Turning Laundry Time into Learning Time: Laundromat Libraries Expand to Beverly, Ohio

Washington County, OH — Following a successful pilot of the Laundromat Library installed in Marietta, Ohio, a second of its kind is now up and running in Beverly, Ohio.

The newly-installed Laundromat Library located at KBI Laundry in Beverly, Ohio

Laundromat Libraries, a program of Marietta Community Foundation, seeks to get more books into children's hands county-wide by establishing small libraries of books that children can take or borrow from laundromats in Washington County.

“Every book borrowed at our Laundromat Libraries is a step towards a brighter future,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation. “We're thrilled to bring this opportunity to the families of Beverly, Ohio, and nurture a love of reading throughout Washington County, one spin cycle at a time.”

The Beverly Laundromat Library is located at KBI Laundry, 505 Ullman Street in Beverly. The first is located at Old Town Express Laundry at 704 Pike St. in Marietta.

The books for each library were supplied by The UPS Store Marietta. Funding for the bookshelf was provided by the Dwight K. and Dorothy S. Hays Memorial Fund held at the Foundation.

Laundromats in Washington County willing to host a library are asked to contact Marietta Community Foundation at 740-373-3286 or heather@mcfohio.org. The Foundation hopes to expand the program to reach every part of the County.

Collective Selection: Five Nonprofits Receive $1,500 in Celebration of National Nonprofit Day

Fredley Tynan and Amy Rogers accept a $500 grant on behalf of the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley

Washington County, OH — In honor of National Nonprofit Day, Marietta Community Foundation announced that one nonprofit would receive a surprise $500 grant — and the community would be selecting the recipient within 24 hours.

 All nonprofits with a fund at Marietta Community Foundation were eligible to receive the $500 grant, providing community members 60 local nonprofits to choose from. From noon on Thursday, August 17, to noon on Friday, August 18, the town rallied for its most cherished causes.

 More than 700 votes were cast within the 24-hour period, doubling the previous year's participation. Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation, remarked, “The overwhelming response we received this year reflects the deep sense of community and collaboration that defines Washington County. It's heartwarming to witness such passion for supporting the vital work of local nonprofits.”

 The Humane Society of the Ohio Valley snagged the top spot, claiming victory with an impressive 97 votes. Amy Rogers, Interim Executive Director, commented, “We would just like to thank the community for all their support. We would not be able to do what we do and continue our mission if it wasn’t for the support of the community.”

 In recognition of the exceptional engagement, the Foundation decided to award funds to the top five nonprofits. Close races added suspense: a single vote determined second and third place, echoing the same slim margin that separated fourth and fifth.

 After counting and recounting, second place was cinched by Fort Frye High School, winning $400, followed closely by O'Neill Senior Center with $300. The MHS Wall of Sound Band Boosters hit the right note in fourth place, winning $200, while fifth place brought $100 to WASCO, Inc.

 Connie Huntsman, Executive Director of the O’Neill Senior Center, was honored for her organization to be among the winners, commenting on how this surprise added to their celebration of World Senior Citizens Day.

 “We’re always looking for a way to celebrate. Why not celebrate World Senior Citizens Day with the people that touch our lives every day? We couldn’t do it without the support of community sponsors, and we really appreciate everything the entire community does for the O’Neill Center.”

 "Our community's spirit shone bright during this contest,” beamed Allender. “Washington County proves time and again that together, we make magic happen.”

 Marietta Community Foundation is where generous families, businesses, and nonprofits come together to transform lives and strengthen Washington County, Ohio — turning good intentions into great accomplishments. The Foundation has distributed more than $27 Million to charities since its creation in 1974 and currently manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.

Inaugural InfluencHer Leadership Summit: Empowering Girls and Fostering Leadership Potential

Washington County, OH — The inaugural InfluencHer Leadership Summit took place on August 4th, delivering a day of empowerment, exploration, and growth to middle-school girls aged 9-13 in Washington County, Ohio.

The event was organized by Building Bridges to Careers and Marietta Community Foundation and brought together young minds and enthusiastic mentors for a day of skill-building and inspiration.

Tasha Werry, Executive Director of Building Bridges to Careers, commented, “The summit aimed to provide a safe and supportive environment for young girls to network with local female leaders, and to learn about the wide variety of roles they play in the community. We also wanted them to leave with a sense of confidence and an understanding that their voices matter.”

The young leaders engaged in hands-on workshops alongside dedicated female mentors with shared interests throughout the day. The program featured several fun team-building challenges, a self-defense class led by female police officers, a community service activity, a mindfulness workshop, one-on-one mentoring, and much more.

Additionally, each participant received a copy of "The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, & Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self," a gift from LeeAnn Johnson to serve as an ongoing source of guidance.

Following the Summit, parents soon reported seeing a positive difference, noticing their daughter’s confidence boost and willingness to try new things.

When surveyed about aspects or workshops that stood out as particularly impactful or memorable, one parent anonymously said, “For mine, it was the overall feeling of confidence that came from an encouraging day. She discussed each workshop, but what really came across was the feeling of inclusion and positive expectation.”

“My daughter went into this event nervous and came out with a huge smile,” conveyed another parent. “She loved team building exercises and self defense the most. Also, loved her awesome mentor.”

Reflecting on the day, Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation, said “Witnessing the girls engage with accomplished mentors and embrace new challenges was truly rewarding. We are proud to have created an event that will leave a lasting impression on these future community leaders.”

The event organizers attribute the success of the day to the enthusiasm and active engagement of each young leader and mentor.

Additionally, the organizers wish to formally thank several individuals and organizations whose contributions made the Summit an unforgettable experience for all involved:

• The empowering women who volunteered to mentor: Heather Allender, Danielle Bruni, Brittany Casto, Kelsy Eaton, Sally Evans, Sophie Evans, LeeAnn Johnson, Pamela Lankford, Debbie Lazorik, Ashleigh Pennock, Claire Ramsey, Jona Rinard, Maribeth Saleem-Tanner, Carol Schneeberger, Sherry Wagner, Katie Warden, Courtney Wentz, Tasha Werry, Jill Witucky, and Katie Wolfe.

• Chief Katie Warden & Olivia Alloway of the Marietta City Police Department and Marietta College Police Department, respectively: Their leadership of Workshop 2: Self-Defense provided the young leaders with practical verbal and physical tools to enhance personal safety and confidence.

• EVE, Inc.: Their partnership for Workshop 3: Service Activity highlighted the importance of community service and inspired participants to make a positive impact within our community.

• Maribeth Saleem-Tanner: Her guidance during Workshop 4: Mindfulness allowed the girls to explore the benefits of self-awareness, emotional well-being, and the power of being present, nurturing a sense of inner peace and resilience.

• LeeAnn Johnson: Her extremely generous gift of The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, & Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self to each mentee will continue to inspire and guide the young leaders beyond the summit, encouraging them to embrace their unique strengths and potential.

• The Betsey Mills Club: Their facility was the perfect venue for the event, offering a welcoming and versatile space for mentorship and learning.

• Building Bridges to Careers: Their dedication to designing and orchestrating a well-rounded program created an environment that encouraged creativity, learning, and growth among young leaders and mentors alike.

• Marietta Community Foundation: Their commitment to inspiring our community served as the driving force behind creating the summit and bringing it to life, empowering future leaders, and addressing an identified need.

• The Women’s Giving Circle: Their generous financial backing made it possible to offer the summit free of charge to all participants, ensuring that this transformative experience was accessible to young leaders throughout the community.

About the InfluencHer Leadership Summit

The InfluencHer Leadership Summit is a unique gathering that brings together enthusiastic young minds, passionate mentors, and engaging activities, all with the goal of equipping tweens with essential leadership skills. Throughout the day, participants (known as “influencHers”) will embark on an immersive journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and hands-on mentorship.

About Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C)

BB2C offers career mentoring, job shadowing, internships, and career exploration to students. They foster relationships to inspire career choice and work to support successful students, prosperous businesses, and thriving communities.

About Marietta Community Foundation

Marietta Community Foundation is where generous families, businesses, and nonprofits come together to transform lives and strengthen Washington County, Ohio — turning good intentions into great accomplishments. The Foundation has distributed more than $27 Million to charities since its creation in 1974 and currently manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.

Noon Rotary Champions DPIL With $5,000 Gift

Washington County, OH — Marietta Noon Rotary Club has earned the distinguished title of the first Champion supporter of the Imagination Library this year, thanks to their generous $5,000 gift.

