"Mary Jane Johnson, the Public Relations Coordinator at PAWS Humane Society, Inc. in Wilmington stated, “The mission of PAWS is to encourage the humane treatment of animals including finding, loving, forever homes for unwanted cats & dogs through adoptions and to make a positive impact on the lives of animals with education and resources. PAWS operates a shelter to house cats and dogs. Most of the dogs and cats that PAWS handles are housed at our Pet Adoption Center, but we also have several volunteers who foster animals on occasion that are in need. PAWS is hosting four spay/neuter clinics for cats and dogs in 2024. At our most recent clinic held earlier in March, 51 cats and dogs were sterilized. PAWS does not receive funds from any public entity but is funded by donations, fundraisers, adoption fees, and grants.” Below are some of the adoptable animals: See an animal that you're interested in? Visit https://pawshumane.weebly.com/ to complete an interest form, and meet your next best friend.

Wilmington's International Student Exchange (IES) program currently has over 9 students from countries such as Italy and Spain hosted by local families. Local ISE students recently led service projects at PAWS Humane Society and the Clinton County Homeless Shelter. One of the students, Angelica Paris Becher, answered questions about her experience with the program thus far. Q: What country are you from? A: Italy Q: What is your community like in your native country, and how does it compare to Ohio? A: In my country, I live in a really small village so the community is small and it is pretty close to the one where I am living now in Wilmington Q: What is something unexpected that occurred when moving here? Or what is the biggest culture shock? A: Probably the food because I am used to eat really healthy and rarely go out eating, instead here we usually go out eating and the food is fatter. Q: What is one fun fact about you? A: I love the buns of Texas Roadhouse:) If you are interested in opening your home to host an international exchange student please visit the iseusa.org website and check out the host family FAQ page. You can also read testimonials from past and current host families. When you feel ready, complete the host family interest form, and an area representative will get in touch with you. You can also get involved by joining our team of Area Representatives! Help match host families and exchange students and bring the world closer together while making supplemental income.

Cassie DeBoard is the NEW(ish) director of Sunshine Christian School inside Wilmington Church of Christ at 909 W Locust Street. She stops by the podcast to share what’s new on the school’s horizon. Cassie has a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education and 6-years of teaching experience in public school. She hopes to help the school be known for academic excellence and for preparing students for Kindergarten Listen to Real Change Wilmington on your favorite podcast player now: 🍎 Apple: https://bit.ly/rcwp-apple 🤖 Google: https://bit.ly/rcwp-google 🟢 Spotify: https://bit.ly/rcwp-spotify 🎥 YouTube: https://bit.ly/rcwp-youtube 😎 Website: https://bit.ly/rcwp-website

