MCF Celebrates Exceptional Philanthropy, Announces Recipients of Annual Awards

Washington County, OH — In a celebration of community commitment and generosity, Marietta Community Foundation is pleased to unveil the recipients of their Annual Awards. These accolades honor individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions have made a lasting impact on Washington County, reflecting the true spirit of philanthropy and service to the community.

Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year (Family): Dr. Gregory and Di Ann Krivchenia

Within just one year, the Krivchenias generously donated over $1.6 million to establish and expand The Splash Fund. The Splash Fund, standing for “Swim and Play: Leisure Activities, Sports, and Health,” is a visionary initiative that seeks to reinforce the Mid-Ohio Valley as a vibrant hub for aquatic sports, events, and economic prosperity. The fund will play a pivotal role in the construction and long-term operation of an eight-lane, 50-meter by 25-yard swimming pool with a dive tank. Dr. Krivchenia's vision extends beyond the pool, as he believes it will not only serve as a place for leisure and sports but also contribute significantly to the economic vitality of our community.

“As you are all aware of, there’s a lot of water around here,” Dr. Krivchenia said with a laugh. “Not knowing how to swim will get you in big trouble, so our dream is to get the facility built as soon as possible. This is something that needs to happen, and we’re going to make it happen.”

Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year (Business): DeepRock Disposal Solutions, LLC

During the summer of 2022, the need for food pantries was growing rapidly and DeepRock Disposal Solutions stepped forward without hesitation. The company addressed a critical shortage at Washington State Community College, where the food pantry was serving five times the usual number of students, and Marietta College, who also needed assistance stocking its shelves. A combined total of $4,000 was requested by the Colleges to provide food to their students through the summer. This request was willingly fulfilled by DeepRock Disposal Solutions, ensuring that students could focus on their studies without the added burden of hunger.

“I want to thank Marietta Community Foundation for giving us the opportunity,” said Brian Chavez, owner of DeepRock Disposal Solutions. “You can give money to any organization, but you’re not always sure where that money is going. With Marietta Community Foundation, you know exactly where it’s going. You can see it; it’s your friends, it’s your neighbors. We love this community, and we’re happy to support it.”

Outstanding Nonprofit of the Year: Washington County Career Center

The Washington County Career Center distinguishes itself through a steadfast commitment to addressing regional needs with innovative programs. Recently, they introduced a no-cost Direct Support Professional (DSP) program for those interested in working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additionally, their dedication to practical training is evident in a three-year project creating an outdoor facility mimicking a chemical plant's working environment. One of their most notable initiatives is an EMT program tailored for postsecondary students, recognizing the vital role of emergency services volunteers in Washington County. These efforts only begin to highlight their dynamic role in preparing high school and postsecondary students for crucial community roles.

“I want to thank everyone in the community and at the Foundation for their support,” said Evan Schaad, Director of Adult Technical Training. “We’ve been able to develop new programming as well as expand and revise some of our traditional training so we can meet the changing needs of the workforce. We have a great community and a great support system. It’s truly an honor to accept this award.”

“On the high school side, we have 15 different programs,” said Mike Elliott, Secondary Director and Anti-Harassment Compliance Officer. “We prepare students for if they want to go across America or just across the state, but we know that the majority of Washington County Career Center students will stay locally in the Mid-Ohio Valley. So, we work to prepare them for a career here locally.”

Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation, hopes these outstanding examples will inspire community members to take action themselves.

“These stories are a testament to the power of vision, generosity, and action,” said Allender. “They remind us that each of us has the potential to create ripples of positive change within our community. Whether it's identifying a pressing need and taking swift action like the Washington County Career Center, responding generously and swiftly to a community crisis like DeepRock Disposal Solutions, or setting the stage for positive change like the Krivchenias, each one of us has the power to make a meaningful impact. We can all make a difference.”

Ripple Effect: The Bradley Family

Once a Team, Always a Team

Whether on the field or in the face of adversity, Mark Bradley always found a way to rally a team.

