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.

A local man who dedicated his life to service is now giving back even in death thanks to a new endowment fund set up through the Tipp City Foundation.

The endowment fund called Be the Match Fund in memory of Patrick Reese was created earlier this year. It honors Patrick Reese who died last year from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. His wife, Chrystal, created the fund after Patrick’s devastating diagnosis.

“Our family first realized a need for a fund like this as he was fighting AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia),” said Chrystal Reese. “There were several specific times when his medical team recommended a course of treatment, then paused and questioned whether it would be covered by insurance or if it would have a significant impact on our finances. We were in the extremely fortunate situation where very few treatments were off limits for these reasons. We realized there were patients who had to make tough decisions based on factors outside medical ones. We hope to be able to help in some small way so that families can be relieved of some financial burdens in decision making.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, Acute Myeloid Leukemia is a rare but aggressive cancer that affects your bone marrow and blood. Patrick was first diagnosed in 2022 and immediately jumped into treatment, including a bone marrow transplant.

Nearly a year after his diagnosis, Patrick’s son Nate donated the cells for the transplant. Despite a successful transplant, his AML relapsed. He died a year later.

His family wanted to give back to the organization that helped him. The National Marrow Donor Program, formerly called Be The Match, is the leading nonprofit helping match patients with potential marrow and stem cell donors.

“Our experience was great,” said Chrystal. “Patrick's brothers and our children were tested for potential matches and his data was also compared to potential donors worldwide. He matched with 10 unknown donors and our children were half matches. For multiple reasons our son Nate was chosen as his donor. His experience with NMDP was excellent and the transplant process went well.”

Even before Patrick got sick, giving back and serving his community was the backbone of who he was. After graduating with a Masters in Engineering Sciences from Penn State, Patrick joined the U.S. Air Force in 1991. Over 22 years of service, the Reese family had been stationed all over the country before finally moving to the Tipp City area in 2011 when Patrick was assigned to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Chrystal says they connected with the community immediately.

“By the spring of 2012 he deployed and our experience of having a small town jump in to support our family began. Our children graduated from Bethel in 2012 and 2014. Patrick retired from the USAF in 2013. We chose to stay here and have loved this community,” said Chrystal.

Another way Patrick gave back was by joining the board of the Tipp City Foundation. He served as a representative from Bethel Township.

Bill Wendel, the Tipp City Foundation Vice President and Secretary, worked with Patrick on two different boards.

“Patrick exemplified thoughtful leadership and reinforced the value of consistently living up to ideals and responsibilities while maintaining a sense of humor,” said Wendel. “Being part of our community was important to Patrick. I think he knew that great communities don’t just happen, they require hard work. And he was more than willing to put in the work.”

Chrystal hopes that Patrick’s legacy will not only help families battling cancer but also encourage the younger generation to get involved in their communities.

“We have always tried to dive into the communities we live in. Community is everything. In our fast-paced society, maintaining connection and sharing life lessons is even more important than ever. Everyone has something to share, from a life lesson or story to tangible gifts like blood donations or financial gifts. You matter to your community!”

If you want to donate to the Be the Match in memory of Patrick Reese please scan the QR code that accompanies this story.

2025 is closing with the largest tally of dollars awarded by the Tipp City Foundation in one quarter since its founding in 1943. Though there were more requests than available dollars to award, the board challenged themselves to make the largest impact with the amount on hand. 

Among the broad range f grants awarded are a very imaginative project for 2^nd grade students at Bethel, a new cooking course for young families and three local food pantries. Ultimately, 21 organizations received 22 awards totaling $74,841.68.

Since 1943, $3,243,489.50 has been awarded to local causes.

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

ARTS & CULTURE

CISV Midwest Chapter, award*, covers the cost of a storage unit holding bedding and other supplies to host an every-3-year international UNESCO-approved cross-cultural youth summit. *A Lucky 13 Fund award. 

Downtown Tipp City Partnership, $3,200, highlights local people, history and creative culture through free weekly podcast episodes in a series called Downtown Lowdown.

Tipp City Parks Department, $1,829, supports the veteran memorial street pole banner displays coming to County Road 25A. A Veterans Tribute Fund award.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $1,552, revamps the high school video production course with new technology. A Youth of Tipp City Fund imo Sara Drexler award.

