• Archive through May 7, 2012 May 02 - 10:08 am [819]

Wayne County Foundation Awards $112,658 in Latest Grant Cycle for Improving Quality of Life

The Wayne County Foundation has awarded $112,658 to twenty-seven 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.

“We have changed the structure of our competitive grantmaking cycles this year,” said Steve Borchers, the Foundation’s executive director. “Our focus for this cycle was on programs and initiatives that speak directly to improving our quality of life. We believe the ones that we were able to fund will benefit the community in many, many ways.”

The complete list of grant awards follows:

Retired Senior Volunteer Program
$1,550
To purchase weights and other fitness equipment for the Enhance Fitness Program.

Richmond Day Nursery
$2,000
To purchase ten computers from IU East for students to work on homework and play educational games.

Wayne County Historical Museum
$7,450
To assist with the roof replacement on the 1953 addition to the Museum.

Kids Kingdom of Wayne County
$3,107.16
To purchase nine new cribs to comply with federal mandates, along with rocking chairs, and a feeding table.

Morrisson-Reeves Library
$1,500
In support of the new program called Read 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten a project to help kids enter school ready to learn.

Historic Centerville
To assist with the roof replacement on the Mansion House.

Civic Hall Performing Arts Center
$5,000
In support of the 2012-2013 Proudly Presenting Series, including the public performances, community outreach, and educational activities.

Richmond Art Museum
$7,000
To update and enhance the current audio/visual system used for the Phantoscope Film Festival in McGuire Hall Auditorium.

Whitewater Community Television
$5,658.50
To purchase a digital video encoder and one year’s worth of web media hosting and streaming video-on-demand service.

Christian Charities
$5,000
To help provide monthly lunches to RCS elementary schools with free/reduced lunch rates of 85% or higher.

Every Child Can Read
$7,250
To provide operational support for the 2012 Third Grade Reading Academy.

Vineyard Gateway Fellowship Church
To purchase two freezers for the food pantry.

JACY House
$3,000
To help replace the body safety program that is offered to Wayne County Schools.

Nettle Creek Music Boosters
$2,500
To purchase a bus or trailer to be used by the band.

Hagerstown-Jefferson Twp. Public Library
$1,000
To help offset the cost of the 2012 Summer Library Program, "Dream Big."

Junior Achievement of Eastern IN
$2,000
To fund a portion of the direct costs the new Graduation Pathways Project.

Hope House
$4,000
For kitchen equipment.

Animal Care Alliance
For a county wide, free roaming cat spay/neuter program.

Richmond Symphony Orchestra
$5,000
To assist with the production of "The Nutcracker" in December 2012.

Stage One Youth Theatre at RCT
$3,500
For the expenses associated with three outreach programs and four productions for the 2012-2013 season.

Richmond Parks and Recreation Department
$3,000
To assist with the artist fees and marketing for the 2012 LIVE at the Park outdoor concert series.

Historic Hagerstown, Inc.
$7,500
In support of free art and music lessons in the Hagerstown community.

Communities In Schools of Wayne County
$6,000
To support the “Crusing Into Your Future” and “Choices” programs, and to purchase two computers.

Peer Information Center for Teens, Inc.
$2,000
To assist with training and materials for Certified Peer Helpers at RHS.

DIPLOMAS In School Nursery
$7,200
To provide a year's support for two children and four teen parents.

The next grant cycle deadline is August 1 for the Challenge Match Program.

Prospective applicant organizations are encouraged to visit the Foundation’s Web site (www.waynecountyfoundation.org) or contact Andrea Stuckey at 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.

2012 SENIOR GAMES SET FOR JUNE 11th - 14th

June 11-14, 2012 will be an exciting week of athletic and recreational activities designed to promote a healthy lifestyle at any age! At Area 9 In-Home and Community Services Agency, a service of Indiana University East, we strive to help our older population stay healthy and active. That is why we offer friendly, competitive interaction through the Area 9 Senior Games.

Senior Games are designed to promote physical, emotional and social well-being for people age 55+ by getting involved, no matter what their abilities. Not only will we be enhancing the community’s awareness of the physical capabilities of mature adults and focus attention on the importance of regular exercise and healthy living at any age, we will also be promoting the importance of regular screenings and check-ups, especially in the fight against cancer.

Senior Games offers a wide variety of activities that can help our older citizens reach…even exceed…their fitness goals. They include bowling, golf, miniature golf, walk race, ping pong, pool, darts, pickleball, basketball free throw, softball throw, corn hole, croquet, football toss, pancake race, shuffle board, paper airplane toss, horseshoes and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Whether it’s a casual walk, a spirited game of pool or a battle for victory on the basketball court, seniors from around the area will come to show the world that it’s never too late to start living healthy.

