CONTACT: HEATHER BAILEY
(937) 478-3400

TIPP CITY, OH- 

Honeyman’s leadership remembered with Welcoming Sports Tribute

The first quarter’s meeting of our hometown foundation was a time to remember.

Last week Gordon Honeyman, age 87, passed away. He served as a foundation trustee for over 20 years before retiring to the rank of emeritus, in 2009. He was a soft-spoken man of distinction whose opinion carried thoughtful weight. When rapid growth began after 1998, his memories of the people who served in the early days of the foundation were particularly valuable.

Gordon set the bar for what it means to love Tipp City. In the days after his passing, the lists of civic and professional achievements filled conversations around town. From the Foundation’s perspective, his love was demonstrated when he let it be known his estate plan included The Tippecanoe Fund by Gordon Honeyman. This is an unrestricted endowment he established within the Foundation, which will last permanently. Forever.

To celebrate Gordon and his love of high school sports, a unique grant was awarded from his fund. The award went to the City of Tipp to help with the installation of sports championship signage, welcoming visitors as they enter Tipp. “Good gosh,” Gordon might be heard saying about the giant signs arriving soon with help from this grant. Read a few more details below about the grant.

That was just one of many awards made during the meeting. Among the broad range of grants awarded are Tai Chi classes at the Senior Center, a weeklong rocks, ropes and treetops outdoor adventure and education program at the Miami County Park District, and 3D self-portrait model-making for 5^th graders. Ultimately, 13 organizations received 17 awards totaling $75,005.62. Since 1943, $3,318,495.12 has been awarded to local causes.

The following is a list of recipients, award levels and impact these grants will have. Support donor advised funds gave towards requests is noted with an asterisk (*).

ARTS & CULTURE

Downtown Tipp City Partnership, $3,000, beautifies the downtown by equipping volunteer teams with a mobile tank to water the large flowerpots on Main Street. These volunteers call themselves Pot Tarts. *Additional help from the Robinson Walters Fund fulfills the request for a total of $5,000.

Downtown Tipp City Partnership, $2,555, zhuzhes the exteriors of downtown properties identified through the Partnership’s Façade Improvement Program. An Urban Stewardship Fund award.

Project T.I.P.P. (Teens Impacting and Promoting Philanthropy), $5,000, gives teens grantmaking responsibility in conjunction with the Tipp City Chamber of Commerce’s Teen Leadership Academy.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $2,458.29, builds a comprehensive, diverse and developmentally appropriate music instrument library for the elementary school. Music literacy, performance preparation and culturally responsive teaching will be enhanced by this new collection. Awarded, in part, from the Youth of Tipp City Fund imo Sara Drexler.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $1,313.87, integrates technology, visual art and self-expression through the purchase of supplies to handmake 3D printed Funko-Pop style self-portraits. Students will design, sculpt and paint 3D models of themselves. Awarded from the Youth of Tipp City Fund imo Sara Drexler.

EDUCATION

Miami County Educational Service Center, $1,000, recognizes valedictorians and salutatorians of Miami County at an annual banquet held for them and their most influential teachers.

HEALTH & SAFETY

The Edison Foundation, $5,000, supports the building of classrooms dedicated to the field of nursing at Edison State Community College. This is the 3^rd of 5 payments, which will total $25,000.

Miami County Dental Clinic, $3,360, assures the operations of this clinic stay in compliance while ensuring a positive workplace for dental staff and clients. Over 30% of clients are senior citizens. Awarded, in part, from the Senior Wellness Fund.

Tipp City Fire and Emergency Services, $4,436.10, promotes basic first aid and life saving techniques by updating hands-on equipment used to teach essentials of safety. A Safety First Fund award.

Tipp City Seniors, Inc, $600, focuses on the improvement of balance, strength, flexibility, and stress reduction through tai chi classes. A Senior Wellness Fund award.

NATURE

Brukner Nature Center, $5,673.50, reboots the computer infrastructure of this wildlife conservation and rehabilitation preserve. Last year the center welcomed over 110,000 visitors. 

