsy diffuser scents from Sweet Water Decor, make it feels like home and a spa retreat at the same time.
“We wanted to be intentional with the
Left: Sarah and Chase Beach with daughter Annie stand outside one of the four custom-curated cabins at their Scandinavian-inspired retreat, Huggä, in Hocking Hills.
Right: Inside Huggä’s Rock Cabin.
details and who we worked with,” said Chase. “We want the products and experiences at Huggä to reflect what we believe in and put guests first.” To that end, the Beach’s have selected Cincy’s own Mom-n-Em ground and ready-mix coffees as part of each cabin’s curated coffee and tea station. They have also partnered with award-winning Le Petit Chevalier Vineyards Farm Winery—just a few miles from Huggä—to offer a complementary bottle to each guest. The thoughtful details throughout invite you into a “Huggä moment” experience from which you won’t want to leave.
However, should you want to explore the area, Hocking Hills State Park, Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave, John Glenn Astronomy Park, Logan Lake, and many other local activities and businesses are just down the road or around the corner from Huggä.
My husband and I had the opportunity to enjoy Huggä’s Rock Cabin for a couple of days in March. Set back in the woods, along a creek, it was the perfect, quiet reset this “work for ourselves” couple needed! We picked up a few groceries at the Kroger in Logan, about 20 minutes away, to prepare breakfast and lunch in the fully stocked kitchen. Card games, catching up, and several trips to the hot tub and sauna—and one attempt at the cold plunge on a chilly March evening—were a refreshing respite from the daily grind.
We also enjoyed an amazing dinner at Kindred Spirits, a boutique dining experience and cozy bar, set within the original
1840s log cabins at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. We returned the next day for hot stone and reflexology massages at the Spa. Cedar Falls itself also did not disappoint, as we took a walk there after an overnight rainstorm to find the falls flowing strong and loud!
As Chase and Sarah continue to refine and curate what they call their “moment-making” business, the couple looks toward potential expansion of the brand across the country. Meanwhile, they have just announced a partnership with Columbus-based private chef, John Lawrence, to offer guests an option for a farm-to-table, chef-driven, elevated dining experience.
“It feels meaningful to build something like this while raising Annie back in the Village,” said Chase, mentioning that Annie is named after Chase’s late grandmother, a
longtime Mariemont resident, and is the fifth generation of Beaches to call Mariemont home.
Speaking of home, Chase and Sarah enjoy long walks around the Village, being able to come to a “beautiful office” and walk home for lunch with each other, stepping out in the evening for a drink at Southeby’s, and, of course, being near family. “Mariemont shaped me, and now we’re building something that reflects the values we care about as a young family: nature, design, conversation around a table, and space to think.”
Huggä invites couples, families, friends, business groups, and even pets to “Come back to yourself.” And this couple definitely will be going back to Huggä! Check out Huggä at huggaretreats.com or email chase@ huggaretreats.com and take the plunge!
SCAN ME:
What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library – May 2026
Youth
• Movers and Shakers — Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. You and your child will shake it together! Sing, dance, and enjoy music, movement, and fun. Ages 1–4.
• Library Babies — Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories and movement. Ages birth–18 months.
• Toddler Storytime — Thursdays at 11 a.m. Encourage emerging language skills with books, rhymes, music and fun. Ages 18–36 months.
• Make a Gift for Mom & Wrap it Too! — Tuesday, May 5 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Make Mom something special at the library! Kids will create a handmade gift and wrap it up, ready to surprise on Mother’s Day. All supplies provided.
• Pokémon Trading Card Game Club — Saturday, May 9 from 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Rookie trainers and Pokémon Masters unite at the Mariemont Branch Library. Learn to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game, challenge other trainers to win badges, trade cards, and make new friends. Bring your own cards or play
with one of our decks. Ages 7–14.
• Cincinnati’s Fossils and Glaciers — Tuesday, May 12 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by Cincinnati Parks. We’ll also do some stone-age activities and demonstrations. For Grades Pre-K–8. Supplies are limited. Registration Required.