Tipp City Public Library, $1,000*, explores the challenge of creating peace through literature via a partnership between the library, local schools, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. *Additional gifts from the Wahl Family Fund and the Robinson-Walters Family Fund round out this request for a total of $3,500.

EDUCATION

Bethel Local Schools, $3,610, imagines 2^nd graders as pioneers as they plan, plant and harvest next season’s garden. Science and reading curricula come together for their study of The West. Food harvested will be shared with Bethel Hope, an area food panty supporting neighbors in need. A Radle Family Fund for Science Education award.

Miami Valley Career Technology Center, $3,335, updates classrooms where skilled trades such as welding, plumbing, HVAC and automotive repair are taught. A Koerner Family Fund award.

Tipp City Exempted Village Schools, $3,500, supports listening skills through the purchase of Redcat, an audio enhancement system that amplifies teachers’ voices in 4^th grade classrooms.

HEALTH & SAFETY

The Centered Foundation, $2,020, launches Cooking and Nutrition Made Easy, hands-on classes for parents and young children. Courses are taught in a four-part series.

National Night Out a fund of The Troy Foundation, $995.68, strengthens the police-community partnership to stop crime. The theme for the 2026 events in Tipp City and Bethel Twp. will be, “Get the Facts-Stop Crime in its Tracks”. A Safety First Fund award.

New Creations Counseling Center, Inc., $3,000*, assists with counseling and psychological services for those with financial need. *Additional support from the Community Compassion Fund rounds out this request for a total of $6,000.

Pink Ribbon Good, $3,000, supports Tipp City-area individuals (and their families) who have been diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancer by providing nutritious meals, rides to treatment, cleaning supplies and peer support.

Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development, $1,739.50, replaces the emergency paging system at this center serving children and adults diagnosed with brain conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, birth trauma, autism or conditions that impact development.

Tipp City Fire and Emergency Services, $11,901, enhances firefighter safety and operational efficiency with new equipment to handle ongoing maintenance of fire hoses. A Safety First Fund award. 

RECREATION

Englewood Little League Challenger Division, $2,350.33, invites Miami Valley kids with special needs to join the fun of baseball. A William’s Gift Fund award.

Miamibucs, $2,350.33, cheers on the “I Can” Triathlon for children with different abilities and their buddies. A William’s Gift Fund award.

Tipp Monroe Community Services, award*, offsets the cost of the annual 5^th grade excursion to Camp Kern in Oregonia, Ohio, for 100 local students. *A Tipp Giving Fund award.

Tipp Pride Association, $15,000, fulfills our commitment to help build a new stadium in City Park. This represents the final payment towards a $75,000 grant originally awarded in 2018, which marked the foundation’s 75^th anniversary.

SOCIAL SERVICES

Bethel Hope ($6,000*), Needy Basket of Southern Miami County ($2,401.50) and New Path, Inc., ($2,000), addresses the pinch felt by the hungry during the government shutdown and the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits. Awarded, in part, from the August Henke Comfort for the Needy Fund. *Additional support from the Community Compassion Fund.

Eagles’ Wings Stables, Inc., $2,350.34, builds brain / body connections for people using this equine-assisted therapy program. A William’s Gift Fund award.

Partners In Hope, $1,707, encourages adult self-sufficiency through classes such as GED and financial management basics. A Gillis Family Fund for Self-Sufficiency award.

We Care Arts, award*, continues Transition to Work classroom programming in high schools throughout Miami County. *A Lucky 13 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 www.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, Diana Featherstone, Dee Gillis, Joellen Heatherly, Glen McMurry, Jim Ranft, distribution chair, Julie Taylor, treasurer, Jackie Wahl, 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 www.tippfoundation.org or Tipp Foundation on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

By Becky Gulden

According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report for 2025 Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. for the fourth straight year. Nearly 48 million adults played Pickleball at least once in the previous 12 months and now those who live in Tipp City won’t have to travel to play.

New pickleball courts just opened in September at Kyle Park thanks in part to a grant from the Tipp City Foundation.

Jeremy Bowser, the Director of Municipal Services, for Tipp City said leaders wanted to invest in this project because of the rising popularity of Pickleball.

