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Mariemont Town Crier, September 2026, Vol. LI, No. 1

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S E PT E M B E R 2026 • M ARI EMONT, OHI O • VOLUME LI • NO. 1

One Hundred Years on the Books! Mariemont Branch Library Celebrates Centennial Anniversary

BY AMANDA SCOTT The Mariemont Branch Library opened its doors on January 26, 1926, at 6646 Chestnut Street (top right) with just 750 books on its shelves (top left). In 1930, it moved to the basement of what was then called the Recreation Building and is now the Mariemont Church, at 3908 Plainville Road (bottom

In This Issue Mariemont Theatre Reopens!...............6 Citizen of the Year: Janet Setchell......7 50 Years: Sandra Garland........................9 Pet-A-Tudes: Are You a Foster Fit?.....10 Mariemont Museum Sneak Peek.....12

right). This was likely the branch’s loudest location, as it shared the basement with the utilities room, bowling lanes, and a shooting range! In 1942, it moved to what was then the high school (now the elementary school), and then to 6930 Madisonville Road in 1949, which many may Continued on page 4


LE TTER TO THE EDI TOR

Thank You, Village Service Department Employees During a storm on August 7, a large residential pin oak across the street from our house dropped a two-foot diameter limb. The limb fell onto residents’ yards, onto (and blocked) Mount Vernon Avenue, and into a red maple in our yard. Within 45 minutes, employees of the Village Service Department (VSD) were present to help. These fine men used a frontend loader and chain saws to clear the street and to place all the tree remains onto residents’ yards. A day later the same employees removed the tree remains and correctly pruned away the damaged limbs of our red maple.

This and their responses to the severe storms we have experienced recently is only one example of hundreds of responses, repairs, and preventive services VSD employees perform each year. We offer a well-deserved Thank You to the VSD employees for the mowing, public trash collection, tree removal, facilities repairs, snow removal, leaf collection, street repair, tree planting and watering, regular tree trimmings pick-ups, and all the many other essential services they provide to our residents.

We commend Ben James (Supervisor), Mike Evanchyk (Foreman), Jeremy Swader, Eric Hudson, Scott Flynn, and Joe Godbey for their consistent availability, for their unwavering dedication to the Village, and for their services — all valuable and well-done.

Larry and Lynn Gray 7012 Mount Vernon Avenue

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The

Club THANK YOU to the following individuals and organizations for your support! Funding for delivery of the Town Crier to your doorstep by our junior couriers comes solely from your contributions and our advertisers. Individuals and organizations who contribute will have their names included in our Crier Club section for one calendar year following your donation. HOW TO DONATE: We now accept payment via Zelle. Simply open your banking app on your mobile device, go into Zelle, click “Scan a QR Code,” hold your phone camera over this QR code, and follow instructions. If you prefer to pay by check, please make your check payable to Mariemont Town Crier and mail to (or drop off in the door slot at) 3914 Miami Rd. #207, Cincinnati, OH 45227. We share space with Sanderson Insurance, just off the Square. Clare Ackerman

Anne & Bill Burleigh

Sandra Garland

Claire Kupferle

Susan R. Siegman

Brenda & Paul Allen

Bill & Maureen Coleman

Kathy Graeter

Peggy & Charles Landes

Carl Stich & Amy Banister

Marty & Tom Allman

David Davis

Andrew M. Grant

Max Madl

Kathy & John Stineman

Anonymous

Susan Davis-Ali

Jim, John & Helen Gray

Janet Stollmaier

Denis & Marianne Beausejour

Livingston Park Resident

Dean & Valerie Hanley

MaryLou & John McIlwraith

Sam & Nancy Duran

DAR Mariemont Chapter / Sarah Hartkemeier

Phil Bender & Janet Cleary Ed & Karen Berkich Rex Bevis Biff & Janet Black Jeff Bloomer & Beth Brubacher

Noble-Basora Family

Wendy & Gary Tomczak

Julie Northrop

Steve & Ruth Varner

Drew & Taryn Hastings

The Qin Family

Catherine & Art Evans

Chuck & Tara Hatch

Jan Timothy Riker

Kurt & Nancy Vonder Ahe

Kate & Peter Fenner

Marianne Jenkins

Jan Ring

Natalie Eisert & Andrew Fickas

Mary Ann Fieler & Robert Faelten Garden Club of Mariemont

Janet Kalas

Beth Ruggles

Tom & Dana Kauffmann

Janet & Bill Sarran

Katie & Chris Kober

Mike Schoeny

S T A F F Editor / Co-Publisher

Photographer

mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com

Steve Spooner

pete0948@gmail.com

me@mariemontstuff.com

Advertising Manager / Co-Publisher

Contributors

csanger1@me.com

Suzy Weinland

Matt Weinland

mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com

Production Designer Zachary Weinland

mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com

Distribution Manager / Editorial Assistant Margaret Jevic

margaret101@gmail.com

Peter McBride Carol Sanger Randy York

Matt Ayer

ryork@mariemont.org

Kim Beach

Junior Couriers

matt@ayerquality.com kimbeach13@gmail.com

Aileen Beatty

aileen.beatty@gmail.com

Sharon Boyles

willowspirit9@gmail.com

Betsy Bybee

betsy.bybee@gmail.com

Charlotte Caudill Cody Ching Graham Cline Oliver Dickson Clarke Hadam Dean Hadam Ben Jevic

Ella Jevic Jane Lawson Levi Lawson James Lepa Michael Lepa Max Madl Everett Meade Laura Queen Alex Rohal Sam Rouse Daxton Vaughan Ford Willis Caleb Wood Judah Wood

Jim & Rachel Votaw Suzy & Matt Weinland Doug & Ellen Zemke Sue & Bob Zepf

OCTOBER DEADLINE The editorial and advertising deadline for the next Town Crier is September 1, 2026. All articles, photos and camera-ready ads must be submitted by 5 p.m. to mariemonttowncrier@ gmail.com. Non-profit inserts are due by the Monday before distribution. For more information, see below.

The Mariemont Town Crier, LLC “The Voice of the Village of Mariemont,” is published monthly from September through December and February through May as a service to residents and organizations of the Village of Mariemont. Our junior couriers deliver to your doorstep or business the first full weekend of those months. If you do not receive your issue by the end of delivery week, please reach out to Distribution Manager Margaret Jevic at margaret101@gmail.com. Editorial deadlines are the 1st of the month prior to publication. News, story ideas, photos, and Letters to the Editor can be directed to Suzy Weinland at mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com. Full guidelines are available upon request. Non-Profit Inserts: Please confirm with us at mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com by the 1st of the month prior to publication. You will need to print 2,000 inserts, collated into groups of 50, and deliver to Margaret Jevic, 6951 Nolen Circle by the Monday prior to the first full weekend of the month. A $75 flat fee is due with your insert drop-off. Payments can be made via check (made out to Mariemont Town Crier) or Zelle (see QR code, above). Advertising: Advertising helps fund production of the Mariemont Town Crier and is a targeted way for area businesses to reach over 2,000 homes and businesses in Mariemont, Spring Hill, Williams Meadow, and Mariemont Landing. In addition to a hard-copy edition delivered to doorsteps, each issue is digitally archived for public viewing on Issuu and posted monthly on our Facebook page. For ad rates, deadlines, forms, and payments, or if you have any further questions, please contact Matt Weinland at mariemonttowncrier@gmail.com.

