Talk of the Town - Whitley County

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

On the heels of confirmation that Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama will be making a private, by-invitation-only visit to Columbia City Thursday morning, a new report has surfaced that a representative from the Hillary Clinton campaign is now planning a stop in Whitley County on Saturday.

Barack Obama is expected to visit Columbia Thursday morning for a private reception before moving on to an event in South Bend.

Bill Clinton, according to reports, is planning to expected to visit Columbia City on Saturday, however an exact location and time have not been released.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Volunteers gathered at the Bloom, Gates, Sigler & Whiteleather law office Wednesday evening to make phone calls to local residents in support of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. The volunteers planned to make calls until 8 p.m. this evening. Above, from left, is Matt Shipman, Bonnie Shipman, Tim Bloom and Lynn Walker.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Whitley County is seeing pink!

Residents continue to wake up in the morning or arrive home from work to find flamingos frolicking in their yards – and they want them gone. And, at the same time, they want send the plastic pink pairs off to annoy their friends and relatives while generating funds for Leadership Whitley County.

According to Leadership Whitley County’s director, Kelley Sheiss, the fundraiser has thus far raised approximately $800. With the event scheduled to continue a little longer, that figure is likely to rise with each new flocking.

An unfortunate incident, however, has many seeing red instead of pink.

“Unfortunately, someone has kidnapped a set of flamingos and signs,” Sheiss reported this afternoon.

Hopefully, they’ll be safely returned to a yard in Whitley County sometime soon so they can continue their mission.

If you’d like to schedule a flocking of a family member, friend or associate, contact Carrie Ebersole at 396-2723 after 4:30 p.m. daily. All proceeds raised from the Leadership Whitley County fundraiser will support the construction of a SplashPad, a water feature for families in Morsches Park slated for construction early this summer.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The BABE Extravaganza committee has been working diligently to plan the June 21 event for several months. Above, from left, are committee members Erica Sefton, Cara Graves, Shawn Ellis and Shawna Mullett. Not shown is committee member Sarah Schuman.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

To say she was ecstatic would be an understatement.

On Tuesday afternoon. Shawn Ellis, director of the Whitley County Beds & Britches Etc. (BABE) program found out that members of the Fort Wayne Freedom football team have agreed to not only attend the BABE Extravaganza on June 21 at the YMCA, prepared to meet local children and sign autographs.

“I’m just so excited,” Ellis said in her office as she looked over a file of information regarding the upcoming event which will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. that day.

Additionally, Ellis learned this week that Parkview Health’s Samaritan will be flying in. “They’ll be there for kids to observe,” she said.

Ellis and a committee including Shawna Mullett, Erica Sefton, Cara Graves and Sarah Schuman have been planning the event for several months now.

The event will include various activities on the YMCA’s soccer field from giant inflatable moonwalks, sack races, a raffle and other fun stuff for families and children of all ages. Senator Gary “Doc” Dillon has agreed to sit in the dunk tank.

The Whitley County Sheriff’s Department will be doing a children’s identification program for the first 40 children in attendance through the SafeAssured ID program under the guidance of reserve deputy Greg Greaf. The cost of the program will underwritten by a local service organization pending final confirmation. Child safety seat checks are planned.

Lunch items will be available for purchase.

While the event is free to the community in hopes of bringing families together in support of BABE, a portion of the event is geared at raising funds…and speaking of gears, there won’t be any…in the bike race.

A bike relay race is planned using cruiser bikes and helmets from The Trailhouse, a bike shop in Winona Lake. Four member relay teams will complete a quarter mile course on the Blue River Trail.

Participation in the bike relay is ranges from a $100-$300 donation per team. Teams must register by May 31. All proceeds from the bike race will support the BABE program, with this event planned as their largest fundraiser of the year.

For more information on registering for the bike relay or regarding the event, contact Shawn Ellis at 244-2820.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Finding the answers they’re looking for can be difficult for any parent – but particularly for parents of children with special needs.

In hopes of providing some guidance and helpful information, Passages Inc. will be hosting a free forum on May 12 beginning at 6:30 p.m. entitled “Planning for the Future.” The forum will be held in the board room at the Marshall Community Center off Walnut Street in Columbia City.

Attorney Tim Bloom of Bloom, Gates, Sigler and Whiteleather law firm will discuss the proper way to preserve children’s benefits with special needs trusts as well as the various perspectives on guardianship.

Melissa Justice of The ARC of Indiana will present information on The ARC Trust.

Additionally, attendees can learn more about services available within the state and community for individuals with developmental disabilities, autism and who have experienced traumatic brain injury.

Experienced personnel from Passages Inc. will also be on hand to answer questions about waivers, etc. To RSVP, contact Diane Igney at 244-7688 ext. 110 or call Dean Kincaid at 244-7688 ext. 144 or Connie McKinney at 248-4211 ext. 229.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) On Saturday, April 19, local Republican Whitley County Council candidates were featured at a forum at the Eagles Lodge in downtown Columbia City. Each candidate had the opportunity to introduce himself and later to answer questions. The forum was recorded and the recording, though somewhat lengthy, is now available exclusively here on Talk of the Town for you to download and review. As informed voters of Whitley County, Talk of the Town urges you to listen to the recording before casting your vote next Tuesday. Above, from left, is Scott Darley, Steve Hively, Jim Banks, Bill Overdeer and Tom Western. The five candidates are vying for three open positions. Standing behind them is Steve Shine, moderator for the forum.

Candidate Introductions

The Forum Recording with Q&A

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

In awe of the power of prayer, Whitley County residents will celebrate the National Day of Prayer on Thursday with activities held throughout the day.

Coordinated by Suzie Langohr and the Whitley County National Day of Prayer committee, the event will begin with voluntary prayer on playgrounds at local schools and a prayer breakfast at 7 a.m. in Columbia City.

Prayers will include special requests for schools, children, families, law enforcement, emergency personnel and firefighters. Additionally, prayer requests were collected at the Whitley County Family YMCA and will be addressed during a prayer walk from noon-1 p.m. at the YMCA on Thursday.

The local Ministerial Alliance will also be leading prayer at noon in the gazebo on the Whitley County Courthouse lawn.

In the evening, a program has been planned entitled “Hands Around the Courthouse” on the courthouse lawn at 6:30 p.m. In addition to an inspirational speech given by Pastor Luther Whitfield of Youth for Christ, the community is invited to participate in prayer as the group prays for the community.

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(Photos provided) Young service organization members with FYI from New York not only volunteered their time and energy in Northeast Indiana last week, they also made a little time for fun too. The youths stayed with local families and participated in some of the best recreational activities Whitley County has to offer. Above, they enjoyed go kart rides at Paige's Crossing and below, they utilized the Whitley County Family YMCA and were among some of the first to use the new Dance Dance Revolution equipment.

By Jenna Ott

Tucked away in the hustle of Manhattan is a youth service organization called FYI, or Fresh Youth Initiatives. This growing service organization works with youth ages 10 and up who are ready to make a difference in their community. Youth involved at FYI earn rewards for hours spent volunteering in the community, building leadership skills, and attending supplemental activities and workshops. Each year, one of the biggest incentives offered is “Trip USA.” The young people have 3 months to log service hours at FYI, and the students with the most number of hours earn a seat on the much-anticipated trip.

This year, “Trip USA” came to Northeast Indiana. Through a partnership between the Dekko Foundation, local Community Foundations, and FYI, the group spent time in Whitley County and the surrounding areas last week. 

The youth saw many local attractions during their week-long stay, such as Paige’s Crossing, the Whitley County YMCA, several local farms, a Motocross Race at Trojan Raceway, DePuy Orthopaedics, DeBrand’s Chocolates, Merry Lea Environmental Center, and much more. They even learned the story of the Miami Indians as presented by Columbia City’s own Dr. Clark Waterfall.

Many firsts also happened on the trip as the young New Yorkers had their first experience with fishing, exotic wildlife at Black Pine Animal Park, and nature hikes at Pokagon. The group even made time for some service projects with the HANDS Foundation at Children’s Hope in Fort Wayne.

A "Thank You" to the many who made this possible...