Mark grew up playing basketball, golf, and his favorite, baseball. The athlete took his love of the game to the next level, pitching at Ohio University and later transitioning to sports commentary, joining his good friend Johnny Wharff on WMOA radio for many years.

While at OU, Mark crossed paths with Tammi, a lifelong resident of Old Fort, Ohio. It didn’t take long for their love story to ignite and spark a new dynamic duo. Upon graduation, Tammi decided to join Mark in Marietta.

“We met at Ohio University. I fell in love with the hills of Marietta and fell in love with Mark,” revealed Tammi.

At the ages of 25 and 24, Mark and Tammi began their married life together. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Emmie and Gabby, who attended St. Mary Catholic School and later Parkersburg Catholic High School.

While in school, they developed a passion for competitive dancing, which Mark wholeheartedly supported.

Despite dance not being Mark's first choice of sports, he happily attended his daughters' dance performances and referred to their recitals as the "Superbowl of dance." At home, he even added his own flair to their dance moves, doing little leaps and grand jetés across the floor.

Tammi, Emmie, and Gabby affectionately refer to themselves as “the Bradley girls,” a name coined by their friends and family long before Mark’s passing. The Bradley girls are well-known for their strength and resilience.

Recently, Emmie achieved a significant milestone by earning a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from the University of Findlay. Gabby finished her sophomore year at Ohio University, on track to form the next generation of Bradley Bobcat alumni and pursuing a business pathway like her dad. Tammi continues her involvement with St. Mary Catholic School, serving as the marketing director for the institution.

While it was inherently present before, "Team Bradley" officially materialized after Mark's diagnosis, along with the inspirational term "red sucker days."

Three-year-old Braxton Cornett, a special family friend, associated a red Tootsie Pop with good news from the doctor. Soon, the entire town embraced this symbol, and neighbors started wearing t-shirts with "Team Bradley" on the back and "Red Sucker Days" on the front pocket, symbolizing their support and rallying for positive updates.

The Bradley girls were astonished by the overwhelming love and support they received from family, friends, and even strangers.

Mark's funeral services were attended by an overflowing crowd, visitation hours had never-ending lines, and memorial contributions poured into the Foundation. Inspired by this generosity and their desire to continue Mark's legacy, the Bradley girls established the Team Bradley Fund. The fund aims to give back and lift up others, just as Mark did.

While Mark’s battle with cancer has ended, Team Bradley continues to represent a community united by goodwill and perseverance.

This spirit lives on through the Bradley girls and their teammates, and will continue to flow throughout our community forevermore.

This story is an excerpt from our 2022 Annual Report: Ripple Effect. To read more inspiring stories like this, view the full report here.

Ripple Effect: The Splash Fund

An Olympic-Sized Dream

Famous for his innovative approach to total knee replacements using computer technology, Dr. Gregory Krivchenia II has devoted his career to restoring mobility and improving lives.

Now the esteemed orthopaedic surgeon has mobilized a project that he believes will transform the region — building an indoor, Olympic-sized pool.

Within one year, Dr. Krivchenia donated over $1.6 million to establish and expand The Splash Fund.

Standing for "Swim and Play: Leisure Activities, Sports, and Health," the Splash Fund serves as a driving force behind the construction and long-term operation of an eight-lane, 50-meter by 25-yard swimming pool with a dive tank, an Olympic-sized vision that he believes will reinforce the Mid-Ohio Valley as a vibrant hub for aquatic sports, events, and economic prosperity.

Drawing from his formative experiences as a member of the Marietta Marlins and Tiger swim teams, Dr. Krivchenia recognizes the merits instilled by swimming. He also recognizes that the ability to swim is important for local citizens’ safety.

“Student-athletes tend to be better students because they learn about discipline and accountability,” Dr. Krivchenia stated. “Plus, with the rivers around here, it’s especially important for people to learn how to swim and to respect all types of water.”

With indoor and Olympic-sized as key descriptors, the pool would boast many benefits not currently available in the region.

