MariElders: Fulfilling the Dream

By Kimberly Flick, MariElders Transportation Coordinator

Imagine if Mary Emery could see us now, 100 years after turning the first spade of soil to commence construction in her Garden Community. She would surely be pleased to see that her beloved Mariemont is a thriving village for the “enjoyment of both young and old.”

In the initial concept of Mrs. Emery’s National Exemplar, there was to be Resthaven Gardens. A part of the Farm Group on the north side of Cambridge Avenue, the Resthaven Project was a 30-acre parcel for the “pensioners of the Emery interests.” The plan included cottages for retirees but was not carried out. Land for the proposed Hospital was set aside and the remainder, divided into small lots for single family dwellings.

On February 22, 1977, the Village established The Mariemont Assembly Program for Older Adults. Initially housed at the Community Church Parish Center, the service area included Mariemont, Fairfax, Madison Place, and Terrace Park. The first tax levy to help support the Mariemont Assembly Program for Older Adults was passed on November 7, 1978. This was the first levy in the state of Ohio to be passed to support a senior center. Over the last 45 years, the residents of Mariemont have never failed to renew the one-mil tax levy to help the Center serve our older adults.

The name officially became The MariElders in 1979 and in 1995 the Center moved into the present location on Madisonville Road near the Mariemont Square. Today, a team of three full- time and one part-time employees plan activities, outings, classes and events, connects members to needed resources, as well as provide

Transportation Assistance Needed

The MariElders provides lots of services. One very special benefit is transportation to a medical appointment for those who no longer drive. We could use a few volunteer drivers. If you are a good driver and have a couple free hours per month to take a MariElder to their healthcare provider, call 513-271-5588.

improves emotional, intellectual, and physical wellness and is key to getting and staying healthy as a person grows older. Engaging in activities can help stave off isolation and loneliness – two issues that contribute to depression and dementia. When various groups of folks get together at the MariElders, the more opportunities there are to forge friendships at a time in life when loss becomes more prevalent. Sharing new ways of seeing things, letting go of stress and finding comfort in companionship is what it’s all about.

transportation to area businesses and medical offices.

Research shows that social interaction

Mrs. Emery would heartily agree with the mission of the MariElders: “a non-profit senior center dedicated to adults 55 years and older by providing activities and services.” Therefore, it is fitting, that we posthumously induct Mary Muhlenberg Hopkins Emery as an honorary member. Because in a very visionary way, Mary Emery was our first MariElder.