Master Gardener Tour of Gardens - Downtown Lowdown, Episode 58

Master Gardener Tour of Gardens - Downtown Lowdown, Episode 58

MIAMI COUNTY GARDEN TOUR RETURNS THIS SATURDAY  By Abbi Heckel Downtown Tipp City will be in full bloom this Saturday, July 18, as residents and visitors are invited to explore some of Miami County's most beautiful private gardens during the 11th biennial Miami County in Bloom Garden Tour. The upcoming event was the focus of this week's episode of the Downtown Lowdown podcast, hosted by Tasha Weaver and Greg Enslen. Joining the hosts was Carolyn Grimm, a Miami County Master Gardener Volunteer, who shared what visitors can expect from this year's self-guided tour. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event will showcase six unique gardens, four in Troy and two in Tipp City, each offering its own style, landscaping ideas, and colorful displays. The tour has grown significantly since it first began in 2004 as a way to feature Master Gardener volunteers' own gardens. Since then, it has evolved into a county-wide tradition, highlighting 75 gardens over the years while inspiring gardening enthusiasts from across the Miami Valley. "This is more than just looking at flowers," Grimm explained during the podcast. "It's an opportunity to learn, gather ideas, and appreciate the hard work of homeowners who graciously open their properties to the public." One of the featured Tipp City gardens belongs to Kathy Skinner, well known locally as the coordinator of the Downtown Tipp City Partnership's volunteer "Pot Tarts" program. The Master Gardener volunteers maintain the beautiful flower planters that brighten downtown throughout the growing season. Visitors can explore each garden at their own pace while speaking with homeowners, viewing educational plant labels, and browsing vendors featuring local artwork, birdhouses, plants, and other garden-inspired creations. A lemonade stand will also be available during the tour. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Miami County Master Gardener Volunteer program, helping fund annual scholarships for graduating Miami County seniors pursuing careers in agriculture, horticulture, or related fields. The podcast also highlighted another reason to spend the day in downtown Tipp City. Bodega Market will celebrate its 10th Anniversary on Saturday with giveaways, special promotions, and discounted menu items throughout the day, making it easy for visitors to enjoy breakfast or lunch while attending the garden tour. Advance tickets are $20 and are available through Friday at participating locations throughout Miami County or online. Tickets purchased on the day of the event will be $25 and can be purchased at any of the featured gardens. For gardening enthusiasts, homeowners seeking inspiration, or anyone looking for a relaxing summer outing, the Miami County in Bloom Garden Tour promises an enjoyable day celebrating the beauty of local landscapes and the volunteers who help make Miami County flourish. The full episode of Downtown Lowdown is available now wherever you listen to podcasts.

Ohio Main Street Part 2 - Downtown Lowdown, Episode 57

EXPLORING THE HEART OF OHIO'S MAIN STREET SUCCESS By Abbi Heckel What makes a downtown truly thrive? According to the latest episode of the Downtown Lowdown podcast, it takes far more than festivals and beautiful buildings. It takes relationships, communication, volunteers, and a community willing to invest in its future. In part two of their conversation about the Ohio Main Street Program, hosts Tasha Weaver and Greg Enslen continue their discussion with Lorna Swisher, Assistant Director of Revitalization for Heritage Ohio. Together, they take listeners behind the scenes of what it really takes to build and sustain successful downtowns across Ohio. Swisher explained that one of the biggest misconceptions about Main Street organizations is that they simply plan community events. "People often think we're just party planners," she said. "While events are important because they bring people downtown, they're only one piece of a much larger mission." She described the nationally recognized Main Street Approach, which focuses on four key areas: organization, design, economic vitality, and promotion. Together, these elements create a comprehensive strategy for preserving historic downtowns while encouraging economic growth and long-term sustainability. Much of the conversation focused on the importance of nonprofit leadership and community partnerships. Swisher shared that one of her passions is helping local Main Street directors become stronger nonprofit leaders through volunteer recruitment, fundraising, and organizational management. Something as simple as a handwritten thank-you note, she explained, can make a lasting impression on donors and volunteers. "A handwritten thank-you note will go further than almost anything else you can do," Swisher said, emphasizing that appreciation is one of the foundations of successful community organizations. Weaver praised Heritage Ohio's revitalization training programs, noting that they have become invaluable resources for downtown directors across the state. "Lorna has completely transformed our trainings," Weaver said. "They're practical, engaging, and give us tools we can take back to our communities." Another major topic of discussion was collaboration between Main Street organizations, city governments, chambers of commerce, and economic development agencies. Swisher believes communication is the key to ensuring everyone is working toward the same goal. "I think 99 percent of it comes down to education and communication," she said. "When everyone understands what downtown revitalization really involves, partnerships become much stronger." The episode also explores the economic value of vibrant downtowns. Swisher shared a story about Daisy Brand, whose executives visited downtown Wooster while considering locations for a new manufacturing facility. Rather than focusing solely on financial incentives, the executives experienced the community's farmers market, local restaurants, and walkable downtown. That positive experience helped convince the company to invest in Wooster, bringing hundreds of jobs to the area. "It wasn't just the incentives," Swisher explained. "It was the experience and the quality of life they felt while they were there." Funding was another important topic throughout the episode. Swisher explained that successful Main Street organizations rely on a diverse mix of public support, business sponsorships, memberships, donations, and volunteer service rather than a single funding source. Weaver highlighted the Downtown Tipp City Partnership's Friends of Downtown subscription program, which allows residents to support revitalization efforts through affordable annual contributions. "Every contribution matters," Swisher said. "Whether it's your time, your talents, or a financial donation, everyone has a role in strengthening their community." Throughout the discussion, both hosts emphasized that preserving a downtown's historic character is about more than maintaining buildings. It's about protecting the identity of a community for future generations. Swisher noted that once historic buildings disappear, they can rarely be recreated. For Swisher, who now works with more than 60 communities throughout Ohio, the opportunity to share ideas and connect communities is one of the most rewarding parts of her job. "I love seeing what lights people up about their community," she said. "Every downtown has its own personality, and helping communities learn from one another is incredibly fulfilling." The episode serves as a reminder that successful downtowns don't happen by accident. They are built through years of dedication, collaboration, and the shared belief that preserving the heart of a community is an investment worth making. New episodes of the Downtown Lowdown are released every Wednesday and feature conversations about the people, projects, and organizations helping Downtown Tipp City continue to thrive.

