Since his first day as a volunteer firefighter in 1963, Ron Hamm has been an avid collector of all things fire-related. His first acquisition was a patch from the Huntertown station where he served. Today, he proudly owns more than 7,000 unique patches . . .
Journey Beside Mothers began in 2020 after Founder Julie Reece recognized an unmet need in the community. She shares, “While working as a nurse home visitor through Healthier Moms and Babies, we found that many mothers needed additional encouragement . . .
If you attend a class at the Parks and Recreation Community Center, chances are you’ll be greeted at the front desk by a friendly volunteer affectionately known as “Rooster.” Michael Voiles has been part of the Community Center family for nearly . . .
For many of us, it’s Back to School season, but for the staff and volunteers at The Literacy Alliance (TLA), school is year-round. Founded in 1972, TLA is a nonprofit organization based in Fort Wayne that empowers adults through free literacy and . . .
“Welcome to Fort Wayne!” That’s the cheerful greeting travelers hear from Hospitality Host Anita Kowalski as they exit TSA at Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) and receive a free cookie.
Anita has been volunteering at FWA for the past six . . .
Through his volunteer work at LC Nature Park, a retired Fort Wayne Community Schools teacher has found the perfect avenue to continue his passion for educating students. Russ Voorhees taught for 35 years, his last 10 years as a Science Resource Teacher . . .
Hope’s Harbor is dedicated to supporting children facing serious illness by providing their families with comfort, care, and essential resources, ensuring they never face their journey alone.
One of their most ardent supporters is Jodi Keller, who . . .
A married couple in southwest Fort Wayne is giving back to their community both independently and as a team. For Ron Fritze and Linda Stabler, volunteering is deeply fulfilling—they often find that they receive more than they give.
Since joining the . . .
November 16th marked the 3rd Annual Family Volunteer Day held at Waynedale UMC. Sponsored by the Volunteer Center and in partnership with Project 216, over 70 people came together to pack 11,016 meals that were then shipped to refugees in Ukraine. . . .
I love the friendliness and closeness of the Waynedale community and am very passionate about seeing Waynedale prosper.
I serve as chair of the Waynedale Trails and Sidewalks committee and co-chair of the “Rivergreenway Adopt a Trail” two-mile portion of the St. Mary’s Pathway. Winterset Association also supports this cleanup effort year-round. I am also involved in the Annual Walk In Waynedale event held in August. We are fortunate to have a strong group of committed volunteers who help with organized fundraisers such as this.
On the personal side, I am married to my best friend Jack. Our daughter Alicia, and son-in-law Andy have blessed us with a beautiful granddaughter Sadie. We live in Winterset Association which is full of great neighbors. I enjoy walking, biking, scrapbooking and reading.
My church home is Waynedale UMC on Church Street. I serve on several committees within the church and love the outreach we share with the community.
I am also a board member with Honor Flight Northeast Indiana. It is very rewarding to be a part of this group that sends Veterans to Washington to reflect upon the memorials built in their honor.
Three area organizations joined forces to celebrate National Volunteer Day on Saturday, November 18.
The Volunteer Center, a nonprofit that links volunteers to local community organizations in need of volunteers, sponsored the event. It was hosted by . . .
A group of longtime Waynedale neighbors and friends gather regularly to work on various volunteer projects through the Volunteer Center. One recent project was decorating paper grocery sacks for Community Harvest Food Bank. CHFB Volunteer Manager Adam . . .
Holy Scripture Lutheran Church on Kinnerk Road recently realized a vision come true. Plans for a community walking path that have been in the works since prior to COVID, came to fruition fulfilled by a dedication ceremony on Sunday, October 16th.
The . . .
When we think of the dog days of summer, ice cream treats are among the first things that come to mind. And a favorite go-to is The Stand; a deep rooted Waynedale tradition, having served our community for 18 years.
In 2003, two long-time Waynedale . . .
Anyone who knows me at all recognizes that among the many things I am passionate about, a top contender is preserving our environment. And one important way to do that is through repurposing of items.
That’s why when one of my friends told me about . . .
What Is YOUR passion?
Do you love animals? Want to help people less fortunate? Perhaps encourage kids as they learn to read? Or are you excited about repurposing items instead of filling our landfills? Is it cleaning up your community, advocating . . .
What Is YOUR passion?
Do you love animals? Want to help people less fortunate? Perhaps encourage kids as they learn to read? Or are you excited about repurposing items instead of filling our landfills? Is it cleaning up your community, advocating for . . .
We hear the ominous warnings in the local and national news “Buy your turkey sooner rather than later” and “Shop for Christmas gifts” early. The apprehension of supply shortages is real and just one good reason to Shop Local.
We can all help . . .
Although technically April was National Volunteer Month, I’d like to take this belated opportunity to highlight someone who exemplifies what the term Volunteering is all about.
Rochele Watson is the Executive Director of Fort Wayne Pet Food Pantry. . . .
We have a hidden jewel in our Waynedale Community. Sari Bari is an ethical fashion business that employs women who have been exploited in the sex trade or who are vulnerable to human trafficking. Women are trained as artisans to create beautiful, quality . . .
Unfortunately, there is no “Silver Bullet” that can make us see the glass half full instead of half empty. We need to train our brain to be more optimistic. And remember, the glass is always refillable!
Start by Looking for the Silver Lining- None . . .
Finding the perfect Christmas Gift can be a challenge. Add a pandemic to the mix and it can become downright daunting. So, when the board members of Honor Flight Northeast Indiana deliberated how to show their appreciation to their fearless leader, . . .
We will soon see the COVID-19 pandemic reaching the one year mark. It is the polar opposite of the festivities that typically accompany milestones or anniversaries. This virus has touched each of us in some manner whether through personal illness, . . .
When speaking with Jim Springer, two things quickly became clear to me. Jim has a strong passion for Waynedale and he cared deeply for his clients at Springer Law Office.
Jim shared countless memories, most involving places I wasn’t familiar with. . . .
“In 1992, about 250 volunteers gathered to help spruce up what was then the YWCA campus on North Wells Street. That event has now grown into an opportunity for thousands of volunteers to come together to make Allen County a better place to live and . . .