This esteemed book-gifting program, backed by Dolly Parton herself and local community partners, offers free books to children aged zero to five. Dolly's inspiration for the program came from her father's struggles with illiteracy, and since its inception in 1995, it has expanded to five countries and distributed over 204 million books to young readers.

Marietta Noon Rotary's $5,000 donation enabled the registration of the entire waitlist, allowing each child to receive a book every month. This significant contribution reinforces their commitment to the Imagination Library's mission.

Tony Huffman, outgoing president of Marietta Noon Rotary, highlights the alignment of the Imagination Library with the club's mission. Supporting the program means embracing the importance of reading and comprehension, making it a cause worth championing.

“Rotary is all about helping the underprivileged. Donating to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a great way to embrace that idea. The ability to read and comprehend well can be the saving grace for children living in poverty! I am encouraged to know that one in every ten kids in the USA, who are under the age of five years old, receive a book from Imagination Library free of charge. I am glad our Rotary group was able to give to this cause.”

“I am truly inspired by the incredible impact that the Imagination Library has on our community,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation.

“Through the generosity and support of partners like Marietta Noon Rotary Club, we have witnessed the magic of a child's imagination ignited by the gift of books. It is heartwarming to see our young readers eagerly flipping through the pages, discovering new worlds, and nurturing a lifelong love for learning. Together, we are empowering the next generation, building a stronger foundation for their future success.”

After their donation in May, the waitlist was cleared, and over a hundred more children have since signed up. To get involved and support the Imagination Library in Washington County, visit www.mcfohio.org/imagination-library for more information.

Rotary International was founded in 1905 in Chicago and is now the world’s largest international service organization with 1.2 million professional men and women as members. There are 35,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographical regions.  Rotary initiates local and global projects to promote world understanding and peace and improve life conditions for people of all ages and cultures. Visit https://mariettanoonrotary.org/ for more information.

Marietta Community Foundation is where generous families, businesses, and nonprofits come together to transform lives and strengthen Washington County, Ohio — turning good intentions into great accomplishments. The Foundation has distributed more than $27 Million to charities since its creation in 1974 and currently manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.

Visual Storytelling Dynamo Joins MCF

Sam Gottfried

Washington County, OH — Marietta Community Foundation has welcomed another summer intern to the team.

Sam Gottfried is starting his third and final year in the fall at Ohio University, studying Media Production and Marketing. Post graduation, Gottfried plans to obtain an MBA at Ohio University.

An internship with WTAP in Parkersburg brought Gottfried back to the area, though a desire for a holistic marketing experience led him to Marietta Community Foundation.

“My goal with marketing is to tell great stories to convey strong messages to the public,” Gottfried said. “Working for the Foundation was a no-brainer. They do so much good for the community and have even given me scholarships that have helped tremendously towards funding my college education. Their story is important, and I want the work that I do to help make that known to everyone.”

This summer, Gottfried is helping to prepare media for the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary celebrations and creating online and television advertisements.

“I couldn’t be more excited to work on such a professional level of marketing,” stated Gottfried. “Marketing and advertising work is new to me, but something I know that I will flourish at. I am excited to connect with the staff at MCF and members of the community so that I can tell the story of their impact.”

Marietta Community Foundation is where generous families, businesses, and nonprofits come together to transform lives and strengthen Washington County, Ohio — turning good intentions into great accomplishments. The Foundation has distributed more than $27 Million to charities since its creation in 1974 and currently manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.

Club of Influence: Women’s Giving Circle Empowers and Transforms Lives

BB2C presenting for InfluencHer Leadership Summit

BB2C presenting for InfluencHer Leadership Summit

Kerry Jean Waddle presenting for the Betsey Mills Club

Kerry Jean Waddle presenting for the Betsey Mills Club

Carla Westfall presenting for RSVP/Washington County Homeless Project

Carla Westfall presenting for RSVP/Washington County Homeless Project

Carla Westfall presenting for RSVP/Washington County Homeless Project

The Women's Giving Circle, a dedicated group of philanthropic women, is making a significant impact in Washington County by generously supporting programs that empower local women and children. During their June 1 meeting, the Women's Giving Circle proudly awarded a collective $11,000 in grants to three deserving initiatives.

Moved by the inspiring presentations, the group decided to increase the award amounts from their usual $4,000, $2,000, and $1,000 allocations. The first and second-place recipients were both granted $4,000, while the third-place initiative received $3,000. This distribution fully utilized the funds available until the next meeting.

The grants will be allocated as follows:

• $4,000 will support the first-ever InfluencHer Leadership Summit, a free one-day program for middle school girls in Washington County that strives to empower young girls and foster their leadership potential.

• $4,000 will support a collaboration between the Washington County Homeless Project and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which provides an avenue for homeless and disadvantaged families to regularly do their laundry.

• $3,000 will support the Betsey Mills Club as they repair chipped floors that pose a safety hazard, refresh paint, and incorporate tutoring services focusing on kindergarten readiness, reading, and math into four classrooms.

By strategically distributing their resources, the Women's Giving Circle ensures that their grants have a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of women and children in their community.

Kerry Jean Waddle, Executive Director of the Betsey Mills Club, expressed her excitement, stating, “We are extremely excited to receive funding from the Women's Giving Circle! The Women's Giving Circle is an amazing group of women who are passionate about giving back to the community! Their giving spirit will help so many people, and their impact will be seen for decades to come! We feel so blessed to be included in this grant funding, and we cannot say thank you enough!”

Keri Dunn

The heartfelt stories of the projects' impact deeply moved the Women's Giving Circle members, including Keri Dunn, a newer member of the group. Keri shared her personal connection, saying, “My grandpa just passed away, and he was a dedicated RSVP volunteer. He could hardly walk, but would still be out delivering Meals on Wheels. It was so important to him! He’s part of the reason I’m here. He taught us that no matter our circumstances, there are always others who are worse off and need our help.”

Since its establishment in 2016, the Women's Giving Circle has donated over $60,000 to various nonprofits in Washington County.

The Women's Giving Circle welcomes new members who share their passion for philanthropy and their desire to drive positive change. By joining, individuals can actively participate in the decision-making process and directly impact the lives of women and children in their community. For more information on becoming a member, please contact Heather Allender at heather@mcfohio.org or 740-373-3286.

Opportunity Knocks: Parmer Concludes Board Service

Tatum Parmer

Washington County, OH — Marietta Community Foundation bids farewell to Tatum Parmer as her family relocates and she resigns from her esteemed position on the Board of Directors following three years of service. Her passion has been instrumental in shaping the Foundation's initiatives and will continue to inspire future endeavors.

With a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from an extensive career in the healthcare industry, Tatum brought valuable insights to the Foundation.

“Tatum Parmer's impact on Marietta Community Foundation cannot be overstated,” said Roland Riggs, Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Directors. “Her intelligence, genuine thoughtfulness, and extensive expertise in healthcare have made a significant impact on our mission, contributing to the growth and vibrancy of Washington County.”

Beyond her contributions to the Foundation, Tatum has been an active member of the community, serving as a board member for Peoples Bank Theatre and as a member of both the Women’s Giving Circle and Capitolium Literary Society.

“Serving on the Board has been a true pleasure,” Tatum remarked. “It has been so rewarding to witness how our community is making the place I’ve called home for 23 years a special place. The Foundation is instrumental in getting funding to where it is needed most by working closely with nonprofits and leveraging support from generous donors. It has been an honor to be part of this dynamic team and see the impact made.”

Marietta Community Foundation expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Tatum for her outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to the well-being of Washington County, and valuable contributions to the Board.

As Tatum exits, the Foundation is actively seeking the involvement of high-caliber individuals from Washington County and the surrounding areas. By joining one of the Foundation's committees, citizens have the opportunity to play an active role in shaping the Foundation's initiatives and ensuring that the diverse voices of the community are heard and represented.

To learn more about the Marietta Community Foundation's committees and how to become involved, please visit www.mcfohio.org/committees or contact Heather Allender, President & CEO, at heather@mcfohio.org.

Marietta Community Foundation is where generous families, businesses, and nonprofits come together to transform lives and strengthen Washington County, Ohio — turning good intentions into great accomplishments. The Foundation has distributed more than $27 Million to charities since its creation in 1974 and currently manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.

Peoples Bank’s Support for DPIL Soars 250%

Washington County, OH — Inspired by the Belpre Rotary Club, Peoples Bank has elevated its support of the Washington County Imagination Library program, ensuring that over 100 local children receive a full year of books.