The Drowsy Lads are an American Irish Band from Columbus, Ohio that perform annually at the Murphy Theatre every on St. Patrick’s Day. After this year’s concert on March 16, 2024, Bryan Brookes, the band’s flutist, answered a few questions about the band’s history and shared some other fun facts. Q: What is the origin behind the name of your band? A: “We were trying to find a name, and John and our band [were] obsessed with pub bands that would have the words ‘the’ and ‘lads’ or ‘boys’ in it. The first tune we learned was called ‘Drowsy Maggy’, which sounds random, but its a common tune. It would be like learning ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’. We learned it, we were all excited, and we were going to play it for Phil who actually knew music at the time... and we learned it totally wrong. [Phil] said ‘what’s that’ and we said ‘Drowsy Maggy’, and he said ‘no, that’s really bad’. So it’s a name to remind ourselves to be humble.” Q: What is one of the funniest moments you’ve had during a live performance? A: “There have been a lot. It’s hard to say because a lot of the humor is situational. A lot of the things that happen are things that happen either right before the show,  or during the show something funny goes down—like tonight, we were joking around about something right before we started. I was almost crying from laughter. It’s like that almost all the time. It’s just really fun hanging out.” Q: What is one of the most unexpected sources of one of your songs? A: “Daniel in our band was trying to learn how to play the pennywhistle, and he wrote a tune during a long stay in the bathroom on the toilet. It’s called ‘The Evening Reels’. It’s on our second album.” Q: If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be? A: “We’re about to do that, actually... we’re making our fifth album and we’re inviting a bunch of friends that we’ve met through the Dayton Festival, the Dublin Festival, and Milwaukee, to record with us. It’s going to be sweet. We’re good friends with a bunch of players and other bands. Some of the guys in We Banjo 3, and some other Irish bands as well.” Q: What is the most unusual instruments that you’ve incorporated into one of your songs? A: “Definitely the Irish Pipes, also known as the Uilleann pipes. They’re so complex and temperamental. They look crazy—like some octopus. But when they work, they sound great. I tried learning it and it was too frustrating for me.” Q: If your music could be in the soundtrack of a movie, what movie would it be? A: “Funny you ask, our stuff was in a movie. It was in ‘Katherine Pub Birdy’, a movie on Amazon. Randomly during Covid, we get this email. I thought it was someone trying to steal money from us, but they actually were wanting to pay us to use the song. It’s about a thirteen-year-old girl coming-of-age in Victorian Times. Kind of bizarre, but cool.

Trevor Shoemaker talked about Main Street Wilmington on Monday, May 20, 2024 at the 3M Club hosted by Ohio Living Cape May. Main Street Wilmington works to promote downtown businesses and organize community events to help make Wilmington's downtown an inviting and vibrant place to be. Learn more at mainstreetwilmington.com

Wilmington's International Student Exchange (IES) program currently has over 9 students from countries such as Italy and Spain hosted by local families. Local ISE students recently led service projects at PAWS Humane Society and the Clinton County Homeless Shelter. One of the students, Alejandro Pita, answered questions about his experience with the program thus far. Q: What country are you from? A: Spain Q: What is your community like in your native country, and how does it compare to Ohio? A: I live in a seaside city called A Coruña and, since we don't have access to the sea here, I really miss that. I also live in a suburban area compared to a big city before. Q: What is something unexpected that occurred when moving here? Or what is the biggest culture shock? A: The biggest cultural shock was definitely the eating schedule! Americans have dinner and lunch way too early. Q: What is one fun fact about you? A: One of my hobbies is surfing, which I do almost every day in Spain. I also like writing screenplays and just normal plays. If you are interested in opening your home to host an international exchange student please visit the iseusa.org website and check out the host family FAQ page. You can also read testimonials from past and current host families. When you feel ready, complete the host family interest form, and an area representative will get in touch with you. You can also get involved by joining our team of Area Representatives! Help match host families and exchange students and bring the world closer together while making supplemental income.

The Southern Ohio Education Service Center recently hosted its annual Four County Board Celebration acknowledging individuals and/or organizations whose leadership, initiatives, and backing have enhanced public education. Karen Long and Elizabeth Huber, directors of the Clinton County Literacy Foundation, were awarded the 'Friends of Education Award' for their commitment to raising literacy awareness in Clinton County. This award came from nominations by Jim Brady and Wilmington City Schools. Pictured below are additional award winners from Wilmington, receiving the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center CARES award and Exemplary Mentor Program Award.

