Posted on December 11, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Giving Tuesday brought in more than $90,000 to many funds within the Starke County Community Foundation. The total amount included a promise from Lilly Endowment, Inc. to match all gifts to community funds $2.00 for every $1.00 donated.
Starke County Community Foundation officials are calling this year’s effort the most successful Giving Tuesday to date.
Giving Tuesday harnesses the potential of the generosity of people around the world to bring real change in their communities. The mission of the Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life in communities by assisting donors in fulfilling their charitable wishes. The foundation does this by building endowment funds for communities with contributions, both large and small.
For more information, contact the Northern Indiana Community Foundation toll free at 877-432-6423, or Sarah Origer at the Starke County Community Foundation at 574-772-3665.
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Showing posts with label Starke County Community Foundation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starke County Community Foundation. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Monday, December 10, 2018
Volunteers Work Hard on Greenhouse for Ken Craig Community Garden, Fundraiser Planned for February
Posted on December 10, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Ken Craig Community Garden had a very successful summer of supplying fresh food to community members and various local organizations. Representatives report that they’ll be able to support even more growth in the future thanks to a grant provided by the Starke County Community Foundation.
Ever since funds from the Foundation were received back in October, garden volunteers have been racing against the cold weather to get a greenhouse put in place. They’ve made significant strides over the last few months.
Officials shared on social media that so far, gravel has been laid for the floor, the external structure has been completely assembled and enclosed and electric equipment has been installed. Most recently, volunteers were working on grow and mix tables for inside.
To help sustain the current garden and gather funds for potential future developments, the organization will be holding their second annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 10th. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $4 for kids. They can be purchased in advance or at the door.
The Ken Craig Community Garden was founded in 2017 and is situated behind the Knox Church of the Nazarene. It is named after the church’s pastor Kenneth Craig who served as a dedicated leader in the congregation until he passed away in 2014.
His memory lives on through the garden, which organization officials say was created to provide a communal garden space that will allow for relationships to be built within the community while simultaneously promoting sustainable gardening practices through education and hands-on experience.
If you have any questions about ways you can help out between now and the fundraiser, visit the Ken Craig Community Garden Facebook page where they share volunteer opportunities and progress updates as well as general gardening tips.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Ken Craig Community Garden had a very successful summer of supplying fresh food to community members and various local organizations. Representatives report that they’ll be able to support even more growth in the future thanks to a grant provided by the Starke County Community Foundation.
Ever since funds from the Foundation were received back in October, garden volunteers have been racing against the cold weather to get a greenhouse put in place. They’ve made significant strides over the last few months.
Officials shared on social media that so far, gravel has been laid for the floor, the external structure has been completely assembled and enclosed and electric equipment has been installed. Most recently, volunteers were working on grow and mix tables for inside.
To help sustain the current garden and gather funds for potential future developments, the organization will be holding their second annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 10th. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $4 for kids. They can be purchased in advance or at the door.
The Ken Craig Community Garden was founded in 2017 and is situated behind the Knox Church of the Nazarene. It is named after the church’s pastor Kenneth Craig who served as a dedicated leader in the congregation until he passed away in 2014.
His memory lives on through the garden, which organization officials say was created to provide a communal garden space that will allow for relationships to be built within the community while simultaneously promoting sustainable gardening practices through education and hands-on experience.
If you have any questions about ways you can help out between now and the fundraiser, visit the Ken Craig Community Garden Facebook page where they share volunteer opportunities and progress updates as well as general gardening tips.
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Starke County Community Foundation Highlights Gift Matching Opportunities
Posted on November 5, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Those planning to donate to one of the Starke County Community Foundation’s community funds have the chance to make their money go even further. The Lilly Endowment has announced a “2-for-1 dollar matching opportunity” for gifts to community funds, according to a Community Foundation press release. On top of that, the Starke County Community Foundation will match community fund donations dollar-for-dollar during its annual open house on Giving Tuesday, November 27.
The matching opportunities were highlighted by the foundation’s director of development Sarah Origer, during last month’s Community Impact Reception. She announced that the foundation has given out more than $400,000 in grants and scholarships so far this year. The foundation has also accumulated $12 million in assets.
Reception attendees had the chance to hear from two of the beneficiaries of Community Foundation funding. Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary said the Lucas device the EMS department was able to purchase has already saved several lives. Clary says the device, which performs CPR on cardiac arrest victims, has increased Starke County’s survival rate to 70 percent, 60 percent higher than the national average.
Additionally, Karen Zimmerman, the director of Little Lambs Preschool at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church said the Community Foundation’s Preschool Scholarship Program sets Starke County children on a track for success. She shared that many families worry about having to sacrifice their kids’ preschool education in order to make ends meet.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Those planning to donate to one of the Starke County Community Foundation’s community funds have the chance to make their money go even further. The Lilly Endowment has announced a “2-for-1 dollar matching opportunity” for gifts to community funds, according to a Community Foundation press release. On top of that, the Starke County Community Foundation will match community fund donations dollar-for-dollar during its annual open house on Giving Tuesday, November 27.
The matching opportunities were highlighted by the foundation’s director of development Sarah Origer, during last month’s Community Impact Reception. She announced that the foundation has given out more than $400,000 in grants and scholarships so far this year. The foundation has also accumulated $12 million in assets.
Reception attendees had the chance to hear from two of the beneficiaries of Community Foundation funding. Starke County EMS Director Travis Clary said the Lucas device the EMS department was able to purchase has already saved several lives. Clary says the device, which performs CPR on cardiac arrest victims, has increased Starke County’s survival rate to 70 percent, 60 percent higher than the national average.