Tipp City Parks Department, $400, sprouts the next generation of tree lovers with a gift of a sapling to each 1^st grader at Broadway Elementary. With over 175 students, these trees will boost Tipp City’s urban canopy. A Lucille Milner Trees for Tipp Fund award.

RECREATION

City of Tipp City, $11,083, boasts athletic accomplishments of area students loud and proud by supporting the installation of four large championship signs at the edges of the City. We Are the Champions! Awarded, in part, from The Tippecanoe Fund by Gordon Honeyman. This award marks the grantmaking milestone of $3.25 million since the foundation began in 1943. 

Miami County Park District, $9,187, inspires kids of all ages to challenge themselves to enjoy the outdoors in a whole new way through “Rocks, Ropes and Treetops Outdoor Adventure!” program. Part of a week-long festival, this blends environmental education and outdoor adventure. Awarded, in part, from the Radle Family Fund for Science Education.

Miamibucs, $4,938.86, provides three adapted tricycles for individuals who cannot ride a typical tryke. A William’s Gift Fund grant.

Tipp City Parks Department, $10,000, volleys financial support towards building pickleball courts in Kyle Park. This is the 2^nd of 5 payments, totaling $50,000. Awarded, in part, from Jim & June Kyle Family Fund, Outdoor Experiences Fund iho Abby Kessler Bowling, and Warren E. Miltenberger Parkland Fund.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Miami County Partners for Animal Welfare, $5,000, fulfills a commitment to this no-kill animal shelter and with the 2^nd of 10 payments. Ultimately, $50,000 will be awarded.

New Path, Inc, award, helps more than 30 families with financial support during times of personal downturn. *A Community Compassion Fund award.

Discretionary grants are made possible because of contributions, of any size, from the public. A full list of the foundation’s 67 endowment funds is available at tippfoundation.org.

 Quarterly grant deadlines are February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 each year. Jim Ranft is available for your grant-related questions at 937-528-2482. Applications are available online at www.tippfoundation.org.

Members of the Foundation are Heather Bailey, Richard Bender, president, Bryan Blake, Sarah Gillenwater, Kelly Gillis, Cameron Haller, Joellen Heatherly, Susan Kuntz, Renee Matsunami, Glen McMurry, Jim Ranft, distribution chair, Julie Taylor, treasurer, Julia Watson, Bill Wendel, secretary / vice president, and Carolyn Wright.

The Tipp City Foundation is a component fund of The Troy Foundation. If you would like information about how to make a tax-deductible contribution or how to establish an endowment fund, please contact Heather Bailey at (937) 528-2482.

For more information visit tippfoundation.org or Tipp Foundation on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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By Kevin Tucker

Although diminutive in stature, Jackie Wahl’s impact on the Tipp City community has been immense.

And much like the corpulent Norm Peterson striding into his favorite bar Cheers, everyone in town seems to know her name.

Part of the seventh generation of her family born and bred in the area, the ubiquitous Wahl is a tireless advocate and a conscientious steward for the city and its environs. But time takes a toll on us all and while she’s not going into seclusion by any means, the Tipp City graduate plans on stepping back somewhat and giving the roses a little sniff.

As such, one of her shedding of duties is stepping down from the board of the Tipp City Foundation (TCF), where she’s served for nearly four decades. When asked why, she answered succinctly.

“It was time. When I’m done, I’m done,” she said.

The decision stems from the fact with her seat coming up for renewal and the board being in a good place with no gaps, now seemed like the perfect time to hand over the reigns to current and future board members, she qualified.

“Because I’ve been here so long, people just naturally connect me with the Foundation,” she said. “Serving on the board has allowed me to meet people that I would have not otherwise met.”

Had you asked the 12-year-old Jackie what the TCF was, she wouldn’t have had a clue. But in October 1986 when a classmate of her father said a seat on the board had become available and asked if she’d like to fill it, the 33-year-old mother of two jumped at the chance. And while her father passed away in February 1987 just before her first meeting the following month, Wahl was filled with pride over the fact that her father knew she’d be serving on the board prior to his passing.

