Mariemont Town Crier, February 2023, Volume 47, Issue5

Rejuvenating Mariemont’s Dale Park and Family Statuary

By Pete McBride

(with information gratefully received from several sources)

One of the many exciting initiatives being undertaken by The Mariemont Centennial Committee and The Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) working together to celebrate the Village’s 100th anniversary involves the rescue, restoration, and renewal of the historic “Family Statuary” in Dale Park as well as the enhancement of Dale Park itself.

Take a stroll through a bit of Mariemont history, and discover some elements of the hundredth-year birthday present for our historic Village that have been taking shape over the past many months.

Where exactly is Dale Park and what is the “Family Statuary”?

As described in the Village of Mariemont Centennial Edition 2022-2023 Residential and Business Directory (Guide to Mariemont Parks, page 12):

“This park is bordered by the corner of Wooster Pike and Plainville Road. Most recognizable is the Family Statuary Group depicting three Generations of French peasants: the father, mother and child in the center, and the grandparents and grandchildren on either side. Charles Livingood, Mary Emery’s personal representative, saw a model for the group design in Paris, where it won a gold medal in the “Paris Salon” [exhibition]. He thought it captured Mrs. Emery’s vision for Mariemont, the perfect place for families. He had it sculpted and shipped to the Village. The

unveiling and dedication took place the same day as the Carillon Tower dedicationNovember 16, 1929.”

Why does the Family Statuary need “rescue” and restoration?

Anything (or anyone, for that matter) that has lasted as many decades as the Family Statuary will have suffered the ravages of aging, time, and exposure to climate change. Admirers of the artistic carvings and those with an interest in preserving Mariemont’s key attributesespecially MPF - have worried about the weathering and resulting deterioration of this historic local landmark. That very legitimate concern rings especially true because the statues have served as concrete metaphors for our Village itself. (Well, OK… actually “limestone,” not “concrete,” but you get the idea.)

Significant facial details have been lost over time, and for the second time since the 1990s, part of the grandfather statue’s head broke off a few months ago. Extensive research indicated that the statues might need to be replaced in order to be preserved. MPF consulted with multiple expert conservation and restoration companies, studios, institutes as well as with professional sculptors - including acclaimed local artist Tom Tsuchiya (who, among other wellknown works, crafted the bronze statues at Great American Ballpark). An informal Village survey and Mr. Tsuchiya both advised against moving or relocating the statues or recreating them in bronze.

The experts additionally suggested cleaning the Statuary but warned against applying any sort of sealant. They further

cont'd on page 5

Support Mariemont Students at FAB Affair ’23

By Danielle Haugh, 2023 FAB Communications Chair

Tickets are now on sale for the 2023 FAB Affair! On Saturday, March 11th, we will celebrate our 13th annual FAB Affair at the Hard Rock Casino in downtown Cincinnati.

The evening will feature both a live and silent

auction, raffle basket, dinner, drinks and more! Doors open at 6 p.m. and proceeds will benefit our three district-wide support organizations -

Mariemont School  Foundation

Mariemont  Arts Association

Mariemont Athletic  Boosters

Go to fabtix.org to purchase tickets today!

A sincere THANK YOU from our 2023 FAB Affair Team!

Boosters - Ry Naticchioni (Chair), Erin Goellner, Danielle Haugh, Tom Gilmore, Mary Riportella and Carrie Carothers

Arts - Anne Mosemiller, Erin Weaver and Jodie Zaveri

Foundation - Tricia Brichler, Jennifer Dronsfield and Jeremy Martin

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advised that the statues should be kept away from trees to avoid attracting tree sap and lichens. They added that, although acid rain has become less of a weather issue over the past few decades, the Cincinnati area’s rapid-freeze/rapid-thaw winter climate has been - and remains - the biggest threat to the statues.

So, what are the next steps for preserving the Family Statuary?

MPF has determined that the only way to truly protect and preserve – and also showcase - the Family Statuary for the long term would be to safeguard it under a “traditionally classic” shelter. The proposed design would be compatible with the architecturally eclectic Dale Park setting, which includes both Colonial Revival-style townhomes and schools and the Italian Renaissance-style Parish Center. And, most

importantly, the design would still provide an unobstructed view of the statues. Visit MPF’s website Centennial page link below.

Mariemont’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) approved the design in January. The plan will be presented to the Village Health and Recreation Committee for their recommendation and potential council approval in late January.

What enhancements are envisioned for Dale Park itself?

To complement and enhance the “re-born” look-and-feel of the Family Statuary, several plans are being considered for the rehabilitation of the approximately five-acre “parkette” known as Dale Park, which encompasses the Mariemont Chapel and the former Dale Park (now Waldorf) School. It has been suggested that the

park was perhaps named for its location overlooking the natural landscape “bowl” (i.e., “dale”), through which runs part of Whiskey Creek.

