Our Mariemont Recreation Center: Through The Years
By Matthew Ayer
In the previous issue, the Town Crier featured George de Gersdorff and his design of the Thomas J. Emery Memorial Recreation Building. Since its dedication on May 17, 1930, this building has been a hub of activities and an important resource for not only our Village, but also the surrounding community.
As constructed, its three front doors open into an atrium, two stories high, with a concrete-beamed ceiling. The auditorium, designed for live performances and films, included a large stage at one end and a projection room at the other. The space seated up to 500, plus balcony seats for 150 more.
The other rooms on the main floor and second floor were designated: the men assigned to the north and women to the south. “In this way the two sexes can be kept separate and adequately chaperoned at all times.”*
The main floor’s north end had a men’s lounge complete with oak tables, leather chairs, a fireplace, book shelves, and adjoining game (including billiards) room. The second floor had two large rooms for Boy Scouts.
On the south end of the main floor, Mariemont women enjoyed a parlor and a committee room adjoining the large, white-tiled kitchen. In the parlor, “delicate woodwork, dainty mural decoration, and attractive electrical fixtures together with a huge open fireplace will make this room particularly attractive to its future feminine occupants.”* The south end of the second
If one was on the second floor and wanted to get to the other end of that floor, one had to go down the stairway, then across the entire first floor to the other stairway to the second floor. Or one could go outside and re-enter from the building’s arcade to access the other stairwell door. The building’s first major remodeling project in the mid-1950s bridged the two ends of the second floor, eliminating the large balcony, and turning the atrium into a lobby with standard ceiling height.
The lower level of the Mariemont Recreation Building was built with two candlepin bowling lanes and room to add two more; dressing rooms for the stage; a wrestling
and boxing room; and a large playroom. The additional two bowling lanes were soon added and all four operated through the 1970s. They were removed in 1982 to repurpose the space for the Sunday School nursery.
Former Mariemont resident John Cowell recalls working for “bowler’s tips” as a 14-year-old pin boy in the late 1950s. The four lanes were in two sets. One boy set the pins for a pair of lanes. He would push a lever in the floor that raised the pin-catching bin, pick and place ten pins into the triangular rack, and release the lever. Caution and quick reflexes were important to avoid pins that sometimes flew by.
floor had two similarly sized rooms for girls’ activities.
Committee Room, 1930
Schools Mariemont High School Presents: Bye Bye Birdie
Step back into the rock ‘n’ roll era with Bye Bye Birdie, a heartwarming and hilarious musical comedy!
This classic tells the story of rock star Conrad Birdie, who is drafted into the army, and the frenzy that erupts when he plans one last publicity stunt: a goodbye kiss for a lucky fan.
Featuring iconic songs like “Put on a Happy Face” and “A Lot of Livin’ to Do,” this
show is packed with charm, high-energy dance numbers, and laughs for all ages.
Don’t miss Mariemont High School’s spectacular production on February 27th, 28th and March 1st!
Tickets go on sale to the public February 10. Purchase them at www. seatyourself.biz/mariemonths. See you at the show!
The
Club
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Recreation Center (from front page)
Beginning in 1930, the lower level was home for the Mariemont Branch Library at one end, with the American Legion at the other. The Library relocated to Plainville High School in 1942. Several community social groups met in the Rec Center, including the Merryweds, Mariemonters, and Double Twenties. The Mariemont Rifle Club (for 22-caliber target shooting) and the Mariemont Archery Club housed their activities in the building’s attic.
The Center was used for emergency services to the community several times over the years. The Great Flood of 1937 displaced over 100,000 Cincinnatians when the Ohio River crested at 80 feet. The American Red Cross took over the Recreation Building to house flood victims. This flood also doomed the Village’s short-lived 9-hole golf course (for more on that, see the article by Carol Sanger on pgs. 6-7 of the May 2024 Town Crier at https://issuu.com/mariemonttc/docs/town_ crier_may2024_color). During World War II, a District Civil Defense headquarters was set up, maintaining emergency supplies onsite until 1979. The Red Cross established a shelter again in 1948 when the Ohio River crested at 64.8 feet.
The Guild Players, predecessors of the Mariemont Players, presented a series of one-act plays on the main floor stage before moving to their current home in the old Walton Creek schoolhouse. In 1940, the Mariemont Garden Club was formed and has made its home in the building ever since. Today, church staff look forward to Garden Club meetings in the parlor (now the Emery Room) as the members often share their leftover sandwiches and other treats.
During the 50s, Teen Canteens were popular, and weekend sock hops livened things on the lower level. Suzi (McKee) Vianello recalls: “The Canteen was every Friday night after the games. It was the place to go! Music and dancing, great memories with friends.”
In 1966, high school language classes were held in the building. When fire damaged the adjacent high school in 1969, the Rec Center provided space for three classrooms. In 1968, a four-octave clavier (keyboard) was
Community
Committee Room beautifully preserved today with original wainscoting, moldings, floor, chandelier, sconces. Plus updated with HD-TV, fire doors, and emergency exit lighting and alarm. But where is that lovely wallpaper?
installed in the clock tower for Mariemont’s carillonneur to practice.
In the 1970s, MariElders occupied a room at the south end of the basement from 19771983. Alcoholics Anonymous continues to hold regular meetings dating back to at least the 1970s.
From the beginning, the Rec Building and Mariemont Community Church (MCC) histories have intertwined. The nondenominational church occupied rooms in the south wing for offices. In 1936, the church’s Sunday School classes moved from
Dale Park School to the building. In 1950, MCC took over the building on a 10-year lease from the Emery Memorial. Then the church purchased the building in 1954 and adopted a new name, the Parish Center.
