Riding Hope Inc.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
