• Archive through May 20, 2013 March 21 - 03:10 pm [1119]

Wayne County Employers Have Spoken

RICHMOND, IN – In April 2013, WorkOne, in partnership with Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, Ivy Tech Community College Richmond, and the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce conducted a Wayne County employer survey to better evaluate employer needs and what they are seeing with the current workforce. The online survey spanned all industries and had a 59% response rate. More than 50% of the respondents were manufacturers.

“This has been a collaborative effort between our organizations to identify worker skill gaps and employer concerns and how we can collectively increase the skill level of the local workforce,” said Nancy Green, Executive Director for External Affairs for Ivy Tech Community College Richmond.

“We all have a vested interest in our workforce and this survey has allowed us to put into writing what employers say the workforce needs,” said Valerie Shaffer, President of Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County. “At the same time, it should help potential job candidates focus on areas of improvement for our current employers as well as new employers coming in.”

The overall results are that Wayne County employers are hiring; they do anticipate additional hiring over the next 12 months; they do believe we can train the local workforce; and they have methods in place to try and retain these employees.

Survey highlights below:

1. 69.6% of employers do have a minimum hiring requirement (high school diploma or GED).
2. 58.7% of employers say that “skilled” jobs are most difficult to fill. These are jobs that require additional training, including technical certifications, Associate Degrees, and Bachelors Degree.
3. 54.3% of employers are seeing a shortage of skilled applicants for their open and future positions.
4. 4.87% of employers said that with the right training, the current available workforce could fill those difficult to fill positions.
5. 84.1% of employers said that the skills needed today are both technical and soft. Soft skills are a person's ability to interact effectively with co-workers, supervisors and customers, and are applicable both in and outside of the workplace.
6. Appearance and behavior/attitude are the most common interviewing mistakes.
7. In the skills measured, employers ranked working well in a team, growth potential, and good work history as the top three features looked for in potential employees.
8. 78.3% of employers would give preference to and train a job seeker who had proven soft skills over someone who had the skills for the job but lacked soft skills.

1st Bloom and Glow at the Richmond Rose Garden

Richmond Rose Garden has planned a unique fun summer event June 4 called the 1st Bloom and Glow. We need your help in spreading the word about our fundraiser.

The 1st Bloom refers to the beginning of the rose blooming season and visitors will be invited to stroll the Richmond Rose Garden as the sun prepares to set. Live music by Wayne County musician Pat O'Neal will add to the ambiance.

Tickets are on sale for coffee, soft drinks and gourmet hors d'oeuvres provided by Jen Ferrell's catering company, Taste. Food tickets are $20 per person in advance or $25 at the door. Those with food tickets can sample the refreshment stations around the rose garden.

Tickets are available at the Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau's Welcome Center , 5701 National Road E., and The Secret Ingredient, 720 E. Main St., both in Richmond. They are also available from event committee members.

Advance purchase is strongly recommended to help ensure an accurate count for food.

The glow refers to a hot air balloon glow that will also take place that evening adjacent to the garden on the former golf course at Glen Miller Park. Six hot air balloons, including a giant scarecrow, will be glowing at dusk, which is approximately 9 p.m. Admission is free to the balloon glow.

Local businesses, organizations and individuals are sponsoring the balloons and contributing toward the event's other costs.

Donations are accepted throughout the year for the rose garden's maintenance, such as buying roses for planting, improving lighting and upgrading irrigation. Contributions may be sent in care of Wayne County Foundation marked for the Rose Garden Fund, 33 S. Seventh St., Richmond, IN 47374. For more information about the fund, call (765) 962-1638.

About the garden: The Richmond Rose A.A.R.S. Garden is open 365 days a year, and no admission is charged for visiting the garden. The garden is wheelchair accessible. Visitors experience the beauty of our flourishing garden that highlights more than 100 varieties of All American Selections Roses. In addition, blooming annuals, perennials and ornamental trees add an interesting texture to the garden. It was founded in 1987 and continues to be maintained by volunteers. More volunteers are always welcome.

