Dustin Pearce, Marnie Reed, Shanon Bene Marnie Reed and Shanon Bene join the podcast to share about the amazing people and services at the Clinton County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The CCBDD currently serves roughly 300 individuals in the county from birth to adulthood by connecting them with essential resources or just offering a friend to talk with. Listen to episode 73 of the Real Change Wilmington Podcast, 'Clinton County Board of Developmental Disabilities' with Marnie Reed & Shanon Bene, on your favorite podcast player below: 🍎 Apple: bit.ly/rcwp-apple 🟢 Spotify: bit.ly/rcwp-spotify 🎥 YouTube: bit.ly/rcwp-youtube 😎 Website: bit.ly/rcwp-website

PICTURED from the left are Tiffany Lester, associate professor of occupational therapy; Everett Chaney, rider; Jill Kelch, community volunteer; and Lauren Murphy, horse leader and equine business management student. WILMINGTON, Ohio (July 30, 2025)— Wilmington College's graduate program in occupational therapy places a focus on preparing professionals to serve rural communities. Its mission came to life again at this summer's Therapeutic Riding Camp, which offered one of the enduring symbols of rural life — horseback riding — to area children with disabilities. The five-day camp in late July at WC's Equine Center attracted 30 campers, ages six through mid-teens, from Clinton, Highland and other area counties. Their health challenges ranged from autism to social, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. Erin Bales, Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program director, said the camp increases the availability of services in recreation and leisure for the area’s children. "It answers the quest, 'How do we help kiddos?' Our program strives to prepare its students to become problem-solvers and to promote community-based health and wellness in unique ways,” she said. "Enhancing quality of life is a big thing in occupational therapy!" Split between morning and afternoon sessions, the campers engaged in various sensory activities including crafts, games and agriculture-related projects, and animals — until it was their turn to ride. Enter the horses and ponies selected for their gentle demeanor and ability to connect quickly with novice riders. The riding camp went from an idea in class three years ago to involving all OT students and faculty members and partnering across the campus with WC's agriculture and equestrian areas. Javonne Mullins, assistant professor of agriculture and an experienced therapeutic riding instructor, has been a mainstay of the summer program. Mullins explained the horses' movement has a "calming effect" and provides multi-sensory experiences involving touch, warmth, balance, and coordination. "Also, it is truly a hands-on learning experience for our students,” she added. Indeed, Bales noted the camp was built into the OT students' course assignments, resulting in an "absolutely perfect" field experience. They became one-on-one "buddies" with the children, so there was always a familiar face around. "The goal is to create a certified program in therapeutic riding instruction and learning how to use the horse's movement as a treatment tool for occupational, speech, and physical therapy." Bales expected her students to have a rich learning experience through the camp, but she was "pleasantly surprised" with how emotionally connected they became to the campers. "They could see the difference they made in people's lives," she added. "Our OT students are so proud and happy they got that experience." Article Submitted by Wilmington College

Leiana Grimes & Elizabeth Stern Three years ago, Elizabeth Stern and her daughter, Leiana Grimes, owners and operators of Misty Pines Acres, began selling chicken and duck eggs. Misty Pines Acres is a local "hobby farm," according to Elizabeth, that houses 20 ducks, 120 chickens, two goats, one sheep, two dogs, and barn cats. In the future, she hopes to get pigs. They sell eggs at the farmers' markets in Wilmington, Hillsboro, and Lebanon, plus at the new Bite Size Market on South Street in Wilmington. They are also currently selling chicken meat for pre-order to pickup at the Clinton County Farmers' Market. In addition to selling eggs and meat, the two also create and sell crafts including 3D printing, jewelry, decor, and T-shirts. Elizabeth also makes chocolates and chocolate suckers. According to Elizabeth, her desire to begin farming chickens and ducks began because she had an interest in gardening and "self-sufficiency." She stated that she was drawn to ducks because their eggs are more nutritious, and she originally had a fear of chickens. Eventually, she overcame her fear and started expanding her flock to include "more and more" birds, including chickens. Currently, the farm features Muscovy ducks and Welsummer, Brahma, Copper Maran, and Majesty chickens. The chickens are free range, but receive a supplemental feed in addition to what they eat while roaming. In the summer, they collect five dozen chicken eggs a day and roughly two dozen duck eggs. They gather eggs three times a day. According to Elizabeth, the ducks usually lay eggs in the morning, and the chickens lay eggs three times a day. Because of this, Misty Pines Acres is able to sell eggs year-round and donate extra eggs to the Fellowship Church of Praise and the New Vienna Community Center. According to Elizabeth, her favorite part of operating the egg farm is the people that they meet. She stated, "It's the people we've gotten to know... We get to know them and [their family]." Leiana followed, "It's more like catching up with them and developing a relationship with them." To learn more, follow Misty Pines Acres on Facebook.