• Library League Book Club — Wednesday, May 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Join us to discuss Wonderstruck by Brian Selznik. Tweens (ages 9–12) and their grown-ups welcome. Copies available at the branch. Registration required.
• LEGO @ the Library — Saturday, May 23 from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Bring the ideas, we’ll bring the LEGO! Build, create, and connect with other LEGO fans. Each month features an optional challenge or theme for builders who want an extra spark of inspiration. Creations will be proudly displayed at the Mariemont Library until next month’s meeting. Ages 7–14.
• Summer Reading Kickoff! May 30th from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Adults
• Color, Coffee, and Conversation — Saturday, May 2 at 2 p.m. Come unwind at the library in a coloring program for adults. We will provide coffee, coloring supplies, and puzzles and hope you’ll join us for a cozy Saturday afternoon.
• Sit and Stitch — Saturday, April 2 & 16 at 10 a.m. Stuck on a project? Want to share ideas and make new friends in a relaxing environment? Bring your knitting or crocheting project and join Sit and Stitch at the library. Bring your own project and supplies, work at your own pace, and get to know fellow stitchers. All experience levels are welcome! Recommended for ages 14+. No registration required.
• Smartphone Basics for Beginners — Wednesday, May 6 & 13. A two-week session presents a short, supportive course for beginners. Participants follow a newly designed step-by-step manual with guided lab exercises, learning alongside our trained Senior Guides who provide hands-on assistance. Registration required through EngAging Seniors: Call (513) 564-9777
• Mystery Book Club — Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. Join us to discuss A Shot in the Dark by Lynne Truss. Copies available at the branch.
• Heart Healthy Cooking — Saturday, May 16 from 2–3 p.m. Presented by New Leaf Kitchen. Join us to discover more about eating for resilience by learning about how to read nutrition labels and identify nutrients for heart health. Registration Required.
• Book Club — Monday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. Join us for a lively discussion of a variety of books throughout the year. Stop by the branch to pick up this month’s selection.
Mariemont Recreation Association: Creating Memories, Building Community
BY RANDY YORK
For generations of Mariemont families, recreation sports have been about so much more than games. They are about Saturday mornings on the field, cheering from the sidelines, learning to be part of a team, and making memories that last long after the season ends. That is exactly what the Mariemont Recreation Association (MRA) has been providing to our community for decades.
MRA exists to give Mariemont children the opportunity to play, grow, and have fun through sports. Today, MRA offers soccer,
football, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, softball, and baseball, giving young athletes a place to learn new skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of being part of a team.
At its core, MRA is guided by five important principles:
Have Fun — First and foremost, MRA wants every child to have a fun and rewarding experience. When sports are positive and enjoyable, children are more likely to come back year after year and continue building their love of the game.
Opportunity to Participate — MRA believes every child should have the chance
to play the sport they choose. Recreation sports are about inclusion, opportunity, and making sure all participants feel valued as part of the team.
Character Development — The lessons learned in sports often reach far beyond the scoreboard. Through MRA, children build self-esteem, confidence, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, and sportsmanship. They also learn one of life’s most important lessons: how to win and lose with dignity and grace.
Enhancing Community Pride — MRA helps connect children to the broader Mariemont sports tradition and community spirit. Young athletes have the chance to look up to older Mariemont players, represent their community with pride, and learn the value of giving back through volunteer activities.
Physical Fitness and Skill Improvement
— At the same time, MRA gives children the opportunity to stay active, improve their fitness, and develop their athletic skills in a supportive environment.
What makes MRA especially meaningful is that it is powered entirely by volunteers. From coaches to board members, MRA depends on community members who are willing to step up and help create these experiences for our children and families. It is truly a community effort — neighbors supporting neighbors, and families helping make youth sports possible for the next generation.
As the organization continues its work, MRA is always in need of new board members. Volunteering with MRA is a wonderful way to give back to the community, support local families, and play a part in preserving the traditions and opportunities that make Mariemont special.