Plans for the park include creating a more resident-friendly and usable lawn space in front of the Statuary as well as a beautiful new park entrance at the highly visible corner of Wooster Pike and Plainville Road. The entrance will be built and landscaped. Under consideration is the park’s rededication as “The Mary Emery Centennial Gardens,” and will be a fittingly appropriate location in Mariemont to honor her.

A park-perimeter walking path will incorporate the natural elements of Dale Park and Whiskey Creek and a highly defined crosswalk will safely connect the Dale Park walking path with the nearby Dogwood Park walking path and trails. An existing and unique feature of Dale Park is the “little stone bridge” crossing the creek before it tunnels under Wooster Pike to the boathouse and the former lagoon. Enhancing the creek and its natural features would be yet another resident-friendly Dale Park improvement.

A proposed site plan for the Dale Park landscape design has already been prepared by Kleingers Group in conjunction with Architecture A359.

Visit the Village of Mariemont Centennial Commemoration website at https:// mariemontpreservation.org/centennial/ to learn more about the proposed Family Statuary/Dale Park restorations and renewals as well as all Mariemont Centennial Commemoration Projects, view artist renderings, follow the calendar of engaging Centennial activities taking place throughout this coming year, and to donate to and get involved in “An Extraordinary Vision Renewed.”

Albert Place Housing Group –Exemplifying the Garden City Suburb

By Matt Ayer

An English urban planner, Sir Ebenezer Howard founded the garden city movement, with dreams of a utopian city in which people enjoyed the benefits of both modern urban life and country living. His only book, originally published in 1898, To-Morrow: A Peaceful Plan for Real Reform, summarized the garden city objectives in a clever graphic. His premise proves true to this day, that a carefully planned community with the benefits of both town and country will draw homeowners like a magnet. His vision sparked the founding of the Garden Cities Association, a co-partnership housing movement, and funding for Letchworth Garden City, a suburb 37 miles north of London.

As noted by Millard Rogers in the application prepared for the National Park Service for Mariemont to be designated its National Historic Landmark status, “The Village is a premier example of a planned residential suburb associated with the American garden-city movement of the early twentieth century.” Nationally recognized urban planner and landscape architect John Nolen embraced the garden city movement and Howard’s “magnetic” forces in his plan for Mariemont: beauty of nature, social opportunity, parks of easy access, field for enterprise, plenty to do, pure air and water, good drainage, no smoke, no slums.

Charles Livingood, our town’s project manager extraordinaire and Mary Emery’s right hand, carefully selected the finest available architects to deliver the attributes of a built environment to complete Howard’s towncountry “magnet” model: bright homes and gardens, low rents and low rates. Livingood hired a well-known architect from Philadelphia ready to apply his remarkable talents to a housing group for the Mariemont project –Robert R. McGoodwin.

McGoodwin, born in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1886, graduated from Philadelphia’s Central School in 1902. He

earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, then furthered his studies at the Atelier Duquesne in Paris as the recipient of the Cresson Traveling Scholarship in 1908. From 1910 to 1924 he served as an instructor, then assistant professor in design at Penn’s School of Fine Arts. Best known for the many houses he designed in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia, many in the English Garden City model, he also designed dormitories, hotels and other commercial buildings. Livingood selected McGoodwin to design a group of homes on a cul-de-sac in Nolen’s plan, named after Mary Emery’s late son, Albert.

Concerning the Mariemont project, McGoodwin wrote: “It was Mr. Livingood’s intention to build a village which would solve the housing problem for people of very moderate means. Therefore, I felt it was my problem to design buildings which would be constructed as simply as possible, and which would derive their charm from the study of

composition and fenestration, and relied on the proper use of blinds, plants, trees, etc. to form the proper background for this simplicity. All refinement of detail in the use of woodwork was eliminated. The walls were constructed of common hard brick and whitewashed. Contrasting notes of color were obtained by the use of mitis-green on the doors in the building and the courtyard walls. Of course, it is needless to say that the architect’s vision

McGoodwin's concept sketch for Albert Place

Albert Place (from previous page)

of this group will not be realized until the planting has been entirely completed and has developed sufficiently with age to produce the background and the softening effect that was visualized.”

In September 1923, McGoodwin provided a sketch showing his concept plan, noting that the effect of the group would be enhanced by building 12, not the originally planned 10, homes to achieve the semblance of a group. He

strongly recommended a service drive to the rear of the homes, to keep the front entrances free from driveways. He also bumped the expected cost upwards, to $9,450 per house (including garage). His figure (see previous page) shows the “wing” houses added on Miami. Immediately apparent are balance and symmetry. The 12 homes, moving clockwise, are comprised of five designs (four of which are two-family homes), following a pattern of A-B-(C-C)-D-(E-E)-D-(C-C)-B-A. This cleverly

designed sketch shows the first floors’ plans on the right-hand side of the figure, the second floors’ plans on the left-hand side.

