COMMUNITY
GIVING
Page 1 - November 2015
An in-depth look at the charitable organizations and the wonderful leaders who make the difference A special publication of
Kankakee Valley Publishing
November 2015
COVER: Brook United Method-
ist Church ABC Preschool educational technology centers, which was helped through a grant from the Newton County Community Foundation
Page 2 - November 2015
Jasper and Newton County Community Foundations: Impacting the community By GREGORY MYERS nceeditor@centurylink.net
It would be hard to find a community project in the region over the past several decades in which the Jasper and Newton County Community Foundations did not have a hand in helping. The Foundation has handed out numerous grants and scholarships since it started in the early 1990s. “Since its inception, the Foundation has continued to grow in assets and grant making,” said Bethany Busboom, Newton County Community Foundation president. “Newton County Community Foundation grew overall assets from $4,690,211 to $5,125,157 in 2013 to 2014 while increasing our impact throughout Newton County communities from $103,054 to $184,352.38 in grants in those years. I believe that through our five focus areas, including Arts & Culture, Community Initiatives, Education, Health, and Historic Preservation, that the NCCF truly touches everyone in the Newton County community. Whatever you are passionate about, whatever drives you, the NCCF can be the avenue to take. Donate to a specific fund, scholarship, or Giving Circle, and your money goes to benefit your community.” The same can easily be said for Jasper County. In 2014, the Foundation granted out more than $880,000 to organizations in the two counties, the most ever in a year for the Jasper and Newton County Community Foundations.
“The Jasper and Newton County Community Foundations are very proud to be the hub of philanthropy,” said Kristen Ziese, Foundation executive director. ”Back home again in Indiana is meaningful for those who once knew our communities and for those who never left. Both counties have a spirit, a life, that is strong and we take those hopes, dreams, and ideals and translate them into tangible results that transform our communities. Our foundation connects donors to causes that move them, empower businesses to do good, strengthen nonprofits and foster everexpanding culture of giving with a heart as big as the great state we call home.” While other major charitable organizations like the United Way and UNICEF use anywhere from 7 to 13 percent of its endowment on its own operations, the Jasper and Newton County Community Foundations use just 1 percent of its endowment. Recently as an added benefit to the community, the Foundation took out an additional 1 percent and created an Impact Grant program for both counties. The Impact Grant recipients were the Rensselaer Park Board and the Newton County 4-H Council. For Jasper County, the Foundation used the Impact Grant to purchase 5.1 acres of land from the Rensselaer School Corporation for $95,000. The Jasper Foundation purchased the ground and then passed ownership to
The Jasper Foundation, Inc. and the Newton County Community Foundation are proud to grant over $34,000 in 2014 to multiple backpack programs that implemented an opportunity to feed the children of our communities. The programs offered students a backpack filled with food to take home on the weekends. Allowing for the child and their family to eat a nutritious meal while away from school.
A Leader In Philanthropy 2015 Impact Grants The Jasper Foundation purchased ground, formerly Staddon Field, with passing ownership to the Rensselaer Park Board. The park will be named Jasper Foundation Park
Continued on Page 18
‘Tis the Season to Lend a Helping Hand
EMERSONSONDGERATH “Your Hometown Dealer.” US 24 West at Kentland, IN
219-474-6144 • TOLL-FREE 1-866-423-6144
For Good. For Ever. For Jasper & Newton Counties P.O. Box 295, Rensselaer, IN (219) 866-5899 www.jasperfdn.org The essence of what we do is simple. Managing your gifts wisely, we manage your investment in our community. Together with donors we strengthen and contribute to the betterment of our communities.
The Newton County Community Founadtion is proud to be instrumental for the project of the new planned 4-H Building at the Newton County Fairgrounds, Kentland.
Page 3 - November 2015
These volunteers gathered to help sort the ABATE Toys For Kids presents in 2013. PHOTO SUBMITTED
ABATE works to make Christmas special for Jasper and Newton county kids By CAITLIN SIEVERS csievers@rensselaerrepublican.com Although members of Jasper Newton County ABATE do good things for the community all year long, the group’s largest annual endeavor is its Christmas toy drive. ABATE, which stands for American Bikers Aimed Towards Education is a national motorcycle rights organization that promotes safe riding. The Jasper Newton County ABATE was founded in 1992 and has around 185 members. In the past few years, ABATE Toys for Kids has distributed presents to around 400 children in Jasper and Newton counties annually. To raise money for the give-away, ABATE hosts a fundraiser the second Saturday in December. This year, the event will take place at the DeMotte American Legion. “It’s a wild game feast and people come and they eat and dance all night long,” said Glenn Susnis, the ABATE Toys for Kids coordinator. “Then the next day we divvy up all the toys that we’ve got.” Generally around 200 people attend the fundraiser. Prior to the fundraiser, members of the community can drop off toys for kids in need at ABATE boxes places in various places around the two counties. “It’s unbelievable what the community does for
us,” Susnis said. “We just host the party. The community brings the toys and they come to the party.” ABATE welcomes the donation of any new toy at any of its drop sites. The sites include Weirs in DeMotte, Emerson Sondgerath in Kentland and Ace Hardware in Rensselaer. “They all allow us to put boxes in their places and people just can bring in what they want and drop it off,” Susnis said. Anyone who is having a hard time finding the funds to buy presents for their kids this year can find information about how to take part in the Toys For Kids program at any local library. All papers to take part in the program must be turned in by Dec. 1. “I remember how it was when I was a kid, because I was a kid back in the 80s,” Susnis said. “We always had a Christmas but there was times when things were lean, and it was that way for everybody.” Although ABATE might not be providing the only Christmas gifts a child will receive, the group can help to make the holiday much brighter, Susnis said. “Maybe their parents can only buy them one gift,” Susnis said. “And maybe instead of one gift, they get to open six gifts.” ABATE hands out gifts for kids through up
to age 18, until they’ve graduated from high school. Teenagers are given gift cards in place of toys. “People still care, they want to make sure that kids have Christmas,” Susnis said. In addition to its toy drive, ABATE hosts an Easter egg hunt in Wheatfield every year. The group gives out around 20,000 eggs at the hunt every year. Around 175 kids generally attend the event, where the group also gives away bicycles and baskets. ABATE also attends the Little Cousin Jasper Parade, the Touch of Dutch Parade, as well as the Rensselaer Christmas parade. On the days of those parades ABATE allows children in the community to learn bike safety by riding ABATE 50 cc bikes on a closed course. “We call it Tiny Tots,” Susnis said. “And we get the kids on the motorcycles on the little course we set up out of plastic barricades and the kids can ride around the course.” Members of ABATE teach the kids the basics, like how to use the front and back brakes and how to shift and turn. “We pass a little bit of what we know,” Susnis said. “And hopefully in the future they become motorcycle enthusiasts themselves.”
Kentland Rotary: Service Above Self Page 4 - November 2015
By GREGORY MYERS nceeditor@centurylink.net Service Above Self is the main motto of the Kentland Rotary Club and for more than 75 years that is exactly what the club has been doing. Rotary International is one of the most recognizable charitable organizations in the world along with its biggest global project— the work to eradicate polio, however, the Kentland Rotary is also very active on a local basis. Since 1994, the Kentland Rotary has provided 196 scholarships worth $188,600. The club annually conducts a Truck Raffle, which enables it to financially assist the scholarship program. Two annual pancake breakfasts help support other projects such as the painting of a bridge by the community center, a water tank for potable water in a Mexican village, assistance for the local food pantry, a security system for Kentland Trinity Preschool, signs at town parks, Welcome to Kentland signs, and the building of ramps for persons with handicaps. During the weeks leading up to Christmas the Rotary provides food vouchers to families and individuals in need and members bag groceries at Murphy’s Food King for donations. The club also annually sponsors local youth to attend programs such as the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA), Rotary’s International Affairs Conference, and its own Students-in-Government/Business Day. Since 2014, Kentland Rotary has been the sponsor of an Interact club at South Newton High School, which also focuses on community service. In the past, Kentland Rotary has also helped fund the Little Rebel Basketball program and Little League baseball in Kentland, Brook and Goodland. Kentland Rotary members have also been active donors to the Rotary Foundation that tackles national and world issues like maternal health, literacy and world peace. “Kentland Rotary usually is in the top four of the district for member giving,” stated Kentland Rotary President Ed van Wijk. “At a
The Kentland Rotary not only donated money to help get a wheelchair ramp for Ed Jamieson of Goodland, a disabled United States Navy veteran, several Rotarianas donated their time and labor to put up the much needed ramp. PHOTO BY GREGORY MYERS
local level, the Kentland Rotary Club has been very instrumental in working for literacy and education. In the past, the club has also been involved in promoting literacy at South Newton Elementary. Rotary brings together leaders of the community to come up with ideas on how to improve the community and help others in need.” The Kentland Rotary currently has 26 members and meets Mondays at noon in the Rotary room in the community center. “The weekly meetings give other groups that need help an opportunity to address us with their need,” said former Rotary
District Assistant Governor John Frischie. “It is a weekly platform that our members take serious. It is a good place to keep our members updated on what our club is doing. We invite anyone that is interested in becoming a member or just wanting to know more about the Rotary to come check out one of our meetings.”
“Our People Care”
KENTLAND 219-474-5155 LAKE VILLAGE 219-992-3313 RENSSELAER 219-866-4142 ROSELAWN 219-345-4646 LAFAYETTE 765-448-1300
www.kentlandbank.com
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Circle of Giving reaches out to community
Page 5 - November 2015
By CHERI SHELHART editor@kvpost.net The DeMotte Circle of Giving is a group of women who enjoy giving to their community but don’t want to spend time with fundraisers. They are dedicated to making a difference and accept applications for grants from area non-profits including Boy Scouts, youth sports leagues and food pantries. This year, they presented grants to seven non-profit organizations. DeMotte resident Pat Kopanda founded the DeMotte Circle of Giving. While attending an annual women’s luncheon hosted by the Jasper County Community Foundation, she learned of the circles of giving and how they can help their communities. She seized on the idea, and with the help of Executive Director Linda Reiners, the Circle of Giving was begun in 2003. Kopanda explained the foundation is the “pass through” for the donations the women give each year. “Our town works because of all the people who give their time,” she said. “People around here are wonderful and giving.” To become a member, women can give a minimal amount to the circle. They meet twice a year, once to decide on where that year ’s donations will go and to whom. This is in September. To become a member, women must join by June 30. Nonprofits must apply for grants by Sept. 1, then the meeting to discuss the applications is set. This year, the ladies received nine requests and donated to seven of those. The applications denied did not meet the mission of the group. Their mission, “To improve the Town of DeMotte and make it a better place to live, learn and work through personal philanthropy and to celebrate the power of women.” Groups that apply and don’t receive a grant that year are welcome to apply again the next year. They gave grants amounting to over $4,600 and have given nearly $40,000 to
Circle of Giving pose for a group picture with founder Pat Kopanda center front. They began in 2003, and have given $40,000 in grants over the last 12 years. PHOTO BY JUDY CRAWFORD
the community since the circle began. Charlotte Fagen, a charter member of the circle, said they now have 23 members and are always open to more members. “It’s a nice organization and you don’t have to do the legwork,” member Judy Crawford said. “You give a minimal amount of money. It’s democratic and companionable. A great way to make a difference.” The ladies agreed there’s a lot of satisfaction for a little effort and every penny stays in the community through the power of women. Candie Dorn said, “I can’t understand why every woman in DeMotte doesn’t want to join.” Gina Van Baren said she understands how much time women have. She has small children and enjoys being a member of the circle because of their efficiency and the minimal amount of time needed to belong to a group of
women who do so much for their community. They all enjoy having a say in how they will impact their community as well. The meetings generally last only an hour and are held at the DeMotte Library in the afternoon. “It’s a social gathering,” Crawford said. “It’s great to get together and get to know each other and make new friends.” To learn more about the DeMotte Circle of Giving, find the link at the Jasper County Community Foundation web site, http://www.jasperfdn.org. “You don’t even have to leave home to donate,” the ladies point out.