Connect With Us! Email: MariemontTownCrier@gmail.com • Facebook: facebook.com/MariemontTownCrier • Archive: issuu.com/MariemontTC

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COMMUNI TY Mariemont Branch Library (from front page) recognize as Mio’s Pizzaria today (top right). Finally in April 1972, due to ever-increasing usage, the library moved to its current, purpose-built location at 3810 Pocahontas Avenue (bottom right). The building was planned to be about 7770 square feet and projected to cost $375,000. The branch saw relatively few changes until 2022, with the completion of the glass-covered David N. and Anne Early Patio provided by funds from the Early Foundation. Customers and staff alike enjoy sitting under the glass canopy on mild days to eat, study, and work. Most recently, the branch enjoyed a major refresh at the end of 2025 (bottom left). The primary goal was to replace the original HVAC system, but since that required a multi-month closure, a total facelift was planned, including all new carpet, paint, furniture, light fixtures, as well as new features like a fireplace and meeting room. The new look has been largely well-received, and the community has wasted no time exploring their reinvented space. Staff have particularly enjoyed the number of times they’ve been told, “I’m glad you’re back!” by regular customers. The branch has had its ups and downs through the years. In her 1944 annual report, the head librarian, Laura Siehl, mourns that a local polio outbreak had “struck down some of her favorite patrons” and “took her down to the depths of despair.” The branch closed for some months, and when it reopened, families would not let their children return. Siehl then laments that over the year “many fathers were drafted into the armed forces and some of our best readers have left.

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When the husbands went to war, the wives returned to their own hometowns.” Even as she increased programming at the local schools, she worried that the drop in usage could prompt a permanent closure. A happy branch memory took place in the winter of 1978, when a stray dog took shelter in the branch and promptly had a litter of five puppies, which the staff named Curious George, Amelia Bedelia, Cowboy Sam, Harry the Dirty Dog, and Mary Poppins (middle right). The pups featured in a special storytime some weeks later. A hundred years later, traditional staples like summer reading and story times have been joined, not supplanted, by drop-in STEM events and LEGO clubs. Even as the world continues to change, what has not flagged is this community’s love for their library. This month last year saw circulation at 11,613 check-outs of physical materials, plus 10,799 check-outs of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines. The community’s use of other branch services like free faxing, a daily $5 print/copy credit, bookclubs, and programs for children, only continues to grow.

Branch staff would like to express their gratitude and delight for such a warm, enthusiastic community to serve, and look forward to meeting the future together one step at a time. All images courtesy of Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Mariemont Branch.

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Curtain Up! Mariemont Players Announces 90th Anniversary Season The lights are staying bright at the Walton Creek Theater! Mariemont Players is thrilled to announce our 2026-2027 Season, a milestone year celebrating 90 years of community theater excellence. From the dark comedy of Arsenic and Old Lace and the holiday laughs of A Tuna Christmas to the powerful drama of The Lion in Winter, this season promises something for everyone. Don’t Miss Out: Season Subscriptions Now on Sale! Secure your favorite seats and enjoy the best value by purchasing a season subscription today. Subscriptions ensure you won’t miss a single moment of the magic while supporting one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the country. For tickets, subscriptions, and the full season lineup, visit mariemontplayers.com.

Kiwanis Annual Art & Craft Market: September 13 The annual Kiwanis Art & Craft Market is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Kiwanis Club of Mariemont. Held the second Sunday of September, this year it’s September 13, in the greenspace across from The Inn and The Strand, the market brings nearly 90 vendors from across the tristate. Stop by between 11 a.m.–5 p.m. to find unique, one-ofa-kind goods—from local art and woodworking, to handcrafted clothing and jewelry, and specialty foods such as homemade salsa, jams, and locally-made honey, there is something for everyone!

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COMMUNI TY

Mariemont Theatre Re-Opens September 16 BY JACK CRUMLEY, CINDEPENDENT PRESS After months of repair, equipment installation, and extraordinary support from the community, Cindependent is excited to once again light the marquee and open the doors of the Mariemont Theatre! Sponsored by P&G, Rhinegeist, and Croke Fairchild, the Mariemont Theatre Grand Reopening Gala on September 16 marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of America’s most beloved historic cinemas and independent film in Cincinnati. The Grand Reopening Gala will serve

as the official Opening Night of the 2026 Cindependent Film Festival, presented with LADD, to kick off five days of independent movies, filmmaker discussions, parties, and coming together through unforgettable stories. We’re putting on this gala event across Mariemont Square with street performers, live music, and “Taste of Mariemont” food stations throughout the Mariemont Fountain and Lawn area starting at 5 p.m. We’ll make announcements and officially cut the ribbon at 6:30, and that’ll be followed by a special screening of a surprise feature film in multiple houses of the Mariemont

FIND YOUR

Perfect FIT

Theatre with free popcorn and water in the reopened cinema. This special Opening Night screening, presented by P&G, begins with a new short film from Cindependent alumnus and Academy Award-Winner Jack Piatt. This is going to be the event of the year in Mariemont! Tickets start at $50, and can be reserved at CindependentFilmFest. org/grand-reopening-gala.

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Congratulations to Janet Setchell, Mariemont’s Outstanding Citizen 2026! BY ROSIE POLTER, MPF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR During the Village’s Memorial Day Ceremony, Janet Setchell was named the 2026 Mariemont Outstanding Citizen (MOC). The award is fitting for Janet’s tribute to over four decades of extraordinary service and dedication to the community of Mariemont. Although Janet was in England and could not be present to accept the award in person, her absence did nothing to dim the moment.

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From the Village Square podium, Mayor Bill Brown announced Janet as this year’s recipient and explained her travels abroad. Last year’s MOC honoree, Kim Beach, joyfully shared Janet’s acceptance remarks with the crowd and welcomed Janet’s son Duncan and daughter Jenna to accept the award on her behalf. Janet’s impact on Mariemont is profound. She has devoted over 40 years of service to Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF), serving as executive secretary from 1986 to 2012, while also taking on the role of archivist. At her retirement, Millard F. Roger, Jr., praised Janet for leading MPF’s growth through the “triple A” of activities, acquisitions, and accomplishments, noting that she documented 273 projects over three decades — most bearing her hand, though never her name, due to her innate modesty. Retirement, of course, did not slow her down. From 2012 to the present, Janet has continued her commitment as an MPF

Trustee, providing leadership for docent and student education programs, the Millard Rogers Lecture Series, Village walking tours, historical displays, anniversary celebrations, statewide Ohio Open Doors events, and so much more — ­ often culminating in her signature hospitality, complete with homemade scones and clotted cream. In her written acceptance speech, Janet reflected on moving to Mariemont from England more than 40 years ago, drawn by its sidewalks, trees, and parks, but ultimately staying for something deeper: community. She spoke movingly about neighbors who look out for one another, the shared responsibility of preserving Mariemont’s heritage, and the enduring vision of Mary Emery, whose legacy continues to shape daily life in the Village. Janet closed her remarks with gratitude and humility, expressing how fortunate she feels to have “landed” in Mariemont, a place she has now called home longer than anywhere else in her life. MPF and the Mariemont community could not agree more. Janet Setchell is a shining example of service, stewardship, and heart — and a most deserving Outstanding Citizen of the Year.