Foremost, the pool would be a convenient venue for hosting sports competitions year-round. This would draw visitors and attention to our community from far and wide, stimulating tourism and economic growth as teams and their families patronize local hotels, restaurants, and shops.

He also envisions the pool leading to the creation of competition or recreational sports teams, such as water polo, synchronized swimming, or diving. Additionally, it could be used by the Marietta Marlins and other local swim teams to practice year-round, for lifeguarding and other water-safety training, aqua aerobics classes, and more.

Dr. Krivchenia is focused on growing the fund and is actively searching for the perfect partner to take on the operation. He is deeply committed to the project, believing that this investment will create numerous opportunities for personal growth, athletic development, and economic progress.

This story is an excerpt from our 2022 Annual Report: Ripple Effect. To read more inspiring stories like this, view the full report here.

Ripple Effect: MOV'N Dragons

From Survivors to Thrivers

When Gretchen Feldmaier’s breast cancer returned in 2005, she gathered a core group of friends at her bedside and charged them with making her dream of seeing a dragon boat team on the rivers of the Mid-Ohio Valley come true.

By 2006, the Mid-Ohio Valley boasted its first dragon boat team. Today, they are known as the MOV’n Dragons.

Gretchen’s legacy is one of resilience, generosity, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Despite facing the challenges of breast cancer multiple times, she persevered and used her experience to inspire and motivate others.

She also knew that dragon boating was the perfect therapy for breast cancer patients. The upper body movement used to paddle develops strength, and repetition promotes healing.

Through her founding gift to Marietta Community Foundation, Gretchen not only provided the means for the MOV’n Dragons to get started, but also gave the community a symbol of hope and perseverance in Gretchen’s Phoenix, the team’s first vessel. Funded by memorial contributions, this boat serves as a reminder of Gretchen’s strength and determination and inspires those who row it to push themselves to new heights.

The team usually travels three or more times per year to compete in festivals. However, Gretchen’s spirit remains close as many possess a special necklace. A dragon is displayed for the world to see, while the wearer feels Gretchen’s fingerprint on the side closest to their heart.

“Every time we go to a festival I wear this and rub my thumb on it,” said Judy Baker, a founding member of the group.

Today, the team is comprised of more than 30 members, all survivors (or thrivers, as they prefer to be called) and supporters. While some members are especially enthusiastic about the sport and travel worldwide to compete in festivals, the camaraderie among members is what makes the group truly special.

“From minute one, you get the feeling that this is a support group. There’s no question about it,” declared Judy. “It brings tears to my eyes when I think about all the wonderful things that have happened from this experience.”

The group lends support outside of the boat, too. Named in memory of a beloved teammate, the Felicia M. Buell Thriver Program supports all cancer survivors in the Mid-Ohio Valley, regardless of whether or not they are members of the team. They encourage survivors to transition into “thrivers” by pursuing energizing activities that help them recover and get the most out of life despite the disease.

Overall, the dragon boat team represents a powerful combination of personal growth and team-building. By awakening the dragon within and working together to achieve a common goal, participants tap into their inner strength and resilience, pushing themselves to achieve things they never thought possible.

This story is an excerpt from our 2022 Annual Report: Ripple Effect. To read more inspiring stories like the MOV’n Dragons’, view the full report here.

Ripple Effect: Molly Simich

From Inspiration to Action

Support and encouragement from our peers can serve as a catalyst for inspiration, fostering a sense of community and shared growth. Molly Simich experienced this firsthand.

Molly graduated from Warren High School in 2014. Once graduated, Molly attended Case Western Reserve University, located in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio. Molly was fulfilling her dreams of moving to a big city.

After graduating from Case Western Reserve, Molly found herself retracing her steps. She moved back to Washington County to pursue a job opportunity at Kraton. Molly found that Marietta, despite lacking the extensive offerings of a big city, has its own unique charm and opportunities.