Ohio Main Street Part One - Downtown Lowdown, Episode 56

OHIO MAIN STREET PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS THE POWER OF COMMUNITY By Abbi Heckel The latest episode of the Downtown Lowdown podcast shines a spotlight on the impact of the Ohio Main Street Program, offering listeners an inside look at how community partnerships, historic preservation, and dedicated volunteers help shape thriving downtowns across the state. Hosted by Downtown Tipp City Partnership Executive Director Tasha Weaver and Greg Enslen, the episode features special guest Lorna Swisher, Assistant Director of Revitalization for Heritage Ohio. Swisher brings decades of experience to the conversation, having spent 26 years leading Main Street Piqua before joining Heritage Ohio, the statewide organization that oversees Ohio's Main Street communities. Swisher shared her unexpected journey into downtown revitalization, explaining that what began as a temporary, part-time opportunity eventually became a lifelong career dedicated to strengthening communities. "I thought it would be short-term," Swisher recalled. "But community development just got me by the neck and kept pulling." Throughout the episode, Swisher reflects on some of Piqua's most transformative revitalization efforts, including the restoration of the historic Fort Piqua Plaza. The ambitious $22 million project required years of planning, collaboration, and community investment, ultimately transforming a deteriorating landmark into one of the city's greatest assets. "It truly takes my breath away every time I drive into Piqua," she said. The discussion also explores a common misconception about downtown revitalization. Rather than replacing a community's identity, Ohio Main Street programs focus on preserving historic character while encouraging thoughtful growth and economic development. Weaver emphasized that revitalization is about protecting what makes communities special for future generations. "We're not trying to change what we have," Weaver explained. "We're enhancing it and making sure it's still there for the next generations." Swisher echoed that sentiment, noting that every downtown has its own unique story and should never try to imitate another community. "When communities tell us they want to be like Tipp City or Dublin, we remind them that what makes them special is already there," Swisher said. "It's about enhancing what makes your town unique." The conversation highlights the strong collaborative spirit found throughout Miami County. Swisher praised the partnerships between local organizations, city officials, chambers of commerce, tourism offices, and downtown organizations, noting that many communities across Ohio struggle to achieve the same level of cooperation. "We're very blessed in Miami County," Swisher said. "The way we work together is unique." Volunteerism also plays a central role in successful downtown revitalization efforts. Both Weaver and Swisher discussed the importance of finding meaningful ways for residents to contribute their talents, whether through event planning, marketing, graphic design, or community outreach. Swisher shared a memorable story about discovering the artistic talents of a high school volunteer who had originally been asked to help with filing paperwork. After learning she planned to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design, Swisher instead tasked her with creating marketing graphics that were used by the organization for years. "It's about finding what makes people excited to contribute," Swisher said. The episode also touches on the international influence of the Main Street movement. Weaver shared that representatives from other states and even overseas have visited Miami County communities to learn from their revitalization efforts. She recently welcomed visitors from Lithuania and Michigan who toured Tipp City and Piqua to experience Ohio's successful Main Street programs firsthand.