The trip was an amazing success, and would not have been possible without the help of 12 amazing Whitley County families who opened their homes and their hearts to the visitors from FYI. A sincere thanks to the following families for their help in making “Trip USA” a big success: Brian & Vanessa Bills and Family, Matt & Leslie Rentscher and Family, Al & Mary Ann Anderson, Dr. John & Aileen Meier, Mayor Jim & Kay Fleck, Mark & Joanne Green and Family, Jim & Margie Daniels, Aaron & Melinda Woll and Family, Gary & Lisa Wilson and Family, Dr. Jim & September McConnell and Family, Jacie Worrick, and The Honorable Mike & JoEllen Rush. Thank you all for everything you did for our NYC Guests! 

In addition, special thanks goes out to the CC Deli for providing our guests with a great breakfast each day of their visit, and to Mike at Gotcha Covered for the “Trip USA” t-shirts…they loved them!!

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(Photos provided) The H.A.N.D.S. Foundation partnered with a group of young philanthropists from New York City last week for a service day at Children's Hope House on the campus of Lutheran Hospital. Above and below, the volunteers worked side by side on several projects. 

By John Slavich

On Wednesday, April 23, 2008, the H.A.N.D.S. Foundation of Whitley County partnered with New York City’s Fresh Youth Initiatives (FYI) for a service day at Mad Anthony’s Children’s Hope House, a division of the Lutheran Medical Park.  FYI is a youth philanthropic organization that consists of middle school and high school students and, among other services, runs the only youth-operated food bank in New York City.

The 24 FYI members teamed-up with the fifteen H.A.N.D.S. representatives for their annual project at Children’s Hope to spread mulch and plant flowers around the house’s perimeter, clean and sanitize the children’s toys, reorganize the linen closet, wash windows, and prepare lunch for the workers and residents. 

The Indiana natives enjoyed working and spending time with their New York counterparts and appreciated the ability to accomplish larger-scaled tasks than in previous years, and they hope the visiting volunteers felt the same.  This is one of H.A.N.D.S. members’ favorite activities, though they are always willing to donate time or money to other not-for-profit organizations in the community.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Indiana House Minority Leader Brian Bosma, standing above, talks with local residents about various change-related issues facing state government in the months and years ahead. The informal morning discussion was held at The Brownstone on State in South Whitley. Below, at left, State Representative Dan Leonard talks with attendees. Below, Whitley County Republican Party  and county council candidate Jim Banks answers a question. Banks helped to coordinate the visit to Whitley County.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Indiana House Minority Leader Brian Bosma of Indianapolis made a stop in South Whitley recently at the invitation of the Whitley County Republican Party -- bringing a message of change.

Bosma spoke about the impact of property tax changes on the future of the state as well as the impact individual communities will face. Bosma asked questions posed by local residents and county government officials.

“Dealing with the immediate and not the long term has put our state in a desperate situation,” Bosma said.

“Hoosiers don’t like change, but change was needed,” he said.

There may be some changes in store for Indiana, however, that he and others are not necessarily in support of – including proposed idea of putting one executive in charge of a county with that individual appointing representatives to serve in various areas. This concept is part of the bipartisan Kernan-Shepherd report, a hot topic on the minds of officials around the state. Some have described this proposed county executive position as a “super mayor.”

“It may be time for that and it may not be in some areas,” Bosma said of the idea.

 “I think its too much control in one person,” said Scott Darley, a county council member in attendance.

“It’s not a fiscally responsible solution,” said county councilman Bill Overdeer, also in attendance. As discussion continued, Overdeer urged Bosma to keep the perspectives of counties in mind when making decisions regarding the reformation of local government.

“Whatever you get done, give local government a voice,” said Overdeer.

Bosma stopped in South Whitley enroute to Huntington to speak in support of State Representative Dan Leonard’s bid for re-election. Leonard and State Representative Matt Bell were in attendance, along with several local officials and citizens.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Valparaiso mayor and Republican attorney general candidate Jon Costas visited Whitley County yesterday morning, talking with local residents at the CC Deli in Columbia City.

Costas is one of what is expected to be several candidates vying for the attorney general’s position. Republican delegates will be selecting a candidate during this summer’s Republican State Convention.

The visit to Whitley County to meet constituents was coordinated by the Whitley County Republican Party.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) The weather lately has been ideal for a spring stroll. Whether walking in Churubusco, Columbia City, rural Whitley County or along a peaceful sidewalk in South Whitley, above, you're likely to enjoy beautiful flowers, new foliage on the trees and many reasons to enjoy spring in our community.

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By Carol Nolan 

For more than twenty years, Somebody Cares, Inc. has been vital in the Whitley County community, and though some things have changed - logo, location and personnel - over the last few years, its mission remains the same: to serve “the underserved.”

The underserved may be those who could benefit greatly from counseling if it were affordable and those who simply desire an option in choosing mental health care. No one is turned away. Support from United Way, the Community Foundation, churches, individual contributions and other grants put its services within reach of everyone.

Somebody Cares has always operated as a not for profit organization. The board of directors is made up of volunteers who believe in its mission and are willing to give of their time and effort to assure its survival. No office staff is employed. Counselors return messages left on the answering service and set their own appointments. Each client deals directly only with their own counselor.

The Linvill Center on Van Buren Street was the original home to the agency, but several years ago, Somebody Cares moved its offices to the lower level of the Lehmberg Building beside the hospital in Columbia City, and that’s when many people lost track of them. 

So, during the month of May, which is Mental Health Month, Somebody Cares plans to be very visible. No one should be asking, by the end of May, “Whatever happened to Somebody Cares?” You will see their booth at the Heartbeats Festival at Parkview Whitley Hospital on May 3, 2008, from 7-11 a.m.

Stop by to pick up information about mental health issues, and about the agency. A Lego building contest and other handouts will be fun for both children and adults. Meet the counselors too during that time. Cheryl Wagoner and Carol Nolan are both licensed and, together, cover the fields of marriage, family, children, addictions and mental health.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Solid Waste District employees, with the assistance of community corrections workers, load a large semi with discarded television sets and electronic items for the Earth Day Challenge. Below, computer monitors are typically the most recycled item, but televisions were popular items this time. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The growing pile of discarded televisions, computer monitors and electronic devices mounted as local residents cleaned their homes of unwanted items by participating in the Whitley County Solid Waste District’s Earth Day Challenge event Friday afternoon was shocking.

From their facility on South Line Street, Solid Waste District employees, assisted by community corrections workers, unloaded items and filled a large semi trailer, a job that took many hours to complete.

This afternoon, Solid Waste District director Jorell Tucker said, “I know we ended up with 16 skids of materials.”

“We won’t know exactly how much we collected until we get a report from Intercon Solutions,” Tucker said.

Intercon Solutions, a facility in Chicago Heights, Illinois, will effectively recycle each item, keeping it out of landfills and ensuring new uses for the materials.

“It is all de-manufactured and everything is stripped out,” Tucker said of the recycling process. “Nothing goes overseas and all of the raw materials are sold to scrap dealers.”

So, your old television might one day be reformed into something else useful.

Speaking of televisions, Tucker said the most interesting item collected yesterday was an orange and white vintage television.

The mixture of items collected yesterday seemed to be fairly balanced, Tucker said.

“Usually we get more (computer) monitors than anything else,” he said. “But with everything switching to digital and flat screen, a lot of people were bringing in their old tvs even if they were still working.”

In all, Tucker was pleased with local participation in the Earth Day Challenge, saying, “I think it was a good turnout.”

Tucker anticipates another electronics collection drive sometime in September.

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(Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Whitley County Sheriff’s Department reserve deputies Tom Smith, left, and Greg Greaf, right, stand with three large bags of unwanted medication collected Friday afternoon. Below, a closer look at the numerous bottles and boxes of pills collected.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

They were not only responsible for making a little more shelf space available in local medicine cabinets, but, more importantly may helped keep dangerous drugs off the streets and out of the local sewers.

In cooperation with the Whitley County Solid Waste District’s Earth Day Challenge, the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department and Drug Task Force collected unwanted and expired medications and prescription drugs for disposal on Friday afternoon at the solid waste district facility on South Main Street.