Daniel Buckley (RIGHT), Board chair for the past two years, introduces J. Brent Bill as the College's new chair of the Board of Trustees. WILMINGTON, Ohio (July 28, 2025)— Daniel Buckley said, “the underlying love” J. Brent Bill has for Wilmington College makes him perfect to succeed him as chair of the institution’s Board of Trustees. The transfer of leadership commenced near the conclusion of the Board’s plenary session on July 25 during its annual summer meeting. Buckley completed his two-year term as chair, while Bill, the vice chair during that time, assumed his new role. Bill is a member of the Religious Society of Friends and is a graduate of WC and the Earlham School of Religion. His professional career includes serving as a Quaker pastor and the author of more than two-dozen books. “This place changed my life and continues to,” said Bill, who has served on the Board since 2019. “It’s an honor, and I thank you for your trust. I will do my best to live up to it.” He cited with gratitude the “deep friendship” he shares with Buckley that developed during their time in the Board’s leadership positions. Buckley, a retired attorney and native of Wilmington, also joined the Board in 2019. He led the trustees during a particularly dynamic and historic period at the College. Notable achievements include Corey Cockerill becoming the institution’s first female seated president, the College earning “Gold Standard” reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, experiencing balanced budgets and enrollment growth in recent years, adopting a strategic plan called In Common Cause, and, last week, announcing a record-breaking $23 million gift from the late coach and faculty member Jerry Scheve, which is set to transform the institution. “Also, the College has a stated embrace of our Quaker heritage and values,” he added. “I have tapped into what Corey Cockerill calls ‘the magic of Wilmington College,” Buckley said. “I’m leaving this position with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.” Article Submitted by Wilmington College