The contribution was sparked by a question asked by Linda Robinson, a dedicated member of the Belpre Rotary Club, during a presentation highlighting the positive impact of the Peoples Bank Foundation. Robinson expressed concern over the 101 children on the waiting list for the local Dolly Parton's Imagination Library program.

Pictured (left to right): Courtney Wentz (MCF), Aimee Seabolt (Peoples Bank), Linda Robinson (Belpre Rotary Secretary), and Jackie Poole (Belpre Rotary President)

In a heartwarming response, Kevin Eagan, Chief Marketing Officer at Peoples Bank, swiftly pledged their support, saying, "Yeah, we can take care of that." As a result, a generous donation of $2,525 was presented to Marietta Community Foundation at the subsequent Rotary Club meeting.

As the Washington County affiliate, Marietta Community Foundation plays a pivotal role in the program, contributing approximately $25 per child per year to cover book and mailing costs, while actively promoting enrollment. The total cost of a child's enrollment depends on the number of months until their fifth birthday, with a registration cost of $125 for those registered at birth.

Thanks to this sponsorship, 101 children will now receive a complete year of books, elevating Peoples Bank to a leader-level sponsor from their previous $1,000 friend-level sponsorship.

Aimee Seabolt (Peoples Bank) presents Courtney Wentz (MCF) with a $2,525 check for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program in Washington County, Ohio.

Reflecting on the partnership, Eagan stated, "Peoples Bank is dedicated to improving our communities, and we recognize that reading is a fundamental building block for a successful education. Supporting the Imagination Library in providing books to children in Washington County aligns perfectly with our mission. We extend our gratitude to Marietta Community Foundation, Belpre Rotary, and the Imagination Library Program for their exceptional work right here in the MOV."

The Imagination Library program, established by Dolly Parton in 1995, is a renowned book-gifting program that offers free books to children from birth to age five. The program is supported by funding from Dolly Parton herself and local community partners. It began in her home county and has now expanded to five countries, having delivered over 204 million books to young readers.

To enroll a child in the Washington County Imagination Library program or make a donation, please visit www.mcfohio.org/imagination-library for more information.

From Advert to Intern: Introducing Sophie Evans

Sophie Evans

Marietta Community Foundation has welcomed a new summer intern to the team.

Sophie Evans is in her first year at Marietta College, studying Strategic Communications. As a Marietta High School alum, Evans is carrying on the family tradition of remaining local. Evans plans to graduate in the fall of 2024, then pursue a Master’s degree at Ohio University.

While discussing experiential learning opportunities with her academic advisor, the idea of an internship at the Foundation immediately piqued her interest.

Sophie is not the first of the Evans family to engage with the Foundation. Her grandmother, Sally Evans, is a past board member and a member of the Women’s Giving Circle, a companion group of the Foundation.

“Accepting a summer internship position at the Foundation was an easy decision,” Sophie stated.

“My family’s involvement in the community was a key element in my personal development. I spent much of my childhood looking up to my grandmother, especially because of her involvement with the Foundation. I remember how proud I was to be pictured on one of the Foundation’s promotional billboards with her and my sisters when I was a child.”

2019 billboard featuring Sophie alongside her two sisters with their grandmother, Sally Evans.

“Even before realizing Sophie’s connection to the Foundation, she was a stand-out candidate,” said Courtney Wentz, Communications and Marketing Director. “She demonstrates immaculate poise and professionalism. Her internship began just one week ago, and she’s already made worthwhile contributions to our work. She has an incredibly bright future ahead of her.”

Evans has many goals that she hopes to achieve in her time at the Foundation.

“I hope to build meaningful relationships with community members. I look forward to growing my knowledge of how nonprofit organizations function and interact with one another. I hope this internship not only benefits me, but those who are affected by the Foundation. I know that the Foundation plays an outstanding role in the lives of Washington County citizens, and I hope to take part in their philanthropy.”

Marietta Community Foundation is where generous families, businesses, and nonprofits come together to transform lives and strengthen Washington County, Ohio — turning good intentions into great accomplishments. The Foundation has distributed more than $27 Million to charities since its creation in 1974 and currently manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.

Kiwanis Club of Marietta Joins as a 2023 Sponsor of Washington County's Imagination Library Program

Washington County, OH — As one of the newest sponsors of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Washington County, the Kiwanis Club of Marietta has committed to supporting early childhood literacy and fostering a love for reading among children in the community.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a renowned book-gifting program that provides free books to children from birth to age five, supported by funding from Dolly Parton herself and local community partners. Inspired by her father's struggles with illiteracy, Dolly launched the program in 1995 in her home county. Today, it spans five countries and has delivered over 204 million books to young readers.

Through a generous donation of $2,500, the Kiwanis Club of Marietta enabled 34 children to be swiftly registered and removed from the program's waitlist.

When asked why the club chose to support the Imagination Library, President John Halliday said “Our focus is children from all walks of life and all ages, so it was the perfect fit. Through literacy, children grow and become productive members of society. And hopefully, one day they will join Kiwanis Club!”

"The Kiwanis Club of Marietta has opened doors for these children to embark on an exciting literary adventure," stated Heather Allender, President and CEO of Marietta Community Foundation. "The Imagination Library equips them with the essential tools to develop critical reading skills and unleash their imaginations."

As the Washington County affiliate, Marietta Community Foundation contributes approximately $25 per child per year to cover book and mailing costs while actively promoting the program to drive enrollment. The total cost of a child’s enrollment is dependent on the number of months until their fifth birthday. If a child is registered at birth, their registration cost totals $125. 

Registered children receive a carefully selected, age-appropriate, and high-quality book delivered straight to their doorstep each month. Depending on the time of their registration, children can build a personal library of 60 books before they enter Kindergarten, nurturing a strong foundation for their educational journey.

The impact of the Imagination Library program extends far beyond the joy of receiving a new book each month. By instilling a love for reading from an early age, the program contributes to the holistic development of children, enhancing their cognitive abilities, expanding their vocabulary, and fostering a lifelong passion for learning.

For more information on enrolling a child or to make a donation to the Washington County Imagination Library program, visit www.mcfohio.org/imagination-library.

Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is a global organization of clubs and members dedicated to serving the children of the world. Kiwanis and its family of clubs annually dedicate more than 18.5 million service hours to strengthen communities and serve children. The Kiwanis International family comprises nearly 558,000 adult and youth members in more than 82 countries and geographic areas. Visit kiwanis.org for more information.

Marietta Community Foundation is where generous families, businesses, and nonprofits come together to transform lives and strengthen Washington County, Ohio — turning good intentions into great accomplishments. The Foundation has distributed more than $27 Million to charities since its creation in 1974 and currently manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.

Spring Brings 28 Local Nonprofits $141K in Grant Funding

Washington County, OH — $141,825 is being allocated to local nonprofits as a direct result of Marietta Community Foundation’s 2023 Spring Grant Cycle.

This grant cycle pivoted slightly to pilot the Foundation’s newly remodeled grant programming. As a result, some Community Impact grant applications were processed as Simple Solution grants.

Simple Solution grants seek to meet immediate needs and are primarily funded by fundholders. This model allows the pooled unrestricted funding of the Community Impact fund to be used for strategic investments in the areas of greatest need in Washington County. Both Community Impact and Simple Solution grant applications are shared with the Foundation’s fundholders to maximize the opportunities to support projects.

The following grants were awarded:

Community Impact Grants

• The Castle Museum to maintain camper registration fees and expand the offerings of their summer History Camp, offered to children between 3rd and 6th grade.

• Community Food Initiatives to provide two Nourishing Network events in Washington County, which will host workshops with trained facilitators that provide data on food security, facilitate discussion of barriers and strategies for food access, and support the development of community-led food access projects.

• Decatur Community Association to replace the roof on the community building and picnic shelter. The building is regularly used by the community for celebrations, meetings, and community events.

• Ely Chapman Education Foundation to continue the Leader in Me Program for the 2023-2024 school year. The program is designed to develop resiliency and leadership in young people and will address the negative academic, and social-emotional effects of the past two pandemic years while increasing positive behavior habits for our youth.

• EVE, Incorporated to provide domestic violence survivors with emergency financial assistance to help with a variety of needs (replace legal documents, purchase medication, food, and formula, provide transportation, or provide items needed for safety and capacity building.