Three large bags of pills and packaging were collected over the course of the afternoon by reserve deputies Tom Smith and Greg Greaf.

“It gets drugs out of medicine cabinets,” Smith said. Smith shared that by purging the drugs, it cuts down on the instances of people breaking into homes to steal drugs. Smith also pointed out other disposal issues avoided by the public collection drive.

Smith said people often throw their unwanted medication into the garbage or flush it down the toilet and both methods are problematic. In the garbage, it can be stolen or find its way into the wrong hands.

Smith also shared that the instance of flushing medication in Fort Wayne has been prevalent enough that trace amounts of medications have been found in water supplies.

“We’re getting it out of homes so that it can be destroyed properly,” Smith said.

The three bags of drugs will be turned over to the Whitley County Drug Task Force and they will be incinerated.

The Whitley County Sheriffs Department and Drug Task Force holds the collection drives several times a year.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A long line extends out into the parking lot of The Eagles Nest Event Center Wednesday as the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce hosted the "Thanks A Bunch Lunch." The event, held annually, is a way for employers to show their appreciation for administrative assistants, secretaries and other office staff. This year's event featured a vacation theme, with towels and totes for each guest and some comical relief by local business people.

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Today...South Whitley Garage Sales through this afternoon.

Tonight....Relay for Life Tenderloin Fry at the Whitley County 4-H Center from 4-7 p.m. Also, Sherri's Place near US 30 and SR 9 in Columbia City will be having their grand opening celebration this evening beginning at 9:30 p.m.

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(Talk of the Town photos) Above, the nominees for the Heart of Gold Awards smile proudly with their gold medallions. Below, from left, John Slavich recognizes two of the three Count On Me award nominees Carrie Gates and Paula Langeloh. Brian Bills was not present, but was selected as the grant award recipient. At bottom, from left, Linda McCoy, DeVon Schuman and Jim Hayes were given $1,000 grants to direct to the non-profit agency of their choice as winners of the Heart of Gold Awards. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Hearing the heart-felt stories of self-less giving, of community spirit and love of neighbors, there’s no doubt Whitley County residents have hearts of gold.

On Thursday evening, in an often emotional, yet joy-filled ceremony, the Whitley County Community Foundation recognized local residents whose deeds and commitment to others in their lives and in the community went above and beyond expectations.

Whitley County Community Foundation executive director September McConnell welcomed guests to the Carver Auditorium at Indian Springs Middle School for the event, which began with a dessert reception.

Program officer John Slavich read the names of three local residents who had been nominated for the Count On Me award, an award that honors adults who’ve made unique contributions to the lives of children. Those nominees included Carrie Gates, Paula Langeloh and Brian Bills.

Nominated by Tara Brandon, Gates was recognized for her ongoing volunteer service to Camp Whitley. Brandon Porter nominated Brian Bills, who has been a dedicated volunteer for Camp Whitley, assisting with archery and the creation of a rifle pavilion and groundskeeping, including the “removal of poison ivy and bees nests.” Paula Langeloh was nominated by Chase Langeloh, among others, for being a long-time camp nurse at Camp Whitley.

Brian Bills, although not in attendance at the event, was selected by the Count Me In committee and was given a grant to direct to the youth-serving agency of his choice.

Whitley County Community Foundation staff members Vanessa Bills, Jenna Ott, John Slavich and Kendtra Zickafoose each took turns reading the heart-felt, beautiful nominations penned by local residents in support of their nominees.

Prior to the event, a committee comprised of Helen Beatty, Sharlene Berkshire, Jan Hammer, Joan Lillmars, Ruth Metzger and Rosemary Steiner had read and evaluated each nomination, selecting three to be given the opportunity to direct a grant to the non-profit agency of their choice in Whitley County.

As each nomination was read, the nominee approached the front of the room and a golden heart medal was placed around their neck. Nominees listened proudly as their story was read aloud, some with tear-filled eyes – watched by an equally emotional audience, sharing in their celebration of self-lessness.

This year’s nominees included: Lois Bailey, Gary Boggs, Kathy Boston, Mandy Boston, Trent Boston, Ruthie Busick, Stephanie Carpenter, David Cooper, Valerie Cooper, Tom Eberly, Bill Fries, Jackie Fries, Rex Grable, Mark Green, Sue Harker, Jim Hayes, Bill Helm, John Johnson, Judy Johnson, Leander Marie Kauffman, Lynn Klingaman, Barb Knuth, Mike Lane, Suzie Langohr, Cheri Lincoln, Joyce M. Linder, Gail Martin, Linda McCoy, Athena Metzger, Glenys Mills, Emily Munk, Ron Myer, Herb Ohlwine, Joyce Ohlwine, Cathy Petrie, Shawn Pierce, Donald Mark Pratt, Jennifer Zartman Romano, Brenda Saggars, DeVon Schuman, Laura Shank, Vicki Sprunger, Cheryl Stalter, Shirlee Tackwell, Steve Tackwell, Don Terman, Jill Usher, Joe A. Wagoner, Tim Weybright and Cheryl Wyatt.

In the end, three were selected, representing Columbia City, South Whitley and Churubusco, receiving a $1,000 grant to direct as they chose. Those selected for the honor included DeVon Schuman, Linda McCoy and Jim Hayes.

Talk of the Town hopes to bring you some of the beautiful tributes written by local residents nominating their friends and neighbors in the coming weeks.

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(Photos by Shea McClure) Michelle Obama visited a packed house at North Side High School Friday. Below, in a self-portrait, Whitley County for Barack Obama campaign organizer Shea McClure stands cheek to cheek with Michelle Obama, wife of Barack Obama. 

Jennifer Zartman Romano

Columbia City resident Shea McClure had an up close and personal opportunity to meet Michelle Obama on Friday in Fort Wayne. Obama is the wife of Senator Barack Obama, candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Obama talked to a crowd of approximately 500 people at North Side High School, sharing more about her husband's goals and hope for advocating change in America.

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(Talk of the Town file photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A fun and relaxing evening was enjoyed by all at last year's Elegant Evening on the Lake, as shown above, at Shriner Lake. This year, guest will visit Loon Lake. Below, guests prepared to board their boats enroute to another lakefront home for dessert last year. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

As soon as the ice is off area lakes, the temperatures warm up and people begin thinking about summertime at Whitley County’s beautiful lakes, thoughts begin to turn toward The Lighthouse’s annual Elegant Evening on the Lake dinner.

The event, a progressive dinner where guests are shuttled from house to house on local lakes enjoying hors d’ oeuvres, dinner and desserts, is a highly sought-after affair with the limited seating selling out each year. The time between each stop in the evening includes a scenic boat tour of the lake hosting the event.

This year, the community of Loon Lake has graciously welcomed The Lighthouse to host the event at homes surrounding the 222-acre lake in northern Whitley County. The volunteer event coordinator this year is Ann Fahl, who is working with the many families living around the lake to secure interesting homes for guests to visit as well as many boats for guests to ride in. Fahl is being assisted in the coordination efforts by Loon Lake residents Carol Ebbinghouse, Ruby Brower and Louise Hill.

The event will be held on July 19, 2008, with seatings at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Thus far, ten families have enthusiastically volunteered their attractive lakefront homes for the fundraiser. All proceeds from the event support The Lighthouse, Whitley County’s only homeless and transitional living facility. Since opening in 1998, The Lighthouse has served nearly 2,000 men, women and children with life’s basic necessities and much more.

The dinner is approximately three hours in length. Requests can be made to create accommodations that are handicap accessible, if needed.

The main course dinner options include: Creamy Apricot Chicken with garden rice pilaf and green bean bundles wrapped in bacon or Pork Chops with savory sauce, parsley buttered redskin potatoes and green bean bundles.

Tickets for the event are $35 per person and seating is limited. Tickets may be ordered by contacting The Lighthouse and must be paid for when they are picked up. Cash or checks will be accepted. Tickets must be picked up no later than July 1.

For more information, contact The Lighthouse at 244-5266.

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This snapshot of Lois Kimsey Marshall was taken by Bessie Lawrence Henney on August 17, 1917. Marshall will be one of the county's remarkable women of the past whose contributions will be celebrated on May 10 at 1 p.m. at the museum. 

