Residents@JV

Riding Hope Inc.

2009-05-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

Always looking for stimulating activities that will stir some interest and even interact with the residents of Jacob’s Village (JV), Karin Macke, Program Director, was approached with a novel idea. Get the residents Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, and Scott interacting with horses. Karin had just recently, during the Summer of 2007, hired Natalie Fleming as a part-time employee to help with the residents in the mornings while she was on her Summer break from Samford University, near Birmingham, Alabama. Previously and continuing to do so on Summer breaks, Natalie and her mother Lisa, volunteer their time in assisting special needs children with horse-riding therapy sessions at Riding Hope Inc. You never know when acquaintances that you meet will have an impact on what one is striving for; because Lisa, coerced by Natalie, offered to help Mike pull weeds in the JV garden on a couple of Saturday afternoons. Lisa wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and Mike really appreciated the gardening camaraderie that developed over the weekends. Riding Hope, Inc. 3311 David Dr., Mt. Vernon, IN, is a therapeutic horseback riding program for children with special needs. It is located just down the road a piece, East of St. Phillips, IN, on David Drive, and…to make another noteworthy mention of the area’s improving landscape, the new University Parkway. The Parkway will be a direct short drive, whenever it gets completed; from JV and Hwy. 66 to the University of Southern Indiana and Hwy. 62 into the Westside of Evansville. With a 3 or 4 mile stretch ready for use on the South end of the Parkway, in which it has been that way now for 4 or 5 years from Upper Mt. Vernon Rd. to U.S.I., the new Parkway; once you get there using Korressel Rd. from JV, still cuts a lot of time off of ones driving. JV really benefits from the new incomplete Parkway immensely because that part of town is where most of the JV business is carried out. One of these days it will be completed and it will allow for more convenience. Now, Riding Hope, Inc. is just two or three miles West of University Parkway off the Hogue Road exit. Riding Hope, similar to JV, is fully funded by donations that are tax deductible to all donors making it a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Riding Hope was created by parents seeking to provide a progressive form of horse-riding therapy for their special needs children. Beth Tromley, mother of 11 year old special needs daughter Molly, directs the small operation out of a barn and corral close to her home that she leases from Tim and Barbara Martin. Beth opens the therapy sessions up every Monday evening to interested families beginning in April and then closing down in October to allow for the Winter months to pass. Although Riding Hope does not advertise, they are covered up with clients benefiting from the service and in need of volunteers to assist the little ones who take part in it. Some clients they tend to are not so little, the children range in ages from 2-18 years. The Riding Hope Mission Statement: To provide an opportunity for children with special needs to experience an enjoyable activity while benefiting physically, psychologically, and socially through horse riding. The special needs children all receive therapeutic benefits from horse-back riding in an array of developmental skills. Many of them are strapped and secured in the saddle and put on the horse forwards as well as backwards for coordinating the rhythm of walking. The staff at Riding Hope consists of parents of special needs children, educators, experienced horseback riders, and licensed Therapists in Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapies. Safety is always of utmost concern when administering to clients and there are volunteers always walking alongside the horse and rider to help prevent and eliminate accidents. Over time talking with Beth, who also schedules the appointments at Riding Hope, Karin finally found an open date on the calendar that coincided with a reasonable Monday evening and time frame with Riding Hope that the JV residents could visit their operation. Arrangements were made for all the residents to attend two of their Monday evening therapy sessions, on Monday, April 21, and Monday July 28, 2008. Having two separate dates allowed for most everyone to join in on the fun, different Home Coordinators would be working and be able to participate. For the first scheduled Monday evening Joe and Gloria, the Men and Women’s Home Coordinators, were on duty and the next date had Barry and Janice working. Gloria and Joe prepared an early meal for the residents that Monday allowing them to leave soon after everybody returned home from work after they had eaten by 5:00pm, giving the residents about three hours of daylight to see what Riding Hope was all about and what they had to offer. Karin met the residents at JV and joined them on their drive over to the stables and corral. For this time, not knowing for sure where it was, they took the long way to get there; back to Parker Settlement, South on St. Philip’s Rd. into St. Philip’s and left on Creamery Rd. at the R.R. Crossing and where the St. Philip’s Café & Gas Station is located. Two or three miles down Creamery Road they passed it by; although there were a few cars parked in the grass behind the barn, there was no sign marking the address. There were a few people standing along the outside of the corral watching the children being led around on horses and a light intermittent rain shower was beginning to come down. The JV bunch exited from the two vans and was introduced to many of the volunteers. There were bleachers on one side of the corral and bales of straw on the other for sitting. Some people were inside, some were outside, and some of the JV bunch was content to having a few raindrops fall on their head while the others went inside the barn. The barn had old wood for siding and many tools hanging on the walls, a hard-packed dirt floor, grass sack/burlap feed bags, and saddle paraphernalia made for an authentic looking stable. The few people inside the barn, where they do have an area large enough to walk the horses around, were letting the recipients of the Therapeutic Services get acquainted with the Horses. Riding Hope has twelve horses available for use; although, only five horses are used at a time. Some Horses are a better fit toward the different individual personalities; and therefore, introducing the riders to the assorted Horses is a must to gain trust. Everyone taking part was very cordial and friendly and there were even a few familiar faces from Mt. Vernon making up the group. The facility was a busy place leading children around, moving from indoors to outdoors, changing horses, changing clients, and taking care of the horses. The light rain shower didn’t last long and a larger crowd was gathering around the corral. The JV residents got to pet the horses and Wanda, Mike, and Michael even had their picture take with Festus, the smallest pony of the bunch. As you would expect, Wanda wanted to take him back home to JV and care for him there. Riding Hope Inc. and Jacob’s Village have many similarities; the biggest one, their mission to help others is filling a need, offering options, and slowly gaining recognition. Beth is carrying a huge responsibility on her shoulders at Riding Hope and working within her means. The JV residents enjoyed their time visiting and watching the horses and the services provided by Riding Hope and would like to make a return trip someday. Maybe next time it could be arranged to have a horse available for a JV resident or two.

USI Occupational Therapy Students

2009-03-25T10:47:00.000-07:00

As a requirement to complete their Occupational Therapy Degree, O/T Students at the University of Southern Indiana must develop and provide an activity and exercise program for a special needs and/or a rehab facility that could potentially benefit from the services administered. Partnering with Jacob’s Village for the third year in a row, Barb Williams, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, at USI, direct these students in this program during the second semester of each school year. This project for students in the O/T Program is called a Synthesis Course; it is a hands-on, interactive, type of a reality classroom for them. Since their introductory visit with the Jacob’s Village bunch of Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, and Scott, on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008, the three USI O/T students; Julie Smith, Ali Kilpatrick, and Amanda Embry received input from all the residents on what type of activity they would like. The entire group bounced around many ideas and even the students suggested a few of their own. The therapeutic services agreed upon for this third year of interaction was a different kind of activity. Always trying to think outside of the normal, typical box, and because of a fitness/exercise activity was their reason for being, dancing was the main topic.
Therefore, dancing, Yoga, Tai Chi, and related exercises in form would be the desired outcome for their upcoming visits. Because of conflicting schedules and prior commitments of everyone included, the USI O/T students met with the Jacob’s Village residents when it was accommodating. It came down to a couple Saturdays at 2:30pm and a few Thursdays at 4:30pm for a change. Although Thursdays still had its challenges at that time; Debbie and Michael’s return home from work always depends on METS’ schedule and some days are better than others. It all worked out; with a smile on their face and a feel-good activity with music to listen and move to, the USI O/T students provided at least an hour of fun exercise. The students entertained, exercised, and worked everybody’s range of motion in their time slot and a good time was always had by all. Usually a little Yoga, another time following an instructional video-tape demonstrating Tai Chi, which the residents were no stranger to; and having feel-good music to move to. For the girls last session, they brought a large basket of healthy fruit items and a specially recorded cassette with funny dance songs for everyone to enjoy. They wanted to make their ‘Swan Song’ into a memorable ‘Dance Party’. The music on the tape consisted of self-explanatory songs such as, ‘The Loco-motion’, ‘The Twist’, ‘Twist and Shout’, ‘The Hokey Pokey’, ‘The Chicken Dance’ and ‘The Macarena’ just to name a few. That was a fun way to end their project and the cassette was given to the residents to remember the times. All of the USI O/T students that have come out to Jacob’s Village for their class assignment have been a pleasure to work with. The residents send a Big Heart Thank You and hope they have achieved what they came for.

2008 Disability Awareness Programs

2009-03-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

Since its conception and founding in 1987, the State of Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities has designated March as Disability Awareness Month. The Governor’s Council implements yearly educational campaigns that are directed towards the general public with a catchy slogan that is easy to relate to. The main topic’s message of Disability Awareness is delivered through advocates who take it upon themselves to bring attention to and spread the word about disabilities. Jacob’s Village, an assisted living facility for disabled adults in rural Vanderburgh County, and its residents are public relation advocates for Disability Awareness and they spread the good news to surrounding Schools, Churches, Community Social Groups & Clubs, and the tri-state area. Opening up for residential living in October 2004; Jacob’s Village has had representatives visit these many places to provide information on Disabilities and the mission of Jacob’s Village, which is: “To support adults with functional disabilities in their pursuit of developing life skills, interests and maximum independence.” Jacob’s Village is “dedicated to enriching lives of adult handicapped individuals with developmental deficiencies by providing them residential care and social services.” and offer Disability Awareness Programs. These types of outlets are where the message’s focus, of how anyone and everyone can help create a better society by taking life one step at a time, keeping a positive attitude, working with people that have disabilities, by understanding and eliminating the obstacles they face. Jacob’s Village has initiated and created good opportunities with Schools, Churches, and Clubs while traveling around presenting Disability Awareness Programs; especially, when teachers make it a part of their students learning curriculum of activities and make it into a give and take relationship. Many teachers have created field trips for their students to visit Jacob’s Village and made it into an enhanced, reality classroom. An array of activities has been included; such as, holiday themed arts & crafts, to fellowship camaraderie. Tuesday, March 18, the 5th Grade Class from Good Shepherd Catholic School decorated bulletin boards, played games, made Easter Crosses, gave each resident an Easter Basket full of eggs & candy, and performed dance routine rehearsal for their up-coming Spring Musical. Thursday, May 01, the 7th Grade Class from the Holy Spirit Catholic School brought a picnic lunch and wanted to share it with the residents; but not before working up an appetite from pulling weeds out of flower beds, picking up trash, and assorted grounds and landscaping work. Wednesday, May 07, the 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade classes from Glenwood Middle School updated bulletin boards, painted flower pots, played games, brought along scrap-booking material, snapped a few photos, and together with the residents, designed a keep-sake album for each. Friday, June 06, 5th and 6th Grade students from St. Phillip’s Catholic School, led by Deacon Joe Stofleth, worked in flower beds, pulled more weeds, planted seeds, and tended to the Jacob’s Village vegetable garden. Wednesday, October 29, Mary Kay Elpers and her 8th Grade Class from St. Joseph’s Catholic School threw a Halloween Party for the residents. The students played games, played a little music, sang songs, had painted pumpkins, had candy for all, brought along a sack lunch for a picnic, and walked the Nature Trail. These are some of the schools that take advantage of the relationship that is formed; although, Community Clubs and Civic Groups do as well by having meetings out on the Jacob’s Village grounds. So therefore; Jacob’s Village is always eager to get out and speak to any and everybody that is interested. The Program Director, Karin Macke, and resident, Scott Huck, visit class rooms in Schools and/or the entire student body in their Gymnasium and briefly define disabilities, describe Jacob’s Village, open the discussion up for questions, and handout bookmarkers that have tips for proper etiquette, appropriate language, and how to interact with Disabled Individuals to every student. In the 2008 School year, Scott had been in contact with Ron Pittman, Principle at St. Wendel, and Ms. Elpers, 8th Grade Teacher, at St. Joe’s. A date was set on Thursday, April 10, to give a program to the 16 students in Cathy Dyson’s 4th Grade Class at St. Wendel. The conversation with Mr. Pittman led to an invitation proposal for all residents to see St. Wendel’s theatrical production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’, Thursday, March 13. Scott’s contact with Ms. Elpers also led to an invitation for all the residents to see the St. Joe’s theatrical production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’, Thursday, April 24. The Disability Awareness Program for St. Joe’s was originally set for the middle of April but as the weather had its way, heavy rains came, Big Creek got even bigger, and Schools were canceled due to high-water. To make up missed days; St. Joe had their students attend a couple of Saturday mornings to assure the make-up days would not interfere with their pre-set date for their Summer vacation. So…with Jacob’s Village always ready to accommodate, the date for the program was changed and made for Saturday morning, May 03, at 10:00am. Since the Home Coordinating Staff at Jacob’s Village works 24/7 through the weekend Men’s Home Coordinator Joe would see that Scott would make the date. Normally, whoever is on for the weekend, goes grocery shopping Saturday morning before Mike has to report in for work allowing him to help with the goodies. But on this day, Joe would just have to purchase groceries in the afternoon, following Mike’s pick up from work. It all worked out; the high-water receded, teachers weren’t too demanding, and the 185 students had a special, get-out-of-class speaker to listen to in their gymnasium. Every class and/or entire student body from each School has been very well behaved, disciplined, and notably attentive.

Wadesville General Baptist Church

2009-01-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

Late Monday afternoon, April 07, 2008, Gloria, the Women’s Home Coordinator, was preparing a BBQ pork-chop dish, a stir-fry vegetable-pasta mix, rolls, and a Sweet Potato Pie for the evening meal in the Men’s Home at Jacob’s Village. The meal preparation was a little earlier than normal because of expected special guests that were to visit. Mike was just finishing his reading lesson with tutor Don Tucker, METS had just returned Michael and Debbie back home from their work, and the sweet smelling BBQ aroma was filling the air, and it was supper time at Jacob’s Village. Joe, the Men’s Home Coordinator, assisting Gloria with the meal, prepared the table. The three other Jacob’s Village residents, Wanda, Donna Kay, Scott, joined everyone else at the supper table in the dining room; blessed the meal and enjoyed a tasty dish. They had just cleaned and cleared the area from the meal when Pastor Joe Dumond and his wife Jaclyn from the Wadesville General Baptist Church (WGBC) arrived for an evening prayer service that was to begin at 6:00pm. Pasttor Joe has only been leading WGBC for less than two years, but this is not his and Jaclyn’s first visit to Jacob’s Village. Due to prior commitments, they were unable to visit with the residents last year, although, the congregational members of the WGBC and the residents have had a good relationship in the past even before Pastor Dumond joined them. They were one of the first groups to come out and play bingo with the residents and host picnics. For this April evening, everyone gathered in the living room. Introductions were made and the names and faces of the residents were not a total loss for the guests. It didn’t take long for them to have their memories refreshed. Small talk and reviewing the past year’s events were the topics for discussion. Since Jacob’s Village is still in some areas, small enough in population size and in developmental stages, the residents are fortunate to be able to spend quality time with each other during most evening meals. There is good fellowship and camaraderie among the current residents, therefore, Pastor Joe blessed the evening with everyone in prayer. He pulled out some notes that he was working on and preparing for an upcoming Sermon. He compared Jacob’s Village and its residents to the 1970’s cartoon ‘Super Friends’. As diverse of a group that the Super Heroes were with characters such as: Captain America, Superman, Aquaman, and Wonder Woman, just to name a few of the friends; they were focused and all committed to one mission. And…they were all one team, blessed with their particular individual talents of strength. What one lacked, another would fill in and help the others out; and that’s the similarity Pastor Joe seen within Jacob’s Village. All the residents Live Together, Learn Together, Share Together, Act Together, Praise Together, and Grow Together. He passed around Bible scripture handouts taken from the Book of Acts, Chapter 2, versus 41-47; In that day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.
Everyone around was in awe – all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.
They followed a daily discipline of worship in the temple followed by6 meals in the home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
Following the prayers and scripture reading, a couple favorite old time gospel songs were sung, accapello style. Although Jaclyn plays piano and keyboards very well, as she did the first time, the portable electric keyboard was not used. It was suggested for everyone to step out onto the front porch for a group photo. Overlooking Mike’s garden spot, which hasn’t been prepared for seeds yet and viewing the setting sun, the conversation shifted to up and coming events for the Summer and the new Nature Trail and Meditation Garden. With the wet Spring, comes a soft walk, and a wheelchair leaves small ruts and tracks in the Nature Trail. The type of rock used with the crushed stone base, after a day or two, it levels itself out. Pastor Joe and Jaclyn passed up on tour of the walk; however, they would try to attend the ribbon cutting that would be held upon completion, when it dries out sometime, during the Summer months. It was a nice and comfortable evening to be outside and a couple of pictures were taken. The residents all thanked Pastor Joe and Jaclyn for their evening time and bade farewell. An enjoyable evening it was and the Jacob’s Village residents all are hoping for a return visit by the WGBC that will be sooner than later.

Good Shepherd Catholic School

2009-01-22T11:15:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 18, 2008, the Good Shepherd Catholic School’s 5th Grade Class stopped by Jacob’s Village for an Easter Activity. In a constant, steady down-pour of rain, the Good Shepherd school bus pulled into the Jacob’s Village parking lot about 8:45am. Karin Macke, Program Director, and Scott, resident-volunteer, were awaiting their arrival inside looking out at the rain coming down from the Jacob’s Village business office. Parent and volunteer for the class, Karen Martin and 5th Grade teachers Laurie Klein and Joe Mayer stepped out of the bus, into the rain and entered the business office first to check out the room size and facilities. Following the inspection, 7 adults, consisting of parent/volunteers, Susan Baer, Teresa Vincent, Gretchen and the rest, acting as chaperones carried boxes, tubs, and sacks full of party supplies that included games, crafts, prizes, and a jam-box. Led by the volunteers, 38 5th Grade students brought up the rear through the rain eager to release their energy from being confined inside the school bus from their ride from the far North/East side of Evansville. All the students found a seat, some on the sofas, some in chairs and on the floor while the available residents of Jacob’s Village, Wanda, and Mike, opting to leave a little later for work, braved their way through the rain. Having the best interests in mind for Donna Kay’s health, she did not venture out in the nasty weather and was to remain in the Women’s Home. Debbie and Michael could not join in on the activity because they were already at work at this time. Introductions were made welcoming all visitors and a feel-good time of fellowship of making new friends was about to begin. The 5th Grade Class prepared an Easter Bucket full of goodies for each resident, whether they were here to participate with them or not. The decorated Easter-Buckets, imitating Easter-Baskets were filled with the appropriate and decorative grass, plastic eggs, candies of all sorts including a candy necklace, a small bag of jellybeans, a chocolate Easter Bunny on a stick, pencils, a pin-wheel fan, a bottle of bubble solution, and personal hygiene products of Kleenex, deodorant, toothpaste, and a bar of Mickey Mouse soap. A neat little bucket of surprises they had prepared for the residents. Of course, the students of the Good Shepherd Catholic School have been on the Jacob’s Village radar for some time because of what they had already done for the residents. Here a few weeks back, Karen Martin and Susan Baer arranged, organized, and provided a craft day of artwork at Jacob’s Village. A few students, parents and volunteers came out to decorate and update the bulletin boards in the homes. To keep up with the changing seasons, the bulletin boards were worked up with a crafty Easter flavor. Before they departed on that day, they presented the residents with two large puzzles that were in the shape of an egg. They were a puzzle by number layout, one each for the Women’s Home and for the Men’s Home. Each numbered puzzle piece had a picture of a student on it, so the residents would become familiar with their friendly faces. All of what they did on that Saturday, which was fine art work, was done with an ulterior motive…to prepare the residents for this day when they would shower all with Easter Blessings & Cheer. The 5th Grade Class did accomplish that successfully and now back to the Easter Activity. The students divided up into two groups to perform three song and dance act numbers in the more spacious office house. It has always been a blessing that the vacant house awaiting residents, used as the business office, has a floor layout differing from the other two homes. It is wider and more open allowing space for elbow room when larger groups visit and it is often used. The dining room table was moved into the kitchen area on the other side of the island bar so the 38 students would have enough room to perform their song and dance acts. The two groups; one in the living room section and the other in the dining room section where all could be seen, in unison, sang and danced to their well rehearsed choreographed selections. In preparation of the Good Shepherd’s Spring Musical, ‘Back to the 70’s’, the first one was ‘Stayin’ Alive’ by the Bee Gees from the 1977 movie ‘Saturday Night Fever’. That was followed by two Christian Rock Gospel songs ‘Yes Lord, Yes Lord’, and ‘We lift your name up high’. Much energy was required and exerted from the students for these songs that had plenty of two-stepping, stretching, twisting, and clapping of the hands. Their feel-good music performances were receptively enjoyed. Afterwards, while Karin Macke had one group on a tour of the homes, the other group played Bingo with Wanda, Mike, and Scott. The two groups switched places with each other following the first tour. With so many students, not meaning there were too many…cause it’s always more the merrier, the ones in between not helping with Bingo or on tour, worked on there many arts-n-crafts items available for them. Time is always critical when trying to fit everything you want to do within a strict schedule. The residents were unable to work on the craft ideas but the students in waiting made some of them up for them. Such as flat, black, cut-out shaped eggs that were full of color underneath the top surface that you could scratch off your own design with a name, each resident received one. Another item they had to work on were the stitched and adhesive crosses that required assembly. Wanda and Mike had to be getting to work after playing and winning a few games of Bingo. Donna Kay, feeling a bit under the weather, stayed indoors with Becky, a Day Companion at Jacob’s Village, but she did not miss out on all the fun. She was the perfect greeter and hostess, introducing and showing off the women’s home to all the visitors. Donna Kay is always thrilled to meet guests and likewise, guests reciprocate her enthusiasm, although the same can be said about each Jacob’s Village resident. There is a super bunch of residents that have become a loving family thanks to the caring and generosity of groups such as the Good Shepherd Catholic School and friends. A lot of fun, a lot of camaraderie, and a lot of prizes of collectible state quarters, stamps, and chocolate candies were shared with all the Bingo winners. A good time was had by all and the students were all on their best behavior. Jacob’s Village looks forward to another activity day with the Good Shepherd’s 5th Grade Class. Many Thank You’s go out to all the parents, teachers, and volunteers for all of their projects they have blessed Jacob’s Village with and for those who made this very enjoyable morning possible.

S.M.I.L.E. Making Dreams Come True

2009-01-22T11:08:00.000-08:00

March is National Disabilities Awareness Month and there are many events and presentations that recognize this program throughout Indiana and across the nation. The slogan for Indiana’s 2008 Disabilities Awareness Program is ‘Attitude is Everything’. Saturday morning, March 15, the Jacob’s Village bunch of: Debbie, Donna Kay, Wanda, Michael, Scott, and Home Coordinators Janice and Barry attended such an event at Swonder Ice Arena in Evansville, IN. Karin Macke, Program Director for Jacob’s Village, was taking advantage of this event and had an information table exhibiting the amenities at Jacob’s Village right inside the entrance of Swonder Ice Arena’s lobby. A S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome affiliated project, ‘Making Dreams Come True!’ was an Ice-Skating Event that was put on for and by disabled individuals presented by the Gold Medal Sponsors of: S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome Parent Network, The Evansville Association of Retarded Citizens (EARC), SouthWestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, and the Laborer’s International Union Local 561, who helped underwrite the costs for the one day performance. S.M.I.L.E. on Downs Syndrome is a Division of Youth, Inc. of Southern Indiana and stands for Support, Management, Information, Love, and Encouragement, for families and care givers who are affected with this disability. Nina Fuller, founder of S.M.I.L.E. and Executive Director, has been expanding and broadening the impact of their mission since the inception of S.M.I.L.E in February of 2001. Kenny and Val Overton, strong supporters and charter members of S.M.I.L.E, played a big part in creating and helping this dream and awareness program become a reality for the community. Kiersten, their daughter, was one of the performers who skated in one of the ice skating dance routines. The other individuals performing at this ice skating event were of a mixed bag of talent. Special Olympians Katie Crawford and Katie Stamper made a special trip from Indianapolis to be a part of this Special Disability Awareness Event, ‘Making Dreams Come True!’. The Ice Skating Dance routines were as follows:

Morris Bruce and Grace Poole/with all skaters
‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’
Kyla Osborne
‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’
Katie Crawford
‘Strike up the Band’
Christin Thompson and Maria Bengert
‘Lean on Me’
Taylor Travis
‘Music from Chocolat’
Carmen Sidenbender
‘The Little Mermaid’
Amber Headley
‘Clumsy’
Kat5ie Stamper
‘You Raise Me Up’
Kiersten Overton/with all the skaters
‘Make a Wish’

There was a small turnout for this ice skating show, but for the ones who were in attendance, the show went on as scheduled and it was an outstanding exhibition of showmanship. Each act was a delight and joy to watch and the accompanying music was soothing and celebrant to the ear. If attending an event at Swonder Ice Arena, be sure to wear appropriate clothing; it’s an icebox. With the two ice skating rinks, the temperature must be set low to prevent the courts from thawing out. It is a cold place but that has to be expected and it should be of no surprise. Swonder Ice Arena, located next to Roberts Stadium at the intersection of Boeke and the Lloyd Expressway has 2 ice skating rinks inside with about 1,200 seating capacity for each, a state-of-the-art skate park for skateboarders and in-line skaters, and a fitness/exercise center separating the 2 rinks. The new Swonder Ice Arena has many sporting events that are held year round. The University of Southern Indiana (USI) Ice Eagles Hockey Team uses it as their home court. There are also many youth and junior hockey leagues beginning to form and compete. And the big addition to the Swonder Ice Arena will be Evansville’s own professional Hockey Team the IceMen. The newly formedMidwest Hockey League, consisting of four teams; including Evansville’s, will use Swonder as a major outlet. The IceMen are set to begin their inaugural season, 2008-09, with a 40 game schedule in November. ‘Making Dreams Come True!’ an ice skating extravaganza, was an enjoyable event and Jacob’s Village was introduced to Swonder Ice Arena, and likewise. Maybe the new Evansville Icemen Hockey Team will become better acquainted with Jacob’s Village and create a relationship similar to what the Evansville Otters have done. Only time will tell if an exhibition Hockey Game will be played to benefit Jacob’s Village.

Thoroughly Modern Millie

2008-11-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

March is National Disabilities Awareness Month and there are many events and presentations that recognize this program throughout Indiana and across the nation. The slogan for Indiana’s 2008 Disabilities Awareness Program is ‘Attitude is Everything’. Saturday morning, March 15, the Jacob’s Village bunch of: Debbie, Donna Kay, Wanda, Michael, Scott, and Home Coordinators Janice and Barry attended such an event at Swonder Ice Arena in Evansville, IN. Karin Macke, Program Director for Jacob’s Village, was taking advantage of this event and had an information table exhibiting the amenities at Jacob’s Village right inside the entrance of Swonder Ice Arena’s lobby. A S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome affiliated project, ‘Making Dreams Come True!’ was an Ice-Skating Event that was put on for and by disabled individuals presented by the Gold Medal Sponsors of: S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome Parent Network, The Evansville Association of Retarded Citizens (EARC), SouthWestern Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council, and the Laborer’s International Union Local 561, who helped underwrite the costs for the one day performance. S.M.I.L.E. on Downs Syndrome is a Division of Youth, Inc. of Southern Indiana and stands for Support, Management, Information, Love, and Encouragement, for families and care givers who are affected with this disability. Nina Fuller, founder of S.M.I.L.E. and Executive Director, has been expanding and broadening the impact of their mission since the inception of S.M.I.L.E in February of 2001. Kenny and Val Overton, strong supporters and charter members of S.M.I.L.E, played a big part in creating and helping this dream and awareness program become a reality for the community. Kiersten, their daughter, was one of the performers who skated in one of the ice skating dance routines. The other individuals performing at this ice skating event were of a mixed bag of talent. Special Olympians Katie Crawford and Katie Stamper made a special trip from Indianapolis to be a part of this Special Disability Awareness Event, ‘Making Dreams Come True!’. The Ice Skating Dance routines were as follows:

Morris Bruce and Grace Poole/with all skaters
‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’
Kyla Osborne
‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’

Katie Crawford
‘Strike up the Band’
Christin Thompson and Maria Bengert
‘Lean on Me’
Taylor Travis
‘Music from Chocolat’
Carmen Sidenbender
‘The Little Mermaid’
Amber Headley
‘Clumsy’
Kat5ie Stamper
‘You Raise Me Up’
Kiersten Overton/with all the skaters
‘Make a Wish’

There was a small turnout for this ice skating show, but for the ones who were in attendance, the show went on as scheduled and it was an outstanding exhibition of showmanship. Each act was a delight and joy to watch and the accompanying music was soothing and celebrant to the ear. If attending an event at Swonder Ice Arena, be sure to wear appropriate clothing; it’s an icebox. With the two ice skating rinks, the temperature must be set low to prevent the courts from thawing out. It is a cold place but that has to be expected and it should be of no surprise. Swonder Ice Arena, located next to Roberts Stadium at the intersection of Boeke and the Lloyd Expressway has 2 ice skating rinks inside with about 1,200 seating capacity for each, a state-of-the-art skate park for skateboarders and in-line skaters, and a fitness/exercise center separating the 2 rinks. The new Swonder Ice Arena has many sporting events that are held year round. The University of Southern Indiana (USI) Ice Eagles Hockey Team uses it as their home court. There are also many youth and junior hockey leagues beginning to form and compete. And the big addition to the Swonder Ice Arena will be Evansville’s own professional Hockey Team the IceMen. The newly formed Midwest Hockey League, consisting of four teams; including Evansville’s, will use Swonder as a major outlet. The IceMen are set to begin their inaugural season, 2008-09, with a 40 game schedule in November. ‘Making Dreams Come True!’ an ice skating extravaganza, was an enjoyable event and Jacob’s Village was introduced to Swonder Ice Arena, and likewise. Maybe the new Evansville Icemen Hockey Team will become better acquainted with Jacob’s Village and create a relationship similar to what the Evansville Otters have done. Only time will tell if an exhibition Hockey Game will be played to benefit Jacob’s Village.