Additionally, Karen Zimmerman, the director of Little Lambs Preschool at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church said the Community Foundation’s Preschool Scholarship Program sets Starke County children on a track for success. She shared that many families worry about having to sacrifice their kids’ preschool education in order to make ends meet.
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Officials Cut Ribbon on Starke County Forest Upgrades
Posted on October 4, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County officials hope that recent upgrades to the County Forest will help attract new visitors. County Park Board members and Community Foundation representatives joined Forester Bruce Wakeland, Commissioner Kathy Norem, and several others Wednesday afternoon, to cut the ribbon on the forest’s upgraded access road.
This summer, the Starke County Highway Department upgraded the old access trail into a gravel road. It features a cul-de-sac for parking, with a native plant garden being developed in the middle.
County Attorney Marty Lucas explained that the bulk of the cost was covered by a grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund. “The grant was $15,200, and the funds were also supplemented with additional money from the trust fund for the forest here that Bruce maintains by timber sale, so the property also supported some of it,” Lucas said. “And then I think the commissioners also provided some additional funds for the road installation.”
Starke County Park Board President Roger Chaffins credited Lucas for helping the park board get the grant. “Marty did 90 percent of the work on this on his own, and I’m proud of what he did and proud of what we’ve got here,” Chaffins said. “And it’s going to improve the park use, I hope, for everybody, so everybody knows where it’s at now.”
The forest entrance is located in the area of 10655 East Division Road, although the property extends a mile south to State Road 8. Forester Bruce Wakeland said that having the entrance on the smaller county road has a couple of advantages: the safety when it comes to getting in and out of the property and the proximity of the entrance to the forest’s major features, like the marsh and observation tower. He said the upgrade was a great feature that was really needed, noting that he was surprised at how quickly the original parking lot became overwhelmed.
Northern Indiana Community Foundation Executive Director Jay Albright echoed that sentiment. “This is so welcoming, compared to the way the drive and stuff went through before,” he said. Albright also encouraged anyone who hasn’t hiked through the County Forest to put that on their to-do list.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County officials hope that recent upgrades to the County Forest will help attract new visitors. County Park Board members and Community Foundation representatives joined Forester Bruce Wakeland, Commissioner Kathy Norem, and several others Wednesday afternoon, to cut the ribbon on the forest’s upgraded access road.
This summer, the Starke County Highway Department upgraded the old access trail into a gravel road. It features a cul-de-sac for parking, with a native plant garden being developed in the middle.
County Attorney Marty Lucas explained that the bulk of the cost was covered by a grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund. “The grant was $15,200, and the funds were also supplemented with additional money from the trust fund for the forest here that Bruce maintains by timber sale, so the property also supported some of it,” Lucas said. “And then I think the commissioners also provided some additional funds for the road installation.”
Starke County Park Board President Roger Chaffins credited Lucas for helping the park board get the grant. “Marty did 90 percent of the work on this on his own, and I’m proud of what he did and proud of what we’ve got here,” Chaffins said. “And it’s going to improve the park use, I hope, for everybody, so everybody knows where it’s at now.”
The forest entrance is located in the area of 10655 East Division Road, although the property extends a mile south to State Road 8. Forester Bruce Wakeland said that having the entrance on the smaller county road has a couple of advantages: the safety when it comes to getting in and out of the property and the proximity of the entrance to the forest’s major features, like the marsh and observation tower. He said the upgrade was a great feature that was really needed, noting that he was surprised at how quickly the original parking lot became overwhelmed.
Northern Indiana Community Foundation Executive Director Jay Albright echoed that sentiment. “This is so welcoming, compared to the way the drive and stuff went through before,” he said. Albright also encouraged anyone who hasn’t hiked through the County Forest to put that on their to-do list.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Project Recognition Event to be Scheduled at Starke County Forest
Posted on August 28, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners passed along their support of having a celebration event for the newly finished upgrades at the Starke County Forest.
The Starke County Highway Department recently completed work to upgrade the old access trail into a gravel road with a parking lot at the site at 10655 E. Division Road in Knox.
Commissioner Kathy Norem said it would be nice to recognize the Starke County Park Board’s effort in making improvements at the Starke County Forest.
“We’ve got a major project that was finished by the park board with a nice grant from the Starke County Community Foundation,” commented Norem. “It’s one of their first big successes so I feel like we should have some kind of public welcoming ceremony, whether that be a ribbon cutting or a day where they come and tour the place. They could take some pictures and see the improvements that have been made. I’m thinking that if it was sometime around when the leaves change the weather would still be nice and they would have time to plan their festivities.”
The work was funded by a $15,000 grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund.
The commissioners approved a motion to make the offer to the park board to host the event. The commissioners will provide funding for refreshments.
The park board may discuss details during their next meeting in September.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Commissioners passed along their support of having a celebration event for the newly finished upgrades at the Starke County Forest.
The Starke County Highway Department recently completed work to upgrade the old access trail into a gravel road with a parking lot at the site at 10655 E. Division Road in Knox.
Commissioner Kathy Norem said it would be nice to recognize the Starke County Park Board’s effort in making improvements at the Starke County Forest.