WILMINGTON, Ohio (July 23, 2025)— The Clinton County Port Authority is seeking information from developers, investors, historic preservation consultants, and local residents regarding the future use and redevelopment of the historic Masonic Building, located at 28 West Main Street in Wilmington. While the goal of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit information, capabilities, and redevelopment strategies from qualified firms and individuals that may be interested in responding to a future Request for Proposals, no formal qualifications are required to respond to this RFI. “At this stage, creative thinking, community orientation, and feasibility are just as valued as technical expertise,” said Alex Beres, Executive Director of the Clinton County Port Authority. “A project like the Masonic Building will need tremendous partnership and strategic capital to become fully redeveloped, and because of that we want to hear from community members as well as interested individuals, prospective tenants, and investors.” The Masonic Building, dedicated in 1913 for use by Masonic Lodge No. 52, has seen many changes in its history. Designed by Frank Packard and constructed for $40,000 ($1.2 million in 2025 dollars), the 21, 480 square foot building quickly became a hub for economic activity. Centrally located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, the building has been home to retail, restaurant, office, and art studio space. The Port Authority, through its DRIVE I, LLC subsidiary, acquired the building in October 2023. Additional information about the Wilmington DRIVE program can be found at https://www.chooseclintoncountyoh.org/doing-business/wilmington-drive . Experienced developers, investors, firms, and historic preservation consultants interested in submitting information can find the full RFI at https://bit.ly/28WMainRFILongForm. Local residents, investors, and businesses interested in submitting information, ideas, and interest can do so by completing the form at https://bit.ly/28WMainRFI or by emailing DRIVE.Wilmington.OH@gmail.com . RFI responses are due August 22, 2025. Experienced developers, investors, firms, and historic preservation consultants interested in a site visit can schedule a walkthrough on August 1 or August 8, 2025, by contacting Tom Perry with CDC of Ohio at thomasjperry@att.net. An additional walkthrough for the general public will be held at 7:30 to 8:30a.m. and 12 noon to 1 p.m. on August 15, 2025. “Our hope is that the information we receive in response to this RFI will better inform the next steps and identify potential partners for the Masonic Building,” Beres added. About the Clinton County Port Authority The Clinton County Port Authority is a special purpose government formed to operate transportation infrastructure and lead economic development efforts. Designated by Clinton County, the City of Wilmington, and the CIC of Wilmington as the lead Economic Development agency for the County, it coordinates with the Dayton Development Coalition and JobsOhio to attract jobs to, and retain jobs in, the area. It has been voted a Best Workplace for the last six years. The Port Authority owns and operates the Wilmington Air Park, an integrated aviation and logistics business park located on 1,900 acres with nearly three million square feet of industrial, office, and hangar space. It is the highest volume cargo airport in Ohio and ranked 23rd in the United States. Learn more at www.ChooseClintonCountyOH.org and www.WilmingtonAirPark.com. Article Submitted by the Clinton County Port Authority