If you are interested in learning more about serving as a board member, please contact President Jordan Gaietto at jordan. gaietto@gmail.com or Secretary Jessica Stallo at jess06anne@gmail.com
More information about Mariemont Recreation Association can be found at www.mariemontsports.org
Mary’s Dime to Open on The Square
BY SUZY WEINLAND
Get ready for a new dime store to open on The Square this summer! Mary’s Dime owner and Mariemont resident Sydney Trout hopes to bring back some of those Villager vibes with a shop that will include carefully curated home décor, unique items from local artisans, and a special “by the pound” old-school candy section for kids and the young-at-heart.
Mary’s Dime is named after Trout’s grandma Mary, who enjoyed bringing Trout to the Villager and walking around the Square when Trout was young. “I hope it will be a place where people can grab a gift and card for a special occasion— we will have in-store wrapping, reminisce while scooping from their favorite childhood candy selections, and just get grounded,” said Trout.
The store location is just to the right of The Village Bookworm. Look for a more detailed spotlight on Trout and Mary’s Dime in the September issue of the Crier.
While the website and Instagram are being completed, watch for updates through Village email blasts (sign up for Village news and alerts at Mariemont.org/resident-signup) and on the Town Crier’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/MariemontTownCrier).
COMMUNITY
A Call to Action for Mariemont Theatre
BY CAROL SANGER
Lights… Camera… Action! That’s the plan being pursued by Cindependent, a local nonprofit established in 2017 that is organizing the effort to reopen the iconic Mariemont Theater this summer. Cindependent founder and Executive Director Allyson West outlined the group’s plans for resurrecting the theater at a March 10th community gathering at the Mariemont Inn.
Mayor Brown opened the gathering by saying, “Let me pose this question: Why does the Mariemont Theatre matter? The Theatre is not just a building. It is part of the story of this Village. It is where generations of families have gathered, where first dates happened, where children saw their first
CindeNext: Three Day Masterclass for Teens
July 8–10, 2026
Presented by the Cindependednt Film Festival in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati’s Media Production Division at the College Conservatory of Music.
• Hands on filmmaking
• Small class size, big impact (1:5 ratio)
• Lessons from industry professionals
• Exclusive screening opportunities
• Cindependent Film Festival Spotlight
• Most appropriate for ages 14-17
Contact us: christina@cindependentfilmfest.org
Cindependent founder and executive director Allyson West with her daughter at her side speaks to community leaders, business owners, residents, press, and council members about plans and goals for the Mariemont Theatre.
film on the big screen, and where neighbors sat side by side sharing an experience.”
For West and her team, the Mayor, and council members Susan Brownknight and Marcy Lewis, who were instrumental in connecting Cindependent with the Village and have worked tirelessly with Cindependent and community leaders this past winter to save the Theatre, the short-term goal is to re-open the theatre doors as quickly as possible. The long-term goal is sustainability.
“Movies are powerful not just because of what happens on the screen, but what happens in the room, together,” said West. “We share emotions…create moments. The goal right now is simple: to re-open the theatre so community can gather there again. We all get a really great opportunity to tell a really great story,” she added, encouraging residents to share their ideas about what they want the theatre to be going forward.
With an initial fundraising goal of $515,000 needed to reopen the theater — one showing first-run, mainstream movies along with independent films, special features and community events — it was announced that $315,000 already had been
raised. This included just over $1,400 raised by a group of eight elementary-age boys calling themselves the Lemon Buddies, who held lemonade stands and presented a check to West at the March 10th event.
By the beginning of April, the total raised or pledged had grown to $436,000. While an encouraging increase, it unfortunately didn’t encompass a growing list of previously unanticipated costs.
Foremost among the surprises encountered was the condition in which the theater was left by its prior operator, and the need to replace equipment — including the famous popcorn machine — that had been stripped from the venue.
Adding an extra $130,000 to the already-tight budget, it brought the amount needed to reopen the theater to $645,000.