“Tipp City viewed the pickleball courts not just as a recreational amenity, but as an investment in health, community engagement, and quality of life for both Tipp City residents and those in our surrounding communities,” said Bowser.

The Tipp City Foundation’s grant of $50,000 will be paid out over 5 years and was essential in covering many costs associated with the construction, development, and initial operation of the new pickleball courts.

“The Tipp City Foundation grant provided valuable support for additional amenities at the new pickleball courts, enabling the city to install upgrades such as taller perimeter fencing for improved safety and ball containment, a drinking fountain to keep players hydrated, bike racks to encourage alternative transportation to the facility, and an AED device for emergency preparedness,” said Bowser. “These enhancements help ensure the courts are accessible, welcoming, and well-equipped for the growing number of pickleball enthusiasts in our community.”

Before these courts were installed, residents who wanted to play on dedicated pickleball courts had to travel to nearby cities like Piqua and Troy.

“The sport is adaptable to all ages and skill levels, and its social, community-oriented nature continues to drive its popularity both locally and nationally,” said Bowser.

The courts have only been open for a few weeks, and they are already getting a lot of use.

“I visited the courts nearly every day last week, and it appears that all courts are consistently full of players from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and again during the evening hours. Based on initial feedback, the courts are being received with great enthusiasm by the community,” said Bowser.

Bowser expects that number to grow. The city estimates that more than 2,000 residents, neighbors, and visitors will directly benefit from access to these courts.

The courts are near the foundation’s tree grove at Kyle Park. The tree grove consists of more than 65 trees – each planted to honor the foundation’s endowed funds.

Bowser says the Miami County Pickleball Association has been a huge help in making this a reality.

“The association has been instrumental to the success of this project since it was first introduced as an idea to the Parks Advisory Board nearly two years ago. They assisted with court specifications and have provided invaluable support throughout the bidding process and now into construction. A special thank you to Bob and Carolyn Bradley for their dedication to the sport and for helping bring Pickleball to Tipp City.”

The courts won’t just be for local use. Local and regional tournaments are expected to be played in Tipp City.

“The courts are part of a larger vision to modernize and enhance Kyle Park, one of Tipp City’s main public spaces.”

By: Becky Gulden

The Miami Valley Veterans Museum in Troy sits on a sprawling five-acre site with 5,000 square feet of museum space. The museum contains artifacts from war, a full-color 42-foot mural that serves as a historic timeline, and a research library with interviews from more than 250 veterans. Today, the museum stands as an impressive tribute to veterans, but it began humbly born from nothing more than a simple idea.

Inspiration for the museum came on the Fourth of July in 2009 when a group of people started talking about how veterans should be honored all the time, not just a few times a year. So that group got to work and began assembling various military items. And what started out as a small, one-room office in the Stouder Building has grown into what it is today.

Museum President Ted Jones explains how this museum differs from others.

“Unlike other museums, the Miami Valley Veterans Museum's main focus is on the ‘Person’ and their service to our country,” said Jones. “The museum showcases military uniforms, artifacts, weapons, documents, and personal stories from veterans located in and around Miami and the surrounding counties. One of the most unique aspects of the museum is our focus on local stories and contributions from veterans who served from the Miami Valley area. The museum also hosts events, ceremonies, and educational programs throughout the year.”

Jones is a veteran himself. He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1965 to 1969 on active duty and then two years inactive reserve duty. He says most of his service was aboard a ship, for a total of 3 years and 8 months of sea service. Jones began volunteering at the museum in 2010, gradually taking on greater responsibilities. Today, he not only leads the museum but also champions its mission to serve the entire community, including those who have never worn a uniform.

“As a way of serving the community, we also maintain a place where educators, authors, and the public can do historical research. The library maintains a video library that contains the first-person account of not less than 250 video recordings available for research.  The Miami Valley Veterans Museum is working directly with the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, to add to their collection of video recordings.  Recently, the Miami Valley Veterans Museum delivered 47 recordings of area veterans to the Library of Congress for inclusion in the Library's Veterans History Project,” said Jones.

Additionally, the museum hosts a free breakfast for all active duty, veterans, and guests every first Wednesday of the month. The museum also provides an off-site learning program called History-In-A-Box. Boxes containing examples of period equipment that servicemembers would have typically worn or used during that period would be explained in a program format. They cover from the beginning of the frontier period through more recent conflicts.