The building also hosted the Village clerk’s office before the municipal building was constructed, as well as Village Assembly, League of Women Voters, Daughters of the American Revolution, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies, Demolay, Total Parent Education, Mariemont Rec Association, Men’s Volleyball League, Men’s Basketball League, and the Von Oetter School of Ballet.
This brief article is surely missing countless other activities housed in the Rec Center over the years. If you remember or know of any you’ve heard about through family stories, please let us know by emailing mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com!
Next month will feature the building’s most recent major renovation and describe globally impactful work that takes place on what was the “men’s side” of the second floor. Meanwhile, on these cold winter nights, wouldn’t it be fun to meet up with friends for candlepin bowling? However, it might be impossible to pry teenagers from their gaming systems to work for tips as pin setters. Not to mention those darned OSHA and child labor laws and overprotective parents… Oh well, those were the good ol’ days!
*This article relied heavily on a similar piece in the February 1984 Town Crier by Fred Rutherford, a dedicated public servant, historian and preservationist.
Community
American Red Cross workers serve breakfast to refugees of the 1948 flood.
A Boy Scout Troop 149 ceremony on the stage in the 1950s.
Candlepin lanes of the period. Pin Boys worked for tips. Watch out for flying pins!
Community Semper Fidelis, Colonel Vianello Colonel Gerald Anthony Vianello
Mariemont says Arrivederci to a pillar of our community. Gerald “Jerry” Anthony Vianello passed away on January 11 at the age of 79, surrounded by his entire family.
Jerry was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated from Purcell High School in 1964, going on to attend The University of Cincinnati on a swimming and diving scholarship. He and his team captured the Missouri Valley Conference Championship all four years. Jerry capped his diving career by finaling in both the 1- and 3-meter springboard NCAA Championships. Jerry graduated from The University of Cincinnati with a B.S. in Education in 1969. While at UC, Jerry was part of the ROTC program. He also met his future bride, Suzi McKee Vianello, and they were married in 1970.
After graduating, Jerry continued his career with the USMC by completing OCS in Quantico, Va. Jerry and Suzi were then stationed in Pensacola, Fla., for flight school and then returned to Quantico, Va., for infantry. They went on to Camp LeJeune, NC, and then Norfolk, Va., where Jerry served on the USS Columbus for one year.
(2/10/1946-1/11/2025)
Jerry and Suzi later settled down in Mariemont, Ohio, where he served as a senior officer of the USMC reserve center. Over the years, Jerry served in active-duty tours in Panama while guarding the canal, throughout the Caribbean Sea/islands, Italy and the Mediterranean Sea. Jerry was activated during the Desert Storm War to Quantico, Va. Overall, Jerry served a total of 33 years in the USMC and earned the rank of a full Colonel.
Jerry held a distinguished civilian career in Human Resources with Avon, Keebler, Intermec and Waddington North America.
As a selfless lifelong volunteer, Jerry served on numerous Village committees and planning commissions while living and raising his family in Mariemont. He even helped to build the tot lot. Jerry was also an EMT volunteer for Mariemont prior to the establishment of their fire department.
He might be most known for his volunteer work for over 40 years at Mariemont High School giving countless hours while coaching diving, tutoring students, and filming for the football program. For all of his volunteer work, Jerry was inducted into the MHS Hall of Fame in 2004. Jerry also coached numerous youth sports and was one of Mariemont’s greatest fans supporting athletes.
Jerry also loved to be a part of the Cincinnati community by staying connected to his roots at Purcell HS, being a member of University of Cincinnati’s “C” Club, being part of the 2/10 birthday club and a member of Cincinnati’s branch of the Sons of Italy.
After serving and residing in Mariemont for almost 50 years, Jerry was proudly awarded a key to the Village in 2019 and was proclaimed Mariemont’s “Citizen of the Year” this past May, 2024.
Jerry’s biggest pride and joy of his life, however, was his beloved family. Jerry is survived by his wife Suzi, with whom he shared almost 55 wonderful years of marriage. Loving father of Stephen (Sally) Vianello, Brian (Brandy) Vianello and Rebecca Vianello (Lorne) Hlad. He adored his grandchildren Bailey, Alec, Alyssa, Talon, Demaree, and Hudson Vianello, and Brianna, Noah, and Luke Hlad. Dear brother of Donna (Richard) Neal. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert John Vianello and Elizabeth Ann Guy.
A celebration of Jerry’s life was held on Saturday, January 25th at Horizon Church, followed by United States Marine Corps Military Honors and a reception.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials be made to The Jerry Vianello Memorial Scholarship Fund, to benefit Mariemont graduates entering the armed
forces, a service academy or ROTC program. Donations can be made at PNC Bank or online at https://tinyurl.com/VianelloDonate
Village photos credit: Steve Spooner me@mariemontstuff.com
Tree Board Works Through Dormant Season
By Margaret Jevic
All trees are in the ground for Planting District 3 - nearly 80 trees and on budget! We were also able to purchase extra deer guards that will prevent our new tree friends from succumbing to a young buck or an overzealous rabbit over the next few years.
All that remains for this dormant season is to complete our targeted street tree pruning, schedule crown cleaning and maintenance pruning for our mature trees and finalize our list of needed removals to make space for new, healthy trees in the future.
The hardest part of the job is saying “goodbye” to a once majestic shade tree, but seeing formerly barren streets now lined with new recruits makes the losses worth it. The
gaps are filling, our urban forest is growing, and the wonder of our town’s trees will remain one of our grandest treasures.