Ultimately, West said, Cindependent has set a longer-term goal of $1 million needed to provide sustainably for the theater’s ongoing nonprofit operation. She said some of that will come from future fundraising efforts, as well as revenue generated from ticket sales, concessions and event bookings.
The Lemon Buddies present a check for $1,404.00 to Cindependent’s Allyson West (R).
COMMUNITY
gathering on March 10.
“From the incredible response received to date, there is every reason to believe these goals will be met,” she said. “And Cindependent is committed to doing everything possible to ensure the Mariemont Theatre can continue as a beloved fixture of this community for generations to come.”
Mayor Brown asked all in the room to become a part of the next chapter. “Our Village has been blessed with this rich heritage. [Isn’t it our] obligation to preserve and protect this theatre – one of the centerpieces of our heritage?”
You can share your thoughts, ideas and questions at mariemonttheatre.org/ contact. Please visit mariemonttheatre.org for updates and to make a donation, become a “Friend of the Theatre,” or support in a larger way by naming one of the auditoriums.
The Lemon Buddies fundraise for the Mariemont Theatre with a lemonade stand outside of the Mariemont Inn.
Residents gather outside of the Mariemont Theatre for a tour after the
Mariemont Area Chamber:
May
& June Happenings
Below are the upcoming Chamber membership meetings and details for our public Spring Sip & Shop event. Come out and join us!
Wednesday, May 6: May Member Meeting, 12-1 p.m. at the National Exemplar Tudor Room.
Thursday, May 7: Spring Sip & Shop, 5-8 p.m. The Sip & Shop route starts at Boards & Beez, 6836 Wooster Pike in the back area of The Strand. This is a “passport” experience, with a prize at the end! Bring your own DORA cup, or one will be provided.
Wednesday, June 3: June Member Meeting, 12-1 p.m. at the National Exemplar Tudor Room.
Do you or does someone you know own a business in Mariemont or the nearby area? Visit mariemontareachamber.com to learn about all the membership perks, events and meetings, and follow us on Instagram for the most up-to-date happenings!
July 4th Children’s Mini-Parade
WHERE: At The Mariemont Concourse WHEN: July 4. Time TBA. Please visit mariemontppg.com closer to July.
NEW this year, Mariemont Preschool Parents Group will host a children’s parade at the Mariemont Concourse to celebrate the Fourth of July. The parade will circle around the concourse and children are encouraged to decorate their scooters and bikes for a festive morning. All in the community are welcome to join! Details will be announced on the Mariemont Preschool Parents Group website at mariemontppg.com as we get closer to the big day.
The March Sisters of Mariemont
BY QUINN HENRY, 5TH GRADE
An old story is taking the fifth graders at Mariemont Elementary School by storm! Every Thursday, an enthusiastic group of fifthgrade girls meet during lunch for a book club on Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. Inspired by the March sisters, the ten members have begun practicing traditional crafts at home like sewing and writing. Even the school librarian, Mrs. Hendricks, was so impressed by the group’s enthusiasm that she decided to join the Thursday meetings.
Most of the ten girls have not experienced a book club before. This is a new experience for them, and the host, Mrs. Stothert hopes that they are inspired to read more and do more book clubs to improve their reading skills. Having a book club means having a community to express what you think about the book, love about the book, and wish the book included.
By bringing the story of the March sisters to life, these girls are showing everyone that even a very old book can help you make new friends and find cool new hobbies.
The Next Generation of Mariemont
In our kids’ column, Next Gen News & Views, the youngest in our community are invited to share their opinions, musings, news, learnings, interviews, photos, artwork and more! If you have a kiddo in grades 1–8 interested in submitting a piece for consideration, please connect with Betsy Bybee at betsy.bybee@gmail.com or Margaret Jevic at margaret101@gmail.com.
Back Row, L-R: Sloan Meeks, Piper Brown, Olivia Faehnle, Aria Devoto, Kaya Maxson, Quinn Henry, Sawyer VonWahlde, Maggie Richter.