The Opening Ceremony on Monday will be held at and hosted by the Lamplight Inn at the Leland in Richmond. We will close the week with a Victory Celebration, “A Touch of Pink,” Dinner/Dance on Thursday evening at the Lamplight Inn at the Leland featuring music by “The Impossibles.” Registration forms are available at your local senior center, meal sites, sporting venues, and the Richmond and Connersville offices of the Area 9 In-Home & Community Services Agency.

For more information about the 2012 Senior Games call 765-966-1795 or 1-800-458-9345 or email juford@iue.edu.

Live healthy…play healthy…participate in the Area 9 Senior Games!

EDC/Chamber President, Tim Rogers, Announces Resignation

Tim Rogers, President/CEO of the EDC of Wayne County and the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce announced his resignation today to take a new economic development position in Michigan. Tim has been with the EDC for over three years and became President/CEO of the Chamber within that time frame. In any industry there is a chance for professionals to make a next step in their career. The EDC and Chamber wish Tim the best of luck and success in his new endeavor. The EDC and Chamber board will meet to discuss what our next steps will be regarding the replacement of the president/CEO of both organizations. Until that time, the EDC and Chamber staff will remain focused and are very capable to carry on with business as usual.

Class Recycling Projects Raise $10,000 to Endow Technology Scholarship

Richmond – The spring semester Ivy Tech Richmond Science of Traditional and Alternative Energy class added the $2,100 needed to endow a scholarship at the $10,000 level. Previous classes raised $7,900 over four semesters. Students in an earlier class established the name and criteria for awarding the scholarship.

The $500 annual Krista L. Morisen Green Technology Endowed Scholarship will be awarded for the first time in the 2013/2014 school year. Future classes will continue to develop recycling projects to increase endowment funds and award additional scholarships.

Each semester since spring 2010 the Science of Traditional and Alternative Energy class has taken the course recycling project to a new level. The first class raised $25 for scholarships and each class project since has raised several thousand dollars more.

Krista Morisen’s class organizes the recycling project as part of their class work. The students create brochures and fliers, send letters to and meet with area businesses encouraging them to recycle and offer to pick up recyclable materials. The students established community drop off points at the Ivy Tech campuses in Richmond and Connersville. Each semester the Richmond Kroger Store on National Road East has provided the students with a drop off space in its parking lot.

Students also offer pickup services for large items like stoves, refrigerators, washer/dryers, autos, auto parts, metals and lawn mowers. Donors of larger contributions receive a letter from the Ivy Tech Community College Foundation for tax purposes.

“We continue to have incredible results with this project. Each class works really well together. Thanks go to the residents and businesses in Wayne, Union and Fayette counties that support the project,” Morisen said.

Students leading the spring recycle campaign included: Rachel Wood, Travis Griffith, Daniel Story and Bill Johnson.

For additional information about the Science of Traditional and Alternative Energy Course and the recycling project contact Morisen at kmorisen@ivytech.edu.

Baby Fair Presents Resources for Families

Over 20 organizations are participating in a Baby Fair Tuesday, May, 15, hosted by Reid’s Shared Beginnings program.

Many area non-profits will be present to share information on the health and well-being of moms-to-be and their families. Information will also be available to find an obstetrician or family care physician. Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be awarded. Guests may also sign up to enter a drawing for a breast pump.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for families anticipating a new baby to talk to experts about pre-natal care, birthing, infant care, breast feeding, and many other topics,” said Kelly Witter, director of women’s services at Reid.

Shared Beginnings is a Reid program offered free to expectant mothers, fathers, and coaches who plan to deliver at Reid. The program offerings include pre-natal classes, lactation services, pregnancy massage, post-natal support and infant development.

The Baby Fair is Tuesday, May 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Lingle Grand Hall on the lower level of the hospital. For more information about the Baby Fair or Shared Beginnings, please call (765) 983-9020.

Public Input Sought on INDOT’s ADA Evaluation, Transition Plan

Applicants Sought for Community Advisory Working Group

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has updated its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan to include a preliminary review of state highway facilities, policies and practices in an effort meet federal regulations and requirements. To ensure that the public is given an opportunity to review, comment and participate fully in the planning process, INDOT has published the document for public comment in Microsoft Word and PDF form at www.IN.gov/indot/3036.htm.

As part of the implementation of this plan, INDOT is actively seeking 12 to 15 individuals from a broad cross-section of Indiana to form INDOT’s inaugural ADA Community Advisory Working Group. Selected working group members will provide information and recommendations regarding INDOT’s ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan, including efforts to increase the public involvement of persons with disabilities in transportation planning.

Individuals with disabilities, disability advocates, or individuals who provide services to persons with disabilities are encouraged to submit a letter of interest or a resume by June 1, 2012, to Latosha Higgins, INDOT’s Title VI/ADA Program Manager, at the contact information listed below. Written comments on the ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan may also be submitted to Latosha Higgins.