If you would like to volunteer with the tree board, please reach out to mariemonttreeboard@gmail.com. No prior experience or knowledge required - only a love of trees! Everything else is teachable.
If you would like to donate to the street tree fund through MPF, please visit https:// mariemontpreservation.org/make-adonation/
If you would like to request a street tree for when it’s time to plant your area, fill out our time-stamped form and get on the list! https://shorturl.at/qTtIV
Much Gratitude for Another Successful Luminaria
By Becca Vianello Hlad
Luminaria was a magical night! Thank you to all those who attended. Another big thank you to those who purchased luminaria kits and to our generous sponsors. Mariemont has never looked so beautiful!
The event could not have happened without the help from our maintenance team led by Ben James, the Mariemont police
department led by Chief Rick Hines, over 100 volunteers from the Mariemont Preschool Parents Group (MPPG), and an incredibly hard-working Luminaria leadership team. This year’s team included the following:
Carolyn Hohl, Kathleen Polivka, Carrie Starts, Jaclyn Poltorak, Gina Hemenway, Molly Tanner, Cassidy Beals, Meg Cooper, Emily Cochrane, Anna Strand, Michelle Hjelm, and Becca Vianello Hlad.
With proceeds from our luminaria kits sales and generous donations from our sponsors, we will be able to give over $18,000 to local charities and community projects this year. MPPG thanks all who participated and donated to this beloved event. May the tradition carry on!
Photo credit: Steve Spooner me@mariemontstuff.com
John and Grace Wenstrup make a jolly presence as Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Charlie, Mike, and Norah Kranick
Adults L-R: Amy, Abby, and Ed Mongenas with Abby’s two children
A horse-drawn carriage ride through Old Towne Mariemont is a favorite tradition.
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Erika and Jeff Hinebaugh with Chief Rick Hines
David Spooner holding son Colin. David and Colin are Town Crier photographer Steve Spooner’s son and grandson.
Mariemont Officers, L-R: Emily Howell, Steve Watt, and Rachel Hays
Lisa and Erik Vanags
Neighbors gather outside of the Mariemont Rec Building to enjoy Mariemont Church’s annual Christmas Party on the Porch.
Mariemont Town Crier Bob Keyes and wife Danielle
Village Emerging Plans for Completing Mariemont’s Shared Use Path
By Matthew Ayer
and Christopher Ertel, P.E.
As traffic and civil engineering consultants to the Village of Mariemont, Choice One Engineers conducted an Open House at Mariemont Elementary School on January 8, 2025. The purpose of the meeting was to solicit resident comments and suggestions concerning possible improvements to the peculiar set of intersections that occur in the area of Miami Road and Murray Avenue, sometimes referred to as the “seven-legged intersection.” Council’s Safety Committee and our Village Engineer are considering potential improvements to accompany the extension of the Mariemont shared use path. The primary objective is safety, not just for path users but for pedestrians and drivers in this part of our Village.
Background
Previous studies and public input guided Village Council to select the “utility corridor,” which was originally the path of a traction railway, as the preferred option for a shared use path east-west through the Village. This segment is a key connector in the Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network (CROWN),
a 34-mile regional loop and will connect Mariemont to the Little Miami Scenic Trail and points beyond.
At this point, the western and eastern segments in Mariemont have been constructed with 75% of funding by two Ohio Department of Natural Resources Clean Ohio Trails Fund grants, with the 25% local match provided by combinations of other gifts to our Village. First, on the western side, Murray Path was constructed from Settle Road to Plainville Road, connecting to the already popular Murray Trail through Fairfax. This past year, on the eastern side, the first phase of the Mariemont Connector was constructed, from Pocahontas Avenue to Miami Road. The eastern terminus of this new segment is the spot at which ODOT agreed to connect with Mariemont as it constructs the Columbia Connector, scheduled to begin construction in 2026. The Columbia Connector is a 14-footwide shared use, off-road dedicated pathway from Mariemont to the Little Miami Scenic Trail.
The segment remaining for Mariemont to design and construct will connect from Miami Road to the Murray Path. A design
requires consideration of two principal intersections – at Miami, and at the “sixway” intersection at Plainville. While not explicitly necessary to build the path, Village representatives consider it highly desirable to carefully consider possible intersection improvements as part of the overall project. Choice One conducted the Open House to solicit community suggestions for the study area of the Miami intersection.
Potential Improvements
Based on previous input from residents and engineers (namely our Village Engineer, Kleingers Group in their Feasibility Study, and Choice One), several possible improvements have been identified. These include:
• Simplifying the Miami intersection by eliminating one or more of its seven legs. This opportunity has a number of possibilities, involving Rembold Avenue, Murray Avenue’s two legs, and/or Lytle Woods Drive.
• Employing proven traffic calming measures on Miami Road.
• Normalizing (straightening) the turn from Indianview to Miami.
• Traffic calming in the local neighborhood. The Village and public have concerns about cut through traffic that utilizes Murray Avenue to bypass downtown Mariemont. Traffic counts indicate an average of 75 vehicles per hour on this roadway during the highest peak
The existing “seven-legged” intersection along Miami Road
One of the concepts presented by Choice One at the February Open House
hour. Village officials see these volumes, combined with the 90-degree curve at Rowan Hill, cars parked on the street, lack of sidewalks, and the narrow street width (20-feet), as a livability matter for the residents there and sense there is a need for change to reduce or eliminate cut through traffic.
• Any planned work on the western end of Rembold Avenue should be designed to correct a longstanding stormwater drainage issue.