“Her family history is a keen part of who she is,” said Heather Bailey, TCF volunteer. “She brought her respect for the history of the community to the table when she voted on grants. Communities change over time and she used her influence as a board member to drive for positive, impactful, lasting results.”

At the time she joined, Wahl was the youngest member of the TCF board by several decades. And because of her effervescent personality…she soon became the face of the Foundation. After nearly 40 years, she’ll now leave as one of its elder stateswomen.

A short time into her tenure, the Foundation received a $1 million bequest which upped the ante on its ability to grant more substantial awards. Prior to that, the most the TCF dished out to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations was approximately $2,000 annually, she said. That figure, and the number of awards now granted, is far greater.

“The Foundation continues to grow,” said Wahl. “It’s a matter of supporting the community we love.”

Never a rubber stamp for applications that came before the board’s purview, Wahl said she only wanted to approve awards that would be of benefit to the community. Admittedly opinionated, she half-jokingly said that people seem to like her in spite of that fact.

“To me it’s very inspirational that she would invest 39 years of her life with the Tipp City Foundation,” said current board president Richard Bender. “It definitely shows that she cares about our town, the schools and all the organizations that have been funded.”

Bender added that he’ll miss having her historical information readily available.

“I could always count on her to know the backstory to previous grants and information about the community.”

An avid reader, Wahl’s long been a proponent of buying books for Tipp schools. She’s also excited to have helped fund choir concerts, science fairs, a picnic pavilion at Kyle Park and to help with the school’s involvement with the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, among many other projects.

Whereas before it was private, the TCF now falls under the umbrella of The Troy Foundation, and as such, has the ability to award scholarships to students, something of which the Tipp City grad is quite proud.

“As a lifelong resident of Tipp City, Jackie has the understanding of current and historical needs of the community,” said fellow board member Jim Ranft. “Her longevity anchors us to the previous Foundation leadership. Jackie has been involved with the many organizations we serve, giving her great insight into grant requests. I think of her as an ambassador for the Foundation.

While a senior at Tippecanoe High School, the graduating class had the foresight to vote Wahl, “Most Involved.” As recently as four years ago, she served indefatigably as president of four different organizations. After serving on its board for a number of years, Wahl took over as director of Tipp-Monroe Community Services for several more. Her multitudinous community activities over a lifetime are too numerous to do an accounting.

“I’ve always been involved…it’s in my personality,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to help people.”

She grew up in the country, lived in a Victorian on Main Street for a time and now again lives outside the city limits. Wahl and her late husband of 40 years, Bob (he died in 2013), raised two daughters. Annie is married with children living in Oxford and Katie is an attorney in Dayton living in Tipp City, who’s both an alumna and ardent supporter of the University of Notre Dame. Together they’ve established a Wahl Family Fund within the Foundation.

Wahl who has received three cancer diagnoses (“Yet here I am”), said she couldn’t imagine living anywhere else but Tipp City (“It’s home”).

Beset by some minor health issues, she wishes to get stronger physically. And even though she’s pairing down, she’ll keep plenty busy with friends, family, reading and needlework. When the weather’s agreeable, you’ll surely find her out on the porch with her intimidatingly large Malamute-mix canine, Lobato, sitting dutifully by her side.

“I hope people continue to support the Foundation,” she said. “No doubt it will keep on growing.”

Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the 2009 annual report

by Nancy McAlpin

Foundation Secretary Nancy McAlpin sat down to interview Gordon Honeyman for this feature. In typical Gordon fashion, he chose to shine the light on the work done by others and not on his own significant contributions. But the sentiment of the Foundations’ members is unanimous: Gordon made a great organization even greater through his involvement.  Here is what Nancy learned:

Gordon had interest in finding a spot on a local Board in 1994. As he looked around the Tipp City community, the Tipp City Area Community Foundations became a natural choice for his service. He was strongly attracted to the organization because of the people in charge and the people who had been the stewards of the organization over the years. Ruth Hawley and Jim Kyle were among those leaders, along with Mr. Orville F. Whitmer, an active member and organizer of the Foundations. Each of them had made a difference to Gordon in the past and to our community, so he threw his hat into the ring.