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Page 6 - November 2015
Good Samaritan Food pantry serves the needy in Rensselaer By CAITLIN SIEVERS csievers@rensselaerrepublican.com The Good Samaritan Food Pantry in Rensselaer was has provided sustenance for locals in need for more than 30 years. The Ministerial Association founded the pantry in 1983, along with the help of other concerned citizens. The pantry is now located at 130 S. Van. Renssealer, next to Walter’s Electric. The pantry provides food to needy area families through the help of local donations as well as through the United State Department of Agriculture. “We do get government allotments once a month,” said pantry president Arnold Braasch. The amount of food the pantry gets from the government is steadily declining, he said. These USDA allotments usually include things like frozen meat, frozen fruit, tuna, salmon and vegetables. Those at the pantry don’t get to pick and chose what kinds of food they need from the government “We don’t have much choice, other than to accept it or turn it down,” said the pantry’s vice president, Bill Hollerman. The pantry also functions on food and money donations from the community. Businesses and schools often take up collections for the pantry. “We even get food from weddings and anniversaries,” Hollerman said. Many people will ask guests who attend their celebrations to bring an item for the food pantry instead of a gift. St. Joseph’s College also does regular collections. Some of the items that the pantry needs, items that disappear quickly from its shelves, are macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and crackers. Anything that is rich in protein is an appreciated donation, Hollerman said. “We try to, as best we can, balance the diet, if you will,” he said. “We don’t give them all candy.” Canned fruit is another item that is sometimes in short supply. The only time the pantry supplies fresh vegetables is during the summer months, when local farmers or gardeners donate
them. The pantry also supplies its clients with eggs. Strack and Van Til donates dayold bakery items. “We also accept cash donations,” Hollerman said. “People wonder why, but we have overhead. We have to pay the rent, we have to pay the light bill. We have to pay the insurance bill.” Currently there are two women who volunteer with Good Samaritan as the pantrykeepers. In addition to that, local church members volunteer to help organize and give out the food. The pantry serves around 200 families each month, which equals around 800 individuals. “We try to give them food for one week for their family,” Braasch said. “I’m sure what we give them isn’t enough but we try to spread it out.” Braasch believes that people should donate to the pantry simply to help those in need. “It’s their Christian duty,” Hollerman said. Every person who gets food must sign in and attest that his or her income is under a certain level, but clients don’t have to prove their need. “We let the Lord be the judge,” Braasch said. Braasch believes that those who use the pantry would have a tough time without it, especially because the federal government has cut its food stamp program significantly. “Even though we have these other programs around here, the food pantry is necessary because, you go over and get food stamps, you don’t get them today,” Hollerman said. “What are you going to do tomorrow to feed your kids?” There are many people in the community who struggle to get by and need the extra food the pantry provides. “There are people that lose their jobs, there are people that have been sick, with disabilities,” Hollerman said. “And there’s older people that their Social Security just isn’t enough.” Those wishing to donate food or money can contact the pantry at 866-4515. Donations of canned goods can be brought in during the pantry’s open hours: from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesday and from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday and 8-10 a.m. on the third
Good Samaritan Food Pantry volunteers Janet Kohley and Richard Brandenburg work in in the pantry on Nov. 19. PHOTO BY CAITLIN SIEVERS Saturday of the month. Otherwise, donors can call the pantry to organize a time to drop off food.
“Anybody can join Good Samaritan Food as a volunteer,” Hollerman said. “We can always use volunteers.”
Epsilon Iota Chapter of Tri Kappa promoting education and culture for more than 60 years
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By GREGORY MYERS nceeditor@centurylink.net
Kappa Kappa Kappa, Inc., commonly known as Tri Kappa, is a unique philanthropic organization existing only within the boundaries of the State of Indiana. The Epsilon Iota Chapter of Tri Kappa, based out of Kentland, is comprised of two chapters, the active chapter and the recently formed associate chapter. The active chapter has 24 members and two college members. The organization focuses on the promotion of charity, culture and education. Tri Kappa has a number of state scholarship as well as two local ones, the Karen Molter Van Duyn Scholarship and the M. Jeannette Batton Scholarship. The Kentland chapter also gives out three vocational scholarships annually. The sorority also gives funds to the South Newton band, chorale, fine art and health departments as well as donates money and items to Riley Children’s Hospital. “This is an organization that I am really glad that I joined,” said Kendra Fredrickson, Epsilon Iota Chapter of Tri Kappa President. “I enjoy my time here and it is a really good organization to be a part of. I feel we do a lot of good for our communities and the State of Indiana.” Seven young ladies met at the Girls’ Classical School of Indianapolis (May Wright Sewall) and founded the sorority in 1901. Each young lady was to begin a chapter in her hometown. From these humble beginnings, Tri Kappa has thrived throughout the state with 144 active chapters and 112 associate chapters, totaling almost 9,000 actively participating members.
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The Epsilon Iota Chapter of Tri Kappa, based out of Kentland, made more than 1,000 cheese balls for their annual fundraiser earlier this year. PHOTO SUBMITTED
“We are always looking for people willing to donate their time and efforts,” added Fredrickson. The sorority currently has two main fundraisers, the annual cheese ball sale and the popular trivia night event held in each year during the spring. The Epsilon Iota Chapter of Tri Kappa was chartered in 1953 with 29 original members.
DeMotte PETS helping people get around
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By JON HUISMAN PET volunteer
The DeMotte PET factory manufactures three-wheeled, off road wheel chairs for persons with severe leg problems---those who cannot walk or for whom walking is a slow, painful chore. PET (Personal Energy Transport) is a hand-powered, three-wheeled, all-purpose vehicle that provides the gift of mobility for leg-handicapped people in emerging nations around the world. The PETS manufactured in DeMotte are given free, in the name of Christ, to people in need in places like Central America, Mexico, Cambodia, and Africa. Currently all Demotte PETS head to Swaziland in southern Africa where the Luke Commission selects recipients. Some 55 volunteers are ”employed” at the DeMotte facility to build PETS from scratch. Coming from DeMotte and surrounding towns as far away as Crown Point, Lansing, Lake of the Four Seasons and Hebron, there are welders, steel workers, painters, wood workers, upholsterers, packers, assemblers, cleaners, washers, etc., all putting in their three to six hours per week. Most are retired seniors who enjoy a halfday of volunteer work for a great cause. The gift of mobility can be a life-changing event in the lives of many handicapped persons. Started in the fall of 2011 by Bob and Arla Gabrielse, the DeMotte PET factory is one of 22 small shops around the world that unite in making the same vehicle. The larger entity has produced and placed over 50,000 PETS in over 100 different countries around the world. DeMotte has produced nearly 1,000 to date. The Luke Commission that distributes PETS in Swaziland is a Christian Medical Outreach that seeks to deliver compassionate, comprehensive healthcare to the most isolated and under-served people of southern Africa, using mobile clinics. They work with
A group of PET volunteers are happy to have completely filled a container of the mobility devises along with other supplies to send to the Luke Commission in Swaziland in southern Africa. It is always a celebration when they are able to fill every available space in the truck for shipment to Africa. PHOTO PROVIDED
rural communities, government, corporate and non-profit partners. Harry and Echo VanderWal, both doctors, are the executive directors of the Luke Commission and as they run the medical clinics, they find over and over desperate persons who need PET vehicles. DeMotte PET is delighted and thankful to be able to support the ministry of the VanderWal’s and provide the needed PETS. The cost of a PET is just under $300, including all materials, utilities, repairs, and upkeep. These expenses, as all, are covered by generous gifts from the community, churches and PET supporters. John Van Keppel of DeMotte is a PET volunteer of some note. He is the senior mem-
ber of the PET enterprise. He is in charge of the wood production for the PETS and he oversees nine volunteers in cutting, sanding, and assembling the wood parts of the PET vehicles. He makes sure the bodies of the PETs are smooth, uniform and free from bad knots. PET has a brand new building, just east of the Kankakee Valley Intermediate school near the intersection of State Road 10 and US Hwy. 231. The new facility and the property on which it sits is the result of many donations. The DeMotte/Wheatfield people and businesses have been remarkably generous. The volunteers of PET are overwhelmed by the kind generousity of this community.