February Fitness with Ann

2008-07-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

The evening of Tuesday, February 05, 2008, the residents of Jacob’s Village: Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott and Home Coordinators Carol, Halleck, and Barry had just finished up with their meal when they tuned into a local TV station to see how close threatening weather was. And there was a line of thunderstorms just crossing the Wabash River heading into the Jacob’s Village neighborhood. Could this be Déjà vu? Last month, less than favorable weather conditions kept Ann Coy from coming out for her monthly activity visit. It was rescheduled for this night, could it keep her away again? No, not this time, Ann arrived a few minutes before the thunderstorm and didn’t even get wet. Instead of a guest musician, her special guest was Kellie Snyder, an O/T at Select Specialty Hospital, which is a Rehab/Therapy facility in the old Welborn Hospital Campus. Kellie is also a mother of Marshal, a 2 year old boy and she is 5-months pregnant, expecting in May. The theme for Ann’s activity in February was all about Health & Fitness. Ann had her Jam-box and her usual cassette tapes ready to play. The roll call song had everyone saying what made them happy and what they were blessed with. No one was missing; everyone was present and accounted for. Ann, always associating scripture from the Bible to her visits theme, had some marked. First Book of Timothy: Chapter 1, verse 08, Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it legitimately. An appropriate Psalm was read also. Kellie led the residents in a few exercises that worked specific muscle groups and body parts. She pulled out some bands to stretch with, which the residents were familiar with, unbeknownst to Kellie. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church donated bands, weights, and balls that were recommended by Atlas Allen, the Jacob’s Village Fitness Director from SOUL Empowerment (Spirit Of Ultimate Liberation Empowerment) at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church. The residents all had a good work out under the direction of Kellie. As usual, time got away and ran short. Ann presented and gave something special to each resident. Christina Osman, Children’s Ministry at the Potter’s Wheel, had the kids make bracelets out of imitation stone pebbles with plates labeled Cure, Faith, or Prayer for a fund-raiser. The group sold the crafty bracelets to benefit an Evansville boy at Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, who was diagnosed with Leukemia. Ann also had some arts and crafts for the residents to work with that included cloth patterns to be colored, cut out, and made into religious symbols. This time, everything was put away for another day. She did however, have time to pull out the snacks of fruit tarts and kool-aid for the residents to enjoy before she left. There was a sound and light show outside but Ann and Kellie didn’t let the threatening weather distract them and the residents benefited from their courage and perseverance.

Deacon Joe Stofleth

2008-06-27T07:16:00.000-07:00

Thursday, Dec. 20, 2008, Jacob’s Village welcomed a good neighbor into their home about
6:30pm. Deacon Joe Stofleth, representing St. Philip’s Catholic Church and Elementary School blessed Jacob’s Village with a spiritual visit for the Christmas Season. The Jacob’s Village bunch of Debbie, Donna Kay, Wanda, Mike, Michael, and Scott were in the Women’s Home on this night where Home-Coordinators Janice and Joe had prepared their evening meal. At this time of the year, well, since Thanksgiving, both of the Men’s and Women’s Homes are decorated with the holiday season’s finest goods. Much time and effort is spent working with assorted seasonal paraphernalia making the homes look appealing and inviting not only for the residents but for the many guests and/or groups who stop by to visit. Since opening up in October of 2004, Jacob’s Village is always in the Christmas Spirit, this time of year, each year with a fully decorated tree, a manger scene, Advent Wreath’s and candle sets, just to name a few of the decorative items. For the past couple of years, Deacon Joe has graciously come out to Jacob’s Village a few days before Christmas to provide a prayer service with the residents. Expecting no less, Deacon Joe was prepared to share a little enlightening Christmas message. He brought along with him a handout quiz sheet for everyone to check and see how much of the Christmas Story they really knew. Deacon Joe elaborated on the Christmas Story for the residents, same ‘ol story, but nobody gets tired of listening to it when it’s told and personalized by an affluent member of the cloth. He also read some scripture, inviting ones to share their experiences of Christmas’s past, and talking of hopes and dreams of the New Year. He didn’t bring any musicians or Holiday snacks, which is not required anyway, but did finish up with a few Christmas Hymns and favorite Carols. The residents will have to see what they can do about that…maybe inserting a special clause in the protocol of Holiday Pastoral Visits. Irregardless, the residents of Jacob’s Village really enjoy Deacon Joe’s friendship, worship, and fellowship time that he blesses them with very much. And come to think of it, if there was a special clause in any type of visit, it would be free of any requirement to visit. The visitor or guests that show up would just need to be…a guest, nothing else; their presence would be gift enough. The residents love to entertain.

Mater Dei's National Honor Society

2008-06-27T07:13:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, December 12, 2007, Jacob’s Village VIP, Ms. Debra Haton, who provides Cultural Arts for the residents, arranged for The Mater Dei National Honor Society to come out to Jacob’s Village and sing Christmas Carols. Ms. Haton is also the sponsor for the National Honor Society at Mater Dei. Although these fine young students are not part of the High School Choir, some of the members of this group came out to sing Christmas Carols and entertain the residents. Soon after their classes let out that afternoon at 3:05pm, they began arriving at Jacob’s Village in the Office House. That was the cue for the residents of Donna Kay, Wanda, Mike, Scott, Home Coordinators Carol, Halleck, and Barry to make there way over to the office. Slow at first, some of the students were arriving by car-pooling and some drove out separately. By the time they got in position and were about to begin singing in the office house, there were seventeen members, a large group of Mater Dei High School students volunteering to bring a little Christmas Cheer to the residents. Within the large, open room of the office, the students all lined up in front of the door and Christmas tree. And the residents found a comfortable seat on the sofas to take in an intimate Holiday treat. Singing accapello with no music and from memory, the National Honor Society members did an outstanding job singing most or all of the seasonal favorite songs. The residents, beginning to feel the Spirit of Christmas, were singing along with the students as well. The two residents missing, Debbie and Michael, were just arriving home, courtesy of METS transportation, towards the end of the good time but did hear a couple of the songs before the students left. For not being a choir, the National Honor Society members played the part well and if anyone wouldn’t have known it, no one would have ever had guessed that they were not a High School Choir. They came out at a perfect time, two-weeks before Christmas and if anyone wasn’t beginning to get in the mood, their Christmas Caroling hit the spot. A good time of feeling the Spirit of Christmas was had by all. Ms. Haton’s good-will deeds benefit Jacob’s Village all year round. She provides gifts that continue and keeps on giving. The residents of Jacob’s Village send Ms. Debra Haton a Big Heart Thank You; they really appreciate her compassion and sincerity.

2007 Christmas with Ann

2008-06-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

Ann Coy’s Christmas Party for Jacob’s Village was scheduled for 6:00pm, Tuesday, December 11, 2007. Ann and her two grand daughters Amy & Lindsey, met the Jacob’s Village bunch of Debbie, Donna Kay, Wanda, Mike, Michael, Scott, and Home Coordinators Carol, Halleck, and Barry, in the office house for her December activity. No musicians could fit this night into their schedule and arrange to be with Ann on this night; but she is always prepared by having cassettes ready to play music. Everyone gathered around the Christmas tree, went through the standard roll call of a favorite Christmas memory, and sung carols to the music on cassette operated by Amy and Lindsey. Ann introduced the residents to a new, but old way to decorate a Christmas tree with Christmon items. Traditionally, Christmons are home-made cross-stitched 4” silver and gold cloth material symbols taken from the name of Christ that represent various aspects of the Christian faith. White (silver) is the liturgical color for Christians and it refers to the Lords purity and perfection. Gold refers to His Majesty and Glory. The word Christmon comes from combining the two words Christ and monogram. These monograms are illustrated scripture versus from ancient Christian patterns such as an angel, cross, cup, or star for a few examples. This form of praise, decorating a Christmon Tree, was developed by Francis Kipp Spencer in 1957 at the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, VA, to attack commercialism of the Advent season. On this special night at Jacob’s Village, Ann had everyone select an ornament from her assorted patterns of Christmons and she began reading the accompanying story for the residents. When she would come to a part in the story that would tell of a particular Christmon symbol, the individual holding the ornament, the resident would then hang it on the tree. A neat, new and interesting concept of a story it was. No sooner than we finished decorating the tree with Christmons, there arose such a clatter, everyone looked towards the door to see what was a matter. The window shades were opened and what to their wandering eyes should appear…but a jolly ‘ol guy dressed in red with a white beard. They knew in an instant who it was…it was Santa Clause, with a large bag slung over his shoulder Ho, Ho, Hoing through the door. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, and he knew everyone by name; he whistled then shouted here’s Debbie, Mike, and Barry, Donna Kay, Amy, and Lindsey, an Wanda, Scott, Michael, Ann, Carol, an Halleck too, as he excitingly pulled a gift out of his bag for all. Small items of an Angel ornaments for the Women and sno-globes for the men. And…to everyone’s delight, Santa Claus did take time out to have pictures taken with everyone at the party. He didn’t stay long because his work was not yet finished for the night. But everyone heard him exclaim, ‘Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night’, as he left the party. Everyone was grinning from ear to ear; Santa Claus sorta has that affect over people. With Christmas Cheer floating all around, it was time for the favorite game of ‘Christmas Bingo’ up next in the dining room at the table. Setting the mood for the Spirit of Christmas, this Bingo had varying scenes of the day making up the card replacing the umbers that Amy and Lindsey called out. The special snacks that were passed around during the games were cupcakes prepared and donated by Christina Osmond, the Children’s Minister of the Potter’s Wheel at Aldersgate Methodist Church. Along with cookies and punch, a good holiday snack it was and they were tastefully accepted and appreciated. Assorted Bingo prizes were made up from sewn, stitched, and ceramic made ornaments that were awarded to the winners, and everybody won. The Jacob’s Village residents really enjoyed Ann’s Christmas Party, with Amy and Lindsey and a VIP guest that dropped in unexpectedly with gifts for all.

Jacob's Village 2007 Christmas Party

2008-06-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon, December 09, Jacob’s Village held their 2007 Christmas Party for the resident’s family, friends and volunteers at Zoar’s United Church of Christ. For the second year, two students from Reitz High School, Melissa Winternheimer & Courtney Schmitt organized the party for their Senior Project. This year’s Jacob’s Village Christmas Party was going to be a family affair in more ways than one because Jacob’s Villages own PRN, Becky Winternheimer, is Melissa’s mother. Melissa and Courtney made all arrangements for the party that was to begin at 2:00pm and end at 4:30pm. Jacob’s Village’s Executive Director, Cheryl Kuchna, welcomed everyone and introduced the Jacob’s Village residents of Debbie, Donna Kay, Wanda, Mike, Michael, Scott, Home Coordinators Barry Parker, Carol and Halleck Anderson. Then in turn, the residents introduced their family members and/or guests that were present. Debbie introduced her mother, Mary Roberts, Mike and Wanda introduced Jim & Barbara Mosby, and Scott introduced his parents, Charles and Sally Huck for their special guests. Karin Macke, Program Director for Jacob’s Village, introduced her husband Gary, and Tom Burmeister, Jacob’s Village Property Manager introduced his wife Sandy. There were a few more special VIP guests attending this year’s Christmas Party that presently volunteer at Jacob’s Village in some capacity. Don & Shirley Johann, who are members of Zoar’s UCC and was a part of their Women’s Club who hosted the residents for an activity and spaghetti supper back in November. Don also trades off with other individuals who share the opportunity to drive Scott to New Harmony where he volunteers and gives tours at the Rapp/Owen Granary once a week. Other volunteers present on this day were the Tim and Angie Klenck family. Angie and her four home schooled children, Alexi, Seth, Ben, and Sydney come out to Jacob’s Village usually one Monday evening a month to play Bingo with the residents and provide them with special snacks and prizes. Everyone thoroughly enjoys their company and good times they bring. Jim Mosby provides transportation for Mike and Wanda to and from St. Agnes Catholic Church every Sunday morning and for special Church functions. Also in attendance were Karla Ramsey and her two children Austin and Alexi, and Angela Goedde and her two children Rachel, and Michael. Karla has recently joined the staff at Jacob’s Village in helping out a couple days a week with Donna Kay. Sometimes, more on holidays, Karla stops by Jacob’s Village with Austin and Alexi to ‘Trick or Treat’ or just to say ‘Hi’ to the residents. Similar to what Angela does when her schedule allows, she is a frequent guest of Jacob’s Village. Angela is the Activities Director at the Woodbridge Health Care facility in Evansville where she has in the past, when able, invited Donna Kay to join her and the residents of Woodbridge in their activities. Angela is also a traveling Karoke Queen. She has all the portable equipment and many music selections to choose from usually taking it all with her on the road. The Jacob’s Village residents really get excited and have a good time when all the aforementioned children and guests stop by for a visit. Cheryl Kuchna did recognize Andy & Charmie Guagenti, Dan & Karen Grunow and their son Jacob. Jacob, a recent graduate of Boonville High School is the namesake for Jacob’s Village. Andy is one of the founders along with Dan who are responsible for initiating ‘The Dream’ of Jacob’s Village to provide a residential facility for handicapped individuals with developmental disabilities and dedicated to enriching disabled lives. It sure was a special and nice time to have everyone together sharing in the Christmas Spirit and enjoying the moment. Following the introductions, Tom Burmeister gave a warm blessing and the feast was about to begin on the main course of the day. Melissa and Courtney arranged for Shyler’s BBQ to prepare the meal and it was ready for the taking. Their menu on this day consisted of BBQ, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Slaw, White and Rye Bread, Onions, Pickles, and drinks of Water, Lemonade, Cola, Sprite, and Coffee. There were around 50 people in attendance and there was an abundance of food for all and some left over. So, that meant Jacob’s Village would be having this food a time or two again, No one objected to that; Shyler’s has good food. For dessert, assorted flavors of Ice-Cream were furnished by GD Ritzy’s and homemade cookies that were donated by the Deaconess Hospital Dietary Group where Courtney works. Soon after the BBQ meal, Jerry Lannan, with his guitar, provided the entertainment. Jerry is a performer from way back; he would on occasion share the same stage with Boots Randolph at the Blue Bar in Evansville. Here’s the rest of the story for the family affair. PRN Becky Winternheimer is Jerry’s daughter and Becky’s youngest daughter, Audrey, was there to sing backup for him. He played guitar and his entourage backed him up singing songs appropriate for the day. A good time was being had by all. After a few songs, Santa Claus (alias Emily Welsh, Becky’s niece) popped into the party to everyone’s delight with a large bag slung over his shoulder full of presents and good cheer for all the good boys and girls. The residents of Jacob’s Village must have really been good throughout the year because it seemed like they all hit the jack-pot. Their booty-goodies of gifts consisted of a sweat-suit type of material pajama top and bottom, a stocking full of candy, personal hygiene items of shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, and a pair of socks. There was a Gift Card for Bob Evans Restaurant, a Kerasotes Stadium ‘16’ Movie pass and a box of chocolate covered peanut clusters. A good time of good eats, good gifts, and most of all…good fellowship was had by all at the 2007 Jacob’s Village Christmas Party. Melissa and Courtney organized a very nice party for their Senior Project, Thank You.

St. Peter's Clown Ministry

2008-06-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

About 2:00pm Sunday afternoon, Dec. 02, 2007, the St. Peter’s United Church of Christ’s Evangelistic Outreach Missions Program, ‘The Clown Ministry’, came to spread a little Holiday Christmas Cheer for the residents of Jacob’s Village. Through a torrential down pouring of rain, the ‘Clown Ministry’ did arrive to put a smile on everyone’s face while their own Clown faces had paint running down their cheeks. Still, a Clown’s a Clown and all the residents enjoy Clowns and their hi-jinx. Some days are better than others, but it sure is nice to have a home full of clowns when it’s the real deal. Just returning from Church service and finishing up lunch not long before, all the residents were in the Women’s Home awaiting their arrival. Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott and Home Coordinators Gloria and Joe greeted the Clowns that were bearing gifts. That’s a good way to put a smile on everyone’s face when a tray of homemade, holiday cookies are presented upon entering a house. Led by Cosmos-Rev. Karen Lipinczyk, and followed by Pusot-Sue Wolf, Marshmallow-Melanie Hoffman, Spunky-Karla Ramsey, Cookie-Devon Compton, Pickles-Austin Ramsey, Kitty-Micah Wilhite, and Vincent Efferoth, a foreign exchange student from Germany who was an honorary clown for a day, began singing Christmas Carols. After a few Carols and Clown hijinx, they all introduced themselves and went into the living room. The tray of homemade cookies was left on the dining room table for a later treat. The St. Peter’s Clown Ministry is no stranger to Jacob’s Village having visited with the residents a time or two. Stories, jokes and recollections of Holiday Seasons’ past were a delight to be heard from the guests. A few photos were snapped and the Clown Ministry accomplished what they had set out to do, put a smile on everyone’s face, and after about an hour of good fellowship; it was time for them to leave. The weather outside all day was never too appealing, cold, wet, and rainy. So, wherever they were headed to next, again they would have fresh paint smeared and run down their face. The St. Peter’s U.C.C. Clown Ministry brightened the Jacob’s Village resident’s day and left some cookies

Harvey

2008-06-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

Ms. Debra Haton, sponsor for the Mater Dei National Honor Society, who as a group, have been out to Jacob’s Village on occasion; donated tickets for the residents of to see the play ‘Harvey’. Ms. Haton has become a VIP in providing Cultural Arts for the residents of Jacob’s Village. The Jacob’s Village bunch really enjoys this type of live entertainment and they are becoming frequent guests of the High School at the Kempf Auditorium attending the Mater Dei Spring and Fall productions all in thanks to Ms. Haton. If the residents are so fortunate and blessed to fit both shows into their calendar, the students acting in the plays start looking familiar. ‘Harvey’, the Fall Production of the Mater Dei High School’s Theater Department was being presented on Friday, Nov. 16, Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7:00pm and on Sunday the 18, 2007, at 2:00pm in the Kempf Auditorium. As always, the best time for all the residents to see any kind of show together is on a Sunday afternoon following Church services. So, after a quick bite to eat, the Jacob’s Village bunch of Debbie, Donna Kay, Wanda, Mike, Michael, Scott, and Home Coordinators Gloria and Joe left their home soon after 1:00pm to attend the 2:00pm showing. They’ve been down New Harmony Road before and it is
getting better, but it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been, the street off Harmony Way to enter the Mater Dei campus is hard to see. There is a small sign, overgrown bushes, low hanging tree limbs, and a narrow street making for a well camouflaged entrance. It’s becoming more frequent that a turnaround in a parking lot is not required to make the turn. Once on the campus, there is a large parking lot half way around the school’s concourse, although there are doorways on the far side, there are some steep steps up to the entrance. As fortunate as the Jacob’s Village bunch is, the weather is usually fair enough to trek back to the main, handicap accessible, covered entrance. If the weather is not to accommodating, the residents do unload and wait under the shelter, until the home coordinators park the vans. The tickets are always reserved and there is not much waiting around in line while others purchase or turn in their tickets to see the play. The Jacob’s Village bunch is always directed to their marked seats and whether or not the seats are in the back or down in the front row, there are no bad seats in the auditorium. Although, the front row seats are usually preferred, they never question the location and take them wherever they are. ‘Harvey’ was a screen play that was originally produced in 1944 and made into a movie in 1950. Jimmy Stewart took on the leading role and starred as Elwood P. Dowd, a mild mannered pleasant man, sometimes an eccentric middle aged individual whose best friend is a 6’8 1/2” tall rabbit named Harvey. Harvey is a pooka, a mysterious magical creature from Celtic Mythology that can take on many forms of perception but mostly referred to as a large rabbit because of this movie. A pooka can move individuals from one belief system to another manipulating ones ideas of reality. As the story develops, Elwood has been driving his sister and niece, who live with him and crave normality and a place in high society, crazy and confused to distraction by introducing everyone he comes in contact with his friend Harvey. His family seems to be unsure whether Dowd’s obsession with Harvey is an attempt to embarrass them, or a product of his admitted propensity to drink or of a mental illness. His sister tries to have Elwood committed to a sanitarium and by show’s end, Elwood has everyone seeing Harvey and his sister gets committed into the sanitarium. He relays his and Harvey’s philosophy of life to the doctors that a person can be oh so smart or oh so pleasant, and for years he was smart and he recommended and preferred being pleasant. It’s so easy to dismiss someone as crazy when you don’t see the world from any other point of view but you own. One should accept other’s lifestyles instead of wanting to change them into something they’re not. It takes courage to believe in something that others don’t see. Every school play the Jacob’s Village bunch is lucky enough to see, they are glad they did. The acting talent from the greater Evansville area’s Elementary, Middle, Jr. High, High Schools and other resources is well crafted. The residents of Jacob’s Village are always very appreciative of the opportunities they are presented with. They enjoy receiving and giving. Come out to Jacob’s Village and see what the residents can do for you. Everyone is always invited to be introduced to the lifestyle out at Jacob’s Village.

74th Annual Hadi Shrine Circus

2008-03-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

When the 2007 Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend rolled around, everyone knew it was that time of year again. The place to be, since moving from the Downtown Coliseum in 1957, was Roberts Stadium in Evansville, IN. The Hadi Temple Shrine Chapter of Evansville was proudly presenting, what has been billed as the country’s ‘Last Great Shrine Circus’ with 3-Rings, 120 Circus people, 20 acts, the 74th Annual Shrine Circus. The Circus was in town to present nine exciting, fun-filled, and death-defying performances over the holiday weekend of Nov. 22-25. The Jacob’s Village residents: Wanda, Donna Kay, Mike, Michael, Scott, and Home-Coordinators Janice and Barry were blessed for the third year in a row to take part and watch the outstanding and entertaining 3-Ring Circus. Indiana State Police Officer and member of the Posey County Shrine Club, Greg Oeth and his wife Melody, arranged to provide and donate general admission tickets to Jacob’s Village. As in the past, the final matinee performance that was scheduled for 3:00pm Sunday afternoon, Nov. 25, seemed to work out best for the Jacob’s Village bunch to attend over the four Hadi Temple Shrine Circus Days. All of the residents returned home from church that Sunday, except for Debbie, who was still with her family, loaded up in the rain about 1:30pm to see The Greatest Show on Earth. Arriving early, the doors didn’t open until 2:00pm, but were able to get in out of the rain and wait in the breezeway a few minutes along with others. Coloring books were purchased, seats were found, and circus officials were prepping for the show. Shrine Club members were supervising Elephant and miniature Pony rides for an estimated 6,500 kids over the 4 show days. The Circus stars, performers, and the Hadi Funster Clowns, celebrating their 50th year, began parading around the 3-Rings when the Barker, ‘Ring Master’ blew his whistle. Staged out of sight above the tunnel, the Hadi Circus Band and sounds from the Calliope provided music for everyone to enjoy. Animals, acrobatic high-wire acts, gymnastic feats and clowns make up a Circus and 14 Siberian White Tigers were the first act to show off their many tricks. Although the Tiger Tamer didn’t stick his head into one of the Tigers’ mouths, jumping through a flaming fire-laced ring and weaving around each other in a figure eight were among some of their tricks. 9 Elephants + a baby Elephant paraded around performing many amusing stunts. There were 6 large white Horses stepping, prancing and raring back on their hind legs in unison, reminding one of the ‘Rockettes’. Many Acrobatic girls were all decked out with glitz and glamour on the costumes hanging from every pole, beam, and line in the stadium. They were working rings, twirling by their feet, and stretching their bodies out to the max. There was a Dog & Pony show, Camels, and they were making Monkeys out of ‘Da Bears’ or were ‘Da Bears’ acting like Monkeys…either way, they had Monkeys riding Ponies and ‘Da Bears’ riding bicycles. The Kenyon Wizards Acrobatic Team was running, jumping, and sticking to each other like Velcro building human pyramids. They did the Limbo under a blazing bar and one had to wonder, How low could they go? From high above the crowd…even above the Band, to the delight of all the children; Spiderman-the 2007 special guest for the Circus came spinning down a guy line spinning webs. He went over to his designated spot, spun a web and posed for pictures with young & old children alike who lined up around the 3-Rings to see him. Taking up 20 minutes to a half-hour, it served as an intermission for everyone to stretch, grab a snack, and get closer to the clowns. After the Spiderman photo ops were finished, the death-defying acts began and had everyone’s attention. The Flying Michaels, a five-member family of trapeze artists, were flying high above the 3 Rings spinning back and forth from the trapeze bars to the platform, with a safety net below. In reality, it was 1 Michael and 4 Michelle’s + a little Michelle, from South Africa. On one of the sides, a group of 4 men walked up a support guy-wire to a platform that had a high-wire tight-rope stretched 30’ across to another platform. This was 50’ off the floor with no safety net. They walked, climbed, and skipped rope, did stunts on a chair with or without a balancing beam. The Grand Finale had 2 motorcycles racing around inside a 20’ round ‘Globe of Death’. It was hard to imagine why the 2 cycles didn’t run into each other inside the ‘Globe’ because it didn’t look big enough. You knew, if one of them hiccupped, it would become a disaster. Then, another cycle was put in the mix and if adding one more wasn’t enough, they drove another cycle into the ‘Globe’!! , there were 4 motorcycles running in different directions inside. And, if that wasn’t a recipe for disaster, you didn’t know what was. Jacob’s Village is so appreciative and sends a Big Heart Thank You to Greg and Melody Oeth and the Posey County Shrine Club for donating tickets so the residents could see The Greatest Show on Earth.
The Shrine was founded in 1870 by two Scottish Rite Masons who got the idea from an Arabian Diplomat in France. In 1872 11 other Scottish and York Rite Masons were received into the Order of the Mystic Shrine’s first Temple in the U.S., Mecca, in New York City. It has grown to over 900,000 members with 191 Shrine Temples throughout North America. The Evansville Shrine has its beginnings set in 1910. To become a member of the Shine, candidates must be in good standing of the Scottish or York rites Masonic Organizations. The Hadi Temple Shrine lends its support to many worthwhile causes in the community from the money it raises from the annual Circus. With many Shiners Hospitals and their philanthropic efforts toward healing the handicapped, the Hadi Temple Shrine is a good neighbor to have. Thank You

Thanksgiving Day Prayers with Ann

2008-03-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

Ann Coy’s monthly activity night for the residents Debbie, Donna Kay, Wanda, Mike, Michael, Scott, and Home Coordinators Carol, Halleck, and Barry of Jacob’s Village was Tuesday November 13, 2007. Ann arrived at Jacob’s Village about 6:15pm that evening with grand-daughter Lindsey for a special Thanksgiving visit. Another guest of Ann’s on this special night was Ann Moore, with a guitar case in hand. The residents really enjoy when Ann brings an entourage with her especially one or both of her grand-daughters who sometimes may have a friend along with them too and a musician or two. The theme for this November activity, as one could guess, was Thanksgiving, giving thanks for loved ones and animals. Animals play a big part in the Bible and…most everyone’s life…so Ann had a special treat worked up for the Jacob’s Village bunch. After introducing Ann and having her strum the music for the standard and appropriate holiday greeting roll-call song, in which, whatever the residents were thankful for was stated. Ann said a little prayer for everyone and as usual, prior to the activity, has Scott look up some chosen scripture relating to the relevant theme of the activity and read it. For this evening, the selected readings were:
Genesis, Chapter 6: versus 17-21, 17For my part, I am going to bring a flood of waters on the Earth, to destroy from under Heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the Earth shall die. 18But I will establish my covenant with you; and you shall come into the Ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you.19 And of every living thing, of all flesh, you shall bring two of every kind into the Ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. 20Of the birds according to their kinds, of every creeping thing of the ground according to its kind, two of every kind shall come into you, to keep them alive. 21Also take with you every kind of food that is eaten, and store it up; and it shall serve as food for you and for them.
Isaiah, Chapter 11: versus 6-9, 6In that day the wolf and the lamb will lie down together, and the Leopard and Goats will be at peace. Calves and fat Cattle will be safe among Lions, and a little child shall lead them all. 7The Cows will graze among Bears; Cubs and Calves will lie down together, and Lions will eat grass like the Cows. 8Babies will crawl safely among poisonous Snakes, and a little child who puts his hand in a nest of deadly Adders will pull it out unharmed. 9Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so shall the Earth be full of the knowledge of the Lord.
Mathew, Chapter 18: versus 10-14, 10“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in Heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in Heaven. 12What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? 13And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. 14So it is not the will of your Father in Heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.
Following the scripture reading, she handed everyone a sock that would play a part in her new interactive animal song that she wanted all to participate in. The song title was ‘We’ll be singing and praising God all day long …amen’ to the tune of ‘She’ll be coming around the mountain when she comes…yahoo’, and it was simple enough to learn. There were seven verses including the title that had lyrics naming different animals. Ann brought all the craft hardware supplies to have each resident make a hand-sock puppet. There was help when needed ‘cause we all know, the Jacob’s Village bunch does ‘get by with a little help from their friends’. The sock-puppets would be of the animals mentioned in the song. The animals and who made them are as listed: Donna Kay’s Elsie the Cow, Debbie’s Miranda the Duck, Wanda’s Rebecca the Pig, Mike’s Sal the Horse, Scott’s Harry the Dog, and Michael’s Billy the Goat. As silly as it sounds, especially with the lyrics, it was hilarious, a lot of laughing was had by all and that is why Ann comes out; relieve a little stress, laugh, enjoy the moment, and have a good time. A few more songs were sung with Ann Moore providing good accompanying guitar music. One in particular for the evening was, ‘Come, Ye Thankful People, Come’. Everyone likes a good story, so again, Ann asked Scott to share a Thanksgiving story to finish up with before snacks. So, Scott began with a little background of the brief story of what led to the First Thanksgiving. Finally, after the Pilgrims 3rd or 4th attempt, on Sept. 06, 1620, 110 members and crew aboard ‘The Mayflower’, sailed off into the Atlantic Ocean from Plymouth, England in hopes of finding religious freedom in the ‘New World’. ‘The Mayflower’ traveled across a stormy Atlantic Ocean for 66 days landing at ‘Plymouth Rock’, what is now known as Cape Cod and Plymouth, Mass. The Pilgrims settled at a vacant and what was once a bustling village of the Patuxet Indian Tribe who were decimated by disease four years earlier. Within four months of landing, only about 55 Pilgrim’s survived the harsh elements of Winter and diseases that ravaged the settlement. March 16, the following Spring, three large Indians walked up and greeted them in English. Squanto, the last known survivor of the Patuxet Tribe, spoke fluent English from being held hostage in England before escaping, Samoset and Massosoit. The three towering Indians, once feared, offered their help in many ways including putting in crops of produce and vegetable gardens. That Fall with a bountiful harvest, Pilgrim Governor William Bradford declared a Day of Thanksgiving for all to enjoy. Ann’s time ran a little over, but there will always be time for a craft and snack. There were supplies for everyone to make assorted gift name-tags with ribbons and fruit torts for a snack. A big heart Thank You is sent out to Ann, Ann and Lindsey.