Just as Molly was getting used to being back in southeastern Ohio, the COVID-19 pandemic engulfed the globe. Forced to rely on the internet to stay connected with friends, Molly found herself video chatting often. During one of these video chats, a friend’s comment instantly piqued Molly’s interest and sent her on a Googling frenzy.

“One of my friends mentioned that they were going to donate at least half of their stimulus checks. Immediately I realized that was something I could do too,” said Molly.

Recognizing that there were many people in her community who could use extra assistance, she began to research local charitable organizations. It didn’t take long before she found herself on Marietta Community Foundation’s website, learning about the COVID-19 Community Response Fund.

Molly made her first official donation in April 2020, and her commitment continued to grow in the months that followed. As the threat of COVID-19 gradually receded in Washington County, Molly felt compelled to reevaluate her contributions.

Molly decided to redirect her support to the Community Impact Fund, honing in on the county's most pressing needs and areas requiring immediate attention. By focusing on the highest priorities, Molly sought to maximize the positive change she could effect within her community.

Embracing the convenience of a recurring monthly donation, Molly finds fulfillment in knowing that her humble contribution each month provides crucial support to neighbors in need. This dependable commitment brings her peace of mind and enables her to play an ongoing role in improving the lives of Washington County residents.

With each contribution, she reaffirms her dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of fellow community members, solidifying her role as a catalyst for positive change in Washington County.

This story is an excerpt from our 2022 Annual Report: Ripple Effect. To read more inspiring stories like Molly’s, view the full report here.

Ripple Effect: Cameron Fouss

Cultivating Community Legacies

In the heart of Washington County, Cameron Fouss, a true Marietta native, embodies the spirit of philanthropy.

Growing up, Cameron's parents instilled in him the value of giving back. His mother, a schoolteacher, and his father, a pillar of the community, displayed countless examples of selflessness and compassion. These early lessons took root in Cameron's heart, and he knew that he wanted to play an active role in bettering others’ lives.

After completing his undergraduate degree at Ohio University and earning a law degree from Capital University, Cameron faced a crucial decision: where to build his future.

He recalled how he would return home on weekends from college, seeking to reset and unwind from the fast-paced college life. Despite the allure of bustling cities and the potential of working within a big-name law firm, Cameron could not resist the magnetic pull of Marietta's distinct charm.

One aspect that sets Marietta apart, according to Cameron, is the sense that we all want to see each other succeed. The people of Marietta genuinely care about one another's well-being, fostering a sense of cohesiveness and support that is seldom found in larger cities. For Cameron, this sense of unity and compassion is what makes Marietta truly special.

As a professional advisor, Cameron frequently engages with individuals seeking to organize their estates and make a lasting impact on causes close to their hearts. In these instances, he suggests a collaboration with Marietta Community Foundation, highlighting its unwavering commitment to responsible monetary allocation and the character of its leadership as a testament to its strength.

Cameron's endorsement of the Foundation is not merely based on perception; it's grounded in personal action.

He leads by example, generously contributing to causes that hold special meaning to him. During his tenure as President of the Washington County Bar Association, Cameron played a pivotal role in establishing the Washington County Bar Association Fund, a testament to his dedication to the community. Furthermore, as an active member of the Marietta Shrine Club, he works closely with the Foundation to help with the administration of the Marietta Shrine Club’s fund.

Through his hands-on involvement and genuine commitment to serving others, Cameron empowers his clients and uplifts the community he cherishes, solidifying a profound and meaningful legacy, and cementing his place as a true catalyst for positive change.

This story is an excerpt from our 2022 Annual Report: Ripple Effect. To read more inspiring stories like Cameron’s, view the full report here.

Inspiring Community: Sandra and Sylvia Young

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inspiring Community: Bill and Prudence Fields

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inspiring Community: Sara Bir

“I hope in your life you find a thing that makes you feel empowered and delighted, and costs you nothing and gives you everything.”
– Sara Bir, Pebblefest 2019

Photo credit: Andi Roberts

Sara Bir’s passion starts with foraging. A trained chef and three-time published cookbook author, Sara is always searching for freely available, locally sourced ingredients that she can whip up into a delicious, foolproof recipe.