Parks and Recreation facilities play a pivotal role in enriching the quality of life within communities. From providing spaces of leisure to promoting physical and mental well-being, these amenities serve as focal points for social interaction and community engagement. In recent years, Wilmington has experienced the significant positive impacts of a vibrant Parks and Recreation Department. Through unwavering dedication, the Parks Department has led various initiatives aimed at improving accessibility, sustainability, and inclusivity within our community. One notable recent addition is the splash pad situated within Denver Park, which was added in 2017, and has been a wonderful activity for children and families during summer months. As Wilmington transitions into a new phase, we extend a warm welcome to Ivy Ortman, who will build upon the solid foundation established by previous members, as well as create new possibilities for our community. Ivy brings a wealth of experience from the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department and the Army Reserves that has shaped her into the remarkable woman that she is today. Infamously known as “super aunt”, Ivy and her five siblings were raised Mormon, an upbringing she credits for instilling great qualities within her, though she is no longer practicing. Reflecting on her principles, she emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, irrespective of creed. Her actions throughout her life attest to her commitment to these beliefs, underscoring her dedication to fostering inclusivity and community cohesion. In her formative years, Ivy actively participated in various sports, garnering accolades such as All-American recognition in basketball and softball. Transitioning to Logan High School during her senior year was a strategic move driven by both the school’s renowned athletic program and her prior engagement with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). It was during this time that she encountered Wilmington for the first time. She explained, “It’s a funny story actually, the only time I’ve ever been in Wilmington [previous to receiving her current position] was for the state finals for that sweet 16 in 1997. We played at Wilmington College against Vandalia.” Securing a full scholarship to West Virginia State during her promising senior year allowed Ivy to excel further in basketball, softball, and volleyball. However, she eventually discerned that her aspirations aligned elsewhere. Because of this, she decided to return to Ohio, where she worked her way into a full-time position with the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department while simultaneously taking classes at Columbus State College. This position helped her gain insight and experience in managing children and adults with diverse needs. She exclaimed that “kids need stimulation elsewhere. They’re not always getting the parenting they should, and the rec center is an outlet.” In 2008, while still employed as a recreation leader at Columbus Parks and Recreation, Ivy enlisted in the Army Reserves as a Combat Medic. She explained, “After I bought my own home the economy plummeted, and out of fear of losing my job because I had low seniority [with the city recreation department], I joined the military which was offering bonuses and financial security. This turned into a lifetime career in the Reserves.” During her time in service, she obtained an EMT Certification and went through extensive training in Trauma Care. She stated, “We were poking each other with IVs every day… we would [even] do it on moving trucks.” After six years as a Combat Medic, she transitioned to Physical Therapy and went through an additional eight months of training. This was when she began to gain more in-depth and hands-on experience programming for senior citizens. After a few years of employment, she was promoted to physical therapy at the Parks and Rec department due to her military background. “I basically became an expert on modifying exercise [for individuals with a variety of needs] with my exercise science degree and my physical therapy training in the military.” She continues by stating, “You can’t really have a bad day because you have people who are missing limbs, who have had strokes, who have M.S., who have spinal cord injuries… How can I have a bad day when these people are working on their wellness, going through all these steps, and I’m already there? It changes your view on things. These people have to work so hard to do basic things that we take for granted. They’re doing more with less, and I see their struggles… It has humbled me a lot.” In 2018, ten years after her enlistment, Ivy acquired an additional military job in the hopes of seeking a promotion and was sent on a deployment to the Middle East. She was placed in Kuwait and Qatar with a Signal Unit, which she recalls as a unique deployment. “We had to take training before we went there to have some understanding of the culture and things that you need to respect that we wouldn’t think of.” Once home from deployment, she continued to serve. She states, “In the Army, you are sent to Leadership Training and courses because you are put in leadership positions your whole career. I spent most of my life leading soldiers, programs, classes, events, camps, activities, training, and sports.” Ivy honorably and faithfully retired from the Army Reserves on January 27th, 2024, after sixteen years of service. Ivy’s extensive background in sports, coaching, medical trauma training, exercise science, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, recreational programming, modification of activities and exercise, event planning, public service, and more makes her a valuable and versatile asset. In 2023, Ivy married her “favorite person ever” and moved to Beavercreek. This, alongside some disappointments with the City of Columbus, led her to search for a job that would provide her room for continual growth and challenges after twenty-three years of employment under the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department. This led her to accept the City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation Director position in 2024. Ivy will test for her Recreations and Parks Professional Certification (CPRP) in May of this year. This national certification proves knowledge and experience within parks and recreation. Additionally, she will soon have a playground and a pesticide certification. Ivy brings a unique perspective to the parks and rec for this community. Her commitment to the betterment of herself through continued education proves her dedication and the endless potential that she brings to Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department. Once adjusted to her new role, Ivy mentioned the possibilities of exploring grants that would enable our community to receive a new indoor recreation facility, which would allow for new sports and recreation opportunities. We look forward to seeing the plans she has for this community, and we thank her for her service.

