Good Neighbors: Introducing Joni Lenz

Joni Lenz, a Montpelier native and rehab nurse, has been dedicating two afternoons a week at the Montpelier Civic Center for nearly 5 years now. She leads a senior citizen's exercise class every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-4:30 PM. But what started as a simple way to help people stay limber has obviously turned into much more. As the ladies filed in they signed a condolence card for the family of a much loved group member who passed away two weeks ago. Francis was their longest living member at 99 years old. They shared moments from their week and asked about family members. Increasing isolation and lack of movement can be an issue for the elderly, Joni's group provides both friendship and injury preventing exercises. 

Inez Reasoner, 93.

Inez Reasoner, 93.

"I started the group 5 years ago this April for my mother and aunt (her sister) who had a stroke." Said Joni. "I'm a rehab nurse and knew it would help both of them. We just do overall stretch exercises, standing balance and some weights to keep their arms strong. At first I wondered if I was really helping anyone (I am not certified in any kind of exercise therapy) until I realized I was helping myself just stay limbered up." 

"This group helps keep us moving! I have some back trouble and whenever I come here and exercise, I always feel better. We'd like more people coming so they can feel better too!", shared Marion Warner.

“This group helps keep us moving! I have some back trouble and whenever I come here and exercise, I always feel better. We’d like more people coming so they can feel better too!”
— Marion Warner

When asked why she's still leading the group, Joni said, "I continue to do it because all the ladies are very dedicated to coming. They always let me know if they are going to miss a class or if someone has been sick, someone else will call and check on them and report back to the group. It's just the right thing do, that's why I still do it." 

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Joni is a kind and generous benefit to her community, giving both her time and energy. But what she's doing is something we all can do: picking a skill and sharing it.

We'd love for you to join us in sharing your skills and talents with one of our fantastic community organizations or groups! Contact us via our contact page or facebook message for more details! 

Blackford High School 2016 Art Exhibit

Currently being exhibited in the BCAC Gallery, the 2016 Blackford High School Art Show. Opening Reception is Sunday, March 6th 2:00-4:00pm. If you want to see the beginning of someones art career, this is where you need to be! Come out and support the talented students that make this show possible. 

Artists need a location where they can put their work up to show. Normally, the art show is at the high school, but hopefully since it is at the Blackford Art center this year,more people in the community can view the art and appreiciate the young talent.  Young artists need to be able to collaborate with other artists as well. It makes the students feel professional, builds self-confidence.

Credits to Tisha Trice and Diana Seelig

Come and see what CFS's Thrift Store has for you!

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Everyone loves saving a little money but what if your shopping could also benefit the most at risk in our community? Community and Family Services Hartford City location houses a little known gem of a thrift store doing just that. It's shelves are often stocked full of quality national brand items ranging from snacks and condiments to personal care and cleaning supplies. On its shelves right now you'll find name brand coffee, K-cups, shampoo and conditioner and and a wide range of household supplies- all at a fraction of their in store prices! Everything on their shelves is donated from the Bluffton location Payton's wear house. Some items have damaged packaging but most are in perfect condition. The store is open to the public and each purchase helps fund CFS's Energy Assistance program and the food pantry. 


The Thrift Store entrance is the door on the porch and upon entering it isn't uncommon to be greeted by Mel Sick's friendly face. Her enthusiasm for her job is obvious and shared. When asked about her favorite facet of her job, Mel replied, "I love helping people. It's my favorite thing in the world. I just want to make their lives a little easier and for them to know someone cares about them." The food pantry and thrift store operates with a few hard working employees but couldn't possibly meet all their needs without their team of cheerful volunteers stocking shelves, cleaning, and helping patrons.Would you like to join the community and team at CFS? Just give them a call at (765) 348-0744 to ask about volunteering or visit them at Community and Family Services. Their thrift store is located in the CFS building at 1015 W. Washington street and open weekdays 9-4. Enter by the porch door. 

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Blackford High School Students team up with Women of Worth

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At Blackford High School there’s a team of journalism students, led by Hannah Van Ree, stepping out into the community to help tell the stories of our longest living residents. The creators of the high school newspaper, the Bruin Informer, have teamed up with Women of Worth to create a Bicentennial series as part of our state’s Bicentennial celebration. They will be interviewing 12 long living members of the community about their lives.

Many of the stories will be published in the News Times on a monthly basis. Excitement and an awareness of the larger picture was obvious. When asked how they hoped their stories would affect the community one student said, “I hope that they’ll make a positive impact and raise spirits.” Another student said, “That the stories would bring awareness to what’s going on with students and that people really do care.”

The Bruin Informer’s involvement is just one piece of Indiana’s Bicentennial celebration! There will be a torch relay, legacy projects and living history events right here in our county! We’re excited to be sharing each of these stories and events with you, and letting you know how you can join in! For a statewide list of events full of rich history, visit: http://www.in.gov/ibc.

 

A Peek Inside Montpelier Elementary's Early School Classroom

Montpelier Elementary's new early Kindergarten class has added excitement and inspired new ideas among the staff, students, and community! Teacher Amanda Ehrhart and Principal Fox are happy to share a look into their state of the art play-based learning room

The grant for the pre-K equipment was a regular Community Foundation grant, with the money coming from their CAPE endowment, which was originally provided by LILLY. With the grant money they purchased engaging and state of the art work stations, furniture including no their reading station and white board write-on desk, and storage supplies. The work stations include a sensory rice alphabet table that encourages literacy and memory play, an art table and a play kitchen among other things. Smiling faces were everywhere, guided by their cheerful teacher, as they played and learned together! 

“Michael has grown so much this year! He’s learned to write his name, share, and play with other kids.”
— Laura Cable