“I express myself by making food,” she said. “It’s something I do for me and my family to keep us together and healthy, and it’s a way that I can relate to where I am. The ingredients that I’m using have a sense of place.”

A childhood obsession with her mother’s cookbooks planted the seeds of her career. Creating recipes with regional ingredients, such as pawpaw and ramps, allows Sara to fuel her creativity, connect with her surroundings on a deeper level, and maintain her livelihood.

This food media industry expert finds this area to be just the right size to find your tribe and still be exposed to diverse outlooks. One of Sara’s tribes includes members of the Mid-Ohio Valley Dragon Boat, also known as the MOV’n Dragons.

Sara is a beneficiary of the group’s Felicia M. Buell Thriver Program, which encourages cancer survivors to participate in activities that promote fitness and fun. The program uses their fund at Marietta Community Foundation to help keep cancer survivors active and thriving — not just surviving.

Sara now uses the Foundation as a portal when she wants to do charitable giving and make a difference locally — especially when she isn’t sure how she can help with a need.

“For things like COVID-19, or situations like that, I feel that if I give through the Foundation my money will go where it’s needed the most," she said. "I trust the Foundation to make that decision for me.”

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

Inspiring Community: Jerry and Jennylou Brock

Jerry and Jennylou Brock first moved to Marietta in 1964, after Jerry secured a job at a local law firm.

Several things attracted them to the area. The people at the firm were impressive, the hilly and tree-filled landscape was beautiful, and the community was especially friendly.

They began getting involved with local organizations such as the Betsey Mills Club, Lions Club, United Way, Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce, and First Presbyterian Church. Soon they started a family, which grew to include five children.

With the four boys, Jerry became highly involved in bringing soccer to the community. First working with the YMCA, then starting a local league, and eventually bringing it to Marietta High School. He served as the boy’s high school varsity coach for 14 years.

As time progressed, Jennylou got involved with the Greater Marietta Community Food Pantry, and Jerry with Marietta College and the Colony Theatre, now Peoples Bank Theatre.

All five of their children, Stacy, Stanton, Stewart, Seth, and Steven are artists. The only one with formal training was Stanton, but Steven makes a living doing metal sculptures and metal work in Prescott, Arizona. He did all of the metalwork in the Marietta Presbyterian Church memorial garden.

When Stanton passed away in 1996, Jerry and Jennylou felt it was important to help other artists pursue their education and promote the arts. Thus, the Stanton W. Brock Art Discovery Fund and Scholarship Fund were established.

“Stanton believed strongly in making art out of anything. Much of his art was created with recycled materials. He saw beauty in everything, and preached that we should not waste our resources,” said his parents.

“One time, he cleaned up the riverbanks and built a huge ball out of the Styrofoam he found. It was so large I couldn’t even get my arms around it. He entered it in the Caldwell County Fair and won first prize. To show just how much there was, he put the ball on the Muskingum River and let it float down for everyone to see. He really wanted to emphasize taking care of the planet and avoid becoming a throw-away world.”

In addition to forming the funds in memory of Stanton, Jerry and Jennylou established their legacies by creating the Jerry and Jennylou Brock Fund for the Homeless, Hungry, and Needy and joining Marietta Community Foundation’s 1788 Legacy Society.

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

Inspiring Community: Nick and Sarah Arnold

Photo credit: Hannah Kittle Photography

When Nick and Sarah Arnold met in 2012, they discovered that the outlines of their lives were strikingly similar.

They both graduated from local high schools, Nick from Warren and Sarah from Marietta, after being born elsewhere and moving to the Mid-Ohio Valley in their youth. They each pursued their interest in architecture at Miami University, and then each returned to Washington County after completing their degrees.

Around the time that Sarah was graduating from college, her parent’s home was destroyed by a fire. This event brought her back to the Mid-Ohio Valley to help her family design the rebuild. After being back in the area for about a year, she met Nick.