Temporary signage will alert drivers in advance of a test period for eliminating the cut through.
NOTE: If pursued, the actual date of the experiment will be determined and announced.
Choice One presented two drawings that showed a variety of potential changes to address the above possible improvements. Neither was presented as a “preferred option,” or as a “final drawing.” Hybrids of either layout will be considered, as will a “no change” option, and any other residentsuggested layouts. Choice One encouraged ideas and suggestions. Comment cards sought input concerning the relative priorities of various possible improvements.
The Open House was well attended by over 40 Mariemont residents, primarily those near the current study area. Residents who live within the existing cut through area strongly favor a plan to eliminate cut through traffic. Residents outside this area were generally either not enthused by the prospect or felt that the decision should be deferred to those residents most affected.
The following is a sample of a few representative comments. The entire set of comments received (with resident names and addresses redacted) will be posted on the Village website. Choice One continues to receive and compile resident comments. Please see the concept layouts
Village
and the comment cards at www.mariemont. org. Comments can be directed to info@ mariemont.org
“As a key stakeholder, we would really like to see the Village prioritize eliminating cut-through traffic on Murray Ave. … The congestion on our section of Murray is already a large burden and a safety issue. The path will only make things worse. Secondarily, it would be very nice to have to enhance the park. The only way to do so would be to make it safer as well, make Murray a cul-de-sac, and keep the park safe from car traffic.”
“I think all 3 of these are great! Unfortunately, #3 probably needs to be decided by the residents of Rowan + Haines, who’ll be most impacted.”
“Very well thought out - People will adjust to new patterns in a very short time. Good for Mariemont. Thank you.”
“I’m not super sure [a curb bump-out on Miami] will help but would love a slow down on Miami. Not pleased with any of the options. Would be interested in seeing what happens when Rowan Hill is closed before deciding. Not convinced any of these ideas will actually improve traffic flows. Would love to keep it on Miami down to Wooster.”
“Bramble Hill + Grace also have excessive cut through traffic + cutting off Rowan Hill should not be an option without also cutting off Grace + Bramble Hill to through traffic. Otherwise traffic that can no longer get through Rowan Hill - Murray - Miami will move over to Grace + Bramble.”
“I was pleased to see Option 1A as it closely resembles my proposal from 2 years
ago. The most important feature is it is a simple 4-way intersection – the safest, cleanest method of dealing with all the streets converging on Miami.”
Before providing direction to design engineers, the Village Safety Committee, Engineer and MPD would first recommend an experimental evaluation period to temporarily eliminate the “Miami via Murray/ Rowan Hill” cut through. This trial would first include a minimum two-week period to alert drivers of the temporary closure with temporary signage. Prior to and then during the trial, traffic counts on the upper section of Rowan Hill Drive would be compiled. The Village wants to ensure that closing the cut through would not simply “move the problem” to another street. If the Safety Committee and then Village Council agree to conduct such an evaluation, the timing is not yet firm, but it would take a minimum of five weeks for planning, obtaining and erecting signs, and the two-week “alert” period.
Longer term, Mariemont is considering applying for an ODOT Pedestrian & Bicycle Special Solicitation grant. This program provides an opportunity to fund both design and construction costs for extending the shared use path through Mariemont.
Please watch for upcoming details at Safety Committee and Council meetings. If you have not already done so, please sign up for Village email alerts on these and other developments. https://mariemont.org/ resident-signup/.
Matthew Ayer chairs the Village Safety Committee with Members Rob Bartlett and Randy York. Chris Ertel is our Village Engineer.
Piper Evans, Miles Kenter, and Penny Evans enjoy the January 6, 2025 snow day.
Photo Credit: Steve Spooner
Longtime resident and photographer Paola Biro shot this beautiful photo of our snow-covered Square all aglow for the holidays.
Mariemont Legacy Foundation Supported Major Village Projects in 2024
By Randy York
The Mariemont Legacy Foundation presented a check representing the $179,631 in Village financial support from the Foundation in 2024. The check was presented before the December 16 Village Council meeting by Mariemont Legacy Foundation Vice President Liz Mathews.
The major projects funded in the Village in 2024 in cooperation with the Mariemont Legacy Foundation include the restoration of the “National Exemplar” Village Clock, made possible by a donation from Jennifer and Kenneth Pendery, Jr.; the electrification of the islands on Wooster Pike west of the Village square, made possible by a donation from Spinnenweber Builders; start-up funding for the Mariemont Pickleball Capital Campaign, made possible by a donation from the Hatton Foundation; and a major donation to the Mariemont Pool Capital Campaign, made possible by donations from Village residents.
In 2024 the Foundation also established a process for accepting donations of stocks and securities through the cooperative efforts of Jim Gore and THOR Wealth Management.
The Mariemont Legacy Foundation was established in 2022 on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the groundbreaking for the Village of Mariemont by Mary Emery on April 23, 1923. The official letter of determination establishing the Foundation was dated November 14, 2023.
The foundation was created to enhance the quality of life in the Village of Mariemont by engaging community resources of skill,
Mariemont Legacy Foundation Vice President Liz Mathews (right) presents a check for $179,631 to Mayor Bill Brown. Also pictured are Mariemont Pool Capital Campaign members Terry Donovan, Alicia Stock, and Mandy Rohal.
interest, and finances to accomplish projects that supplement and extend the assets and services of the Village of Mariemont. The Officers and Trustees of the Mariemont Legacy Foundation include Randy York, President, Elizabeth Mathews, Vice President, Brad Westfall, Secretary, Marie Huenefeld, Trustee, and Stephen Lewis, Trustee.
