Hometown pride

‘We’re going to make you feel warm and invited’: Chardon Square Association celebrates 40th anniversary

While strolling about Chardon Square it’s clear that the historic, picturesque area is at the heart of the city.

Chardon Square Association, in its 40th year, assists its many shops, restaurants, and businesses while ensuring that a hometown feeling remains.

Incorporated in 1980, it is a volunteer organization of local businesses and community members dedicated to preserving the history and fostering the development of Chardon Square through community projects and events. Mariann Goodwin is a longtime member and past president who owns Carriage Trade Boutique on North Hambden Street. Prior to her current business she operated Rosepointe Cottage, a popular tea room on Center Street that has since become 7 Ladies Tea Parlor.

“I was always so impressed with the wonderful opportunities the Chardon Square Association offered my family,” Goodwin said. “That was one of the reasons I wanted to join.”

The organization seeks to keep the hometown spirit vibrant by coordinating a myriad of activities.

Pancake breakfasts, farmer’s markets, art festivals and more normally fill their annual calendar. However, due to the novel coronavirus, some events have been canceled or postponed this year.

“We live in our community, we work in the community and we give back.”

— Chardon Square Associated President Stephanie Talty

Goodwin said that she hopes the Chardon Square Arts Festival, the group’s largest fundraiser that is scheduled for Aug. 2, will go on as planned although no final decision has been made.

Funds garnered from all events are directed back to the community for the square’s upkeep and beautification.

Past projects have included the building of a gazebo, courthouse lighting, electronic signage, flags, flower baskets, park and street benches and several others.

A Giving Garden constructed on a plot of land in an alley off of Main Street serves dual purposes. The garden visually upgrades the area plus all harvested vegetables are donated to a food bank at a local church.

Goodwin credits the association’s founders for initiating the vigorous organization. “(It) was started by some of the merchants on the square,” she said. “They really pulled together… they did so much to spruce up and bring the square to what it has become.”

Stephanie Talty is the association’s current president. She owns The Nest, a shop on Main Street that sells repurposed furniture pieces as well as home accessories.

Talty said that the association is a tight-knit group that bands together while taking care of each other.

“We talk daily, strategize and meet once a month to talk about crucial items that need to be addressed,” she said. “There’s constant support. We are small business owners. We live in our community, we work in the community and we give back.”

Although many businesses worldwide took an economic hit due to COVID 19, Talty notes that none of the establishments on the square have been forced to close.

In fact, a new restaurant will be introduced soon. Bella Cucina, an Italian eatery, is set to open this summer.

“If you’re new to the community we’re going to make you feel warm and invited,” Talty said. “We do our best to give the community what they want with businesses and shopping.”

Goodwin agrees. “When people move in what they thank us for is having this gem of a square,” she said.

SUBMITTED The Chardon Square Association provided new benches for the square’s park in commemoration of the organization’s 40th anniversary.

SUBMITTED Chardon Square has undergone many changes over the course of its lengthy history.