“We’ve got a major project that was finished by the park board with a nice grant from the Starke County Community Foundation,” commented Norem. “It’s one of their first big successes so I feel like we should have some kind of public welcoming ceremony, whether that be a ribbon cutting or a day where they come and tour the place. They could take some pictures and see the improvements that have been made. I’m thinking that if it was sometime around when the leaves change the weather would still be nice and they would have time to plan their festivities.”
The work was funded by a $15,000 grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund.
The commissioners approved a motion to make the offer to the park board to host the event. The commissioners will provide funding for refreshments.
The park board may discuss details during their next meeting in September.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Starke County Community Foundation Impact Grant Utilized to Help Save Lives
Posted on August 21, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
A recent impact grant awarded by the Starke County Community Foundation is helping local emergency personnel save lives.
Starke County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) used the $14,350 they received from the SCCF to purchase a LUCAS CPR Device, and paid for one year of maintenance for the medical apparatus. The technology performs non-stop CPR, freeing the EMS responder to treat and transport the patient to the emergency room.
According to a press release from the Community Foundation, grant committee members received a demonstration of the device from a company representative and learned that the device had been used on a patient for 21 hours, saving the patient’s life and resulting in 99 percent brain function post-event. The device will be housed in the Knox Starke County EMS location.
So far this year, the SCCF has awarded for than $315,000 in grants and scholarships and more than $40,000 has been granted through the Community Support and Impact Grants program.
Other grant recipients include the Starke County Park Board which received $5,000 for Bass Lake Beach improvements, the North Judson Beautification Committee which was awarded $7,970 for the band shell at Norwayne Field, the Yellow Stone Trail Festival which got $3,900 for programming, Psi Iota Xi was awarded $2,000 for the 2018 Young Artists’ Conference and $600 was awarded to Starke County Community Corrections for Therapeutic Community programming.
In addition to assisting those organizations, SCCF also provided $2,674 to the North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department for protective gear, $2,000 to the Habitat for Humanity Starke and Pulaski Counties, $1,000 was given to the Knox and Winamac Community Health Center for health fair supplies and $2,279 in various grants was awarded to Starke County Schools.
Area nonprofits interested in a grant should visit nicf.org or contact Associate Director Corrine Becknell Lucas at 574-223-2227.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
A recent impact grant awarded by the Starke County Community Foundation is helping local emergency personnel save lives.
Starke County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) used the $14,350 they received from the SCCF to purchase a LUCAS CPR Device, and paid for one year of maintenance for the medical apparatus. The technology performs non-stop CPR, freeing the EMS responder to treat and transport the patient to the emergency room.
According to a press release from the Community Foundation, grant committee members received a demonstration of the device from a company representative and learned that the device had been used on a patient for 21 hours, saving the patient’s life and resulting in 99 percent brain function post-event. The device will be housed in the Knox Starke County EMS location.
So far this year, the SCCF has awarded for than $315,000 in grants and scholarships and more than $40,000 has been granted through the Community Support and Impact Grants program.
Other grant recipients include the Starke County Park Board which received $5,000 for Bass Lake Beach improvements, the North Judson Beautification Committee which was awarded $7,970 for the band shell at Norwayne Field, the Yellow Stone Trail Festival which got $3,900 for programming, Psi Iota Xi was awarded $2,000 for the 2018 Young Artists’ Conference and $600 was awarded to Starke County Community Corrections for Therapeutic Community programming.
In addition to assisting those organizations, SCCF also provided $2,674 to the North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department for protective gear, $2,000 to the Habitat for Humanity Starke and Pulaski Counties, $1,000 was given to the Knox and Winamac Community Health Center for health fair supplies and $2,279 in various grants was awarded to Starke County Schools.
Area nonprofits interested in a grant should visit nicf.org or contact Associate Director Corrine Becknell Lucas at 574-223-2227.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
“The Hive” Gives Starke County Women Something to Bee-lieve In
Posted on August 9, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Have you heard the buzz about the “The Hive?” The members of this ladies’ giving circle work together to fund local charitable projects and organizations.
Representatives say the name “The Hive” comes from a comparison between the giving circle and the way honey bees work.
They shared that similar to the way that bees work together to produce honey that helps sustain the entire hive, the giving circle works together by pooling their resources in order to enhance the quality of life in the community.
The group was established through the Starke County Community Foundation by Co-Founders Andrea Cox and Jessica Martinovic. Cox serves as the Chairperson of the organization.
At their inaugural gathering, held in February of this year, the group gave away a total of $5,000 to four different nonprofit organizations. The recipients were the Kid’s Closet Ministry, Starke County Community Corrections, Bella Vita Pregnancy Resource Center and the Prairie Trails Club.
Approximately 60 women were in attendance for their first gathering, and the group is hoping to reach at least 100 members by their 2019 event. Individuals can sign up to be a “Hive” member online or through the mail (click to download Hive flyer).
The group is open to all Starke County women who are sixteen-years-of-age or older. Members who are 16 to 22 would pay monthly dues of $5 or $60 per year while members who are older than 22 are asked to supply a monthly contribution of $10 or a $120 yearly donation.
The monetary contributions from members are pooled together to give annual grants to charitable organizations in the county.
Half of the dollars are awarded in the current grant cycle and the other half is put into The Hive Giving Circle Endowment Fund with the Community Foundation to ensure the group will be able to provide grants well into the future.
If you have any questions, contact the Starke County Community Foundation at 574-772-3665.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Have you heard the buzz about the “The Hive?” The members of this ladies’ giving circle work together to fund local charitable projects and organizations.
Representatives say the name “The Hive” comes from a comparison between the giving circle and the way honey bees work.
