This is our final round celebrating of 16 volunteers in Jasper and Newton Counties. You amaze us! We know that there are so many of you out there giving your time and work to make our communities awesome places to live. Thank you to everyone who shared their story with us this round and to everyone we haven’t gotten to yet for all that you do in our community!
Bob Shenk
Rensselaer Adventures
“So many people eagerly await Bob’s blog of Rensselaer Adventures,” says Dianne Hollerman, a friend of Bob Schenk’s.
“He must spend so much time keeping up with what’s going on in the local community. He articulates so professionally. To read through all the open houses he reports on plus city and county meetings as well as new businesses and major updates to buildings, roads, utilities, etc. Just keeping track of all the local happenings is amazing. Bob just quietly enters and exits meetings and events. Bob is an amazing fellow!”
Bob Souza
Good Samaritan Food Pantry
Our next volunteer share is Bob Souza, nominated by Dianne Hollerman. Here’s what she had to say about Bob, who volunteers at the Good Samaritan Food Pantry:
“Bob is an amazing volunteer. He is always watching ads to get the best buy for the food pantry. He makes many trips to Lafayette to the Food Finders. He is a very humble fellow, always working with a smile. He is present for the hours the food pantry is open and organizes other giveaways. Bob is always ready to help others in need and keeps a very low profile. Bob has given many years to make our community a better place to live,” Dianne Hollerman.
Diane Fish
Franciscan Health Rensselaer
Diane is the longest-tenured volunteer at Franciscan Health Rensselaer,” says fellow coordinator Judy Egan.
“She was one of the first volunteers to ‘sign up’ to volunteer at Franciscan Health Rensselaer. Since that time, she has been a consistent and committed volunteer.”
“When COVID struck, she patiently waited until volunteers would be re-instated. She was one of the first to return. She volunteers in the Gift Shop. She consistently takes on extra shifts to help support the Hospital, its mission, and its for the community. So, Diane knows most of her coworkers at the hospital and brings her natural curiosity and scientific prowess along with her. While volunteering in the Gift Shop, she is engaging with her coworkers and encouraging them, challenging them and inspiring them to strive for excellence in each task they may be facing that day. She extends the kindness and helpfulness to those who venture into the Gift Shop.”
Mary Ann Niles
Fase Center
“Mary Ann has a genuine giving heart for serving others and her community. She volunteers each day at the Fase Center at the reception desk, answering phones, welcoming attendees, and providing information about the Senior Center. She helps with lunch meal service each day. She is an active volunteer with special events and activities, and she calls BINGO each week at the center.”
“She loves her community and where she lives. She conveys the importance of what it means to live in our community, the opportunities, and the support.”
“She is an example of what community support, caring, and direction can provide. Mary Ann reaches out to those near her home and provides information and encouragement as to community opportunities.”
Casey Ward
Kentland Task Force
“Casey was born and raised in Kentland. After college, marriage, and a move to North Carolina, Casey returned here to raise her family. Casey has been an integral part of the Kentland Task Force for the past three years,” says Laura Robbins, a fellow Task Force team member and cousin to Casey.
“During that time, she worked tirelessly to help create two new parks in Kentland. She has also recently started as the Park Board President and is already planning for family fun community events to start this summer! Casey is always available to help with various things on the Task Force and is willing to meet with members to help with plans, attend meetings and just be a sounding board for ideas. She is creative in her thinking, loves the town of Kentland, and is always striving to help improve Kentland to make it more family-friendly and accessible for all!”
“The picture is of Casey (right) enjoying dessert at The Old Colonial Inn after helping volunteer coach for the South Newton Volleyball Team!”
Know a Great Volunteer?
We are always looking for more volunteers to celebrate and inspire others. You can share your story or how someone you know inspires you here:
