Talk of the Town - Whitley County

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Gary Lamle, far left, presents the River Friendly Farmer of Indiana award to Danny and Cheryl Wilkinson of South Whitley. Also honored, but not in attendance Tuesday evening, was Mike Juillerat.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Local farmers and their families were recognized Tuesday evening for their efforts to keep local rivers, lakes and streams clean.

Danny and Cheryl Wilkinson and Mike Juillerat were honored by the Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation District at the organization’s 52^nd annual meeting as recipients of the River Friendly Farmer of Indiana award. The event was held at The Eagles Nest Event Center.

According to the SWCD, “the statewide initiative recognizes farmers who, through good production management practices, help keep Indiana’s rivers, lakes and streams clean.”

The program is sponsored by the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc., Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Division of Soil Conservation, Purdue Cooperative Extension Service and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Wilkinsons, of South Whitley, were presented with a large sign to designate their farm as part of the program and recipients of the award. Juillerat was not in attendance at the event. Wilkinson also received an award for his efforts in the program at the 2007 Indiana State Fair.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Bill Overdeer, left, officiates the swearing in of newly elected Soil and Water Conservation District board of supervisors member Dennis Hinen Tuesday evening. Hinen was elected during the SWCD’s 52^nd annual meeting Tuesday night.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Whitley County Soil and Water Conservation District members and their families carefully considered the candidates and cast their paper ballots Tuesday evening, selecting Dennis Hinen as the newest board supervisor for the SWCD.

Hinen, an active member of the SWCD for more than 30 years, has served on the board in the past as a chairman and assistant supervisor.

Hinen and his sons, Todd and Danny, farm over 900 acres in Thorncreek Township as the Hinen Family Farms Partnership. They also manage a 350-head dairy beef operation.

According to information provided by the SWCD, the Hinens utilize various methods of management on their farms that are environmentally aware. They are completely no-till soybeans, minimum till with their corn production, have installed filtration strips, utilize the environmental quality incentive program and a nutrient and pest management plan and installed a new animal waste management facility for their dairy beef operation.

Additionally, Hinen has planned trees on piece of highly erodible ground that he recently retired from farming due to the steepness of the terrain.

Hinen was sworn in during the meeting by SWCD associate supervisor Bill Overdeer.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Andy Vanderford of Acute Fencing, far left, and his crew have been working on several updates to the Kids Dreamland park along Business 30 in Columbia City. Vanderford hopes to have the project completed by spring.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Kids Dreamland’s wooden structures have been played upon and loved by children on countless summer days, stood proud through thunderstorms, snow storms and ice. It has withstood the endless barrage of children and adults, in all shapes and sizes, climbing on it. Now, a little weary with all that use, it is ready for repairs.

Last summer, like the appearance of laugh lines on the face, its age was beginning to catch up with it. The rubber bridge was broken, some elements didn’t work as well as they used to. Certain parts had become just too dangerous.

According to Columbia City Parks director Mark Green, the wooden playgrounds like Kids Dreamland typically begin needing repairs around the 12-year mark. At 16 years, he said, the park is well overdue.

“It has really taken a lot of abuse over the years,” Green said. The park’s wooden structures have been played upon and loved by children on countless summer days

So, local contractor Andy Vanderford with Acute Fencing has been called in to address some of the issues of aging within the park and make some updates in preparation for the spring and summer season of usage by area families. Vanderford and his crew have been working at the site, making repairs and a new addition as well.

“There used to be a glider there,” Green said, “but they’re dangerous and they don’t make them anymore.”

“So, we chose to build a little climbing wall,” Green said.

If you drive past the park, the new climbing wall can be noticed almost immediately with its bright new timer on the southeast corner of the park.

“Being over 12 years-old, there is a lot of maintenance that needs addressed,” Green said. He added that Vanderford’s goal is to have the project completed by spring.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

With leap day upon us, it seems only fitting that as we leap ahead with the year, that we announce the addition of a new writer at Talk of the Town.

Athena Toskos Metzger, a seven-year resident of Whitley County, will become a regular contributing writer this week, covering several areas of interest to her -- particularly related to physical fitness, sports and wellness. Metzger also has a passion for several local organizations and hopes to write about them as well.

"I've been looking for a creative outlet," Metzger said, adding that she's looking forward to an opportunity to expand her writing talents.

Metzger is a graduate of Indiana-Purdue University at Fort Wayne with a bachelor's degree in secondary education. She began a love of journalism and writing in college and is looking forward to utilizing those skills as a writer for Talk of the Town. An occasional substitute teacher for the Smith-Green School Corporation, Metzger is also a lifeguard and gymnastics instructor at the Whitley County Family YMCA.

Metzger and her husband of 13 years, Scott, are the parents of three children -- Isaac, age 11, Margaret, age 10, and Rachel, age 8.

In her spare time, she enjoys scrapbooking, beading, basket weaving, swimming, aerobics and jogging.

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Editor's Note: Talk of the Town will feature more news from the SWCD's annual meeting in updates on the site later today and beyond, including considerations landowners should make when deciding whether or not to allow people utilize your property for recreational purposes and how to protect yourself from liability for potential injuries. Also, we'll let you know who was recognized for keeping good production management practices to protect local waterways and more interesting news.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) An entertainer with Sweetcakes clowns, below,  delighted the audience at the annual Spay-ghetti Dinner for the Whitley County Humane Society Wednesday evening in Columbia City.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Whitley County Humane Society's annual Spay-ghetti Dinner at The Eagle's Nest Event Center Wednesday night brought together animal lovers for an evening of fun and fundraising.

In addition to a delicious dinner, guests also enjoyed interesting entertainment with Sweetcakes The Clown and friends as well as a dress-up contest and an auction. Although the event was impacted by the weather to an extent, it was still quite successful in supporting the county's animal shelter.

The event also served to bring awareness to the need to have animals spayed or neutered to reduce animal over-population.

Talk of the Town will share information on a future Whitley County Humane Society fundraiser later this week.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Representatives of several local non-profit organizations in Whitley County gathered Tuesday for their quarterly networking session, Whitley Connections. The group toured the Purdue Cooperative office on Line Street in Columbia City and met afterward to talk about current initiatives within their organizations. Those present for the meeting included Monica Trump of the United Way, Kendra Zickafoose and Jenna Ott of the Whitley County Community Foundation, Nikki Geiger of The Lighthouse, Jan Labas of the American Red Cross, Cindy Barnett of Purdue Cooperative Extension, Tammy Nicholson of Passages, Inc., Bill Webber of Learning Services and Kelley Sheiss of Leadership Whitley County. Touring the facility, above from left, is Nikki Geiger, Tammy Nicholson, Bill Webber and Jan Labas.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Residents and those who work near the Allen-Whitley County line will soon have a healthy, new eating option.

According to sources close to the project, a Subway sandwich shop is being built at the Allen-Whitley County line near the travel plaza at US 30 and the County Line Road.

A search is currently underway to find a manager to oversee the operation. A complete job listing for the position appears in our classified section today.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Regardless of where you stand on the matter of building a new high school in Whitley County, an important step in the process is the 1028 hearing.

The hearing, slated for March 11 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Columbia City High School, is the forum at which the school board will officially state their intention to build a facility as well as the costs and bond amount.

At that time, the community is invited to attend and be a part of this important step in the process of what may become a future Columbia City High School.

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Article Contributed 

Peabody Retirement Community, in conjunction with Ivy Tech – Warsaw is seeking ten caring individuals who would like to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

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As of just a few moments ago, Talk of the Town is now publishing memorial notices as they are received in our office seven days a week. You will find them updated frequently on the tool bar at right. As with all of the news published on Talk of the Town, each memorial notice will stay in our archives indefinitely and may be searched and found easily. You are welcome to post your own messages to the family below each notice, however, your posting will be reviewed for content before it is published.

We developed this new area on the site at the request of readers who voiced their interest in finding such information here. We hope this addition is viewed as a positive one -- as it keeps us connected as a community and aware of what is happening in the lives of our friends and neighbors.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A group of Leadership Whitley County alumni members work to plan this year’s major event – an evening of dinner and dancing in support of women’s heart health. Clockwise above, from front left, is Pat Hatcher, June Keiser, Kelley Sheiss and Janet Scank.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Bouncing off of last year’s success of Leadership Whitley County’s Dancing with the Stars of Whitley County event, a group of LWC alumni are once again hoping to hit a homerun with fresh, new event this year.

Impacted by loved ones and friends who have faced heart health issues, a group of LWC alumni are planning Rhapsody in Red, a semi-formal evening of dinner and dancing with funds raised to support heart health in Whitley County. The event, set for April 25, will begin with cocktails, followed by a plated meal, dancing and entertainment by The Blue River Express. Rhapsody in Red will take place at The Eagles Nest Event Center in Columbia City.

The committee, comprised of Janet Scank, Pat Hatcher, June Keiser, Kelley Sheiss and Jennifer Zartman Romano, have been planning the event for several months and continuing to iron out details, including some unique activities the night of the event.

Additionally, the ladies are securing celebrity servers who will serve meals the evening of the event, adding to the somewhat formal nature of the event.

So, will everyone wear red?

“Yes, I hope they do because it will make the event that much more exciting,” said committee member June Keiser of J&J Insurance Solutions. Some suggested ways to wear red that evening might include a red gown (short or long), a red tie, scarf, corsage or boutonnière. Attendees might also consider red shoes or jewelry in red.

“Or maybe a red hat or a red ribbon,” offered Keiser.

Keiser and others are eager for a good turnout for the event.

“If we could have a nice, full crowd, that would be awesome,” Keiser said. She is looking forward to spending the evening among friends.

“Hopefully, all of the membership of Leadership Whitley County will attend in support of the organization and have a great evening,” Keiser said. She hopes the evening puts emphasis on Whitley County’s premier leadership development organization, Leadership Whitley County, and also on the issue of cardiovascular health. Heart health is an often overlooked issue within Whitley County – one that many hope will benefit from financially and with awareness generated by this event.

Save the date cards are currently being distributed around Whitley County, with full scale marketing of the event slated to begin in the next few weeks.

Tickets are $30 per person and $50 per couple. A table for eight can be purchased for $210.

“This not only offers some savings but gives businesses or groups a chance to purchase a table, attend together and support the event,” said committee member Kelley Sheiss.

Reservations may be made in advance by calling Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

We are taught, even as small children, to say thank you to show our appreciation. Yet, in adulthood we often find it difficult to adequately express the words to show our appreciation for the acts of kindness shown to us. We learn that sometimes a simple “thank you” does not seem to be enough.

Fortunately, for the past 13 years, the Whitley County Community Foundation has developed a means by which local residents can say thank you to special people in a very big, meaningful way.

The Heart of Gold Awards celebrate and recognize those in the community who have gone above and beyond for someone else. Anyone Whitley County resident, regardless of age, who has touched someone else’s life in a special way is eligible to be nominated for a Heart of Gold Award.

To nominate someone for a Heart of Gold Award, pick up a nomination form at businesses throughout the community, public libraries or online at www.whitleycountycommunityfoundation.org

Residents nominated for a Heart of Gold award are eligible for nomination once again as long as they are being nominated for a different reason or act of kindness.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, March 14, and nomination forms must be submitted via the mail or in person at the Whitley County Community Foundation, 400 North Whitley Street, Columbia City, IN 46725.

Lengthy narratives are not necessary when filling out a Heart of Gold nomination, however, please keep in mind that portions of the nominations may be reprinted in local publications and should be suitable for that purpose. The Whitley County Community Foundation staff will provide assistance in filling out forms, if needed, by calling 244-5224. 

Each nominee will receive a gold, heart-shaped medallion with their name engraved upon the surface and will be recognized in a ceremony on April 24 at Indian Springs Middle School.

Three overall winners will be selected and given the opportunity to direct a $1,000 grant to the local non-profit organization of their choice.

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(Photo Contributed) South Whitley-headquartered modular building company Whitley Manufacturing, shown above in a file photo, officially announced plans today to expanding their operations in Whitley County. Plans include the immediate addition of 40 jobs in South Whitley. The official announcement was made this afternoon by the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation.

Article Contributed 

Modular building manufacturer Whitley Manufacturing, Inc. announced today that it will expand its South Whitley manufacturing operations, with additional job creation beginning immediately.

“We continue to see growth throughout our business, which confirms our customers’ belief in the quality of our products and reflects the capabilities of our dedicated workforce,” said Simon Dragan, President.

Established in 1945 to build homes for returning World War II veterans, Whitley Manufacturing, Inc has grown to have a regional and now a national presence as an industry leader in modular building construction.

“Whitley Manufacturing has been a steady, stable employer in South Whitley,” said Tonya Porter, Town Council President. “We are excited that the company has chosen to grow in our community.”

This expansion will create forty new jobs at the company’s flagship South Whitley facility, ten to twenty-five new jobs at its Rochester plant, and twenty-five new jobs at its Marysville, Washington plant. Investments in machinery and equipment will also position the company to grow its business across all product lines, which now include classroom, dormitory, medical, and office facilities.

The Whitley County EDC is working with local and regional partners to support Whitley Manufacturing’s expansion plans.

About Whitley Manufacturing…

Founded in 1945, Whitley Manufacturing, Inc. builds modular commercial structures for a variety of applications, including, schools, offices, dormitory and medical facilities. The company operates out of its headquarters located in South Whitley, Indiana and also operates facilities, in Rochester, Indiana and Marysville, Washington. For more information about Whitley Manufacturing, Inc., please visit www.whitleymanufacturing.com

About Whitley County EDC…

The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation is a not-for-profit corporation originated to assist business development needs. The EDC partners closely with local, regional, and state agencies to create a strong link for industry needs. For more information about the EDC, please visit: www.whitleybiz.com

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Snow covered roadways in Whitley County have nearly become the norm this winter. This morning's weighty snowfall made the community look quite scenic as is evident by this wintery view down Shinneman Road. Reports from around the county indicate snowfall ranging between 4-6 inches depending on the location. It is expected to get a lot colder as the day goes on and we may see some additional snow accumulation by the end of the day of 1-2 inches.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The centerpiece of our communities, the Whitley County Courthouse stands majestic Monday evening as the snow whirls around it, creating a haze effect. The heavy snowfall has effected traffic locally, resulted in school closures and impacted attendance at local community meetings and functions this morning. Snowfall estimates vary and we're expected to continue recieving snowfall until late this evening. What will tomorrow hold for schools and traffic? That remains to be seen.

Keep checking back to Talk of the Town for important news updates throughout the day.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The Whitley County Family YMCA's Partner with Youth fundraising thermometer is marking success two weeks into the campaign. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Two weeks into the Whitley County Family YMCA’s Partner with Youth Campaign, a quick look at the fundraising thermometer shows they are already making progress.

According to Erica Miller, the executive director of the Whitley County Family YMCA, they are nearly a quarter of the way toward meeting their goal.

“Currently, we are close to $6,000,” Miller said Monday morning. The fundraising goal is $25,000 this year.

The board of directors and volunteers will continue soliciting support for the campaign until the end of March. Funds raised are used to ensure that needy children and families who want access to the services of the local YMCA are able to enjoy those opportunities without financial barriers. All funds raised locally remain in Whitley County.

Two individuals who have benefited from the services of the YMCA’s financial assistance have shared their stories on our “Community Voices” page at right.

For more information about supporting the Whitley County Partner with Youth Campaign, contact the YMCA at 244-9622.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, the kaleidoscope of color on stage was a focal point during the "Raise the Roof" concert at First Church of God Saturday night -- an event that set a fundraising record for the church's missions activities in Haiti. Below, at top, band member Scott Booker is showered in an orange light during a guitar solo.  Below, at bottom, the event's coordinator, John Alcock, sings with passion.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Brightly colored lights hit the stage, illuminating the stars of the evening, a group of musically inclined members of First Church of God in Columbia City. Behind them, a large screen showed the words of the songs so that the audience might sing along. In the audience, hands reach toward the sky and voices sang along.

As their voices and the sound of contemporary Christian music enveloped the crowd, they were accomplishing an even greater good.

On Saturday evening, 500 people had a part in helping First Church of God’s “Raise the Roof” to raise a record-setting $7,000 to support the church’s continued missions and to help build a medical facility in Haiti.

According to Andy More, who assisted with Saturday’s event, this was the third time for the event which was coordinated by John Alcock, one of the evening’s performers.

The funds support GAP (Go And Produce) Ministries, a initiative developed by Steve Mossburg who has led several mission trips to Haiti.

“About 80-90 people have gone down to Haiti to help Steve over the years,” More said in the quiet area of the church lobby as the excitement of the concert continued in the sanctuary nearby.

“It was John Alcock’s idea to do this event to help our mission activities,” More continued. This was the third concert presented to support the mission.

One missions team returned from Haiti a week ago and 15 local youths are now preparing to spend their spring break there working on construction and schooling projects, according to More.

More was extremely excited about the level of funds raised during Saturday night’s event, saying that when you consider that a good job in Haiti would result in about a $300 per year annual income, $7,000 is quite a sum of money – a sum they’ll be able to put to good use.

For more information about the mission trips to Haiti or to contribute further funds to support the project, contact Steve Mossburg at 610-4748, Andy More at 229-1265 or First Church of God at 244-5959.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Below, at top, Nicole Trier, a member of the Faith Christian Academy parents group, draws a sign to promote the school's fish and tenderloin dinner this evening at the Whitley County 4-H Center. Below, at bottom, Shelly Davis of The Eagle's Nest Event Center in Columbia City slices tomatos Saturday morning in preparation for the Columbia City Rotary's Scholarship Auction later this evening. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

For a winter's day in February, there is certainly a lot going on in Whitley County today and later this evening. So, Talk of the Town is bringing you a brief overview so that you'll find something great to do later today.

At the Eagle's Nest Event Center on Saturday morning, table tops are decorated and auction items await the bids and buzzing of the Columbia City Rotary's annual Scholarship Auction. The 17th annual auction, featuring many unique items, begins at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. and the auction to follow.

Faith Christian Academy of Whitley County is hosting an all you can eat fish and tenderloin fry prepared by Gaerte's this evening from 4-7 p.m. at the Whitley County 4-H Center. Adult meals are $7.50 and children's meals are $3.50. Carryouts are available. All proceeds will support the non-profit, non-denominational Christian school's operational fund. A silent auction is also planned.

First Church of God, located at 1200 Depoy Drive in Columbia City, will hold "Raise The Roof," a Christian free worship concert put on by local musicians. The concert begins at the church at 7 p.m. A free will offering will be accepted to help build a medical clinic in Haiti.

Etna United Methodist Church will host a Chicken & Noodle Dinner tonight from 4-7 p.m. at the Church. Tickets are $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 4-12 and free for children under 4.

Victory Christian Fellowship will present the preliminary event for the Whitley County's Most Talented Competition until 6 p.m. today at Brew Ha in Columbia City. There is no charge to attend. The final round of competition is slated for March 1 and will cost $10 per contestant and $3 for spectators. The final competition will be held at The Center, just south of City Hall in Columbia City. Proceeds from the event will support a youth mission trip to Peru.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) With her back turned to the camera to protect her privacy, Laura, at center above, is surrounded by encouragement as The Lighthouse executive director Tania Keirn, not shown, shares the symbolism Laura sees in the image of a lighthouse. Laura is a resident of the The Lighthouse. She said she doesn't see the facility as a homeless shelter, but rather transitional housing as she moves forward in her life. Below, former resident-turned-employee Alysia Stone shares her story in an eloquent speech. At bottom, executive director Tania Keirn talks about the shelter and the profound truth she learned from a client as she prepared for this year's annual meeting.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

In a conference room at the The Lighthouse shelter, a facility dedicated to improving the lives of homeless residents in Whitley County, “Laura” spent the better part of the past few weeks building small lighthouse sculptures with papier mache.

Closely eyeing the details, she worked meticulously building each one better than the next. The tiny towers, with sparkling rocks at their bases, had to be perfect. In her eyes, each element represented something very important. They were going to be more than vessels in which donations might be accepted during the Interfaith Mission’s The Lighthouse annual meeting and celebration.

No, these lighthouses and the poster she created as a focal point for the event represented so much more. As a resident of The Lighthouse, Laura was able to illustrate her experience at the shelter in an unforgettable way.

The Lighthouse’s executive director, Tania Keirn, addressed a gathering of volunteers, board members and community representatives at First Church of God Thursday evening for an evening dedicated to celebrating successes large and small and for recognizing the many people whose efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Keirn was particularly taken with Laura’s work and shared her beautiful story with those in attendance.

“This poster was sitting on my chair at my desk,” Keirn said, gesturing to the collage Laura had made. “I stopped, I listened and I asked questions.”

“She knocked me off my feet,” Keirn continued, explaining how Laura’s vision of the lighthouse had such depth and meaning. “It was so profound and it told the story of The Lighthouse.”

Laura chose to make the colors of the letters in the words “The Lighthouse” yellow because as Keirn said she explained, “It’s like the bright light you give us. You put a bright light in our life to guide us…to give us hope.”

The tiny doors on the lighthouses had to open, as Laura explained, because she said, “You open the door to opportunity.”

Looking in Laura’s direction, Keirn said, gesturing, “You made this turn into this,” expanding her arms open widely. Keirn said she felt the symbolism in Laura’s work told the true meaning of The Lighthouse so much better than she could have in words, and asked those in attendance to contemplate these concepts.

“Where in the world would we be without opportunity,” Keirn said looking around the room. “What a great gift this is. I hope you all see what I saw when Laura explained this to me.”

For the second year, former The Lighthouse resident and now employee Alysia Stone spoke of her experience at the shelter and gave an overview of where she is now.

“I knew God had plans for me,” Stone said. “I just didn’t know what they were.”

Stone is currently attending Concordia Theological Seminary in pursuit of becoming a deaconess in the Lutheran Church. She’s currently performing field work at The Lighthouse, an amazing opportunity in her eyes.

“It has turned out to be a great blessing,” Stone said. “How better to serve than to serve The Lighthouse,” she asked. In a role where she’s been working on case management, Stone has had the opportunity to work with children, help work on resident’s interpersonal relationships, assist with goal setting, and importantly, provide moral support in a way relays a sense of trust and understanding – after all she’s been in their shoes before.

“This is sometimes the only stability and safe place our residents have ever known,” Stone said, recounting stories of children who’ve grasped wildly at chair legs, begging their parents not to leave a place where they’ve found hope and security for the first time.

The evening’s activities also provided an opportunity to honor the efforts of many who’ve assisted with fundraising and communications over the years, including Barb Bilger, Ann Fahl, Gayla Cox and Frances Brown – each of whom received a gift of recognition.

The Lighthouse board of directors includes Esther Smith, president, Andy More, Darlene Wright, Roger Seymoure, Julia Berry, Gayla Cox, Sharon Pequignot, Ann Fahl, Shirley Ihnen, Diane Behrens, Rick Trump, Carl Siler, Kari Brubaker, Jayme Dee, Jeff Arnold and board intern, Janelle Burnworth.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Many people are surprised to hear Whitley County has a homeless shelter.

We don’t see people sleeping on park benches or huddled in corners, under rough, soiled blankets. But, as with many hard truths in life, just because we can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

Indeed, there are homeless in Whitley County – they aren’t nameless faces from other towns. They’re people we’ve seen, names we might know. They sleep on friends’ couches or in their cars, but they truly have no place of their own.

Eight years and one week after the first residents began to arrive at the doorstep of The Lighthouse shelter, the facility continues to provide a place of hope, healing, respite and personal growth for men, women and children. Beginning in a small, two-room house, the facility has now more than filled the former Columbia City Motel on Business 30 near the American Legion Hall.

According to statistics released during The Lighthouse shelter’s annual meeting Thursday night, the shelter served 405 people – exactly 168 women, 63 men and 174 children – in addition to providing 1,996 referrals to other agencies.

In 2007 alone, The Lighthouse had a total of 370 referrals and served 100 people not only in the facility, but through outreach services and addressed the immediate needs of 38 people on the brink of homelessness.

They addressed issues: 28 people suffered from psychological issues, 27 people suffered from drug or alcohol abuse and 39 residents experienced physical abuse before coming to the shelter, including 20 children, 17 women and two men who experienced domestic violence.

The facility, an effort of The Interfaith Mission, a collective group representing many faiths is a non-profit entity supported by grants, governmental funding and the generosity of local residents.

While at the shelter, residents are not only given a place to live, but education and expectations in several areas, including self-esteem, employment, parenting, nutrition, personal finances and more.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Chris Jones, owner of Bones Theatre, stands in the projection above the nearly one year old theatre in Columbia City. Jones says the business continues to grow and that he's tentatively planning to build similar theatres in other communities. Below, an exterior photo of the Bones Theatre, film intricately coiled and awaiting the next showing, and a birdseye view of one of the theatre's four auditoriums. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

After many decades without the thrill of a own hometown movie theatre in Columbia City, local residents’ long time wish came true almost a year ago with the opening of Bones Theatre on Opportunity Way.

Looking back over the year, Bones Theatre owner Chris Jones has a lot to be proud of – the countless families who’ve created new traditions of movie-going together, great levels of community involvement, developing a creative work environment where employees are encouraged to make things happen and becoming the first theatre in the entire state of Indiana to be accessible to both the visual and hearing-impaired.

Last summer, after significant fundraising efforts by Jones and the Lakota Chapter for the Blind, the Mopix system was installed at Bones Theatre. Utilizing tools to make the movie-going experience special for those with visual and hearing impairments, Jones sees it as a tremendous benefit that entire families who may not have been able to enjoy movies together at a theatre in the past may now do so together at Bones Theatre.

“It’s very cool to see the deaf and blind use Mopix,” Jones said. “They all make a point to stop and thank us – part