WILMINGTON, Ohio (July 24, 2025)— Late Legendary Coach Jerry Scheve Designates Funds Focused on Athletics Excellence, Peace Programming and International Affairs In a moment that will shape Wilmington College for generations, the institution announces the largest gift in its history. College officials described Jerry Scheve’s record $23 million gift as “transformational” in positioning the institution for continued success in serving its students. Scheve was a highly respected accounting professor and championship women’s basketball coach who passed away in May. He coached the Lady Quakers for 30 years before retiring in 2021. His 2004 team won the NCAA Division III national championship, the apex of his 518 career victories at WC. Scheve was intentional in focusing his gift on the areas of athletic excellence, peace and conflict resolution programming and international affairs. Athletics was of special interest, and the centerpiece of the Scheve-funded projects is the Scheve Athletic Center, which features the construction of an indoor track. President Corey Cockerill said the $23 million gift not only represents the largest in the College’s 155-year history but is one of the most personal. “It comes from someone who gave his life to Wilmington College, and who understood exactly what this community could become,” she said. “Coach Scheve’s generosity challenges us to think bigger, act bolder and lead with the same integrity he carried every time he walked into a gym or a classroom. Jerry believed in doing things the right way — for his players, his students and this College. This gift ensures that future generations will benefit from the same values he upheld so fiercely: discipline, humility and excellence.” Board of Trustees Chair Daniel J. Buckley described the gift as a “cornerstone” for the College’s future. “Just as he did as a national championship coach, his gift will inspire students for lives of service and success,” he said. “Deeply grateful, the College will be faithful to his expressed wishes and his enduring legacy.” In addition to the indoor track, which will be known as the Jenna Parlette Running Center, Scheve’s gift will fund a Hall of Champions that celebrates athletic success and a host of major upgrades and additions to the College’s athletics infrastructure and sports programming. Matt Croci, director of athletics, lauded Scheve’s commitment to excellence in athletics, noting how the gift will impact every sports program with positive implications for recruitment, retention and operations. “A gift of this magnitude and scope will change the trajectory of our athletic department,” he said. “It truly touches all of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, programs and physical spaces. I think it gives an incredible answer to the question, ‘What does excellence look like at Wilmington College?’” Jenna Parlette was a student-athlete at WC who tragically died after collapsing just short of winning a collegiate cross country race in 2013. For many years, the College has hoped to honor her memory with a much-needed indoor track, an initiative Scheve quietly supported over the years.  Jenna’s mother, Lisa, who has worked tirelessly to garner support for what will now become part of her daughter’s legacy, was “shocked” when she learned the running center will become a reality — and that Scheve’s generosity will make it happen. “I’m so grateful and humbled,” she said in citing Scheve’s foresight and magnanimous gesture. ”Words cannot fully express the depth of our joy and gratitude to Coach Scheve for making Jenna’s dream of an indoor track at WC a reality. His generosity will touch the lives of countless athletes, students and community members for generations to come.” Ron Combs, the College’s long-time track and cross country coach, said his excitement is hard to put into words. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in track and field and cross country, but excited for what we can do in the future with the running center,” he said. “Winter workouts, when there’s six inches of snow, we’ll be able to do the things we want to do, plus, we’ll be able to host indoor meets. This will make a huge impact on our programs and the College. I really want to make Jerry proud.” Scheve’s brother, Ken, recalled Jerry Scheve sharing details with their brother, Tom, and him about his illness and the significant financial portfolio he had accumulated. A case study in shrewd financial growth strategies, Jerry Scheve’s generation of wealth has its origins in his membership in an investment club in the 1970s. Indeed, he chose a couple of little-known start ups — Apple and Microsoft — and continued making wise investments through the years. As Jerry Scheve considered his estate planning, Ken Scheve recalled the brothers asking: “What’s important to you? What’s had the most impact on your life?” “It was clear his heart was with Wilmington,” he said. Jerry Scheve made numerous trips to the College from his home in Cincinnati last fall and into the winter — just as he had thousands of times during his 44-year professional career at WC — to work out the details of his gift. Ken Scheve recalled his brother’s “excitement” as his gift plans for the College evolved. “It gave him a purpose at that point,” he said. “The more and more he got into it, he began realizing the impact his gift would have. He started to realize, ‘All this I can accomplish.’” Tammy Shadley, vice president for advancement, worked closely with Scheve in the months following his terminal, pancreatic cancer diagnosis late last summer. She called it “an honor and privilege” to be in the position to accept the largest gift in the College’s history. “Jerry and I spent hours discussing exactly how he wanted his gift designated, often reaching a conclusion one day only to change it the next,” Shadley said, noting those conversations always had the same theme. “He wanted to make a difference and help Wilmington College achieve excellence.” Shadley is grateful for Scheve’s willingness to allow his gift to impact many areas of the campus. “I often told Jerry that he kept me on an emotional rollercoaster, as it was hard to be so happy about the magnitude of his gift, but also sad to know he would be leaving us,” she added. “I take comfort, however, in knowing that when he left us, he was at peace knowing his wishes would be honored and his gift would change the trajectory of Wilmington College.”  Indeed, several days before his passing, Scheve saw photos on WC’s social media of the 60-year old, wooden bleachers in the gymnasium being dismantled to be replaced with safe, modern and electronically maneuverable seating. It was the first project in the grand plan involving his gift. Ken Scheve said Jerry Scheve was visibly pleased as he examined images of workers halfway through the removal of the old bleachers. Seeing one part of his gift already in motion was especially satisfying to him, he added. “He was so confident that this is what he wanted to do for Wilmington College.” Article Submitted by Wilmington College