The two-story homes are characterized by their white-washed brick, steeply pitched gable roofs, and narrow casement windows. A single course of red brick accents windowsills and drip moldings. The sidewalks echo the red

Dear Santa Claus

By Matt Ayer

The following story provides compelling evidence of an enhanced “social community” as envisioned by Ebenezer Howard, the founder of the Garden City Movement, referred to in the previous story.

Back in the 1950s, Albert Place residents would chip in and purchase, erect and decorate a Christmas tree for placement in the median of their u-shaped street. Their tradition also included gathering around the tree to sing Christmas carols. In 1952, residents were setting up a locally purchased, 18-foot fir tree when Mr. Bill Huls of 5 Albert Place spotted a piece of oil cloth tucked in the branches near the trunk. Inside was the pencil-scrawled note (pictured at right):

Well, of course Santa answered that beautiful note as the Albert Place community sent young Gordon the money for skates, a cap, mittens, muffler, and a pen and pencil set. Soon after, Gordon replied with a package containing 10 corsages of fir sprigs and cones – a bit dried out but well appreciated.

Long overdue on an update to this heartwarming story, the Town Crier checked in on Mr. Troop to learn that he is in good health, and that he just recently shared the story of the Albert Place generosity with his grandchildren. We are happy to report that from his childhood on that woodland property where his father harvested fir trees, Gordon found work with the local Post Office, then served three years in the Army, next a government job at the docks in Halifax, and finally a career as an electronics technician at Dalhousie University. At age 79, Gordon joins a group of “old cronies” to skate three times per week!

By all accounts, while the days of an 18-foot cut Christmas tree wholesaled for 20 cents are long past, a sense of community remains alive and well with the residents of the 12 beautiful homes of Albert Place.

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Gordon enjoys a muffin made by his granddaughter

Gordon's letter to Santa

Albert Place (from previous page)

brick theme. Some units are joined by garden walls with arched entries.

Looking at Albert Place today, the overall integrity of McGoodwin’s design has been maintained, including restoring original open front porches, where some owners had enclosed their front porches decades ago. Some owners have converted their one-car attached garage to a “bonus” room, but the appearance from the front remains unchanged. McGoodwin clearly emulated Letchworth’s Garden City in his design for Albert Place.

As one example, Cindy Chalfonte exquisitely maintains her 1,678 square foot garden cottage-style home at 3 Albert Place. Original interior features include distinctive red pine flooring, brick fireplace and simple moldings and millwork. Updates include a renovation to open up the kitchen/dining space, custom built-in cabinetry, and all new mechanicals. An owner since 1993, she cites the “best neighbors in the world” in her Albert Place circle and enjoys their diversity of ages and backgrounds. Mariemont provided an

ideal place for raising her two daughters, as she notes the schools, parks, pool, walkability, and sense of community. She embraces the “garden” aspect of McGoodwin’s vision with beautiful plantings that accent her front porch and her patio garden. The talent and

vision of Charles Livingood to John Nolen to Robert McGoodwin to Cindy Chalfonte clearly have resulted in meeting those ideals of the garden city movement developed by Ebenezer Howard. Who wouldn’t be drawn as though by a magnet to Mariemont?

A Row of Letchworth Homes and 3 Albert Place

Girl Scouts Have Busy Holiday Season

By Ellie Haynes, Girl Scout Tropp 40829

The Mariemont Girl Scout Troops have been very busy this past holiday season. The 5th grade troop 41238 learned to be at one with nature in November as they hiked and talked about the animals and their habitats.

Aiello at hertenja@gmail.com so that she can pick them up from you.

Look in next month’s issue for their

annual Egg Your House fundraiser sign up link! Thank you and Happy New Year from the Girl Scouts!

The troop also discussed the importance of taking care of your mental health in the winter months, and they completed their “Social Butterfly” badge by giving someone a thank you note. They attempted to create a homopolar motor in the shape of a Christmas tree for a fun winter STEM activity, and they got ready for the bustling cookie season by hosting a mini cookie rally boot camp; they can’t wait to sell over the next few months!

The 11th grade troop 40829 enjoyed singing carols with the elders at St. Theresa’s and painting faces at MCCP’s Noon Year’s Eve celebration where they chatted with little ones while welcoming the new year. They want to thank the community for their support at the annual wreath sale this year and the Boy Scouts for hosting our sales. If anyone has left over bows or picks, please take them off the wreath and email Julie

Girl Scout Troop 41238 enjoyed a very busy holiday season of learning and sharing.

The Girl Scout "Social Butterfly" badge

Mariemont’s Tree Advisory Board Completes a Tree-mendous Year!