The “National Exemplar” clock being reinstalled on Wooster Pike after a complete restoration made possible by a donation from Jennifer and Kenneth Pendery, Jr.
The Mariemont Legacy Foundation is a 501(3)(c) not-for-profit organization. Gifts made to the Mariemont Legacy Foundation are fully deductible up to the limits of IRS regulations. If you would like to partner with the Mariemont Legacy Foundation to enhance the Village of Mariemont, the foundation can be reached at info@mariemontlegacy. com or visit their website at https:// mariemontlegacyfoundation.com
What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library
February 2025
Youth
Movers & 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 9:30 a.m.
Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories, and movement. Ages birth to 18 months.
Toddler Storytime — Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
Encourage emerging language skills with books, rhymes, music and fun. Ages 18–36 months.
KinderBridge Storytime — Thursdays from 2-3 p.m.
Get ready for kindergarten with stories, songs, and hands-on activities. Recommended for ages 4-6 years.
Crafternoons: Pet Frog Rock — Wednesday, Feb. 5 from 3:30-5 p.m.
Celebrate Frog February by painting your own pet frog rock. Pick from one of our rocks (or bring one from home) and turn it into a new friend!
Legos @ the Library — Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Show us what you can build and connect with other LEGO enthusiasts.
Stem Discovery Day — Wednesday, Feb. 12 and Feb. 26 from 4-5:30 p.m.
We offer a variety of hands-on STEM activities designed to inspire and educate. Drop in any time between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Recommended for grades K-8.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Club — Saturday, Feb. 15 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Learn to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game, challenge other trainers, trade cards, and make new friends. Bring your own cards or play with one of our decks. Ages 7-14.
Adults
Which Craft: Knitting and Crocheting Group — Saturday, Feb. 1 and Feb. 15 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Bring the knitting or crocheting project you're working on to the library and work with others.
NEW! Mariemont Non-fiction Book Club — Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us in discussing Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. Copies available at the branch.
Create a Terrarium — Saturday, Feb. 8 from 2-3 p.m.
Join us to learn about basic terrarium care and build your own small terrarium! All supplies needed to build the terrariums will be provided. Registration required.
Mystery Book Club — Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us to discuss Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell. Copies available at the branch.
Book Club — Monday, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us to discuss Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate. Copies available at the branch.
Identity Theft Workshop — Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 3 p.m.
Join us as we learn how to identify the types and signs of identity theft and fraud and build strategies to protect your personal data. Presented by Jeanette Trujillo from Fifth Third Bank. Please register to receive reminders.
Library hours are 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Mariemont Branch Library, 3810 Pocahontas Ave. 513-369-4467
Community
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati to Renovate Storied Emery Theater
Information provided by Krista Katona Pille
TCT Sales & Marketing Director
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is reimagining and renovating the storied Emery Theater in downtown Cincinnati.
Imagined by philanthropist and Mariemont namesake Mary Emery and designed by the famed architectural firm of Samuel Hannaford & Sons, the Emery Auditorium opened in January 1912 with an inaugural concert by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. The acoustically exceptional 2,200seat theater in Over-the-Rhine was once considered one of the top concert halls in the country. Sergei Rachmaninoff, John Philip Sousa, George Gershwin, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bette Davis, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. all stood on the Emery stage at various points in its history.
The Emery was also the performance home of TCT until 1969, when the University of Cincinnati took ownership of the property and ran it as the College of Applied Sciences until 1989. The theater was used for films, lectures, and meetings for the next decade. While the building’s upper floors were developed as apartments in 2001, the theater has fallen into disrepair since that time. TCT is the Emery Theater’s best hope to be restored to its former glory and to regain its place as a memorable and iconic arts venue.
As the oldest professional children’s theatre in the United States, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has inspired, entertained, and educated young audiences for 105 years this season. TCT brings art to life through three divisions: TCT MainStage productions, TCT on Tour/WorkShops, and TCT Academy.
With The Emery as its home, TCT will unlock its potential to inspire diverse audiences with original works and even
more innovative programming. TCT will also expand programming for younger children (theatre for the very young) and teenagers, with work considered a revenue risk in its current rented space.
What TCT imagines is not simply a restoration but a reinvention of the theater into a modern and memorable venue equipped with the latest technology that both inspires and teaches. TCT’s plans to
incorporate the most modern technology, a turntable stage lift, an automated fly system, a 40’x 60’ video wall, and projection mapping will provide an immersive audience experience and overcome backstage and wing space limitations.
Check out this link to a design video for the renovated Emery Theater: https:// shorturl.at/TMIew.
Design view of three-level seating in the future revitalized Emery Theater
In addition, TCT has made it a priority to ensure comfort in the new seats. Their creative partners at GBBN went above and beyond, crafting a full-scale plywood mockup to confirm seat comfort and spaciousness, and plenty of legroom in the new design.
To that end, TCT is offering a unique opportunity to be a part of history. For a $500 gift, you can dedicate a seat in the newly renovated Emery Theater, creating a lasting tribute for a loved one or marking a special milestone. A personalized signature of your choice, along with your family name, will be carefully placed on a seat at the Emery Theater. And your gift includes an invitation to a private Seat Dedication Day in Fall 2025, along with a permanent legacy for generations.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/Emery-Seats to purchase your seat now. For flexible payment plans, please contact Anne Venters at ann.venters@tctcincinnati.com
Community
After the completion of fundraising and construction, The Children’s Theatre will open the Emery in Fall 2025, as planned, with its 2025-2026 MainStage season. For more
information about The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and the Emery Theater, visit the TCT website at https://thechildrenstheatre. com/the-emery/
Audience view from the orchestra section. Plenty of legroom!