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N E X T GEN NEWS & VI EWS

“The Night Out” The above story quilt, entitled “The Night Out,” was created by Grace Stanek, age 7, in art class at Mariemont Elementary. It features downtown Mariemont and was inspired by artist Faith Ringgold. About Faith Ringgold: Faith Ringgold (born Faith Willi Jones; October 8, 1930 – April 13, 2024) was an American painter, author, mixed media sculptor, performance artist, and intersectional activist, perhaps best known for her narrative quilts. You can learn more about her life and work at americanart.si.edu/artist/faith-ringgold-7236. • electrical • heating • plumbing • cooling • refrigeration • 6755 highland avenue cincinnati, ohio 45236 (513) 791-3282 www.osterwisch.com

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The Next Generation of Mariemont In our kids’ column, Next Gen News & Views, the youngest in our community are invited to share their opinions, musings, news, learnings, interviews, photos, artwork and more! If you have a kiddo in grades 1–8 interested in submitting a piece for consideration, please connect with Betsy Bybee at betsy.bybee@gmail.com.

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VI LLAGE

50 Years in the ‘Mont: Sandra Garland different district. Mayor Straley made him the first tax administrator for the Village. I was involved in the Dale Park Elementary PTA, and I ran the Half-and-Half Shop—a resale shop run by the PTA—for several years, with a couple of other Mariemont women. I was one of several women who started the Mariemont Bicentennial Quilt in 1976. I served as the quilt coordinator, and my neighbor and I put it together and finished it. Other women who contributed squares included Joyce Rosselot, Donna

BY SUZY WEINLAND, AS TOLD BY SANDRA GARLAND Publisher’s Note: Last spring, in celebration of the Mariemont Town Crier’s 50th year in publication, we invited residents who had lived in Mariemont 50 or more years to submit their story or share a neighbor’s name so we could reach out to them. We published a three-part series in March, April and May, spotlighting those with whom we were able to connect. We would like to apologize to life-long Mariemont resident Sandra Garland for misplacing the more detailed information she sent us about her 87-year residency. Please join us for a wonderful trip down memory lane as Sandra recounts her life in Mariemont. And help us celebrate Sandra, who we believe is our Village’s longest living resident! “My parents moved to Pocahantas in 1939 because my dad could take the streetcar downtown to work. They didn’t have a car. I was three, so I have lived here 87 years. Growing up here was great. We walked to and from school every day with our friends. Starting in first grade, we walked home for lunch. After school we would stop at Horton’s drugstore or go to the old square to the old drugstore and apparel shop. In grade school, we would go from Dale Park to the Parish Center for dance lessons.

From Mariemont Town Crier, April 1976: “Sandra Garland, quilt coordinator (L), Joyce Rosselot (C), and Donna Lou Davis (R) admire the Mariemont Bicentennial Quilt. The quilt committee also included: Barbara Anderson, Ann Beach, Florence Birks, Roberta Bolling, and Ruth Bullock.” M AR IE M O N T TO W N CR IE R

Sandra Garland, at a recent Garden Club luncheon We loved running through the tunnel under the street, screaming all the way. A lot of the houses had steam heat, so every month I would go with my friend to the Ferris House to pay her bill. I remember the rows of Indian artifacts. That was neat! The first Kroger was at the square next to Central Trust Bank. During the war, you would save your bacon fat and turn it into the butcher for a few cents. They made soap out of it. During the war, my parents sold their car because they couldn’t afford gas. My mother traded gas coupons for sugar coupons so she could make fudge and share it with neighbors. I remember my parents going to Bass Island in Newtown to dance on Saturday nights. On Friday nights in high school, we would cruise Frisch’s just to see who was there. My favorite place has always been the statues. We spent many hours there. Second was the Concourse. My husband took pictures there every year with our kids and grandkids. When I was married, we lived on Chestnut Street. My husband was on Village Council. When we moved to Settle in 1971, he had to give up his seat because it was a

Sandra, ready for a ballet recital (circa 1944–45) Lou Davis, Barbara Anderson, Ann Beach, Florence Birks, Roberta Bolling, and Ruth Bullock. It initially hung in The Villager store on the Square. It now hangs on the stairway wall in the Village Municipal Building. I was in fashion and worked at Shillito’s after college, before getting married. When my daughter started college, I went to work at Contemporary Fashion, located in the Mariemont Inn. I later became the manager and then owner. I have been in Garden Club for almost 30 years and have enjoyed hosting the Christmas Tea for the last several years. I am also on the MariElder’s board, of which my parents were both members years ago.”

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PET-A-TUDES

Are You a Foster Fit? BY CAROL SANGER PET-A-TUDES: Introducing a new column by Carol Sanger, all about pets and how to be a wonderful pet owner. Enjoy! Bringing a new pet into your home isn’t a decision to be made lightly. Sometimes, it’s a decision made to fill a void—the loss of a much-loved pet that means coming home with no furry presence to greet you. Or suddenly the kids are gone, off to college or into lives of their own, and you find you’re an empty nester—you’d welcome a dog or cat to fill the gap, but you also want the freedom to travel and not be tied down. Or maybe you have an active family, and the kids want a dog, but you don’t know how or if that would fit into your already busy life. In any of those scenarios, whether lifestyle or stage in life, making a long-term commitment to adopting a pet may not be the right choice for right now. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck… There are more than 70 different humane societies and rescue groups in Greater Cincinnati, and it would be hard to find one that didn’t need foster help. Cincinnati Animal CARE, which runs Hamilton County’s animal shelter, is by far the largest, with a foster program that embraces more than 7000 animals.

Meg Jordan and her foster friend

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We asked CARE’s Foster Manager, Meg Jordan, what fostering is all about: Q: Let’s start with the basics—how does fostering work? The best thing about fostering with Cincinnati Animal CARE is how easy we make it. There is no commitment too small; if you want to dip your toes in with just a Day Trip for a few hours or an overnight, you can. We offer all timelines of fostering; short term to long term and are ready to make adjustments if anything unforeseen comes up. There is a version of fostering that fits almost everyone - Day Trips, weekends with a dog, short-term kitten fosters, fostering an adult cat who is scared and just needs a quiet space; the list goes on! We also provide matchmaking to ensure the animals you meet are a good fit for your home and lifestyle, and all supplies needed to foster. Our Foster Team is here every day to answer questions, help with emergencies, and support you and your foster through your journey. For example, fostering a dog who is especially prone to stress onsite, gives that animal an invaluable rest, decompression, and enrichment. It also brings you a companion and temporary family member for no cost and endless fulfillment. Q: What should a potential foster think about beforehand? I would say the most important thing to consider first is your lifestyle, logistics, and your available time. Whether or not you have other pets or children at home is especially important to which animals you bring home, as is your routine and the setup of your home. If you rent a studio apartment and work outside your home for nine hours a day, your best foster match is probably a

house-trained dog or a cat. If you stay home and have a large yard and tile floors, a puppy might be a great fit! Everyone’s threshold is different, and we can use all of the information we have from previous placements and our wonderful Dog Care and Behavior staff onsite to pick the best fit for what you need. Another important consideration is why you want to foster. Is your intention to ultimately adopt an animal? Is it for companionship and cuddles for your stress levels? Is it based on the true intention of saving an animal’s life? Bringing a new animal home is not always easy, and there are emotions in play, too; ensuring that your foster animal’s needs are aligned with your purpose is a great way to mitigate disappointment and find the greatest impact. Q: What are the benefits that go along with fostering? I don’t know that we have enough space in the column for all of them! Personally, the greatest benefit I experience from fostering myself and seeing animals in foster homes is their quality of life. You can see an obvious, tangible difference in an animal’s comfort, stress and Carol Sanger and her two foster dogs, Teddy (L) and Abby (R)