At that time, there was not a large endowment, but it wasn’t long before Miss Helen Timmer left the Foundations a substantial sum of money through her estate. With that generous gift, the Foundations had money to begin a history of worthwhile projects and support of the community.

Through his membership, Gordon began an acquaintance with Lucille and Bill Milner. Lucille served on the board of the Foundations, was very active in the community, and extremely involved with the Eastern Stars. She had a love of nature and had a home built at 10 Parkwood Drive, which is now Gordon’s beautiful home. The 33 trees in that yard became a steppingstone for the many trees that have since been planted throughout Tipp City funded by grants from the Lucille Milner Trees for Tipp Fund.

Gordon recalls some of the early grant requests. One, involving welcome signs at either end of the Tipp City limits, stands out in his mind. He also remembers working closely with the Tipp City Lion’s Club to find a way to assure that Anne Kepple, a beloved retired Tipp City Schools music teacher, received a much-needed Opticon reading machine, an adaptive device for the blind.

Gordon, appointed by the school board to the Foundations, has always loved the concept of supporting our local schools. This has been a clear focus of his attention. The Foundations has ensured that many students have access to items and activities that might not otherwise have been possible. The technical demands, the field trips, and the teacher support make the Foundation a “feather in the school’s cap.” Gordon’s pride and enthusiasm for our local schools brings a generous smile to his face.

Gordon sees a strong future for the Tipp City Area Community Foundations. The recent economic recession has been hard, but as the economy returns to a more normal footing, great growth is to be expected.  The Tipp City community will see the impact of the Foundations’ new Funds (such as the as the Warren G. Miltenberger Parkland Fund and the Urban Stewardship Fund) and want to follow this path of generosity for generations to come.

It was a cloudy day when I talked with Gordon but that did not matter; his clear focus and love of our town generated enough light for all of us that day. Thank you, Gordon, for a job well done and a continued passion for being the Foundation’s friend and supporter.

MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION

“In the spring of 2009, Gordon Honeyman ended his long years of service to the Foundations. Joining Ruth Hawley and Jim Kyle, he is now an emeritus member of the organization.

During his years of service, Gordon worked tirelessly to support and promote not only the Tipp City Area Community Foundations but also his beloved hometown, Tippecanoe. In 1994, he became a member of Tipp City Area Community Foundations’ Distribution Committee.

His steady hand, calm nature and the confidence that he inspires in others lent credibility to the work of the Foundations. Since joining the board, thirteen new, named funds were added to the Foundation’s roster. 

As the Tipp City Exempted Village School Board’s named representative to the Foundations, it was natural that he would also serve as a founding member of the Tippecanoe Educational Endowment, a fund of the Foundations.  He took on that community leadership role beginning in 1999.

Therefore, we name Gordon Honeyman an Emeritus member of the Tipp City Area Community Foundations and a treasure of his hometown.“  -Mayor Tim Evans

Fun Facts about Gordon

Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Gordon

What year did your ancestors settle in this area? 1790s in Monroe Township 

What were your parents’ names? Paul and Gladys Honeyman  

Tell us about your folks. Dad had Honeyman Electric; he was in the Main Street building that burned in 2009, next to what is now Benkin’s Antiques. Mom stayed home and looked after the Honeyman children.

How many brothers and sisters do you have? There are 6 siblings – I am #4

Where was the Honeyman home? 513 West Dow Street

What year did you graduate from Tipp High School? Class of 1957, and I have made it to every class reunion since then.

What Tipp teacher inspired you and why? Mary Kyle Michael, who taught English grammar and literature – she was wonderful.