Rensselaer’s Rural Crisis Center is a safe place for Newton, Jasper and Pulaski residents
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By CAITLIN SIEVERS csievers@rensselaerrepublican.com For victims of abuse who have nowhere else to turn, Rensselaer’s Rural Crisis center is a safe haven. Rensselaer’s center is just one of many North Central Indiana Rural Crisis Centers. It is a member of the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “We offer shelter to men, women and children of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other forms of abuse,” said the shelter’s executive director, Amber Bodak. There are currently nine employees at the center, in addition to volunteers who also assist at the shelter. The shelter can house 18 people comfortably in beds, but could hold more than that with the use of cots, if necessary. “The number one priority here is the safety of the clients and then to get them stable enough to where they can go out on their own,” Bodak said. Most clients stay at the shelter for around 30 days. “On a case-by-case basis we will extend that,” Bodak said. Those at the shelter work diligently to ensure that the victims feel safe. “Once they leave that abuser and take that big step, they need somewhere to go because then they’re homeless,” Bodak said. “If there wasn’t a place like that here, The crisis center’s Executive Director Amber Bodak, with client advocate and office and you have children involved and no family or friends and no place to go, what manager Jennifer Rheese-Fuller and child advocate, Shayla Wiseman. PHOTO BY CAITLIN SIEVERS would your choice be?” It might be a choice between staying with the abuser and being left out in the cold. The center offers food, shelter, clothing, safety and security. “Quality where “Someone is here 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Bodak said. “We never you need it!” close.” The inside and outside of the building are closely monitored. 219-866-3009 “The police work really, really well with us, making sure that this shelter is safe,” 1998 West Clark St. Bodak said. Rensselaer, IN The shelter also supplies basic amenities like toothbrushes, soap and towels. “Sometimes you’re leaving in a rush,” Bodak said. The center offers outreach for those who are leaving the shelter to go out on their own, to those who are unsure about leaving their abuser, or for those who are leaving their abuser and don’t need to stay at the shelter, but need some emotional support. “The client advocate or child advocate will meet with the victims and help them with budget planning, finding homes, employment, creating safety plans, in case their abuser comes back,” Bodak said. “They also provide education to the victims on how to stay safe and what abuse is.” • PARTS Proud to be a The child advocate works with kids to help them process the changes in their • SALES part of this great lives. • FULL SERVICE community “Sometimes people forget that the kids do see, do hear and know what’s going SHOP on,” Bodak said. The center also operates a 24-hour hotline. Locally, those answering the hotline get calls from all over the region, including Illinois. These calls could be about domestic violence, suicidal thoughts, drug addictions, depression or from anyone who needs emotional support.
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Continued on Page 18
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Tri Kappa supports Rensselaer students Page 10 - November 2015
By CAITLIN SIEVERS csievers@rensselaerrepublican.com
The women of Rensselaer’s Tri Kappa chapter work to support many local causes, but their main focus in past years has been education. “Tri Kappa is a woman’s organization, found only within the state of Indiana,” said Jan Merritt, the Rensselaer chapter’s recording secretary and chapter historian. “It’s a philanthropic sorority, whose goal is to promote charity and culture and education throughout the state.” The Rensselaer chapter of Tri Kappa was founded in March 1920. Merritt believes it is the third-oldest charity in the city. Every year, Tri Kappa gives out three scholarships to Rensselaer Central High School students. The group also recognizes the top five seniors, as well as the outstanding senior in art, band chorus and drama.The group always donates to the middle school’s history club trip to Washinton D.C., as well as to Bombers for Academic Excellence. “We also give money for the adult learning center in Rensselaer,” Merritt said. “And I would say over the years, we’ve donated more for education than we have charity and culture. I think it’s because we look to the future, to the children and providing for them.” When the charity first began in Rensselaer in the 1920, it would loan out money to pay for nursing or secretarial school, and that practice evolved into providing scholarships. Culturally, the group supports Fendig Theatre, the Carnegie Players, the Jasper County Historical Society, the Prairie Arts Council and the library. “Service-wise in the community, we fill city flower barrels,” Merritt said. The group has always supported the hospital, Habitat for Humanity, Good Samaritan Food Pantry, Rensselaer’s Crisis Center and Meals on Wheels. She estimates that the group has given most over the years to Rensselaer parks, Rensselaer schools and the hospital. Merrit believes that the group serves at least 100 people a year, if not more. The group raises the money to support local causes through three annual projects. The women have a bake sale in early fall or late summer, they sell pecans and nuts during the fall and chocolate Easter eggs in the spring. Annually, the charity’s operating budget is around $7,000. The majority of funds, $3,600, is set aside for education, with $2,000 for charities and $1,400 for culture. Tri Kappa also donates to other causes throughout the state. The women have made puppy pillows for Riley Children’s Hospital, as well as supported the state’s mental health project, a state educational endowment and the state’s gifted and talented program. There are currently 20 active members of Tri Kappa, with around 100 inactive members who might contribute in small ways, like buying nuts. Currently, the group is going through the process of nominating young women for membership. Tri Kappa meet on the third Monday of each month at the Carnegie Center in Rensselaer. Currently, the group is putting aside funds for its 100th anniversary, in 2020.
Pictured from left to right are Tri Kappa officers Diane Trout-Cummins, State President;Diana Zacher, chapter Treasurer; Stacy Dougherty, chapter President; Diane Fish, chapter Corresponding Secretary; Brienne Hopkins, chapter Vice President; Jan Merritt, chapter Recording Secretary. PHOTO SUBMITTED
TRADITION OF SERVICE
PO Box 870 | 1498 S. College Avenue Rensselaer, IN 47978 Phone: 219.866.6000 Facebook: Saint Joseph’s College Twitter: SJC_Pumas Instagram: SJC_Pumas
www.saintjoe.edu
Throughout its 126 years, Saint Joseph’s College has built a tradition of service on campus, within the Rensselaer community, and across the world. Through programs such as Campus Ministry, Habitat for Humanity, and Gallagher Charitable Society, in addition to required volunteer work for every freshman and all members of athletic teams, SJC has worked to instill a love of giving back in every one of its students. Specific events include the Covenant House Vigil, biweekly trips to food pantries, Trick or Treat for the Hungry, Relay for Life, and the upcoming 38th annual Gallagher Charitable Society Christmas Party, where underprivileged children from Jasper County and their families are provided with a hot meal, a variety of take home gifts, and a chance to meet and get their picture taken with Santa.