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PET-A-TUDES behavior in just one night in a home. If you decide to foster longer term, you may also have the amazing opportunity to meet adopters and see that animal welcomed into a loving, permanent home. The most special aspect of Cincinnati Animal CARE’s Foster Program is our foster community. We have over 4,000 community members who are currently fostering or have fostered, and we all support each other and follow the journeys of these animals. I’ve seen friendships blossom, I’ve seen neighbors reach out to help each other in times of need, and every day I see joy and encouragement from these fosters to others. The benefits don’t stop with us; the dogs, cats, and other critters being fostered get the chance to experience and be evaluated in a home environment, away from the stress and monotony of the shelter. You’re helping make that animal more adoptable by reporting their behavior and personality in a transferable way to adopters, while helping free up shelter space and resources for another dog or cat in need. It’s a true win-win. Q: Is there a downside to fostering? Knowing and dealing with the fact that fostering is usually temporary can be difficult, especially in your first fosters or if you are lucky enough to be able to keep a foster long term. The animal who has become a part of your family might move on to someone else’s home, and that’s emotional. Many of our fosters stay in touch with their adopted fosters, and it’s such a great feeling to see them thrive! I’ve shed happy tears over foster dogs more than once. It is bittersweet saying goodbye, but the knowledge that they are safe and loved, and your experience being able to keep that dog safe and bring that adoptive family so much happiness has always left me filled with pride, fulfillment, and love—and ready to jump in again with another foster! If you’re interested in finding out more, contact Meg at foster@cincycare.org or check online for information on foster opportunities with a rescue of your choice.

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Mariemont Museum Public ‘Sneak Preview’ Slated for Oct. 10–11

BY SUZY WEINLAND This past year, Mariemont residents have seen lots of activity around the outside of the Ferris House on Plainville Road. Shutters, painting, tuck pointing, sidewalks, a new front door and patio, plus attractive landscaping have enhanced the exterior of the building that will house the new Mariemont Museum and serve as the gateway to Mariemont’s Historic District. During the weekend of Oct. 10–11, residents will have a chance to see what’s been going on outside and inside of the building, which was built before Ohio was a state! The Ferris House, acquired by the Mariemont Preservation Foundation (MPF) in 2022, was built in 1802-1803 by Eliphalet Ferris. At 224 years old, it is the oldest house within Mariemont and the oldest brick structure in Hamilton County in its original location. According to Museum Committee Chair and MPF President Doug Zemke, “The Mariemont Museum is scheduled for a grand opening in July 2027. It will serve as an education center that honors local heritage, is filled with inspiring stories, and pays PAG E 12

The Ferris House received an exterior makeover in 2026, including new shutters, painting, tuck pointing, sidewalks, a new front door and patio, plus beautiful landscaping. tribute to the extraordinary life and vision of Mariemont’s namesake, Mary Emery.” Two exhibit rooms have been completed—one honoring the life of Mary Emery and her philanthropy, and the other introducing the inspiring story of the Mariemont Company and how the Village of Mariemont was built. Work is progressing on an exhibit housed in an original part of the house, focusing on the early pioneer settlers, the Ferris and the Stites families, and providing an interpretive look at life in the late 1700s and early 1800s. After MPF’s initial investment to purchase and repair the Ferris House, an additional $700,000 was needed to complete the museum project for a total estimated cost of $1.3 million. “Thanks to an inspired group known as the Fifty Founders, as well as major donations from foundations and the generosity of individual gifts, we have raised nearly $600,000 towards our goal of $700,000 to date,” shared Zemke. “Mariemont Preservation Foundation is grateful for the interest in and the support for creating the

Mariemont Museum as another community asset.” The Museum Committee invites everyone to “come see the amazing transformation of this pioneer house from the earliest days of Ohio settlement, that is right in our back yard!” Visit the MPF website, sign up for Village emails, and check your October Town Crier for more details on the weekend of October 10-11 sneak preview. Editor’s Note: For more about the Mariemont Museum and the leadership guiding the efforts, see “Historic Ferris House Becomes the Mariemont Museum” (September 2025, front page and p. 5, issuu.com/ MariemontTC/docs/2025_09_volL_no1).

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COMMUNI TY

Magnolia Rose Celebrates Two Years in New Location! BY HILARY MAHADEVAN Thrilled to be nestled in Mariemont, Magnolia Rose is more than a bookstore— it’s a place to gather, create, and connect. Blending books, florals, plants, coffee, wine, and hands-on experiences, it’s a space where every visit feels a little magical. From author events and book clubs to floral workshops, themed craft nights, and seasonal celebrations, the goal of Magnolia Rose is to build community and create memorable experiences. Whether stopping in for a great next read, a bouquet of fresh flowers, or a cozy afternoon with friends, Magnolia Rose is a place where stories—and friendships—bloom. Magnolia Rose will be celebrating two years at the current location—4024 Plainville Road—with a celebration on Saturday,

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October 10 starting at 10 a.m. All are welcome! More details about the celebration are available online at magnoia-rose.com.

Magnolia Rose founder Lauren Baracz

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What’s Happening at the Mariemont Branch Library September ‘26 All Ages • Bossa Nova Night on the Patio — Tuesday, September 29 at 6 p.m. Join local musician Lauren Lichenstein for some family-friendly, bossa nova-style music out on our patio. We’ll provide the popsicles for this relaxing summer evening. All ages welcome. No registration required.

Youth • Movers and Shakers — Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. You and your child will shake it together! Sing, dance, and enjoy music, movement, and fun. Ages 1–4. • Library Babies — Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories and movement. Ages birth–18 months. • Toddler Storytime — Thursdays at 11 a.m. Encourage emerging language skills with books, rhymes, music and fun. Ages 18–36 months. • Pokémon Trading Card Game Club — Saturday, September 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 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. No registration required. • Library League Book Club — Wednesday, September 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This book club is designed to give tweens and their adults a shared space to read and explore stories together. Join us to discuss Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (graphic novel) by Chris Grabenstein. Recommended for ages 9-12. Registration required. • Talk Like a Pirate Day — Saturday, September 19 at 2:00 p.m. Ahoy, mateys! Hoist the colors and sail to the MARRiemont Library for a swashbucklin’ Talk Like a Pirate Day! Hunt for treasure to claim yer booty, do pirate crafts & activities, walk the plank, and of course: learn to talk like a true buccaneer! • LEGO @ the Library — Saturday, September 26 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring the ideas, we’ll bring the LEGO! Each month features an optional challenge or theme for builders who want an extra spark of inspiration. Ages 7-14.