They shared that similar to the way that bees work together to produce honey that helps sustain the entire hive, the giving circle works together by pooling their resources in order to enhance the quality of life in the community.
The group was established through the Starke County Community Foundation by Co-Founders Andrea Cox and Jessica Martinovic. Cox serves as the Chairperson of the organization.
At their inaugural gathering, held in February of this year, the group gave away a total of $5,000 to four different nonprofit organizations. The recipients were the Kid’s Closet Ministry, Starke County Community Corrections, Bella Vita Pregnancy Resource Center and the Prairie Trails Club.
Approximately 60 women were in attendance for their first gathering, and the group is hoping to reach at least 100 members by their 2019 event. Individuals can sign up to be a “Hive” member online or through the mail (click to download Hive flyer).
The group is open to all Starke County women who are sixteen-years-of-age or older. Members who are 16 to 22 would pay monthly dues of $5 or $60 per year while members who are older than 22 are asked to supply a monthly contribution of $10 or a $120 yearly donation.
The monetary contributions from members are pooled together to give annual grants to charitable organizations in the county.
Half of the dollars are awarded in the current grant cycle and the other half is put into The Hive Giving Circle Endowment Fund with the Community Foundation to ensure the group will be able to provide grants well into the future.
If you have any questions, contact the Starke County Community Foundation at 574-772-3665.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
2019 Starke County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Applications Now Available
Posted on August 1, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Senior students who may be stressing out about how to pay for college will be happy to learn that applications are now available for the Starke County Community Foundation’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.
Community Foundation officials say that in order to be eligible for this 4-year full-tuition scholarship, applicants have to currently reside in Starke County. They also need to be a high school senior on track to graduate with a diploma from an accredited Indiana high school by the end of June 2019.
In addition to those requirements, the recipient of the scholarship must intend to enroll as a full-time student in the fall of 2019 and pursue a bachelor’s degree at any accredited public or private Indiana college or University.
Officials report that several different factors are taken into account while applicants are being assessed including academic performance, service in the community, work and school and review of application essays. The personal interviews that the selection committee conducts with finalists also play a big role in the ultimate decision.
The deadline to submit an application is Tuesday, September 4 at 2 p.m. CST. The 2019 Starke County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar will be named in early December.
Applications can be found online at nicf.org. Students can get more information from their guidance counselor or by calling the Northern Indiana Community Foundation office at 574-223-2227.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Senior students who may be stressing out about how to pay for college will be happy to learn that applications are now available for the Starke County Community Foundation’s Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.
Community Foundation officials say that in order to be eligible for this 4-year full-tuition scholarship, applicants have to currently reside in Starke County. They also need to be a high school senior on track to graduate with a diploma from an accredited Indiana high school by the end of June 2019.
In addition to those requirements, the recipient of the scholarship must intend to enroll as a full-time student in the fall of 2019 and pursue a bachelor’s degree at any accredited public or private Indiana college or University.
Officials report that several different factors are taken into account while applicants are being assessed including academic performance, service in the community, work and school and review of application essays. The personal interviews that the selection committee conducts with finalists also play a big role in the ultimate decision.
The deadline to submit an application is Tuesday, September 4 at 2 p.m. CST. The 2019 Starke County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar will be named in early December.
Applications can be found online at nicf.org. Students can get more information from their guidance counselor or by calling the Northern Indiana Community Foundation office at 574-223-2227.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Starke County Park Board Updated on Bass Lake Beach Seawall Repairs
Posted on May 22, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Repairs to the Bass Lake Beach House seawall are getting underway. The Starke County Park Board has been working with Bass Lake Beach operator Callahan Development, LLC, as well as the County Highway Department, to fix the wall and try to prevent future damage.
During last week’s meeting, Park Board President Roger Chaffins said the stone and sand were about ready to be delivered to the site. “The wall had cracked down, and the water’s rushing in underneath the building and washing the sand out,” he explained. “They’re going to put rock out there and then put sand in there, and fix it back the way it should be.”
Bass Lake Beach Assistant Manager Larry Clarich explained that the stone will shore up the wall and help preserve the work that’s being done now. He agreed to work with Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler to coordinate the delivery of the stone. Meanwhile, Chaffins offered to ask Sheriff Bill Dulin about the possibility of getting jail inmates to help haul it in by hand.
The park board was recently awarded a $5,000 Community Support Grant from the Starke County Community Foundation, to help with the cost of materials.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Repairs to the Bass Lake Beach House seawall are getting underway. The Starke County Park Board has been working with Bass Lake Beach operator Callahan Development, LLC, as well as the County Highway Department, to fix the wall and try to prevent future damage.
During last week’s meeting, Park Board President Roger Chaffins said the stone and sand were about ready to be delivered to the site. “The wall had cracked down, and the water’s rushing in underneath the building and washing the sand out,” he explained. “They’re going to put rock out there and then put sand in there, and fix it back the way it should be.”
Bass Lake Beach Assistant Manager Larry Clarich explained that the stone will shore up the wall and help preserve the work that’s being done now. He agreed to work with Starke County Highway Superintendent Rik Ritzler to coordinate the delivery of the stone. Meanwhile, Chaffins offered to ask Sheriff Bill Dulin about the possibility of getting jail inmates to help haul it in by hand.