By Kristin Van Scoy

When I joined the newly established Tree Advisory Board (TAB) in January of 2021, I thought the job was mainly going to be getting a lot of street trees planted as quickly as possible. I soon learned this was the opposite of good practice and how many hours of education, investigation, strategic thinking, and hands-on hard work go into to creating and maintaining a street tree program worthy of a place like Mariemont and its beautiful urban forest.

Over the past two years, maybe you’ve read our monthly Town Crier articles, attended one of our Arbor Day activities, or talked with us while we evaluated soil samples from the Village’s rightof-way. Maybe we haven’t connected yet. Perhaps your family is hoping (and waiting) for a tree to be planted in the right-of-way area in front of your house. Maybe you’ve seen people pruning trees on your street and asked yourself, “what are those Tree People doing anyway?”

This month, we thought it would be helpful to share everything we’ve been up to in 2022 and where we’re headed in 2023. Since many of you may not realize that there is an active TAB, let’s start with our objectives, since all our work supports them:

• Preserve and enhance Mariemont’s robust tree canopy for future generations.

• Create and implement a comprehensive Master Tree Plan that employs science-based decision making to foster street tree health and limit disease spread.

• Act as good stewards of Village resources by:

• not planting more than we can take care of (trees only pay off after they reach maturity).

• not creating financial liabilities for future Mariemont residents (when a community plants too many trees at one time they also get old and need to be removed at the same time).

Now that you know why we exist (or, for some of you, that we exist), let’s take a look at what we’ve done in 2022 (it’s a LOT). TAB members completed over 800 volunteer hours, which translates to almost $22,000 in services donated to the Village. We used our time to secure a $12,000 grant from the ODNR Division of Forestry, complete a new, Village-wide master planting plan, institute a young tree training program and raise $5,153 in 2022 for the Street Tree Planting Fund (through MPF), just to name a few accomplishments.

In October, the TAB secured the Village’s

first-ever grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry to plant and establish around 50 new trees in the northeastern part of the Village. The $12,000 grant aims to supplement Mariemont’s tree canopy and reduce the negative impact of storm water runoff that enters our Village from the steep Miami Road hillside. All work will be completed in 2023, and we will be sharing more specifics about this exciting project soon.

While the ODNR grant is the biggest feather in our cap to date, our master planning work is the foundation of our grant proposal success, and it will serve as a blueprint for Mariemont’s street tree program into the next century.

Brushing Up for Success: Sherwin Williams Opens on Wooster

By Kim Beach

Founded in 1866, Sherwin Williams has over 155 years of experience and knowledge in the painting business. You can only buy their paint through a chain of more than 4,438 companyoperated stores in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America. Because of the ideal location between Indian Hill, Mariemont and Terrace Park, the Cleveland-based company decided to put one of their company stores in the Wooster at Walton Creek retail site and opened on November 28 of last year.

I had the pleasure of meeting Luke Deininger, the new Market Manager for the store, to learn a little bit more! Luke is a 2020 graduate of Xavier University in Marketing and Business Analytics and was placed in the Mariemont location as part of Sherwin Williams Management Training Program. Luke began his career with the company as an intern at the Southgate, Ky., store and then worked part-time at the Oakley store while he was attending Xavier.

After graduation in 2020, he attended Sherwin Williams’ 6-week training program and was subsequently placed in the Fairfield store as an assistant manager. He was most recently the manager of the Springdale store before being asked to open the Columbia Township (Wooster Pike) store. He speaks highly of Sherwin Williams’ commitment to their employees and the hands-on experience he has received in his different roles.

Luke is excited to “build a business from the ground up” at his new store and wants to become part of the fabric of the local business community. He oversees of all aspects of running the store, including leading a team, managing store operations, and providing excellent customer service. The store services both contractors and homeowners selecting paint for projects. Luke likens it to “getting a master’s degree in business” because of the extensive training and real-world experience he is receiving.

As a child growing up in Cleveland, Luke watched his dad build a successful career in the rubbish business and always knew he wanted

the opportunity to “run his own show.” The career path of Sherwin Williams has allowed him to do that, and he is eager to learn and grow in his new role. Luke is an avid sports fan and has season basketball tickets to his alma mater. He can also be found at multiple Reds games during the season and has traveled to multiple Browns games at away stadiums, including the Houston and Atlanta games in the 2022 season.

Luke is proud of the quality products made by Sherwin Williams and looks forward to building a relationship with area homeowners and contractors. He is currently looking for some part-time help for the new store and offers an exceptional work environment as well as future potential management opportunities. Stop into the new location at 7445 Wooster Pike, and say “Hi” to Luke and Assistant Manager Seth Stafford.