Village
Sustainable Mariemont Plans 2025 Earth Day Events
By Alicia Stock Sustainable Mariemont Volunteer
Sustainable Mariemont is seeking community input and involvement to plan some volunteer events in April 2025 in honor of Earth Day. Earth Day was nationally established in 1970 to raise awareness about environmental concerns. The movement led to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) later that year and influenced the passage of significant US environmental legislation, including the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts. Celebrating Earth Day annually gives us the opportunity to gather with our community to make a difference.
In April 2024, Sustainable Mariemont celebrated Earth Day by coordinating a volunteer effort that spanned four community projects over two days. More than 75 neighborhood volunteers came together to make a positive impact on our environment and beautify the Village.
25 volunteers from the Mariemont Cub Scouts and MariElders worked together to clean up resident landscapes and the MariElders Senior Center. They ended the day making a cute birdseed craft for the Cub Scout participants to take home.
25 volunteers restored 60 pool chaise lounges, keeping approximately 500 pounds of material out of the landfill for continued use at the Mariemont Pool. An additional 30 chaise lounges were restored by the Mariemont Pool Commission and pool staff to continue the efforts and were in sparkling condition for the summer swim season.
10 volunteers with the MHS Environmental Club worked along Miami Bluff to eradicate invasive vines growing on the trees. Invasive vine species can cause damage to native trees and plants if allowed to grow unchecked.
10 Cincinnati Waldorf School volunteers, including kids and adults, gathered to clean up Dale Park and Ann Buntin Becker Park, both frequently visited and utilized by the school.
For 2025, Sustainable Mariemont is seeking nominations for projects to clean up Village grounds, maintain natural habitats, and conserve local resources. If you have ideas for needed projects or are part of a group that may want to get involved, or if you would like to subscribe to our email newsletter to stay informed about volunteer opportunities
and local collections, please email us at sustainablemariemont@gmail.com.
Sustainable Mariemont is also planning a collection day on Saturday, April 5, 2025, where residents can bring hard-to-recycle items such as electronics, plastic clam shell containers, and more to a local spot for convenient recycling.
Be sure to follow us at Sustainable Mariemont on Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates.
Local residents restored 60 chaise lounges for continued use at the Mariemont Pool.
Mariemont Cub Scouts helped clean up the property around the MariElders Center.
Community New Village Valentines Event to Bring Communities Together
By Kim Beach MACC Marketing Chair
A dedicated group of local business leaders is spreading love across the area this Valentine season through a new, communitywide special event called Village Valentines.
On Saturday, February 8th, residents and visitors to Mariemont and nearby Columbia Township will have the opportunity to share in a heart-warming experience. Village Valentines is a scavenger hunt sponsored by the Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC), with support from Columbia Township, in which participants will search for over a hundred beautiful, unique, and colorful glass hearts created by Brazee Studios, specifically for this event.
This event mirrors similar efforts in other towns as a way to bring community and families together and champion the contributions of small businesses in Mariemont and neighboring Columbia Township.
Come explore the area’s fantastic dining and shopping scene while staying vigilant for sightings of glass hearts. They will be hidden at some of the most iconic and popular locations including MACC members in The Village of Mariemont and nearby Columbia Township. We want these hearts to be found and loved, so they are hidden in plain sight. There will also be special sales and treats available at area shops and restaurants.
If you find a heart, you are done with the hunt, and it is all yours to keep (one heart per person, please)! Be sure to register your heart, using the QR code and instructions on the heart’s label. Details will be posted on the Chamber website (www.mariemontchamber. com), MACC Instagram (@mariemont_area_ chamber), MACC Facebook page, and on the special insert in this month’s Town Crier!
The Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce strives to create events that increase the awareness of the Village of Mariemont and surrounding neighborhoods as user-friendly, walkable destinations. They also promote the unique character and historical significance of the Mariemont Area and help stimulate the local economy.
“Village Valentine” glass hearts, created by Brazee Studio.
Village Valentines will be an experience like no other, and we hope you will join us. We wish you good hunting!
Basic Rules of the Hunt
• The hunt starts at 10 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, February 8th. As hearts are found and registered, we will update the event page on our website accordingly.
• Hearts are hidden, outdoors, in plain sight in Mariemont and adjacent Columbia Township; there’s no need to look too hard.
• A map is not required, but we will have outlined general boundaries on our website.
• Iconic locations might include historic sites, a public park, outside a hotel, or common areas where you might sit for a while and relax, and especially where you might go to shop and dine.
• Hearts will not be hidden inside a business, church or school, although please do visit the small businesses, restaurants and retail stores in the area!
• The glass hearts are not for sale. One heart per person. We thank you for your cooperation on this.
About the Mariemont Area Chamber of Commerce
MACC supports businesses in Mariemont and neighboring Columbia Township. The group meets monthly for business growth education, networking and to create events for the local community. For information about membership, please visit www. mariemontchamber.com.
Community
MariElders in Full Swing
By Erin Rothfuss MariElders Executive Director
February, with its focus on health awareness through events like “Heart Month,” is a perfect time to highlight the importance of staying active at any age. Simple activities like walking, joining fitness classes, or participating in community events can significantly improve your health. Embracing active aging ensures you can enjoy your years to the fullest, leading to a more fulfilling, vibrant life.
