Marca at Whetstone

01/07/2026

Our friends Sabrina and Cara displaying koozies printed in the Re-MARCA-bly Made workshop at Marca Industries Inc. in Marion.

Re-MARCA-bly Made also has a print shop at Marca at Whetstone in Mount Gilead.

Sabrina Strickland (blue shirt) and Cara Allen (gray sweatshirt) display the koozies that Cara and Production Coordinator Joe Schofield printed in the reMARCAbly Made workshop at Marca Industries Inc. in Marion.

Marca Industries Inc. has a second print shop at Marca at Whetstone in Mount Gilead.

reMARCAbly Made merchandise is available for purchase at the Re-MARCA-ble retail store located inside The Explore-It-Torium at 244 S. Main St. in Downtown Marion.

Since its establishment in 2023, reMARCAbly Made has produced apparel and other items that have been purchased by a variety of organizations inside and outside of Marion County, including state parks operated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, private businesses, schools, civic groups, churches, municipalities, etc.

For information about ordering merchandise from the reMARCAbly Made brand, contact Marca Industries Inc. Business Development Director Jamie Hawkins at 740-375-6144.

01/07/2026

Judy Edelman enjoyed a day of shopping with staff from Marca at Whetstone on Wednesday.

Judy and Marca of Whetstone staff went shopping at Discount Drug Mart and ate lunch at McDonald's in Mount Gilead.

While at Discount Drug Mart, Judy ran into Jerry and Cindy Gueth. Jerry is a former member of the Marca at Whetstone staff. Judy also ran into a friend from her church and made a new friend along the way.

Judy has been attending Marca at Whetstone for more than 20 years.

01/07/2026

Sharing for our friends at The Explore-It-Torium in Marion!

We hope everyone has had a great start to their new year!
$6 General admission 🧸🚜

01/05/2026

Happy birthday!

David Sharp is the manager of the direct support professionals at Marca Industries, Inc.

We appreciate David and all that he does for the people we serve!

01/02/2026

MARCA Industries van driver was Good Samaritan at accident scene

Lester Zornes says he just enjoys helping people.

Zornes, a van driver for the MARCA at Whetstone day program in Morrow County, displayed that positive character trait at the most desperate time for an injured motorist earlier this week. Zornes provided assistance at the scene of an accident, waiting with and comforting the injured party until first responders arrived on scene.

The 61-year old Edison resident, who has worked at MARCA Industries for about four months, said he was transporting an individual who attends the MARCA at Whetstone day program to the person’s home when he happened upon the accident scene. He said his first thought was to lend aid to anyone who was inside the vehicle.

“I tried to help the best I could,” Zornes said. “I told (the passenger in the) to stay in the van and made sure he was safe, then I got the fire extinguisher and went to help.”

Zornes extinguished flames that were in the engine compartment of the disabled vehicle and then helped the injured motorist out of the vehicle.

“In a moment of crisis, Lester demonstrated bravery, compassion, and professionalism,” said Michelle Albertini, CEO of MARCA Industries. “Lester’s actions reflect the very best of MARCA’s values, and I am deeply grateful for him. I want to thank Lester for representing MARCA with such integrity and heart.”

Jason Young, operations manager for MARCA Industries, said he wasn’t surprised when he learned about Zornes’ response at the accident scene, noting that it’s a reflection of the man’s character.

“Lester is just a great person and a really good employee,” said Young. “Anytime you ask him to do something, he’s right on it in a timely manner.”

Zornes is a retired steel worker and is employed as a part time driver for MARCA Industries. He said he enjoys working at MARCA.

“I like helping people,” Zornes said. “I like working (at MARCA Industries) because you’re helping people who need some help. If they’re having a bad day, I try to cheer them up. I just try to help get them in a good mood for the day.”

12/31/2025

12/31/2025

Some photos of our Noon Years Eve celebration at The Explore-It-Torium in Marion!

We had a great time! Happy New Year!

12/29/2025

Just a reminder to join us at The Explore-It-Torium on Dec. 31 for our Noon Years Eve celebration!

Ring in the new year without staying up late at The Explore-It-Torium in Marion!

You and your family are invited to the annual Noon Years Eve Balloon Drop, set for 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at The Explore-It-Torium, 244 S. Main St., Marion.

We'll begin the festivities at 10 a.m. with hands-on activities, music, crafts, and countdown excitement as we celebrate 2026 a little early.

At noon (12 p.m.) sharp, we'll ring in the new year with the annual balloon drop, featuring hundreds of balloons that are sure to bring big smiles and even bigger memories!

The Explore-It-Torium's Noon Years Eve Balloon Drop is perfect for families, kiddos of all ages, and anyone who loves a good celebration. Don’t miss the most colorful New Years countdown in town!

Admission is $6 per person (ages 1 and up). If you are a member of The Explore-It-Torium, admission to this event is included so there is no additional fee.

Plenty of parking is available on site or nearby! We anticipate it to be busy, so feel free to come early and get your play on!

For information, follow our page or call The Explore-It-Torium at 740-914-6030. The Explore-It-Torium and Re-MARCA-ble retail store will be open during regular hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 31.

12/24/2025

Folks attending the MARCA of Whetstone day program in Mount Gilead celebrated the season by decorating Christmas cookies and Christmas ornaments. They showed off their creativity by painting the ornaments and putting icing and sprinkles on the cookies.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from everyone at MARCA Industries!

A reminder that all MARCA Industries locations in Morrow and Marion counties will be closed Dec. 24-25-26 so our employees can celebrate the holiday with their families, loved ones, and friends. All locations will re-open on Monday, Dec. 29.

12/22/2025

NEEDED IMMEDIATELY: Crew members to work at rest areas in Union County serviced by MARCA Industries

MARCA Industries is seeking applicants to fill crew member positions at the Ohio Department of Transportation rest areas on U.S. 33 near Marysville in Union County.

Interested individuals should email MARCA Industries at tom.lowry@marcaindustries.org. Or call 740-375-6144 and ask for the finance department.

MARCA Industries is eager to hire qualified candidates for these positions, so please contact us soon.

Applicants are required to have a valid Ohio state ID card. A high school diploma or GED is preferred. Applicants must meet training requirements set by MARCA Industries, Inc.

The work schedule varies. Crew members are required to work nights and weekends.

Following is a list of essential duties:
-- Complete tasks in a manner that meets the MARCA standards.
-- Custodial duties, including bathrooms, floors, windows, and walls.
-- Lawncare duties, including mowing, w**ding, planting, and general landscaping.
-- Trash removal.
-- Snow removal and salting of parking area and sidewalks.
-- Use of power equipment, including mowers, blowers, w**d trimmers, and snow blowers.

Following is a list of related functions, duties, and responsibilities:
-- Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
-- Able to work in any weather conditions.
-- Maintains confidentiality.
-- Demonstrates and maintains regular and reliable attendance.
-- Attend meetings as required.
-- Performs other duties as assigned by MARCA Industries leadership.
-- Promotes interpersonal sensitivity (objective awareness to others, tactful interaction).

MARCA Industries, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization that provides services for people with developmental disabilities. The organization offers day programming, workforce training, and employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

12/18/2025

The bell choir spent time practicing this morning before their final show tomorrow. There is nothing more festive than the sound of bells ringing the songs of the holidays. The Christmas jammies sure did help, too!