Zoar's U.C.C. Thanksgiving Activity

2008-03-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

The Women’s Guild of Zoar’s United Church of Christ invited all residents of Jacob’s Village: Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott and Home Coordinators Carol, Halleck and Barry, to a day of activities and a Spaghetti supper Sunday, November 11, 2007. Not knowing what all to expect, the Jacob’s Village bunch departed from home in between rain showers and arrived at Zoar’s about 2:45pm. Zoar’s is just South of Highway 66 and East on New Harmony Road towards Evansville, not far from Jacob’s Village. Upon arrival, being a few minutes early, the parking lot behind the Church was bare with only a couple of cars in it. The residents unloaded, found the Church door unlocked and went inside out of the rain. Although Zoar’s U.C.C. has a large kitchen and Fellowship Hall, it is down on the lower level. They do have a small elevator that is wheelchair accessible, so irregardless of anyone’s mode of mobility, everyone is able to reach any of the three levels. Scott had been there once before with Jacob’s Village’s Executive Director, Cheryl Kuchna and Program Director, Karin Macke for a presentation to inform Zoar’s congregation about the mission of Jacob’s Village. Once the elevator was operational with the assistance of a Guild member, everybody was lowered down to the basement level. In the meantime, the rest of the Women’s Guild began arriving that included: Katherini Schmuck, Danica Barr, Pat Seipert, Margaret Clem, Jean Schroeder, Ellen Berberich, Shirley Johann, Cindy Motz, Jana and Andrea Pritchett. The Women’s Guild had planned a full afternoon of making an assortment of Thanksgiving Day arts & crafts. Come to find out, the crafts being made would be for the residents of Jacob’s Village themselves and one in particular for the residents of Pine Haven and Heritage Healthcare Centers. After introductions to refresh memories, Zoar’s U.C.C. and most if not all of the Women’s Guild had been out to Jacob’s Village for a picnic June 24; and through there generous volunteer hours, Cindy Motz and Don Johann since then, has provided transportation for Scott to and from New Harmony to give tours at the Rapp/Owen Granary, the craft making began. Supplies were passed out and Shirley Johann demonstrated to everyone on how to make a pumpkin out of a full roll of toilet paper, straight from the ‘101 Uses of Toilet Paper Handbook’. The supplies included: a 12” by 12” orange square cloth material, a small strip of green material for a leaf, twisted up brown paper for a stem, and long dried out grass to tie in a bow to top it off. Upon completion, the Jacob’s Village bunch had a nice looking pumpkin to take home. Next, a pre-cut brown template of a Cornucopia basket was to have assorted shapes of fruit cut out and glued with appropriate colored construction paper. All the items were to be arranged on the Cornucopia baskets with scripture from the Book of Psalm’s, Chapter 107: verse 01, Give thanks to the lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever!, another fine keepsake memento from the day. The last item to be crafted was a Turkey in a cup with candy to be donated to the residents of Pine Haven and Heritage Healthcare Centers. Made out of assorted colors of construction paper, the Turkey’s were glued inside of the top rim on the cup, allowed to dry, and then candy was dropped in. By the time the entertaining craft making was completed, the Guild’s Women responsible for the meal who had been hard at work preparing the dishes in the kitchen, had the spaghetti supper ready to serve. The places were set, Rev. John Motz and a few of the men showed up just in time for supper, and there were about 24 in attendance sharing good times and good food. The Guild had prepared iced tea, lemonade, a salad, the main course of spaghetti, many kinds of desserts, and Don Johann baked his special bread. There was enough for second helpings and more, in which the Women’s Guild sent the more home with the Jacob’s Village bunch. But that was not all of their Thanksgiving Day; the Women’s Guild had a special gift wrapped for each Jacob’s Village resident to open when they returned home. To the delight and surprise of the residents, in assorted colors of large and maybe fleece lined, blankets were awaiting to be unwrapped and laid across a bed. Zoar’s U.C.C. has reached out and blessed Jacob’s Village many ways and on this Sunday afternoon, provided an enjoyable time of fellowship, fun, and a creative sense of doing for others. The congregation of Zoar’s U.C.C. has become a true friend of Jacob’s Village with their big hearts of love, peace, and joy. The residents of Jacob’s Village really appreciate the camaraderie of friends and send a Big Heart Thank You to Zoar’s U.C.C.

St. Joseph's Catholic School's 8th Grade Class

2008-02-27T11:56:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, Oct. 30, a day before Halloween, Mary Kay Elpers had arranged to bring her 8th Grade Class from St. Joseph’s Catholic Junior High School to Jacob’s Village to have a Halloween activity with the residents. A School Bus from St. Joseph’s School rolled into the parking lot and let 18 students out, all with a sack lunch, at 9:00am. Karin Macke, Program Director at Jacob’s Village, and Scott, who is usually in the office about 8:30am, met Ms. Elpers and her 8th Grade class inside, directed and led them into the Women’s home. At this time of the morning, not all residents are available for an activity because Michael and Debbie leave Jacob’s Village earlier to be at work at their respected times. So, the remaining residents available for activities in the mornings are Wanda, Donna Kay, Mike, and Scott. Wanda and Mike are picked up a little later by MET’s; although on this day, Karin had arranged for Becky to provide transportation for them instead of having MET’s pick them up so they could participate in as many activities as they could. Introductions were made and the students presented a small list of activities they wanted to do to fill up their morning time with the residents. Jacobs Village has a good relationship with the St. Joseph’s School having attended a few holiday school functions and having presented Disability Awareness Programs to them. Ann Coy, a VIP of Jacobs Village, has two granddaughters, Amy and Lindsey currently attending St. Joseph’s School. Both Amy and Lindsey are frequent guests of Jacob’s Village accompanying their grandmother Ann from time to time. The older of the two, Amy who is in the 8th Grade, was with her class on this day for their field-trip; and not unlike any other time, Amy was a big help, as was all the students, organizing the activities for their class and the residents on this day. The students and the residents formed a circle to play a game of ‘Hot Potato’ with a Pumpkin. They didn’t refer to it as ‘Hot Pumpkin’, but that’s what it was. A portable jam box played music and the Pumpkin was being passed making its way ‘round the circle. Whoever was holding the Pumpkin when the music stopped was out and eliminated from the circle. The last one remaining was awarded candy from the teacher Ms. Elpers. Is that right, a teacher giving candy to a student? It was this time and the candy was delightfully accepted. Halloween Bingo was played with cards and Halloween symbols, in place of numbers, which the 8th Grade Class had worked up in their Art Class. Also in their Art Class, they had painted a pumpkin for each resident, present or not. Good art work was on every pumpkin, some a little more eerie and spookier than others. The pumpkins were awarded as Bingo prizes; although, only one pumpkin per resident, the students had only painted six pumpkins. Following the games, it was time for Becky to transport Wanda and Mike to their work. Karin and Scott gave the 8th Grade Class a VIP tour of the Homes, Courtyard, Grounds, and the new, soon to be completed Nature Trail Walk. A nice, short, and relaxing escape the Walk provides. So far, everyone seems to enjoy the Jacob’s Village Nature Trail Walk for the peacefulness and the wildlife it can and will attract. There are benches to sit on that overlook a couple of Flower Gardens, assorted Butterfly Bush’s, Bird Baths, Bird Feeders, and Houses. Past the attractions, down 20 yards into the woods, there is a Meditation Area. It is a round terrace about 15’ circumference area built up level with fill dirt, rip-rap rock, and a solid base foundation covered with stepping stones with Polymer Sand filled in-between them. It has Azaleas planted around the sides topped off with Cedar Mulch to prevent erosion. The area will soon have two benches, a large cross, and an arch-way Arbor at the entrance. It is far enough along to get the idea of what it can and will be. The projected completion date is not yet set, but work will resume when it dries and warms up again in the Spring of 2008. A few photos were taken of the students, inside and out, and they even made note cards for the residents. It was about lunch time and the students emptied the contents of their sack lunches out on the picnic tables in the courtyard. After their lunch, the students played a follow the leader type of tag running game to occupy their time. How convenient the big outdoors are out at Jacob’s Village so teen-agers can burn up some of their energies. A well behaved group of students they were. The Jacob’s Village residents are always ready to host a group of visitors that enjoy themselves by spending a little time with others. Also at the same time, being a Tuesday, Scott’s volunteer driver showed up to take him to New Harmony to give tours at the Rapp/Owen Granary. Scott is scheduled to give tours once a week, on Tuesdays, 1:00pm-3:00pm, April through the first week of December, for the Tourist Season. Scott was just leaving as the St. Joseph’s 8th Grade class was preparing to load back up into their School Bus. Jacob’s Village sends a Big Heart Thank You to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Junior High School’s 8th Grade Class and Ms. Elpers for providing the residents with a little fun with a Halloween 2007 activity.

Memorial Baptist Church Picnic

2008-02-27T11:50:00.000-08:00

Sunday, October 07, 2007, was a feel-good-looking day to be outside; a comfortable temperature, a slight breeze, and a few clouds in the sky were the makings for a lovely day. Mike and Wanda, as usual, were picked up and transported to the St. Agnes Catholic Church for their early services. Donna Kay, Debbie, Michael, and Scott were transported to their favorite Sunday School Classes and Morning Worship Services at WestWood General Baptist Church by Home-Coordinators Gloria and Joe. All returned back to Jacob’s Village feeling good and ready for the day. A light lunch was prepared for the residents while they anxiously awaited a bountiful selection of picnic goodies that were not far off. Rev. Paul Wellinghoff and the congregation from the Memorial Baptist Church had made arrangements to provide an afternoon picnic for the residents of Jacob’s Village. Shortly before 4:00pm, several of the Church’s members started arriving, some into the parking lot out front and some pulled on around to the carport in between the homes. Scott greeted the guests that had pulled into the parking lot and showed them into the Business Office. The Memorial Baptist Church members continued arriving in cars and the Business Office House was the centralized gathering spot for the guests. As a Church, this was their first introduction to Jacob’s Village; although, Rev. Paul Wellinghoff had visited with Scott on a couple of occasions before hand to set a date for this activity. Rev. Paul had led a Baptist Church in New Harmony for a few years and Scott had met him and his wife Laura and his children Elizabeth and Joshua. Rev. Paul married Scott’s nephew Joshua Harris and Suzanne Stewart back a few years before. There were twenty or more members from the Memorial Baptist Church participating in the picnic for Jacob’s Village. The introductions, newsletter sign-ups, and handing out of Jacob’s Village literature were all taken care of and the strategy for the picnic was all decided upon inside the office. With everyone on the same page of knowing what to do, the dishes of the pitch-in food were placed on the counter space. The filling of the plates would be inside while the dining would take place out around the gazebo in the courtyard. The grill was fired up for burgers and hotdogs while drinks were being prepared. Rev. Paul had everyone join in with him as he blessed the evening and a good time of fellowship was enjoyed by all. New friendships were being formed, and delicious dishes of food were consumed. After the picnic trash was all cleaned up, Dennis Gibson, the Music Director at Memorial Baptist with a portable electric keyboard, led everyone in a few old time Gospel songs. The sun was sinking lower and with darkness rapidly approaching, everyone walked and rolled out to the yet to be completed, Jacob’s Village Nature Trail Walk and Meditation Area. Everyone gathered around a bench overlooking a bird bath and flowerbed, while Rev. Paul Wellinghoff Christened and Blessed the Nature Trail with an Evening Prayer Service. A Big Heart Thank You is sent out from the residents of Jacob's Village to the Memorial Baptist Church for spending an evening with them.

Ann Coy's September Fruits of the Spirit

2008-02-26T11:16:00.000-08:00

Tuesday evening, September 25, 2007, Ann Coy’s activity for the month was a basket of 9 fruit items that consisted of: Plum, Pear, Apple, Peach, Lemon, Grapes, Orange, Banana, and a Pineapple.
Fruits of the Spirit in Galations, Chapter 5: versus 22-23, we read that when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce these fruits in us:
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.

1. LOVE - John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his only son – so that anyone who believes in him shall not parish, but have eternal life.
2. JOY - Phillipians 4:04
Always be full of joy – I say to you – REJOICE!
3. PEACE - Phillipians 4:07
If you pray, you will experience God’s peace which is more wonderful than we can understand. As you trust Jesus, His peace will quiet your thoughts and give you rest.
4. PATIENCE - 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Be patient with everyone. Always be good to each other.
5. KIINDNESS - Ephesians 2:10
God has given us new lives in Jesus Christ – that we should spend our lives in helping others.
6. GOODNESS - Hebrews 13:16
Always do good deeds and share what you have with others.
7. FAITHFULNUS - Hebrews 1:01
Faithfulness is the confidence that something we want or need is going to happen for us. We place our hope in God.
8. GENTLENESS - 1 Peter 3:04
Be beautiful inside your hearts – with a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
9. SELF-CONTROL - James 1:19
Don’t ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little, and don’t get angry – for anger does not make us good, and God wants us good.
Before snacks of Fruit to end the evening, Ann’s two grand-daughter’s Amy and Lindsey had choreographed a Ballet to the narration story of ‘The Creation’. Amy was unable to be here but Lindsey danced with appropriate music dressed in white lace while waving props of ribbons, veils, and sparkles. An outstanding presentation it was.

Jacob's Village Picnic on the Huck Farm

2007-11-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

Charles and Sally Huck invited the Jacob’s Village residents’ friends and families out for a picnic on their rural Posey County country home Sunday afternoon, August 19, 2007. Charles and Sally had hosted the Jacob’s Village bunch to a picnic once before since it opened up in October 2004. Choosing a time when everyone’s calendar has the same open date and hoping weather conditions will be accommodating can be a discouraging task, prior commitments come into play. Sometimes it seems to be a no win situation, but a date was set and whoever was available joined in. The first picnic was held in August 2005 and missing one the next year in 2006. This one similar to the first one corresponded close to Scott’s birthday on August 23rd. How convenient, could it have been by design? The Jacob’s Village bunch were all looking forward to spending another good time with the Hucks. Following Church that Sunday afternoon about 2:00pm, Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, and home coordinators Carol, Halleck and Barry loaded up in the vans to head West into Posey County. On this particular Summer day, it was 95 degrees and in the middle of record breaking heat-wave where the temperature was 90 degrees or above for 31 consecutive days. In which, 7 of those days topped out at 100 degrees or above. According to the record books, that kind of sizzle had not been around since the Summer of 1936. The Picnic/Birthday Party went on as planned and it did keep some invited guests away, although, the ones who took part started arriving and showing up about 3:00. Scott’s parents Charles, Sally, brother Steve, his wife Wendy and Scott’s sister Vickie were greeting and welcoming everyone to the Huck’s quiet and peaceful place in the country. Michael’s sister Sally Davis, Jim and Ann Coy, Andy and Charmie Guagenti, and Dan and Karen Grunow with their son Jacob were the ones who braved the heat to partake in the picnic. Jacob is the one that Jacob’s Village is named after and a couple years back, he graduated from Boonville High School. …Oh, and don’t forget the dogs, 4 of’em, good watch dogs and protectors they are, two Cocker-Spaniel mix breeds and two Terriers. It usually takes a while for’em to warm up to strangers, except JR, a Jack Russell Terrier, the youngest and friendliest of the bunch, he’s never met a stranger. The residents of Jacob’s Village really like to be around animals and these dogs like most others like attention, JR knows the residents and the residents know JR, he’s been over to visit them on occasion in the past. So, the dogs were looking for hand outs. A few of the women retreated inside to the ground level Sunroom of the Huck home to prevent heat exhaustion until, hoping it would cool down, later in the afternoon when the Sun was on the other side of the sky. The time was drawing near for the feast and for Charles to grill the burgers, brats, and dogs to compliment an array of picnic dish goodies. Some of the bunch led by Vickie tossed the heat into the wind, actually there was no wind at all, and ventured down to the Huck Lake hoping to see some Beavers. It may seem a bit odd around Posey County to see a Beaver, but that’s just one of many wild animals, long to be considered uncommon, that have been sighted in the area, such as Minks, Foxes, Turkeys, Eagles and even Bobcats. These rare animals and the more common ones you think of, such as Deer, Coyotes, Raccoons, Geese and Ducks take up refuge at a popular watering hole known as Huck Lake. There is a Beaver-nest in the pond and many more have been sighted along the banks of the Wabash River within the creek tributaries that empty into the Wabash. There were no Beavers stirring around on this hot day but signs of the Beaver were everywhere. There were fallen trees on the banks that were gnawed off to a point in such a way that only a Beaver could have done it, interwoven tree limbs assembled in the water for a Beaver-nest on the shady side and beaten down pathway trails along the levee and banks that they follow. Everyone enjoyed their rough excursion to the Huck Lake, although a bit disappointed. Just because a Beaver wasn’t seen doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Animals know when and where to escape to hideout from extreme weather conditions. Vickie led them back to the house just in time to wash up, have their choice of burger, brat, or dog and begin the line to fill their plate full of assorted dishes. A blessing was given and all in attendance spaced out, found a place to settle and a good time of hearty eating and fellowship was had by all while unloading their plates. Since it was Scott’s birthday, Happy Birthday was sung and few gifts were passed around to him. Michael’s sister Sally gave him a gift wrapped in black paper to honor his entrance into the dark ages; it was a DVD of ‘Bruce Almighty’. Sister Vickie gave him a plastic toy car of the #53 Herbie the Love Bug. Included with all the other deserts that were prepared, Ann Coy brought a watermelon, Charmie Guagenti brought a caramel popcorn mix, and Scott’s mother, Sally, baked a chocolate sheet cake, half with nuts, upon Scott’s request; sometimes you feel like a nut, and sometimes you don’t. A good bunch of friends shared an afternoon picnic together and the high heat did not distract them. Instead of sittin’ inside with the A/C, as typically would have been done, a very nice time was had. This is a preferred area to be, even though it is off the beaten track. If you’re ever out in the boonies of Posey County and drive by a big red barn with a blue torpedo-bombing plane(TBM) painted on the side of it, be aware of dogs and wild animals that might cross your path, you’re in the parameters of the Huck country home.

Vanderburgh County 4-H Fair

2007-08-14T12:49:00.001-07:00

The 87th Annual Vanderburgh County 4-H Fair was being held the week of July 23-28, 2007. Summer time and country farm life is what the residents of Jacob’s Village prefer, the great outdoors. What would Summer be without attending a fair? County fairs are another of life’s bonus adventures that need to be experienced so, the guys of Jacob’s Village (JV) went to the animal fair hoping the Cows & Pigs would be there. The JV bunch of Mike, Michael, Scott, and Home Coordinator Barry left for the fair at 5:30pm, Thursday evening just in time for another rush hour. Add rush hour to the widening construction project of Diamond Avenue and one should allow plenty of time for arrival to any destination. Highway 41 is a busy thorough-fare any time of day but more so when there is an event being held out at the Vanderburgh County-Scott Township 4-H Fair Grounds. The traffic was slow with bumper to bumper conditions of a snail’s pace all the way out to the Main Gate off of the Boonville-New Harmony Rd. The JV bunch, playing follow the leader, traveled around the grounds and found cars & trucks parked in every venue on both sides of the drive not leaving a patch of grass to be seen. Finally, being directed to the West side of the arena’s Grandstand, a few open spots were sighted. There were all kinds of activities going on around the 4-H Center and in the arena on this night were various pull competitions. Michael, not having been to a live tractor pull, was fascinated with the good-looking paint jobs, raw power, noise, and different types of units pulling the weight sled. With engines blaring, sparks, and flames shooting from exhaust pipes, the antique, modified, and kit tractors were bringing cheers from the crowd as well as the pickup’s and large semi-trucks. The live-stock barns were near by and seeing the Cows, Pigs, Goats, Chickens, and Bunny Rabbits were at the top of the list. They didn’t make it to the Horse barn, but while strolling through the other barns and inspecting the livestock, Barry was snapping a few photos. Mike wanted a picture of him petting a Cow, Michael wanted one with a Pig, and Scott wanted a group photo with a train that was rolling along Hwy 41 behind them in the background. The Bunnies were some of the biggest and the Chickens were some of the funniest looking they had ever seen. The JV bunch finally made it to the Goat barn and happened to see Angela Goedde, and her two children Rachel and Michael, hanging out with Jack and Sharon Krohn’s Goats. They had a new-born, 7-day old baby Goat that wanted to be in a JV photo and it sure was nice of the Krohn’s to allow the baby Goat to be in the picture. Angela is the Activities Director at Woodbridge Healthcare Care Unit & Rehab in Evansville and a FOJV. She stops by JV with her kids and Karaoke equipment sometimes and provides a little music for the residents. Other times, she just stops by on her way from one place to another to say ‘Hi, how ya doin’?’ Across the way from the livestock barns, Young McDonald’s Farm had a menagerie of baby farm animals to get close and personal with in addition to a couple of Llamas and Alpacas to pet. The JV bunch found some antique tractors, equipment, machines, and cars to look at; that’s always a preferred attraction. A few of the models on display were some they hadn’t seen before. As crowded as it was on this night, there is usually 2 or 3 times the people walking around during ‘The Frog Follies’ that are held the last weekend of August. The JV bunch didn’t feel like riding any ‘Roller Coasters or Swings’ so the Midway wasn’t explored. The Exhibit Hall drew an interest for reasons other than the fair, but while in there, they did check out all of the 4-Her’s arts, crafts, and vegetable projects. Some big and colorful vegetables were on display, photography exhibits, good-looking plastic models, wood working craft designs, knitting, sewing, and clothing patterns could all be seen with their respected placement ribbons to the side. There were so many people entering and exiting the building, the doors should’ve been left propped open as much as they were swinging. Darkness was near, and the JV bunch had seen most everything they wanted to see, and it was time to journey back home. Heading back towards the van, walking past the last food stands, a Nutty Ice-Cream Bar vendor couldn’t be passed by. On a warm Summer evening at the 87th Annual Vanderburgh County Animal Fair, in which the Cows and Pigs were there, a Nutty Bar for Mike, Michael, Scott, and Barry was a good way to sit back and watch others at a picnic table.

Jacob's Village Garden and Diet

2007-08-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Since moving into Jacob’s Village in the Fall of 2004, Mike H’s garden has provided some fresh vegetables for all to enjoy the past three Summers. The vegetables usually harvested from his garden crop are: Carrots, Radishes, Onions, Cucumbers, Cabbage, Zucchini Squash, Egg Plants, Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Banana & Bell Peppers. When there is an abundance of a certain kind of vegetable and the residents cannot eat them all or have them stored, he’ll give them away. This is where an assortment of recipes comes in handy for vegetables, say for instance Zucchini Squash, to find out how many different ways it can be prepared. One can grill it, fry it, dress it up to change its appearance in a casserole, bake it in a cake or bread, and/or even cover it up in a salad. No matter how you cut, slice it, or dice it, a Zucchini Squash is still a Zucchini Squash. The Jacob’s Village bunch has had it many ways and the Home Coordinators could write a book, 101 ways to prepare Zucchini Squash plus…a dozen casserole recipes, yeah, always looking for some new ideas. Home Coordinator Barry prepared a meal of Ratatouille one Sunday, a pasta linguini dish, to use up an assortment of vegetables from Mike’s garden. Ratatouille, by coincidence, is an animated movie by the same name now playing in theatres, bringing an old southern French recipe back to a new popularity. As odd as it is, the story line is about a young rat named Remy. He lives within the walls of a famous Paris bistro and he has dreams of becoming a chef but is hindered by his family’s skepticism and the rat-despising staff and patrons of the restaurant. Remy overcomes all the discriminating adversity and becomes a World renowned chef; a pleasant, enlightening movie. This linguini Ratatouille recipe that Barry was following, sort of, consisted of a blending mixture of: tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, garlic, onions, basil, parsley, oregano, and olive oil, which made it into a vegetarian dish. Although, Italian Sausage could be added for even a heartier meal, it was a tasty dish the way it was. If you have been keeping up with the journal, activity blogs on the Jacob’s Village Internet Web-Site, you can be rest assured that the dining cuisine prepared for the residents are just as many, varied, and enlightening. Jacob’s Village is dedicated to enriching the lives of the residents by providing them with another side of life to experience. Since Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Scott, Mike, and Michael have moved into the new homes, each Home Coordinator has prepared their many favorite healthy dishes for them. Not intending to leave any of the Home Coordinators out, Gloria is a down home country girl that prepares Southern style meals, Ham, Beans & Cornbread, Catfish fiddlers and for desert, Banana pudding with Vanilla Wafer cookies. Carol, accustomed to preparing meals for many boys, is a Roast-Beef meat, potato, carrot and vegetable soup kind of girl with an assortment of Jello mixtures. Janice, prepares meals for the bunches that includes all vegetables, Turkey Burgers, Meatloaf, Chicken Lasagna and for desert, easy bake cookies. Joe, believing he’s a Super Italian Chef-Boy-Ardee, tries to impress upon with his different types of pasta dishes or his grilling ability. Toss in some others such as Spaghetti & Meatballs, Bratwurst & Sauer-Kraut, and on special days such as St. Patrick’s Day, Corned-Beef & Cabbage, additionally, Spaghetti Squash, Taco dishes, and Fried-Rice dishes. Then Barry reaches back into his Californian archives and prepares a Shrimp Scampi, and now Ratatouille with Ambrosia for desert. The residents have a sample taste of the world’s best recipes prepared for them and what’s the old saying? A variety is the spice of life. Well… come see for yourself, the Jacob’s Village residents have it.
Mary Ellen Posthauer, Consulting Registered Dietician, volunteer’s her time to oversee and monitor the resident’s diets of Jacob’s Village. She assists the Home Coordinators in scheduling well balanced meals and menus that follow their dietary guidelines upon evaluation. Not everybody prefers their food prepared identical, but there is always a choice…sometimes an alternative. The residents of Jacob’s Village are very well blessed out here in their own little corner of God’s Green Earth.

'Revelations' - A Rock Opera

2007-08-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening, July 21, 2007, a Rock Opera was being held at the American Baptist East Church (ABE), located at 6300 Washington Ave., in Evansville at 7:00pm. The ABE and the Divine Essence were presenting Revelations: The Rock Opera, for two weekends that began Thursday, July 12-22. They did have matinee performances on Sunday afternoon, but the only date the Jacob’s Village bunch of Wanda, Mike, Michael, Scott, and Home Coordinator Barry were able to attend was the Saturday night showing. They loaded up in the van and left Jacob’s Village about 6:00pm to give them enough time to travel across Evansville. The ABE is about as far East in Vanderburgh County as one can get without entering Warrick County and still be in Evansville. When the Jacob’s Village bunch arrived, The ABE Saturday evening 5:30pm service was just ending. The Jacob’s Village bunch had a group photo taken of them in front of the ABE’s carport entrance where a small self-contained waterfall fountain is located. A small foyer entrance room was filling up quickly while the tickets were being taken and the crowd had to wait around for the stage crew to make final preparations for the ‘Rock Opera’. Inside, the ABE is a new looking contemporary church with a stage up front and three or four different levels around the walls, a couple wide enough to walk around the room on. In fact, that’s where they had two lighting crews, spot lighting played a major role in the show and they had one on both sides in the corners along with many high wattage ceiling lights directed towards the stage. The room sat approximately 200 and a little more than half of the seats were filled. It was an inter-active show that Seth Davidson, Artistic Director for the program, had put together with a cast of about 15 members. There was a four piece band, ensembles of Angels floating along the parapet ledges on the wall, demon creatures dressed in solid black creeping through the aisles and pews grabbing and pulling at the audience, satanic horsemen dragging balls & chains and Louis Ifer, the co- conductor. Seth Davidson had selected a few scripture verses from the Book of Revelations that were an integral part to the telling of his production from a power-point presentation on a big screen. It was a Rock Opera with many familiar rock-n-roll songs being performed. At one point, Louis Ifer jumped up on the pew in front of Wanda singing, reaching out for and inviting her to join him. Wanda was enjoying the show but knew better than to follow Louis Ifer. An interesting one-hour interpretation of the Book of Revelations, and the Jacob’s Village bunch was glad they seen it. Thank you ABE.

'42nd Street'

2007-07-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

As it has been noted in previous writings, Sunday afternoon is a good day for the residents of Jacob’s Village to participate in activities. Although a bit hectic, everyone is available. The pace of operation is cranked up usually into a higher gear to accommodate an early afternoon appointment. Take for instance Sunday, July 15, 2007. When everyone returns home from church, freshens up, and has a quick lunch, it’s time to get back on the road again. Sherry May, a school teacher and FOJV, donated tickets for the residents and staff of Jacob’s Village to see “42nd Street”. This marks the 19th year the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation and the Public Education Foundation has sponsored a series of Summer Musical’s for Evansville, IN. Their production this year was being held downtown at the Center, Thursday, July 12 through Sunday July 15. Sherry has volunteered to provide tickets for the finale matinee at 2:00pm on Sunday, for the second year in a row. The Jacob’s Village bunch of Wanda, Debbie, Donna Kay, Mike, Scott, home coordinators Gloria and Angel found reasonable parking places in the Center’s parking lot about 1:30 pm. Michael was missing from the bunch but planned on having his sister drop him off and meet the others in the lobby after celebrating his mother’s birthday. Everyone located a seat in the handicap area, including Michael, and good seats they were in the 3,000 seat auditorium. The Jacob’s Village bunch is no stranger to the accommodations having been in the same area on different occasions to see shows before. “42nd Street” has a large cast ensemble for their many song and dance numbers. It is based upon an unglamorized look at the tough realities of backstage life, giving many references to the Depression Era behind the footlights of a ‘putting-on-a-show’ type of play. A charismatic and talented young woman in singing and dancing from Allentown, PA, dreams of performing on Broadway. She auditions tirelessly for leading roles in many of the day’s musicals but never gets the part. Just by chance, while an ensemble member of a new musical ‘Pretty Lady’, the star leading lady of the production breaks her leg a couple of days before the opening. She is offered the role, accepts, and becomes a star. So, the phrase used to wish someone luck before a performance, ‘Break a Leg’, found its origin. In the same tradition and stemming from MGM’s first sound film in 1929, The Broadway Melody, it is another backstage musical. Nominated for best picture in 1933, it was the first of three landmark musical films by Warner Bros. to revitalize the musical film genre. “42nd Street” is the second longest running musical in Broadway history behind A Chorus Line. The Jacob’s Village bunch sends a Big Heart Thank You to Sherry May for providing the tickets for them.

Movie Time with Ann Coy

2007-07-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon, June 30, 2007, for Ann Coy’s monthly activity time, Ann treated the residents of Jacob’s Village to a day at the movies. She wanted them to meet her at Showplace East in Evansville, IN. around 3:00pm. Ann figured that about a half-n-hour before the show started would allow everyone enough time to snap a couple group photos, grab some popcorn, drinks, and locate their seats. The movie she had tickets for, courtesy of an anonymous donor, were for the 3:30pm showing of ‘Evan Almighty’. That particular time usually works out best for the residents because Mike doesn’t get off from work until 2:00pm. Ann always wants to have all the residents to be included, but on this day, there were two missing. Michael and Debbie were unable to join the rest of the bunch on this movie day. Debbie always spends weekends with her mother, Mary, and Michael was picked up earlier in the day by his sister from Indianapolis, IN. He spends the 4th of July week with Jane and Joe Weis and they usually have their time filled with an assortment of activities. The Jacob’s Village residents available were: Wanda, Donna Kay, Mike, Scott, and Home Coordinators Gloria and Joe. They all left Jacob’s Village to pick Mike up from work with a clean shirt for him to change into. They arrived at Showplace East and were greeted by Ann waiting in the lobby. It’s a big lobby they have there and it sets 3 or 4 steps above the front entrance doors and parking lot. They have many doors to choose from in the front, but only two that are not exiting doors. Once inside, one must arrange for an attendant to operate an elevator for wheelchair bound individuals. Jacob’s Village has two wheelchairs and as with many facilities, it’s always an adventure to get where you want to go. They made it to the main floor and were amazed with the large refreshment station, as well as with the large arcade-game room that had all kinds of video displays sounding off with bells and whistles. A couple of photos were taken to have proof they were there and the refreshments were passed out. The correct theatre and screen were found; there’s about ten or twelve of’em, and the Jacob’s Village bunch were the first ones in, so a choice of seat location was theirs. Upcoming attractions were viewed, popcorn and drinks were being consumed and Ann had a bonus for the bunch; a small zip-lock bag full of goodies for each resident. ‘Evan Almighty’ was a feel-good, Disney, current day Noah and the Ark story with many Biblical references scattered throughout the movie. For instance, Ark was an acronym for an Act of Random Kindness. A lot of them were entwined and well written into the script that was easily overlooked, but it was a comedy and everyone laughed out loud a time or two. A good time was had by all and the Jacob’s Village bunch sends a big heart thank you to Ann for a delightful Saturday afternoon at the movies.

30th Annual 'Drums on the Ohio'

2007-07-18T11:58:00.001-07:00

Thursday, June 28, 2007, the Downtown Civitan Club of Evansville, IN, sponsored their 30th Annual ‘Drums on the Ohio’ at Central High School. The ‘Drums on the Ohio’ is a Drum and Bugle Corps competition sanctioned by Drum Corps International (DCI). The Evansville Downtown Civitan Club - Civitans Serving Drums and Our Community - has sponsored this fund raising event for Evansville since they began in order to benefit the disabled community and specifically children’s groups. The proceeds from this year’s event along with others will be distributed out to The Advertising Club of Evansville and Jacob’s Village - Dedicated to Enriching the Lives of Adults with Developmental Disabilities. The Downtown Civitan Club arranged for the Jacob’s Village residents of Wanda, Debbie, Donna Kay, Mike, Michael, Scott, Home Coordinators Janice and Barry to attend ‘Drums on the Ohio’ for their second year. This year for scheduling reasons, they were unable to have it in the Reitz Bowl overlooking the Ohio River, so it was held in Central Stadium. When the Jacob’s Village bunch arrived at the Stadium parking lot it was already beginning to fill up. Needing handicap-accessible parking, they were directed to the access drive inside the fence, beneath the bleachers. The Civitan personnel, all volunteers, taking tickets were expecting the Jacob’s Village bunch and ushered them in to their reserved seats on the bottom 1st row of the bleachers, behind the fence on the 40 yd. line. They were good seats, but lacking a good view of the designs and patterns that were being created and formed by the marching, competing teams. For this, one needed an Eagle-eye view high in the stands looking down on the field instead of seeing it at eye-level. The Reitz Bowl, unlike Central Stadium, has their handicap seating up at the top of their concrete bleachers. The Boom Squad from the New Hope Music Academy in Evansville, IN. was providing the introductory and entertaining preview for the night’s entertainment at 5:45pm with their usual choreographed routine of marching and drumming. Although the Boom Squad does not compete against the night’s featured Drum Corps teams, they provide a professional type of warm-up for the audience of what can be expected. Following the Boom Squad, Civitan club member, ‘Drums on the Ohio’ staff and advisory member Ron Faust, welcomed everyone and addressed VIP guests from the 50 yd. line. Current Downtown Civitan President Martin Fraering acknowledged other businesses, dignitaries and groups responsible for the evening’s event and expressed gratitude and Thank You’s while giving the signal for the Drum Corps teams to begin the contest. Performing first in the competition were two Div. III teams, the Revolutions of San Antonio, Texas and the winner of the division Memphis Sound of Collierville, TN. Followed by four Div. I teams: the Troopers out of Casper, WY, Blue Stars from Lacrosse, WI, Spirit of JSU from Jacksonville, AL, and the overall winner of the event, the Blue Devils of Concord, CA. Members of these Corps must be 14-22 years of age. All competing unit teams fit into one of three divisions: A Division I Corps has 90 to 128 members, a Division II Corps has 30 to 128 members, and Division III Corps must have between 30 and 60 members. Each Drum Corps team was performing to perfection and with each one; the choreographed routine and required skill levels were increasing, saving the best for last. There are three sections to the Drum Corps: Brass, Percussion, and Color Guard. Teams perform to a 15 minute production. Each competing unit within their division is judged on a different scale of achievement, creativity, and content. In the categories: general effect in Visual by performance, ensemble, and color guard and in Music with the brass, ensemble, and percussion units.

DCI is headquartered in Addison, IL, and was founded in the Winter of 1971“To promote, develop and preserve the operational and artistic standards of the competitive musical sport and to provide organization and leadership for the activity and to develop and successfully operate musical events for the participating drum corps community. DCI has no affiliation with any school or university, although, they were originally part of a VFW and/or an American Legion Post. After WW I, veterans organized Drum and Bugle Corps to perform in parades to display the “Stars and Stripes”. In the 1960’s, Drum Corps began to grow musically, it became more competitive and many started to associate with the local Boy Scout troops or other local youth organizations. Drum Corps repertoires also began to integrate jazz, classical, pop, and Broadway music. Through the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s they evolved from quasi-military units to competitive marching and music units. Today, DCI is a cross between a Broadway musical and a marching band show, a modern day junior Drum and Bugle Corps. There is more than 250 corps operating in the U.S. and Canada, with an additional 100+ around the World. Of the 250 North American corps more than 80 regularly participate in DCI’s Summer Music Games Tour. DCI produces The Summer Music Games Tour and it consists of over 150 events in 39 states and 2 Canadian provinces. A competing corps’ season begins in November when they line up a teams placement. The teams have up to six weeks of rehearsal that includes marching practice on a football field. The rehearsals end up with an eight-week North American city-bus tour that prepares them for the DCI Championships that are held in Pasadena, CA, this year August 7-11, 2007. All the residents of Jacob’s Village send a ‘Big Heart’ Thank You to the Downtown Civitan Club for their generosity.

Zoar's UCC picnic

2007-07-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

Members of the Zoar’s United Church of Christ’s congregation had made arrangements to have a Jacob’s Village Day, Sunday, June 24, 2007. The day’s agenda included having the Jacob’s Village residents attend the Church’s season ending Softball games and a picnic out at Jacob’s Village for the residents. On the grounds of Zoar’s U.C.C. at 4600 Church Rd. right off Harmony Way on the Westside of Evansville, they have a regulation size softball field with bleachers. The Spring of 2007, Zoar’s U.C.C. began a Church co-ed Softball League. The newly formed co-ed league was established for both men and women to play on the same teams, although the men are required to bat opposite their good hand to level the playing field with the women when it comes time to bat. Many of the tri-state area’s local Church’s participated in this inaugural first year as all the games were played at Zoar’s UCC field on Sunday afternoons. They had a good response and everyone is eager to pick up where they left off for next year’s scheduled games that begin in April. The Jacob’s Village residents: Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott and Home Coordinators Janice and Barry also look forward to, and enjoy outdoor events. Although on this Sunday in June, similar to a few days leading up to it, the weather conditions were favorable for a thundershower at any time. And, after being dry, without rain for some time, there had been much rain in this short period causing the softball field to be wet, muddy, and the grassy areas to be slick. The final softball Sunday had to be canceled due to poor field conditions. It was disappointing to hear Shirley Johan relay the bad news to the residents when she stopped by to inform the residents, but the remainder of day went on as planned. Sunday evening, June 24, 2007, about 3:30pm, 16 members from Zoar’s UCC congregation led by Rev. John & Cindy Motz, started arriving for a picnic at Jacob’s Village. The Zoar’s UCC members providing the picnic included: Elmer and Ellen Berberich, Ray and daughter Andrea Pritchart, Don & Shirley Johann, Don & Dorothy Sander, Ray & Jean Schroeder, Frank & Pat Stewart, Margaret Clem, and Pat Seipert. The automobiles parked in under the Jacob’s Village carport, in between the men’s and women’s homes, had been moved out and the pavement swept in preparation of tables and chairs to be set up for the pitch-in picnic. The VIP guests from Zoar’s UCC began unloading their dishes of goodies, an assortment of drinks and organizing them on the tables. After the precious cargo of goods were put in place, everyone on the premises gathered in the women’s home for a little music and prayer. A full house it was but a seat was found for everyone. Elmer Berberich pulled his harmonica out of its case and started the music portion of their time by playing a few popular harmonica pieces. Also, there is an electric piano on a stand that is kept in the women’s home for occasions such as this. So, Ray Pritchart found his spot behind the piano and he accompanied his daughter Andrea, who played the violin very well everyone agreed, and Elmer on harmonica, play a few appropriate selections for the day. One tune that stood out from the rest was a John Denver composition of ‘Annie’s Song’. Ellen Berberich took over as the piano player, keyed out some gospel tunes and ‘Edelweiss’ from the popular Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Academy Award winning ‘Best Picture’ show of 1965 ‘The Sound of Music’. Hearing that good rendition of ‘Edelweiss’, Scott had something he wanted to show off to the guests. Just by coincidence, Scott’s daughter Britini had just recently returned from a two-week German-Austrian trip with the North Posey German Club. Britini had picked up an authentic German hat with several pins on it from the places the group visited for her Dad. One in particular was a pin of the Edelweis flower from the site where ’The Sound of Music’ was filmed in Salzburg, Austria. A conversation item it is with the German heritage that is so prevalent in Southern Indiana and especially on the Westside of Evansville. Being so close to the 4th of July, Ellen had an American Flag to pass out to each Jacob’s Village resident, a collection of patriotic songs were played and sung along to. Since the softball game was cancelled, a suggestion was made and everyone joined in to sing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame’ a couple of times. The VIP guests from Zoar’s UCC provided outstanding entertainment with a variety of talents, the residents of Jacob’s Village really appreciated their time, but the feast had not yet begun. Camaraderie spirit was in the room and it was taken out to the carport where the grilled burgers were just coming off the grill. A blessing of the food and fellowship was given by Rev. John Motz and it was time to form lines for the filling of plates. There were all kinds of goodies to choose from: burgers, dogs, vegetable condiments, salads, casseroles, an assortment of potato dishes, bean dishes, deserts of cakes and pies. Some individuals took up residency to eat in the gazebo and the umbrella picnic tables in the courtyard. It was a very nice evening to have a picnic and spread good cheer. The residents really like Church functions of pitch-in dinners, it’s a shame there’s not one everyday. It could go without saying, but it didn’t matter what was available on the tables, there wasn’t a bad dish in sight. And…if not mistaken, what was left…stayed at Jacob’s Village to satisfy another day or days however long it would last. After the feast, a good time of fellowship and new friends were being made. Tours of the homes were given and a walk along the new work-in-progress Jacob’s Village attraction, ‘The Nature Trail Walk and Meditation Area’ was explored. It’s easy to become a FOJV, and Zoar’s UCC made all the right moves to become one. The new friends and good times disbanded about 7:00pm and the residents of Jacob’s Village want to send a big heart Thank You to Zoar’s United Church of Christ.

SMILE Picnic at St. Paul's UCC - German Township

2007-06-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday mornings at Jacob’s Village are fast-paced, pre-scheduled, and followed to a ‘T’. Everyone is getting ready for the day and preparing for Church. Mike and Wanda are regularly picked up by their respected transportation provider, but on this day Wanda didn’t feel up to going and staying after Church to help with KP Duty for the St. Agnes Catholic Church Summer Social dinner. The others are driven to Church by the Home Coordinators at different times for Bible Study and morning worship service at Westwood General Baptist Church. Debbie is always brought home after Church from spending weekends with her mother; and when everyone returns home right after the noon-hour, most of the time, there is an outing planned of some sort. Usually the residents are rushed around to grab a quick bite and prepare to leave again. On this Sunday, June 03, 2007, Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Michael, Scott and Home Coordinators Gloria and Joe were invited to be a part of a SMILE picnic on the grounds of the St. Paul’s U.C.C. in German Township beginning with a blessing at 1:00pm. As the Jacobs Village bunch arrived, a pitch in dinner inside the Church’s activity room on the ground floor was being setup. Fried chicken was being furnished by the organizers Nina Fuller, David and Theda Girth, while the Administrative Director, Brenda Walters was unable to attend. Gloria and Joe handed over the Jacob’s Village’s contribution of potato salad and two bags of chips that were mixed in with the other dishes that included: bread, beans, corn, pasta, all types of salads and desserts. A tasty lunch it was and everyone had all they wanted, especially desserts. Arrangements were made to have Mike dropped off at St. Paul’s and he arrived after everyone else had finished eating but not before the food was put away. Games were held outside for the children behind the shelter house at the East end of the parking lot and a good time of fun was had. There were 8 children present playing games with about 16 adults, minus the Jacob’s Village bunch, total in attendance. SMILE on Down Syndrome is a support group in Southern Indiana and the tri-state for parents with a child born with Downs Syndrome. They provide resources, educational meetings, and social events for parent networking. SMILE is an acronym from the words making up the necessary characteristics for the required care for a child afflicted with Downs Syndrome: Support, Management, Information, Love, and Encouragement. Formed in 2002, Evansville’s Buddy Walk celebrates National Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October. This year’s event will be September 29, 2007, at the Vanderburgh County-Scott Township 4-H Fairgrounds. Jacob’s Village has been a supporter of SMILE on Down Syndrome’s Buddy Walk since they opened with services in 2004.

Ann Coy Time for May

2007-06-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

Tuesday evening, May 22, 2007, Ann Coy visited Jacob’s Village in the Women’s Home for her monthly activity. Ann always provides a spiritual message during her visits and this time was no different; Pastor Kevin McKinney, Senior Pastor at the United Methodist Temple was her special guest. Pastor Kevin had a guitar in hand and a good guitar player he was. As it has been said many times in the past, any musician soon becomes a FOJV. After introductions were made, a blessing was given for the night. Ann always likes to start her evenings out with a small word association type of roll-call song depending on the nearest holiday or season. This time, naming a favorite part of Spring or Summer time was in order for everyone in attendance. With his guitar, Pastor Kevin strummed out ‘This Little Light of Mine’ and all residents of Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, and Scott sung along. Pastor Kevin read Scripture from the books of Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? John; Chapter 12: verse 36, While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light. Ephesians; Chapter 5: verse 8 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light-- John; Chapter 1: verse 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us - our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. As you may have well guessed, the theme for Ann’s visit this month was: ‘What kind of light do you give off?’ Light is referenced in the Bible many times and is filled with examples of what kind of light is expected to come from each individual. As the spiritual and prayer time came to a close, it was time for the ever popular snack time. On this evening, Ann had watermelon, strawberries, Aussie muffins, milk, and Sprite. Always healthy, according to Ann, and sometimes unexpected, the snack treats Ann brings along with her are always liked and usually they leave a question with the residents. Is that all there is, aren’t there any more?…Not until next time… For the craft project this month, Ann had a maroon foam 8” cut-out Cross kit for everyone. This kit required sticking added designs to it, putting your name on it, and gluing a magnet on the back so it could hang on the refrigerator. The Jacob’s Village residents always looks forward to Ann’s once a month themed activity with the special guests, snacks, and craft projects that she has planned. And this time, the residents send a big heart thank you out to Pastor Kevin McKinney, Senior Pastor at the United Methodist Temple for blessing Jacob’s Village with his presence and guitar playing talents.

Hadi Shriner's Fest - Car & Bike Show

2007-06-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon, May 19, 2007, Wanda, Michael, Scott, and Home Coordinator Joe left Jacob’s Village at 1:30pm to pick Mike up from work at 2:00pm. They had planned to attend the fourth annual Hadi ShrinersFest that was being held in downtown Evansville on Riverside Drive overlooking the Ohio River-Front. The Hadi Shrine Club and Restaurant is located on Walnut Street right across from the riverfront and members of the Shrine Club were manning a couple information booth tables handing out literature, brochures, selling t-shirts, 10lb bags of Vidalia Onions, and having many contests where winners were rewarded door prizes. There were many stands selling car paraphernalia such as models, matchbox cars and motorcycle accessories along with food and drink booths. On display at this year’s ShrinersFest were 256 specialty cars and trucks, 152 motorcycles, auto venders and assorted entertainment venues. The entertainers included Blue-Grass and Folk Music Bands across from the front of the museum on the East end of the drive, clowns mingling in with the crowd up and down the strip, small twin-engine Cessna airplane gliders flying overhead with advertising banners behind them. A couple planes were producing a smoke and fog and sky writing names. Added attractions for the fest this year were tours of CJ’s Bus and ‘Hadi Hopping’, a car bouncing contest. CJ’s Bus is a modified school bus with a children’s activity center inside. CJ was a little boy that was killed in the Nov. 06 Newburgh tornado. In his memory, the bus will be available for tornado ravaged areas to provide a safe place for children to occupy their time while adults help with clean-up of the tornado damage. The ‘Hadi Hopping’ event is where a car’s suspension is manipulated, adjusted and hydraulically enhanced causing the car to jump-up off the ground. Although this kind of modification is legal, adjusting the suspension while the car is moving is not; therefore, participants were not allowed in the car while it was bouncing. It looks a little odd…and doesn’t look normal; acting as if the car is a robot. A Cadillac won this event by out jumping a half-a-dozen other cars by getting its wheels 33 inches off the ground for the winning height. Michael and Scott really enjoy every kind of car show, but 60’s & 70’s Muscle Cars are a favorite, and usually, The ACE of Clubs, Area Chrysler Enthusiasts have some representatives at most of the tri-state car shows. This day was no different; the good looking paint jobs on the themed nicknamed Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge cars were all there. Although, every car make, model, and year are all well taken in. The Jacob’s Village bunch was also there with over 7,000 others that were in attendance throughout the day, a good time was had by all on the Ohio River front.

EVV Otters 3rd Annual Benefit Baseball Game

2007-06-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

‘Take me out to the Ball game, take me out with the Otters, that’s exactly what the Jacob’s Village bunch of Wanda, Debbie, Donna Kay, Mike, Michael, Scott, home coordinators Gloria, and Joe did Friday evening, May 18, 2007. The Jacob’s Village bunch arrived in the parking lot about 6:00pm to see the 7:05pm baseball game between the reigning Frontier League champion Evansville Otters and the Southern Illinois Miners to benefit Jacob’s Village. This was the Otters’ one and only exhibition game of the season at Bosse Field and the Miners are a 1st year, new expansion team with the Frontier League out of Marion, IL. This is the 3rd year the Evansville Otters have sponsored a benefit game for the Jacob’s Village mission which is: Dedicated to Enriching the Lives of Adults with Developmental Disabilities. This year, with a campaign concentrated advertising blitz via TV, Radio, and Newspapers, the attendance was about 3,500 and the amount from the proceeds of ticket sales was just under $12,000. Compared to last year, the attendance for the game was better by 500 or more which resulted in more for the proceeds figure. It was a nice and comfortable evening, weather wise, to spend at the ‘ol Ball Park. The ‘Talk of the Town’ Clown Association had five clowns there for the first four or five innings before having to leave for another appointment, adding smiles, laughter, and their usual hi-jinx to the delight of the crowd. Cletus, one of the clowns, positioned himself by the Jacob’s Village bunch that was sitting right above the visitor’s dugout down the 3rd base line making balloon baseball & bat hats and balloon bracelets to fit around ones’ wrist. Previously selected to throw the first pitch of the game out, Wanda was pumped up, excited, and feeling good. There were many flashes from cameras going off to catch her in the moment, and a good representative of Jacob’s Village she was. With the home town Otters on the field, umpires in position, and the Otter Belle Ball Girls, dressed in retro-40ish style color coordinated tan and maroon accented uniforms; the game was set to begin. In between each inning, the Otter Belles set up an assortment of games and activities in the teams’ bullpen area or props around the bases to run around. Throwing an item at a target or dropping items off at the bases within a certain time are a couple of examples of the types of games played. A fan favorite, individuals wearing Sumo Wrestler costumes, brought many hearty laughs. A good time was being had by all in attendance while roaming vendors were calling out and dealing drinks, peanuts, popcorn, and crackerjack snacks. Door prizes were also given away with a matching ticket number that was called out over the PA speaker system. Although it was a low scoring game, it was an exciting 3 hours of family fun. There were 11 hits and 19 strikeouts by a combined use of 12 pitchers. No home-runs on this night, but 4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 stolen base, 7 double plays per each team, one error, and not one player or manager was ejected or tossed for arguing the ump’s disputed calls. The first runs of the game didn’t cross home plate until the fifth inning and it was tied-up after the sixth. Throughout the remainder of the contest it was all knotted up, until the bottom of the ninth inning when an Otter player had a one out base-hit, run-scoring single to give the hometown Evansville Otters a 3-2 win over the Southern Illinois Miners. Along with all the festivities, this game was an introduction to Frontier League baseball, and a rousing welcome to Bosse Field for the Miners’ team first game. Bosse Field is the third oldest ball park in operation in the U.S. behind Fenway Park in Boston and Wrigley Field in Chicago. And to top it off, the game was to benefit Jacob’s Village; it was a win-win game for everyone involved. During the 7th inning stretch, Deana Johnson, General Manager of the Otters presented Cheryl Kuchna, Executive Director of Jacob’s Village, a check in the amount of the proceeds from the game; followed by the time honored tradition of singing ‘Take me out to the Ballgame’. Hopefully, this game will continue to draw more and more spectators and become a bigger, better event each and every year. Maybe we can reach a capacity filled Bosse Field crowd and double those numbers for the 4th annual EVV Otters benefit game in 2008…see ya at the ‘ol Ball Park.

St. Peter's UCC Mother/Daughter Banquet - Presentation

2007-06-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

St. Peter’s United Church of Christ invited Karin Macke, Program Director of Jacob’s Village, and resident Scott to give a program about Jacob’s Villages’ Mission of ‘Enriching the Lives of Adults with Functional and Developmental Disabilities’. Since the invitation was so close to their annual Mother/Daughter Banquet in honor of Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 13, St. Peter’s decided to invite all the residents of Jacob’s Village to join them for their pitch-in dinner Friday evening, May 11, 2007. Home Coordinators Janice and Barry had just started their shift Friday afternoon and had to prepare Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, and Scott to be ready for a dinner and presentation with Karin upon their return home from work. The Jacob’s Village bunch arrived at 5:45pm and met Karin inside the Church. There were about 22 church and family members in attendance for the dinner and with the 8 from Jacob’s Village, it made for a full room in their small activity room. Greetings were made, a blessing of the food and Mother’s Day was given Rev. Karen Lipinczyk, and a line for the covered dishes on the counter was formed. The meal consisted of a choice between ham or fried chicken for the meat, tea, lemonade, or water for your drink and all you could eat from a variety of dishes that was brought in. Many types of salad dishes, an assortment of pasta, potato, and rice recipes, a large choice of homemade desserts, boy…Church pitch-in dinners are offered like a giant smorgasbord. It’s a shame, pitch-in dinners are so few and far between. A good time of filling, emptying, and refilling plates were had by all and if not for the timed presentation following the dinner, the dishes would have been cleaned out. Compliments are given out to the members and friends of St. Peter’s U.C.C. for providing a tasty, delicious, and satisfying meal. A few men joined the rest of the group in the sanctuary following the cleanup of the dinner for the Jacob’s Village presentation given by Karin and Scott. St. Peter’s U.C.C. and Jacob’s Village has been building a good relationship since Rev. Karen’s first Pastoral visit back in July of 2006. Most of St. Peter’s congregational members and friends knew the concept behind Jacob’s Village, but Karin and Scott began the presentation as if no one knew and gave them the basic info. As they relayed the facts of the existing and developing programs, criteria for residency, it’s always good to reiterate that Jacob’s Village is a work in progress. There was a good question and answer time with all the residents giving a brief testimony of their likes of the place. There is a good bunch of charter residents to begin the mission with and a family is being built. The Jacob’s Village bunch sends a big heart thank you out to St. Peter’s U.C.C. for a wonderful evening.

Fiddler on the Roof

2007-06-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

On the week-end of May 4, 5, & 6, 2007, the Mater Dei High School Theatre Department transformed Kempf Auditorium into a Russian village and presented ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ for their Spring Musical. For the second year in a row, Debbie Haton, teacher and sponsor of the Mater Dei High School’s National Honor Society, furnished tickets for the Jacob’s Village residents to attend the matinee final performance Sunday, May 6, at 2:00pm. Wanda, Debbie, Donna Kay, Mike, Michael, Scott, home coordinators Gloria and Joe arrived in plenty of time before the show began to have a group photo taken of them in the lobby of Kempf Auditorium. The Jacob’s Village bunch was some of the first to arrive; after posing for a photo and receiving a program, they had their choice of seats in the 375 seat auditorium. The last two rows on the right side were designated wheelchair accessible seating and that was the area for us. Looking around, they didn’t see a bad seat in the facility. The story line for ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ focuses on a Russian Jewish family set in the early 20th Century. A Dairyman and his wife’s five daughters are struggling with some of the daughter’s marriage plans in a challenging time. The family is being torn apart by new ideas and customs that go against religious traditions. In their small Russian community the politics were changing as well as the World’s landscape around them. There were a few popular songs that were sung, a unique language dialect that was spoken, and very elaborate costumes that were worn. The choreographed dancing numbers appeared to have required extensive training sessions for the cast. The ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ cast consisted of 35 students from grades 9-12 and had many others that made up the behind the scenes stage and production crews. Period costumes for any production do not come cheap. For Mater Dei, seamstress Alison Moore, volunteers her time in providing all costumes for their productions. What can’t be found from costume companies, rummage sales, Goodwill and Salvation Army stores or used costumes from the Evansville Civic Theatre, she hand makes herself. Although all High School theatric productions have good directing qualities over the cast and settings, and all the students act out their characters remarkably well; the favorite ones the Jacob’s Village bunch like to watch are comedy’s and whimsical, feel-good musicals. As good as ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ is and was well performed by the Mater Dei High School Theatre Department; it requires a lot of reasoning and thinking…and who would have thought there would have been a Fiddler on one of the prop roof’s throughout the show. The Jacob’s Village bunch really enjoys the opportunity to see shows that are provided by the generosities of some individuals. They are all Friends of Jacob’s Village who take their time out to think of the residents; thank you Debbie Haton for your treat.

Next Step's 2007 Cheer Crazy Expo

2007-05-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Next Step Dance Studio in Poseyville, IN, for the 2nd year in a row, held a benefit fund-raiser for the residents of Jacob’s Village Saturday evening, April 28, at 6:00pm. Their 2007 presentation ‘Cheer Crazy - Cheer and Tumbling EXPO’ was again held in the North Posey High School gymnasium. Residents attending this years ’EXPO’ were Wanda, Donna Kay, Mike, Michael, Scott, home-coordinators Carol and Barry. Upon entering the gymnasium, there were tables set up in the lobby loaded down with baked goods for a bake sale that was in progress. Arriving a little later than expected, the Jacob’s Village bunch was ushered to their reserved seating in the front row of the bleachers on the gym floor. There wasn’t enough time this year to snap a couple of group photos of the residents and performers before the show began. The programs were handed out, the floor mats were positioned on the floor and the show began. Again this year, there were approximately 350 people in attendance for the ’EXPO’ that had about 75 Next Step students ages 2 to 14 participating. And like last year, The Next Step Dance Studio had been having the students sell T-shirts, different paraphernalia of what-nots and for each item, setting one dollar back for Jacob’s Village. A special thank you is in order again for SouthWest Grafix for their contribution on the T-shirt artwork they printed. The 12 cheer and tumbling acts consisted of The Next Steps’ competitive and non-competitive cheer teams. The routines that the cheer teams performed to were many popular music selections. Cheering, pyramid building, front-back flips, cartwheels, running, jumping, and tumbling made up most of the acts. The final act was The Next Step Cheer Mom & Dads doing their cheer and gymnastic moves. It was obvious why this type of activity is for the younger generation. Following the performance, Jennifer motioned over to have Scott, a representative of Jacob’s Village, meet her in the middle of the floor for their donation and check presentation. This included the proceeds from ticket sales, fund raising, and amount from the donation bucket that was at the entrance. All total there was $350.00 to benefit Jacob’s Village. Outstanding choreography, gymnastic feats, upbeat music, and the camaraderie of instructors, students, and parents made The Next Step Dance Studio’s 2007 ‘Cheer Crazy - Cheer, and Tumbling EXPO’ a very entertaining show. Jacob’s Village sends a big heart Thank You out to Jennifer Collins and Carol Rodgers for helping support the Jacob’s Village mission of help others.

Otters Fan Fest 2007

2007-05-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

The Evansville Otters, Old National Bank, and Jacob’s Village held their 3rd annual Fan Fest Spectacular at Bosse Field Saturday morning, April 28, 2007, from 9am til 12 noon. This event was geared toward children but it was a publicity event to highlight the start of the season for the Evansville Otters. The Fan Fest was to bring notice, attention, and fans into the ‘Ball Park’ to remind and sell them tickets for the upcoming first game. The Otters have their one-and-only exhibition preseason game, Friday night, May 18, at 7:05pm to benefit Jacob’s Village. The idea was just to get the public inside on this day in hopes that parents would bring children and expose the kids to the Otters’ good will by providing a host of free activities. Out on the front lawn, 93.5 The Wolf radio station had a remote broadcast set up and were giving away t-shirts. Evan the Otter was patrolling the grounds along with The Talk of the Town Clowns that were up to their usual hi-jinx of laughter, making balloon hats, and photo ops. A Frontier League fan from Peoria, IL, had several tables loaded down with team jersey’s, hats, and programs from every Frontier League team past and present. A dedicated fan he was to put on an exhibit of conversation items such as that to raise curiosity from everyone who entered. Jacob’s Village had a table set up inside the gate entrance with literature and a free Ice Cream coupon courtesy of GD Ritzy’s. Directing and over seeing the table was: Jacob’s Village associates, Cheryl Kuchna, Executive Director; Karin Macke, Program Director; Jacob’s Village residents Michael and Scott; FOJV’s Georgia Muensterman, Angie Klenck and her four children, Alexi, Seth, Ben, and Sydney, and Annette McDonald, free-lance photographer. A free Ice Cream coupon was rewarded to anyone who had won a game out in centerfield. The children who had won a game were wearing a sticker on the chest designating a GD Ritzy’s Ice Cream winner. These simple games included: a large ring-toss, a baseball toss, and a bowling type of game. There were added attractions such as a 20’ tall inflatable slide, a large balloon to jump in, and stilts for kids to walk on and challenge their balance with. A batting cage was set up at home plate for kids to take a few swings from an Otter pitcher, have a photo taken with him and receive an autographed baseball. Evansville’s New Hope Music Academy’s Boom Squad was providing choreographed marching drum & symbol corps dance routines to the delight of all the spectators. They were set up just past 2nd base out in short center field in the grass but, it was best viewed from the bleacher stands because of the loud drum beats; the movements were better identified from a high vantage point far away. The third base tunnel concession stand was a popular spot because they were giving away free soda pop drinks and popcorn. Under a big blue sky on this feel-good-looking Saturday morning, an exciting good time was had by all who were in attendance for the 2007 Fan Fest Spectacular at Bosse Field.