If you’re over 55, come take care of your heart at MariElders. Whether you are interested in taking Balance and Strength class, or relaxing with yoga, or are interested in cards; connecting with MariElders is good for your heart. You can check us out at www. marielders.org, or come down to see us at 6923 Madisonville Road, Mariemont.
Members of MariElders pose in front of the Center after working with the Mariemont Cub Scouts and Sustainable Mariemont on Earth Day volunteer projects in the community in April 2024. L-R: Janet Kalas, Rita Zimmerman, Ann Marie Wendler
Mariemont Area Chamber President Jackie Barnes (left) and Vice President Delta Crabtree (right) work with glass at Brazee Studio.
Mariemont Preservation Foundation Celebrates its Members
The Mariemont Preservation Foundation celebrated its volunteers and members in December with a holiday gathering and awards presentation at the Mariemont Inn.
Photos
Top Left: MPF Trustee Mary Beth York
Top Right: MPF President Biff Black and MPF Trustee Aileen Beatty
Middle Left: Mariemont Councilman Rob Bartlett and MPF Archivist Linda Bartlett
Middle Right: Barb and Mike Whittaker, MPF members
Bottom: MPF Trustee Rex Bevis (in the background), and MPF President Biff Black (right), presented lifetime members Bill and Dan Spinnenweber with the prestigious Mary Emery Award. MPF shared:
“The Spinnenweber Family continues exemplary stewardship of the historic preservation and economic health of the Mariemont Inn and the Town Square Business District. Additionally, the Spinnenwebers are to be commended for the historically appropriate architectural design and high quality, detailed construction of The Mariemont Strand. The family has provided nostalgic holiday displays for the enjoyment of the community including: a ‘larger than life’ vintage Santa Claus that welcomes guests and passersby to the Mariemont Inn, the Shillito’s Department Store display of Santa’s mechanical workshop of busy elves, and the Charles Dickens Village (Department 56 porcelain buildings and figurines) beautifully encased and displayed inside the Mariemont Inn lobby.”
Photo credit: Steve Spooner me@mariemontstuff.com Spring Youth Baseball Signups!
Mariemont Rec Association Baseball signups are now live! Registration closes at the end of February. Please go to https://clubs. bluesombrero.com/mariemontlittleleague and click on “Register” in the upper right. Contact Matt at 312-505-9126 with any questions.
Photos (continued)
Right: MPF members Jack and Barb Smith and Terri Spooner
Bottom: MPF President Biff Black with Christine Hartlieb, executive director of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. Christine was recognized for providing invaluable advice to MPF to help its Foundation establish their new Director of Development position, for taking MPF members on personal tours of the Harriet Beecher Stowe House during its extensive remodeling phase and upon its completion, and for facilitating the design of the in-progress Ferris House Museum.
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
News from the Barn
Congrats 25!
The Woman’s Art Club is happy to recognize the following artists who have been members for 25 years:
Joan Abdon (1992)—Watercolor
Ann Kearney Arnold (1976)—Acrylics and Oil
Myrtle Coleman Blankenbuehler (1981)—Watercolor
Eileen Sichel Bloustein (1988)—Acrylics, Oli, Mixed
Janice R. Beaverman (1993)—Photography
Deirdre J. Dyson (1983)—Oil, Pen, Ink
Eugenia Lotz Goggin (1988)—Printmaking, Intaglio
Susan Grier (1992)—Oil, Digital Photography
Joanne Honschopp (1995)—Acrylics
Lucille Kerl (1966)—Pen & Ink, Acrylics, Knitting
Diana Kilfoil (1992)—Pastel, Oil
Barbara Guthridge Landen (1993)—Pastel, Watercolor
Nancy Norloh (1973)—Watercolor, Oil
Tricia Kramer Noe (1974)—Jewelry, Enameled
Jewel O’Neal (1990)—Acrylics
Bonnie Rettig (1980)—Acrylics, Mixed Media
Sandra Sperber (1997)—Acrylics, Pastel, Weaving
Margaret Wasielewski (1995)—Oil
Elaine Bill West (1979)—Watercolor
Barbara Zentgraf (1982)—Oil
Congratulations, ladies!
It’s Springtime Somewhere!
The Barn invites the community to join in a salute to the upcoming growing season with a series of educational opportunities regarding pollinators.
The Pollinator Project debuts in The Barn from Feb. 18-Mar. 2 (see next page).
Feb. 21 - Mar. 2: Bee Creative opens with a reception on Feb. 21 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Feb. 22: Puppet-making workshop for children at 10:30 a.m. and an adult discussion on pollinators.
Feb. 24-28: Morning and afternoon classes.
Feb. 27: Paint and Sip with Barn Executive Director Christine Parker.
Mar. 1: Garden Market from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Please check www.artatthebarn.org for information as it comes in.
The 2025 Signature Show
The Woman’s Art Club Signature Show runs through Feb. 16.
By Jan Boone
Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center
The Pollinators Project
Even in the dead of winter, gardeners are planning for spring. Whether contemplating a spectacle of color in the landscape that will run from early spring to late fall, or how to increase that tomato crop, the science of pollination is critical. More and more, gardeners and farmers are taking the plight of pollinators seriously and taking steps to bring the critters back.
That is the central theme of a new program at The Barn in Mariemont (also known as the Womans’ Art Club of Cincinnati Cultural Center, or WACC). The Pollinators Project is a week-long celebration of pollinator gardening presented by the Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati Foundation and sponsored by Wimberg Landscaping.
from 6-8:30 p.m. in the gallery. Cash awards totaling $2,550 will be given in the categories of photography, two-dimensional work, and three-dimensional work. Access to the entry process is on the website: www.artatthebarn.org Artists (ages 18+) can enter up to two pieces of art. The entry deadline is February 7. This is a themed exhibit, so all the art will feature pollinators, flowers or gardens.