The Museum has moved a few times over the years as the collection expanded but since 2019 it has been housed at the former Erwin Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership on South County Road 23 in Troy. The owner, Ron Erwin, along with help from the Troy Foundation made the move possible.

The dealership was a godsend as the artifacts grew but the property needed a lot of work. It was an old, dark garage, with a leaky roof, and wasn’t up to code.

“In the real estate business, it's known as a "Fixer Upper." But never underestimate the power of a few dedicated volunteers who have a vision and the will to carry it through,” said Jones.

The Miami Valley Veterans Museum relies on grants, volunteers, and donations to stay running. In June it received a $2,500 grant from the Tipp City Foundation to help fund a new security system, which will help safeguard more than 10,000 artifacts in the museum’s collection.

“We have been fortunate in that we have had excellent support from our area foundations and businesses. But even those sources are not limitless, which is why our board is in a constant state of fundraising. We need to raise a minimum of $2,720 every month just to make our property payment, so it takes a lot of oars in the water to keep the boat moving, so to speak,” said Jones.

For those who want to help by volunteering or supporting the museum financially there are several options. Financial support can be directed to the Troy Foundation’s fund to support the museum. There are two funds set up there, one to help with general operational costs and the second is to help build a new multi-purpose gallery and learning center. You can also donate directly to the Miami Valley Veterans Museum.

For those who want to volunteer or visit the museum, it is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Currently, there are no weekend hours, but Jones is hoping to change that eventually, if he can get enough volunteers.

By Nancy Bowman

David and Sue Cook made community a centerpiece of their lives, a legacy that will live on with an endowment fund honoring them through the Tipp City Foundation.

The Cooks, who were married 65 years, both passed away earlier in 2025. He was 86, she was 83.

With their passing, their children, Chad Cook, his wife, Stephanie, and sister Dianne Lytle, created the Dave and Sue Cook Community Fund within the Tipp City Foundation. The endowment will support the Tippecanoe Historical Society and Community Minded Women, with each organization receiving 50 percent of award dollars yearly, Chad Cook said.

Sue Cook was the first to suggest setting up a fund with the local foundation, but she passed before the fund was created, he said.

"Dianne and I decided we should honor both of them by having the fund support all the great organizations they participated in that brought so many great things to Tipp City.  Of the organizations that are eligible for Foundation funds we felt the Tippecanoe Historical Society and the Community Minded Women represented them well.  This would honor Mom’s wishes to promote genealogy as well as honor both of them from their involvement in the Historical Society,” Chad Cook said.  The organizations have not decided how the funds will be used.

“Dad spent a lot of time at the museum and writing stories and newsletters after his retirement,” Chad  Cook said. “Mom had a special place in her heart for the young females of the community wanting them to succeed in life, one of the big reasons she ran for council.”

The Cooks both served on the Tipp City Council, and as the community’s mayor. Sue Cook was the first female mayor.

The Cook fund honors not only the Cooks but friends and family who participated with them in many organizations and projects such as Tipp City Jaycees and the Jayceettes as charter members of the Tippecanoe Historical Society and the proposal and approval of the city’s charter. Sue Cook loved anything Christmas-related, researching genealogy for her family and others’, serving as a poll worker, repairing dolls and becoming an antiques dealer.

David Cook studied engineering and held architect licenses in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. He was involved in the design of many projects both through his employment and during his personal time. Among them was the design of the senior citizens renovations on South First Street, residences including for local homebuilders and special projects such as the West Main Barber Shop, Helen Timmer Pavillion in Thomas Kyle Park and renovation of the City Park Roundhouse. "I don’t think they would have wanted their names on the fund.  All of their service has been accomplished in groups with friends and family,” Chad Cook said. “That’s why we added ‘Community’ to the name.  We wanted the fund to represent Mom and Dad and all their great friends that have done so much service establishing so much for Tipp City and its citizens.”

The Cooks have four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Donations can be made to the Dave and Sue Cook Community Foundation by visiting https://thetroyfoundation.org/tippcityfoundation or by mailing a check to the Tipp City Foundation, P.O. Box 626, Tipp City, Ohio, 45371.