• First Congregational Church to purchase sausage patties, eggs, and fruit to distribute take-out meals through the Free Community Breakfast program.

• Frontier Local School District to replace worn-out playground equipment at Newport Elementary School, which is used by the elementary students as well as the entire community during non-school hours.

• Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Ohio Valley to purchase construction materials needed for a home being built on Valley View Drive in Belpre.

• Humane Society of the Ohio Valley to build additional kennel space for short-term housing and care for pets of residents who are dealing with short-term hospital stays, changes in their living situation, or fleeing abusive homes.

• The iBELIEVE Foundation to provide ten scholarships for Washington County youth to attend the iBELIEVE Foundation's 2023 Summer Youth Leadership Workshops.

• Ohio Univeristy Diabetes Institute to provide scholarships for Washington County children living with Type 1 Diabetes to attend Diabetes CAT summer camp.

• Marietta College for STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Camp tailored for elementary students that will reoccur this summer.

• Muskingum Valley Council BSA to provide financial assistance for low-income youth from Washington County to participate in scouting.

• O’Neill Senior Center to replace the motor in one of their fleet vehicles, which will return the vehicle to service to accommodate the medical transportation requests.

• The Right Path of Washington County to support the 5th Annual Mini Farmer’s Markets, with five sites throughout Washington County.

• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio to provide shelter for Washington County families with seriously ill children in nearby hospitals through the Helping Hands Program. This program helps to close the gap between what families can donate and the actual costs of their stay.

• Warren Local School District to support the county-wide Field Day event for special education students that Warren Local Schools will be hosting. Funds will be used to provide commemorative shirts and event awards.

• WASCO, Inc. to purchase multiple recliners and protective coverings that individuals would be able to utilize at the WASCO locations throughout Washington County. Many of the locations have limited furniture and/or seating options for their clients and the current furniture being used needs replaced.

• Washington County Homeless Project to cover the cost of personnel, supplies, and non-perishable food for the Drop-In Center to assist those that are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Washington County.

• Parkersburg Area Community Foundation to cover the participation cost of two Washington County students in their Civic Leaders Program, which provides a 6-8 week summer fellowship and encourages students to stay local.

Simple Solution Grants

• Belpre Performing Arts Boosters to support the musical education of K-12 students by covering the cost of supplies, instruments, speakers, and uniforms.

• Fort Frye Local School District to provide assistance with the 8th Grade field trip to Washington DC.

• Marietta High School Girls Soccer to purchase new uniforms for the girls’ soccer team. The uniforms have been worn significantly more often during the last two years, causing them to fall short of their replacement cycle.

• Mid-Ohio Valley Youth Choir (formerly Marietta Children’s Choir) to purchase new music and new summer uniforms. The Youth Choir presents children with an opportunity to develop their musical abilities and explore complex musical options not offered within the school environment.

• Warren Local School District to purchase materials and supplies needed to build and maintain five 20-foot-long raised garden beds so that students can learn how to create a reliable food source while providing healthy, nutritious food options.

• Washington County Community Hardship & Disaster Relief Program to provide short-term assistance to Washington County residents experiencing financial hardship due to unexpected and unavoidable emergencies or natural disasters. Funds can also cover fees related to extracurricular activities or purchasing clothes and/or equipment.

• Washington County Imagination Library Program to support the registration of Washington County children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which mails high-quality, age-appropriate books to children each month until their fifth birthday.

• Washington State Community College Foundation to expand the Student Emergency Services Fund to offer more gas cards to low-income students with transportation issues.

 After discovering that their applications had been approved, numerous grant recipients enthusiastically and gratefully expressed their appreciation for the Foundation's support. Among them was Robin Bozian, the Executive Director of the Washington County Homeless Project.

“These funds will enable us to continue to provide a place for homeless and those at risk of homelessness to shower, do laundry, have a hot meal, and receive referrals to local resources and/or treatment,” reported Bozian. “We could not provide these services in the coming year without the support of the Foundation.”

Wendy Bartlett, a member of the Christian Outreach committee of the First Congregational-United Church of Christ, acknowledged that this latest grant is one of many awarded by the Foundation to address food insecurity.

“[We have] a long history of feeding the food-insecure people in our local community,” said Bartlett. “As food costs and other living expenses rise and the need continues, the generous grant from MCF helps to continue that important work.”

Additionally, the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley was surprised with a check presentation during their Business After Hours event on May 11.

“We often receive requests from people in the community who have an urgent need to board their pet,” explained President Amber Dennison. “We wanted to provide a community resource to help people/families avoid surrendering a beloved pet by offering free, short-term boarding in emergencies.”

Nearly-completed, short-term shelter at HSOV

The nearly-completed building was open for tours during the event. According to Shelter Director Karissa Reynolds, construction is slated to wrap up at the end of June.

Marietta Community Foundation is where generous families, businesses, and nonprofits come together to transform lives and strengthen Washington County, Ohio — turning good intentions into great accomplishments. The Foundation has distributed more than $27 Million to charities since its creation in 1974 and currently manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.

Students Awarded $469K through MCF Scholarships

Washington County, OH — Students and their families gathered on Sunday, April 30 for Marietta Community Foundation’s Scholarship Awards Ceremony, all eager to hear their name announced as the recipient of one or more scholarships.

Approximately $469,000 is to be distributed this year through one-time and renewal scholarships. The Foundation is home to over 60 scholarship funds awarded annually to residents of Washington County and surrounding counties.

Many students expressed feelings of gratitude and shared how these scholarship opportunities will ease financial burdens. One of these students is Marietta High School senior, Dillion Meagle. He plans to major in Sports Management at Marietta College while playing on the Men’s Soccer team.

Dillon Meagle

“It was an incredible honor to receive the Jim Roberts' Marietta Soccer League scholarship because my life was directly influenced by Jim and his contributions both on and off the field,” said Meagle. “I hope to have the opportunity to influence and help children the way that Jim helped so many of us.”

“I appreciate being named this scholarship recipient because it shows my hard work in the classroom and on the field,” Meagle added. “It shows that some things cannot be purchased but must be earned.”

Kennedy Brown

Marietta High School’s Kennedy Brown is one of four recipients of the Myra P. Berg Scholarship this year. Brown plans to attend Gannon University to enter their 5-year Physician’s Assistant program while participating on the school’s competitive cheerleading team.

“[This scholarship will allow me to] spend my college years doing both things I love — learning and cheerleading,” said Brown. “This money helps support me so I can focus on my studies and athletic career without working a job simultaneously. Thank you!”

Hannah Pickens

Hannah Pickens, a Warren High School senior, received the Howard and Molly (Mary Alice) Varner Scholarship, which is awarded to an outstanding Warren High School student that is a resident of Decatur, Fairfield, or Wesley Township in Washington County.

“Being a scholarship recipient means the absolute world to me,” said Pickens. “I am very appreciative of the support this scholarship will give to me when it comes to achieving my academic goals.” Pickens plans to pursue a degree in social work and hopes to go out into the world and help others.

There are still some recipients being determined. The following awards have been determined thus far:

Army SPC Christian D. Ward Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Army SPC Christian Ward, who was raised in Lowell and passed away following a tragic accident while stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado, this $500 scholarship assists students entering the United States Military through active duty or the National Guard.

Recipients: Devin Cook (Warren High School)
Jacqueline Pedraca-Mendez (West Irredell High School)
Lily Todd (Independence High School)
Santiago Vallejo (Fort Frye High School)

Anderson-Stage Scholarship

This $1,700 scholarship is awarded to a Marietta High School senior who will attend Marietta College, pursue a degree in technology or pre-med, has shown outstanding leadership and loyal service to the school and community, and has concern for other people.

Recipient: Lily Sands (Marietta High School)

Anna Laura Masters Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Anna Masters, a 1999 graduate of Warren High School. This $2,050 scholarship recognizes a senior from Warren High School planning to pursue their education at Washington State Community College to become a Medical Lab Technician or join the health professional field.

Recipient: Kaylee Morris (Warren High School)

Bob & Dora Jean Bumgarner Scholarship

This $1,500 scholarship provides needed support to a Marietta High School student pursuing an undergraduate degree in education. Recipients must display a passion for teaching, and participate in community service or volunteer work.

Recipient: Megan Mestuzzi (Marietta High School)

Carol Christy Scholarship

Established in memory of Carol Christy, this award provides support to hard-working students who demonstrate determination and the ability to overcome obstacles. Depending on the recipient’s chosen school, this scholarship can cover up to 50% of tuition costs and is renewable for up to three years (4 years total).