Adults • Mystery Book Club — Tuesday, September 8 at 6:30 p.m. Join us to discuss Nothing Ventured by Jeffrey Archer. Copies available at the branch. • Sit and Stitch — Saturday, September 5 AND Saturday, September 19 at 10 a.m. Bring your own project and supplies, work at your own pace, and get to know fellow stitchers. All experience levels are welcome! Recommended for ages 14+. No registration required. • Open Play Mahjong — Tuesday, September 15 AND Tuesday, September 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned player, this is a low-pressure evening to play with others. • Book Club — Monday, September 28 at 6:30 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. Mariemont Branch Library 3810 Pocahontas Ave. | 513-369-4467 10 a.m.– 8 p.m. Monday – Tuesday 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday. https://chpl.org/locations/mm/

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Congrats to the Mariemont Summer Swim Club who brought home the gold, winning the championships for the first time in seven years! Coach William Pettifer said, “Coaching the Mariemont Swim Team has taught me so much, both as an athlete and as a mentor. As a collegiate swimmer, my primary goal this summer was to help these young athletes discover a genuine love for the water and to give back to a sport that has given me so much. Seeing their smiling faces and positive attitudes every day, even when it was cold, has been incredible; it is truly a blessing to coach them and have this job. I hope the team enjoyed the journey as much as I enjoyed being their coach. Watching all their hard work culminate in a championship win was a truly special moment.”

Mariemont Racquet Club Court Custodians BY MATT TRIPEPI The tennis and pickleball courts at The Mariemont Racquet Club (MRC) are used by more than casual players. They also are home to the boys’ and girls’ Mariemont High School tennis teams as well as competition-level adult women’s teams. Keeping these courts in good con-

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dition is key to the safety and enjoyment of everyone. Thanks to all who assisted in the summer maintenance, including board members, a high school student, community volunteers, and even our own mayor Bill Brown! As part of the upkeep, our Village Service Department has been working diligently to unclog some drains that have been completely blocked for quite some time.

MRC has community service opportunities available for Mariemont High School students interested in earning service hours while helping maintain and improve the club’s facilities. For more information, please contact MRC Board Member Hilary Lepa, at hilarylepa@gmail. com.

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Put Hope in Motion at the Warrior Run Supporting Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Education

BY JESSICA HARTLEY 1N5, a local nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health, invites the community back to the Mariemont Concourse on Saturday, October 17, 2026, for the Warrior Run. Help us stop the stigma and start the conversation. This year’s Warrior Run includes a 5K Race and 1 Mile Event, and post-race festivities including a Kids’ Fun Run, great food, music, and carnival-style kids’ games. All proceeds benefit 1N5. The Warrior Run is a rain-or-shine, family-oriented fundraiser benefiting school and community mental health. Prizes will be awarded to the team with the most participants and the team that raises the most money. Make it a night: enjoy a beautiful fall setting, a scenic run/walk through Mariemont, and stay for the family-friendly celebration. Don’t miss the fun! Returning this year, schools that fundraise for the Warrior Run keep their dollars close to home. Every dollar a school team raises comes back to their campus to fund mental health and wellness programming, supporting evidence-based prevention curricula, QPR suicide prevention training, wellness fairs and campaigns, and other Tier 1 initiatives chosen by each school community. It’s one more way the Warrior Run turns a single night of running into a year-round investment in student well-being. “The Warrior Run has always been about bringing the community together, and we’re able to make that even more impactful for our school partners,” said Nancy Eigel-Miller, 1N5 Founder and Executive Director. “When a school raises money at the Warrior Run, that money goes right back into supporting the mental health of their own students. It’s a tangible way for kids to see their community showing up for them.” The Warrior Run began in 2008 as the Jim Miller Memorial Mile, created by friends PAG E 16

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COMMUNI TY and family to honor Jim’s life and legacy. A lifelong Mariemont resident, Jim was a dedicated athlete, coach, mentor, and community leader who poured his energy into supporting others. After losing Jim to suicide in 2008, his family and community turned their grief into action, launching an effort to raise awareness and support for mental health and suicide prevention. What began as a small memorial run has grown into the Warrior Run 5K, a powerful community event rooted in hope, connection, and purpose. Today, the Warrior Run supports 1N5’s partnerships with more than 325 schools and 150 community organizations, delivering life-saving mental health education and stigma reduction across the region. The Warrior Run brings together runners, walkers, families, and teams in a supportive, uplifting environment, uniting our community around a shared commitment to mental health. Every step moves us closer to our vision of a world without suicide and a community of people with optimal mental health. If running isn’t for you, there are still plenty of ways to get involved — as a volunteer, donor, or sponsor. Register or donate (or both!) at 1n5.org/warrior-run.

Event Details Time 5:15 p.m. – 1 Mile Event 5:30 p.m. – 5K Start Location Mariemont Concourse 6901 Miami Bluff Drive Parking Parking near the race is very limited. Participants are asked to park at Mariemont High School, 1 Warrior Way, and ride the free shuttle bus, which runs continuously starting at 3 p.m., with a break from 5–6:30 p.m. Registration Registration Date 5K / 1 Mile Early Bird (May 1–Aug. 31)........$35 / $25 Regular (Sept. 1–Oct. 10)...........$40 / $30 Late (Oct. 11–17)...........................$50 / $35 Student Registration...................$10 / $10 Registration closes promptly at 5:15 p.m. on October 17. Registration is not required for the Kids’ Fun Run. M AR IE M O N T TO W N CR IE R

National Good Neighbor Day National Good Neighbor Day is observed annually on September 28. Join your neighbors in celebrating this day. Doing so helps to strengthen our current relationships, build new friendships, reduces isolation, and encourages kindness. Look for ways to participate on the Mariemont Town Crier Facebook page and at the Mary Emery Little Free Library, at the corner of Miami Rd. and West St., or email Kathleen & Grace Cail at kcail@mac.com. P AGE 1 7


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Plants, Flowers, and Trees, Oh My! BY MARY ALICE MAZE We are excited to share exciting news from the Garden Club of Mariemont. After years of planning and fundraising we are happy to announce a $10,000 donation to the Village of Mariemont for help with the transformation of Hopkins Park. A check was presented to Village Council at their July 27 meeting. It will be used to begin the preliminary work on Hopkins Park, the eastern most park in the Village, directly across from the library. Our associate member Jane McDonald, who also served as a Garden Club of Mariemont president, graciously donated $25,000 to be used towards a gazebo-like structure in the park. It will become a focal point and increase use of the park for gatherings such as library story hours and

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meeting with friends, as it is in close proximity to the high school. Additionally, the “Mariemont Park Grant” spearheaded by former councilman Randy York three years ago, will also provide for the park’s enhancements. The Garden Club of Mariemont would like to thank all the neighbors, residents, and those who just stopped to shop as they drove by, for your support of our annual May plant sale over the past eight years. We have dedicated our fundraising for Hopkins Park and look forward to its transformation!

L-R: Carolyn Tuttle, Mary Alice Maze, Nancy Mullen, Melody Reno, Karen Berkich, Mary Beth York, and Mayor Bill Brown

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Young Families Invited to MPPG Annual Welcome Picnic

Families enjoyed a Holi celebration to kick off the spring season! This was just one of the many family friendly events that MPPG planned for our members this year.