Front Row, L-R: Lily Johnson, Parker Smith, Grace Wellinghoff.
VILLAGE
Clean & Green Mariemont: 2026 Community Recycling Event and Plant Sale
BY ALICIA STOCK, SUSTAINABLE MARIEMONT PRESIDENT
Sustainable Mariemont, in partnership with the Village of Mariemont, is hosting the 2026 Mariemont Community Recycling Event on Saturday, May 9 from 9 a.m.–noon at the Mariemont Municipal Building parking lot and fire station. Parking and drive-through options will be available.
The event will be a great one-stop opportunity for responsible recycling. Accepted items include sensitive paper documents, scrap metal, strand lights, electronic waste, and select reusable items for donation
MariElders will be hosting a booth at the recycling event to collect item donations for their summer auction fundraiser, which supports the Center’s operations. Accepted items include artwork, jewelry, high-end or vintage kitchenware, holiday and home decor, working power tools, records, and sterling silver. MariElders will only be able to accept items that can be carried by one person and fit in an SUV (no overly heavy or bulky items).
For a complete clean and green experience, be sure to stop by the Mariemont Garden Club Plant Sale from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on the front lawn of the Municipal Building.
Things to Know Before You Go
Secure Document Collection and Shredding — A truck from Royal Document Destruction will be on site to securely collect sensitive paper documents for shredding at their certified facility. Royal Document Destruction is AAA-NAID Certified for both their collection trucks and facility shredding operations. NAID is an industry-leading certification that requires strict adherence to security protocols, employee background checks, and audited chain-of-custody procedures. This means that documents are protected from the moment they are dropped off through final destruction. Ma-
terials are handled by trained professionals, locked in boxes on the truck, and destroyed in a controlled environment, ensuring that personal information remains confidential and fully secure. Paper documents will be accepted until the truck fills, so this will be a first-come, first-served opportunity.
Metal/Electronics — Sustainable Mariemont is partnering with Cohen Recycling and their subsidiary Cobalt to responsibly recycle scrap metal, strand lights, and electronic waste. Accepted items:
• Countertop kitchen appliances that cannot be donated (coffee makers, blenders, mixers, etc.) (No ice makers/freon)
• Decorative light strands
• Small scrap metal: hardware, wardrobe
box bars, unusable pots/pans, etc.
• Small electronics: phones, iPads, iPods, smartwatches, AirPods/earbuds, digital cameras
• Phone/computer chargers, power cords/ strips (No coax cables)
The following items may be accepted for a fee (payable with cash or Venmo): TV monitors up to 49”, computer monitors.
Sustainable Mariemont is still accepting volunteers for this event. Please reach out to us at sustainablemariemont@gmail.com Follow Sustainable Mariemont on Facebook and Instagram or email us to be added to the ListMariemont listserv to receive all the latest updates on this event and more.
Dogwood Park Centennial Rededication
BY RANDY YORK
The Dogwood Park rededication will be a community celebration that includes a Carillon concert, a ribbon cutting with area dignitaries, and ceremonial first pitches followed by rec baseball games. Food trucks will line Pleasant Avenue between Fieldhouse Way and Denny Place, offering a “meal deal” at a reduced cost throughout the event. Enjoy La Rosa’s pizza, Fifty West hamburgers, Kona Ice, and others.
The Mariemont Preservation Foundation will sponsor free popcorn and cotton candy throughout the event. The Preschool Parents Group will host children’s activities including bubbles, chalk, and a balloon
sponsoring ice cream samples. The National Exemplar will provide a food table with drink options.
Thank you to Walsh Asset Management, the presenting sponsor of the event, along with Volvo Cincinnati, Reed and Roe, Coldwell Banker Realty, Baked by Brown Butter, The Mariemont Recreation Association, and the National Exemplar restaurant.