Recipients: Rowen Baker (Marietta High School)
Kaitlyn Lipscomb (Fort Frye High School)
Sophia Moore (Marietta High School)
Clara Pettit (Warren High School)
Minise Sun (Marietta High School)

Carpe Diem Athletic and Academic Scholarship

This $500 award will support a Marietta High School student who participated successfully in an area of athletics at Marietta High School, using well the skills of a sport, showing team leadership, unselfishness, and sportsmanship on the playing surface.

Recipient: Cody Zimmer (Marietta High School)

Charles D. Fogle Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Established in honor of Charles D. Fogle Jr., this $300 scholarship will provide needed support over two years to students from Washington County planning to attend Washington State Community College.

Recipients: Kara Ramsey (Frontier High School)
Elaina Stiers (Warren High School)

Clyde Mayle Scholarship

Established in honor of Clyde Mayle, who retired from Warren Local School District after 26 years of service, this nearly $1,800 scholarship will support Warren High School seniors who have shown the same sense of dedication to their community.

Recipients: Geneva Cech (Warren High School)
Clara Petit (Warren High School)

Conlan Opportunity Awards Scholarship

This $1,500 award provides needed support to students that will be attending Washington State Community College full-time.

Recipients: Logan Bates (Marietta High School)
Nadia Jones (Washington State Community College)
Caleb Ogdin (Meigs High School)
Kara Ramsey (Frontier High School)
Elaina Stiers (Warren High School)

Connect to Success General Scholarship

This scholarship awards $480 to four students that reside in Washington County, Morgan County, or Athens County and will pursue an Associate’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree.

Recipients: Olivia Lang (Warren High School)
Carlie Heater (Warren High School)
Clara Pettit (Warren High School)
Madeline Stachera (Marietta High School)

Cutler Community Scholarship

This $1,085 scholarship is awarded to a hard-working Warren Local High School graduate pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited college or university in the State of Ohio.

Recipient: Taylor Bowers (Warren High School)

David C. Barrett Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Established to honor the memory of Mr. David Barrett Sr., an educator and farmer, this $500 scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student at Warren High School who is pursuing a degree in agriculture or education.

Recipient: Tessa Haffner (Warren High School)

Edward Parrish Chapter Colonial Dames XVII (Seventeenth) Century Scholarship

This renewable $2,000 scholarship will provide needed support to a current senior of any Washington County school or a descendant of an Edward Parrish Chapter Member. The recipient must show an interest in history and America’s founding and is simply excited to learn.

Recipient: Clara Petit (Warren High School)

Edwin ‘Jack’ Haas Memorial Scholarship

This $1,000 Scholarship is to be awarded to any qualified individual who would like to continue their technical education and has an interest in mechanical things.

Recipient: Jacob Ferrier (Belpre High School)

Edwin V. Pugh Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Edwin V. Pugh, this $700 scholarship is given to a Marietta High School senior who has excelled in History and Government and may be planning a future in the field of Social Sciences.

Recipient: Lydia Mills (Marietta High School)

Elks #477 Charity Scholarship

This $500-$1,000 scholarship was established to support multiple well-rounded students that demonstrate integrity and a good work ethic.

Recipients: Andrew Graf (Harrison High School)
Justin Morgan (Marietta High School)

Faustena 'Frosty' Haas Health Care Scholarship

Established to honor the life of Frosty Haas, this $1,000 scholarship is available to any Washington County student pursuing a degree in the healthcare field.

Recipient: Abby Miller (Marietta High School)

Frank and Grace Proctor Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship will support a scholarly Warren High School student pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM-related field. The recipient is a well-rounded individual who values education and sees the need to give back to their community.

Recipient: Emma Poulton (Warren High School)

Garrett Scott Memorial Scholarship

Established in honor of Garrett Scott, a 2014 graduate of Marietta High School, this $1,000 scholarship will provide needed support to a Washington County student pursuing an Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in music or a career working with children.

Recipient: Payton Mullen (Marietta College)

Greg Schilling Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Greg Schilling, this $1,000 scholarship is presented to a hard-working student from Fort Frye High School and one from Waterford High School. The recipients are awarded based on their demonstration of compassion and caring for others.

Recipients: Kaitlyn Lipscomb (Fort Frye High School)
Shelby Wagner (Waterford High School)

Harold & Diane Tuten Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Harold and Diane Tuten, this $750 scholarship will provide needed support to a senior at Fort Frye or Waterford High School as well as a nontraditional student in Washington or Morgan County who aspires to serve as a positive leader in our community.

Recipients: Kaitlyn Lipscomb (Fort Frye High School)
Baileigh Reynolds (Washington State Community College)

Howard and Molly (Mary Alice) Varner Scholarship

This renewable scholarship awards $2,500 to an outstanding Warren High School student that is a resident of Decatur, Fairfield, or Wesley Township in Washington County.

Recipient: Hannah Pickens (Warren High School)

Jack Clark Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Jack Clark, this $500 scholarship is awarded to two current seniors at Fort Frye High School who participated in any varsity athletic program.

Recipients: Dawson Layton (Fort Frye High School)
Mattie Schneider (Fort Frye High School)

James S. and Brenda A. Measell Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a Washington County student who exhibits a high level of academic performance and is active in several extracurricular activities with evidence of leadership in one or more of those activities.

Recipient: Ashley Miller (Warren High School)

Jim Roberts Marietta Soccer League Scholarship

Recently renamed to honor the late Jim Roberts, this $1,500 scholarship is awarded to students who have participated in the Marietta Soccer League Program, earned a Varsity Letter in High School Soccer, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Recipients: Emma Bauerbach (Marietta High School)
Dillon Meagle (Marietta High School)

John McCracken Memorial Scholarship

Established to honor the life of John McCracken, this $500 scholarship is awarded to a hard-working, responsible Marietta High School Senior with an outstanding work ethic.

Recipient: Minise Sun (Marietta High School)

Kevin O’Brien Kelly Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Kevin O’Brien Kelly, this renewable $1,000 scholarship will support Washington County seniors intending to enroll at Ohio University.

Recipient: Abby Miller (Marietta High School)

Magnum Manufacturing Scholarship

This $1,000 is awarded to a student from Washington or Noble County that possesses a solid work ethic, is a positive representative of their community and school, and desires to grow, learn, and achieve.

Recipient: Elizabeth Haller (Marietta High School)

Marie Adamson Senior Scholastic Scholarship

Established in honor of Marie Adamson’s parents, this $790 scholarship is awarded to the Marietta High School Valedictorian.

Recipient: Ethan Gault (Marietta High School)

Marietta Noon Lions Club Scholarship

This $1,500 scholarship is given to Marietta High School students who are well-rounded members of the community. They have participated in volunteer work, extracurricular activities, and have taken leadership roles.

Recipients: Elizabeth Haller (Marietta High School)
Minise Sun (Marietta High School)

Mark C. Studenic Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Rotarian Mark Studenic, this $500 scholarship is awarded to an upcoming high school graduate or adult returning to school who plans to pursue engineering or the engineering technology field.

Recipient: Ethan Gault (Marietta High School)

Melissa Ann Weckbacher Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Melissa Weckbacher, this $1,350 scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Fort Frye High School that demonstrates positive behavior and a good work ethic.

Recipient: Elisha Dyar (Fort Frye High School)

Myra P. Berg Scholarship

Established in memory of Myra Berg, who was a graduate of Marietta High School and Marietta College. This $6,500 scholarship will provide needed support to Marietta High School seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree. The recipient can choose to utilize the award in one year or spread it out over multiple years.

Recipients: Emma Bauerbach (Marietta High School)
Kennedy Brown (Marietta High School)
Kiera Starcher (Marietta High School)
Minise Sun (Marietta High School)

Nancy A. Miller Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Nancy A. Miller, this $500 scholarship supports a current Fort Frye High School senior who will pursue a degree in math, science, education, information technology, or engineering.

Recipient: Kaitlyn Schaad (Fort Frye High School)

Penelope ‘Penny’ J. Passavant Academic Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a current student or graduate of Frontier High School or Marietta High School pursuing an undergraduate degree. The recipient is enthusiastic, goal-oriented, organized, and disciplined.

Recipient: Sophia Novo (Marietta High School)

Peoples Employee Scholarship (A)

This renewable $10,000 scholarship is awarded to up to two dependents of a Peoples Bank employee who is a current high school senior planning on pursuing a Bachelor's or Associate degree. Recipients are selected based on the highest SAT combined score obtained.