Tell us what you did after graduating from THS.  I attended THE Ohio State University, where I earned a BA in Spanish.  That was 1961.  After that I joined the army, and from there I went to New York City, where I joined Merrill Lynch. In 1969 I returned to Tipp City.

Tell us more about Merrill Lynch: I’m a Vice President there and just celebrated my 44^th anniversary.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a summer weekend? Hang around our great little town.

What’s your favorite Tipp City restaurant of long ago? Easily Paddy’s Tippecanoe Inn (corner of Main and 2^nd Streets)

Where do you like to hang out these days? Harrison’s, Coldwater Café and of course the American Legion.

What volunteer organization is keeping you busy now that you have retired from the Foundations board? Tipp City United Way

Do you have a church affiliation? Lifelong member of the Tipp City United Methodist Church.

What are your favorite buildings in Historical Tipp City: The Monroe Township Building and the Old City
Building.  (The Monroe Township building is on the Southeast corner of 3^rd and Main Streets.  The Old City Building is on the Northeast corner of 3^rd and Main Streets; it was originally built as a fire engine house and currently houses Tipp Monroe Community Services.)

What Tipp City person did you know as a youngster who inspired you and why? Ann Ingerman, who lived in the Opera House – she taught me a lot about history and antiques.

Your favorite saying? Good Gosh!

What is the next thing that Tipp City should do to continue its trend of being a hip place to live? Make the historical buildings look like they did when they were built. And definitely change the name back to the original: Tippecanoe! 

By Eiliana Wright

Bethel Local Schools invested over $7,000 of grant funding from the Tipp City Foundation in 2025 toward student experiences in the arts.

On November 14, 2025, four teeming Bethel Local School buses steered in front of downtown Dayton’s Victoria Theater and unloaded 155 first graders and 15 chaperones onto the sidewalk.

Bethel first grade teacher and spearhead of the fieldtrip, Cydni Parrish, secured a grant from the Tipp City Foundation for the 2025-2026 first grade class to attend Victoria Theater’s Dayton Live Discovery Series event, “Singing Zoologist.”

Parrish found a way to weave an academic lesson and an arts experience together. Students learned about animal vocabulary in the classroom through a language arts module named “Creature Features,” then watched as a certified zoologist sang, danced and performed the vocabulary on stage.

“To read something in a book and see it in real life is a whole different moment,” Parrish said.

A student’s connection between an academic lesson and a real life experience is what Parrish calls an “aha” moment. After 23 years of teaching, it’s what she loves the most about her job.

The students will attend the Dayton Live Discovery Series once more this school year for another timely show connecting the language arts module “Cinderella Around the World,” to Victoria Theater’s “Fractured Fairy Tales” performance this February.

Another grant awarded to Bethel will send high school students further outside of Bethel and to Walt Disney World, where they’ll make the leap from audience members to performers.

From December 26 through the 31st, 40 Bethel High School choir students will travel by bus from Ohio to Florida to perform in Disney Springs.

Bethel Choir teacher Lara Wolford said at one time, overnight trips to travel and perform were an expectation in the Bethel music program. Since 2016, however, they’ve been less common, so she’s made it her goal to reinstate the trips for good. 2023 was the first year she was successful.

Wolford said the trips are an opportunity for students to meet people from around the world, make lasting memories and apply their choir studies in a more practical way. “It takes what we do in the choir room to a new level,” Wolford said. But the trips come at a price.

Transportation, two meals a day, a hotel and admission to four parks would cost each choir student around $1,449. “I don’t want to have a situation where I have a kid who desperately wants to go and money is what’s keeping them from going,” Wolford said.

The awarded grant of $3,000 from the Tipp City Foundation, amongst other fundraising and awarded donations, alleviates some of the cost, shaving off about $250 for students.

Bethel’s marching band has also invested in their program.

Bethel Music Boosters, who applied to the grant on behalf of the marching band, is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports the school’s music program by offering time and funding. Treasurer Andrea Williams said new band director, Megan Rust, is on a mission to win more competitions through improvements to the band’s look and sound.

