Tag Archives: LaGrange

Trailblazing Insights: A Conversation with Jeff Wingstrom, President of LaGrange County Trails

Jeff Wingstrom, a 41-year resident of LaGrange County, recently talked with us about his work as president of LaGrange County Trails. Wingstrom grew up in LaPorte, Ind., and graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in biology. He retired from the Indiana State Department of Health as an environmental scientist after 45 years. He and his wife of 50 years, Marilyn, have three children and six grandchildren. They enjoy biking, reading and all watersports.

Q: What started your love for bike trails in LaGrange County?

A: My wife, Marilyn, and our children always loved riding our bikes; however, as our roads became busier and with larger vehicles, we stopped riding. One day we rode the Pumpkinvine Trail, and I realized there was a safe, enjoyable way to bike instead of on our dangerous county roads. That is when I fell in love with the idea of more bike trails in our county.

Q: How did LaGrange County Trails get started? What’s your mission?

A: We started with a small group of citizens and stakeholder meetings to discuss how to begin developing bike trails. This led, in December of 2018, to incorporation, our first meeting in January of 2019, and obtaining our 501(c)(3) non-profit status later that summer. Our nonprofit is comprised of a nine-member board whose mission is to create countywide, public, non-motorized multipurpose, bike/pedestrian recreational trails in LaGrange County. Our motto is: “Connecting people with nature.”

The Hawpatch Trail is our first planned trail, which will be constructed for the safety and quality of life of our community, not only for those who will benefit today, but for succeeding generations.

Q: Why did LaGrange County Trails decide to pursue a new trail system in Topeka?

A: It is estimated 800 workers bike into Topeka five days a week. This would get many of those workers off dangerous and busy county roads and provide them with a safe way to commute to work. There are several Amish schools along the route, giving those children a safer way to get to school. The proposed 17-mile bike/pedestrian Hawpatch Trail will connect Wolcottville, Topeka and Millersburg, spanning three towns and three counties, so not only commuters, but recreational bikers and pedestrians will have a safe place to exercise.

We also chose this route because the Norfolk and Southern Railroad Company owns approximately 90% of the land and we thought it would be relatively easy to acquire.

Q: What is the status of the Hawpatch Trail?

A: At this time a purchase agreement has been negotiated with the Norfolk and Southern Railroad and we are waiting for their signature. After that, the land will be surveyed, which will take at least six months and then we will close on the property.

Q: What is your future hope for trails in LaGrange County?

A: Bike trails are being developed all over our state and our nation. They provide proven economic benefits to the communities that have them. People come from all over to ride, walk and run on trails. Communities consider them as one of their best assets. Property values increase when they are located near a trail. My hope is we can develop a trail system in LaGrange County that will connect our towns and parks and connect to the trails being developed in our adjacent counties. I hope they will provide years of safe recreational opportunities for everyone and will provide a way for locals and visitors to explore and learn about our communities.

Q: What legacy do you hope to leave?

A: That to the best of my abilities and with the help of many other people, LaGrange County Trails develops something current and future generations will use to discover the beauty and unique character that is our county.

Q: What are ways people in LaGrange County can help?

A: They can advocate for bike/pedestrian trails to their elected officials and to their friends and neighbors. We are currently working with the LaGrange County Community Foundation on developing a county wide bicycle/pedestrian trail plan. They can participate in and attend the public meetings and give their input on the location of future trails at one of the three upcoming forums:

Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail Plan Public Meetings

  • LaGrange, The Garage Community Center, July 25, from 6-8 p.m.,
  • Shipshewana, Wolfe Community Building, August 6, from 3-5 p.m.,
  • Mongo, Mongo United Methodist Church, August 6, from 6-8 p.m.

Lastly, but most importantly, they can donate to the Hawpatch Trail Fund at the Community Foundation. Thanks to a generous grant from Lilly Endowment, the LaGrange County Community Foundation will match donations for the trail $1 for $1 through Dec. 31, 2025.