The event is to celebrate the completion of the initial phases of the Dogwood Park renovation. The Dogwood Park project is part of the overall Centennial Capital Campaign. The campaign also includes the rehabilitation of Dale Park, the preservation of the Family Statuary group, and the repurpose of Hopkins Park as a library park. To date, the
Renovations that have been completed at Dogwood Park include the new loop trial, a sidewalk along Pleasant Avenue from Wooster Pike to Mariemont Avenue, a new irrigation system, updated electric service, a new drinking fountain at the shelter, trimming and maintenance of the tree canopy, new baseball back stops, fencing and dugouts, reconditioning the baseball fields, turf improvements for all fields, and planting 30 dogwood trees.
Scheduled for completion this year are the entrance and signage, pads and benches along the loop trail, security cameras on the bell tower, additional drinking fountains, and the installation of the new parking lot. A major Tot Lot renovation is expected to be
VILLAGE
Village News
The Concourse pergola repairs have been completed. Mayor Bill Brown and the Mariemont Service Department did quite a bit of the work. All Decked Out helped to complete the project. Many thanks to everyone for a job well done!
Office Closure Dates: Village offices will be closed for holidays on May 25, June 19, July 3, and September 7.
The Village of Mariemont recently lost a beloved crossing guard, Doris Hallums She passed on March 2, 2026. Ms. Hallums joined the Village in September of 2019 and loved her job. She was a friend to many in our community and will be missed.
Summer Events
Carillon Summer Concert Series: The summer concert series will begin Memorial Day weekend. The website will be updated as we receive the concert programs for the 2026 season. Please visit mariemont. org/lifestyle/living-here/the-mary-memery-memorial-carillon
Memorial Day Festivities: The parade will be on Monday, May 25. The Outstanding Citizen award will be presented at the Memorial Day observance in front of the Municipal Building. Details will be sent out via email. Sign up to receive emails from the Village at mariemont.org/resident-signup
Independence Day Fireworks: Saturday, July 4 at Dogwood Park/Bell Tower, after dark. The annual fireworks celebration is made possible by donations. If you’d like to contribute, donations will be accepted in the mayor’s office. Thank you for the continued support!
NEW: Online Maintenance Request Feature
Have a maintenance concern to report? You can now submit an online request directly to the Village of Mariemont Service Department. You have the option to attach a photo with your request as well. Issues to submit include:
• Tree Trimming
• Collect Brush / Limbs
• Leaf Collection
• Park Cleanup
• Pothole Repairs
• Storm Sewer Cleanout
• Street Light Repairs
• Street Sign Repairs
• Village Sidewalk
Go to mariemont.org/departments/ service-department and click on the “submit a request” button to file a request.
This new feature will also allow you to search for and view previous and existing requests submitted to the Village of Mariemont as well as view the progress and the status of each request submitted. You will be notified via email when the work request is completed.
IMPORTANT: Village Codes You Need to Know
*** PLEASE READ ALL BELOW ***
Illegal Dumping: Brush, garden debris, and leaves should not be dumped on Village-owned property. This is becoming an increasing concern particularly along the south side of Miami Bluff, making it difficult to mow and accelerating the deterioration of the roadway.
From Section 93.040 of the Village’s Code of Ordinances: “It shall be unlawful for any person to dump, cause to be dumped or permit to be dumped on any publicly-
or privately-owned land or water in the municipality any paper, brush, rubbish, tin cans, vegetation, garbage, or refuse of any kind, without first having obtained a written license from the Mayor or other designated municipal officer to do so. The Mayor or other designated municipal officer shall issue a license permitting dumping of designated materials when it appears that filling of the land is necessary and that the material deposited will be immediately covered with earth or will not be objectionable to the citizens of the neighborhood, or injurious to health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens.”
Please keep your items for either Rumpke pickup or in the right of way abutting your property for regular brush cleanup. Limb collection dates are listed on the calendar on mariemont.org. If you are using a lawn service, please pass this message along to them as well.
Parking: If you have a vehicle that does not move daily, it should be parked in your driveway or garage. Cars parked in Village-owned lots or on the street in the same location for longer than 24 hours may be cited.