During a monthly meeting, Rust presented the band’s need for a new xylophone. Williams described from the meeting that the xylophone was immobile, the keys on the instrument had changed color and warped and the mallets had fallen apart.

Williams applied for a grant through the Tipp City Foundation and was awarded about $2,500 for a new xylophone from Kincaid’s Is Music in Springfield. While Bethel Music Boosters can provide funds where necessary, Williams said that outside funds “give the school more money to be smart.”

“It’s interesting how nonprofits and grants work together,” Williams said. “It allows us to do even more… we’re just so incredibly grateful for it.”

Williams’ son Liam, a freshman on the basketball team, had a game on the same night that the xylophone was delivered, so Williams headed to the band room. There, she found four smiling students already gathered around the new instrument, excited and ready to play her a song with a fresh sound on the shiny new keys.

“The arts are hurting and every little bit helps,” Williams said.

By: Becky Gulden

From small businesses and preservation efforts to the people powering local partnerships, a new weekly podcast is giving Tipp City residents a deeper look at what makes their downtown thrive.

The Downtown Lowdown is a weekly podcast hosted by the Executive Director of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership,Tasha Weaver and her co-host Greg Enslen. Each week they share the stories and energy of the people behind downtown Tipp City.

“Listeners can expect relaxed, conversational interviews with business owners, community leaders, nonprofit partners, volunteers, and organizations that help shape our downtown,” explained Weaver. “Each episode highlights what makes Tipp City vibrant, from preservation and small businesses to events, partnerships, and the people who care deeply about this community.”

The podcast was all made possible thanks to a grant from the Tipp City Foundation.

“We are incredibly grateful for the grant because it allows us to tell these important community stories in a consistent, professional way. Without this support, creating and sustaining a podcast of this quality would not be possible. The grant is an investment in local storytelling, education, and connection,” said Weaver.

The money from the Tipp City Foundation goes directly towards the monthly costs of publishing the podcast along with editing and production costs.

“This ensures each episode is accessible, polished, and shared widely so the stories of downtown Tipp City can reach a broader audience,” said Weaver.

The podcast is produced and edited by Clock Tower Media which is owned by Greg Enslen. Weaver says Enslen’s expertise ensures high-quality production while keeping the conversations natural and approachable.

Weaver explains why she’s so passionate about podcasting.

“So much of the work happening downtown goes unseen or misunderstood. I wanted a way to slow down and tell the deeper stories behind the storefronts, the events, and the preservation efforts. A podcast allows us to go beyond headlines and social media posts and really explain the “why” behind what we do and who we serve,” said Weaver.

Weaver explains that podcasting lends itself for authentic long-form storytelling.

“When people hear directly from business owners, partners, and community members, they gain a better understanding of the passion, collaboration, and investment that make downtown Tipp City thrive. Hearing these stories builds pride, connection, and trust in a way short posts or ads simply cannot,” said Weaver.

Weaver says success of the podcast will be measured in several ways, including consistent listenership growth, engagement from the community, the diversity of the voices featured, and the number of collaborations or connections that happen because of the podcast

“A podcast strengthens the downtown core by amplifying local voices, promoting businesses and events, educating the public about preservation and economic development, and encouraging community buy-in. It helps people feel connected to downtown even when they are not physically there and reminds them that downtown is built on relationships, stories, and shared investment,” said Weaver.

The first interview of 2026 was with Richard Bender and Jim Ranft from the Tipp City Foundation. They talked about the Tipp City Foundation, some of their favorite projects, and how the foundation came to be.

If you are interested in listening to The Downtown Lowdown there is no cost to listen. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays and are available where you listen to podcasts, including the major platforms. They also have a direct link on the Downtown Tipp City Partnership website at https://downtowntippcity.org.

With new episodes released weekly, Weaver hopes The Downtown Lowdown will become a place where residents can better understand and feel more connected to the people and purpose behind downtown Tipp City. If you are interested in being featured on a podcast or have an idea for a topic just email Tasha Weaver at tasha@downtowntippcity.org.