Sherwin Williams Wooster Pike Manager Luke Deininger (L) and Assistant Manager Seth Stafford (R)

Gateway signage updated for the Centennial

You may have noticed that in early January the service department took down the gateway sign on Wooster Pike at the east entrance of the Village. This sign, along with the other two Mariemont gateway signs will be refurbished and repainted as part of our centennial. The other two gateway signs are located on Wooster Pike at the east end of the Village and at Plainville Road at

Murray Avenue. Once the gateways signs are reinstalled, a special commemorative centennial sign will be added to each existing sign. Additional centennial projects planned for this spring include the stripping and painting of the 165 fire hydrants in the Village as well as the stripping and painting of the historic street lights.

Celebrate Mariemont’s Centennial with Random Acts of Kindness

Submitted by the Mariemont Centennial Committee

Mary Emery was a remarkable woman in her time. She became an important American philanthropist who quietly and generously supported Cincinnati. Mrs. Emery saw it as her responsibility to take care of her neighbors. She helped provide for the community through her support of Children’s Hospital, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Cincinnati Zoo and many other organizations. She is best known for her vision, support, and creation of a “national exemplar” community —Mariemont-- to provide high quality housing for the many factory workers living in unsanitary housing conditions in downtown Cincinnati.

In celebration of Mariemont’s Centennial this year, and in the spirit of Mrs. Emery’s generosity and focus on community, we invite everyone in Mariemont to share their love. Please consider doing a random act of kindness for a neighbor you know, or one you would like to know better. Perhaps you can drop off a home-baked item, a small plant, maybe shovel a walkway, or bring in trash bins.

Let your neighbors know they are loved and appreciated.

Parents of students, please consider discussing more about Mary Emery (https:// mariemontpreservation.org/the-foundingof-mariemont/) with your children and

encourage them to participate too, by doing a random act of kindness for a neighbor or friend.

Please use the attached graphics and instructions to participate, and let’s spread the love!

Spread the Love

Instructions

1. Make two additional copies of this paper or Download at https://mariemont.org/love

2. Within two days, secretly deliver copies of these instructions along with a treat bag or

3. Do something special for two of your neighbors

4. Cut out the note below and include it with your treat.

5. Look for someone who hasn’t been Loved yet.

6. If you have been loved, cut out the “I AM

7. Loved” Heart and place it prominently at your door to show that you have been loved.

Celebrate the Centennial with Family Activities

To celebrate our deep heritage and to foster an appreciation and exploration of our Village history and unique assets, the Mariemont Preservation Foundation along with the Mariemont Centennial Committee have put together several centennial activities. These activities are designed to encourage individuals and families to get out into the Village this centennial year and learn about what makes Mariemont so special.

These activities will be published here in the Town Crier throughout the year and are available in the pop-up box on the on the

Village website at www.mariemont.org.

Where is this in Mariemont?

The first such activity is “Where is this in Mariemont?” Below are pictures from around Mariemont. Can you identify where these are? You can download a form to complete with your responses from the pop-up box on the Village website at www. mariemont.org . Please list the number of the picture and where you think it is. Please include your name and phone number so we can follow up with prizes! PLEASE SUBMIT RESPONSES TO: centennial@mariemont. org

What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library

February 2022

Children

Indoor Library Babies — Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories, and movement. Ages birth to 18 months. Registration is required for both babies and adults.

Indoor Preschool Storytime — Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Enjoy books, songs, activities and more, while building early literacy skills. Ages 3-6. Registration is required for children and adults

Indoor Movers & Shakers—Wednesdays at 11 a.m. You and your child will shake it together! Sing, dance, and enjoy music, movement, and fun. Ages 1-4.

Coding Club — Thursday, Feb. 16 at 4 p.m.

Learn to code with new games and challenges every month. Laptops are supplied and no prior coding experience is needed. Recommended for Ages 8-12. Registration required.

Adults

Mariemont Mystery Book Club — Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us for lively discussions of books across the mystery subgenres. Call or visit the branch for this month’s title. Registration encouraged.

Book Club — Thursday, Feb. 23 at 6:45 p.m.

Please 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. Registration encouraged.

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

By Kimberly Flick, MariElders Transportation Coordinator

“Life can only be understood backwards but must be lived forwards.” - Soren

Kierkegaard

The longer we’re here on this good ole Earth the more we can relate to that quote. Our understanding of life increases commensurately with the length of time we get to be here.

As we look backwards, we can fully appreciate what we’ve accomplished and have a clearer sense of our purpose – to connect with others. Living forward is essential. As we age, we may encounter a variety of limitations. Many pursuits we once enjoyed are no longer practical. By mustering our determination, just as we have all through our years, we find ways to adapt and go forth. In our wisdom, we can think it through and find

Live Forward

new ways to enjoy living.

The MariElders Senior Activity Center exists for this very reason. By connecting with our contemporaries, we can exercise our mind, keep our body active, and nourish our spirit. Now in our 45th year in this exemplary Village of Mariemont, The MariElders Senior Activity Center continues to offer a wide range of opportunities for adults 55 and older.

