The MICOCF team is sticking to our New Year’s resolution to bring more community and action to Miami County in 2026!
Tune in to read February highlights and meet a new Board Member!
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Happy reading! 🎄⛄
Check out this month’s spotlight events!
Shape Our Future: Take the Miami County Survey!
Your voice is needed to guide the future of our community! The Miami County Community Foundation has launched a countywide survey to identify the top priorities and service gaps in our area. Whether it is mental health, youth programs, or economic development, your feedback ensures that charitable funds are invested where they matter most.
This initiative is proudly led by the Miami County Community Foundation and powered by First Option Bank.
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
The survey is only open through the middle of February. Take a few minutes today to help us build a stronger Miami County.
[Click Here to Take the Survey] https://crossfinancial.welcomesyourfeedback.com/2026MCCFSurvey
🚀 Spotlight: The “Noon Grind” Entrepreneur Challenge
In January, we talked about investing in our youth. On February 4th, it’s time to put those words into action! We’re trading the morning coffee run for a high-energy “Noon Grind” at the Miami County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.
Our local students (6th–12th grade) have been busy building business concepts. Now, they need your expertise and encouragement to cross the finish line.
📅 Event Details
- Date: February 4, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (The Tradeshow)
- Location: American Legion Post 156, Paola, KS
- Perks: coffee and treats will be there ☕
Why Join Us?
- See the innovation of the next generation of local owners.
- Wander the booths, hear the pitches, and vote for your favorite business concept.
- Your presence proves to these students that Miami County supports their ambition.
- Connect with fellow community leaders in a vibrant, fast-paced environment.
Check the flyer for all the details 🧐
💖 Community Connection: Serenity the Brand
This month, we are shining a light on Lindsey Boedicker, a young entrepreneur and the heart behind Serenity the Brand in Louisburg. Lindsey is a dedicated supporter of our Foundation, and her journey is a perfect example of how local businesses weave the fabric of Miami County.
Looking for a way to celebrate with your besties? Lindsey is hosting a night you won’t want to miss!
Check her event here → 2nd Annual Galentine’s Party
🎀 2nd Annual Galentine’s Event
- Date: Saturday, February 7th
- Time: 7:00 PM – Late
- Location: 20 S Broadway, Louisburg, KS
What you can expect:
- DIY Fun: decorate a photo frame for a Polaroid pic
- Jewelry Station: design a custom Valentine’s charm bracelet
- Exclusive Perks: 15% off retail clothing and $10 off permanent jewelry
- Sips & Sweets: enjoy a signature “Pink Drink” and a beautifully decorated cookie
- Local Vendor Market: shop curated florals, beauty items, and boutiques
To get your ticker, visit Galentine’s Party or stop by the store to see Lindsay in person!
🌟 Board Member Highlight: Matt Winterscheid
This month, I am proud to feature Matt Winterscheid, a lifelong resident of Paola who brings a deep-rooted passion for local business and community growth to the Foundation board.
Having spent his entire life in a family-owned business, Matt understands the unique spirit of Miami County. “We live in a very supportive community that shops locally,” Matt says. “I believe the same applies to giving. Having a foundation right here offers our generous residents the chance to give back to the place they call home.”
When I asked Matt why he is with the Foundation, his answer blew me away. “I was happy to have another opportunity to make an impact on the community that has had such a positive influence on my life and my family.”
He spoke about the bridging role of the Miami County Community Foundation, and his vision of the future is for a place where young people “are proud to live, work, and eventually give back to”, just like he did.
I feel very lucky to work alongside someone who sees the value of our community!
💖 Local Recipe Spotlight: A Legacy of Harmony
This month’s spotlight is a beautiful testament to how a daughter’s love can turn a personal dream into a lasting community gift. Robyn Luce shares her journey of honoring her father’s life through the Miami County Community Foundation.
Continuing a Musical Legacy
For Robyn, the decision to work with the Foundation was driven by a clear mission: to ensure her father, George H. Diehm, was remembered for the two things he loved most: music and education. George was a fixture in the local education system, eventually serving as the Superintendent of Schools for Paola after a long career as a teacher and principal.
“Honestly Tammy, I came to MCCF with a dream,” she says. “I wasn’t sure how much money it would take, or what the possibilities even were. All I knew for certain was that I wanted my musical, education-loving Dad, to be remembered and honored by continuing his legacy of supporting music education”.
The process of turning that dream into a reality proved to be a seamless partnership. “The MCCF team carefully listened and walked our family through the steps necessary to make that dream a reality,” she says. “The process was easier than I ever imagined and we are so thankful for the continued info and guidance”.
Today, the George H. Diehm Music Education Scholarship encourages students to follow in his footsteps. This scholarship is awarded to one student annually from either Paola High School or Prairie View High School.
Robyn’s Recipe: Double Crust Lemon Pie
To celebrate the “unusual perfection” found in both music and community, Robyn is sharing a family favorite alternative to the traditional lemon pie.
“I’ve always ridden the Goldilocks fence stating, ‘I like GOOD Lemon Meringue pie. Not too sweet, not too tart – I like it just right!'” Robyn explains.
Ingredients
For one 9-inch pie:
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (use real lemons)
- 1 1/2 tsp. fine lemon zest
- 1 tbsp. sugar (for topping)
- Your favorite double pie crust recipe
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cornstarch and 1/4 cup water. Add the boiling water and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture boils. Boil for one minute or until thickened.
- Remove from heat and immediately add the sugar and butter. Allow the mixture to cool.
- Stir in the beaten eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well blended.
- Pour the filling into an unbaked pie shell. Cover with the top pie crust, slit the top to allow steam to escape, and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp. of sugar.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until the crust is golden.
- Cool completely and keep refrigerated. This pie is best served well-chilled.
Last step: enjoy! This pie sounds as delicious as Robyn describes it. Don’t forget to tag us on Facebook if you decide to replicate it!
If you don’t know me
I am Tammy Booe, Executive Director of MICOCF. You can read about me in this article. I’m so excited to get to know you all better and continue making a difference together!
Stay Connected with the MICOCF Family
I love getting to know more of you and seeing all the ways we can work together to make Miami County even better. Keep following along, sharing our updates, and letting me know what you want to see in future newsletters! We’re in this together, and I’m so grateful to be on this journey with you.
Have a local talent or small business you’d like to spotlight? Know a hidden gem in Miami County that everyone should visit? Or maybe you have a fall season tip or fun activity you love to do in the County?
Drop us a message, and we might just feature you in our next newsletter or social media!
Sending you all the love,
Tammy Booe
Executive Director, MICOCF
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