BY MOLLY TANNER, MPPG PRESIDENT Mariemont Preschool Parents Group (MPPG) invites any young family considering membership to join us for our annual Welcome Picnic on Sunday, September 13, from 4:30–6 p.m. at the Dogwood Park pavilion and playground. (Location is subject to change due to the Dogwood renovation— please check the website for updates) The welcome picnic is a great chance to meet new and returning families and to learn more about our organization. MPPG has been bringing young families together for over 70 years. What started as a group of moms discussing early childhood behavior in 1948 has grown into a thriving organization of over 100 families. Membership enrollment is currently open to families with children ages 0–5. Whether your youngest child is entering pre-kindergarten or you are expecting your first baby, families will enjoy the many benefits of membership. M AR IE M O N T TO W N CR IE R

MPPG 2025–26 Board Members, L–R: Molly Tanner, Jenn Miller, Amanda Barnett, Sarah Nordmeyer, and Cassidy Beals.

MPPG offers opportunities throughout the year for all members of the family to learn, play, and socialize. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, MPPG also donates thousands of dollars each year to local projects and charities thanks to the generous community support of our annual Luminaria fundraiser.

Please visit MariemontPPG.com to learn more or to register for membership for the 2026–27 year. Questions? Contact Hannah Donnelly, MPPG Membership Chair, at info@ mariemontppg.com.

Luminaria Kits Now Available Luminaria is MPPG’s largest fundraising event. 2025 was a record-breaking year with $19,000 raised for local charities. This year’s Luminaria night takes place Saturday, December 5, from 5:30–8 p.m. in and around the Old Towne Square. Join your neighbors, family, and friends for a festive night as our streets are filled with the warm glow of luminaries. Order deadline: Friday, October 23. Order online at mariemontppg.com/ luminaria or through the paper order forms in the October issue of the Town Crier. Contact Cassidy Beals or Maggie Kenner at mariemontluminaria@gmail.com with any questions.

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Mariemont Celebrates Updated Dogwood Park

Mariemont Town Crier Dr. Robert Keyes delivers the Dogwood Park Rededication Proclamation.

Mariemont Recreational Baseball alumni George Peck, Quinn Budig, Matthew York, Alex Utt, and Davis Mendenhall take part in the festivities. BY RANDY YORK PHOTOS BY STEVE SPOONER A community ribbon-cutting celebration commemorating the centennial rededication of Dogwood Park was held on Sunday May 3, 2026. The event included a carillon concert, a ribbon cutting with area dignitaries, ceremonial first pitches, the carillon playing of the national anthem, and recreational baseball games. Food trucks, drinks, and food booths were lined up along Pleasant Avenue between Fieldhouse and Denny Place including La Rosa’s pizza, Fifty West hamburgers and hot dogs, United Dairy PAG E 2 0

The honorary ribbon cutters were Aria Gaietto; Adelaide, Seabrook, and Hayes Barnett; Anabelle, Addie and Riley Stock; and Taylor, Chloe and Henry Kenner.

Players and fans stand for the National Anthem, performed by Alan Bowman on the Mariemont Carillon.

Farmers Ice Cream, Baked by Brown butter cookies, and Kona Ice. Throughout the day popcorn, cotton candy, and drinks were available as well as children’s activities including bubbles, chalk, and a balloon artist. Thank you to Tom Walsh and Walsh Asset Management, the presenting sponsor of the event, as well as sponsors Volvo Cincinnati, Reed and Roe, Coldwell Banker Realty, Baked by Brown Butter, the Mariemont Recreation Association, the Mariemont Preschool Parents Group, the Mariemont Legacy Foundation, Kroger Mariemont, and the National Exemplar. Thank you also to the organizing committee which included Matt Ayer, Jordan Gaietto, Amanda Barnett,

Alicia Stock, Jim Goetz, Garrett Gerhart, and Biff Black. The event celebrated the completion of the initial phases of the Dogwood Park renovation. The updates that have been completed at Dogwood Park include the installation of the loop trial, the completion of the sidewalk along Pleasant Avenue from Wooster Pike to Mariemont Avenue, the replacement of the irrigation system, the updating of the electric service, the replacement of the drinking fountain at the shelter, the trimming and maintenance of the tree canopy, the replacement of the baseball back stops, the reconditioning of the baseball fields and the athletic fields, and the planting MARIE MO NT T OWN C R I ER


VI LLAGE of 33 trees. Scheduled to be completed this fall is the installation of the new parking lot. The Dogwood Park project is part of the Mariemont Centennial Capital Campaign. The campaign also includes the rehabilitation of Dale Park, the preservation of the Family Statuary group, and the repurpose of Hopkins Park as a library park. The Centennial Campaign started in the Fall of 2022 with the vision of an Extraordinary Vision Renewed. The goal was to celebrate the centennial by making generational improvements to our parks and green spaces. To date, the Centennial Campaign has raised $2,959,029. The Village of Mariemont is grateful to those who made the Extraordinary Vision Renewed possible; thank you for your support of the Village of Mariemont: Jordan Gaietto, Maggie Cooper Kenner, and Tom Gilmore on the Mariemont Centennial Committee; Lee Carter, John F. Barrett, Michael Hirschfeld, Thomas Williams, and Jeffrey March of the Thomas J. Emery Memorial; Biff Black, Janet Setchell, Gail McBride, Paul Mace, Mike Whitaker, and Doug Zemke of the Mariemont Preservation Foundation; Hamilton County Commissioners Stephanie Summerow Dumas, Alicia Reece, and Denise Driehaus; April Gallelli, James Noyes, and Steve Johns of Hamilton County Planning and Development; Khaled Shammout and the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority; Maria and Jordan Gaietto; Jamie Markle of Incite Philanthropy on behalf of the Taft-Semple Foundation; Heidi B. Jark, Carol Wright, and Jessica Jin of the Foundation Office at 5/3 Bank and the Helen G., Henry F., & Louise Tuechter Dornette Foundation; Walt Lunsford and Kim Beach of the Hatton Foundation; Thomas R Schiff and the Thomas R. Schiff Foundation; Nancy Eigel Miller and the Jim and Delrose Eigel Foundation; Congressman Greg Landsman; State Representative Ashley Bryant Bailey; State Senator Catherine D. Ingram; Senator Bernie Moreno; Teresa Goodridge and Dolores Burlison of The Ohio Department of Natural Resources; David Lindner, Brad Lindner, and Bob Lindner of The Robert D Lindner Sr Family; Dr. Darrin Wilson of Northern Kentucky University; and Vice President JD Vance.

Insurance should never feel confusing. That’s why at Sanderson Insurance, we take time to understand your needs, explain what you have and how it works, and personally shape coverage options we present. Sanderson Insurance began near Dayton, Ohio, in 1957, and has been a steady presence in the lives of Ohio – and now Northern Kentucky – families and businesses ever since. We value our role in the community and aim to foster long-lasting, informed relationships built on trust and understanding. Our mission is to serve you with integrity, insight, and care – every step of the way. Now owned by third-generation, Deanne Fisher, our independent agency has an office right off the Square in Mariemont. Whether you are looking for home, auto, life, or business insurance coverage, we represent multiple insurance companies, so we can find the best fit for you! Give us a call today. We look forward to meeting you!