The park board was recently awarded a $5,000 Community Support Grant from the Starke County Community Foundation, to help with the cost of materials.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Materials From Old North Judson Fire House Used for Memorial Wall, Fire Chief Shares Grant Success
Posted on May 10, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The North Judson Fire Department plans to commemorate their old firehouse with a monument in front of the new building. At Monday night’s North Judson Town Council meeting, Fire Chief Joe Leszek explained that some material from the old firehouse was retrieved during the demolition process.
Leszek told members, “When the old firehouse was torn down, some of our members went over there and we salvaged some of the limestone and it was always our plan to build a small little memorial wall.”
Chief Leszek said that Brian Allen Masonry is the company being utilized to erect the wall in front of the flagpole outside the new fire station.
In addition to informing members about the memorial wall, Leszek stated that members of the department are constantly working to find and apply for grants in order to bring in some extra funds.
He announced the Starke County Community Foundation recently awarded the department a grant worth $5,673.75 and mentioned they’re currently waiting to hear back about whether or not they’ve received a $3,500 grant from Starke United.
Leszek explained that last year with grant money received through the Community Foundation and REMC, the department was able to purchase new brush and extrication suits. They’re planning to use the grant money this year to buy boots and gloves for the suits.
Leszek added that the department has acquired more than $11,000 in grant funding that they’ve been able to use to supplement their budget at no cost to the town. He said they will continue to seek out those opportunities in order to keep money coming in for needed equipment and potential fire station additions, such as a new sign.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The North Judson Fire Department plans to commemorate their old firehouse with a monument in front of the new building. At Monday night’s North Judson Town Council meeting, Fire Chief Joe Leszek explained that some material from the old firehouse was retrieved during the demolition process.
Leszek told members, “When the old firehouse was torn down, some of our members went over there and we salvaged some of the limestone and it was always our plan to build a small little memorial wall.”
Chief Leszek said that Brian Allen Masonry is the company being utilized to erect the wall in front of the flagpole outside the new fire station.
In addition to informing members about the memorial wall, Leszek stated that members of the department are constantly working to find and apply for grants in order to bring in some extra funds.
He announced the Starke County Community Foundation recently awarded the department a grant worth $5,673.75 and mentioned they’re currently waiting to hear back about whether or not they’ve received a $3,500 grant from Starke United.
Leszek explained that last year with grant money received through the Community Foundation and REMC, the department was able to purchase new brush and extrication suits. They’re planning to use the grant money this year to buy boots and gloves for the suits.
Leszek added that the department has acquired more than $11,000 in grant funding that they’ve been able to use to supplement their budget at no cost to the town. He said they will continue to seek out those opportunities in order to keep money coming in for needed equipment and potential fire station additions, such as a new sign.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Starke County Community Foundation Presents $20,000 in Grants to Starke County Park Board
Posted on March 14, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest will get $15,000 worth of improvements this spring, thanks to a grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund. The funding was formally presented to the Starke County Park Board Tuesday by Starke County Community Foundation Director of Development Sarah Origer and Northern Indiana Community Foundation Executive Director Jay Albright.
The goal of the project is to improve access and signage at the forest. That will include upgrading the existing access trail into a gravel road, ending at a 10-to-12-car parking lot.
County Attorney Marty Lucas said the Starke County Highway Department is still working on the specific plans. “Actually, I was kind of hoping we’d be a little further along, but I think they’ve been pretty busy with all the flooding,” he said. “The time-frame that was being discussed was kind of dependent on weather, which has not been good so far, but assuming that we don’t have any more giant floods, the time-frame was to have it done by June at the latest but hopefully earlier than that.”
During Tuesday’s meeting, the community foundation representatives also presented the park board with a $5,000 grant for improvements to the Bass Lake Beach. The Community Support Grant will help with efforts to prevent and repair sand erosion.
Origer told board members that grants like these are a result of years of donations at the Starke County Community Foundation. “The community foundation is a true endowment,” she said. “The dollars that are donated are invested, and it’s a portion of the earnings that have come back year after year after year, that are making these two grants possible.”
Since $5,000 won’t cover the whole cost of the Bass Lake Beach project, the Starke County Park Board is also exploring other grant opportunities. Board President Roger Chaffins said the county is still waiting for the results of its application for $2,500 from Kankakee Valley REMC’s Operation Round Up program. But the park board’s request for $5,000 from Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development has been denied.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest will get $15,000 worth of improvements this spring, thanks to a grant from the Hardesty Memorial Endowment Fund. The funding was formally presented to the Starke County Park Board Tuesday by Starke County Community Foundation Director of Development Sarah Origer and Northern Indiana Community Foundation Executive Director Jay Albright.
The goal of the project is to improve access and signage at the forest. That will include upgrading the existing access trail into a gravel road, ending at a 10-to-12-car parking lot.
County Attorney Marty Lucas said the Starke County Highway Department is still working on the specific plans. “Actually, I was kind of hoping we’d be a little further along, but I think they’ve been pretty busy with all the flooding,” he said. “The time-frame that was being discussed was kind of dependent on weather, which has not been good so far, but assuming that we don’t have any more giant floods, the time-frame was to have it done by June at the latest but hopefully earlier than that.”
During Tuesday’s meeting, the community foundation representatives also presented the park board with a $5,000 grant for improvements to the Bass Lake Beach. The Community Support Grant will help with efforts to prevent and repair sand erosion.
Origer told board members that grants like these are a result of years of donations at the Starke County Community Foundation. “The community foundation is a true endowment,” she said. “The dollars that are donated are invested, and it’s a portion of the earnings that have come back year after year after year, that are making these two grants possible.”