Thank you for your support!

Wayne County Foundation Awards $106,015 in Latest Grant Cycle Improving Quality of Life

The Wayne County Foundation has awarded $106,015 to twenty-five local organizations in support of programs or projects designed to improve the quality of life across Wayne County.

All of the Foundation’s community grantmaking is made possible by income from unrestricted and field-of-interest endowment funds.

“The Foundation’s competitive grantmaking cycles continue to be an effective way for us to invest in the community,” said Steve Borchers, the Foundation’s executive director. “Our focus for this cycle was on programs and initiatives that speak directly to improving the quality of life throughout Wayne County. We believe the ones that we were able to fund will benefit a significant number of people in many, many ways.”

This is the complete list of grant awards approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors at its May meeting:

Birthright of Richmond $5,000.00
To assist with the replacement of deteriorated siding at 305 South 6th Street in Richmond.

Wayne County Historical Museum $4,250.00
To assist with the purchase of tables and chairs for the "Barn."

Independent Living Center of Eastern Indiana $5,000.00
To establish a ramp construction fund to assist at least five individuals with disabilities.

Area 9 Agency on Aging $5,600.00
To purchase 211 software, training, and agency conversion to database.

Centerville-Center Township Public Library $1,500.00
To assist with the production of a new history book for the Bicentennial of Centerville.

Riley Children's Foundation $2,400.00
To subsidize family camp fees for six youth from Wayne County to attend Camp Riley.

Achieva Resources Corporation, Inc. $6,800.00
To assist in supporting a guardianship program for those with disabilities in Wayne County.

Alliance for Strategic Growth, Inc. $5,000.00
To support the “High Tide Project,” a pilot program to increase the skill levels of unemployed and underemployed people in Wayne County.

Richmond Senior Community Center $2,215.00
To assist in making the gym larger and more accessible space for exercising.

Stage One Youth Theatre at RCT $2,000.00
To support four educational outreach shows for 2013-2014 theatre season.

Habitat for Humanity $5,000.00
To assist with the purchase of loader-excavator attachments for construction activities.

Civic Hall Performing Arts Center $2,500.00
In support of the 2013-2014 Proudly Presenting Series, including public performances, community outreach, and educational activities.

Junior Achievement of Eastern IN $2,000.00
To expand elementary school programming in Wayne County.

Children's Justice and Advocacy Center, Inc. $3,500.00
To assist with the purchase a mobile forensic interview equipment and software.

Historic Hagerstown, Inc. $5,150.00
To help provide free art classes to the public with "The Arts: Positively!" program.

Boy Scouts of America $1,500.00
For registration fees and uniforms for those in Wayne County that need assistance.

Richmond Parks and Recreation Department $7,500.00
To help offset admission fees, supplies, and transportation costs for 250 children who will attend JUKO summer camp.

Richmond City Series $7,500.00
To assist with a summer-long effort to bring arts and culture to the citizens of Wayne County.

Whitewater Valley District 9 Pro Bono $10,000.00
To continue to offer free civil legal assistance for those in need.

Richmond Symphony Orchestra $3,900.00
To provide three free community concerts.

Townsend Community Center $5,500.00
To purchase equipment and supplies for the Teen Activity Center.

DIPLOMAS In School Nursery for Teen Mothers $7,200.00
To cover a year's worth of expenses for two children and four teen parents at RHS.

HELP The Animals $1,000.00
To assist with a portion of the spaying/neutering animals who will be adopted from the shelter.

Animal Care Alliance $1,000.00
To assist with the purchase of a refurbished x-ray machine.

Northside Church of Christ $3,000.00
To assist with the purchase a walk in cooler for storing and maintaining fresh produce for food distributions.

The next grant cycle deadline is July 1 for the Enhancing the Spirit of Community proposals. Prospective applicant organizations are encouraged to visit the Foundation’s Web site (www.waynecountyfoundation.org) or contact Andrea Stuckey at 765-962-1638 for additional information.