Nick was working in Parkersburg as an Architectural Designer/3D Designer. Sarah had been planning to attend graduate school in Seattle, but then became Nick’s coworker when she accepted a position as a drafter for the same company.

While Nick was discovering his love for helping others learn new skills and how to think creatively to solve problems, Sarah discovered her love for marketing.

“You don’t have to move out of your neighborhood to live in a better one.”

— Majora Carter

This new love led Sarah to join Marietta Community Foundation as the Communications and Program Services Director until mid-2018.

Sarah and Nick remain passionate about giving back to the community and use the Foundation to do so.

“We strongly believe in giving back locally so that we can be part of building the kind of community we most want to live in," Sarah said. "We want to see our local nonprofits thrive because we know they provide essential services that our community depends upon. Giving through MCF is a wonderful and trustworthy way to support the local nonprofits, causes, and projects we care about most!”

Through their work, Nick and Sarah have each found ways to improve our area and inspire others to do the same.

In 2014, Sarah started Clutch MOV; a free, online publication that delivered creative coverage of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s rich culture and local flavor. This wildly popular community magazine accumulated over 19,000 loyal followers during its 8 years of operation. The publication sparked a vibrant, local online presence, and gave many people a newfound appreciation for their hometown. In 2021, she opened Clutch Collective, an art retail space in downtown Marietta that celebrates culture, community, and creativity. Currently, Sarah is also making strides at Ohio SE promoting economic development in Southeastern Ohio.

Meanwhile, Nick has challenged himself and his colleagues to think outside of the box and construct residences that are exceptionally durable. His structures are often built to last twice as long as other new builds. High-performance building design has become his specialty. Each day, he helps families create residential spaces that allow them to feel at home and focus on creating memories instead of worrying about their home’s long-term durability or energy consumption.

While these two-time MOV transplants love to travel, they have happily decided to make Marietta their permanent home.

The proof is spelled out on a letter board in their living room. “You don’t have to move out of your neighborhood to live in a better one.” – Majora Carter

Their contributions have already made the Mid-Ohio Valley a better place to live, and they’re just getting started.

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

Legacies Live Forever: Suzanne Walters

Image provided by “Ole Suzy”

It has taken a lot of living, but Marietta Community Foundation Legacy Society member, Suzanne Walters, is finally growing into the name on her vanity license plate.

“Ole Suzy!” she laughed. “That’s my nickname. I’ve had that license plate since Ed and I were first married. You should’ve seen the look on the face of the fella at the BMV when I asked for it. He thought I was joking.”

A lifelong resident of Marietta, Suzanne was happily married to Edgar M. Walters, who passed away in 2000, for 27 years. She celebrated her 90th birthday in July of 2021.

“I never dreamed I’d be ninety,” she said. “When I was little girl, wee little, I used to say I’m going to live to be 113. Well, now that I’m ninety, I’m reconsidering that. I really am.” She laughed again.

Suzanne is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Edward Parrish Chapter Colonial Dames XVII Century, and the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association. She has served as a board member for Franciscan Community Meals and is a lifetime member of the Betsey Mills Club – which she has supported for many years — and is a big proponent of being active in the community.

“I’ve lived here all my life and I like to help out where I can,” she said. “I can’t volunteer anymore but I used to do it a lot, helping with the pot pie dinner at the Betsey Mills, volunteering at the theatre for plays, or the time I helped paint that boat – the Becky Thatcher – with my niece and nephews. They loved that. There’s always something different here to do where you can help and meet new people.”

Another way Suzanne is helping the Marietta community far into the future is by making a gift to Marietta Community Foundation in her will. People who include the Foundation as a beneficiary in their estate plans are honored as members of the 1788 Legacy Society.

Named for the year Marietta was founded by the Ohio Company of Associates as the first settlement in the Northwest Territory, the 1788 Legacy Society supports an endowed fund for the future of Washington County to preserve its unique culture, history, and tradition.