Since $5,000 won’t cover the whole cost of the Bass Lake Beach project, the Starke County Park Board is also exploring other grant opportunities. Board President Roger Chaffins said the county is still waiting for the results of its application for $2,500 from Kankakee Valley REMC’s Operation Round Up program. But the park board’s request for $5,000 from Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development has been denied.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Starke County Park Board to Get Updates on Grant Applications
Posted on March 13, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Park Board will get updates on some grant applications tonight. The park board has already been awarded $5,000 from the Starke County Community Foundation to help prevent and repair erosion at the Bass Lake Beach. Starke County is also seeking funding from Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development and Kankakee Valley REMC’s Operation Round Up program.
The park board is also expected to get an update on its request for nearly $15,000 from the Hardesty Memorial Foundation to upgrade parking and signage at the Starke County Forest.
In other business tonight, the Starke County Park Board plans to continue its discussion of the Bass Lake Beach gate house. The structure was seriously damaged when a pickup truck reportedly crashed into it back in November, but Park Board President Roger Chaffins hasn’t been happy with the compensation offer from the truck owner’s insurance provider.
Tonight’s Starke County Park Board meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. in Starke County Annex Building No. 1.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Park Board will get updates on some grant applications tonight. The park board has already been awarded $5,000 from the Starke County Community Foundation to help prevent and repair erosion at the Bass Lake Beach. Starke County is also seeking funding from Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development and Kankakee Valley REMC’s Operation Round Up program.
The park board is also expected to get an update on its request for nearly $15,000 from the Hardesty Memorial Foundation to upgrade parking and signage at the Starke County Forest.
In other business tonight, the Starke County Park Board plans to continue its discussion of the Bass Lake Beach gate house. The structure was seriously damaged when a pickup truck reportedly crashed into it back in November, but Park Board President Roger Chaffins hasn’t been happy with the compensation offer from the truck owner’s insurance provider.
Tonight’s Starke County Park Board meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. in Starke County Annex Building No. 1.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Friday, March 2, 2018
Starke County Park Board Seeking Grant Funding for Forest Access Project
Posted on March 2, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest may soon get some parking upgrades. The county park board is applying for a grant from the Hardesty Memorial Foundation Fund at the Starke County Community Foundation to help improve access to the forest.
County Attorney Marty Lucas put the grant application together, based on some priorities identified by the park board back in January, “To improve the road, improve parking, signage,” he explained. “And we made an application for $15,000 or some alternatives that would be a little bit less than that.”
The project would upgrade the existing access trail into a 20-foot gravel road, ending at a 10-to-12-car parking lot. “If we get this, that road will be dedicated as a county road, and so the County Highway Department would be able to maintain it henceforth, plow it – it’ll be a low-priority plow, but they’ll keep it plowed out when they can – and of course, they’ll build it actually up to specifications on things like base and all that,” he said. “So you shouldn’t have problems with the roots poking through anymore. That would be like a cul-de-sac at the end there, and it’ll double as a parking lot is the plan.”
Forester Bruce Wakeland told the park board Tuesday that he’s excited about the board’s efforts. He also asked to be involved in the design process, to avoid cutting down some valuable walnut trees.
Lucas said he should know if the county’s been selected for the grant by the park board’s March 13 meeting.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Forest may soon get some parking upgrades. The county park board is applying for a grant from the Hardesty Memorial Foundation Fund at the Starke County Community Foundation to help improve access to the forest.
County Attorney Marty Lucas put the grant application together, based on some priorities identified by the park board back in January, “To improve the road, improve parking, signage,” he explained. “And we made an application for $15,000 or some alternatives that would be a little bit less than that.”
The project would upgrade the existing access trail into a 20-foot gravel road, ending at a 10-to-12-car parking lot. “If we get this, that road will be dedicated as a county road, and so the County Highway Department would be able to maintain it henceforth, plow it – it’ll be a low-priority plow, but they’ll keep it plowed out when they can – and of course, they’ll build it actually up to specifications on things like base and all that,” he said. “So you shouldn’t have problems with the roots poking through anymore. That would be like a cul-de-sac at the end there, and it’ll double as a parking lot is the plan.”
Forester Bruce Wakeland told the park board Tuesday that he’s excited about the board’s efforts. He also asked to be involved in the design process, to avoid cutting down some valuable walnut trees.
Lucas said he should know if the county’s been selected for the grant by the park board’s March 13 meeting.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Starke County Park Board Gets $5,000 Grant for Bass Lake Beach Erosion Prevention Project
Posted on March 1, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Efforts to prevent and repair erosion at the Bass Lake Beach have gotten a financial boost from the Starke County Community Foundation. The Starke County Park Board announced Tuesday that it was recently awarded a $5,000 Community Support Grant for the installation of glacial stone, as well as additional sand.
The project would involve buying 80 cubic yards of stone, which would be placed around the beach house. Meanwhile, 500 tons of sand would be purchased to replenish the beach. The Starke County Park Board has agreed to install the stone and sand, while the operator of the facility, Callahan Development, LLC would repair the seawall surrounding the beach house patio.
The Community Foundation grant wouldn’t cover the whole cost of the project, though. The park board is also applying for $5,000 from Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development and $2,500 from Kankakee Valley REMC’s Operation Round Up program.
Board members also hope to save money by using the Starke County Highway Department’s crews and equipment. The Starke County Park Board does not currently have a dedicated source of taxpayer funding.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Efforts to prevent and repair erosion at the Bass Lake Beach have gotten a financial boost from the Starke County Community Foundation. The Starke County Park Board announced Tuesday that it was recently awarded a $5,000 Community Support Grant for the installation of glacial stone, as well as additional sand.