A Public Forum will be held during the Wilmington City Council Meeting on Thursday, May 16th at 7pm. The meeting will be held at 69 N South Street at the Municipal Building on the 2nd floor in Council Chambers. Members of Council would like to invite citizens as well as representatives from businesses, organizations, schools, and other workplaces who may be impacted by the Davids Drive Pedestrian Connector to voice their support or concerns regarding the proposed project. This proposed project will construct a 2.2-mile multi-use path that will be 11-foot wide, to be constructed entirely within the existing Davids Drive public right-of-way north of the existing curb line beginning in the northeast quadrant of the intersection of Davids Drive and State Route 134. This planned path will proceed northeasterly through the intersections of Olinger Circle and Fife Avenue and terminate at the multi-use path that was recently constructed along Lynne Lane. The City has been awarded $1,000,000.00 of Federal funds from the Transportation Alternative Program Grant from ODOT for this specific project. If you have additional questions regarding this Public Forum, please reach out to Annen Vance, Clerk of City Council at clerk@wilmingtonoh.org.

Elise Snarr is the new Executive Director for the Clinton County Farmers’ Market, stepping in for Sally Buchanan, who has been involved with the Farmers’ Market since 2017. Elise is currently a Junior at Wilmington College studying Resource Conservation and Regenerative Agriculture. Elise was first introduced to agriculture through 4H in the third grade. Monte Anderson, who at the time was a professor of agriculture at Wilmington College, allowed her to use two of his goats to show at the Clinton County Fair. During this time, she was educated on the fundamentals of animal science and husbandry. In 2014, when she was 11 years old, Elise went on a trip to Costa Rica with the Agriculture Department at Wilmington College. It was here that she was introduced to an entirely different aspect of Agriculture than what she had previously experienced such as hydroponics and biodigesters. This, combined with her seasonal work on her uncle’s start-up farm in West Virginia, solidified her passion for agriculture. Although she wasn’t raised on a farm, Elise states that Wilmington College has done a fantastic job of teaching her the fundamentals of agriculture. She states, “It has been a great opportunity for learning the lay of the land and not feeling like you’re behind just because you weren’t raised in that environment.” At this time, Elise envisions her future career to involve connecting community and farmers, which she states, “is a perfect example of our Farmer’s Market”. Elise has multiple creative ideas for the future of the market, with the main focus being furthering community involvement and partnerships, and encouraging physical activity for children through fun incentives. The season opening of the Clinton County Farmers’ Market will be on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 8:30 am. Current Vendors: Bank Barn Meats, LLC, Emerald Gardens, Garland Farms, Gum Grove Family Farm, Henson Family Farm, LLC, Jon Sharp, Mama Llama's Cookies, Ogden Acres, Testarossa Farms, Walmart Ridge Acres