From Section 76.13 of the Village’s Code of Ordinances: “No owner, agent, operator, or other person in charge of any vehicle shall permit the vehicle to remain parked, standing, or abandoned on any street or municipally-owned property for a continuous period longer than 12 hours in any 24-hour period without authorization. This section shall not be construed as affecting any other parking regulation now in effect or that may hereafter become effective but shall be construed as an additional parking limitation. The purpose of this section is to prohibit continuous longtime parking and the storage of vehicles on the streets and property of the village.”
Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
May is Arthritis Awareness Month
Council Representatives
Mayor Bill Brown mayor@mariemont.org
Matthew Ayer mayer@mariemont.org
Susan Brownknight sbrownknight@mariemont.org
Marcy Lewis mlewis@mariemont.org
Alicia Stock astock@mariemont.org
Robert Van Stone rvanstone@mariemont.org
Lila Wells lwells@mariemont.org
WOMEN’S ART CLUB CULTURAL CENTER
Celebrate the Art & Life of Myrtle Blankenbuehler:
“The
Woman Who Saved The Barn”
BY CHRISTINE PARKER, DIRECTOR
Every once in a while, someone comes along who just won’t take no for an answer and ends up creating something pretty special. Such was the case with Myrtle Blankenbuehler, the woman who quite literally saved our 101-year-old Barn.
To hear her tell the story, a “nice young man” wanted to buy the property, tear it down and build three houses. She, along with the plucky women of the Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati, politely “interfered” with his plan, as she put it.
Polite but strong and determined, Myrtle “is absolutely the one who saved the Barn,” according to Jan Boone, member of the club who was closely involved in the process. “We all loved the idea, but as the realities of the work and costs added up, most of us felt it was just too much.”
But Myrtle just kept saying “no, we can do it.” Every concern had the same answer. “No, we can do it.” And so they did, outbidding the nice young man and getting to the hard work of saving a building that was ready to fall down.
Join us as we kick off the first of our Storied Women Series by honoring Myrtle and showcasing her many works of art. Her family is graciously donating all the proceeds to The Barn. Come enjoy a lovely
evening of art, food and wine on Friday, May 8 from 5–8:30 p.m. in the Gallery. It’s free to all, so bring a friend as we celebrate a wonderful, determined woman who has made a true difference in her lifetime. The exhibit will remain open Saturday, May 9 through Tuesday, May 12, Noon–3 p.m. daily, free to the public.
Summer at the Barn
We’re often surprised by the number of people who have no idea that The Barn exists, let alone all the things people can do here! So, this summer, come get to know us! Check us out at thebarninmariemont.org Free Exhibits and Evening Receptions — Our exhibits are always free and open to the public! We have some really beautiful works of art, changing every couple of
weeks. Hours are Noon–3 p.m. every day except Wednesdays. Nearly all the exhibits feature a lovely opening reception in the evening, with light bites and beverages, and a chance to meet the artist(s).
Summer Camps: Eight Weeks, Six Topics, More Ages — This summer, we’re running camps from June 1–August 7, with a two-week break around July 4. Our camps have grown and evolved to include topics for older kids/teens as well.
The DIY Studio camps as well as the Sewing & Fashion Design camps, which include a photo shoot and fashion show on the last day, are ideal for older students. Both camps are longer than our traditional 2-hour camps, giving plenty of time to learn and really get creative. Enroll on our website.
How About a “Ride In” Movie Night?
Well, we’re still dreaming it up, but it seems to us that Mariemont ought to have a version of the old drive-in movie theater for kids and families, so they can ride their bikes or push their strollers to The Barn for a fun family night.
So, we’ve been talking to the amazing folks at Cindependent, who recently acquired our beloved Mariemont Theatre, to see if we can pull this off at The Barn. It’s looking good, so stay tuned and check our website for updates.