Mailing Address:
Latosha N. Higgins
Title VI/ADA Program Manager
Indiana Department of Transportation
100 N. Senate Ave., IGCN 750
Indianapolis, IN 46204

E-mail: lhiggins@indot.in.gov

Fax: 317-233-0891

2012 Richmond Art Museum (RAM) Secret Garden Tour

VENUE: Locations throughout Richmond, to be revealed on the day of the tour

PRESENTED BY: Richmond Art Museum, 350 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, Indiana 47374

DATES: Saturday & Sunday, June 23 & 24, 2012
Saturday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
(Rain or Shine!)

This annual event gives you the opportunity to visit the canvasses of local landscape artists throughout our community - beautiful gardens and landscaped lawns, a few familiar favorites and some newly found discoveries hidden throughout Richmond! A surprise addition to the 2012 tour will be access to some of the homes on the tour list! This year, as in the past, the tour will include a garden boutique featuring unique iron works, baskets, containers and a variety of garden accessories

Tickets are now available at the Richmond Art Museum and will be available at the RAM during the garden tour.

All proceeds benefit operations at the Richmond Art Museum.

Tickets $10 each advance sale, or $12 on the days of the tour. Available at RAM and all First Bank Richmond Locations!

Call 765-966-0256 for more information or visit www.richmondartmuseum.org.

The Oak Ridge Boys at Civic Hall Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 19, 2012

Two Shows! 4:00pm & 8:00pm

Announcing the ‘Surprise Reprise!’ show coming to Civic Hall Performing Arts Center… The Oak Ridge Boys on Saturday, May 19, 2012 @ 4:00pm & 8:00pm.

Theirs is one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry. The four-part harmonies and upbeat songs of The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of Country hits and a Number One Pop smash, earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. Every time they step before an audience, the Oaks bring three decades of charted singles, and 50 years of tradition, to bear on a stage show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere. And each remains as enthusiastic about the process as they have ever been.

The Oak Ridge Boys performed in the past at Civic Hall Performing Arts Center with two sold out performances. Good seats are available for the performance at 4:00pm and 8:00pm; $32 for adults, $24 for students with group rates available. Call the Civic Hall Box Office for tickets: 765-973-3350, toll free 1-888-CIVIC HALL (1-888-248- 4242), or visit www.civichall.com. Box Office hours are Mon-Fri, 8:30am - noon and 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards are accepted with a $3 charge for all credit card transactions. There is also a fifty-cent fee for mailing ticket orders.

This presentation is supported by the Performing Arts Fund, a program of Arts Midwest, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Indiana Arts Commission, General Mills Foundation, and Land O’Lakes Foundation. Further funding provided by our Sponsors: KICKS 96 (WQLK-FM and WHON-AM), Wayne County Foundation, Think TV, Indiana Public Radio, Whitewater Broadcasting (1490 WKBV and G101-3 radio). Co-sponsors include: First Bank Richmond, Earlham College, Belden, Palladium-Item, Paust Printers, Wayne Bank and Trust Co., U.S. Bank, Dr. William H. Toedebusch, Dr. J. Michael and Nancy Perez and Family, Reid Hospital and Health Care Services, and the City of Richmond.

Richmond's First Hispanic Hertiage Month Celebration Is Planned

Amigos, Richmond’s Latino Center, invites all organizations to participate in Richmond’s first Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, September 15-October 15, 2012.

Amigos is in the process of organizing a city-wide celebration during Hispanic Heritage Month. Most importantly they want to show the Hispanic community that they and Richmond appreciates the Hispanic community’s contribution and that everyone is welcomed to Richmond, Indiana.

Amigos invites you and your organization to join in during the celebration by planning your own activity during the timeframe of Sept.15-Oct. 15 for your constituency. The event can be anything you would like and Amigos is available to help get your plans started. Amigos invites all groups to a meeting to share ideas. If you decide to promote Hispanic Awareness, Amigos will add your organization to their flyers and posters that will be used to promote the month. Your involvement will also encourage the Latino community to take part in any future activities or volunteer work that you host.

Amigos thanks you in advance for your participation. Please respond by May 22 if you would like to take part and Amigos will keep you updated. You can email them at jenrios01@gmail.com or call Howard Lamson at 765-993-7238.

Older Americans Month 2012: Never Too Old to Play!

May is Older Americans Month, a perfect opportunity to show our appreciation for the older adults in our community. Since 1963, communities across the nation have joined in the annual commemoration of Older Americans Month – a proud tradition that shows our nation’s commitment to celebrating the contributions and achievements of older Americans.