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

When we consider the early contributions of pioneers in Whitley County, we don’t just think of men’s names. There were some influential and strong women whose handprint on Whitley County’s past can be seen today.

In celebration of that, the Whitley County Historical Society will be hosting the Remarkable Women of Whitley County Tea on May 10 at 1 p.m. at the Whitley County Historical Museum, 108 West Jefferson Street, Columbia City.

According to the museum’s assistant director Angela Maley, the event will feature poignant, in-character sketches of several of the community’s most famous women. Some of those famous women include Lois Kimsey Marshall, Tacumwah, Alberta Grant, Sarah Cuppy, Helene Gates, just to name a few who might be honored at the event.

The cost to attend the afternoon tea is $6 per person and the community is invited to attend. Make your reservations prior to May 7 by calling 244-6372.

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(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Columbia City Rotary members supported the Splashpad project this week in a major way, with the gift of $1500 presented to Columbia City Parks and Recreation director Mark Green, second from right. Above, from left, are Jacie Worrick, Renel Alarie, Ben Romine, Mark Green and Candice Yeakle. Yeakle, Romine, Alarie and Worrick are all Columbia City Rotary members.  

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

The Columbia City Rotary members provided a considerable gift to the Splashpad project Tuesday with the gift of $1500.

The gift was made official with the presentation of a check to Columbia City Parks and Recreation director Mark Green who addressed the group and shared an update on what is happening with the project currently.

According to Green, the sewer and water lines are currently being laid that will eventually service the site.

The exact location of the Splashpad, according to Green, will be where the batting cages are currently located, near the concession stand. Park board members felt that because this was such a bright, vibrant part of the community, they wanted it visible from US 30.

Green said that with batting cages now available at Paige’s Crossing, further now US 30, the existing batting cages are largely unused.

When asked to describe a Splashpad, Green said, “It is a large concrete oval with gushers and geysers – it’s like a playground in water.”

“It’s going to be a great project,” said Columbia City Mayor Jim Fleck to the Rotarians. “Mark and the park board have worked hard to make it happen.” Leadership Whitley County class participants were also instrumental in moving the project forward.

 “This entire project, except the part we had to match, was paid for without taxpayer money,” Fleck added, pleased with how supportive the community has been in not only doing the legwork to build the Splashpad, but also coming forth with the funding to make it a reality.

While the two 100-year floods early this winter provided obstacles to the project moving forward expeditiously, Green said he’s optimistic the Splashpad will officially open on June 14 or shortly thereafter.

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By Jennifer Zartman Romano

For aspiring young actors and actresses in our community, there has been little in the way of a thespian experience aside from school and church programs to feed their creative inclinations upon a stage.

On Friday, John Slavich announced that funding had been approved by the Count Me In program to fund a youth theatre project at the Peabody Public Library. Funding was approved at the Thursday meeting of Count Me In, Slavich said.

A collaborative effort of several groups in the community who voiced an interest in seeing youth theatre as an opportunity in Whitley County, the grant will be used to fund a youth theater production for children in grades 4-12 later this summer at the library.

“It's really going to happen,” McCarthy said enthusiastically.

“Parents from the Story Exploration group, Faith Christian Academy and other groups in the community who see the library as a supporter of culture and the arts have asked if the Children's Department might sponsor such an effort,” McCarthy said.

Feeling uncertain about leading the project alone, McCarthy drew in others with an interest in theatre and in working with children. Count Me In grants are unique in that they fund efforts where adults work with children in skill-building, constructive ways, creating a bond of learning and trust.

Slavich explained that the Count Me In program is key. In addition to building upon the 40 developmental assets, the program shows young people that adults in the community, in addition to their parents and family, care about them and want them to succeed.
”I spoke with several people who expressed interest in youth theater, and this group developed a comprehensive plan that includes stage craft, crew work, props, costumes, sets, etc. and acting,” she said.

McCarthy will work closely with this group of volunteers as the production develops.

“I'm really excited to offer a quality theater program,” McCarthy said. 

As more information is available, we will provide it here on Talk of the Town.

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