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Aubrey’s Angels: ‘Help us help others’
By GREGORY MYERS nceeditor@centurylink.net Since 2012, the Aubrey’s Angels Foundation has given more than $30,000 to help 16 families in need. The inspiration behind Aubrey’s Angels is Aubrey Deno, who is now six. Aubrey is the daughter of Dustin and Lacey Deno, now of Crown Point. In August 2010 Aubrey Deno (less than a month after her first birthday) was diagnosed with leukemia. Her chances at survival at that time we are just 1 percent. However, she battled through it and received a life saving bone marrow/stem cell transplant. She is now cancer free. “The community’s support during that was The organization’s most recent fundraiser the Cinderella Fall Ball was held Nov. 14 at the Brook Comoverwhelming and we wanted to start some- munity Center. The Fall Ball was open to girls of all ages as well as the special adult male in their lives. The fundraiser saw a total of 120 princesses attend the ball from over 15 towns/cities in Indiana/Illinois. thing to give back to the community and PHOTO SUBMITTED
also set up something to help any other future families in need,” said Teresa Beever, the president of Aubrey’s Angels and Aubrey’s grandmother In May 2012 Aubrey’s Angels Foundation held its first benefit. Since then the foundation has collected 4 million pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House and collects items every year for the patients at Riley Hospital. “We do what we can to help others,” added Beever. “We have been so fortunate to help so many people and that is all because of the generosity and support from the community.” The annual Aubrey’s Angels Strike Out Cancer 9-pin No Tap Bowling benefit in May has been a big hit. The organization’s most recent fundraiser the Cinderella Fall Ball was held Nov. 14 at the Brook Community Center. The Fall Ball was open to girls of all ages as well as the special adult male in their lives. The fundraiser saw a total of 120 princesses attend the ball from over 15 towns/cities in Indiana/Illinois. “We gave away 11 raffle items, provided picture opportunities and even had the pleasure of having Cinderella, Prince Charming, and the fairy Godmother attend the ball,” said Sarah Beever of Aubrey’s Angels. “The Fall Ball will be an annual event for the Aubrey’s Angels Foundation with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the foundation.” Currently there are 14 members on the Aubrey’s Angels Foundation.
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Newton County Community Services here to help in a number of ways
By GREGORY MYERS nceeditor@centurylink.net Helping others is the focus of Newton County Community Services’ three main programs— the food pantry, transportation and energy assistance. The organization runs off funding from INDOT, KIRPC, NWICA, Medicaid and Newton County. It also receives some donations for the pantry and some private pay for meals. The NCCS Food Pantry is open on Wednesdays from 8:30 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. The pantry serves about 60 families a month. “We are looking at adding another day but to do that we will need another volunteer.” Said NCCS Director Holly Porter. NCCS’s public transportation program averages around 1,500 trips a month and can take people anywhere in the state. “There are a lot of misconceptions about us,” added Porter. “We are not just for seniors. We will help anyone regardless of age. We will transport for almost anything except gambling.” For more information about the NCCS’s public transportation call Mike Nelson, transportation director at 219-697-3354. Based on federal guidelines, NCCS helped more than 200 households last year with en- Pictured in front of the NCCS office, from left, are Mike Nelson, Kelsey Manns, Kaylee Zylo and ergy assistance. That total given out was in Holly Porter. PHOTO BY GREGORY MYERS excess of $30,000. Currently NCCS has four fulltime employees and 11 part-timers along with two regular volunteers. NCCS board members are Iris Treado, Scott Madison, Mickey Read, David Hoaks, Bev Bingham, Russ Collins, Kim Wright and board President Tami Jackson. NCCS provides a number of other needed services to Newton County including the running of three nutrition sites in Goodland, Morocco and Roselawn along with homemaker services. “All of our programs are targeted to help Newton County residents,” said Porter. “We also help send other people to different agencies to receive help. If we can’t help someone, more than likely, we know who can. We have been in existence for more than 40 years but a lot of people still don’t know all the things we can help with.”
Where there is help, there is
Newton County Community Services 117 E. State St. • Morocco, IN • 219-285-2246
Morocco Projects Unlimited: Promoting the educational and civic advancement of Morocco
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By GREGORY MYERS nceeditor@centurylink.net
shoes for the bowling alley, helped the library, bought benches for the swimming pool and supplied books for Morocco Elementary. An organization that was created in 1958 for the Morocco Projects Unlimited also took the lead in getting the Morocco Homecoming festival started purpose of getting a community pool, has continued through the years and is still going strong in Morocco. back in 2005. Each year the organization also donates to a food Morocco Projects Unlimited not only was instrupantry, the Angel Tree and Santa’s Chefs. mental in getting the Morocco pool built, it also help rebuild the pool 22 years ago. Morocco Projects Unlimited organizes the Easter Egg hunt every year and also sets up pictures with The organization’s mission statement is to promote Santa during the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. the educational and civic advancement of Morocco. The organization currently has 14 members. Judy The organization also raised $10,000 to put in the Kaczmarczyk is the president, Sylvia Eddy is the vice kitchen at the Beaver Township Community Center president, Joanne Zackfia is the secretary and Karen in Morocco. “All of the money raised stays here in Morocco and Zackfia is the treasurer. The three charter members of the organization were the surrounding area,” said Morocco Projects UnlimBetty Kessler, Ruth Ann Shirer and Selma Smart. ited Secretary Joanne Zackfia. To raise funds, Morocco Projects Unlimited hosts a The organization also helped fund new playground pancake and sausage breakfast every year around the equipment, gives out annual scholarships, purchased
Morocco Homecoming. The past two years, the organization has held a pig raffle. Jack and Bonnie Storey and Paul and Mary Sheldon have donated the pigs for the fundraiser. Morocco Projects Unlimited is currently planning to help with the renovation of Betty Kessler Park in downtown Morocco. “I just feel this is a great organization that helps people here in Morocco,” said Kaczmarczyk. “We are not part of a national group and we are all volunteers.” The organization meets the third Monday of every month except for July and December. If interested in becoming a member contact Kaczmarczyk at 285-2056 or Joanna Zackfia at 285-6636 or Eddy at 317-752-2311. “I love being a member and its because the people involved here accomplish things that help Morocco and the people of Morocco,” added Eddy.
SANTA’S CHEFS Do You Know a Family or Person in Need in NEWTON COUNTY This Holiday Season? Santa’s Chefs are Here to Help!! We offer home-cooked meals delivered to their home on Christmas Day or a luncheon at the Beaver Township Community Center, located at 409 S. Polk St. in Morocco at Noon, so no one has to eat alone! If you or someone you know in NEWTON COUNTY needs help this season please contact us!
Santa’s Chefs Phone: 219-285-6626 Mail: P.O. Box 392, Morocco, IN 47963 ALL INFORMATION IS CONFIDENTIAL
~ Volunteers and Monetary Donations Needed ~
The three charter members of Morocco Projects Unlimited are Betty Kessler, Ruthann Shirer and the late Selma Smart. PHOTO PROVIDED
Call Aaron Woods 219-488-4861 or Carol Carlson 219-285-6626.