“I think Marietta is a wonderful place to live,” Suzanne said. “We’ve got the river and the river activities, we’ve got the historic homes, like the Castle and the Anchorage – I used to help with the holiday decorations in those homes back when I knew the people who lived in them — and we’ve got all of the wonderful clubs, churches, and lodges where you can meet people who enjoy the things you do.”

Suzanne is a retiree of McJunkin Corporation, a valve and pipe-fitting company that provided equipment to the oil and gas industry, a job she loved for its people and the fun they had together. She enjoys spending time with her niece and nephews, tending her garden and her orchids, and especially decorating for holidays.

“I decorate for every holiday,” she says. “Christmas is my favorite. Our house, I used to really decorate it and people used to visit just to see the house. Ed would bring all his co-workers over — he used to say, ‘If I stood still, she’d decorate me!’ But it was really very pretty and we had a lot of people come to see it.”

Nowadays, she has help from neighbors, family, friends, and church members, but continues to do what she enjoys as much as possible.

“Now I have a friend who helps me decorate,” she said. “I pick stuff out and she puts it up. I hate having to have somebody else do things for me that I used to do, it’s embarrassing. But the Lord’s given me a good life. I can’t complain. I’ve had surgeries and illnesses from time to time, but always come out of it no problem at all. And the people in this community have been so good to me.”

Suzanne attended St. Mary Catholic School and graduated third in her class at Marietta High School. She enjoys keeping up with her classmates and helping those who are struggling when she can. Philanthropically, she is a big advocate for keeping the money at work right here in Marietta.

“Ed and I made the decision, quite a while ago, to leave money to Marietta Community Foundation, because they manage their money very well and they do a lot of good in this community,” she said. “I get a lot of requests for donations in the mail and on the phone, but it doesn’t help us to be giving to causes that are out of town. We wanted something that Marietta would benefit from, and we thought the Foundation was the best way to do that, so that’s why we have them in our will.”

Marietta Community Foundation works to improve Washington County through grants and initiatives. If you would like to establish a legacy that will last forever, please contact Heather Allender at 740-373-3286 or heather@mcfohio.org.

Match the Imagination: Business Builds More Than Roofs

Washington County, OH — The Match the Imagination campaign is more than halfway to its $20,000 goal.

Marietta Community Foundation launched the campaign on Monday, February 7, and announced that they would be matching donations to the Washington County Imagination Library fund dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000.  

Thanks to the generosity of 23 donors, a total of $13,704 has been raised thus far. With the Foundation’s match, this equates to $27,408 toward the fund.

“We believe that investing in early childhood literacy will better prepare children for school and help them to become thriving members of society,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of Marietta Community Foundation.

“When a person or business supports the program, they’re not just providing a child a book; they’re helping build a strong foundation for the future leaders of our community,” Allender added.

Tri-State Roofing and Sheet Metal Company in partnership with the Spartan Foundation contributed $10,000 in support of the effort. The Spartan Foundation is a charitable private foundation that is based in Vienna, West Virginia.

"The most important form of education is self-education. The foundation for self-education is reading," said Hap Esbenshade, Chairman and CEO of Tri-State Roofing and Sheet Metal Company and President of the Spartan Foundation.

“The amount of support received so far from community members, Tri-State Roofing and Sheet Metal Company, and the Spartan Foundation is a symbol of the Imagination Library’s substantial value,” said Allender. “Every child in Washington County is eligible to take advantage of this program, and these raised funds are the only reason that we can support them doing so.”

Donations will continue to be matched 1:1 until $20,000 has been raised. Gifts can be made online at https://mcfohio.betterworld.org/campaigns/matchtheimagination. Donations via checks are also welcomed. Checks can be sent to Marietta Community Foundation, 100 Putnam Street Marietta, OH 45750, and should include Match the Imagination in the memo.

Children who reside in Washington County can be enrolled in the program through the Ohio Governors Imagination Library website, https://ohioimaginationlibrary.org, or by filling out a form at the Foundation’s office.