Community Rallies to Save Tipp City Library After Devastating Flood Threat - Downtown Lowdown, Episode 55

COMMUNITY RALLIES TO SAVE TIPP CITY LIBRARY AFTER DEVASTATING FLOOD THREAT By Abbi Heckel What began as a rainy Memorial Day weekend quickly turned into one of the most challenging moments in recent history for the Tipp City Public Library. During the latest episode of The Downtown Lowdown, hosts Tasha Weaver and Greg Enslen sat down with Library Director Lisa Santucci to discuss the flood that nearly caused catastrophic damage to one of the community's most treasured institutions. Santucci detailed how nearly six inches of rain fell over a five-day period, creating what she described as a "perfect storm" of events that overwhelmed the library's infrastructure. A widespread power outage knocked out the building's sump pumps, while excessive runoff and overwhelmed drainage systems allowed water to begin flooding the library's basement. "When everything failed at once, it created a situation we never could have anticipated," Santucci said. The flooding was discovered after power was restored later that morning. By then, three to four inches of standing water had accumulated throughout portions of the basement. With books, equipment, and building systems at risk, library staff quickly shifted into emergency mode. For Santucci, the challenge extended beyond managing a library collection. As the steward of the historic downtown building, she suddenly found herself coordinating disaster recovery efforts, contacting insurance companies, searching for remediation specialists, and trying to prevent mold from destroying library materials. "Water in a library is basically kryptonite," Santucci explained. "If books and paper products stay wet too long, mold becomes a major issue." The situation became even more complicated when water began filling the library's elevator shaft. After inspection, staff discovered approximately 700 gallons of contaminated water mixed with hydraulic fluid from the elevator system. The contamination required specialized removal procedures and emergency response from professionals equipped to handle hazardous materials. Despite the severity of the situation, Santucci credits the community for helping save the library from even greater damage. After issuing a call for help, volunteers arrived with wet-dry vacuums, fans, dehumidifiers, and helping hands. Community members spent hours removing water, carrying buckets up stairways, and assisting staff throughout the holiday weekend. "The response was incredible," Santucci said. "People showed up with equipment, their families, and a willingness to help however they could." That support had a significant financial impact. Initial estimates for professional water remediation reached nearly $25,000. Because volunteers and staff were able to remove much of the standing water before professionals arrived, the final remediation bill was reduced to approximately $9,000. In addition to community volunteers, Santucci praised library maintenance staff and local emergency service providers who worked tirelessly to stabilize the building. Through their efforts, the library was able to reopen affected areas within nine days. The experience also served as a reminder of the unique challenges that come with maintaining historic buildings in downtown districts. Santucci emphasized the importance of preventative maintenance, disaster planning, and regular inspections of drainage systems, roofs, and critical infrastructure. While the flood created significant stress and long hours, including several nights spent sleeping at the library to monitor conditions, Santucci said the experience reinforced how much the community values its public library. "We're on the other side of it now," she said. "What could have been devastating became a story about people coming together to protect something important." The full episode of The Downtown Lowdown is available wherever podcasts are streamed.

Vintage in the Village Returns to Downtown Tipp City - Downtown Lowdown, Episode 54

VINTAGE IN THE VILLAGE RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN TIPP CITY By Abbi Heckel The latest episode of The Downtown Lowdown podcast welcomed Downtown Tipp City Partnership Executive Director Tasha Weaver, co-host Greg Enslen, and special guest Lisa Santucci to discuss one of the community's most anticipated summer traditions: Vintage in the Village. Set to take place on June 20th from 10-3 in the heart of downtown Tipp City, Vintage in the Village has become a signature event that attracts visitors from across the Miami Valley and beyond. The annual celebration transforms downtown streets into a bustling marketplace filled with antiques, vintage treasures, handmade goods, collectibles, food vendors, and unique shopping opportunities.  During the episode, Santucci shared her excitement about the event's continued growth and the impact it has on local businesses and the community. She noted that Vintage in the Village offers visitors a chance to experience the charm and character that make downtown Tipp City a destination throughout the year. "This event is more than just shopping," Santucci explained. "It's an opportunity for people to explore our historic downtown, discover local businesses, and spend time with family and friends in a welcoming atmosphere." The event will feature dozens of vendors lining the streets, each offering a variety of vintage and repurposed items. Shoppers can expect to find everything from antique furniture and home décor to collectibles, clothing, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind treasures. Weaver highlighted the importance of events like Vintage in the Village in supporting downtown economic development. Large community events bring increased foot traffic to local shops, restaurants, and service businesses, helping showcase everything Tipp City's downtown district has to offer. "Many visitors come for the event and end up discovering businesses they've never visited before," Weaver said. "It's a great way to introduce people to downtown and encourage them to come back throughout the year." Enslen and Santucci also discussed the strong sense of community that surrounds the event. Volunteers, business owners, vendors, and community organizations all play an important role in making the day a success. Their combined efforts help create an atmosphere that has become a hallmark of downtown Tipp City's special events. Beyond the shopping opportunities, attendees can enjoy food vendors, local attractions, and the welcoming environment that has helped Vintage in the Village become a favorite annual tradition. Organizers expect another strong turnout this year as residents and visitors gather to celebrate the community's historic character and vibrant downtown district. The hosts encouraged listeners to arrive early, wear comfortable walking shoes, and plan to spend the day exploring everything downtown has to offer. With unique merchandise, local dining options, and a festive atmosphere, Vintage in the Village promises something for visitors of all ages. The full episode of The Downtown Lowdown is available wherever podcasts are streamed. Community members can also find additional information about Vintage in the Village through the Downtown Tipp City Partnership's social media channels and website. As summer event season continues, Vintage in the Village remains a shining example of how community partnerships, local businesses, and dedicated volunteers work together to keep downtown Tipp City thriving.