USI BestBuddy Pic-nic

2007-05-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

The USI-Best Buddies wanted to have one last get-together with their Jacob’s Village-Best Buddies before some of them finished their School year, Graduated, and moved on. The picnic idea was first brought up at the previous Best Buddy Party on April-Fools Day and Jacob’s Village was the preferred location for 3:00 in the afternoon. Arrangements were made for some entertainment and a few FOJV’s to join in on the feel-good-lookin’ Sunday afternoon. After the Jacob’s Village residents of Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, Home Coordinators Gloria and Joe returned home from Church, it was time to start preparing for the guests. Tom Burmeister had a couple of volunteers come out to help with the mowing of the lawn around noon, so the smell of freshly cut grass was an added aroma. Tables and chairs were set under the carport for dining, fellowship, and enjoyment. Guests began arriving about 2:00 to see the site where the new proposed Jacob’s Village Spiritual Nature Trail Walk & Mediation Garden would be. This site is at the North end of the property, around the barn and into the woods. There’s a creek bed at the bottom of a steep ravine covered with trees and the ground has yet to dry out from the rain, it’s still a little too wet. Still planning to have it near completion by the Fall, provided the weather accommodates. A few other guests arrived after the walk to the Nature Trail site and these were first time visitors wanting a tour of the grounds and homes. The USI-Best Buddies Melissa Parker, Amber Kincaid, Cassie Holmes, April Scott, Britney Swears, Lauren McNulty, Casie Payne, and Erin Wehr arrived at 3:30 with burgers and dogs to be grilled. The sandwiches would be put along side Beans, Slaw, and Potato Salad furnished with an assortment of Chips, courtesy of Alvin and Ruth McIntosh. Alan ‘Clif the Drifter’ Duckworth showed up about this time and began to set his music equipment up in the Gazebo out in the courtyard. ‘Clif the Drifter’ is an outstanding one-man band from Newburgh, IN that travels to and from Nursing Homes, Assisted Living facilities, and Rehab Units providing grade ‘A’ quality entertainment. Clif has five CD’s to his credit that includes Gospel, Train Songs, and Country - Folk Music types of songs. Jacob’s Village will have ‘Clif the Drifter’ for a return show some day. The Jacob’s Village Newsletter, Sharing Our Journey’s writer and photographer, Alan Inkenbrandt showed up taking many good photos of the picnic. A good time of fellowship, camaraderie, and listening to feel-good music was had by all on this very delightful Sunday afternoon. Hopefully, this was the first of many picnics that will be held at Jacob’s Village in Spring, Summer, and Fall 2007.

St. Peter's U.C.C. - Clown & Puppet Ministry

2007-05-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 18, 2007, Rev. Karen Lipinczyk, from the St. Peter’s United Church of Christ made her second Pastoral visit to Jacob’s Village. Arriving by herself before her entourage, Rev. Karen brought with her a box full of soft, furry, and stuffed cuddly critters, including a couple with sounds that made up the St. Peter’s Puppet Ministry. The residents of Jacob’s Village: Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, and Scott really enjoyed her first visit back in July of 2006 and expected nothing less but a bit curious this time around. Rev. Karen thought everyone should be prompted for what was about to happen. So, with the assistance of Home Coordinators Carol and Barry, she distributed all the hand puppets out to the residents to get acquainted with. Rev. Karen briefed every one of what they could expect and she had it timed pretty well. Just as she was finishing her brief; the eight members of the Clown Ministry of St. Peter’s were just arriving. The Clown Ministry included: Karla Ramsey as Spunky, Micah Wilhite as Kitty, Gene Wolf as Sonny, Sue Wolf as Pusot, Melanie Hoffman as Marshmallow, and Rev. Karen Lipinczyk as Cosmo with two smaller clowns, Devon Compton as Zippy and Alesha Ramsey as Cookie. Bringing up the rear was the master puppeteer of the Puppet Ministry, Jeanne Johnston (JJ). JJ named and identified all the puppets that the residents were holding with unique names. The Puppets included: Pokey the Porcupine, Skinner the white Rat, Sham the quacking Duck, Beaky the Cockatiel, Schnozz the barking Dog, M E the baby Monkey, Sweet Pea the Skunk, Goofy the Disney Dog, and Melody Moo the Cow. As chance would have it, resident Scott had just returned a few days before from being with his parents Charles and Sally Huck at Charles’ Tarawa Veteran’s Association’s, Naval Aircraft Carrier, reunion in Dayton, OH. While there, Scott had purchased two puppets of his own, never having seen them before, he had to have them. He showed off his new Rocky & Bullwinkle hand puppets that blended in well with the other puppets. After JJ’s introduction of the puppets, Rev. Karen read scripture from The First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, of how no one gets left out and everyone is viewed upon as the same and equal. Rev. Karen and St. Peter’s UCC’s pastoral visit this time coincided with April fool’s day which was two weeks away. She related to everyone that the Bible also speaks of fools and foolishness; also in Chapter 1 in the First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, verse 18-31, 1.18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1.25 For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. 1.31 in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” To customize the word and to go along with the scripture, the Clown Ministry put on a couple of skits acting the word out. One was of the Apostle Paul and another man fishing. The second man was picking and choosing what fish he wanted to keep from the ones he had caught, leaving some behind that didn’t fit his criteria. When it came time for Paul to choose from the ones he caught, he did not discriminate; all, regardless of looks, shape, or form were allowed to become a part of his group. The second skit, a debut performance, pertained to Noah’s Ark delivering the same message. Everyone and everything is accepted the way they are with no exceptions. At the end of their evening service and before they left, the visitors from St. Peter’s had another surprise for the residents of Jacob’s Village. Sue Wolf placed some of her home-made cookies and punch on the dining room table for everyone to enjoy. Boy, that’s a sure fire way to become a FOJV, Friend of Jacob’s Village. The Jacob’s Village bunch really like the messages that Rev. Karen and all of her ministries convey. They send a big heart thank you to Rev. Karen, JJ, and all the ministry’s members from St. Peter’s United Church of Christ for blessing Jacob’s Village.

March - Disability Awareness Month

2007-05-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities celebrates Disability Awareness Month every March since its conception and founding twenty years ago in 1987. They put forth an educational campaign and catchy slogan every year and this year’s 2007 Campaign Theme for Indiana was ‘Room for Everyone’. Jacob’s Village is in their third year of visiting schools and informing students about disability issues and the need to be aware of the disabled population’s community. Karin Macke, Program Director at Jacob’s Village, and Scott Huck, resident, arranged to present Programs of Disability Awareness to local schools one day at a time on their own campus. All total, there were over 225 students plus faculty members from all three schools taking in the disability information. Each group of students was very well disciplined and an attentive audience with questions following the 20 minute brief. St. Joseph Catholic School was the first one scheduled and 4th Grade Teacher Diane Hill, 5th Grade Teacher Sharon Fink, and 6th Grade Teacher Debra Wade had their classes meet in the Activity/Library Room. At the St. Wendel Catholic Schools right before lunch period; which worked out rather well, Diane Carithers, Teacher of the Kindergarten Class coordinated most of the Elementary Classes and had them meet in their new gymnasium. Following the brief, Ms. Carithers invited Karin and Scott to join her Kindergarten Class for lunch. An enjoyable lunch it was with the 15 Kindergarten students, Ms. Carithers, and a plate of chicken patty on bread, corn, French fried potatoes, sliced pears, and milk. A bonus after lunch was a tour of the Kindergarten Class room. Incredible…high tech it is, with the latest in student friendly teaching devices, for example, a computerized power-point presenting teaching tool. At New Harmony, Scott’s alma mater, Dianna Simpkins, Special Needs Instructor for the K-6 classes arranged for the entire student body of the New Harmony Schools minus four of the Middle School’s classes that were on a field trip, to meet in the School’s gymnasium; a receptive bunch. Across the nation, people with developmental and related disabilities face a crisis in accessible housing. Over 750,000 people with developmental disabilities live with aging caregivers over the age of 65 and homes need to be found. This is where Jacob’s Village and the state have common ground, the state is working towards private not for profit facilities. Programs currently in place include Section 811 and Section 8. Section 811 is the Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program measure which provides housing for people with physical or developmental disabilities or people with chronic mental illness who are at least 18 and have a low income. Disabled adults are receiving recognition; their plight is at the top of the page, but still a work in progress.

USI O/T Students

2007-04-05T11:53:00.000-07:00

As a requirement to complete their Occupational Therapy (O/T) degree, University of Southern Indiana O/T students Abbey Deeg, Brandi Jones, and Deana Mattox partnered up with Jacob’s Village. The three students were to provide therapeutic services for Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, and Scott. This type of project in O/T studies is called the Synthesis Course, where they are to develop an activity/exercise program for a special needs and/or a rehab facility that could potentially benefit from services administered. For the second year in a row, Barb Williams, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at USI, and past member of the Jacob’s Village Board of Directors, directed these students through the project with the Jacob’s Village residents. Last year, 2006, three students brought all their activity ideas with them to Jacob’s Village to exercise the resident’s minds and bodies. This program turned out to be good mind stimulation for the residents due to the large variety of activities and exercises that the students provided for them. The three new students, Abbey, Brandi, and Deana introduced themselves to the Jacob’s Village bunch on Friday, Jan.26, 2007; and they assisted the residents in completing a survey and questionnaire to find out what kind of exercise program they would prefer two weeks later on Saturday, Feb. 11. The residents, by unanimous decision, wanted to venture out in the greater Evansville area to seek out adventurous opportunities. The city of Evansville has a lot to offer. Abbey, Brandi, and Deana investigated many local businesses’ attractions, area church calendars, and sporting events, and came up with a scavenger hunt type of list that offered a variety of many places to go and an array of activities to get involved with.

USI - Occupational Therapy Students - Activities

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2:00 - USI Basketball Game
Saturday, Feb. 25, 11:00 - Bob Walther’s Golf-n-Fun
Saturday, March 03, 11:00 - Fired-Up Ceramics - Painting
Saturday, March 10, 10:00 - Lowe’s - Woodworking
Saturday, March 17, 11:00 - Jacob’s Village - Scrapbooking
Sunday, March 25, 3:00 - Easter Pageant - Christian Fellowship Church

The lineup for activities during this time of year is always vulnerable to the weather, for example the first one, a basketball game. Snow had fallen the night before and was still coming down Saturday morning. When the weather is not fit for man nor beast, the wheelchair van does not leave the premises. When any activity comes up for the residents on Saturday morning or afternoon, Mike Hufnagel reluctantly opts to work his every Saturday shift at GD Ritzy’s. There has been no activity appealing enough for him to change his schedule. Mike is off by mid-afternoon and was available for the USI basketball game but, the snow cancelled out the game. All residents, Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Michael, Scott and the Home Coordinators who would be on for the week, had some exciting places to go for the O/T six-week project. Everywhere the students arranged for the residents to go were enjoyed by all and a return visit is not out of the question for some of the places. For instance Fired-Up, they have an assortment of ceramic items to paint and bake; and Lowe’s Children’s Workshop, where they host and sponsor a craft making activity free of charge. This is good public relations for Lowe’s while promoting woodworking and they sponsor this attraction once a month on Saturday mornings. The project they had scheduled the Saturday morning the Jacob’s Village bunch participated in was building a little ‘Final Four’ basketball goal & backboard. Hammering small nails to hold the pieces together with a small hammer was a fun project, it was just the right size to hang on a trash can for paper wads. These small crafty projects are available to be taken home with the individual when completed. Other type of craft projects on their list to name a few include bird houses, bird feeders, and squirrel feeders. Many photos were taken at each place so that a scrapbook could be put together at the end of the project. A good looking scrapbook was indeed put together with all the frills. The scrapbook was the last event, but the students’ went above and beyond. They had a thought, at the right time, that the residents would enjoy attending the Easter Pageant at the Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) where some of Brandi’s family attends Church. The Road to Calvary, Easter Pageant, the presentation of Jesus’ life, was held March 21-23 at 7:00pm, and Sunday March 25, at 3:00pm and 7:00pm. All of the Jacob’s Village residents and Home Coordinators Gloria and Joe had tickets for the Sunday matinee where they were to meet Brandi and Abbey in the church’s 1,600 seat auditorium. After everyone returned home following church service that Sunday about 12:30pm, a quick lunch was in store to be back on the road by 2:00pm. The CFC is located at 4100 Millersburg Road behind the Evansville Regional Airport. It is a road less traveled by the Jacob’s Village bunch, but with the city growing, there are many uncharted scenic drives that have yet to be taken. The CFC is a large establishment and the Jacob’s Village bunch was directed to the handicapped parking spaces in front of the building. It is built up off the ground and has many ramps, steps, and different levels to navigate after exiting the parking lots that surround the building to get inside. Upon entering the front door, the residents were greeted by Roman Soldiers armed with weapons of spears and swords in their battle ready bronze suits of armor. This was the fourth of five shows and all of them were near capacity filled with an open seat here and there. The stage was set with towering large boulders in the center for a back ground, a barn with a manger scene in the middle, an outdoor encampment to the left, and a small room of a living quarters on the right. And of course, it began with the birth of Jesus. There were two suspended Angels above the manger with the bright Eastern Star of Bethlehem directing the way for all the night’s visitors. The performance had a cast of well over 200 dressed in the day’s costumes’ and they were all members of CFC. The cast included Jesus, baby and adult; children, more adults, soldiers, two Camels, two Donkeys, one Horse, Sheep and Lambs. A pooper-scooper was near by bringing up the rear, but even with the scooper, Camels just aren’t your favorite nose friendly animal. One could see heads popping out over the balcony railing to see cast members and animals down below parading in from the back and side doors of the auditorium. An outstanding two and a half hour show it was. There was some singing, some dancing, and the entire cast did an excellent job of retelling ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’. The residents of Jacob’s Village send a big heart thank you to Abbey, Brandi, and Deana of the USI Occupational Therapy Program for providing them with a slice of life. Also, Jacob’s Village thanks USI and Barb Williams for directing O/T students out Jacob’s Village way. Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, and Scott love the attention they received and always hope the students gain a little insight into another road less taken through life’s journey. The Jacob’s Village bunch really appreciates the time and effort the O/T students put into this program and anxiously await of what the students have in store next year.

Singin' in the Rain

2007-03-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

As the Jacob’s Village bunch of Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, Home Coordinators Angel and Barry continue their journey through the months of 2007, an expectation of excitement, entertainment and sometimes adventure comes from Ann Coy time. The activity for the month of March was no different and was appropriate for this time of year. Diane Anderson, a good friend of Ann’s and also a ‘Friend of Jacob’s Village’ (FOJV), donated tickets to the residents for North High School’s Spring Musical ‘Singin’ in the Rain’. Diane’s son Joe was a dancer and an extra in this performance. Diane was also responsible for a few of the entertainers for Ann’s ‘Summer Variety Show’ under the Jacob’s Village carport August 29, 2006. Her son Joe and older son Pete, U.E. student and musician who has blessed Jacob’s Village on more than one occasion, his friend Shawna, Ann’s granddaughters Amy & Lindsey put on an outstanding ‘Summer Variety Show’. The residents enjoy the times when Diane Anderson contributes her offerings. The musical was showing March 15-18 and the tickets were for the Sunday Matinee finale. Evansville North High School’s Drama Department presented ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ in their 1,100 seat auditorium. Regarded by many as the best musical of all time, this musical adaptation was taken from the 1952 movie that starred Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Conner. The storyline to ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ is set in 1929 as a silent film producing company and cast were making a difficult transition into the new talking genre. The wild popularity of the ‘The Jazz Singer’, starring Al Jolson, MGM’s first all talking musical film in 1929 was the talk of the town. It had all the major studios scrambling to change silent movies to ‘talkies’ while a legendary silent screen couple were just finishing up with their latest film ‘The Duelling Cavalier’. The sexy, leading lady had a shrill and irritating voice that audiences never heard and it left the previewing audience of their new film in stitches roaring with laughter. The only way they thought could save the film from being a disaster was to change the name into a musically titled show such as ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and secretly dub in the singing and use a voice over for the star’s lines. The devious plan would have been successful if not for a demanded live performance at the premiere. There was a curtain malfunction revealing the star was lip-synching the words while the actual singer was behind the curtain. All the characters in this hilarious, mad-cap romp worked it all out with the leading man running off with the new found star. The entire cast returned on stage for an encore of ‘Singin’ in the Rain’. Compliments to the North High School’s Drama Department for an excellent reproduction in the performance, and the stage crew for providing real water for the rain…the rain in the play stayed mainly on the stage. Good seats and a good time were had by all and Jacob’s Village sends a big heart thank you to Ann Coy and Diane Anderson for arranging for them to see one of the best musicals of all time.

St. Paul's U.C.C., German Township

2007-03-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Rev. Dan Sather of the St. Paul’s U.C.C. in German Township made a return visit to Jacob’s Village Sunday evening, March 11, 2007 at 6:00pm. Prior arrangements had been made to have an evening prayer service following a few games of Bingo. Soon after the evening meal in the men’s home was cleaned up, Jacob’s Village residents Donna Kay, Mike, Michael, Scott and Home Coordinator Joe greeted the special guests from St. Paul’s. Accompanying Rev. Sather on this pastoral visit were members from his congregation: Jenny Byers, George Garst, and Ray and Brenda Brown. Introductions were made to a roll-call of a favorite activity and a variety of activities were named off that included: playing Bingo, reading, doing word find puzzles, being a sports fan, attending car shows, stamping cards, dancing, flower gardening, and an avid NASCAR fan. The Bingo cards with chips to cover the numbers were passed out; the roller cage was filled with numbers and the games began. The guests from St. Paul’s were bearing gifts for all Bingo yellin’ winners. There were a couple of girl oriented bath products, but most received a specially wrapped box of Little Debbie Easter Snack Cakes. How could they have known what the guys really wanted…? After the table was cleared from playing Bingo, Rev. Sather began a little evening prayer service that had the theme of Love & Friendship. Everyone sang together a couple of favorite songs, “This is the Day” and “Jesus Loves Me”. He continued on with scripture reading from the Book of Colossians, Chapter 3: verses 12-14. In this reading, Paul outlines Compassion, Kindness, Patience, and Forgiveness of what he expected in a friendship. And ends with, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony”. Rev. Sather started a discussion about friends. What’s everyone looking for in a friend and how can one be a friend? Because it’s all about love…show your love…and be a friend. Some new friends were made on this night between St. Paul’s and Jacob’s Village and Little Debbie cakes never hurt to break the first ice. Another activity or a night of Bingo should be in the works. The surprises didn’t stop there, a small sack of Easter candy and chocolates were given to each resident. Boy, they sure do know how to make a good first impression. A closing prayer was led by Rev. Sather with one and all joining in. Jacob’s Village sends a big heart thank you to the special guests from St. Paul’s U.C.C. German Township.

'Mamma Mia'

2007-03-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

Towards the end of each school year when Spring-Fever is in the air, local schools and national touring theatre companies present musical productions to showcase their talents. It’s that time of year again and Ann Coy, resuming her mission to provide culture for the Jacob’s Village residents, is arranging a musical slice of life. Ann’s once a month activity for the residents in February had them on an outing that found them at The Centre in Downtown Evansville Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2:00pm. Old National Bank of Evansville sponsored ‘Mamma Mia!!!’ A Broadway Smash Hit Musical based on the ten year career-catalog of songs from ABBA, a 70’s Pop-Rock-Disco band from Sweden. All the residents were fans of ABBA when their dance music first crossed the Atlantic Ocean and hit the radio airwaves during the Summer of ’74. Through the weeks with their own CD collection, the residents were getting reacquainted with the ABBA tunes. The Jacob’s Village bunch of Debbie, Michael, Scott, and home coordinator Joe arrived in downtown EVV as a steady light rain was coming down. Joe pulled the van up to the front door of The Centre, every one got out, rushed in while he found a place to park. The Jacob’s Village bunch met Ann, Wanda, Mike, who were previously picked up by Ann, and Patty, a friend of hers from the Rehab Center, in the lobby about 1:45pm. The lobby was full of people scurrying around, venders selling ABBA souvenirs, CD’s, DVD’s, 70’s paraphernalia, and $10:00 program’s…had to have a program. Hoping not to leave anyone behind, everyone stayed close and in single file order while weaving through the crowd in the lobby and down the corridor. The auditorium was filling up quickly when the Jacob’s Village bunch was shown to their VIP seats in the middle of the room right below the balcony. Good seats they were, not too close, not too far away, plenty of elbow room, they were just right. This production of ‘Mamma Mia’ had an amusing script for a story; a large cast of good actors, dancers, singers, and outstanding music from a little nine-piece band being directed down in the orchestra pit. It sounded like more, but this live band consisted of four keyboards, three guitars, two lead with one bass, and a set of drums and percussion. Reading the reviews prior to show time, it was noted that the audience was always out of their seats dancing in the aisles for the two encore finales of ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Dancing Queen’. No stretch of the imagination here, ‘Mamma Mia’ lived up to its billing of a feel-good, have a nice day type of show. Every one of the approximately 1,100 people in attendance for this two-hour show was in a good mood and left with a smile on their face. A rockin’ good time was had by all and anticipating future musicals to attend. Jacob’s Village sends out a big heart thank you to Ann for arranging for them to see such good musicals.

Pastor & Mrs.Sloan's Farewell Dinner Party

2007-03-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Feb 11, 2007, at 5:30pm, Westwood General Baptist Church celebrated Pastor John and Gladys Sloan’s 30 years of devotion to Westwood. He is retiring from the pulpit after leading Westwood General Baptist Church since 1977 for thirty years. Pastor and Mrs. Sloan are moving to Poplar Bluff, MO. where Pastor John will become a Minister to and oversee other Baptist Ministers working out of the General Baptist Headquarters. The Jacob’s Village bunch of Mike, Michael, Scott, and home coordinator Joe arrived at Westwood shortly after 5:00pm. They were to meet Debbie and her mother Mary there for the celebration. The Schnitzelbank German Restaurant of Jasper, IN, catered the meal of smoked pork-chops, fried chicken, roast beef & gravy, mashed potato’s, green beans, corn, roll, white and chocolate cake, tea and lemonade. Held in the Fellowship Hall, there were approximately 260 friends and family in attendance to bid farewell to Pastor John and Gladys. Bob Hammonds was the speaker for this evening’s event and he kicked it off with an invocation prayer blessing the food and evening. After the tasty and satisfying meal, Pastor John and Gladys was called up to the stage where a big poster of all the Peanuts’ characters, John’s favorite, was hanging on the wall that stated ‘Farewell to John & Gladys’. Bob was also the emcee for a ‘This is your Life’ type of Roast held in honor of John & Gladys. Next to the stage, he was standing at a podium that was decorated up like Lucy’s .05 cent psychiatric help booth. Bob had done his homework and conveyed many humorous tidbits of personal info about the honored couple and on the many special guests that had anecdotes themselves to tell on the VIP’s. John and his family moved to Evansville when he was in High School and began attending the General Baptist Church when it was located on 12th Ave. Gladys was already a member of the Baptist Church when the two met and she favored John’s blue eyes, charismatic demeanor and his humor. Gladys began showing the new kid on the block the way around the Church, to clubs and events. John liked what she presented him with at the Church causing him to choose serving the Lord as a life-long ambition. He wanted to spread the good news of the word so he enrolled and graduated from Oakland City College. Gladys also attended and graduated from Oakland City College with a PW, Pastor’s Wife Degree. Pastor John Sloan began his career leading the First General Baptist Church in Dixon, KY, and he led another First General Baptist Church in Owensville, IN, for his second stint. For the party, many friends wanted to share a few happenings of their times while Pastor John and Gladys served The General Baptist Church. Among them were Mary Lou Howard, Brian Cook, Billy Grub, and Lloyd Yeager. Lloyd, being the oldest of the elders and longest serving member in the General Baptist congregation, was invited up to say a few words on Pastor John’s behalf. Lloyd misunderstood it as two words and all he said was ‘Thank You’. Bob corrected his error and Lloyd continued on with an anecdote. As the stories of past occurrences were told, many laughs were had. Each story was a surprise and not everyone knew what was up next, there are a few that are worthy of retelling. All are in good fun and right down the honored couple’s alley. Pastor John used to ride a motorcycle while totin’ Gladys. A shirt he would sometimes wear had a statement on the back, ‘If you can read this shirt, I better find out what happened to Gladys’. On a clear night in Missouri, while on one of their first overnight stays at their new home overlooking a valley and a lake, admiring the view, Gladys asked Pastor John, “Which is closer, the Moon or Florida?” “Well duh!!!” exclaimed John, “You can’t see Florida from here.” A gentleman passed the Sloan’s sitting in a local McDonald’s one day. They were sitting across from each other with only one sandwich, one bag of fries, and one drink on one tray. Pastor John was the one eating while Gladys was staring at him. Knowing the Sloan’s were a thrifty, conservative couple he asked if everything was alright and offered to buy an extra meal for them. They declined and said no thanks, but Gladys seemed some what more fidgety than usual and he watched’em for a little while longer. Pastor John continued eating while allowing Gladys a drink from time to time. What a poor sight to see he thought; Gladys getting the short end of the stick. It went on and on…so he stepped up again an asked’em,” Is there something wrong, anything I can do to help?” Gladys spoke up this time in disgust and said, “Oh… John’s just taking a little longer to eat this meal an…I’m waiting til he’s done with the teeth.” Pastor John and Gladys had a pair of black Labrador Retrievers when they first got married. Pastor John had a hard time keeping appointments an was always a bit behind schedule. Being the dogs were constantly at John’s side, Gladys thought it was a good idea to name the pair Rolex and Timex, they were his watch dogs. Time to move on…this is the kind of farewell that was given to Pastor & Mrs. Sloan and they will be greatly missed. They have been involved with many community affairs and activities. There has been a renaissance at The Westwood General Baptist Church under his leadership. The Church is strong; let’s turn the page and welcome a new leader with open arms. Everybody wishes Pastor & Mrs. Sloan good health, good times, and Love, Peace, and Joy. We hope they find their fortune in their future endeavors in their new calling. The evening came to a wonderful close and Kenny Mears agreed to lead everyone in a Benediction closing prayer.

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

2007-02-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

On a cold Monday afternoon at Jacob’s Village, Wanda prepared a special Chili to warm the residents Debbie, Mike, Michael, and Scott, home coordinators Carol, Halleck, and Barry in the Women’s home. Wanda’s special recipe, her Mother’s, consisted of Chili beans, ground beef, and alphabet pasta, side dishes of shredded cheese, diced onions and crackers. The special blended Chili hit the spot and was a perfect meal. After the clean-up on this Monday evening at 6:30, February 05, 2007, Rev. Martha Honaker, Rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in New Harmony, visited Jacob’s Village for an Evening Prayer Service and scripture reading. Introductions were made; a prayer followed, and Rev. Martha put a cassette in her player to play some music. Although this was Rev. Martha’s second visit to Jacob’s Village, her first, was in the men’s home accompanied with a guitarist to strum a few chords. She was by herself on this visit, due to prior commitments, so she brought her own cassette player for this Evening Prayer service to provide a little music. Rev. Martha began sharing a lullaby with the residents to gear down, calm down and relax while giving everyone a couple of handouts for the evening. Psalm 134 was read followed by a reading from the Book of Jeremiah, Chapter 14: verses 9 and 22 stating: Lord, you are in the midst of us and we are called by your Name: Do not forsake us O Lord, our Savior. Prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings of ourselves; others and the day were made. One of the handouts was a picture of two hands molding a piece of clay. She related scripture from the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 45: and verse 9-12 and finished with Chapter 64: verse 9 that states ‘We are the clay, and you are our potter, we are all the work of your hand O Lord’. Rev. Martha and the residents ended with reciting ‘The Lord’s Prayer’, and listening to and singing along with a few favorite songs she had on tape. Jacob’s Village sends a Big Heart Thank You out to Rev. Martha Honaker for coming out on a very cold night for a blessing. All of the residents enjoyed Rev. Martha’s Evening Prayer Service and look forward to a return visit sometime towards the end of Summer 2007. Depending on the weather, maybe a picnic to dedicate the opening of the Jacob’s Village Nature Trail Walk .

Donkey Baskietball II

2007-02-08T08:49:00.000-08:00

Groundhog’s Day, 2007, February 02, The Ribeyre Gymnasium Restoration Group (RGRG) of New Harmony sponsored their second annual exhibition showing of the World Famous Buckeye Donkey Ball Donkeys from Columbus, Ohio. This fund raiser, in part of the continuing build-up of funds for, is nearing it’s completion for the renovation of the RGRG approved plan to become a community/activity center in New Harmony. The past few years have not been kind to the seldom used old gym, built in 1924, and is not an accommodating, functional facility of what it could be. Wanda, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, and home coordinator’s Carol, Halleck, and Barry arrived early for the games hoping to get some pictures with the Donkey’s, but it didn’t work out. The Donkey games began at 7:00pm, in the New Harmony High School (NHHS) gym. Unlike like last year’s show when it was held April 01 and it was still light outside, this night was cold, dark and wet. It was not a fan friendly night to meet and greet the ten Donkey’s outside in the parking lot while they were getting prepped. Previously, all Donkeys had been groomed and special fitted with rubber shoes on their hooves so they wouldn’t damage the gym floor. Charles Huck, Treasurer of RGRG and chairman of the game directed the Jacob’s Village bunch to their reserved two front row bleacher seats. The rules of the games were as such; riders had to be on their Donkey to score a basket or to pass the basketball, but they could get off their Donkey to move him in place or at least close enough to make a basket. There were four teams sharing ten Donkey’s; five riders and five Donkeys’ per team. The four teams were: Los Burros, NHHS Faculty/Staff; Walker Texas Rangers, NHHS graduates & community members; Posey County Young Life, a group from Mt. Vernon & Poseyville; and the Rappite Rowdies, NHHS Students. The first game had the Walker Texas Rangers over the Los Burros, the second game had the Rappite Rowdies over the Posey County Young Life. After the first two games, a rider brought the smallest Donkey named Killer over for Wanda to pet and to have a picture taken. Wanda remembered the little Donkey from last year; fell in love with Killer all over again and wanted to bring him home. So naturally, Killer was the one to cheer for, and for a little Donkey, he had a lot of kick to his buck. He did buck some riders off and would drop his head to the floor forcing the rider to slide down his neck. Fortunately, no one was severely injured, although a bit sore. So the losers played the third game with Los Burros going down to the PC Young Life and the final championship game had the Rappite Rowdies winning over the Walker Texas Rangers. A fun and good time was had by all. The Jacob’s Village bunch really gets a kick out of watching the little Donkey’s be little Donkey’s and to see how the riders handle their stubbornness.

Christmas 2006 Revisited with Ann

2007-02-02T11:35:00.000-08:00

Tuesday evening, January 30, 2007, Ann Coy came out to Jacob’s Village for her last Tuesday of the month activity/visit in the women’s home. The residents had just finished eaten in both of their homes when Ann arrived parking her car near the carport. It was a cold and blustery night and Gloria, the women’s home coordinator, was helping her bring in all kinds of props for the evening’s activity. Mike, Michael, Scott, and home coordinator Joe entered the women’s home where Wanda and Debbie were awaiting the good times to start. Again on this visit, Donna Kay was missing because of continuing rehab to recover and improve on her leg injury. Always looking forward to a good time when Ann visits, the residents all gathered in the living room noticing all the props sitting on a table and bookshelf. The theme Ann wanted for her January activity was to ‘Revisit Christmas 2006’. Through the years since Ann and her husband Jim have been married, just under 50 years, she has collected many novelty Christmas music boxes and singing toys. From a variety of Santa Claus’s to a menagerie of Holiday animal creations, some 3’ tall, she has enough to play a different one everyday in the month of December. Before boxing them all up for another year, Ann wanted to show them off to the residents of Jacob’s Village. So she thought, let’s just have 365 day’s of Christmas this year, or at least ‘Revisit Christmas 2006’ before they’re put-away for the year. Everyone was singing and swinging along to the tunes of the dressed up toys as they were playing all the popular Christmas carols. Ann read specific scriptures that related different song items to verses in the Bible. For example, there was a verse in relation for each gift in the song ‘The twelve Day’s of Christmas’. She also had a handout for everyone that described ‘The 5 Finger Prayers’. Each finger on your hand represents a special prayer. Beginning with your thumb; being nearest to you, is for loved ones close to your heart. The next finger is the pointing finger, for anyone who is a teacher or mentor who points others in the right direction. The middle and tallest finger is for leaders who shape the World around us. The fourth finger, ring finger, the weakest finger of all is for those who are weak, ill, in trouble or pain. The little finger, smallest finger, should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put in proper perspective. Appropriately, Ann had the old Santa Claus snack of milk & cookies for the treat. Ann told a story for an activity in which the residents could follow along by folding a piece of construction paper one fold at a time. - Once upon a time there was a man searching for happiness and the meaning of life. He thought by having a boat would answer his dilemma. It didn’t help, so he built a house. He found out that didn’t help either. Then, he got an airplane and again that didn’t help. He ran out of ideas; in disgust he undid everything he tried. What he was looking for was in front of him all along, a cross. The moral is, what you think your needs are, are usually just temporary fixes, follow and live by the cross.