Places to discover, museums, stage productions, and field trips provide enlightening shared experiences. Moving your body to music and dancing, adaptive volleyball and yoga, gentle balance and core training, seasonal pickle ball or walking groups keeps us well. Or challenge your strategic skills while socializing over Mah Jong, Canasta, Dominoes or Bridge. Join an ongoing series of lectures, book groups and tech training to sharpen your intellect.

If you need to get there but no longer drive, MariElders Transportation can pick you up at your home and take you to businesses and healthcare providers throughout Mariemont, Terrace Park, Fairfax and points in between.

The MariElders Community Resource Coordinator can help you connect to a myriad of services such as the Council on Aging and Pro-Seniors, so that you can live more independently. Member-endorsed recommendations for home repairs, pet care, elder law, estate planning, tax prep and other assistance are also available through our Community Resource Coordinator.

When you’re in “post analysis” mode, thinking about your life, consider how you got this far. The MariElders invites you to spend some quality time with us as we all continue to live forward.

Mariemont High School Presents: Mary Poppins the Musical!

Come get swept away by Mariemont High School’s cast of Mary Poppins as they tell the story of the Banks family. In desperate need of a nanny for their two uncontrollable children, Jane and Michael, the Banks family can hardly believe their eyes when, one day, a young peculiar woman mysteriously appears on their doorstep by the name of Mary

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students/seniors (age 62+), and can be purchased online at http://mariemonths. seatyourself.biz . Early ticket sales for Mariemont Arts Association members begins Feb. 13. Sales open to the public on

Feb. 20. If you are interested in becoming an MAA member, please visit https:// www.mariemontschools.org/JoinMAA. aspx or contact MAA Membership at MariemontArtsMembership@gmail.com.

Poppins. As the story unfolds, Mary Poppins uses her magical abilities to take the children on wild adventures and to teach them, and occasionally their parents, important lessons. Please join us for the show on March 10, 11 and 12. It will be SUPERcalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Local NSDAR Chapter Honors

Mariemont Founder Mary Emery

Submitted by Mariemont DAR Regent

Sherri Smithson

In the wake of Mariemont’s 2023 Centennial Celebration the Mariemont Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution remember and honor Mary Emery who, in 1923, funded and planned the Village of Mariemont. Speakers were Shelley Jensen, Mariemont DAR Women’s

Issues Chair and Addison Lanier, an Emery family descendant.

The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women’s service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America’s future through better education. Any woman 18 years or older who can prove lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor who aided

in achieving American independence is eligible to join the DAR. For more

Mariemont Chapter NSDAR members at a regular business meeting Fall 2022.

Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center

Happy Valentine’s Day from the Barn!

The Woman’s Art Club Signature ShowFebruary 4-26, 2023

The Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati’s 2023 Signature Member Exhibition & Sale: ART is opening with a reception on Saturday, February 4. The Woman’s Art Club invites the public to enjoy its annual exhibition that continues through Sunday, February 26. Tuesday – Friday gallery hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekend hours from 1 to 4 p.m.

This exhibition draws works from nearly 100 members of the club who have achieved

Soft drinks and snacks are available free of charge.

Future ARTflix dates:

March 9: Rothkos Room

April 13: The Painter and the Thief

May 18: Museum town: The Creation of Mass. MoCA

June 8: Michele Duchamp. The Art of the Impossible

July 13: Blurred Lines Inside the Art World

August 10: Show Me the Picture. Jim Marshall, Photographer

Swaim Park in Montgomery. The group chose “Fresh Paint” for this year’s exhibit because it signifies a job well done, improved ambiance, renewal, and more.

B&PP’s opening reception is March 5 from 1-4 p.m. The exhibit runs through March 26 and can be viewed during regular gallery hours: Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 p.m. and Tuesday

Cont'd on next page

Signature Status as artists through a jurying process. They are passionate about art — creating it, enjoying it, celebrating, and sharing it. It all comes together here. For more information and updates about this exhibition visit womansartclub.com.

ARTflix 2023: Exploring Art and History through Film

Feb. 19: The Price of Everything. Jeff Koon, Paul Schimmel and Larry Poons. With unprecedented access to pivotal artists and the market surrounding them, this film dives deep into the contemporary art world, holding a funhouse mirror up to our values and times. (Courtesy of IMDb.) The big Barn doors open at 6:30 p.m. The film begins at 7 p.m. BYOB.

Cincinnati Brush & Palette Painters Join Local Garden Clubs for March 2023 Exhibit at The Barn

The Barn will host The Cincinnati Brush & Palette Painters’ 2023 exhibition “Fresh Paint” from March 5 through March 26. The group will feature 70 paintings from nearly 20 plein air artists in the Tri-state region.