Scholarship program provides $145,250 in support to graduating high school seniors

Through the 2024 Community Scholarship Program at the LaGrange County Community Foundation program, a total of $145,250 in scholarships will be provided to area students. Jennifer McBride, Community Foundation Scholarship Manager, presented the awards in May to students at school ceremonies for Lakeland, Prairie Heights and Westview schools.

The Community Foundation manages more than 50 individual scholarship funds created by individuals, families and businesses to benefit a specific school or field of study. The scholarship funds support a variety of career paths such as education, agriculture, health, science, nursing, and more.   

“Each year we look forward to awarding our Community Scholarships to high school seniors. These scholarships recognize the accomplishments the students have achieved in the last four years,” said Executive Director Octavia Yoder.

“We are grateful to the individuals, families and businesses who created these scholarship funds and have worked alongside the Community Foundation. We aspire to welcome new donors and fund more students as the program continues to grow.  We are extremely appreciative of the community volunteers who take time to help read and evaluate scholarships.  The process is quite an undertaking and is truly a community partnership of donors, volunteers, schools, and Community Foundation staff.  It’s rewarding to help support the educational goals of students in our community,” Yoder added.

Lakeland Jr. Sr. High School scholarship recipients:

  • Allread-Rife Family Scholarship – Abigaile McNamara.
  • Brian Evans Memorial Scholarship – Johanna Guzman.
  • Bruce Brown Memorial Scholarship – Xai Leu.
  • Bulldog Spirit Scholarship – Aiden Tuttle.
  • Chase Scott Memorial Football Scholarship – Jayden Marshall.
  • George O. Witwer Memorial Scholarship – Xai Leu.
  • HOPE Nursing Scholarship – Abigale McNamara.
  • HOPE Nursing Scholarship – Cassidi Parham.
  • J.O. Mory Company Scholarship – Adriana Sturgill.
  • Jean Seagly Crouse Memorial Scholarship – Clara Rasler.
  • Joseph Willard Memorial Scholarship – Adriana Sturgill.
  • Judy-Gage Keenan Scholarship – Cassidi Parham.
  • Lakeland Scholarship – Taylor Jerdon.
  • Lambright Leadership Award – Taylor Jerdon.
  • Lambright Leadership Award – Xai Leu.
  • Mary McGawn Teaching Scholarship – Clara Rasler.
  • Mattea Holton Memorial Scholarship – Cassidi Parham.
  • Melvin and Marjorie Bricker Memorial Scholarship – Taylor Jerdon.
  • Olivia Bay Lemings Memorial Scholarship – Takya Wallace.
  • Paul and Marian Krebs Scholarship – Kylie Fry.
  • Ray and Ruth Culp Memorial Scholarship – Taylor Jerdon.
  • Terry Schmidt Memorial Basketball Scholarship – Nathan Keil.
  • Virgil and Florence Hardin Memorial Scholarship – Abigale McNamara.
  • Waddell Scholarship – Xai Leu.

Prairie Heights High School scholarship recipients:

  • Allread-Rife Family Scholarship – Emma Crites.
  • Allread-Rife Family Scholarship – Kaylyn Allshouse.
  • Beverly Todd Memorial Scholarship – Emma Crites.
  • Craig D. and Ronda S. Neff Memorial Scholarship – Ashley Young.
  • Ellsworth Fanning Memorial Scholarship – Ethan Wolheter.
  • Kevin Lewis Purdue Agriculture Memorial Scholarship – Ethan Wolheter.
  • LaGrange County Farm Bureau Coop Scholarship – Ethan Wolheter.
  • Ned Stump Memorial Scholarship – Ethan Wolheter.
  • Perkins Family Scholarship – Ethan Wolheter.
  • Prairie Heights Band Scholarship – Alyssa Jones.
  • Prairie Heights Scholarship – Emma Crites.
  • Prairie Heights Scholarship – Breonna Glasgo.
  • Prairie Heights Scholarship – Ethan Wolheter.
  • Prairie Heights Scholarship – Olivia Zook.