(513) 831-0179 • Info.Cincinnati@SandersonInsurance.com 3914 Miami Rd., Suite 207, Cincinnati, OH 45227 • www.sandersonagency.com M AR IE M O N T TO W N CR IE R

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MariElders Membership Enriches Senior Lives MariElders has broad community support. That support helps us secure funding for transportation, wellness programs, educational opportunities, and activities that keep older adults engaged and thriving. Join today and become part of a community that believes aging should be active, connected, and full of possibility. Your membership is more than a card—it’s an investment in the future of MariElders and the neighbors we serve. Stay vibrant, be engaged! Connect with MariElders at marielders@ yahoo.com, 513-271-5588, or stop in and see us at 6923 Madisonville Rd. in Mariemont. MariElders members enjoy lunch at the Landing at Casa del Rio.

BY ERIN ROTHFUSS, MARIELDERS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Be part of something that makes our community stronger! If you’re 55 or better, you can help ensure MariElders continues to enrich lives for generations to come, simply by becoming a member. For nearly 50 years, MariElders has been a place where older adults stay vibrant, build friendships, discover new interests, and remain connected to the community. Even if you don’t plan to attend activities regularly, your membership sends a powerful message that these opportunities matter. Annual membership is just $30 for Mariemont residents and $40

for those living outside the Village. Every membership strengthens our organization and demonstrates to grant funders that

COMMUNICATION HELP

for All the Life You Live

Services for Speech, Language and Language-based Learning Disorders Services for Orofacial Myology Disorders We are a certified provider for:

• Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program • Ohio’s Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program On-site at many Greater Cincinnati private schools

Help Starts Here 513.771.7655 www.ccicinc.com

Offices near you in Blue Ash and Mariemont Sharon K. Collins, MS, CCC-S/LP, COM Owner/Director

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Seasons of Sustainability BY ALICIA STOCK, SUSTAINABLE MARIEMONT PRESIDENT From park and river cleanups to Village-wide initiatives, Sustainable Mariemont has been driving local impact while also planning for Mariemont’s long-term sustainability.

Community Recycling Wrap On May 9, 2026, Sustainable Mariemont and the Village of Mariemont hosted its annual Community Recycling Event at the municipal building parking lot. It provided residents of Mariemont and surrounding communities with a one-stop opportunity to securely shred paper documents, responsibly recycle electronics, and conveniently donate unwanted reusable items to the MariElders senior activity center. Thanks to funding from the Ohio EPA Community & Litter Grant, the event was offered to residents free of charge, with only TVs requiring a small fee to offset recycling costs. The grant funding, combined with donations from generous community members, covered $5,000 in recycling and event costs. Event Stats • Over 200 households participated from Mariemont, Fairfax, Madison Place, Madisonville, Williams Meadow, and Terrace Park • 15 volunteers directed traffic and sorted materials

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• Almost 6 tons of material diverted from the landfill • 4800 pounds of paper shredded and recycled • 7000 pounds of electronics and metal recycled MariElders loaded their van with reusable items donated to their summer auction fundraiser. Certified recycling partners Co- Sustainable Mariemont and MariElders Volunteers pose with Police & Fire Chief Richard Hines (center-right) at the spring 2026 recycling event. hen/Cobalt Recycling and Royal Document Destruction ensured responsible collection, that the Hefty Renew orange bag recycling secure destruction of data, and downstream program allows Hamilton County residents recycling of all other materials collected. to easily recycle additional items that aren’t Thank you to the many volunteers, donors, accepted by the Rumpke curbside program, Village employees, and community mem- including Styrofoam, plastic straws and bers that supported this successful event! utensils, solo-style plastic cups, and more! After the activity, the Daisies completed a cleanup of Dogwood Park and earned their Earth Day Recap badges for “Making the World a Better Place” Sustainable Mariemont also participated and “Using Resources Wisely.” The Squirrel in two Earth Day events with local girl scout Scouts cleaned up the trails and riverside in troops in April, giving educational presenta- Terrace Park, earning their “Litter Pickup” tions on waste reduction to the Mariemont badge. Kindergarten Daisy Troop and to the Terrace Is your organization interested in learnPark Kindergarten Squirrel Scouts. ing more about recycling, composting, reusTroops learned how to reduce trash by ing, or other sustainability topics? Reach out 80-90 percent, through composting and to us at sustainablemariemont@gmail.com curbside recycling and were excited to learn and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events and sustainability tips.

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Mariemont DAR Honors Revolutionary Soldiers in Sycamore Township There is an interesting story about the four headstones that are shown in the photo. Some years ago, the The Mariemont Chapter, National Veteran’s Administration provided Society Daughters of the American headstones for the graves of four PaRevolution (NSDAR), placed grave triots, but due to an error in historical stakes and flags on six Revolutionary records, the Patriots were thought War Soldiers headstones in the Sycato rest in Rose Hill Burial Cemetery more Township Memorial Cemetery located in Mt. Carmel, Ohio. The on May 2. There was a ceremony installers of the headstones confused consisting of a welcome, invocation, the Mt. Carmel Cemetery with the Mt. presentation of colors, Pledge of AlCarmel Baptist Church Cemetery. L-R: Sharon Conrad, Regent Christy Nagy, Mary Jo Holohan, legiance, “God Bless America” song, Debbie Himmel, Kay Pope, Barb Steinmetz, Sherri Smithson, SycAs a result, the headstones stood and a biography of each patriot. The amore Twp. Trustee Tracy Schwegmann, and Sarah Hartkemeier. in error in the wrong cemetery for weather was great, the ground was about twenty years. In 2020, the soft for placing the DAR grave stakes, and ship Memorial Cemetery is only one acre in headstones were relocated and rededicathonoring these lives on sacred ground was length but has a high concentration of Revo- ed to the Sycamore Township Memorial the highlight of our ceremony. lutionary Soldiers for such a small cemetery. Cemetery. They were properly honored in This chapter Patriot Memorial Service Last year, a member of our chapter noticed the correct cemetery where the Patriots are pointed out a prisoner of war—a founding no American flags had been placed at this buried. father of Montgomery, Ohio— and a Patriot cemetery for Veterans Day, so we decided to For more information about DAR who gifted the land so there would be a honor these six Revolutionary Soldiers: John Mariemont Chapter, please contact Christy cemetery for the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Ferris Sr., Mathias Felter, Gershom Hubble, Nagy at regent@mariemont.com or snccongregation in 1822. The Sycamore Town- William Neves, Isaac Ferris, and Adam Lee. nagy@yahoo.com. BY SARAH HARTKEMEIER, DAR HISTORIAN/LIBRARIAN

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WO MA N ’ S A RT CLUB CULTURAL CENTER

So Much to Do at The Barn This Fall! BY CHRISTINE PARKER, DIRECTOR Happy Fall to All! In addition to a wide range of art classes for kids through adults, including (finally) Sewing for Adults, we will also have Goat Yoga and many exhibits, including the Mariemont Schools-Ukraine partnership exhibit. Visit The Barn website at thebarninmariemont.org for event and class dates and times as well as to register.