The Wayne County Foundation exists to foster and encourage private philanthropic giving, to enhance the spirit of community and to improve the quality of life in the Wayne County, Indiana, area now and for future generations.

2013 RAM Secret Garden Tour

Shhhhh! Come closer! We want to let you in on a secret. The Richmond Art Museum would like to invite you to the 13th Annual Secret Garden Tour, Saturday, June 22nd and Sunday, June 23rd!

This beloved fundraiser and RAM classic will once again feature beautiful gardens and landscaped lawns in the Richmond community. A surprise addition to the 2013 tour will be access to some of the homes on the tour list! Also, RAM will again host a boutique of unique decorative ironwork and plants to dress up your own secret garden! You really do not want to miss the 2013 Secret Garden Tour! Oh, and we won’t be mad if you tell someone else our little secret!

Bonus Features on the 2013 Secret Garden Tour

• Richmond Group Plein Air Painters will be painting in the Rose Garden at Glen Miller Park ~ Visit the Rose Garden to enter a free raffle to win an original oil painting by acclaimed artist Dan Woodson. (must present your purchased Garden Tour ticket)
• Richmond Association of Realtor’s “Parade of Homes”
• Sprout of Control Community Garden Project

S.R. 227 Closes Monday (May 20, 2013)For Repairs

RICHMOND, Ind.—The Indiana Department of Transportation plans to close State Road 227 in Wayne and Randolph Counties—between Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 36—Monday morning, weather permitting. The north-south highway will be closed to through traffic for three days while maintenance crews replace drainage pipe. Access will be provided to area residents.

Motorists are advised to use I-70 to U.S. 27 to U.S. 36 as a detour route.

INDOT anticipates reopening S.R. 227 Wednesday afternoon.

Richmond Man Recognized as Area 9 2013 Golden Hoosier

Gene Schultz received the 2013 Golden Hoosier Award at the Senior Expo on May 16th held at the Lamplight Inn at the Leland in Richmond in celebration of Older Americans Month – Unleash the
Power of Age! This award recognizes an individual 65 years of age and older for their volunteer service in helping to improve the quality of life. It is the highest honor bestowed on an older individual by the Area 9 In-Home and Community Services Agency, a service of Indiana University East.

Nominations for the Golden Hoosier Award were received throughout the Area 9 Agency’s five county region (Fayette, Franklin, Rush, Union and Wayne). A committee appointed from the Area 9 Council on Aging reviewed the nominations and selected the individual to be honored. All individuals were recognized at an “Honoree’s Tea and Reception.” The Area 9 Council was the host and each individual’s accomplishments were shared. A presentation of certificates, gifts and door prize took place. Other honorees included Vernon Clark, Ruth Heis, and Jim Nellis of Cambridge City; Charles Hughes and Martha Watt of Centerville; Bette Thielking, and James Wicker of Connersville; Barbara Shell of Richmond; and Katherine Wedeking of Rushville.

Gene Schultz has been a valuable and tireless volunteer for over a decade at the Area 9 Agency assisting family caregivers of individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. As a volunteer for the Area 9 Respite Care Program, he has provided countless hours of respite care to individuals who are homebound and otherwise isolated in the community. He has been a mentor, teacher, “psychologist” and cheerleader to caregivers attending the Area 9 Caregivers Support Group and the Alzheimer’s Support Group.

Gene also donates his time to the Richmond Civic Theater, Tiernan Center, Hayes Arboretum, Ford Museum, Widowed Persons, and First English Lutheran Church. He also volunteers for the Jerry Lawrence Memorial Golf Tournament.

Known as the ‘Glass Man’ around town, Gene creates beautiful stained glass windows, lamps and even created a stained glass bra for Reid Hospital’s Bravo a few years ago. He supports and participates in the Senior Art Exhibit with his work every year.

“Gene has always demonstrated the highest ethical standards of caring for the individuals who have need and assisting valuable institutions in Wayne County,” said Terry Hamm who nominated Gene for the award. “He always brightens the day with a smile and hug and is appreciated by many
in the community.”