U.S. Flag Presentation

2007-02-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday morning 9:00am, January 27, 2007, Indiana State Senator Bob Deig, and Indiana State Representative Trent VanHaften held a public forum at New Harmony, IN, in the Historic Opera House. There were 25 residents, including former State Senator Larry Lutz, in attendance for this first of three Legislative Forums sponsored by the Southwestern Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Jack Higgins, former Mayor of Mt. Vernon, was the rally’s moderator. The remaining two events are scheduled in Posey County at later dates in Poseyville and in Mt. Vernon. The forum had the two public servants, Sen. Deig and Rep. VanHaften discussing issues that are on the floor in their respected houses. After a brief description of the State’s current order of business, they answered questions concerning and directly pertaining to issues that affect Posey County residents. This Saturday morning function in New Harmony lasted one and a half hours. Following the program, greetings and acknowledgements were expressed with many handshakes. Sen. Deig presented Scott Huck, resident of and representing Jacob’s Village, an American Flag and an Indiana State Flag. Arrangements for the two flags were made prior to this event because after a year and a half of weathering the elements, the Jacob’s Village flags on their flagpole were beginning to tatter and fray. Along with Scott on this morning were his parents Charles and Sally Huck, and Vickie Harris who were capturing photos of the flag presentation. Jacob’s Village sends a big heart thank you to Sen. Deig for his patriotic donation. The American Flag which is authenticated and marked had been flying on top of the Indiana State Capitol in Indianapolis recently. These two flags plus a Jacob’s Village flag will be raised and flown on the flagpole proudly at 7400 Vienna Road over the landscaped entrance into Jacob’s Village.

Volunteers

2007-01-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

All of the residents of Jacob’s Village express so much gratitude for volunteers that assist in providing life in their home. Without you, volunteers, there would be no transport to the pleasant side of life in the greater Evansville area such as: for Ann, providing once a month spiritual activities for the residents with musicians, Atlas, for providing a fitness program once a week, for Ron who is teaching Tai Chi to us when possible, Jim & Barbara for providing Mike and Wanda trips to and from Church, Sandy for preparing a Spaghetti Squash meal for the residents, for Sherry who spent her time with us once a week, USI students for including the residents in their ‘Best Buddy’ program, a few Mater Dei High School students for providing a pen-pal type of relationship with the residents and on occasion different types of music in the homes, two Reitz High School students for planning and organizing the Jacob’s Village Christmas party, Pastoral visits, once a month from the courtesy of local Church members and leaders, and the WestWood General Baptist Church’s Youth Ministry for cleaning the windows in all the homes. There are many kind deeds blessing Jacob’s Village. Apologies are necessary for any and all that are overlooked at this time. This is only a short list of the many examples of what volunteers do. Jacob’s Village has offerings as well, and the residents always look forward to having volunteers start at their home base, inside or out. We welcome everyone to visit Jacob’s Village, see what has taken place; see what will take place and witness the transformation of a dream of possibilities to a reality of opportunities.

2006 JV Christmas Party

2007-01-23T10:45:00.000-08:00

For a school project, two Reitz High School students, Tricia Filingim and Leslee Hahn arranged and organized the 2006 Jacob’s Village Christmas Party. The party site for the second year in row was Seton Hall, a reception room at The Daughter’s of Charity home, on New Harmony Rd. Scheduled for 3:00pm Saturday afternoon, December 09; guests began arriving an hour early for joy and fellowship. All the Jacob’s Village residents: Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, and Scott, some residents’ family and or guardians, employees, home coordinators, board members and special guests made up the mix of about 40 in attendance. Everyone was in a pre-holiday jolly spirit enjoying one another’s company. The afore-mentioned two students from Reitz High School, Tricia and Leslee, had Fazoli’s Restaurant cater the meal’s main course of Spaghetti, Lasagna, and Ravioli. The Pasta Entrée’s were complimented with Breadsticks and a Salad. GD Ritzy’s furnished an assortment of Ice Cream treats for dessert, one being of an Egg-Nog variety; although all Ice Cream flavors from GD Ritzy’s are a tasty treat. Jacob’s Village always enjoys and looks forward to Ice Cream treats courtesy of GD Ritzy’s. Additionally for dessert, the mothers’ of the two students had prepared homemade cookies and a tasty holiday punch. Angela Goedde, Activities Director at Woodbridge Health Care Center and a Karoke Master, was the entertainment for the party with her singing. Angela’s renditions of traditional Christmas songs and other favorites were good to usher in the Season. While everyone was enjoying the treats, mixing it up and feeling good, Santa Claus popped in with a few Ho-Ho-Ho’s and Merry Christmas’s bearing gifts and good tidings. Santa Claus, with his red bag over his shoulder, had gifts for each resident including a new blue shirt with the Jacob’s Village logo on it. The employees and home coordinators also received a new shirt as well. Not yet finished with their giving, Tricia and Leslee gave even more. They gave each resident a small red bag of an assortment of holiday knick-knack goodies. All residents of Jacob’s Village wish to send a big heart thank you out to Tricia and Leslee for organizing a memory making party. Group photos were taken, some with Santa Claus, others of friends and families. A joyful and festive good time was had by all at the 2006 Jacob’s Village Christmas Party at the Daughter’s of Charity’s Seton Hall.

Accessibility Improvements

2007-01-19T12:05:00.000-08:00

The Posey County Community Foundation (PCCF), in existence since 1992, awarded Jacob’s Village one of their 16 non-profit organizational grants. The PCCF’s support was made possible this past year by having 58 endowment funds created by donors who serve a variety of worthwhile community needs. All of the grants address a variety of needs that usually stay in Posey County, although, when there is a direct link to the PCCF, they do accommodate. Such was the case with Jacob’s Village and The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra who also received an award outside of Posey County. They have given the responsibility of determining who receives these grants to the PCCF’s Grants and Distribution Committee. Wednesday, June 07, 2006, at the Red Geranium’s Bayou Conference Center in New Harmony, IN, Karen Walker, President of the PCCF, and Don Williams, Chairman of the Grants and Distribution Committee presented Cheryl Kuchna, Executive Director, and A. Scott Huck, resident of Jacob’s Village, the award to adapt their recreational courtyard with accessibility improvements. This grant was for the purchase and installation of handrails and metal ramp plates. The handrails are for the sloped areas and steps along the sidewalk and the metal ramp plates are for a transitional handicap accessible entrance into their Recreational Courtyard Gazebo. Bids were sent out and week before Christmas, Kerry Fetcher and Earl Thornton, representing the Popham Company Inc. brought the material out and started work hoping to finish within a few days. Progress was being made, railings were set and looking good; then the rains set in and the ramps had to wait. They did return between Christmas and New Years’ to finish the job and a fine job they did. Jacob’s Village sends a big heart thank you out to the Posey County Community Foundation and the Popham Company Inc. for making well needed adaptations and improvements to better serve everyone here at Jacob’s Village.

St. Wendel Children's Choir

2007-01-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

Jacob’s Village was treated to a special rehearsal concert in the Men’s home 3:00pm, Sunday afternoon, December 17, 2006. The St. Wendel Catholic Church’s Children’s Choir was warming up for their Christmas Eve Service. There were 14 teenaged students in the choir, five of which played appropriate musical instruments for certain selections, being directed by Julie Stephens and accompanied on guitar by Chris Thorsen. Add in to the count a couple more adults, two or three younger children, there was a full house at 7347 Benjamin Trail. A suitable place for the choir was found in the living room in front of the Christmas tree and double window while the Jacob’s Village bunch of Wanda, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, Home Coordinators Gloria and Joe took a seat or stood to take in the performance. Still missing Donna Kay; she is continuing to recover from her leg injury. The St. Wendel Choir blessed Jacob’s Village with 10 or 12 musical selections. Most of the pieces were popular standards with a few special arrangements customized specifically for their upcoming Midnight Contata. From an ‘Angel’s Medley’, ‘O’Holy Night’ and ‘Silent Night selections to a ‘Child’s Compilation’, the choices put one in the Christmas Spirit. Maybe all but one had a variety of accompanying instruments mixed in with the singing that consisted of a Guitar, Violin, Trumpet, French horn, and or a Saxophone. They ended their presentation with a lively encore of an interactive, choir member participating ‘Children Go Where I Send Thee’. The St. Wendel Catholic Church’s Children’s Christmas Choir was very enjoyable and pleasant to listen to. This is the second year they have delighted the residents with their performance and this time, they brought cookies to share, what a bonus treat. Jacob’s Village sends a Big Heart Thank You to the St. Wendel Children’s Choir for their blessing and presence.

Ann's Treat # 2

2007-01-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

Tuesday evening, December 12, Ann Coy, volunteer extraordinaire, provided a Christmas party with the residents in the office house. No sooner than the evening meal was finished in the women’s home, special guests for the party started arriving. The Jacob’s Village residents had invited their USI-Best Buddies to the party and wanted them to be a part of their Christmas 2006. The Jacob’s Village bunch of Wanda, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, Home Coordinators Janice and Barry, minus Donna Kay who was still recovering from an injured leg, left the women’s home with a couple of ‘Buddies’, who arrived early, following them. An introduction of all in attendance was made to become more acquainted and put everyone in the Christmas Spirit. Like a roll-call, Ann had each individual state their name, which ‘Best Buddy’ was whose and their favorite part of the Christmas Season. Of course, the reason for the season was high-lighted. A few songs were sung, remembrances of Christmas past were told and Ann read a story that provided everyone an ornament to place on the tree. A good time in the moment was being had by all…when all of a sudden…a commotion of jingles and jangles were heard outside and everybody rushed to the window, threw open the sash…and door, to see what the noise was. A big surprise to everyone, but what should appear before their wondering eyes, a jolly ol’ guy dressed in red carrying a bag over his shoulder. It was Santa Claus and he stepped right in through the doorway Ho, Ho, Ho-ing and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. Santa Claus sat down, had a cookie or two, talked about his Reindeer, and pulled a gift out of his bag for everyone. Some group photos were taken with him in front of the Christmas tree, although, Santa couldn’t stay long. He had his work cut out for him in the up-comig days but he was heard exclaiming as he got back on his sleigh, On Dasher, On Dancer, On Prancer and Vixen, On Comet, On Cupid, On Donder and Blitzen, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night’. It sure was nice of ol’ Santa Claus to stop by Jacob’s Village during their party bearing gifts and tidings of joy. The girls received a decorative home-made cloth angel and the guys all received a pocket utility knife, little scissors, tweezers, and a bottle opener included, with the Beacon Group engraved on the side. Ann had treats, punch, and bingo prizes to share with all while playing the popular Christmas Bingo. What made this Christmas party so good was having the USI Best Buddies be a part. The Best Buddies have been good for several meetings and the residents really enjoy spending time with them. Hopefully in this 2007 New Year, the connection will continue. The 2006 Christmas party was the best one yet, courtesy of Santa Claus and Ann.

2006 Christmas with Ann

2007-01-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

Ann Coy’s monthly activity for the residents of Jacob’s Village turned out to be a two for one treat for the month of December. The past couple of years, around the holidays, Jacob’s Village have been fortunate enough to attend one of the local elementary school’s children’s Christmas program, and this year was no different. Two of Ann’s granddaughter’s Lindsey in the 3rd grade and Amy in the 5th grade attend the St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School. Previously, Ann had made arrangements with the Jacob’s Village bunch of Wanda, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, Home Coordinators Gloria and Joe to meet her at the St. Joseph School Tuesday, December 05, 2006, at 6:00pm. The St. Joseph’s kindergarten through fourth grade was presenting the Christmas musical ‘The Perfect Gift’. The program was to be held in the activity/library room beginning at 6:30pm which is located on the back side of the school. The Jacob’s Village bunch arrived to meet Ann and was told the musical had been moved into the Church on the front side of the school. It’s like an obstacle and maze course on the grounds at St. Wendel following the pavement around in between buildings to get where you’re going. Although a run around, this was not unlike another time Jacob’s Village was at St. Joseph School. Doug Regin, opting to take up a position in San Diego, CA, with Head Start and no longer around, and Scott, who was giving a disability awareness talk to the St. Joe middle schoolers, were told to enter the School on the front side. Upon their arrival, they were told to follow the pavement around to the back of the School to set up in the Activity/Library room…so it goes…an adventure with each outing. On this cold, dark and rainy December night, the Jacob’s Village bunch finally found their way to the back side entrance of the Church. It was a good thing they were a little early because the large Church was empty but just beginning to fill up. Long narrow aisles didn’t allow two way traffic and seats were found asap in the middle of the chapel. Everyone slid in one row of the pews to sit and soon, the place filled up. By the time Ann showed up, it was a full house and she had to sit on the opposite side of the room near the center aisle. The show began; each class was decked out in themed-coordinated costumes playing their part in the story. The acting and the dialogue of the script were well rehearsed and the Christmas Spirit was well received by everyone in attendance. One class played a little recorder type of piece, other classes sang, some solo such as Lindsey, and with their amusing and entertaining little tale, it was ‘The Perfect Gift’ for Christmas. A good time was had by all.

Hadi Shrine Circus

2006-11-29T11:50:00.000-08:00

Sunday, Nov. 26, 2006, the Jacob’s Village bunch left at 2:00 in the afternoon to attend the 73rd Annual Hadi Shrine Circus. Residents Wanda, Debbie, Mike, Michael, and Scott, minus Donna Kay, who is still recovering from her leg injury, arrived in plenty of time with fill-in home-coordinators, Janice and Chris to get good seating for the 3:00 performance. The seats were filling up quickly and by show time; there was a full house in attendance to watch the final matinee performance of the Hadi Shrine Circus at Roberts Stadium in Evansville, IN. The Circus did live up to its expectation with a spectacular sound and light show. The stars on parade kicked it off followed by 33 exciting, adventurous fun-filled acts including: Elephants, Siberian Tigers, Bears, Trapeze Artists, and Clowns. Greg Oeth, Indiana State Police Officer of Mt. Vernon and member of the Posey County Shrine Club, for the second year, donated general admission tickets to Jacob’s Village. The near capacity crowd on this Sunday afternoon left Robert’s Stadium with smiles on all their faces.

EARC Halloween Party

2006-11-29T11:43:00.000-08:00

Friday night, October 27, 2006, the residents of Jacob’s Village were invited to a Halloween Party sponsored by the Evansville Association of Retarded Citizens(EARC); although, Michael was with his family that night and missed out on it. On a dark and stormy night, Wanda, Debbie, Donna Kay, Mike, Scott, and home coordinators Janice and Barry left Jacob’s Village a little after 5:00pm. The costume/pizza party at the downtown CK Newsome Center was to begin at 6:00pm. Upon finding a space in the parking lot, the Jacob’s Village bunch was greeted by many ghouls, goblins, and witches hurrying around trying to find shelter from the rain. Entering the front doors single file, mostly because of large costumes, there was a funnel effect into the building. Once inside, almost like following a herd of sheep down a hallway, the large gymnasium was found to be already abustlin’ with a party atmosphere. An EARC furnished music system & employee was playing the appropriate Halloween/dance music that was enjoyed by all, especially out on the dance floor. There were over 200 in attendance for this event and Pizza Hut furnished the pizza and drink. Jacob’s Village buddy/EARC employee, Chris Keitel was there helping with the organization of service and placement. Angela Goedde, Activities Director at Woodbridge Healthcare & Rehab Nursing and ‘Shrek the Ogre’ for the night was also there with a few of her residents, one of which was the Pope. Most of the costume creations were worthy of a prize but favorites of specific categories had to be chosen. Awards were presented to individuals with the scariest, prettiest, funniest, strangest, and most unique, and original. One party goer that didn’t get recognized but wore a different kind was an over-easy egg costume with red horns, a red tail, carrying a little red pitch-fork, hence he was………a ‘Deviled Egg’. Mike was decked out in IU Hoosier fan garb, Debbie looked like a little jail-bird in her black and white striped clothing and Scott was wearing his chicken hat and a clown nose. That was about the extent of our costumes, but a ghoul time was had by all at this Halloween party.

...and Chili for China

2006-11-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning, Oct. 29, 2006, everyone prepared themselves for a Church service. As usual, at 8:00am Jim Mosby arrived to provide Mike and Wanda a ride to the St. Agnes Catholic Church on Glendale Avenue off Broadway. Michael, Scott, Carol, and Halleck left for the WestWood General Baptist Church at 9:00am for the Doing For Others (DFO) Bible study class at 9:30am, with WestWood’s contemporary service following at 10:30am. Barry remained at Jacob’s Village to await Mike and Wanda’s return about 11:00am and to prepare tuna salad for lunch. The WestWood Church service lets out shortly after twelve-noon putting the return home about 12:30pm. A full schedule on this day’s calendar was at hand so a quick lunch was in demand. A trip to St. Mary’s Hospital to see how Donna Kay was doing was the first item on the list. Donna Kay had an accident involving her leg the week before and was in surgery recovery awaiting her clearance to move into St. Mary’s Rehab Institute. All of the Jacob’s Village residents: Wanda, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, and home coordinators Carol, Halleck and Barry surprised Donna Kay with a visit in her hospital room. She was so excited to see everyone and requested a hug from all. Donna Kay is really enjoying all the one on one attention and the visitors that come by to see her. A short visit it was, they all bade farewell with their healthy recovery sentiments hoping Donna Kay would be back on her feet soon and they quickly left the premises.
In celebration of Octoberfest, The Rhein Valley Brass Band was to perform in the lobby of the downtown Central Library at 3:00pm Sunday afternoon. The afternoon concert was the next stop on the list. The Jacob’s Village bunch arrived and entered the Central Library as the band was setting up. Being the first ones in the lobby for the show, they had their choice of seating. There were forty chairs lined up in five rows in front of the impromptu stage and there was not a bad seat in the lobby. The Brass Band consisted of five instruments that included: a coronet, trumpet, tuba, keyboard, and a drum set. The open seats soon had occupants, mostly children, and the young lady speaking for the band, playing the coronet and being a story teller gave everyone in attendance a brief lesson in music 101, specifically about Brass instruments. The band played many recognizable songs, from Roll out the Barrel to The Beer Barrel Polka, and a few kids, a few adults and even Wanda got out of her seat to do The Chicken Dance when it was played. A good time was being had by all and The Rhein Valley Brass Band was still performing when the Jacob’s Village bunch had to leave.
The WestWood General Baptist Church was having a Chili for China fund drive/supper for Johnny & Emily Jourdan’s Mission in China beginning at 4:00pm and Michael had to return some CD’s to Willard Library. Being rushed to make it to WestWood, it turned out to be handy and a good thing Willard was along the way, right off the Lloyd Expressway. The last stop on the list was finally in site and everyone had worked up an appetite for the benefit Chili Supper. The parking-lot was filling up and by chance it seemed again, the two usual spaces for Jacob’s Village were open. The Jacob’s Village bunch was greeted at the front door by some familiar faces of teenagers, members of the WestWood Youth Ministry who had been out to Jacob’s Village the week before cleaning windows. Once inside, a walk down the hallway was needed to reach the Fellowship Hall where Chili for China was being served. The Jacob’s Village bunch is no stranger to the Fellowship Hall, having been to many functions there in the past, it is a large room with a kitchen at the West end. Again, many familiar faces from the Church and Bible Study Classes greeted all and showed them to a table. There were three tables near the entrance and kitchen, one provided information about their mission in China and two were covered with the evenings’ tasty treats. A couple of students offered to provide assistance with trays and drinks. The menu consisted of two types of chili, mild & hot, crackers, peanut butter sandwiches, and a stacked up, overflowing table with an assortment of deserts; cookies, breads, pies, cake, lemonade, tea and water. Wanda, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, and home coordinators Carol, Halleck, and Barry feasted on the tasty chili and enjoyed the deserts. Pastor John Sloan was in attendance having missed the morning service due to a herniated-disc back surgery earlier in the week. Everyone was glad to see Pastor John and offered their prayers to him for a healthy recovery. There was a large turnout for their missionary benefit Chili for China and a good time of fellowship with many friendly faces was had by all.

Window Cleaning

2006-11-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

37 friends and members of the WestWood General Baptist Church visited Jacob’s Village a little before 11:00am Saturday Morning, October 28, 2006. Associate Pastor/Youth Minister Rodney Sloan, Youth Disciple/Coach Chris Burton, USI Students Angela & Michelle headed up this youth work group to clean the windows of all three homes. Before they tackled the windows, all 33 kids presented a show of sing along songs with hand and body motions and skits. To name a few of the songs that were acted out, there were: Jesus Loves Me, Father Abraham, Whose Side Are You Leaning On, & We Lift Your Name up High, all of them were thoroughly enjoyed by the residents. Following the entertainment, the buckets with a special cleaning solution and newspapers for window cleaning were divided up amongst the eager youths. It took about 2 hours for the windows in all three homes to be cleaned. We can see clearly now... the dirty film is gone... off the windows. Jacob’s Village sends a ‘Big Heart Thank You’ to the WestWood Youth Ministry for cleaning the windows, a job well done.

Ann Coy Time

2006-11-03T10:53:00.000-08:00

Due to prior commitments, Tuesday, October 17, 2006, was the date set for Ann Coy’s activity time. She usually visits on the last Tuesday of each month, but Jacob’s Village will always adapt to her schedule. Ann sent word a couple of weeks in advance to the residents of what the theme for her forthcoming visit would be and what she wanted the residents to have prepared. Love would be the theme and a favorite Bible quote and a picture of someone very close to their heart, past or present, would be the topic for show and tell this month. Everyone did have a quote ready to recite telling of which Book, Chapter, and Verse it came from and a picture of a loved one or ones to pass around to the others. Similar to each monthly visit in the past, this activity was enlightening, heart warming, and good for the soul. Ann’s guest musician returning once again to Jacob’s Village on this evening was UE music student and musician extraordinaire Pete Anderson. Pete brought his guitar along with him for this visit and strummed out some favorite gospel and folk songs that all the residents enjoyed singing along to. Later in the evening another special guest was welcomed to Jacob’s Village for the first time, Tina Jones, Nutritionist and Weight Watcher’s Advocate. Tina shared information with the residents about the importance of having a healthy diet and choosing good eating habits. The four basic food groups always come into play when discussing this topic and this time was no different. She reminded everyone what foods benefited specific body areas, highlighting ones that interact with the brain, releasing endorphins causing a feel good attitude. Tina brought snacks for all; she mixed, blended, and processed an assortment of fruits together. This salsa looking type of fruit dip was prepared for baked tortilla chips coated with a sprayed-on cinnamon mist that were previously prepared. Oh yeah, another item, don’t forget the nuts, sometimes you’re gotta feel like a nut cause nuts have good nutritional value, so Tina had bran-fiber-nut muffins for all. Put these snacks with the homemade oatmeal, peanut butter, chocolate-chip cookies and apple juice that Ann brought in; a large variety of healthy snacks were enjoyed by all. It has been said many times in many ways, how much the Jacob’s Village bunch really appreciates the special time Ann spends with them. So again it must be noted, Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, and Scott send a big heart thank you to Ann while they anxiously wait and look forward to the 2006 holiday season visits with her.

Residents@JV

2006-11-02T13:12:00.000-08:00

WGBC 'Fall Fest'

2006-11-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

Saturday afternoon Oct. 21, 2006, about 3:30pm, Wanda, Mike, Michael, Scott, and Home Coordinator Joe went over to St. Paul’s UCC German Township Church on Big Cynthiana Rd. St. Paul’s was having a Chowder dinner with all the fixings and were also offering a carry out. The parking lot was full and the serving line to receive Chowder was long but moving quickly as the Jacob’s Village bunch pulled in. St. Paul’s Church supplied half gallon and gallon buckets and two gallons were purchased for what was going to be lunch at Jacob’s Village the following day after Church service on Sunday. Joe spent a few minutes waiting in line and when the Chowder was picked up, they headed West to Wadesville. The Wadesville General Baptist Church has become a good neighbor to Jacob’s Village and had invited them to their ‘Fall Fest Night’ that was to begin at 4:00pm at the Wadesville Athletic Club. The Athletic Club is really the Wadesville Community Center, cared for by the Wadesville Athletic Club, on Joest Road, North of Wadesville. It is a few wooded acres with children’s playground equipment, a large building for activities, and a shelter house out back for outdoor picnics. As the Jacob’s Village bunch arrived for this event, someone just pulled away leaving a space right up front. There were several cars in the lot and upon exiting the van, Paul & Claudia Mlinar and Pastor Joe Dumond met us and showed us to where the action was taking place. There were several familiar faces such as Linda Schneider, Beverly Yancey, and Pastor Joe’s wife Jaclyn Dumond gathered around picnic tables and the fire pit conversing and watching the children play. The Jacob’s Village bunch joined right in with the fellowship and entertainment. Soon, the hotdogs, baked-beans, BBQ chips, and drinks were placed on a table for everyone to partake of and a tasty picnic it was with a little desert to cap it off. Following the meal, Michael joined the kids and a few adults for a hayride. Scott went inside the building where bingo was being played and Joe, Mike, and Wanda stayed outdoors for the fellowship and camaraderie. There were about twenty bingo players at this time and more joined in when the hayride returned, but no bingo winner for Jacob’s Village on this night. The Jacob’s Village bunch was having a good time and would have liked to watch the movie that had been planned, if not for the prior commitment of Michael’s. The hosts were showing Narnia: The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe, and Michael had to be back in time for his ride to be taken to the FOP Camp for the EARC early Halloween hayride. Although having to leave the fun early, an outstanding good time was had by all and a big heart thank you goes out to The Wadesville General Baptist Church for their enjoyable, giving hospitality.

'Old Fashion' Family Picnic

2006-10-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 15, 2006, the WestWood General Baptist Church held an Old Fashioned Family Picnic on their grounds located on South Boehne Camp Rd. All Jacob’s Village residents of Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, and Home Coordinators Janet and Barry arrived just as the fun was beginning. The parking-lot was filling up; by chance it seemed, the two usual spaces for Jacob’s Village were open. All the games, arts, and crafts began at 2:00pm and the covered dish picnic would commence at 5:00pm under a tent behind the Church. The arts-n-crafts area to entertain the young and young at heart was set up on the South side in the grass. Many members and friends of the Church had teams of 5 to 10 people competing in a series of games for points and the team with the most points would be rewarded a trophy. The variety of exciting games consisted of: Human Bowling, where an individual lying on an automotive maintenance rolling tray called a creeper would be rolled into ten large plastic pins 25 or 30 feet away, Croq-Kick, was patterned off the old croquet game where teams used inflated beach balls, replacing wooden balls that were kicked through three ft. large plastic rings instead of small rings that were inserted into the ground to see which team could kick the ball through the course in the quickest time, Giant Ring Toss, where hoola-hoops were used as rings to toss at stakes of different height with a picture of Pastor John Sloan on them, Egg-Beaters, teams were out to crush other teams’ eggs, that were in a zip-lock bags tied on both sides of their waist, with a foam ‘Thunder Stick’, and the games ended up with the self explanatory Sack-Race. The points were tallied, a winning team was crowned, and the trophy was awarded on the stage under the tent during dinner hour. While everyone was finishing with tasty deserts from the pitch in picnic, the amateur variety show began. There were some singing, some instrument playing, and storytelling for the crowd of about 200 in attendance. Four of the six Jacob’s Village residents had special guests join them for the afternoon picnic. Two weeks prior to this event, the Jacob’s Village residents were introduced to the ‘Best Buddy International’ program through USI. This program is a volunteer type of student service in which a college student is assigned a disabled individual to build a relationship with. The ‘Best Buddy’ program can develop and evolve into a pen-pal type of friendship or a companion ‘go for an outing’ type of friendship. Mike and his buddy painted pumpkins, Michael and his buddy played basketball, Scott’s buddy took some photos, Donna Kay and her buddy conversed and watched the actions of others. A big thank you is in order for the WestWood General Baptist Church for a good time that was had by all at their Sunday afternoon picnic.

Concert for Maple Hill

2006-10-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

Beginning at 1:00pm, there was some pickin’ and a grinin’ going on at New Harmony’s Murphy Park, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006. The Paul Wilshire Family Band was playin’ their renditions of Blue Grass & Country Music favorites. There was free food & drink consisting of chili, hotdogs, burgers, cookies, and lemonade on this day; and all that was asked for in return was a donation. All proceeds collected would benefit the New Harmony Maple Hill Cemetery Fund. The lawn chairs were loaded and the Jacob’s Village bunch of Wanda, Michael, Scott, and home coordinator Barry left Jacob’s Village at 1:30pm, having to pick Mike up from work at 2:00pm before going to the concert. A swing back home was arranged to allow Donna Kay and Janice to follow behind. A crowd was gathering under the large canopy of leaves from tree limbs when the Jacob’s Village bunch arrived. The band was set up on a trailer inside an old tennis court, now a basketball court, puttin’ the music out. There was a smaller than expected crowd on this cool Autumn afternoon, but a feel-good looking day was being had. There were many picnic tables set up so ones who wanted something to eat could eat and watch the band comfortably. Some people were in their golf carts listening to the music and socializing while the Jacob’s Village bunch was walking up to a picnic table. One couple in a golf cart flagged the residents down and motioned for them to come over. What a surprise to see Charles and Sally Huck, who was taking in the entertainment at the park. Charles had just finished, earlier in the day making homemade pizzas for a New Harmony Kiwanis’ Club fundraiser. They have made pizzas for many years and for the past two years, Charles has donated some pizzas to Jacob’s Village from this event. The Jacob’s Village bunch had hand delivered pizzas to take home, ate some hot chili, listened to some good music, socialized, and a good time was had by all at this benefit concert for the Maple Hill Cemetery in New Harmony at Murphy Park.