Mariemont Paint Out

Fridays • Ikebana with Uchiyama • The Color Magic of Pan Pastel with Charlie Berger • TGIF! Open Studio with Charlie Berger Saturdays • Figure Drawing with Charlie Berger Sundays • Paint the Bob Ross Way with Gary Waits

The Paint Out is a wonderful tradition, bringing in artists from all over the region for Plein Air (Open Air) painting throughout our city. You’ll see artists outside in various locations capturing the beauty of our city, all to be displayed on Sunday, October 18 at The Barn! See our website for details or to enter as an artist.

The Art We Make

Fall Classes for Adults Tuesdays • Watercolors with Keith Shebesta • Try-It-Out Watercolors for Beginners (3 weeks) • Pique Assiette Mosaics with Sandy Caruso Wednesdays • Oil Paint with Jan Boone • Ikebana with Uchiyama • Adult Sewing Classes Thursdays • Watercolor for Everyone with Chris Campbell • Fundamentals of Drawing & Painting with Mary Louise Holt • Adult Open Studio with Beth Schott • Pique Assiette Mosaics with Sandy Caruso

The Barn in Mariemont

Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center 6980 Cambridge Ave. www.thebarninmariemont.org 513-272-3700 info@thebarninmariemont.org M AR IE M O N T TO W N CR IE R

Fall Classes for Kids/Teens Nearly all our Sewing & Fashion Design Camps sold out this summer. Thank you! Kids can reinforce those new skills and grow them by joining us on Tuesdays or Wednesdays after school. We hope to add even more classes by the time you read this article! You can find all the details on our website.

We’re Hiring! Thanks to our growth, we are looking to add a Program Coordinator to our staff. Please see our website, thebarninmariemont.org, for more details.

Sandy Caruso (above), a Mariemont resident and mosaic instructor, won a People’s Choice award at last year’s Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati (WACC) All Member Exhibition & Sale. Drawing on works by the Woman’s Art Club’s more than 200 members, the annual exhibition showcases artworks across media that reflect the unique experiences and expressions that shape each member’s art. This year’s event details: WHEN: Opening Reception and public voting for “People’s Choice Awards” – Sunday, October 11, 1:30–4:30 p.m. The exhibition runs through Tuesday, October 27. The gallery is open daily from 12–3 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. WHERE: The Barn | Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center, 6980 Cambridge Avenue in Mariemont INFO: For more information and updates on this exhibition, visit womansartclub.com. The Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati is the oldest continuously operating women’s art club in the United States. Founded on December 1, 1892, by nineteen women artists, the Woman’s Art Club continues to encourage members to strive for excellence in their work and to foster a greater interest in art.

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Village News September 7 • Village offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. • Labor Day Carillon Concert: 2 p.m. at Dogwood Park. This is the last carillon concert of the season.

September 13 • Kiwanis Art & Craft Market: 11 a.m.– 5 p.m. in the greenspace across from The Inn and The Strand.

Building Department News We are pleased to welcome Shawn Patrick Tubb as our new Building & Zoning Administrator! He brings a background in architecture and community planning, including graduate degrees from the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program. Tubb is a licensed architect with experience in historic preservation and sustainability. He looks forward to working with residents and businesses to support development and to help navigate the Village’s building and zoning permitting processes. Shawn welcomes your questions and can be reached at 513271-3246, ext. 4, or building@mariemont.org, with office hours of Mon–Fri 10 a.m.–2 p.m. or by appointment. Many thanks to Rod Holloway who served in this role for five years and has

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done a tremendous job in the Building Department as well as overseeing several Village projects!

Honoring Sue Singleton We said goodbye to Sue Singleton, a longtime former employee and friend of the Village who passed on April 24, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. Ms. Singleton worked in the Village office for 17 years as the staff assistant before retiring in 2020. She was well-liked by her co-workers and by the many residents who crossed paths with her throughout the years. Mariemont had a special place in her heart, and she will be remembered here for years to come. Family and friends celebrated Sue’s life on May 20, 2026. everloved.com/life-of/susan-singleton/obituary/

Council Representatives Mayor Bill Brown mayor@mariemont.org Matthew Ayer mayer@mariemont.org Susan Brownknight sbrownknight@mariemont.org Marcy Lewis mlewis@mariemont.org Alicia Stock astock@mariemont.org Robert Van Stone rvanstone@mariemont.org Lila Wells lwells@mariemont.org

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WORSHI P

Village Worship Services

Mariemont Church

mariemontchurch.org facebook.com/MariemontChurch YouTube: @MariemontChurch The Clocktower Building at 3908 Plainville Rd. Sunday Morning Services: 9 and 11 a.m. Join us for worship, prayer, teaching, and community as we follow Jesus together. Livestream services on our website, www. mariemontchurch.org, or on YouTube, @MariemontChurch. Our current series is “Your Story: Encountering God the Father from Genesis to Revelation.” Kingdom Kids Sunday School: Encounter Jesus, experience His love, and grow in faith through Kingdom Kids. Available during both Sunday morning services for infants through 6th grade. Contact katie@ mariemontchurch.org. Next Chapter Youth Group: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Meet other middle and high school students (Grades 7–12) for community, discipleship, and fun! Contact katie@ mariemontchurch.org.

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Weekday Worship: Tuesday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Come and go as you wish. Pause and spend time with God in a quiet space to pray, praise, or simply rest in His presence. Women’s Bible Studies: Grow closer to God while building meaningful relationships with other women. Joy in the Morning: Tuesdays, 9:15–11:15 a.m. (during the school year). Evening Joy: 1st and 3rd Mondays, 7–8:30 p.m. (September–June). Men’s Bible Studies: Starting at 6:30 a.m. every Friday. Connect with other men through Bible study, prayer, and encouragement. All are welcome!. Men’s Midrash Bible Study: Every other Wednesday at 6:15 a.m. Friday Morning Bible Study: Fridays at 6:30 a.m. Small Groups: Experience the joy of doing life together. Small groups are available for every age and stage of life. Contact paul@ mariemontchurch.org. …with Him Podcast: Listen in as Jamie and Raz explore what it means to live freely and lightly with Jesus. New episodes weekly! Available on all major podcast platforms. Mariemont Church Preschool: Discover a nurturing, Jesus-centered preschool where children can learn and thrive. Contact our Preschool Director, Renee Brownfield, at preschool@mariemontchurch.org. All events are held at the Clocktower Building unless otherwise noted. To learn

more, visit mariemontchurch.org or contact info@mariemontchurch.org. We’d love to hear from you!

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 Summer is coming to a close, and we invite you to worship with us on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in the Mariemont Memorial Stone Chapel. Our children’s classes and office are located at 3920 Oak Street, just off the Old Village Square on the corner of Oak and Maple Streets. 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 relevant teaching from the Bible and authentic relationships. In today’s fast-paced world, we offer a place to slow down, connect, and build lasting friendships. Kidz Connection: A fun way for children (Nursery to 5th Grade) to learn about God and the Bible during our Sunday morning worship services. 9:30–10:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study: Meets every other Thursday of the month from 6:30–8 p.m. Check the website for more information. Men’s Lunch Discussion: Meets weekly at 1 p.m. on Fridays. 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 villagechurchofmariemont.org or contact Pastor Todd Keyes.

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Mariemont Town Crier, September 2026, Vol. LI, No. 1 by Mariemont Town Crier - Issuu