This year’s recognition was the 36th year recognizing older volunteers in the five counties served by the Area 9 Agency. For information on volunteering, contact the agency at 966-1795 or 1-800-458-9345 or visit our website at www.area9agency.org.

Ivy Tech offers computing course at Richmond’s Innovation Center

Richmond-Ivy Tech Community College-Richmond in collaboration with the Innovation Center is offering a 3 credit course ,Introduction to Microcomputers (CINS) 101. The course is scheduled from noon-3:30 p.m. on Thursday for eight weeks beginning June 10 . The course will be at the Innovation Center, 814 East Main Street, Richmond. CINS 101 is the first course in a program that leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree and/or Technical Certificate.

The course is open to anyone interested in learning the basics of computing including physical components and operation of micro­computers with a focus on computer literacy. It provides hands-on training in four areas of microcomputer application software: word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management and presentation software. The use of a professional business integrated applications package is emphasized. The three credit course is transferrable to all Indiana public colleges and universities and many others.

For details contact Curtis R. Blakely, Department chair, cblakely@ivytech.edu or call 765-966-2656 ext.3410

Reid to host program about wellness check-ups on May 20

Community members can learn about the importance of annual wellness check-up when they attend “Education+Action=Outcomes,” a special presentation at Reid Hospital on Monday, May 20. This presentation, part of an ongoing series, will be from 6 to 7 p.m. in Lingle Auditorium.

Program presenter Robert Bode, M.D., dedicates much of his practice to wellness check-ups. Last year alone, he performed 475 such visits at his office at Reid Internal Medicine in Richmond. “Too many patients only see their doctor when they aren’t feeling well,” Dr. Bode said. “But an annual wellness check-up is essential. It’s an opportunity for patients to share any concerns they have and talk with their physician about healthy lifestyle habits to prevent disease. And it’s also a chance for the physician to diagnose certain conditions early, when they are most treatable.”

Typically, a wellness exam takes 30-40 minutes and includes a thorough head-to-toe exam, says Melissa Dick, practice manager at Reid Internal Medicine. “Also, before the appointment, we ask patients to undergo a blood test,” she explains. “During the wellness exam, the doctor or nurse practitioner will talk to the patient about the results, which can indicate high cholesterol, a slow metabolism, Vitamin D deficiency, over-active thyroid and many other potential concerns.”

Screening tests are essential for adults once they reach their mid-30s, adds Ms. Dick. These can include:

• Mammography—recommended for women once between the ages of 35 and 40, then annually.
• Colonoscopy — recommended for men and women once at age 50 and then every 10 years.
• Prostate-specific antigen test—recommended annually for men over the age of 50.

Public Hearing for Area 9 Plan

If you would like to know more about services to help senior citizens and disabled individuals maintain their independence, you are invited to attend the public hearing on the 2013-2015 Area 9 Plan for Aging and Disabled Services on May 23, 2013.

The hearing will take place in conjunction with the monthly Area 9 Council meeting at the Richmond Senior Community Center, 1600 S. Second Street, Richmond. The hearing begins at 11:00am. The Area 9 In-Home & Community Services Agency is preparing a two-year Area Plan for Aging and Disabled Services which does the following:
1. Identifies the needs of older persons and the disabled residing in Fayette, Franklin, Rush, Union and Wayne Counties;
2. Establishes which needs will be addressed; and
3. Identifies the services to be provided.
A “round table discussion” will be conducted with interaction between the public and staff involved in preparing the draft Area 9 Plan.

Copies of the proposed 2013-2015 Area Plan Summary will be available for distribution and a copy of the complete draft Area Plan will be available for public review and comment.

Information on issues of importance to older people, their families and caregivers is available on the agency web site at www.area9agency.org and provide comments and suggestions. If you or someone you know needs assistance with maintaining their independence, the Area 9 Agency may be able to help. For more information, call the agency’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 966-1795 or 1-800-458-9345.

The Area 9 Agency is a service of Indiana University east funded primarily by the Indiana Division of Aging and local contributions. Tony Shepherd serves as Executive Director.