Best Buddies International

2006-10-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

7:30pm, Monday evening, Oct. 02, 2006, the Jacob’s Village bunch of Wanda, Debbie, Donna Kay, Mike, Michael, and Scott had their first get acquainted gathering with Best Buddies International at the Liberal Arts Building on the University of Southern Indiana’s campus. Home coordinators Carol and Barry had the residents there in plenty of time arriving on the USI campus in the dark and locating the Liberal Arts Building. Each Jacob’s Village resident had a buddy in waiting as well as a few other disabled individuals that were paired off with assigned USI students and the questioning began. To find out more about each other, both best buddy and disabled individual filled out a ‘Get to know you better’ paper that highlighted likes and common interests. This program is designed to administer a learning experience for a college student by developing and providing a relationship with a pre-described individual. The ‘Best Buddy’ program is a volunteer type of student service. Whether it evolves into a pen-pal relationship, a companion spending time with, or a get together ‘go for an outing’ type of friendship, it is worked out between the two of how it will be created, all within guidelines. It’s beneficial to all parties concerned to become friends with people who are different from their selves to expand their mind. Some students are pursuing an education major for their degree and this can and should broaden their understanding of disabilities. Everyone matched up well by first observation, sat around, conversed and shared ice-cream. There were about 24 people in attendance for the initial introduction meeting and the ‘Best Buddy’ program was kicked off. It seemed like a good relationship could and would be developed between the ones involved. A good time was had by all while looking forward to future engagements.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2004

Connections have been made since the first meeting of the ‘Best Buddy’ program. For instance: greeting cards and e-mail messages have been sent, some have made visits to Jacob’s Village, a bouquet of birthday flowers were sent to a Jacob’s Village resident, and four out of six ‘Best Buddies’ joined their buddy for an Old Fashioned Family Picnic on the grounds of the WestWood General Baptist Church on South Boehne Camp Road. Many activities and games were captured on film by the cameras that were flashing at this feel-good looking Sunday afternoon picnic. A successful program is in the making and the proof will be in the pictures that will soon be developed.

Evansville Civitan Council of Clubs

2006-10-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

Tuesday evening, 6:00pm, September 26, 2006, the local Civitan Evansville Council of Clubs met at Jacob’s Village for a meeting and meal. There are 6 area Civitan Clubs in the Evansville community and 5 of them were represented for this meeting with 10 members present. The ones in attendance: Ron and Norma Faust, Ron being Council President and the Downtown Club’s President, Robert and Rose Goff, Martin and Melissa Fraering, Maizell Kloke, Patti Hurley, Mary Schofield, and Sharon Schapker, brought in BBQ-pork, potato salad, baked beans, slaw, & rye bread for their meal; Jacob’s Village furnished an assortment of drinks for them. Prior to this meeting, Karin Macke, Program Director, and Scott Huck, resident of Jacob’s Village had met with the Downtown Club once at the Hadi Temple in Evansville. Karin and Scott greeted and introduced the Civitan group to Jacob’s Village in the home office. Unlike the other two homes, where the bedrooms are all on one side, the bedrooms are on opposite sides of this home with the living room, dining room, and kitchen in the center. Eventually, the home office will become a residential home when rooms are needed. Karin and Scott led the Civitan members on a VIP Tour of the grounds beginning out the backdoor through the courtyard pointing out specific items and areas that are of interest for first ime visitors. Jacob’s Village has 132 acres already mapped out with street names just waiting for the vacancies to fill. In the first phase of the Jacob’s Village plan, there are three homes and room for three more, yet to be built, homes to fill out the 1st pod block. These homes do and will surround the courtyard of an encompassing sidewalk, gazebo, picnic tables, swing, and flowering Azelea and Habiscus plants. Which was the 2005 Summer community project courtesy of Kenneth Corman of the Chandler, IN Boy Scout Troop 165, who was working towards his Eagle Award. This year, the 2006 fund-raising has been for a Nature Trail Walk that will be handicap-assessable around the grounds and through the woods with meditation areas, flower gardens, bird houses/feeders and will have many donors and contributors involved. As of October, 2006, it looks like the Nature Trail will carry over into the Spring of 2007. Continuing on this night, the men’s home was shown to the guests first because a birthday party was going on in the women’s home for the men’s home coordinator. Coming up on our second anniversary, we continue inviting to entertain individuals, groups, and clubs out to Jacob’s Village to get to know us and become a partner in our life’s journey. Our mission is to help others and we are dedicated to enriching the lives of adults with developmentally and functional disabilities. The two occupied Men’s & Women’s homes face the West while the back doors open up to the East and into the courtyard. The homes are separated by a carport and the front porches have nice looking, relaxing furniture made from recyclable material that one can watch beautiful sunsets in. Each home has occupancy for four residents and a home coordinator with five bedrooms; two sets of two bedrooms have adjoining baths and a suite for the home coordinator with a private bath. Also, there is a pass through window from the kitchen to a large living room, a dining room, wide hallways, and plenty of closet space. Upon completion of the VIP tour, all members of the Civitan Club returned to the office for their meal and meeting. Everyone of the Evansville Council of Civitan Clubs enjoyed their time, tour, and meal and were glad to have visited Jacob’s Village.

Poseyville Autumn-Fest Parade

2006-09-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

The theme for the 2006 Poseyville annual Autumn-Fest celebration this past weekend of Sept. 23, 24 was ‘Teach Your Children’. There were many events scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, but the heavy rains on Saturday sort of hampered the festivities. An event such as this cannot be cancelled because of all the preparation leading up to it from the past year. One always hopes for the best in weather, although it’s out of everyone’s control and for the most part, the activities go on rain or shine. The down pours of rain on Saturday were less than accommodating which caused a low turnout of the masses, but a good time was had by the faithful. Sunday afternoon was a much better day for the scheduled 3:00pm parade down the Main Street of Poseyville. After the Jacob’s Village bunch of Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, and home coordinators Janice and Joe grabbed a sandwich upon returning home from Church, it was time to load back up and travel to Poseyville. The lawn chairs were gathered up placed in the vehicles and everyone found a place to ride. We arrived about 45 minutes early and the sidewalks were already filling up with rows of chairs for spectators wanting good seats to watch the parade. We found a place to park within 20 yards of the preferred side walk space. We were a block from the announcing and judging grandstand where assorted entries of bands, dance groups, and other entertainers would stop and perform in front of the judges. The parade began with a color guard, some veteran groups and Charles Huck too, a Jacob’s Village Board Member and Wadesville VFW Post 6576 Commander, who he was representing. The standard showing of local Police, Fire, and Emergency Rescue Departments had their units all shined up with bells and whistles and sirens a wailing. Some personnel were on foot alongside a few Politicians’ who were out in force campaigning for the upcoming election. North Posey Metropolitan School District’s athletic teams and teachers, the teachers being The Grand Marshal of the ‘Teach Your Children’ parade, were there that had some walking and some riding in trucks and wagons. The Autumn-Fest Queen, Little Mister-n-Misses, Dukes-n-Duchesses, and other dignitaries were in convertibles scattered throughout the other entries of floats from Church’s, businesses, and individuals. Everyone was delighted to share and spread the candy around that was being tossed out onto the sidewalks. A first to our recollection, pop-sickles and icy pops were being passed out, and they were very tasty. Tractors, farm implements, ATV’s, and horses brought up the rear of the 100-plus entry 2006 Autumn-Fest, ‘Teach Your Children’ parade. A good time of enjoyment was had by all, while on the sidewalks of Poseyville, in the comfortable, atmospheric, outdoor, afternoon conditions.

Residents@JV

2006-09-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

Family Literacy Day

2006-09-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 09, 2006, Washington Square Mall in Evansville, IN, held Family Literacy Day at from 10:00am to 3:30pm, sponsored by the Evansville Literacy Coalition, The Evansville Area Reading Coalition, The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, and the Evansville Courier & Press-Newspaper in Education (NIE). Men’s Home Coordinator Joe, residents Wanda, Michael, and Scott arrived at Washington Square Mall about 1:00pm, just missing Mayor Weinzapfel’s Proclamation of Family Literacy Day. Master of Ceremonies for this day was 105.3fm, Super Hits of the 60’s & 70’s-WJLT’s local DJ Joe Blair. When we arrived, Gina Browne of the Browne Sisters and one of the headlining acts was on stage in the center of the mall singing and entertaining to the delight of the crowd. The musicians performing and accompanying Gina Browne were Eric Scales playing both and alternating between a saxophone and clarinet while Monty Skelton played the piano. Other performing groups included The 21st Century Singers, Suzuki Players, The Metropolitan Academy of Dance, Several Castle High School students known as ‘Knightingales - Knight Sensations that sang many duets for their performance, and The New Hope Music Academy that had there ‘Boom Squad’ to perform. We had seen the ‘Boom Squad’ at the Drums on the Ohio event earlier in the year. They are a group of around 35 or 40 preteen age boys and girls playing an assortment of drums, the younger ones playing cymbals, in various choreographed synchronized dance moves. The ‘Boom Squad’ had a very loud and entertaining show of drum beats. Hadi Funster clowns were up to their antics around the mall bringing balloons and smiles to everyone’s face, ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ and Noozie, the waking newspaper making their rounds up and down the corridors of the mall. We did get a picture of ‘Clifford’ greeting Wanda, Michael, and Scott. There were many handouts of free gift give aways and assorted coupons from area businesses and organizations for example, free weekend movie passes for ‘Movies at Mesker’. There were many literacy crafts and activities planned and in progress for everyone throughout the day. An enjoyable afternoon of a good time was had by all who attended the Family Literacy Day 2006 while others were checking out some retail stores at Washington Square Mall.

WGBC Pastoral Visit

2006-09-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

The Pastor of the Wadesville General Baptist Church (WGBC), due to personal health conditions, had been inconsistently leading the Church services up until about six months ago when he could no longer accommodate. A strong congregation of faith and fellowship, the WGBC was without a rector but continued on with their ministry. Carrying on with the WGBC’s many duties to hold the church together and expanding their out-reach, members: Paul & Claudia Mlinar, their children Luke, Olivia, with a friend or two, plus Linda Schneider, Beverly Yancey, and Gertie Woolsey, to name a few main players; branched out and became a part of the Jacob’s Village family. They volunteered a couple of times this past year to provide blessings and activities for Jacob’s Village residents. The WGBC just recently welcomed new Pastor Joe Dumond and his newlywed wife Jaclyn to lead the church. Monday evening, Sept. 11, 2006, Pastor Joe and Jaclyn Dumond visited Jacob’s Village in the women’s home to get acquainted with Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, and Home Coordinators Gloria and Joe. The special guests provided a little music and a prayer service on this evening. The theme for their visit was a passage quoted in the Book of Mathew that read; ‘Go and make disciples’. Everyone was handed a sheet of paper to follow along with Pastor Joe as he read chapter 28, verses 18-20. There were a couple of questions on the paper that were discussed by all. ‘How are you like a disciple?’ and ‘How do you try to be like Jesus?’ Some good, participating inter-active discussion and fellowship came from this visit of our new found friends from the WGBC. Jaclyn, a well accomplished piano player, played the electric piano to a few old hymns that everyone sang along to, such as: ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘How great thou art’, and ‘In the garden’. A good time was had by all on Pastor Joe and Jaclyn’s first visit to Jacob’s Village. We are making plans for their return visit with the rest of the congregation to have a picnic to celebrate our 2nd anniversary in October. The residents are looking forward to an active month of October when several local Church’s, including WGBC, will be holding their Autumn/Fall parties consisting of picnics, bazaars, and hayrides.

Ann Coy's Activity Time

2006-09-06T09:21:00.000-07:00

Not long after Jacob’s Village first opened up, Ann Coy began volunteering and sharing her time with the residents providing a spiritual visit. Usually, she visits on the last Tuesday of each month depending on the nearest holiday. Musicians and snacks always accompany her and the theme takes on the flavor and time of the season. She put on a Halloween party with crafts and snacks, hosted a Christmas party with Santa Claus, an Easter party with Easter story cookies, and also earlier in the year, Ann arranged for all to see a High School musical production. We all enjoy when Ann comes to Jacob’s Village with her entourage of friends. This past monthly visit in August was held at 6:00pm, Tuesday evening, August 29, 2006, under the Carport for a ‘Variety Show’. It was a very nice and comfortable evening to be outside. The carport was cleared out and chairs were put in their place for the audience of Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott and home coordinators Gloria and Joe. Along with Ann on this night were two of her granddaughters Amy, Lindsey, and one of her grandson’s, Chase, Ann’s friend Diane Anderson, her son Pete, and his friend Shawna, both U of E students. A portable cassette player was wired up and Amy started the show off with a solo Jazz, tumbling dance act. Lindsey followed her sister with another solo dance act with a Salsa beat. Chase showed his talents off with his ‘Devil Sticks’, which are similar to drum sticks. He had one in each hand while balancing, flipping, spinning and twirling a third longer stick, all the time never allowing that third stick to touch the ground. Pete was the musician with a guitar and saxophone strumming some Beatles’ pieces, and playing some Yakity Sax music. Ann was hoping another friend would show up for a trio singing group with Diane, but she had to settle for a duo that sang ‘Just a closer walk with thee’ and ‘This land is your land’, they blended well together. After the performances, we watched a beautiful sunset to the West, were treated to Marble Cake, 7-Up, & GD Ritzy’s Ice Cream, and for the first time this year, watched a V-shaped flock of Geese fly South for the Winter. Ann always ends her visits with a prayer circle blessing the time and the ones in current need. This time, Ann left us many Dog Awareness Activity Books, ‘Fido! Friend or Foe? Compliments of C. Larry Rhodes, State Farm Insurance Agent. Again, a good time was had by all, and we were sad to see the evening come to an end, but we bade farewell and will look forward to Ann’s next activity time.

32nd Annual Frog Follies

2006-09-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

We all like to go to car shows and the ‘Grandaddy’ of them all was being held Saturday morning, August 26, 2006, at the Vanderburgh County 4-H Center. E’ville Iron Street Rods LTD was sponsoring the 2006’s 32nd Annual FROG FOLLIES. It is one of the largest car shows in the country drawing over 4,000 pre 1949 autos. The E’ville Iron Street Rod Club has been putting on a car show since 1975 and at their first event; there were only 44 registered street rods and it featured a bull frog jumping contest and since...has become known as The FROG FOLLIES. It continues to grow into a world-wide event that registers over 600 commercial street rod vendors with an automotive swap meet. Jacob’s Village residents Michael, Scott and Home-Coordinator Joe left to meet Caroline Nellis, our designated newsletter photographer, at the 5/3 Bank branch located at the intersection of HWY 41 and Booneville-New Harmony Rd. All roads were stacked up with bumper-to-bumper street rods and on-lookers trying to find their way into the FROG FOLLIES. The Indiana State Police was directing traffic the best they could while putting up with a slow moving 100-car train that was rolling along side Hwy. 41 and blocking all the entrances. We made it inside the grounds and was directed to park in a large grassy area East of the horse arena. Many people and many cars were crowding the access lanes trying to find where to go. Walking by all the vendors and dealers that were set up, looking at the goods of the street rod paraphernalia, we noticed a car raffle and signed up for the 20th Century Chevy, Inc. Car Give-A-Way. They were giving away a 1976 Corvette and the winner would be announced at their forth-coming 29th Annual Carfest in Washington, IN, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006. We met Charles Huck, Jacob’s Village board member, at the information booth and signed in to help a vendor out. Volunteers are in high demand for this event and a Frog Follie representative did find a place for Michael and Joe to work. An ice and drink stand half way up the hill towards the convention center was in need of volunteers because on this hot day, drinks and ice was a hot commodity. Caroline took some photos of Michael filling cups with ice and Joe man-handling bags of ice out of a cooler and passing them out. Later on, Michael and Scott looked over the displayed commodities and purchased a commemorative t-shirt for this years event. Caroline snapped many photos of us around the autos and one of the ‘Frog’ himself with Scott in front of one all decorated up with many frogs on it. That one was very appropriate for the day and it was hard to pass up. We had to pick Mike up from work at G. D. Ritzy’s at 2:00pm so we left a little early knowing it would take us longer to leave the place than it took us to enter. On this hot day we were glad to be back inside the van with the A/C. and we arrived at G.D. Ritzy’s with time to spare and have an Ice Cream treat. A good time was had by all.

FUMC 'Good News Festival'

2006-08-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 19, 2006, from 10:00am-2:00pm, the First United Methodist Church of Mt. Vernon, IN, at 601 Main St., held their 2nd Annual Good News Festival with a Community Block Party. In the Church’s Wesley Hall, Susannah Wesley Nursery School is part of and is sponsored by the FUMC, there were about 20 exhibitors participating in The Good News Fest. The Mt. Vernon Ministerial Society, Visiting Nurse Association, and The Alexandrian Public Library, along with the other respected not-for-profit agencies, the Jacob’s Village representatives of: Karin Macke-Program Director, residents Scott and Michael prepared their display of informational literature and pictures hoping to spread the word of the mission at Jacob’s Village to educate the public on their services provided. Many events that were scheduled and taking place this year for all ages were games, side walk chalk art, quilting and knitting classes. Later that afternoon and early evening, there was music and assorted types of entertainment activities planned. FUMC offered a free lunch consisting of hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, drinks, and ice-cream for all who were in attendance on this day at Wesley Hall. There was a steady stream of on-lookers coming and going through out the day giving everyone the opportunity to meet and greet friendly faces. A good time of fellowship was had by all.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

2006-08-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

St. Paul's Episcopal Church

2006-08-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 30, 2006, Charles and Sally Huck arrived at Jacob’s Village about 9:15 am, to pick son Scott up so they could meet Doug Regin at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. It was going to be a special day at St. Paul’s Church, located in downtown Evansville, IN, at 301 Southeast First Street. The Rev. Dr. Richard Godbold, Rector at St. Paul’s invited Doug Regin, Director of Operations at Jacob’s Village, to give the Sermon for their 10:30am morning service. It had been arranged to have Scott attend the morning service to be a visible representative of Jacob’s Village. Scott with his parents, and Doug would provide, for the ones who stayed around for coffee and refreshments afterwards, information and answers to questions that anyone would have concerning Jacob’s Village. The Lesson and Epistle for this Eighth Sunday after Pentecost pertained to the Book of Ephesians. Specifically chapter 4: verses 11-16, of how love can overcome conflicts, disagreements, and can unite, create, and build environments of everlasting love. Doug compared this to Jacob’s Village, expanded the Sermon to describe Jacob’s Village and welcomed the congregation of about 60 to visit and learn more about the Mission. Following the service, some parishioners interacted with Doug, Scott, Charles, and Sally in the fellowship hall while partaking of coffee and doughnuts. While looking at the portraits of all past Rectors of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Sally pointed out Father Emri Blackburn. Many years ago he was a Rector at St. Paul’s and he married Charles and Sally Huck at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in New Harmony. St. Stephen’s was without a preacher at that time, so Father Blackburn filled in. He had the wedding rehearsal at St. Paul’s Saturday, Nov. 14, when Charles arrived home while on leave from the Navy, and the wedding Sunday, Nov. 15, 1953, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in New Harmony. Sally Huck has been a lifelong member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in New Harmony and Charles became a member of the Church when they were married there. Through the years, Sally has been a member of their choir, their organist, and member of the alter guild. Charles has held many offices in the past with the vestry including Senior and Junior Warden. It seemed as if a good relationship could be formed between St. Paul’s and Jacob’s Village when a few said they would like to become a part of Jacob’s Village. A good time was enjoyed by all while listening to the Guest Lecturer’s message during this Sunday morning worship service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

EARC Putt Putt Golf

2006-08-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

The resident’s of Jacob’s Village were invited out for a night of pizza & miniature golf Monday, July 31, 2006. Community Job Link & Community Connections are branches of EARC, who sponsored this event at Walther’s Golf-n-Fun Center from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the intersection of 1st & Diamond Ave’s. When Debbie and Michael arrived back home from work about 4:15pm, via METS, it was time to load up and head out to the Pizza Party. All of the Jacob’s Village bunch, Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, and home coordinators Gloria and Joe entered the building to a sound and light show. We were greeted to an array of bells, whistles, and lights of many colors coming from the video arcade. The cashier at the counter area showed us where the Pizza Party was to be held. It was in a private party room, and we were the first ones inside seeing the 7 or 8 tables and chairs empty, but it filled up quickly. There were about 36 people in attendance for this July Job Club event and everyone did find a place to sit in the party room which included Rudi Winderlich and Crystal Delancey representing EARC. Four or five other helpers were also assisting, bringing the Pizza and drinks in. The individual orders were previously taken ahead of time and a check list was followed so everyone got what they wanted. So, the distribution of food and drink resembled an assembly line having everything put in its proper place. The Pizza Party included two slices of pizza of your choice, Cheese, Pepperoni, Sausage, or Supreme, choice of soda and one round of miniature golf. After the Pizza Fest, the golf club putters & balls were selected. Mike, Michael and Joe began the scramble soon to find out that the water hazards would come into play with most every hole. It seemed like they would have had barriers up to prevent balls going into the moat around the course because everyone was getting wet from dipping their hands in the water to retrieve balls. They completed the adventurous course and did make a few hole-in-ones. Wanda, Donna Kay, and Debbie started out but opted to hang out with Scott and watch the action from the Coconut Café Snack Bar until they could putt around on the first hole alone. Afterwards, the video games drew all their attention while the guys played a few games of Air Hockey. A good time was had by all on this night of Pizza & More at Walther’s Golf-n-Fun Center.

IVY Tech Car Show

2006-08-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

IVY Tech Community College of Evansville sponsored a car show from 4:00pm to 8:00pm Saturday, July 29, 2006 in the rear parking lot. This car show was a part of the Cruise-In schedule but specifically for the Area Chrysler Enthusiasts, ACE of CLUBS. Wanda, Mike, Michael, Scott, and home coordinator Joe attended this event and found a parking place in the lot near the North side of the school. Just like the name of the group would imply, ACE, this car show mostly consisted of Chrysler, Plymouth, and Dodge ‘Muscle Cars’ from the 1960’s. Although there were a few but not many, other types of makes and models. There’s usually many of the same cars from show to show but the ‘Muscle Cars are some of our favorite. One car that we hadn’t seen before was a 1964 Ford Falcon Ranchero, similar to an El Camino proto type of car or a Dodge Rampage. We meandered our way through the approximately 40 cars or more to the South parking lot just in time for a Fire & Rescue demonstration. The nearest Fire Department had an Emergency Rescue Squad there demonstrating how their life-saving extricating device ‘JAWS of LIFE’ operated. No one had a time clock, but on this hot evening, while wearing heavy protective gear, they showed how safe and quickly the ‘JAWS’ worked. Efficiently, they cut through the doors, top of the vehicle, and peeled them back as if it was a sardine can to save a life if needed. A crowd of about 35 or 40 had gathered to watch this event and we found refuge under the only shade tree around. After the demonstration, we meandered back through the ‘Muscle Cars’ to the North parking lot. Ivy Tech was providing food, drink, literature of their school, and tours of the now completed expansion. A hot good time was had by all at this Community College Car Show.

Posey County 4-H Center Car Show

2006-08-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, July 22, 2006, the Posey County 4H Center was holding their 2nd Annual Car Show and Swap Meet at the Fairgrounds just South of New Harmony. Wanda, Michael, Scott, and home coordinator Barry left early enough to see this car show before having to pick Mike up from work at 2:00pm. This event was a fundraiser for the Posey County Community Center at the fairgrounds. Orders were previously taken for Boston Butts & Racks of Ribs that were being smoked and Bar-BQ for the benefit. For the extra cuts that were not spoken for, they had sold all out of them before we arrived to purchase any. Barry snapped a photo of Wanda, Michael, and Scott beside a green and white 1956 Oldsmobile. It had a Drive-In tray hanging on the door window with a burger, fries, shake, and mustard, ketchup dispensers with salt & pepper shakers. One car that was uncommon to the shows that we’ve been to and stood out was a black 1954 Hot Rod Lincoln

St. Peter's UCC

2006-08-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, July 25, 2006, Rev. Karen Lipinczyk of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, located just down the road from Jacob’s Village in Posey County on Highway 66 West, made a Pastoral visit. Rev. Karen arrived at the women’s home bearing gifts for all in the make up of a bag full of freshly harvested sweet corn. Her entrance was not long after all the residents had finished their evening meal about 7:00pm. Rev. Karen introduced herself, greeted residents Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, and home coordinators Janice and Barry. She began the evening prayer service ringing two Tibetan Chimes, two 4x6 silver chimes attached by a 12” string that clang against each other. The chimes would remind you of two large ding-a-ling-lings!!! She read scripture from Ephesians Chapter 2 that told of a shield of protection and how Jesus eliminated all barriers of confrontation. She played two inspirational songs from a CD while the latter one had arm & hand movements telling a story of when some people lie down for the night to sleep, on the other side of the world, some people are rising up for a new day of sunshine. Rev. Karen told us that before teaching at St. Peter’s UCC since January she was living in Alaska. We enjoyed Rev. Karen’s company and look forward to another visit with her. Upon leaving, she had more gifts for everyone. An art form originating in Mexico, made by St. Peter’s UCC Bible Vacation School kids, different colors of yarn weaved and wrapped around two crossed popsicle sticks called a ‘God’s Eye’.

WFIE 14 'Mow Madness'

2006-08-01T08:30:00.000-07:00

Tuesday morning, July 25, the WFIE-Channel 14 Sunrise Morning Show that airs 4:30am-7:00am held a live remote broadcast from Jacob’s Village. Their feature, ‘Mow Madness’, Summer 2006 contest give away allowed them to do live remotes from businesses around the tri-state area. Rhanda Stewart hosted this event which first began in May to promote businesses and to show a local celebrity mowing with their featured item they were to have a drawing for. One previous business, for example, that they had promoted and brought good publicity to was The Evansville Christian Life Center; this was Jacob’s Village’s week. WFIE-Channel 14 & Gil’s Four Season’s Lawn Equipment, teamed up to have a contest and give away a Toro Timecutter Z Series zero turn radius riding lawn mower with a 42” mowing deck. They did announce the winner on this morning and talked with her live via telephone on the segment. During these live remotes, WFIE-Channel 14 also teamed up with the Evansville’s West side Bob Evan’s Restaurant for this contest feature who furnished a breakfast every Tuesday morning for which ever business they featured. The Bob Evan’s Sunrise breakfast consisted of sausage, biscuits & gravy, cinnamon rolls, coffee and chocolate milk. WFIE-Channel 14 and their entourage, broadcasting tower equipment technicians, Gil’s Four Seasons’ lawn mower, and Bob Evan’s breakfast arrived at Jacob’s Village at 5:15am Tuesday morning. They set up the live remote on Rebecca Way, 20 yards west of the parking lot in the street facing the south side of the women’s home. The ones on location and being interviewed by Rhanda Stewart were Rick Herdes, USI men’s basketball coach, celebrity mower for the day, Tom Burmeister, Property Manager, Karin Macke, Program Director, Scott Huck, resident, all of Jacob’s Village, and Scott’s parents Charles and Sally Huck. Also from Jacob’s Village, Mike, Michael, & Debbie had their share of breakfast before leaving the premises for their work. There were about 20 people around the location and a good publicity event it was. Jacob’s Village and all who were outside for breakfast early Tuesday morning were a part of the ‘Mow Madness’ WFIE-Channel 14 Sunrise Morning Show.

USI / David L. Rice Library

2006-08-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday, July 23, 2006, the Grand Opening of the David L. Rice Library at the University of Southern Indiana from 2:00pm - 4:00pm, was staged to a large fan-fare. There were over 300 people in attendance for this large publicized, mass-media event that included the Jacob’s Village bunch of Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, and home coordinators Janice and Barry. After the opening remarks, congratulations, and appreciations from the Universities dignitaries, Ray Hoops, current USI President, Ruth Miller, Rice Library Director, Dr. Rice gave his thank you and his mission for the new library; all supporters were invited inside for tours. The $27.5 million, 158,335 sq. ft. David L. Rice Library is twice the size of its predecessor with five levels. The previous Rice Library had been in use since its opening in 1971 when Dr. Rice was the first acting president beginning in 1968 when the University was in its developmental stage. During the early years of the University, its name was Indiana State University of Evansville as an extension of Indiana State University in Terra Haute, IN. The new facility has 70% library space while the remaining lower levels occupy 16 classrooms and an auditorium. The festivities of the open house in the new structure offered music and entertainment featuring Rowan Tree, Bend in the River Brass Band and Jennifer Reed, harpist. The Star Bucks Coffee shop, which is a permanent fixture in the library, provided many types of refreshments and drinks that were all free on this day. The new Library has been open since June 16 and has had well over 5,000 visitors through its doors already. Comparing the new Library to USI’s growing enrollment of over 10,000 students, a continuing expansion of program studies, and being a quality higher education learning establishment, the future of the David L. Rice Library looks bright.

West Side Story

2006-07-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Sherry May, volunteer, a donation of eight tickets were made to Jacob’s Village for the Old National Bank presentation of the Public Education Foundation Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation’s 18th production of their 2006 Summer Musical - ‘West Side Story’. The musical/stage play was being performed by city high school drama students on Thursday, July 13 thru Sunday, July 16 at the Centre, in Downtown Evansville, IN. The tickets reserved for Jacob’s Village were for the Sunday matinee finale at 2:00pm. Every Sunday after church services, the Jacob’s Village bunch get back together at home about 12:30pm. So, to make it to the show on time we had a quick lunch of sandwiches and loaded up in the vans. By the time all residents: Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, and home coordinators Gloria and Joe made it to the Centre; the parking lots were filling up and many, many people were making their way along the sidewalks to the Centre’s entrance. The lobby was crowded with attendees walking shoulder to shoulder, getting their tickets punched, and locating their seats in the 1300 seat capacity auditorium. We made it inside and every seat was filling up quickly. Later, we learned that there was about a 1200 count that attended the show. The seating arrangements were about 12 rows up from the front of the stage in the middle of the room. There was a lot of squeezin’ in and squeezin’ out with toes being stepped on before the lights dimmed, but there’s not a bad seat in the house. Scott, on his scooter, had a luxury box seat with the shows’ ushers along the wall and right inside the auditorium’s doorway. All of the talented high school students delivered an outstanding performance in a musical well done.

'Jesus Freaks' Concert

2006-07-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks back, Jacob’s Village received an invitation to a concert to benefit Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. The Jesus Freaks, a Christian Teen Band led by Todd Seibert, is a talented group of musicians from the local area consisting of six high-school age members. Three guys, four gals: Todd Seibert, Roger Dunkelbarger, Jessica Kempf, Amelia Mader, Kristen and Jennifer Cox. They perform an assortment of worship songs, classic hymns, and today’s latest Christian pop/rock tunes. The Jacob’s Village bunch was first introduced to The Jesus Freaks at a St. Paul’s UCC German Township function last year and enjoyed their music. The groups coordinating managers are Todd Seiberts’ parents Patrick and Susan Seibert, Susan being the organizer while Patrick takes up the role as a ‘Roady’. Todd has been entertaining since his debut performance at Charles & Sally Huck’s ‘Aunt Sallie’s Soda Shoppe’ in New Harmony when he was 4 years old in 1997. This benefit concert was held Saturday evening, July 15, 2006, at 6:00pm at Murphy Park in New Harmony, IN. The Jesus Freaks played for an hour and a half for a crowd of about 80 in attendance. They offered lemonade, snacks, and for anyone donating $10.00 or more to Riley Children’s Hospital received a CD they had recorded live at St. Paul’s UMC Vacation Bible School on June 25, 2006. Scott, Michael, and home coordinator Joe were the only ones able to attend this enjoyable concert on this pleasant warm Summer evening at Murphy Park in New Harmony, IN.
Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes, Yes Lord…AMEN

2006 Drums on the Ohio

2006-07-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the month, Ron Faust, President of The Evansville Downtown Civitan Club, Brian Price, member and Chairman of Drums on the Ohio 2006, and Jeff Eckels, member and ticket distributor, donated 12 tickets for Drums on the Ohio to Jacob’s Village. The 29th Annual Drums on the Ohio, 2006 was held Tuesday evening June 27th, beginning at 6:30p.m. in the Reitz Bowl of the F.J. Reitz High School. The Evansville Downtown Civitan Club - Civitans Serving Drums and Our Community - has sponsored this fund raising event for 27 years to benefit the Evansville community specifically children’s groups and persons with disabilities. The proceeds from this years event will benefit The Advertising Club of Evansville and Jacob’s Village.