The project would involve buying 80 cubic yards of stone, which would be placed around the beach house. Meanwhile, 500 tons of sand would be purchased to replenish the beach. The Starke County Park Board has agreed to install the stone and sand, while the operator of the facility, Callahan Development, LLC would repair the seawall surrounding the beach house patio.
The Community Foundation grant wouldn’t cover the whole cost of the project, though. The park board is also applying for $5,000 from Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development and $2,500 from Kankakee Valley REMC’s Operation Round Up program.
Board members also hope to save money by using the Starke County Highway Department’s crews and equipment. The Starke County Park Board does not currently have a dedicated source of taxpayer funding.
Friday, January 26, 2018
2/22/2018 The Hive: Ladies Giving Circle for Starke County
Save the date! Come learn about The Hive, the new ladies' giving circle for Starke County. During this first annual social gathering, we will learn more about The Hive, hear from local non-profits and award $5,000 in grants, and we'll promote positivity in our community. Hors d'oeuvres will be served.
After the first annual event, those who wish to join The Hive will be able to do so by paying $10 per month or $120 per year in membership dues. Members who are 22 years old and younger will pay just $5 per month or $60 per year. Half of this amount will make next year's grants possible. The other half will be put into The Hive's endowment fund with the Starke County Community Foundation, which will help make future grants possible. The Hive will meet once yearly for a social gathering during which grants will be awarded. We hope you will join The Hive and help to create some positive buzz in our community!
RSVP to the Community Foundation at 574-772-3665. Thank you!
After the first annual event, those who wish to join The Hive will be able to do so by paying $10 per month or $120 per year in membership dues. Members who are 22 years old and younger will pay just $5 per month or $60 per year. Half of this amount will make next year's grants possible. The other half will be put into The Hive's endowment fund with the Starke County Community Foundation, which will help make future grants possible. The Hive will meet once yearly for a social gathering during which grants will be awarded. We hope you will join The Hive and help to create some positive buzz in our community!
RSVP to the Community Foundation at 574-772-3665. Thank you!
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Basketball Team’s Fundraising Effort Helps Give Back to Cancer Patients
Posted on January 23, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Thanks to the hard work of local basketball and cheerleading teams Starke County cancer patients will have some financial relief.
The North Judson-San Pierre basketball team, both boys and girls, and the cheerleading team sold pink t-shirts and chances to win pink, autographed basketballs in order to raise money for the effort.
The shirts and basketballs were sold on Dec. 30 during a boys and girls doubleheader. More than $1,000 was raised for the Christina Rotering and Ashley Derrickson Memorial Fund for Starke County Cancer. This donation allows the continuation of legacies of these students to help Starke County cancer patients with lessening the burden of bills.
The funds are within the Starke County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Northern Indiana Community Foundation. For more information, call Sarah Origer at the Starke County Community Foundation at 574-772-3665.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Thanks to the hard work of local basketball and cheerleading teams Starke County cancer patients will have some financial relief.
The North Judson-San Pierre basketball team, both boys and girls, and the cheerleading team sold pink t-shirts and chances to win pink, autographed basketballs in order to raise money for the effort.
The shirts and basketballs were sold on Dec. 30 during a boys and girls doubleheader. More than $1,000 was raised for the Christina Rotering and Ashley Derrickson Memorial Fund for Starke County Cancer. This donation allows the continuation of legacies of these students to help Starke County cancer patients with lessening the burden of bills.
The funds are within the Starke County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Northern Indiana Community Foundation. For more information, call Sarah Origer at the Starke County Community Foundation at 574-772-3665.
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Local Community Foundations Report Success with Giving Tuesday
Posted on November 30, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
This week’s Giving Tuesday initiative proved to be a success for local community foundations. Kim Krause with the Community Foundation of Pulaski County had a good response. “I know we still have some gifts that are trickling in, but it’s safe to say that we’ve raised well over $30,000 in one day, for Giving Tuesday,” she says.
The Starke County Community Foundation also saw a good number of donations, according to the foundation’s director of development, Sarah Origer. “In total, we received more than $15,000 in gifts on Giving Tuesday,” she says, “and it was a really nice day to celebrate the accomplishments of our many nonprofits and the work that they’re doing to make Starke County a better place.”
To celebrate Giving Tuesday, both community foundations held open houses. In Pulaski County, Krause says events were held in both Winamac and Francesville. “We had a great turnout at both locations, actually,” she says. “We just had a lot of different tasty treats, and we had people able to come in and decorate our giving tree with just reasons why they gave.”
Meanwhile, Origer says the Starke County Community Foundation gave donors an extra incentive to give to one of the foundation’s community funds. “We offered a match of $2,500 to community funds,” she explains. “So individuals could give up to $250, and it would be matched as long as it was going to a community fund. I do know that we have some additional dollars remain, so we’re continuing to match gifts to community funds, until those dollars are used.”
Giving Tuesday is a global initiative that encourages people to give back to their communities on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
This week’s Giving Tuesday initiative proved to be a success for local community foundations. Kim Krause with the Community Foundation of Pulaski County had a good response. “I know we still have some gifts that are trickling in, but it’s safe to say that we’ve raised well over $30,000 in one day, for Giving Tuesday,” she says.