Last spring, the painters emerged from their COVID cocoons with renewed vigor to create with grit and joy. They rolled their carts stocked with supplies onto farmlands, parks, and city streets as they looked for unique scenes to tackle with paint brushes and palette knives. The group’s plein air season lasts 31 weeks, then they head to their shared studio at

The Barn (from previous page)

through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This exhibit marks the third year of a successful pairing of paintings with the Mariemont and Terrace Park Garden Clubs. Garden Club members will create beautiful floral arrangements inspired by and displayed next to the B&PP’s artworks for their show entitled “Art in Bloom at The Barn.” The garden clubs’ opening reception will be held on Friday, March 17 from 6-8 p.m. and will run through March 19.

Please visit artatthebarn.org for more information or for a list of classes representing various mediums. Facebook site: https://www. facebook.com/people/Cincinnati-Brushand-Palette-Painters/100057171651489/

Exhibiting artists include Carol Abbott, Nancy Achberger, Laurie Arshonsky, Martha Carmody, Mary Beth Dowlin, Susan Grier, Marty Emery Hoffman, Carol Holland, Martha Howard, Diana Kilfoil, Kathleen Kilgallon, Christine Kuhr, Ivanka Lempitskiy, Claire Long, Nancy Nordloh Neville, Dana Olsen, Barbara Pask, Mandy Putnam, Bobbi Thies, and emeritus member, Nathalie Gerberick.

Classes

Visit artatthebarn. org for a list of numerous classes, levels and a variety of mediums to summon the artist within you.

The Barn is located at 6980 Cambridge Avenue in Mariemont. For more information, please visit artatthebarn. org. 513-272-3700

“He who loves, flies, runs, and rejoices; he is free and nothing holds him back.”

~ Henri Mattisse, French artist, draughtsman and printmaker (1869-1954)

Village News

Presidents’ Day: Offices will be closed February 20th.

Christmas Trees: Christmas trees can be collected via the Village’s monthly limb collection route through the month of February. Be sure that all ornaments or wires have been removed.

Outstanding Citizen Award Nominations: Forms available at Mariemont. org. Completed nomination forms are due to Joanee Van Pelt by March 16th. Email to joanee@mariemont.org or drop off at the administration office.

Graduation Parties: As we head into graduation season we wish our best to the soon-to-be 2023 graduates and their families! As a reminder, Mariemont shelters may be reserved through our website March 1 through October 31 (“Parks and Shelters” under the Lifestyles section). Please note: ALL reservable shelters in the Village have a MAXIMUM capacity of 30 people. No exceptions will be made for graduation parties.

Alcoholic beverages are NOT permitted in any Village park. If you reserve a shelter for a private event, please make sure to bag your

trash and take it with you.

Shelters may be reserved for TWO HOUR blocks. The online reservation system automatically inserts 30 minutes before/after your reservation to allow time for set-up and clean-up.

Tax Department: 2022 tax returns are due April 18, 2023. First quarter 2023 estimated payment is also due on April 18, 2023. 2022 tax forms are available outside the Tax Office and online at Mariemont.org.

Forms to be attached to the Mariemont return are:

Copy of all W2s

Copy of your entire Federal 1040

Copy of returns to other municipalities if you are claiming credit for that municipality

NOW HIRING! The Village of Mariemont has an opening for a part-time tax clerk position. The schedule is 20 hours per week; the start time is projected as 10 a.m. or later, four hours per day. Responsibilities include entering tax returns, answering the phone, providing customer service to taxpayers, opening mail, and other light office duties. This is a perfect job for a retired tax clerk. Anyone interested please send your resume to Chuck Barlow at: email cbarlow@

Understanding Mariemont Permits for Remodeling and Repairs

By Rod Hollloway

Permits for remodels and repairs continues to be the largest compliance issue for the building department. Over the past year, I’ve had to have many conversations with homeowners and contractors on this topic, which is both time consuming and costly for Village resources. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to insure they are permitted, so I would strongly recommend

you have this conversation prior to giving the go ahead or awarding any contractor your business.

Recall from the March 2022 Town Crier article, the details of what you are remodeling or repairing dictates whether a permit is required. The Village follows the standards of the Ohio Building (Residential) Code, to both determine whether a permit is required as well as whether

Council Representatives

Mayor Bill Brown  mayor@mariemont.org

Rob Bartlett  rbartlett@mariemont.org

Susan Brownknight  sbrownknight@mariemont.org

Leah Geldbaugh  lgeldbaugh@mariemont.org

Marcy Lewis   mlewis@mariemont.org

Kelly Rankin  krankin@mariemont.org

Randy York   ryork@mariemont.org

mariemont.org or Village of Mariemont Tax Department, 6907 Wooster Pike, Mariemont, OH 45227.

the remodel and/or repair is code compliant. Typical trigger points for when a permit would be required for your remodel or repair include:

• Changes to plumbing systems (supply, vent, or drains)

• Changes to electrical systems (new wiring, changes to your panel)

• Changes to structural elements (framing, walls, roofs, windows, doors, decks)

• Changes in use (re-defining attics, basements, garage spaces as inhabitable)

• Changes to life safety items (windows, egress, CO / fire systems)

The best course of action when considering a remodel or repair is to contact the building department via email (bldgdept@mariemont. org) or via phone at 513-271-3315, option #4, to discuss the appropriate next steps prior to selecting your contractor.