Recipients: Samuel Friguglietti (Shaker Heights High School)
Regann Jeffries (Hoover High School)

Peoples Employee Scholarship (B)

This renewable $5,000 scholarship provides needed support to a dependent of a Peoples Bank employee who is no more than two years post high school and desires to further their education or training to establish a career in a trade or vocation and desires to use these skills to make a difference in their community.

Recipients: Alexa Bankes (Morgan Local High School)
Kali Venham (Washington State Community College)

Pete & Laura Pannier Scouting Scholarship

This $2,750 scholarship provides needed support to a Marietta High School student who plans to attend a four-year college and is still involved with Scouts or Explorers.

Recipient: Justin Morgan (Marietta High School)

Stanton W. Brock Art Discovery Scholarship

Stanton Brock was a 1987 graduate of Marietta High School. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a senior who displays a talent and desire for creative art and has the intent to put their skills to work.

Recipient: Maeghan O’Neill (Marietta High School)

Terry Huck Memorial Scholarship

This renewable $2,500 scholarship was established to support Fort Frye High School graduates who have excelled in both academic and athletic efforts.

Recipient: Braxton Brown (Fort Frye High School)

Thomas C. Vadakin Memorial Scholarship

Established to honor the life of Tom Vadakin, a graduate of Marietta High School and local business owner, this $500 scholarship will support a Marietta High School student pursuing a degree in business or engineering. The recipient is a student who excels academically and devotes time to extracurricular activities and the community.

Recipient: Ethan Gault (Marietta High School)

Trae DeVolld Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Trae Thomas DeVolld, a rising 4th-grade student at Caldwell Elementary School who participated in football and wrestling. This $1,000 scholarship is given to a senior at Caldwell High School and at Shenandoah High School who excels academically, is active in the 4-H program or school athletics, and demonstrates leadership both in and out of school.

Recipients: Emma Lowe (Caldwell High School)
Elizabeth Snyder (Shenandoah High School)

Walter J. & Marjorie G. McCarthy Child Care Enrichment Scholarship

This $1,000 scholarship provides needed support to a hard-working student pursuing a degree in education, child development, or early child care.

Recipient: Payton Mullen (Marietta College)

Warren E. Offenberger Scholarship

This $1,275 scholarship provides support to a Marietta High School senior who displays talent and a desire to study and work in the arts, graphics, or communications field.

Recipient: Lyanna Smith (Marietta High School)

Marietta Community Foundation is where generous families, businesses, and nonprofits come together to transform lives and strengthen Washington County, Ohio — turning good intentions into great accomplishments. The Foundation has distributed more than $27 Million to charities since its creation in 1974 and currently manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.

MCF Announces Grant Programming Remodel

Washington County, OH — New, expansive changes to Marietta Community Foundation’s grantmaking offerings will make applying for funding easier for nonprofits serving Washington County and more impactful for fundholders.

Previously, the Foundation followed a common grant cycle model used by many community foundations nationwide. Now, the Foundation is significantly expanding its competitive and board-discretionary grantmaking efforts by launching Simple Solution Grants, modifying the parameters of Community Impact Grants, and solidifying emergent and capacity-building grant offerings.

Community Impact Grants will now do more than simply meet immediate needs — they will serve as strategic investments to improve quality of life and create a lasting impact within Washington County. These will continue to be offered twice per year but will observe modified application deadlines of February 15 and August 15. Each application will undergo extensive review before grants are awarded 60-90 days later.

Simple Solution Grants boast an accelerated format to assist nonprofits with simple requests every quarter. Generally, Simple Solution grant applications should be for requests under $1,500 and/or for a very straightforward purpose. They seek to bridge the gaps that local charities face along their long-term journey. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed annually on March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15. Determinations will be announced 30-45 days following the quarter’s review date.

Nonprofits can also seek assistance when unforeseen and time-sensitive emergencies arise that significantly disrupt their regular operations or for capacity-building opportunities that extend beyond their annual budget, including conferences, workshops, webinars, and more. Additionally, the Foundation will continue offering its Washington County Hardship and Disaster Relief program.

Heather Allender, President and CEO of Marietta Community Foundation, feels the remodel will better serve the Foundation’s constituents and simplify the application process significantly.

“It’s a win-win-win situation,” said Allender. “Grant-seeking nonprofits now have more options tailored to their needs and desires, the due diligence process is simplified for our grants committee, and fundholders have even more opportunities to learn about community efforts and exercise their charitable intent.”

More information on the various grant programs can be found on Marietta Community Foundation’s website at www.mcfohio.org/grants.

Marietta Community Foundation is where generous families, businesses, and nonprofits come together to transform lives and strengthen Washington County, Ohio — turning good intentions into great accomplishments. The Foundation has distributed more than $27 Million to charities since its creation in 1974 and currently manages over 350 funds while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.

MCF Welcomes Familiar Face as Operations Assistant

Washington County, OH — As a high school student, Meredith Saboley gained real-life work experience at Marietta Community Foundation during a year-long internship. Today, she occupies a full-time position as the Foundation’s Operations Assistant.

 Meredith was first introduced to Marietta Community Foundation by Building Bridges to Careers through their internship program, which offers paid internships to local businesses and high school students in 9th - 12th grades.

 The Foundation was the perfect fit for Meredith because it allowed her to explore a career path that aligned with not only her interests, but her passion, and skills.

 “I’ve always had a strong passion to get out into the community and find ways to not only improve it, but leave a lasting impact where it was needed the most,” said Meredith.

 “Starting at a young age, I watched my mother selflessly give hours of her time through community projects and I knew I always wanted to take on a similar role. In high school, I became heavily involved in community service groups and was always looking for ways to volunteer and get others involved in the community.”

 The new role of Operations Assistant requires Meredith to manage the office’s day-to-day administrative work in addition to assuming financial clerk responsibilities. As one enters into or calls the Foundation’s office, Meredith is most likely to be their first point of contact. She helps answer fundamental questions, processes gifts, distributes grants, and is learning to produce financial reports.

 “At first it was intimidating, but now I find it to be a fun and enlightening experience,” said Meredith. “I’m beyond thankful to have this opportunity and I am excited to see where this position takes me.”

 Heather Allender, President and CEO, said that while the hiring process was challenging, Meredith felt like the right fit.

 “Meredith excelled as an intern, and possesses an attitude that leads to a promising future,” said Allender. “She joined the office just a few days before Christmas. While the timing was a bit unorthodox, she was able to jump right in and lend a hand during our busiest time of year. Now, she’s focusing on learning the intricate, technical elements of her role.”

 Outside of the office, Meredith likes spending time with her son, friends, and family. She can often be found around town walking, shopping, or in line for a good coffee.

Grants in Action: Clatterbuck Family Attends the STXBP1 Conference

The Clatterbuck family approached Marietta Community Foundation when they needed help to attend a medical/rare disease conference, STXBP1 Summit+. By partnering with the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Jim Christy Fund for Kids at Marietta Community Foundation made this opportunity a reality.

Following the conference, Jennifer sent this update reporting on their experience:

"At the most basic level, this trip to attend the conference in Philadelphia was what we needed on an emotional level. Emma has some very complex medical needs and there are few places we can go locally without being stared at and made to feel uncomfortable and even at times, unwelcome. Spending an entire weekend with 100 families who live the same day to day challenges, 80 researchers from all over who have dedicated their time to helping my daughter and others like her, and Neurologists who want to be the best for their STXBP1 patients, was as close to magic as you can get nowadays. It was informative, inspirational, and so hopeful. I haven't heard my daughter squeal that much with happiness in a long time. But Friday night during the family and researcher dinner and dance party, she couldn't stop. We left knowing that we are important, we are worth someone else's time and energy, and that many people see her as special, not different.

The hotel treated us like royalty and even rolled out a red carpet in front of their elevator. They didn't seem the least bit perturbed by the happy screeches, outstretched hands, random hugs, constant rocking, and crazy requests.

During the research talks, I learned that:

• STXBP1 has been cured in mice and they have already looked at how that could be translated to humans. Next step: natural history study, which they have begun enrollment for, and then human trials.

• They are beginning to work on building iPSC lines for my daughter's specific variant, which is very exciting because she is the only one known to have this variant. The iPSC lines will allow for personalized research, giving them the clinical picture involved with her variant (which will be helpful since we have suspected she may have another diagnosis, but STXBP1 is always blamed for everything) as well as providing a way to test drug toxicity and effectiveness without putting her or her health at risk.