The Starke County Community Foundation also saw a good number of donations, according to the foundation’s director of development, Sarah Origer. “In total, we received more than $15,000 in gifts on Giving Tuesday,” she says, “and it was a really nice day to celebrate the accomplishments of our many nonprofits and the work that they’re doing to make Starke County a better place.”
To celebrate Giving Tuesday, both community foundations held open houses. In Pulaski County, Krause says events were held in both Winamac and Francesville. “We had a great turnout at both locations, actually,” she says. “We just had a lot of different tasty treats, and we had people able to come in and decorate our giving tree with just reasons why they gave.”
Meanwhile, Origer says the Starke County Community Foundation gave donors an extra incentive to give to one of the foundation’s community funds. “We offered a match of $2,500 to community funds,” she explains. “So individuals could give up to $250, and it would be matched as long as it was going to a community fund. I do know that we have some additional dollars remain, so we’re continuing to match gifts to community funds, until those dollars are used.”
Giving Tuesday is a global initiative that encourages people to give back to their communities on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Cherry Gumz Receives Starke County Community Foundation Hardesty Award
Posted on November 1, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Community Foundation is honoring one of its founders. Cherry Gumz was presented with the foundation’s 2017 James R. Hardesty Leadership in Philanthropy Award last week.
From 1996 to 2008, Gumz served as the Starke County Community Foundation’s second president. Foundation officials credit Gumz’ hard work and dedication with helping to make the foundation possible. As part of the award, Gumz was given a $500 gift, which she donated to the Richard Gumz Scholarship Fund.
The Hardesty Award was presented during the foundation’s annual Community Impact Reception last Thursday in Knox. Also during the event, Gene Ladd was recognized for his 10 years of service on the Northern Indiana Community Foundation Board of Directors. NICF Executive Director Jay Albright called Ladd a “hidden gem” of Starke County.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Community Foundation is honoring one of its founders. Cherry Gumz was presented with the foundation’s 2017 James R. Hardesty Leadership in Philanthropy Award last week.
Mary Gumz, 2017 Hardesty Award Winner Cherry Gumz, Daniel Gumz
(Photo provided by Starke County Community Foundation)
From 1996 to 2008, Gumz served as the Starke County Community Foundation’s second president. Foundation officials credit Gumz’ hard work and dedication with helping to make the foundation possible. As part of the award, Gumz was given a $500 gift, which she donated to the Richard Gumz Scholarship Fund.
The Hardesty Award was presented during the foundation’s annual Community Impact Reception last Thursday in Knox. Also during the event, Gene Ladd was recognized for his 10 years of service on the Northern Indiana Community Foundation Board of Directors. NICF Executive Director Jay Albright called Ladd a “hidden gem” of Starke County.
SCCF Director of Development Sarah Origer, NICF Board member Gene Ladd, NICF Executive Director Jay Albright
(Photo provided by Starke County Community Foundation)
Monday, October 23, 2017
North Judson Town Council Receives Update About Community Center Committee Funds
Posted on October 21, 2017
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The North Judson Town Council held the final reading of their 2018 Budget when they met earlier this week. Following the reading, the council adopted the budget which has an estimated total of $983,546 according to Indiana Gateway.
Additionally, the clerk-treasurer at the time, Alicia Collins informed the council members where the $12,000 of funds raised by the Community Center Committee will go now that the project is no longer being pursued.
Collins said when the committee was being formed, she had to let the Starke County Community Foundation know where funds would go in the event that grants were not received. Back then, committee members agreed to allocate the money to the park if the committee did not get grant funding.
Since then, Community Center Committee members have met with the North Judson Park Board as well as individuals who donated significant funds and they decided to spend the money adding a cover to the stage at Norwayne Field.
Collins specified that about $5,862 will come out of the Community Center Committee’s fund, with the rest of the payment coming from the park beautification fund and the fun day at the park fund. She said to cover the rest of the cost, approximately $7,300 will come out of each of those funds and no money will need to come from the town. The remaining $6,138 in the Community Center Committee fund will be put toward maintenance of the stage cover.
Collins said the cover will be delivered in the next few weeks but since the winter season is coming, it will be stored in the town park garage until the spring when it can be installed. Collins and council members agreed that the stage cover will be a great addition to community events such as movies in the park and the Mint Festival.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The North Judson Town Council held the final reading of their 2018 Budget when they met earlier this week. Following the reading, the council adopted the budget which has an estimated total of $983,546 according to Indiana Gateway.
Additionally, the clerk-treasurer at the time, Alicia Collins informed the council members where the $12,000 of funds raised by the Community Center Committee will go now that the project is no longer being pursued.
Collins said when the committee was being formed, she had to let the Starke County Community Foundation know where funds would go in the event that grants were not received. Back then, committee members agreed to allocate the money to the park if the committee did not get grant funding.
Since then, Community Center Committee members have met with the North Judson Park Board as well as individuals who donated significant funds and they decided to spend the money adding a cover to the stage at Norwayne Field.
Collins specified that about $5,862 will come out of the Community Center Committee’s fund, with the rest of the payment coming from the park beautification fund and the fun day at the park fund. She said to cover the rest of the cost, approximately $7,300 will come out of each of those funds and no money will need to come from the town. The remaining $6,138 in the Community Center Committee fund will be put toward maintenance of the stage cover.
Collins said the cover will be delivered in the next few weeks but since the winter season is coming, it will be stored in the town park garage until the spring when it can be installed. Collins and council members agreed that the stage cover will be a great addition to community events such as movies in the park and the Mint Festival.
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