Judy Taylor In 2014, Judy Taylor left her more than 25-year nursing career in oncology to open 'Bake My Day,' now located at 1746 Dailey Road in Wilmington, and offer "just about anything you can think of that would come from a bakery." Today, Judy bakes custom cakes (wedding cakes, carved cakes, cakes in a jar, push cake pops, and cheesecake), brownies, pies, dipped strawberries, breads, and even dog treats through her other business, 'Bark My Day.' Her baked goods are currently available for pre-order and pick-up, and she plans to soon have some stocked and available for grab-and-go at her bakery. Judy grew up in Texas, but would come to Ohio to visit her mother's family, who is originally from the Wilmington area. When she was 14, her father, who was in the Air Force, transferred to Wright Patterson Air Force Base to finish out his career. Judy spent the remainder of her childhood in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School. She previously worked at the cancer center in Wilmington before leaving to obtain her Ohio Bakery License. According to Judy, she comes from "a very long line of bakers," and has been baking since she was a young girl. She stated, "[All my family] baked pies, cakes, and you name it. My aunts, my grandparents, they all baked and so I baked." Judy and her husband moved to their current home three years ago and started building her small pick-up store on their property; however, two weeks after the building was finished, she had to pause the project after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She only recently finished treatment and is "getting back into things." Judy stated, "The support that I have received and the love that I've been shown from the community, my customers, my family, my friends, is such a blessing." Judy plans to finally have a grand opening for her bakery in August. In addition to Bake My Day and Bark My Day, Judy also organizes the annual 'Homespun Christmas' event in Wilmington that is held at Denver Elementary, local businesses, and homes. Every year, the event brings out hundreds of community members and even visitors from Cincinnati and Columbus. To learn more about Bake My Day, follow Bake My Day on Facebook.

Dustin Pearce, Molly Campbell, & Jessica Manzo I moved to Wilmington in 2021 during a difficult time in my life when one of the few things that brought me joy was getting to drive out to a local farm stand for a fresh chocolate milk late at night while listening to my favorite music. Fast forward to 2023, I finally saved up enough to fulfill a dream of mine to buy a building downtown for my website design company, Makeshark, and it was important to me to save the front lobby for a downtown farm stand highlighting all of the amazing farmers, artists, and other creative people I’ve met while rebuilding my life in Clinton County. My hope is that this "bite size" market helps bring people the same joy I needed back in 2021, and inspires both creativity and pride in our community. Bite Size Market is located at 34 N South Street in Downtown Wilmington and held a soft opening on June 2, 2025. Current open hours are daily from 7am to 7pm, including weekends. Items include fast healthy meals, fresh local groceries, and fun unique merchandise. The newest addition is a commercial Keurig machine offering a wide range of coffees and teas. The market operates like a local farm stand where visitors browse at their own pace and checkout at a self-serve kiosk when they are ready (card only). Local vendors include Elyse Fife with Purple Wagon (sourdough breads), Judy Taylor with Bake My Day (desserts), Donald and Jackie Bickle with Happy Cows Creamery (milk, butter, and cheese), Bob and Becky Portman with Walnut Ridge Acres (bacon, sausage, and brats), Elizabeth Stern with Misty Pines Acres (chicken and duck eggs), Rachel Jarman with Bank Barn Meats (lamb chops), Toni McGinnis (macarons), Rich Family Meats (hamburgers and steaks), That Guy's Family Farm (certified organic produce), and Brenneman Family Farms (Amish produce). Bite Size Market will have an official ribbon cutting with the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, July 23 at 5pm during Discovery's Shark Week. To learn more, visit bitesizemarket.com .

At the July 17th, 2025, Wilmington City Council meeting, City Service Director Michael Crowe presented the idea of the City of Wilmington purchasing the old East End Schools building from Wilmington City Schools for a potential community recreation center project. Trevor Shoemaker, Executive Director of Main Street Wilmington, and Judge Chad Carey of Clinton County Juvenile Court also presented in support of the project. Wilmington City Schools’ Director of Business Operations, Curt Bone, was in attendance to provide details about the building. East End is being marketed for $285,000. The building is 32,000 sq/ft on four acres of land. The adjoining playground is not part of the property, but Crowe stated his intention to reach out to the current land owner. No plan for the community recreation center was presented, nor is the sale final. City Council only made a motion to allow the City of Wilmington to present Wilmington City Schools with an intention to purchase the previous East End School building property. East End Elementary School