Happy Holidays
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Rensselaer Rotary club serves locally, nationally and internationally By CAITLIN SIEVERS csievers@rensselaerrepublican.com
Rensselaer Rotary is a group of business professionals who seek to improve the community in any way they can. The group is part of the greater community of Rotary International, which has worked nationally, and internationally to fight disease and provide clean water to those who need it. This year, locally, the group funded the Jasper County Library’s digital access cards for students and conducted a food drive for the Good Samaritan Food Pantry in the spring. “A lot of people try and give around the holidays and we try and help them pick up the slack periods,” said the club’s president, Chris Widner. Currently, Rotary is doing a coat drive for Gallagher Charitable, which provides a holiday meal and assistance to families. “We provided some funding toward the new (Rensselaer High School) football sign as a club and several individual members provided additional funding,” Widner said. Rotary helps with the local Miracle Tree program. “We do several different things for kids,” Widner said. “We both recognize students locally and give them different travel and scholarship opportunities, foreign exchange students.” Over the past 90 years, club members have helped established a variety of other local programs. “We’ve got Rotarians that are on about every board you could name locally from the school board to the park board to the Jasper Foundation Board,” Widner said. The group strives to help as many local people and groups as it can in any way it can, he said. “Our primary money comes from pork
Melissa Widner, webmaster and database coordinator at the Jasper County Public Library, along with Patti Stringfellow, director of the library, receive a donation of $615 from Chris Widner, president of the Rensselaer Rotary to use for digital access cards for students. RENSSELAER
REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO
burgers,” Widner said. The rotary has been selling the burgers at local festivals and at the Jasper County Fair for more than 30 years. “There’s a lot of different organizations that really make a difference but none of them quite have the reach that rotary does,” Widner said. “Because we’ve got a lot of different skills that are coming together in one place, we’ve got doctors, we’ve got lawyers, we’ve got people that do heating and cooling, we’ve got about every other job you could name under the sun. We have such a diversity of skill set and a unity of purpose. We all come together because we want to enjoy fel-
lowship with other people but we want to work towards making our community better in any way we can. Whether that’s working with the park board on updated bathrooms, to feeding hungry children, to helping out with a well in Africa.” To get involved in Rotary or to donate to any of its drives, local professionals can find the rotary club on social media or through its website at rensselaerrotary.org. The club also welcomes guests at its meetings every Tuesday at Embers. “We’re always welcome to meet new people,” Widner said. “If they’re interested, we regularly invite people to join the club.”
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Friends of the Library benefit libraries and community By CHERI SHELHART editor@kvpost.net
The Friends of the Library in DeMotte and Wheatfield raise money to buy extra items for the library that its budget doesn’t cover mainly through book sales held several times a year in DeMotte and throughout the year in Wheatfield. Recently, the members in DeMotte held a silent auction through November offering a 1962 car collector’s book and other items. Each year, the members get together to decorate the library for the holidays and are planning to put up the Christmas decorations on Nov. 30 and then take them all down and pack them away for another year on Jan. 4 at DeMotte. Volunteers do all the work and enjoy the time spent chatting with friends and enjoying a snack or meal. This year, the DeMotte Friends are planning a bus trip to Chicago with plenty of room left for anyone who would like to join the shopping trip. They are also planning a bus trip in March to the flower and garden expo on Navy Pier in Chicago and a fall trip to Shipshewana in September. There are 63 paid members of the group and it only costs $5 per year to join. Members get to shop for books at the book sales before opened to the public. There are book sales in January, April and August. They also have an annual rummage sale to support the many programs they offer for the library, usually in the you buy a complete pair glasses spring. Friends of the DeMotte Library meet inwhen the library’s meeting room three or fourof times a year. PHOTO PROVIDED The Wheatfield Friends of the Library have purACCEPT MANY INSURANCE chased over the past year a Kindle Fire, a Keurig Coffee System, a Cricut Machine, decorationsWE and baking some goodies $3 per year, familyPLANS is $5 and student (On plans we accept assignment we cannot offer the $1 25% trophies for the Sandhill Crane Car Show and recent reading programs including for the annual Spring Festival held at membership is just perdiscount) year. Their books for Books to Bridge the Region, cash prizes for the teen summer reading the library each year. mission is to inform, enrich and emDr. Timothy DeBoer, O.D. Dr. John DeBoer, O.D. program, books for the children’s summer reading program and staff certification The Wheatfield Friends of the Library power theO.D. community. They sponsor the Dr. Brant Molenaar, through the Indiana State Library. meet on the fourth Tuesday of the ongoing book sale, host annual rumThe DeMotte Friends of the Library have used their funds for such items as movie month, exceptComplete December, atVisual 1 p.m. atCare • Contact Lenses Accepting New Patients licenses to keep the DVDs offered by the library stocked, bought year books for the library. Individual membership Continued 18 when you buy aiscomplete pairon ofPage glasses the Indiana Room, provided reading programs and prizes, books and furniture and other needs the library staff may have. They have paid for guests to come to the liWE ACCEPT MANY INSURANCE PLANS when you buy a complete pair of glasses brary including a crooner who impersonated such classic singers as Frank Sinatra (On plans we accept assignment we cannot offer the 25% discount) 609 N. Halleck St., INSURANCE DeMotte, IN 46310 and Dean Martin, historians who offered a look at their collection of memorabilia WE ACCEPT MANY PLANSO.D. Dr. Timothy DeBoer, O.D. Dr. John DeBoer, from the Chicago World’s Fair in the 1930s and are planning to bring an Abraham 219-987-3673 (On plans we accept assignment we cannot offer the 25% discount) Dr. Brant Molenaar, O.D. Lincoln impersonator, David Ehlert to entertain. He will also perform as Mark Dr. Timothy DeBoer, John DeBoer, Twain in a show that will last an hour to an hour and a half. The date has not yet Complete VisualO.D. Care •Dr. Contact Lenses O.D. been set for his performance but it is planned to coincide with Indiana’s bicentenDr. Brant Molenaar, O.D. Accepting New Patients nial celebration in 2016. Complete Visual Care • Contact Lenses The DeMotte Friends of the Library meet three or four times a year to plan their when you buy a complete pair of glasses Accepting New Patients fund raisers and what to do with the money from those fund raisers. They meet at the library on Tuesdays beginning at 1 p.m. Meetings last around an hour. Mem609 N. Halleck St., INSURANCE DeMotte, IN 46310 WE ACCEPT MANY PLANS bers are asked to volunteer to set up and take down the book sales, help during the (On plans we accept assignment we cannot offer the 25% discount) 219-987-3673 book sales and the same for the rummage sale, put up and take down of Christmas