Like a Bee” presentation; and the week rounds out with Scott Beuerlein from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden talking about “Pollinators Under Pressure.” Times and registration are available on the Barn website. Walk-ins are welcome, but advance registration is recommended as space is limited.
It begins with a juried exhibition that opens with a reception Friday, February 21,
The exhibit will include speakers and workshops. Speakers will share how any gardener can take simple steps, this year, to make their garden a haven for native pollinators. The speakers list includes Jennifer Smith, a garden designer with Wimberg Landscaping who will give valuable tips on garden design; Rita Heikenfeld, renown columnist for the Enquirer, radio personality, and garden expert who will present a program on suburban herb gardens; Sarah GeigerBehm who will talk bee basics in her “Think
Kids can enjoy a “make and take” activity Saturday, February 22 at 10:30 a.m., and build a bee motel with Maria Bailey at 1 p.m. Adults can make pressed flower art with Meerah Smallwood Monday, February 24 at 2 p.m. More workshops are being planned. All registrations are on The Barn website.
The public is welcome to attend a free Garden Market Day in the Loft Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. The Market is a mix of vendors selling items to adorn your garden, like mosaic flowerpots and lawn ornaments, and items that bring the beauty of the garden indoors like miniature Gnome gardens, pottery, pressed flower art, soap made with natural ingredients, and local honey. Have fun making paper with natural materials from Peg Rhein’s garden, or learn about herbs from the Herb Society of Greater Cincinnati. The Weavers Guild will share a look at their dye garden where they grow plants that make dyes for natural fibers.
For more information, including the process for entry into the juried exhibition and registration for workshops, visit The Barn website, www.artatthebarn.org, or call 513272-3700.
Community Village Worship Services
Mariemont Church mariemontchurch.org facebook.com/MariemontChurch
The Clocktower Building at 3908 Plainville Rd. 513-271-4376
Jamie Moore, Lead Pastor Paul Rasmussen, Worship Pastor Katie Smith, Kingdom Kids Director Renee Brownfield, Preschool Director Mike Brownfield, Director of Operations Nancy Clausen, Office Manager/Communications
Sunday Morning Services take place at 9 and 11 a.m. Livestream services at our website, www.mariemontchurch.org.
Current Sunday Series: “… First: Seeking the Kingdom”: Monday through Saturday.
Kingdom Kids Sunday School takes place for infants (nursery) through grade 5 during both Sunday morning services at 9 and 11 a.m. Contact Katie at katie@ mariemontchurch.org for more information.
Next Chapter Youth Group for Junior High and High School (Grades 6-12) meets Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m. Contact Katie at katie@mariemontchurch.org for more information.
Women’s Ministry: Worship, prayer, connection and community. Grow closer to God and in relationship with other women at Mariemont Church. JOY in the Morning Bible Study starts September 17 and meets Tuesdays from 9:15-11:30 a.m. Evening JOY Bible Study starts September 16 and meets 1st/3rd Mondays of the month from 7-8:30 p.m.
Weekly Worship, Prayer, and Meditation Opportunities: Every Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursday from 10-11 a.m. in the Clocktower Building Auditorium. Join us for worship, prayer, and ministry time. All are welcome! Come for a few minutes or stay the whole time.
Men’s Friday Morning Bible Study: Starting at 6:30 a.m. every Friday.
Small Groups are available for adults including 20s-30s and seniors.
Mariemont Church Pre-School is in Session! To learn more, contact Renee Brownfield at preschool@mariemontchurch. org.
For more information about events at Mariemont Church or to learn more, visit www.mariemontchurch.org or contact Nancy Clausen at nancy@mariemontchurch. org
Village Church of Mariemont villagechurchofmariemont.org facebook.com/VCMChurch Mariemont Memorial Chapel Offices at 3920 Oak Street
Todd Keyes, Pastor Jamie Keyes, Children’s Ministries
Hope 2025 is starting out well for you! If one of your resolutions for the new year is to find a church home, we invite you to worship with us on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the historic Mariemont Memorial Stone Chapel. We also livestream all our services at facebook.com/VCMChurch.
We are a small church with a big heart. We strive to be a Christ-centered caring community, providing Christ-centered teaching and authentic relationships. In today’s fast-paced world, we offer a place
to slow down, connect, and build lasting friendships.
Sunday Series During Lent: “Rebuilding the Foundations”: Starting March 5. If you sense a need to rebuild the foundations of your faith and help to restore the principles of God’s kingdom on earth, then come join us at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday in the Chapel.
Our Kidz Connection program is a fun way for children (Nursery to 5th Grade) to learn about God and the Bible during our Sunday morning worship services.
Serving Others: We are continuing to collect winter clothes/gear for the homeless through Community Matters and prescription bottles for Matthew 25 (please thoroughly clean bottles). Collection containers are at the back of the sanctuary on Sunday mornings.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. We will prepare our hearts for this sacrificial season at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5th in our 3920 Oak St. Building with a brief service along with ceremonial ashes.
Women’s Bible Study meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 4–5:30 p.m. at our Oak Street Building. Check the website for more information.
Men’s Lunch Discussion meets weekly. Contact Pastor Todd if you have interest in this study at toddkeyes@ villagechurchofmariemont.org
For more information about these and other events or to learn more about our church, visit our website at www. villagechurchofmariemont.org or contact Pastor Todd Keyes.