Most reputable contractors will discuss the need for permitting to ensure the quality and code compliance of their work. Be aware that if

not discussed, this could be a signal that your contractor is not licensed or qualified to perform the work. As the Village maintains records of remodels, we can also verify the existence of a valid permit if a realtor (often requested for selling recently renovated property or to understand inspection remedies) or insurance agent contacts our office (in case of a damage claim).

The cost for a remodel/repair permit will be insignificant compared to what you are spending on the project, providing you with assurance that the work is done in compliance with all applicable codes. Being proactive with your contractor on evaluating the permitting needs will save you time and money, while avoiding the risk of costly rework and/or fines.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ORTHODONTIST

Dr Edward J Wnek… extensive experience and education… a personal approach to each and every patient… and outstanding outcomes! For a beautiful healthy smile, contact us for your personal consultation at 513-271-5265, or visit us at www.wnekorthodontics.com.

Edward J Wnek DDS,MS • Mariemont Square

Village Worship Services

for children to learn about God and the Bible during our Sunday morning worship service.

Village Church of Mariemont

villagechurchofmariemont.org

Todd Keyes, Pastor

Jamie Keyes, Children’s Ministries

Happy 2023! While the heat in the Memorial Chapel is being restored, we invite you this month to worship with us on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in our 3920 Oak Street Building. We also livestream all our services at facebook.com/ VCMChurch.

We are a small church with a big heart. A place to learn, grow, be involved, and be known. We strive to be a CARING COMMUNITY, providing RELEVANT TEACHING and AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS. In today’s fast-paced world, we offer a place to slow down, connect, and build lasting friendships.

Current Sunday Series: “How Should We Then Live? A Study of 1 Peter”

The first New Testament letter from Peter answers the same questions that Francis Schaeffer asked, “In light of current headlines, cultural trends, and perceptions of the Church today, ‘How should we then live?’” Hope you can join us for this exciting journey! See our website for more information.

Our Kidz Connection program is a fun way

Crossword Solution from page 22

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. We will prepare our hearts for this sacrificial season at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22 in our 3920 Oak St. Building with a brief service and 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 events or to learn more about our church, visit our website at www.villagechurchofmariemont.org or contact Pastor Todd Keyes.

Sunday Services 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.  Kingdom Kids Ministry meets at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., and Youth at 11:00 p.m. during the second service. Livestream is at 9:00 a.m. only on Facebook: Mariemont Church; our website: mariemontchurch.org; and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ MariemontChurch

Weekly Worship Opportunities in the Parish Center auditorium. Join us for worship, prayer, and ministry time. All are welcome!

Tuesday 9-11 a.m.

Wednesday 7-8:30 p.m.

Thursday 10-11 a.m.

Family Shop Thrift Sale - 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Open to the public 10 a.m. - noon. Sign-ups are available on our Facebook page: The Family Shop. Message us to attend at 8:30 or 9:15 a.m. time slots.

Activities

Student Ministries

Next Chapter Youth meet Sundays at 11 a.m. during the second service and Thursdays at 7 p.m.

Mariemont Church

mariemontchurch.org

Jamie Moore, Lead Pastor

Paul Rasmussen, Worship Pastor

Amanda Fletcher, Student Ministry Director

Katie Smith, Kingdom Kids Director

Mike Brownfield, Director of Operations

We are studying:  "The Armor of God," by Priscilla Shirer learning how God fights our battles and how to use our weapons.

We have Next Chapter Hangouts every 4th Friday of the month where there are games, food, and fun! (Holiday months are on 3rd Fridays.)

This month's Hangout is on February 24 and is our Valentine’s edition. Be sure to dress in V-day colors!

Youth Ski Trip is later in February. Email amanda@mariemontchurch.org for info and dates.

Women’s Ministries

JOY in the Morning: Tuesdays from 9:15-11:30 a.m. at the Parish Center. Studies: "Sermon on the Mount" by Jen Wilken; Study of Matthew led by Liz Baker

Evening JOY: 1st/3rd Mondays 7-8:30 p.m. at the Parish Center. Study is: Friendship with God by our Pastor Jamie Moore. Study goes through Spring 2023.