• The first human drug trial with an already FDA-approved drug called 4-Phenylbuterate has been largely successful in treating seizures. Currently my daughter suffers from daily seizures. I had the opportunity to speak with the researcher running this trial and he is hopeful he could get the drug approved for her through insurance. We are planning to schedule an appointment with him to follow up on this and get the process started.

• There is a newer drug that could be an option to treat Emma's seizures.

I am also on the board of the STXBP1 Foundation and am one of six parents who started it. So along with receiving support from the community, I was able to help plan activities for the families to socialize, get some families acclimated to eye gaze communication (my daughter has done very well with it and there is little support for our families to get their children started with it), and offer support and encouragement to families with babies newly diagnosed with this serious, scary rare disease. I was able to share the load with the fellow board members, who are also parents and volunteer their time to make STXBP1 family's lives easier and to push research forward.

Emma also had a follow up appointment with her mitochondrial specialist while we were there, who was able to write a letter, giving her local doctors guidance on handling illnesses and surgeries with her. Coming out of a serious hospitalization, this visit was very important to Emma's care going forward. This doctor is also going to facilitate running Emma's whole exome again, for free, to see if we can figure out what her secondary diagnosis may be.

I know this is lengthy, but honestly, there isn't much your gift of paying for our hotel didn't give us. Being able to attend this conference and make it to Philadelphia was everything.

I am so grateful to you,
Jennifer Clatterbuck"

MCF Sets Students Up For Success Through Scholarships

Washington County, OH — Up to $400K in scholarships will be awarded through Marietta Community Foundation in 2023, and students are encouraged to apply sooner rather than later.

Whether a student is interested in attending a two or four-year college/university, pursuing a trade, or joining the military, the Foundation likely has a scholarship that fits their future plans.

There are opportunities available for students from Washington County, OH; Noble County, OH; Wood County, WV; and beyond. While many scholarships are designed to assist high school seniors, there are opportunities available for high school underclassmen and nontraditional students as well.

Recipients are selected based on a variety of criteria, such as financial need, academic standing, community service, character and leadership qualities. Personal information is redacted before selection committees review applications to ensure the process is as fair as possible.

Details on each of the 60+ available scholarships and how to apply can be found at https://www.mcfohio.org/scholarships. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 20, 2023.

“This is a special time each year,” said Britani Merritt, Donor & Program Services Director. “Our donors use scholarships to invest in the future of our community, hoping to give students what they need to succeed. It’s exciting for us to hear from the next generation that will be entering the workforce and driving change throughout our community.”

Marietta Community Foundation brings together passionate donors and causes to improve Washington County, Ohio for generations to come. Founded in 1974, the Foundation manages more than 350 funds and has distributed more than $24.5 million to charities while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.

Estate of Twin Art Teachers Enables Enterprises to Prosper

During their 50+ year tenure at Warren Local Schools, Sandra and Sylvia Young touched the lives of thousands. Now their legacy continues by supporting six Washington County nonprofits in perpetuity.

Named in honor of their love for Star Trek, the Sandra Lee Young and Sylvia Lee Young Enterprise Fund was established at Marietta Community Foundation through their estate. The Fund will provide ongoing support to causes near and dear to them.

As directed, the fund will annually allocate fixed-percentage distributions to the following agencies based on the Foundation’s spending policy of 5% of a three-year average:

• Marietta Fire Department to purchase and maintain equipment for firemen and emergency medical technicians – 30%

• Marietta Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Units to purchase, train, and equip K-9 officers– 20%

• Marietta College Legacy Library to preserve and maintain its permanent collections – 30%

• Mid-Ohio Valley Players to maintain, repair, and renovate its building – 10%

• Campus Martius Museum to maintain its buildings and collections – 10%

Organizations were notified in 2022 of their selection and the percentage allocated to them. However, they didn’t realize that their percentage could equal such substantial funding — more than $150,000 is being disbursed this year.

Representatives from each recipient organization shared words of gratitude in response:

Chief C.W. Durham,

Marietta Fire Department

“On behalf of the Marietta Fire Department, we are honored to be one of the recipients of the annual distribution from the Sandra Lee Young and Sylvia Lee Young Enterprise Fund. This fund will be a tremendous opportunity to ensure the Marietta Fire Department has the equipment needed for both fire and emergency medical responses to better serve our community. We will be very intentional to ensure this donation is well used, to help preserve the legacy of the Youngs.”

Chief Katherine Warden, Marietta Police Department

“The Marietta Police Department is humbled and honored to receive such a generous contribution from the Young family. They have left a wonderful legacy that we are excited to continue by expanding and improving on our K9 program.”

Sheriff Larry Mincks, Washington County

“We would really like to thank the Young sisters for their kindness, and for thinking of us. This is a very worthwhile project, and we’ll certainly make good use of the money. Not only this year, but all of the years in the future.”

Angela Burdiss,

Marietta College Legacy Library Interim Director

“The Legacy Library would like to thank Sylvia and Sandra Young for their monetary gift to Marietta College for supporting the library's collections. In addition, we are thankful for the collections they shared with the library including numerous beautiful art books that are now part of the library's print collection. These gifts will benefit students and faculty at the College.”

Bonnie Rake,

Mid-Ohio Valley Players Vice President

“We are just so happy to receive this. These ladies were such a part of the art world in the Mid-Ohio Valley, and we’re glad that their legacy continues on.”

Erin Augenstein, Northwest Territory Museum Society Executive Director

“What an honor it is for our organization to be held in such high esteem by the Young sisters. We are thrilled to be acknowledged by the estate as a community anchor, and will utilize the funds to enhance our facility and programming for guests locally and for those who travel great distances to visit our historic community.”

Marietta Community Foundation brings together passionate donors and causes to improve Washington County, Ohio for generations to come. Founded in 1974, the Foundation manages more than 350 funds and has distributed more than $24.5 million to charities while meeting rigorous national standards in the community foundation sector.

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What Will Your Legacy Be?

You have worked hard, saved carefully, planned well. As you consider the rest of your life, what will your legacy be? Through planned giving, you can entrust your charitable legacy to an experienced organization that is committed to carrying out your vision today, tomorrow and beyond.

Inspiring Community: Sandra and Sylvia Young

Sandra Lee Young and Sylvia Lee Young were more than identical twins. Together, they built one of the finest school-aged art programs in Ohio.

In 1961, Warren High School hired Sylvia as the art teacher. To the school’s surprise, Sandra showed up with her on the first day and didn’t leave until she was offered a position teaching art at Barlow-Vincent Elementary.

For the next fifty-two years, Sandra and Sylvia shared their passion for art with hundreds of youngsters and teens.

In a Marietta Times article, Sandra was quoted, “We were scared because we had no teaching experience, so I came to help Sylvia. We worked one-half days, but of course only Sylvia was paid.” Soon those half-days became full-time positions.

After Sandra’s retirement from Barlow-Vincent Elementary in 2011, she again joined her “twinny” at the high school for two more years of working side-by-side. “We started together…we’re ending together,” Sandra said.

When Sandra passed away in 2019, a significant number of their former students shared stories and condolences online.

“Ms. Young was my first art teacher… the first one to see in me something others had not seen or had not told me… a talent. She encouraged me to practice and grow as an artist. She never let me get away with being lazy. She pushed me. She was why I loved being at school. I became an artist thanks so much to her encouragement.” – Kristen Johnson

“She truly cared about her passion and craft. Art class was something we all looked forward to having. It was fun, it was creative, it was happiness, and that’s solely because she lived in happiness. She was never afraid to be herself, which inspired countless amounts of kids to be who they are and comfortable in their own skin,” said Collin Yost. “The amount of effort her and sissy put into creating our school’s “Art Show” was next-level, and it genuinely set the precedent for all the schools in the surrounding area and for future generations of teachers.”

“Our Legacy” is believed to be written by Sandra. This notation was scribed on the final page of the twins’ joint six-page resume.

The Young twins left a legacy that will never be duplicated but will inspire the community to live long and prosper for generations.

Named in honor of their love for Star Trek, the Sandra Lee Young and Sylvia Lee Young Enterprise Fund was established and funded through the Young estate at Marietta Community Foundation to benefit multiple organizations in perpetuity.

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Recently Marietta Community Foundation published several stories of local families and organizations in the 2021 Annual Report: Inspiring Community. Each of these families has a unique background and perspective, but they all share an inspiring love for our community.