Hold Your Event at the Barn
You may know we host beautiful weddings, but did you know we welcome all kinds of events? Family reunions, business meetings, showers, theatre productions — anything you can dream up, we can help you host. Give us a call at (513) 272-3700 or check out the website at thebarninmariemont. org. We’d love to help!
Mariemont Memorial Chapel Offices at 3920 Oak Street
Todd Keyes, Pastor
Jamie Keyes, Children’s Ministries
We invite you to worship with us on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the historic Mariemont Memorial Stone Chapel. Our children’s classes and office are located a block from the Old Village Square at 3920 Oak Street, on the corner of Oak and Maple Streets. You can listen to podcasts of our messages on the Media page of our website.
We are a small church with a big heart. We strive to be a Christ-centered caring community, providing relevant teaching from the Bible and authentic relationships In today’s fast-paced world, we offer a place to slow down, connect, and build lasting friendships.
Sunday Morning Worship: 9:30 a.m. in the Mariemont Memorial Chapel.
Serving Others: We are continuing to collect winter clothes/blankets/gear for the homeless through Community Matters. Collection containers are at the back of the sanctuary on Sunday mornings.
National Day of Prayer Community Breakfast: Thursday, May 7. Join us for a time of prayer for our community, city and country led by local leaders and pastors. Check our website for more information.
Mother’s Day Worship Service: Come join us for a special Sunday celebration at 9:30 a.m. in the historic Memorial Chapel sanctuary.
Women’s Bible Study meets the first and third Thursdays of the month from 7–8:30 p.m. Check our website for more information.
Men’s Lunch Discussion meets weekly on Fridays at 1 p.m. Contact Pastor Todd if you have interest in this study at toddkeyes@
villagechurchofmariemont.org
Mark your calendars! On Labor Day Sunday, September 6, 2026, we will have our Church in the Park event at the Mariemont Bell Tower Shelter to kick off the Fall. All are welcome. Join us for an outdoor worship celebration with lunch following the service!
For more information about these and other events or to learn more about our church, visit villagechurchofmariemont. org or contact Pastor Todd Keyes.
Mariemont Church
mariemontchurch.org facebook.com/MariemontChurch
YouTube: @MariemontChurch
The Clocktower Building at 3908 Plainville Rd.
Jamie Moore, Lead Pastor
Paul Rasmussen, Associate/Worship Pastor Katie Smith, Next Gen Director Renee Brownfield, Preschool Director Mike Brownfield, Director of Operations
Sunday Morning Services take place at 9 and 11 a.m. Livestream services on our website, www.mariemontchurch.org, or on YouTube, @MariemontChurch. Our current Sunday Series is “Your Story: Encountering God the Father from Genesis to Revelation.” Join us for a 15-month journey of reading chronologically through the Bible and experiencing God together!
Kingdom Kids Sunday School takes place for babies through grade 6 during both Sunday morning services. Contact katie@ mariemontchurch.org
Next Chapter Youth Group for Middle and High Schoolers (Grades 7–12) meets Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. Contact katie@ mariemontchurch.org
Weekday Prayer and Meditation: All are welcome to enter a quiet space for prayer and meditation — a time to connect with God, bring your praise, pain, prayers, and concerns, or simply rest in His presence.
Tuesday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come and go as you wish.
Women’s Ministry: Grow closer to God and in relationship with other women. All are welcome! Check the website for details. Joy in the Morning meets Tuesdays, 9:15–11:15 a.m. Evening Joy meets the first and third Mondays of the month, 7–8:30 p.m.
Men’s Friday Morning Bible Study: Starting at 6:30 a.m. every Friday. All are welcome! More men’s studies are available. Check out info on the website.
Small Groups are available for all stages of life. Contact paul@mariemontchurch.org
Mariemont Church Preschool: Contact our Preschool Director, Renee Brownfield, at preschool@mariemontchurch.org
All events are held at the Clocktower Building unless otherwise noted. To learn more, visit tact . We’d love to hear from you! Look for our booth at the Taste of Mariemont in August!