Tuesday is always a busy day for the resident’s of Jacob’s Village. Donna Kay and Scott travel to New Harmony at noon where Donna Kay helps with the laundry at the Charles Ford Memorial Home for Women while Scott is a tour guide at the Rapp Granary/Owen Laboratory. They return home about 4:00p.m. Wanda and Mike spend the day working at their employers’ and no sooner than they get home, Community Connections from EARC arrives, picks them up and takes them on an outing. The arrangements are made for once a week and they are taken someplace, for example, on occasion to the Vanderburgh County Humane Society. Michael and Debbie work through the day as well and they catch a ride home together but don’t arrive until 4:30p.m., later than anyone else. We had an early evening meal to give us enough time and make it to the show on Reitz Hill at the football field overlooking the Ohio River. Residents Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, Home Coordinators Carol, Halleck, Barry, Program Director Karin met Doug, Director of Operations and Cheryl, Executive Director, all of Jacob’s Village, at Reitz High School. Charles Huck, Jacob’s Village Board of Director’s member, was also there to assist in the ‘Bucket Brigade’. Initially, it was talked about, there would be Jacob’s Village representatives at the event’s entrances with buckets to accept donations for Jacob’s Village. For an assortment of different reasons, it didn’t work out as well as planned, but enough was collected to pay for a ‘Drums on the Ohio’ program guide.

The Drum Corps International (DCI), founded in 1971, is headquartered in Addison IL. DCI has no affiliation with any school or university, although, they were originally part of a VFW or an American Legion Post. After WW I, veterans organized drum and bugle corps to perform in parades to display the “Stars and Stripes”. Through the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s they evolved from a quasi-military units to competitive marching and music units. Today, DCI is a cross between a Broadway musical and a marching band show, a modern day junior drum and bugle corps.

There is more than 250 corps operating in the U.S. and Canada, with an additional 100+ around the World. Members of these teams must be 14-22 years of age. All competing unit teams fit into one of three divisions: A Division I Corps has 90 to 128 members, a Division II Corps has 30 to 128 members, and Division III Corps must have between 30 and 60 members. A competing corps’ season begins in November when they line up a teams placement. The teams have up to six weeks of rehearsal that includes marching practice on a football field. The rehearsals end up with an eight-week North American city-bus tour and the DCI Championships in August.

There are three forms of Drum Corps: Brass, Percussion, and the Color Guard. The Brass is made up of five different instruments that have a slightly odd construction to them compared to normal. These consist of Trumpets, Mellophones, Baritones, Euphoniums, and Contrabass, which weighs in at whopping 60 lbs. The Percussion is made of many types of drums and tympanis that consist of two subsections; the back battery, a drum line that marches out on the field with the Brass and the front ensemble called a pit percussion that is an assortment of drums, cymbals and keyboards which is hauled in on trailers to the 50yard line. The Color Guard consists of 30 members weaving in and out of the band to a choreographed routine with flags, rifles, sabers, and other props.

Teams perform to an 11 minute production. Each competing unit within their division is judged on a different scale of achievement, creativity, and content. There were six teams from the South and Midwest and the Boom Squad from The New Hope Music Academy in Evansville, IN. The Boom Squad was the first to perform and filled in when needed. The winners on this night were The Cadets sponsored by Yea! PA., in Division I, and the Bluecoats from Canton, OH, in Division II.

Poseyville Christian Church

2006-06-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 11, 2006, Rev. Doris Beckerman of the Poseyville Christian Church visited Jacob’s Village at 5:30pm for an evening of worship and fellowship. The residents: Debbie, Donna Kay, Wanda, Mike, Michael, Scott, and the Home Coordinators Halleck, Carol, and Berry had just finished their evening meal in the women’s home when the Church guests arrived and they were welcomed inside. Accompanying Rev. Doris for this pastoral visit were John and Sharon Matsel with grandson Ryan Renfro, and Mary Jane Rumble. Introductions were made and Rev. Doris began with a story of how a person’s Attitude can dictate their outlook on life. She read a few scriptures pertaining to attitude and how life on Earth is a learning process in preparation upon entering Heaven. While on Earth, ones body is only a shell; making no relevance to how ones shell is filled. Jacob’s Village’s Doug Regin, Director of Operations and Scott Huck, resident-volunteer, gave a presentation of Jacob’s Village to the Poseyville Christian Church’s Women’s Club and Darlene Voegel earlier in the year that began our relationship. A good time was had by all this evening and the residents are looking forward to another time to be with Rev. Doris and the Poseyville Christian Church.

Posey County Community Foundation Grant

2006-06-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

In New Harmony at 6:00pm, Wednesday, June 07, 2006 The Posey County Community Foundation (PCCF) held their awards presentation dinner at the New Harmony Inn and Conference Center. The PCCF, a fund of the Community Foundation Alliance Inc., has been serving donors since 1992 and has grown to include 58 endowment funds, which address a variety of needs in Posey County. The support for these organizations is made possible by endowed funds created by donors who have given the responsibility of determining who receives these grants to the PCCF’s Grants and Distribution Committee. The PCCF board of trustees awarded grants to 16 nonprofit organizations. These grants for the most part stay in Posey County, although, when there is a direct link to the PCCF from an out of county project involving a great service to community, they do accommodate. Such was the case with Jacob’s Village in Vanderburgh County. Jacob’s Village received a grant to assist in providing accessibility improvements to the recreational courtyard and homes. The grant will include the purchase and installation of handrails and metal ramp plates. Cheryl Kuchna, Executive Director of Jacob’s Village, attended the awards presentation dinner. Following the dinner JV resident Scott Huck and home coordinator Joe Marino joined her for the grant presentation. A photo was taken by Jim Kohlmeyer, editor of The Posey County News, of Don Williams, chairman of the Grants and Distribution Committee and the evenings presenter of the awards, with Cheryl Kuchna and Scott Huck. Also receiving an award that night from Evansville was The Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra to assist in the sponsorship of the Evansville Philharmonic Youth Concert Series.

Jacob's Village Weekend

2006-06-15T12:35:00.000-07:00

Jacob's Village Summer Weekend

Early Sunday morning, June 04, 2006, a thunder Shower rolled over head to begin the day. Fortunately, the clouds parted, uncovered the Sun and the wind blew the clouds Southeast for a feel-good, big blue sky day. Like Spring weekends are ending up, the Summer weekend calendar is mostly filled. There were many activities on the Jacob’s Village calendar scheduled on this day. Attending each ones Church is always a favorite thing to do, as with Mike and Wanda, they attend St. Agnes Catholic Church on the far Westside. They are picked up at 8:00am every Sunday morning like clock work unless otherwise notified or have a special event going on. On this day they were picked up at 9:30am because they were assigned to volunteer their help in the kitchen for cleanup detail during the St. Agnes Summer Social fried chicken dinner. Debbie usually spends weekends with her mother and attends Westwood General Baptist Church. When Scott does not attend St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in New Harmony with his parents, Donna Kay, Michael and everyone, a home coordinator or two at Jacob’s Village goes to a Bible study class at Westwood. They stay for the contemporary worship service at 10:30am, and then Debbie will catch a ride back to Jacob’s Village with them. For Michael and Scott, car shows have become a favorite event to attend. The 7th Annual BlackRiver Auto Fest was being held in Griffin, IN, 9:00am to 3:00pm. Also, The Next Step Dance Studio was presenting ‘Under the Big Top’ dance recital at 2:00pm. Remember the Next Step held a ‘Cheer & Tumbling Expo’ benefit for Jacob's Village April 22, 2006. In order to attend both events, we had to miss Sunday morning Church at WestWood. A lot of walking at the car show and a lot of sitting at the dance recital was to take place and Donna Kay cannot manage either of these traits all too well. It’s always nice when more residents can participate in activities, but on this day, Michael, Scott, and Joe were the only ones to spend Sunday in Posey County.

7th Annual Black River Auto Fest

They arrived for the BlackRiver Auto Fest about 10:30am, and classic autos from all eras of the past century were lined up on both sides of the Main Street in Griffin, IN. There were many different makes and models of cars and trucks on display. The sponsors and hosts were selling t-shirts, paraphernalia, burgers, hotdogs, and drinks under a couple of tents. It was a feel-good looking day for an outdoor event. The Doo Wop Shop with DJ John Botts was supplying the ‘50’s & 60’s music that was being played up and down the street. Many cars could have won top prize, but a 1954 Rolls Royce was a favorite.

Next Step Dance Studio
'Under the Big Top'

The Jacob’s Village bunch left the auto show a little after one to make the 2:00pm Dance Recital at North Posey High School. They arrived there in plenty of time in hopes of being able to select their place before the 550 seat auditorium started filling up. Many people were in the lobby being entertained by Hadi Shrine Funster Clowns with their antics and balloon animals, while Carol Rodgers, coordinator of the show, greeted the Jacob’s Village bunch and showed them to their seats. The Next Step’s presentation of ‘Under the Big Top’ was a sell out for this Sunday matinee. They had just come up short of a sellout for their opening performance the night before. There were 50 acts in this show performed by children, ages ranging from 4 to 16. All kids performed to the 50 acts with appropriate music selections that were segmented into circus theme divisions. The Funster Clowns filled in throughout the show between acts when needed, always with what clowns do best, silly hi-jinx. An enjoyable 3 hours of good entertainment was had by all.

Correspondence with the Residents

2006-06-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

Resident’s Address & Birthday

Telephone # 1 (812) 963-5198

Women Men
Jacob’s Village Jacob’s Village
(resident’s name) resident’s name)
7317 Benjamin Trail 7343 Benjamin Trail
Evansville, IN 47720 Evansville, IN 47720

Donna Kay R. - March 04 Michael H.- April 14

Debbie R. - October 03 Scott H. - August 23

Wanda H. - November 06 Michael W. - December 23

We are approaching and will be celebrating our second anniversary of living in our new assisted living community here at Jacob’s Village. Since our five charter residents moved in October of 2004, we have welcomed one new resident with open arms and anticipating several more in the near future. Everyone is keeping busy with their daily responsibilities while finding more activities to fit in. One event that we all look forward to after a hard days’ work is checking our mailbox. Some days are better than others; but receiving a card or a letter in the mail can make the difference between a good or bad day. Many people have often asked, “How can I help out Jacob’s Village?” A simple, but very big way to help is to make all residents be a part of a relationship. Show them that they are of interest and cared for by having some type of correspondence with them by sending a letter, note or even a birthday card. Everyone likes to get good news in the mail; we are no different. This is just one example of how someone can help out and put a smile on another’s face.

©

EVV Otters Benefit Baseball Game

2006-05-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

Friday evening, May 19, 2006, at 7:05pm the Evansville Otters played their first exhibition baseball game of the season at Bosse Field against the Florence, Kentucky-Freedom. Bosse Field is the third oldest ball park in operation in the U.S. behind Fenway Park in Boston and Wrigley Field in Chicago. This was the 2nd annual EVV Otters benefit game for Jacob’s Village. This year, with a campaign concentrated advertising blitz via TV, Radio, and Newspapers, the attendance was about 3,000 and the amount from the proceeds of ticket sales was just under $11,000. Maybe we can double those numbers for the 3rd annual EVV Otters benefit game next year. The Jacob’s Village bunch, consisting of all residents Wanda, Debbie, Donna Kay, Mike, Michael, Scott, home coordinators Gloria, and Joe, arrived at Bosse Field at 6:00pm. Upon entering the front gate with ticket stub in hand, Jacob’s Village office personnel were handing out informative brochures to interested onlookers at the entrance.
Susan Dellinger also had a table display set up signing and selling copies of her new book that was published in February. Susan Dellinger is the granddaughter of the late Edd Roush, former Cincinnati Red, and the author of ‘Red Legs and Black Sox: Edd Roush and the Untold Story of the 1919 World Series’.
Eleven River City Clowns were at the ballgame, doing what they do best, entertaining the crowd with balloon animals, looks, and their hi-jinx of actions throughout the game. Evan Otter was making his rounds through the stands to the delight of everyone in attendance; many photos were being taken of both, the River City Clowns and Evan Otter.
The Jacob’s Village bunch found their seats down the third base line, past the visitor’s dugout, right on the playing field level of the reserved area boxed seats. The ‘Star Spangled Banner’ was sung and Michael threw the ceremonial first pitch out and the game was on. The weather conditions couldn’t have been better for the game and for the residents. The ones who chose to treat themselves to peanuts, crackerjack, and a drink, did so by the courtesy of the activity fund that was made up from cashing in aluminum cans. The home town Otters did not come out on top this night, but the Otter ball girls entertained the crowd in between innings with different contests and everyone was glad to have spent an evening at the old ball park.

A good time was had by all in attendance.

Astronomy Day

2006-05-11T11:21:00.000-07:00

The Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science on Riverside Drive was hosting Astronomy Day that was made possible by a generous grant from Michelle & Phillip Eykamp and presented in partnership with the Evansville Astronomical Society running 11:00 am-4:00pm on Saturday, May 06, 2006. To make the last two hours of the event, at 1:30pm, all residents Wanda, Donna Kay, Michael, Scott, and home coordinators Gloria and Joe of Jacob’s Village loaded up in the mini-vans and went to pick Mike up from work. There had been many activities and programs throughout the day and there was free admission into the museum with a $1.00 fee to see a show in the Koch Planetarium. The Jacob’s Village bunch arrived, checked on the times of the planetarium shows, and found out they were sold out until the 4:00 show. So, we walked all over the museum’s two floors viewing all of their current exhibits. The Old Gallery was where Astronomy Day activities were being held. There were many children and adults taking part in these programs. Whether it was listening to a lecture on a solar or lunar topic from Dr. Gregg Eubanks or hands on craft making projects to demonstrate a space example, a good learning time was being had by all. Also in the Old Gallery there was an exhibit of ‘Harley Heaven’. This featured a display of old, new, different makes and models of Harley Davidson Motorcycles through the years. Waiting around until the planetarium show began, we decided to venture out to the South lawn to see the sculpting, fountains, and river front. With 4:00pm nearing we went back inside to the Koch Planetarium to watch ‘Larry, Cat in Space’. This show followed the devotion of an orange cat named Larry and his adventures traveling to the Moon. Larry the cat becomes a stowaway on a supply rocket to the moon to be with his human, Lisa, which was working at a Moon space station. Although we were unable to see the nighttime sky identification show of constellations, we all enjoyed the presentation of ‘Larry, Cat in Space’. The Evansville Museum is an enjoyable, enlightening, and relaxing place to spend an afternoon.

Bye Bye Birdie

2006-05-11T07:34:00.000-07:00

On the week-end of May 5, 6, & 7, 2006, the Mater Dei High School Theatre Department performed ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ in the Kempf Auditorium for their Spring Musical. Debbie Haton, teacher and sponsor of the Mater Dei High School’s National Honor Society furnished matinee tickets for Jacob’s Village to attend the Sunday, May 7, 3:00pm showing. Wanda, Debbie, Donna Kay, Mike, Michael, Scott, home coordinators Gloria and Joe arrived a half hour early for the performance. Showing our tickets, receiving the program bill, and being some of the first few to enter Kempf Auditorium when the doors opened; the Jacob’s Village bunch were able to choose their seats right in the middle of the 375 seat facility.
The musical began with an audio/video montage of a Conrad Birdie, teen-age girl, crony fan-club singing about how much they loved him. Then, the story immediately kicked-off with Birdies’ manager trying to create a sensational, P/R-money making send-off for Birdie upon joining the Army. As the story goes, a scheme was worked up to have an unknown teen-age girl give a goodbye Birdie kiss on a remote location on the ‘Ed Sullivan Show’. Jealousies, emotions and trying to have control of others actions make this story just as relevant today as it did in 1960. Good acting, good singing, and a small orchestra in the pit playing good music throughout made for one enjoyable show. A good time was had by all and Jacob’s Village sent a big heart thank you to Debbie Haton. The talent in High School musical shows is very entertaining and worth ones time to see. We gave it a 'thumbs up'

Cheer & Tumbling EXPO

2006-05-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

The Next Step Dance Studio in Poseyville, IN, invited the residents of Jacob’s Village to ‘Something to Cheer About, A Cheer and Tumbling EXPO’ at North Posey High School Saturday evening, April 22, 2006, at 6:00pm. Residents attending this ‘EXPO’ were Wanda, Donna Kay, Mike, Michael, Scott, and home-coordinators Gloria and Joe. Two weeks before the show, Carol Rodgers, Activities Director at Allison Healthcare in Poseyville gave Scott Huck a call. Carol informed Scott that after reading the 2nd Quarter 2006’s Jacob’s Village Newsletter ‘Sharing Our Journeys’ Wish List section of how interested individuals or groups can help, she thought of a great fund raiser tied into a connection with The Next Step Dance Studio’s next performance. Scott’s daughter Britini has been associated with Jennifer and her teachings for many years and is no stranger to this Studio. Jennifer Collins, Carol’s daughter, and owner-manager-instructor of The Next Step had been having her students sell T-shirts, different paraphernalia of what-nots and for each item, setting one dollar back for Jacob’s Village. A special thank you is in order for SouthWest Grafix for their contribution on the T-shirt artwork they printed. This would be an excellent opportunity for the Jacob’s Village residents to be introduced to The Next Steps’ Dance, Gymnastics, and Cheerleading. Jennifer was prepping the kids, ages 2 to 14, out on the gymnasium floor when the Jacob’s Village bunch arrived and were showed to their reserved seating on the gym floor bleachers. The 13 cheer and tumbling acts consisted of about 80 to 90 Next Step students that made up their competitive and non-competitive cheer teams. These cheer teams’ routines were performed to many popular music selections and songs. Cheering, pyramid building, front-back flips, with running and jumping made up most of the acts. The final act was The Next Step Cheer Mom & Dads doing their cheer and gymnastic moves. Following the performance, Jennifer had Scott meet her in the middle of the floor to hand the proceeds from the sales and amount from a donation bucket that was at the entrance. All total there was a little less than $300.00 to benefit Jacob’s Village. Outstanding choreography, gymnastic feats, upbeat music, and the camaraderie of instructors, students, parents, and about 350 in attendance made for one enjoyable ‘EXPO’. A good time was had by all.

C J L Picnic in Park

2006-05-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

Monday afternoon, April 24, at 2:30pm Jacob’s Village had Home-Coordinator Joe come in for work early to pick Debbie and Michael up after work at 3:00 and 3:30. Usually, the city METS transportation bus picks them up from work and has them home by 4:30, but that would make them run late for the Community Job Link Annual Picnic. That was the set date for this years’ picnic, which was held Monday evening, April 24, 2006, 4:00 to 5;30 in the 1st shelter house at Wesselman Park. Scott was with Joe when Debbie and Michael were picked up from work. Arriving at Wesselman Park right on the hour of 4:00, we pulled up beside Gloria in the green Jacob’s Village van that had just arrived a few minutes earlier with Wanda, Donna Kay, and Mike. It was a perfect evening for a picnic, big blue sky, comfortable temperature, and the wind was not a factor. The Jacob’s Village bunch was not the first ones to show up but a few more guests trickled in after we found our spot under the 1st shelter house. All total, there were 22 people for the picnic, other than the Jacob’s Village bunch, no one else was at the past year’s picnic. Rudy Winderlich, Job Development Specialist for Community Job Link, also a newcomer, only holding that title for less than a year, was their representative to organize, host, and distribute the goodies. The food consisted of ham, roast beef, and cheese sandwiches to mix in with chips, fresh fruit, cookies, and assorted soft drinks. After filling up on the good and tasty food it was time for an activity to burn some energy off. This year, Rudy had a parachute game, the parachute game consisted of a 10 or 12 foot round piece of rainbow colored triangle material made out of nylon. The round material had handles around the edge of it so players could grab a hold of it with both hands and in unison wave it up and down and whip some type of ball high into the air. The parachute game was a well liked game activity. A good time of fellowship, good music, and a parachute game was had by all.

5th Annual St. Judes Car Show

2006-05-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

Mike has to be picked up from work at 2:00pm every Saturday when his shift ends. This particular Saturday Afternoon, April 22, Michael, Wanda, Scott, and home-coordinator Joe left Jacob’s Village early enough to attend the Fifth Annual Cruise-in Car Show benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This Car Show was being held at the West-side Shopping Plaza, located at Mt. Vernon and Sonntag avenues. Sponge Bob Square-Pants and Shrek were there to greet all who attended the event including the Jacob’s Village bunch. The two characters shook our hands and added flavor to the show. Also, the El Charro Mexican Restaurant was offering samples of cheese flavored ‘Pork Rinds’ to entice on-lookers to purchase a larger quantity of the tasty snacks. At these car shows, as always, they have plenty of nice looking vintage classic cars and a few novelty ones. These cars have been customized especially to show, for instance, a ’56 Pink Cadillac with a Pink Panther theme, and a ’58 Thunderbird convertible with Elvis Presley themed paraphernalia, and many others. Some of our favorite ones to look at are the Plymouth and Dodge powered ‘Muscle Cars’ from the ‘60’s and ‘70’s such as: Roadrunners, Challengers, Chargers, Dusters, and Barracudas. With ‘Pork Rinds’ in hand everyone left the car show satisfied and a good time was had by all.

WestWood Spaghetti Supper

2006-05-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

5:00 Wednesday evening, April 19, the Westwood General Baptist Church located at 121 S. Boehne Camp Road, hosted a Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner. The High School, Junior High School, and Middle School students, who are members of the clubs B.L.E.A.C.H. & R.A.I.D.E.R.S., were raising funds for their Student Ministries Summer trip to ALIVE ’06 in Ohio. All Jacob’s Village residents Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, and Home Coordinators Carol, Halleck, and Barry had two tables pulled up together so everyone could dine together with Debbie’s Mother Mary. The Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner served by the B.L.E.A.C.H. & R.A.I.D.E.R.S. was taken from a customized menu which consisted of Scurlock’s Secret Sauce of Burtonelli’s Blend or Deno’s Concoction, Briangela Bread, Sloan Salad, Jourdan Dessert, and a choice of Villines’s Refreshing Beverages of sweet and unsweetened Tea, Water, or Lemonade. The main course, drinks, and a good selection of desserts were a tasty dinner treat that filled everyone’s hunger while being serenaded with Italian music. The two student groups showcased their stand-up comedic talents for the entertainment on this night. The slight disappointments of the Spaghetti & Meatball Dinner were that there was no food fights; no Dean Martin music and nobody got a pie in the face. Although, we were one month too early, another fund raiser for the Summer Youth Trip is a ‘Pie in the Face Auction’ Sunday, May 21. A vote for your favorite face to get a pie costs $1 and the top 7 vote getters will receive a pie in the face. Sounds like a winner, enjoy desserts and decorate faces.

John Sloan , Pastor
Rodney Sloan, Associate Pastor

R adical B ig
A lliance L oud
I ntended to E xcited
D isciple A lliance of
E ncourage C hristian
R ejoice in H ope
S alvation

Cabin Fever Car Show

2006-04-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

After Mike and Wanda attended their Sunday morning service at St. Agnes Catholic Church March 26, they were dropped off at Westwood Baptist Church. There, they met up with Michael, Scott, and home-coordinator Joe to attend the Easter Seals, Cabin Fever Cruise-In Car Show that was being held at the Home Depot parking lot at 5230 Pearl Drive on the Westside of Evansville. There was a good, large variety of about 80 customized classic cars and trucks to look over. Also, there were a few novelty vehicles like the ’61 Hearst with a mannequin hooked up to life support, and some specially built bicycles and wagons with lawnmower engines to power them. We posed for our picture to be taken by Joe beside one or two of the classic customized vehicles. This year there are many car shows on the calendar in the tri-state area and we plan on attending more of the Cruise-In Car Shows.

EACC Spring Fair

2006-04-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

11:00am Saturday, April 1, 2006, Debbie, Donna Kay, Wanda, Michael, Scott, and home-coordinators Carol and Barry went to the National Guard Armory. This is where the Evansville Area Community of Churches (EACC) were holding their 'Spring Fair, to benefit the Weekday Christian Education Program. This year, their 32nd annual 'Spring Fair' included a flea-market of arts, crafts, books, homemade baked goods, jams, and a fried chicken dinner with all the fixings plus desert. A loaf of freshly baked bread was purchased and it was good-n-tasty. We saw a few familiar faces from St. Paul’s UCC of German Township. Generously, Pastor Dan Sather had a young man named Conner assist Scott with his plate through the food line.

The EACC has been crossing denominational lines and touching lives in order to better serve the needs of the Evansville community since 1938. The EACC helped give birth to Evansville’s own Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Jail Task Force Ministry, The Tri-State Food Bank, and numerous other local agencies and ministries. There are seven food pantries in Evansville that were established in 1969. Since 1942, more than 1,000 third and fourth graders from twenty elementary Evansville-Vanderburgh public schools have been learning religious teachings through the free non-denominational Weekday Christian Education Program. This program of teaching begins in October and runs through May. Seventy-five percent of the children in the program do not attend a church; therefore, these classes are taught by experienced teachers that meet the children during the school day on release-time in mobile classrooms.

Donkey Basketball Game

2006-04-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

Just by coincidence 6:00 Saturday evening, the first day of April-fools, the residents of Jacob’s Village went to a Donkey Basketball Game. The Ribeyre Gymnasium Restoration Group (RGRG) of New Harmony sponsored a fund raiser for its renovation. The RGRG has plans to modify the old gym, built in 1924, to a more functional facility. The World Famous Buckeye Donkey Ball Donkeys from Columbus, Ohio, were in action for a celebrity exhibition basketball game at the New Harmony School. The residents from Jacob’s Village attending the Donkey Match were Wanda, Donna Kay, Mike, Michael, Scott, and home-coordinators Carol, Halleck, and Barry. When the Jacob’s Village bunch arrived early for the game, the trainers had ten Donkeys lined up next to their trailer out in the parking lot grooming and prepping them for the game. Their trainer allowed picture’s to be taken with 'Fast Frank' while the other Donkeys were not ready yet. All Donkeys wore getting specially fitted rubber shoes on their hooves so they wouldn’t damage the floor. Upon entering the gymnasium, Charles Huck directed the Jacob’s Village bunch to their reserved two front row bleacher seats. There were four teams with four Donkeys and riders per team and all the riders were associated with the School or from New Harmony. The pooper-scoopers, with bucket and scoop shovel, were waiting patiently for action, in which, their time did come. They played three games with the winners of the first two games playing in the championship game. The rules of the game were as such; riders had to be on their Donkey to score a basket or to pass the basketball, but they could get off their Donkey to try and move him into place or at least close enough to make a basket. After the first game, a rider brought the smallest Donkey named 'Killer' over for the residents to pet and have pictures taken. Wanda fell in love with this little donkey and wanted to bring him home. So naturally, 'Killer' was the one to cheer for, and for a little Donkey, he had a lot of kick to his buck. He did buck some riders off and would drop his head to the floor forcing the rider to slide down his neck. Fortunately, no one was severely injured, although a bit sore. The games, filled with laughter, were hilarious and a good time was had by all. The winning team on this night was the 'Donkey Donks'.

USI O/T Students

2006-04-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

University of Southern Indiana students Kendra Banschbach, Karen Fowler, and Jeremy Gorman are majoring in the field of Occupational Therapy. A requirement of their studies to complete their degree is to develop and provide O/T services for a facility that could potentially benefit from these services. This type of program in O/T studies is called the Synthesis Course. Barb Williams, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at USI, and a member of the Jacob’s Village Board of Directors is directing these students through this project with the residents of Jacob’s Village. Since January, these students have been visiting Jacob’s Village every Saturday at 2:00pm to involve the residents in different types of activities. These activities include pitching balls of all sorts back and forth to each other, putting golf balls, scavenger hunts and word association games to stimulate the mind. Exercise type of activities that are designed to work the range of motion in the arms, shoulders, legs, and trunk rotation that benefit our flexibility. One afternoon they had mixing dough in a bowl that each one of us rolled up, cut in half in equal lengths, braided them in a small circle, put’em in a pan, baked them in the oven and they came out napkin holders. While we were waiting for them to bake, the USI students opened up the paint, paint brushes, assorted sponge shapes, and stencils and we painted masterpieces. The last session of the student’s project they left us a small token of their appreciation and cooperation. Karen had recently been to Albuquerque, New Mexico and picked up a few Indian crafts such as a couple of dream-catchers and some specially painted little bobble-head frogs carved out of wood that she gave us. We really enjoyed their eagerness, attitude, and ambition to help us in a positive way and we miss them dearly since their course work has been completed. We wished them the best of luck and happiness in their future plans.

Oklahoma

2006-03-31T12:06:00.000-08:00

Ann Coy’s monthly activity visit to Jacob’s Village was rearranged for Sunday, March 19. Ann had made arrangements to treat all the residents to the Harrison High School’s Fine Arts Department production of ‘Oklahoma’ at 2:00pm. All six residents, Debbie, Donna Kay, Wanda, Mike, Michael, Scott and home-coordinators Carol and Barry pulled into Harrison High School’s parking lot at 1:30pm Sunday afternoon. Ann was waiting at the entrance of the 750 seat capacity auditorium and greeted us at the door. We had plenty of time to find our seats in the auditorium before the show began and there was not a bad seat in the house. The acting, singing and dancing was outstanding. We knew many of the songs that were performed and enjoyed the 3-hour show very much, yes there was an intermission. This was our first outing with Ann and it went well. We look forward to another outing, maybe in the Summer time, when she decides on something else for us to do.

Beautiful Business Award Winner

2006-03-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

Keep Evansville Beautiful (KEB) and the Evansville Business Journal (EBJ),
a product of the Evansville Courier & Press, sponsored the Beautiful Business Awards luncheon/presentation Wednesday, Oct. 12 at the Petroleum Club.
The judges were members of the Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association, and in the Nonprofit Facilities category, Jacob’s Village won first place, while placing second was Solarbron Point. The business award was presented to Cheryl Kuchna, Executive Director at Jacob’s Village. Jacob’s Village is honored to have received the award and more pleased with being recognized along with all the other past and present nominees in the greater Evansville area. Only in the second year of operation, everyone involved with Jacob’s Village has worked hard and will continue working hard to make this place the most presentable and best-looking facility it can become. Thanks to all volunteers that have helped and put in hard work for us here, your effort does not go unnoticed, we love you all.