Toni McGinnis Despite never tasting a macaron before starting her business, Toni McGinnis, owner and operator of McGinnis Macarons, looked up the "hardest thing [to bake]," and after much research, began experimenting with baking macarons. When she started, she didn't have the proper tools so she improvised with parchment paper as a baking mat and gallon bags as a piping bag. She stated, "I researched it a lot, I bought a book on it—a book that I could afford. And then I don't know... I devoured myself into it." Now, two and a half years later, Toni sells hundreds of macarons each week at the Clinton County Farmers' Market, Bite Size Market, and personal orders. Toni grew up in Circleville, Ohio, where she met her husband, whom she had a crush on since fifth grade. She began making macarons after the birth of their second child, when her and her husband decided to purchase a mixer in 2022. Shortly after, she began her macaron business by baking for friends and family. After a successful Christmas sale, Toni decided to start having sales every month. In 2024, she became a vendor at the Farmers' Market. Her passion for cooking began at age eight. In middle school, she branched out and started trying new recipes from cookbooks. According to Toni, she has always enjoyed baking because she "likes [the] sweet stuff." Despite her macaron's intricate designs and difficulty, Toni has no culinary background beyond basic culinary classes in high school. According to Toni, the process for baking her macarons takes up to four days. On the first day, she pipes the shapes and bakes the cookies. She then spends the next two to three days stuffing them with filling, labeling, and packaging. After baking, the cookies last on the counter for a few days, in the fridge for 10 to 14 days, or in the freezer for a few months before their texture is affected. Toni makes unique flavors like Hostess cake, root beer float, buckeye, and orange creamsicle. She also makes flavor combinations like blackberry lemon. In addition to her unique flavors, she makes detailed shapes such as Harry Potter characters, flower bouquets, beach shapes, food, and animal shapes. To learn more, follow McGinnis Macarons on Facebook.

WILMINGTON, Ohio (July 16, 2025)—The Wilmington College/Community Summer Theatre's production of the classic musical, Guys and Dolls , is set for a four-show run Thursday, Friday and Saturday (July 17-19), at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday (July 20), at 2:30 p.m., in WC's Heiland Theatre. Tickets are available at < wc.booktix.com >. Planning for the next clandestine craps game is, from the left, Shadrach Brausch as Nicely-Nicely Johnson, Bryan Wallingford as Nathan Detroit, and Tadio Palafox as Benny Southstreet. Get ready for a high-energy musical full of gamblers, dancers, romance, and unforgettable songs. With a talented local cast and direction by WC alumna Cherie Cooper Darragh, this classic Broadway favorite is one you won’t want to miss. Article Submitted by Wilmington College

Elyse Fife "It makes me feel good that people support me that well. To be supported so fully by so many people that I don't even know [is great]," stated Elyse Fife, owner and operator of The Purple Wagon, located at 1455 Accommodation Road in Wilmington. She opened her wagon in May of 2024 and has been providing sourdoughs and other baked goods to the community since. She currently bakes sourdough breads, bagels, cookies, cinnamon logs, and pies. This summer, she hopes to sell and preserve produce from her garden that includes cherries, strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, onions, peas, corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, potatoes, pumpkins, zucchini, and pollinator flowers. In addition to her garden, she also raises 12 chickens. Elyse has lived in Wilmington since she was seven years old. She met her husband while working at Generation's Pizza. Elyse stated, "I just was in the back cleaning... and I looked up and he was sitting at the bar and the first thought that went through my head was, 'I'm going to marry that guy.'" Five years later, they got married and eventually had two daughters. They currently live on a five acre homestead where Elyse gardens, bakes, and homeschools their two daughters. Prior to The Purple Wagon, Elyse worked at a manufacturing company as the HR manager. Upon having to enforce mass lay offs during the pandemic, Elyse decided to switch careers and choose something that would allow her to be home with her children. That led her to a short career as a real estate agent that was successful for her first two years; however, after bringing in no income for a year, Elyse felt God was leading her in a different direction that forced her to grow and look for other opportunities to stay home with her children. Besides her love for people and baking, this inspired her to start The Purple Wagon, named after her favorite color. When she stocked her wagon for the first time, she sold out completely. Elyse stated, "It was a passing thought in my head and now it's a reality." Listen to Elyse's full story on Episode 72 of The Real Change Podcast. Learn more about The Purple Wagon by following Elyse Fife on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.