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New Leaf Resources offers counseling services By CHERI SHELHART editor@kvpost.net
New Leaf Resources is a non-profit counseling service located between Wheatfield and DeMotte. They offer outpatient counseling on mental health issues, relationships, parenting, addictions and much more. They have a Christian perspective and philosophy but don’t preach to people, Terry Top said. He is the executive director of the organization, which has offices in Lansing, Illinois, and in Crown Point. New Leaf Resources opened a storefront office in Wheatfield over three years ago, and quickly outgrew the facility. A brand new building was built in 2014 and opened its doors on Sept. 29, 2014, at 5578 W. 1100 North, near the Sandy Pines Golf Club. There are two therapists available at the office, Darla McKim and Donna Southard. The first New Leaf Resources organizaNew Leaf Resources is a non-profit counseling service located between Wheatfield and DeMotte. tion was formed in Lansing in 1980, and in PHOTO BY CHERI SHELHART 1983, opened its first office there. Top said it was a collaborative work with families and individuals, offering support and encoureffort by a group of people concerned with the growing problem agement in a confidential setting. Services offered by New Leaf of addiction in their community. It has grown since and relies on Resources include ADHD family counseling, addictions counseldonations from individuals, churches and businesses. ing, divorce counseling for individuals and families, group dynamServices are offered on a sliding scale and fees are determined by ics assistance, domestic violence counseling and in-school preventhe client’s ability to pay. A third of the clients seen receive finan- tion programs and crisis management. cial assistance because they cannot afford the full cost of treatTo learn more about New Leaf Resources, visit their web site or ment. call 219-226-1810. They are a 501C3 not for profit organization. They receive $130,000 to $140,000 a year in donations and give away $150,000 Real Estate Development • General Construction • Property Management in reduced fees. To donate to New Leaf Resources, checks can be sent to the Lansing office at 2325 177th St., Lansing, IL 60438 or Serving Our Communities through their web site, www.newleafresources.org. Since 1958 To receive their services, clients can call in to the main office Give generously to him and do so at 219-270-3395 and a short intake will be taken over the phone, without a grudging heart; then because then the person is matched up with the appropriate therapist. The of this the Lord your God will bless you pay scale is also discussed and the fees worked out. They see in all your work and in everything you patients from 3 years old to seniors and offer differing areas of put your hand to. - Deuteronomy 15:10 specialization. The Wheatfield office has three offices for personal therapy and 12028 North CR 200 West | Wheatfield, IN 46392 | Tel: (219) 956-3111 a large group therapy room with a place for children to play. They www.HamstraGroup.com
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Lake Village Grange helping the community for 70 years By GREGORY MYERS nceeditor@centurylink.net
The Lake Village Grange is a family and community minded organization that has helped numerous families and community projects over the years. Founded in 1867, the National Grange was formed as a national agriculture organization with a local focus. The Grange is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, fraternal organization that advocates for rural America. With a strong history in grassroots activism, family values and community service, the Grange is part of more than 2,100 towns in the United States. “The Grange was started as a way to help represent the farmers in transportation discussions with the railroad,” said “Through the years the organization has grown to help give people the help and access to representation sometimes needed. “The Grange National Of-
The Lake Village Grange meets twice a month, the second and fourth Tuesdays at the Grange Hall at 7:30 p.m. PHOTO BY GREGORY MYERS fice is the only private building in a 1-mile radius of the capital building in Washington D.C.” While the Grange’s list of national accomplishments is quite extensive, so is the Lake Village Grange’s list of community projects they have helped out with since it’s founding in 1945. “If a community member passes away, the Grange Hall gets together and serves the family a dinner,” said Koutny. “It is our way to give that family a place to gather and a good meal to enjoy.” Other major projects the Lake Village Grange has helped with over its 70 years of existence included getting the streetlights in town and lobbying to get a stoplight on the old US 41 after a member was killed there. “We also host and sponsor many other events for organizations like the 4-H, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts,” added Koutny. “We have Lake Village Grange Master Jerome Koutny goes through some of the organization’s archives on past also held numerous drug awareness programs ands food drives.” projects. PHOTO BY GREGORY MYERS
Currently, the Lake Village Grange has 30 members and 18 officers. “We are looking at trying to get more of the younger generations interested in our organization,” said Koutny. “My wife (Barbara) and I have been members since 1978 and have held offices on the local, county and state levels. It is a very good organization and still going strong.” The Lake Village Grange meets twice a month, the second and fourth Tuesdays at the Grange Hall at 7:30 p.m. Every Tuesday morning the Grange Hall is the spot for Bluegrass music and biscuits and gravy. Grange members Hellen Pollard makes her homemade gravy from scratch and Betty Hoover helps out. The breakfast is a free will offering, which helps the organization do community service projects. “We run our organization and are able to help others based on the donations we get,” added Koutny. “We have been doing these breakfasts since the late 1990s.”
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY ... Continued from Page 15
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mage and bake sales and also sponsor the Coffee Cafe inside the library. The new DeMotte Friends officers for 2016 were elected in November with Nancy Busch as
president, current president Gail Lhotka as vice president, Anita Lockhart as secretary and Kathy Payton, treasurer. The next meeting will be Jan. 12, at 1 p.m. in the
library meeting room. To learn more about the Friends of the Library, stop by the library or look on the library’s web site, www.myjcpl.org.
Bodak knows how important the shelter is for the women it serves in Jasper, Newton and Pulaski counties. “This shelter offers these victims, these survivors, the opportunity to start a new life,” Bodak said. “And to break that cycle of violence that can carry on throughout the generations if nothing is done.” Client advocate and office manager Jennifer Rheese-fuller agreed with Bodak. “These women don’t have any place and anyone, so often,” she said. “It’s important for us to have a presence here, a place, a safe place for them to go, not only just for safety but to be able to re-integrate back into the community, so that they are not a liability on the community, but rather an asset to the community.” In addition to its other services, those at the crisis center also offer emotional support when a client goes to court or files a protective order.
