Home / Newsletters / Ohio / Marion County / May 23, 2025

🌟 Ability matters

Marion County • May 23, 2025

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Good morning, Marion County. Behind every transformative organization lies a visionary leader, and Kristyn Butler exemplifies this truth with Ability Matters. Her groundbreaking approach to disability services has redefined possibilities for individuals with autism, creating pathways to fuller lives through personalized care and even international travel experiences. Butler's commitment to quality over quantity shows how entrepreneurship driven by compassion can reshape communities and expectations.

Downtown Marion came alive during last week's vibrant Third Thursday celebration, where hundreds gathered to enjoy local vendors, free carriage rides, and live music from bands like Goat Heard. Meanwhile, rock legends Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo are bringing their decades of musical partnership to nearby Columbus on May 23, performing the hits that earned them Rock & Roll Hall of Fame status – though "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" won't be on the setlist as the couple continues evolving their legendary catalog.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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♿ Disability entrepreneur redefines what's possible for people with autism. Kristyn Butler founded Ability Matters after parents sought better options for their children beyond traditional education systems. Her organization provides personalized services for individuals with disabilities, emphasizing active inclusion and even international travel experiences. Despite challenges like workforce issues and Medicaid waiver limitations, Butler has built a mission-driven organization that prioritizes high-quality care and community integration. Her approach demonstrates how compassion and ambition can combine to create fuller, more supported lives for those with disabilities.

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🎸 Rock legends Benatar and Giraldo bring their hits to Columbus. The musical power couple will perform at Mershon Auditorium on May 23 as part of their spring tour through Ohio. Partners since 1979 and married since 1982, the duo has produced numerous hits including "Heartbreaker" and "We Belong," though Benatar no longer performs "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" due to gun violence concerns. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees continue creating new work, including an upcoming children's book titled "My Grandma and Grandpa Rock!" due in September.

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🎭 Downtown Marion springs to life with vibrant Third Thursday event. Hundreds of community members flocked to the kickoff celebration, enjoying dozens of local vendors, food trucks, and live music performances. Attractions included free carriage rides for shoppers at select businesses, bounce houses for children, and adoptable dogs from the Marion County Dog Pound. Local establishments like Marion Brewing Company participated by selling beverages in DORA cups, while bands like Goat Heard and Silo Mayne provided entertainment throughout the evening.

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🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Timeless home needs your touch: Priced at $199,900, this half-acre property offers a timeless 3-bedroom home with original hardwood floors, 2019 windows, and basement potential—a testament to craftsmanship awaiting its next owner's personal touch.
Budget-friendly ranch with fenced yard: Priced at $144,900, this Marion ranch-style home features an updated, open-concept kitchen/dining area, a fully fenced backyard with storage shed, and a welcoming screened porch.
Real estate listing image New Roof Fresh Spacious Home: This $117,500 gem on Wilson Ave. in Marion features a new roof, siding, and kitchen cabinets, plus fresh flooring throughout and a spacious fenced yard on a corner lot.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

👵 May 23 - Boomer & Senior Expo: Don't miss the Boomer & Senior Expo 2025! Discover over 50 vendors, enjoy giveaways, and grab lunch from food trucks on Friday, May 23rd from 11 AM to 2 PM at 464 James Way, Marion.
🎹 May 23 - Live Music: Higher Ground: Groove to soulful melodies as Higher Ground brings beautiful vocals and piano to 187 W Center St on May 23. Enjoy great food and drinks while soaking in the chill vibes of this local musical couple.
🏐 May 23 - Family Volleyball Tournament: Spike some family fun at the FAMILY VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT! Bring your crew to 645 Barks Rd E on May 23 for an hour of free volleyball action, 6-7pm. No registration needed—just show up and play!
🍿 May 24 - Squack's @ Palace Theatre: Fuel up at Squack's Snack Shack while enjoying Northpointe Dance Academy's Spring Recital at Marion Palace Theatre. Stop by May 24th from 9 AM to 2 PM for treats and toe-tapping performances!
💥 May 24 - Breaking Point Wrestling Showdown: Wrestling chaos erupts at Breaking Point on May 24! Catch Tag Team Champions, Citywide Champion Tyson Riggs, and stars like Obsidian and The Awakening live at 193 E Church St, Marion.
🎸 May 24 - Good Karma Live Rock: Groove to Good Karma's lively mix of classic rock, pop, and country tunes with modern twists in Bucci's charming Italian courtyard on May 24. Perfect for a musical evening under the stars!

💰 Financial Friday

Consider setting up automatic transfers to your savings account right after you receive your paycheck; this simple habit can help you build your savings effortlessly without relying on willpower alone.

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