Inspiring Community: Bill and Prudence Fields

It was a Saturday night in February 1964 at a nightclub in Boston when Bill first laid eyes on Prudence.

Prudence was there with the cast of “Funny Girl,” a musical comedy starring Barbara Streisand. They were doing a pre-Broadway rehearsal, preparing for the New York opening in early March. Bill was also there by arrangement for a vocal performance by his voice instructor at The New England Conservatory of Music, where Bill took night courses while completing his final year at Harvard Law School.

One week following their initial meeting, the two had their first official date and then married the following June in New York City — just four months later. They decided to settle in Marietta, where Bill established his law practice as a partner at Strecker & Fields, and Prudence embraced being a housewife.

Prudence, originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, grew up marveling at her mother, who participated in local drama productions, as well as her voice studies teacher, who was a prominent opera singer. Following graduation from Northwestern University, she scurried to New York to pursue a career in Broadway musicals as a mezzo-soprano. She participated in several “off-Broadway” shows through her New York agent, leading to her casting in “Funny Girl.”

Bill spent much of his time involved in local legal, business, and hospital activities. He enjoyed Marietta Rotary Club and was its President from 1970-71. Both of them served on the national Board of Directors of the National Society of Arts and Letters.

While much of their focus is dedicated to their faith, their involvement in the arts has never ceased. The two have given vocal performances at churches and Christian colleges and universities. Prudence often sang for local societies and charities. Bill undertook bass-baritone solo roles in cantatas, oratories, and requiems with area choral societies. Both studied voice at Marietta College with several successive professors.

Marietta quickly became home for Bill and Prudence, and they have dedicated their time, talent, and treasure to ensure its welfare.

After becoming familiar with Marietta Community Foundation, both served on the Board of Directors. Prudence from 1993-1995, and Bill from 2001-2006. Additionally, Bill has lent his baritone genius to the Foundation by voicing several radio commercials.

The Fields take great pride in having a relationship with each Director of the Foundation since its formation. They hope that more neighbors discover their ability to serve a cause they appreciate.

Now in their 80s, Bill and Prudence quietly spend time in churches and often travel with their precious dogs — Lucy and Nigel. They strive to live their lives in accordance with two Bible verses — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3, verses 5&6)

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Recently Marietta Community Foundation published several stories of local families and organizations in the 2021 Annual Report: Inspiring Community. Each of these families has a unique background and perspective, but they all share an inspiring love for our community.

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Heather Allender

Courtney Wentz, Communications & Marketing Director, spoke with current Executive Director, Heather Allender, to see how the past has influenced our present and will shape our future.

The following transcription has been modified for clarity.

Courtney Wentz: Hello. I'm Courtney Wentz, Communications and Marketing Director at Marietta Community Foundation. Today I am sitting down with Heather Allender, our President and CEO, talking about her time as executive director. So, we are looking back and talking about how we're going to move forward. So, Heather, you recently celebrated your 15th work anniversary. That's really exciting! You first started as an administrative assistant and now you're President and CEO. When you first applied in 2007, what did you think your career path was going to look like?

Heather Allender: Definitely not what it is today. I applied for the position while I was in school. I needed a job. It seemed like an interesting job, but that's all it was. I didn't envision a future at the Foundation, and I didn't think I was going to go into community foundation work or charitable giving. It was all foreign to me at the time. I did not think that it was my path at all.

CW: What did you think your path was going to look like?

HA: I was really interested in psychology. That was something that I stuck to in school, especially the research aspect of it. I was always interested in why people did things the way that they did them or why they did them, period.

CW: Yeah. I think that research is really relevant to what we do anyway. It's relevant in all aspects of our life. At least you get to use that background a little bit!

HA: It is, yes. That's the great thing about psychology — it does touch every aspect of every career. I think psychology is a good base, really.

CW: Yes. So, thinking about your anniversary... 15 years! I know it was on September 10th and that was a Saturday, so none of us were in the office to celebrate, but you still celebrated in a different way. What did you do?

HA: Yes. My daughter now shares a birthday with my work anniversary! I welcomed my second child, Madelyn, on my 15th work anniversary. So that was really unique. I'll never forget her birthday now!

CW: Does having two kids change your perspective of the needs in our community?

HA: I don't know if it necessarily changed my perspective. Being in this line of work, especially for 15 years, you get to know the nonprofits that are here, you have a good handle on the needs in the community. But now that I have kids, I experience some of the local needs first-hand, such as the availability of child care. It’s something I knew was an issue, but actually experiencing it makes it feel a bit different.

CW: That makes sense. So, thinking about how you have grown and developed over these 15 years, are there any big takeaways, or any big life lessons that you've learned throughout this whole time?

HA: I’ve learned a lot. It has been an interesting journey. As I said, initially, this was just a job. I was an administrative assistant. I did not intend on taking anything away from this experience, except for the money that I needed to live. So, when I had the opportunity to really start a career with the Foundation, it was a big decision. The director at the time, Bill Thompson, was a wonderful mentor and I would not be here today without his help. He saw something in me, I suppose, and wanted to nurture that. I remember when he asked me to start a career, to take the next step, to work full time, to become the office manager. And I remember a couple of nights sitting and talking with my fiancé about it since it was such a big decision. Today, looking back at that moment, I'm glad I made the decision to become the office manager. But it's definitely been a learning process. I didn't know anything going into it, except that I didn't want to disappoint Bill because he saw something in me and wanted me to do it. So, I learned everything that I could possibly learn through YouTube videos and resources in the community. There are so many people in this community that helped me at that time, and I'm so, so grateful.

CW: Where do you see the Foundation in the next 15 years?

HA: Well, I hope to still be with the foundation in the next 15 years. I love working with the Foundation. I think that we are the best organization in Washington County. Not that any organization is bad, but I know the impact that we make in the community. We have grown so much in the last 15 years, not just in asset size, but also in staffing. It was a two-person shop for years, and we are now four.

CW: At times, I feel like we could easily be five.

HA: Absolutely. We could probably be six or seven! We’ve grown in so many different ways. We've become more sophisticated with the way that we operate. We used to be a small community foundation giving out $500 or $1,000 grants using QuickBooks. Now we have better technology that makes us more efficient, and we're giving out $5,000, and $20,000 grants. Those are huge amounts! So, I want to continue that momentum and continue making an impact.

CW: Is there anything that you wish more people knew about the foundation?

HA: Everything, basically. I don't know if people truly realize the services we offer, and what we can do. There are so many to explain, and it's a very individualized service. By having individual conversations, we can cater to each person’s specific needs and charitable intentions. We know that what “Family A” is doing works well for them, but “Family B”’s needs will be different and we can still help them carry out their philanthropic goals.

CW: Money can be a difficult conversation for a lot of people, especially when somebody is asking you to give some of it up. It's a very personal decision. How does it feel to be the leader of an organization that yields such a personal stake in it?

HA: I wish people knew how serious we are when it comes to the donor’s intention. It is such a personal decision, so we investigate every grant that we make. And every decision that we make is weighed heavily based on the intentions of the donors, even those that have passed. We devote the same amount of time making decisions for a deceased donor as we do for a living donor. It is a lot of responsibility to take on. Each person in our office feels personally responsible for every dollar within the Foundation, and sometimes that can be a little heavy. But, I know that I'm doing all that I can to make the best decisions, and our Board is too. I feel blessed to be able to do that for people.

CW: It definitely is a position where you're constantly asking yourself, “What would this donor do? Would they want to give to this? Would they think that it's worthy or a good investment?” It’s interesting to put ourselves in so many different people’s shoes.

Before we wrap this up, is there any advice that you would give to someone who cares about our community and wants to make a difference?

HA: Come and talk with us. We are truly here to help. I know people receive fundraising appeals all the time, but if you care about Washington County and want Washington County and our nonprofits to thrive, then you need to work with Marietta Community Foundation because that is what we do. That is who we are. That is our reason for existing, and we're here to help you. Our success over the last 50 years proves that our intentions are true. So, my advice is to learn more about Marietta Community Foundation, then come talk with us to see how we can help you.

CW: Visit us at 100 Putnam Street.

HA: Corner of Front and Putnam in downtown Marietta!

CW: Thank you so much for sitting down with me. I really appreciate it. And thank you for all that you do. I think you've been a wonderful leader for our organization. I definitely see your passion come through in your work, and we're very thankful to have you.

HA: Thank you, Courtney.