Funding for the shelter comes from grants, fundraisers and private donations, which are a big help, Bodak said. The center doesn’t charge for any of its services, including outreach speeches given in the community. “The community really helps keep us going,” she said. Monetary donations can be sent to the shelter’s post office box at P.O. BOX 212 in Rensselaer. Clothes and blanket donations can be given to the Methodist Church in Rensselaer. Donors can also call the office line to make arrangements to meet someone from the shelter in order to pick up the donations. The center is currently seeking volunteers who might help babysit while clients search for jobs, do fun things with the clients, sort through donations, answer the hotline or even do yard work. “Every little bit of assistance helps,” Bo-
dak said. “Nothing is too small.” In 2014 the crisis center answered 384 crisis calls, sheltered 93 clients, and offered a total of 1,649 safe bed nights to clients and their children. From the time the shelter opened until last year, 1987-2014, the center has answered 16,149 crisis calls, sheltered 2,767 clients and had 39,093 safe bed nights for victims and their children. Victims of abuse who need help can call the crisis center hotline at 1-800-933-0374 24 hours a day, or the regular phone line at 219-866-8825 during business hours. Potential volunteers or donors can call the business number at 219-866-8281.
the park board. The new park has since been named Jasper Foundation Park and is located adjacent to the former location of Monnett School, which was torn down in 2012. For the Newton County 4-H Council, the impact grant is for $45,000 and will go toward a new 4-H building at the fairgrounds. According to initial plans, the finished building would measure 96’ x 60’ and include a porch, windows, large overhead doors and exterior overhang. “We plan to take the building even further with a pantry area, kitchen prep area, and restrooms,” said Sarah DeYoung of the 4-H
Council new building committee. “A completely finished building could be utilized for family reunions, weddings, dinners, and other events.” The 4-H Council is planning on using the impact grant to help kick start a 2-for-1 fundraising match campaign. The first phase of the building is estimated to cost $125,000. To donate to the Jasper and Newton County Community Foundations send money to PO Box 295 Rensselaer, IN 47978. To apply for a grant from the Jasper and Newton County Community Foundations visit www.jasperfdn.org.
CRISIS CENTER ... Continued from Page 9
FOUNDATION ... Continued from page 2
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KV/DeMotte Rotary gives to community and the world By CHERI SHELHART editor@kvpost.net The KV/DeMotte Rotary Club was established in 1979, and serves the community through donations and assistance as well as helping to eradicate polio from the world. They sponsor the Kankakee Valley High School’s Student of the Month program each month by giving each student a medallion and certificate. The students also get a chance to meet the Rotary members at the first luncheon meeting of the month. The Rotary holds a weekly luncheon on Mondays at the United Methodist Church in DeMotte. The meeting includes a bit of business, a guest speaker and fellowship through food and song. To become a Rotarian, a person must be invited by a current member. Dues include the cost of the weekly luncheon meals. Every other year, the Rotary sponsors the Kelly Miller Circus, a major fundraiser for the club. The Rotary receives requests from various organizations and they donate the money from benefits they hold. “It takes a lot of people to help with these community fund raisers,” Dan Fagen said. Fagen is the current president of the club. This is his second stint as president. He said what drew him to the Rotary is the fellowship and he enjoys working on the projects, such as the circus. This year, the Rotary held a fundraiser by sponsoring the Harlem Ambassadors at the high school, which benefitted the KV Band and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. They even played in the game against the talented basketball players calling themselves the Rotary Ramblers, in honor of the annual run/walk race, the Rotary Ramble, the start of DeMotte’s town festival.
DeMotte/Kankakee Valley Rotary Club District 6540 Serving the community since 1979 “Service Above Self”
Rotary has a youth program, nicknamed RYLA, which stands for Rotary Youth Leadership Academy. The academy is held in the spring at Camp Tecumseh near Lafayette. Two youths are nominated for the program each year and always appreciate what they’ve learned and the new friends they make. The Rotary also sponsors a World Affairs Conference offering the schools a chance to participate in a worldwide conference. This year the conference was held at Valparaiso University with the topic of discussion among the high school students, connected through the world wide web, on epidemics and the importance of vaccinations. In DeMotte, the Rotary has been an important part of the town parks, doing just about all that needed to be done to set up Airport Park, from the clearing and seeding, to building a pavilion, purchasing playground equipment and building a basketball court. They also built a pavilion at the Field of Dreams and planted the trees along the road. The Rotary members donate both food and money to the local food pantry and donate to Christmas gifts for children at Christmas. Recently, a group of Rotarians volunteered with the KVHS Cross Country team to clean and clear new trails for the team, adding 3/4 mile to the course. Each Rotarian is asked to bring a speaker to the Monday luncheons. The meetings last about an hour. Rotarians can choose to donate to international projects and the club decides together what projects to take on locally. For those who donate a certain amount, they are offered the Paul Harris Fellowship, a desired distinction among Rotarians across the globe. The Rotary International logo is a gear with a keyhole in the center. Without the keyhole, the
Rotary believes in giving to our communities, our nation and globally. The Rotary Foundation was established “for the purpose of doing good in the world. The Rotary Foundation transforms our gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Rotary approaches challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact. Our largest impact has been to eradicate polio in the world. Locally Rotary supports individual and community needs such as food pantries, schools, local charities, parks, and more. To find out more about Rotary go to demotterotary.com or talk to any local Rotarian.
DeMotte/Kankakee Valley Rotary Club • PO Box 453 • DeMotte, IN 46310
Members of the Rotary Ramblers join the Harlem Ambassadors Basketball team in a bit of square dance in the middle of the game. KV POST FILE PHOTO gear just slips and the machine that gets put in The DeMotte Rotary Club has around 50 gear will not work. the reason for the logo is current members. Members are asked to attend the Rotary gets work done but each person is the annual district conference where members the key that makes the gear turn so they can get from across the area get together to discuss a the work done. variety of topics.
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KV Women’s Club brings cheer to community By CHERI SHELHART editor@kvpost.net The Kankakee Valley Women’s Club, a branch of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs recently celebrated the organization’s 125th anniversary. Begun as the DeMotte Jr. Women’s Club, the name eventually changed to the KV Women’s Club to include members from Wheatfield and Newton County. The DeMotte chapter was started in 1973 by Gail Elsner. The ladies of the club raise money for various community needs, including the Keener Township Vol. Fire Department’s first set of extrication equipment often referred to as the “jaws of life.” They collect items for veterans and send letters to those who take the Honor Flights to Washington D.C., thanking them for their service. The group hosts an annual Bunco night, which this year raised over $1,300, which was distributed to the DeMotte and Wheatfield Libraries, the Wheatfield food pantry, the DeMotte Good Neighbors Food Pantry, and PET Ministries.
Their motto is “Living the volunteer spirit,” and the ladies are committed to doing all they can for their communities. To do that, they sponsor two major fund raisers each year, starting in May, the ladies sell potted flowers for Mother’s Day. “If there is a need, we try to meet it,” Kay Spurgeon said. She is a longtime member of the club and was recently named DeMotte’s 2015 Citizen of the Year by the DeMotte Chamber of Commerce. Once a year, the club visits the seniors at Oak Grove Retirement Village in DeMotte, entertaining them with a hymn sing followed by Bingo, with prizes donated by the members. The Bingo is free, and the seniors enjoy the game and the prizes, which often include puzzle books, lotions, candy and snacks. Each year, the ladies look forward to giving to their community and welcome new members to their group. They meet the last Tuesday of each month at the The KV Women’s Club are prepared to sell potted flowers for Mother’s Day in DeMotte Public Library at 7 p.m. May, one of their major annual fund raisers. KV POST FILE PHOTO