The second annual Clinton County Job & Community Resource Fair was held Wednesday, May 8, 2024, during Ohio’s “In-Demand Jobs Week.” The Fair was open to the public from 4pm to 7pm in the Expo Building and Floral Hall at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. There was no charge to attend the event and all were welcome to attend. Over 30 local businesses were at the Fair promoting over 500 open employment positions. Categories of the open positions range from entry level, food service, and general labor to healthcare, education, social services, and more. In addition to the hiring businesses, over 25 community resource organizations were also in attendance providing information about their services—ranging from childcare, housing, education, disability services, mental and behavioral health, and more. These organizations also were promoting available volunteer opportunities. The Wilmington Transit System offered rides at no cost to individuals traveling to and from the Job & Community Resource Fair. The Community Job Fair is presented by the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative, an initiative of the Clinton County Port Authority, the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center (SOESC), the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, and OhioMeansJobs Clinton County. For those who could not attend, please see the list of employers and resources or contact the Wilmington-Clinton County Chamber of Commerce at (937) 382-2737 or info@wccchamber.com. Participating Employers: Accurate Heating & Cooling Action Staffing Services Ahresty Wilmington Corporation Air Transport Services Group (ATSG) City of Wilmington Clinton County Job and Family Services Clinton Memorial Hospital Community Options Cox Paving Crown Staffing Direct Auto Insurance Diverse Building Solutions, Inc. EMSAR First State Bank Hearthside Food Solutions Holiday Inn Roberts Centre Hood Packaging Innovative Engineered Solutions Kirkwood Camp & Adventure Park Makeshark Nippon Seiki North America Ohio Living Cape May Ohio State Highway Patrol R+L Carriers The Reserves Network TinCap Hard Cider Trail Haus Westminster Court ~ Affordable Living by Episcopal Retirement Services Wilmington Christian Academy Wilmington City Schools Wilmington College Wilmington Hope House Wilmington Savings Bank Participating Resources Providers: 4C for Children American Red Cross Anthem Autumn Behavioral Health Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Cincinnati Clinton Co. Emergency Management Agency Clinton County Board of DD Clinton County CASA Clinton County Early Learning Center (Clinton County Community Action) Clinton Co. Resource Center Clinton County Services for the Homeless, Inc Clinton County Trails Coalition Clinton County Youth Council Council on Aging of Southwest Ohio Erdman Head Start Center (Clinton County Community Action) Harvest of Gold of Wilmington, inc. Leadership Clinton NAMI Southwest Ohio New Life Clinic OhioMeansJobs Clinton County Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Real Change Wilmington Southern State Community College Stillwater Stables Talbert House Prevention Services Warren/Clinton Wilmington Hope House Wilmington Kiwanis Wilmington Public Library

Wilmington's International Student Exchange (IES) program currently has over 9 students from countries such as Italy and Spain hosted by local families. Local ISE students recently led service projects at PAWS Humane Society and the Clinton County Homeless Shelter. One of the students, Isabella Eckardt, answered questions about her experience with the program thus far. Q: What country are you from? A: Schönwalde-Glien near berlin, Germany Q: What is your community like in your native country, and how does it compare to Ohio? A: In Schönwalde-Glien are more people in a town than here in New Vienna. We have also fields around us but much more trees than here our forests are pretty big. Our houses are also not far from each other away that means there is never just one house near the street there are more than. Also you have better chances to walk around because there are sidewalks. When we go to school you have to walk to a bus stop, we don’t have yellow buses. Just normal public buses. In Berlin they are coming every ten to fifteen minutes but in Schönwalde twice an hour. Here in New Vienna we just have the yellow school bus. When we think now about food and restaurants we don’t really eat chili some of my friends never tried it before, I did because my mom likes it but we just do it once a year. Q: What is something unexpected that occurred when moving here? Or what is the biggest culture shock? A: For me a shock was that I have two host brothers and I never had siblings before. Also my room in Germany was bigger than my room here so I needed a good way to put all my stuff. But also that here the people are different, you have to be really careful what you say, some are going to accept you and some not. Q: What is one fun fact about you? A: I can make like noises with my nose, and cheerleading for the first time and cross country and tennis. If you are interested in opening your home to host an international exchange student please visit the iseusa.org website and check out the host family FAQ page. You can also read testimonials from past and current host families. When you feel ready, complete the host family interest form, and an area representative will get in touch with you. You can also get involved by joining our team of Area Representatives! Help match host families and exchange students and bring the world closer together while making supplemental income.