The theme for Older Americans Month 2012 – Never Too Old to Play! – puts a spotlight on the important role older adults play in sharing their experience, wisdom, and understanding, and passing on that knowledge to other generations in a variety of significant ways. This year’s celebrations will recognize the value that older adults continue to bring to our communities through spirited participation in social and faith groups, service organizations, and other activities.

As large numbers of baby-boomers reach retirement age, many communities have increased their efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for older adults – many of whom remain physically and
socially active through their 80s and beyond. Current trends show that people over age 60 account for an ever-growing percentage of participants in community service positions, faith-based organizations, online social networking as well as arts and recreational groups.

Lifelong participation in social, creative, and physical activities has proven health benefits, including retaining mobility, muscle mass, and cognitive abilities. But older adults are not the only ones who benefit from their engagement in community life. Studies show their interactions with family, friends, and neighbors across generations enrich the lives of everyone involved. Young people who have significant relationships with a grandparent or elder report that these relationships helped shape their values, goals, and life choices and gave them a sense of identity and roots.

While Area 9 In-Home and Community Services Agency provides services, support, and resources to older Americans year-round, Older Americans Month is a great opportunity to show special appreciation for some of our most beloved citizens. We have many reasons to celebrate them!

Area 9 In-Home and Community Services Agency, a service of Indiana University East, is joining in the national celebration of Older Americans Month 2012 with the return of the Senior Expo on May 17th at the Lamplight Inn at the Leland from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Dozens of vendors will be offering educational and financial information that address the needs and interests of seniors in our area. There is no cost for admission and guests will receive a free box-lunch. There will be lots of prizes given away throughout the day and a grand prize drawing for a new television. We will also be honoring all the
nominees for the 2012 Area 9 Golden Hoosier Award at a special “tea” hosted during the Senior Expo. We invite you to join in the fun! To find out how you can support Older Americans Month 2012 and take part in our activities, contact Area 9 Agency at 765-966-1795 or 800-458-9345.

Reid nurses honored during annual celebration

Reid Hospital recognized 10 nurses during the 2012 Nurses Week Celebration and Nursing Excellence Awards presentation.

“This celebration and awards highlights the wonderful things our nurses do all year,” said Kay Cartwright, Reid vice president and chief nursing officer. “They are at the center of our mission,
providing the hands-on care with a special touch that sets Reid apart,” she said.

The winning nurses represent communities from all across the Ohio-Indiana region that Reid Hospital serves and include Sandy Abrams, RN, Richmond; Macy Bennett, RN, Arcanum, OH; Joy Bowlin, RN,
Losantville; Misti Foust, RN, Richmond; Sharol Plasterer, RN, Hagerstown; Anna Osborn-Brown, RN, Richmond; Debbie Richardson, RN, West College Corner; Susan Rohe, RN, Centerville; Mary E. Smith, LPN, Richmond; and Kim Turner, RN, Economy.

Back, from left – Sharol Plasterer, RN, Heart & Vascular Center; Sandy Abrams, RN, Clinical Analyst; Debbie Richardson, RN, 5 North; Susan Rohe, RN, 4 East; Joy Bowlin, RN, Heart & Vascular Center; Kim Turner, RN, Case Manager.
Front, from left – Anna Osborn-Brown, RN, Emergency; Mary E. Smith, LPN, Pediatric & Internal Medicine Center; Macy Bennett, RN, Emergency; Misti Foust, RN, Critical Care.

Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County Holds Annual Meeting

The Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, Indiana held their 2011 Annual Meeting where nine companies were recognized for their investment in the community. Guest speaker, David Bender, President/CEO of Perpetual Recycling Solutions (pictured on right) spoke about the company's search process ending in selecting Richmond for their new facility. He highlighted a number of positives about the community that lead the company to make their site decision. The EDC also approved three EDIT grant requests to assist local companies with expanison projects. Details on the expansion projects can be found on the 2011 Annual Report.

Suncall America, Inc. Expansion Will Create 10 New Jobs
Suncall America, Inc. in Richmond will receive a $68,500 Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) Grant from the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Wayne County. Suncall was recently awarded "new model" work for two new automotive parts. As a result, the company needs to expand its existing facility to make room for the new equipment and employees. Learn more.

B & F Plastics, Inc. Adds New Product Line, Creates New Jobs
B & F Plastics, Inc. in Richmond will receive a $13,000 EDIT Grant from the EDC of Wayne County. The company will be adding new equipment
to expand their product lines. B & F Plastics manufactures numerous products from thermoplastic and recycled rubber as well as custom plastic sheet extrusion. The company will invest $910,890 and will create 8 new, full-time jobs. Learn more.

Berry Plastics Corporation in Richmond Purchases New Equipment and Creates Jobs
Berry Plastics Corporation in Richmond will receive a $71,850 EDIT grant from the EDC of Wayne County. The company will be adding new equipment to expand their product lines. They will create 10 new jobs and invest $4.4 million in the project. Learn more.