Westview Jr. Sr. High School scholarship recipients:

  • Farmwald Scholarship – Jace Lang.
  • Holly Petersen Memorial Scholarship – Jace Lang.
  • Ignite Your Future Scholarship – Benton Hershberger.
  • James F. Kalb Memorial Scholarship – Jace Lang.
  • Keith and Arline Davis Memorial Scholarship – Jace Lang.
  • Kerry Wilt-Spradlin Memorial Scholarship – Wade Springer.
  • Lambright Leadership Scholarship – Christien Noward.
  • Lambright Leadership Scholarship – Jace Lang.
  • LIFE Scholarship – Jacob Peruski.
  • Lyle Smith Scholarship – Jacob Peruski.
  • Melvin and Marjorie Bricker Memorial Scholarship – Wade Springer.
  • Morgan Hunter Memorial Scholarship – Kaitlin Nuzum.
  • Mory Family Scholarship – Jacob Peruski.
  • Rheinheimer Scholarship – Hope Bortner.
  • Rheinheimer Scholarship – Jace Lang.
  • Schlemmer Scholarship – Jennifer Osorio–Luna.

Congratulations and best of luck to the class of 2024, from the LaGrange County Community Foundation!

2023-2024 Youth Philanthropy Recap

LIFE is a youth philanthropy program of the LaGrange County Community Foundation. LIFE members gain experiences in community service and charitable giving. The students also provide oversight to youth grant funds at the Community Foundation.

During the 2023 – 2024 school year LIFE offered one grant cycle, awarding $17,495 to youth serving organizations and school projects.

The meetings were packed full of grantmaking decisions and planning for LEAP. They broke into event committees to conquer and divide. LEAP is a one-day event for youth, grades 9 -12, from all three public high schools to learn about philanthropy, community service and leadership. The event had two guest speakers: Seth Maust from Five Star Life and Octavia Yoder with the Community Foundation.

The students began their community service projects in December by delivery generosity cards. Students who participated in LEAP helped create these impactful cards of gratitude for local nonprofits, fire departments, police, and for the businesses who financially supported the LEAP event. In February, LIFE visited with residents at the Waters. They connected while playing games and visiting.

Jamelle Godlewski from Lead and Impact shared about seven habits of highly effective people and helped the students create personal mission statements.

Gwen Owsley was a member of LIFE and Westview’s junior class representative. For the past two years, she served as co-recorder. She was instrumental in helping fundraise for the LEAP event. We were deeply saddened by her unexpected passing. Our hearts are with her family, friends, and all those who loved her. We will remember her bright smile, joyful demeanor, and her enthusiastic spirit in all that she did.

LIFE closed the 2023-2024 school year with the May retreat. They completed a final community service project at the Garage Community Center in LaGrange, packing meals for LaGrange County Hope.

As we plan for next school year, we hope to continue encouraging philanthropy in our community and peers, experience community service and charitable giving through grantmaking.

LIFE youth program volunteers at Council on Aging

LIFE, a youth philanthropy program of the LaGrange County Community Foundation, provides an opportunity for youth to gain experience in grantmaking, charitable giving and community service. The members participate in service projects and biannually host LEAP (Leaders Excited About Philanthropy) – a one day event focused on philanthropy and leadership for LaGrange County high school students.

LIFE members also provide oversight for the LIFE Grantmaking Fund at the Community Foundation. They review grant applications and recommend funding for youth projects.

The program is open to students from Lakeland, Westview, and Prairie Heights Schools. One student from each grade (9-12) is selected to represent their school, with up to 12 members.

In April, LIFE volunteered at the LaGrange County Council on Aging’s monthly luncheon; members helped serve the meal and enjoyed conversation with the luncheon guests.

2023-24 LIFE Group at the LaGrange County Council on Aging

President of the 2023-24 LIFE group Braden Rogers shared, “We volunteered at the Lagrange Council on Aging and served food to older individuals, had conversations with them, and made them feel special. As a youth lead philanthropic organization, it is important to spread the love of our young souls. We enjoyed seeing the smiles on all of the people faces and hope to partake in this event next year. Seeing the smiles of the older generations, hearing their incredible stories, and most of all, meeting new friends were all takeaways from this experience.”

LIFE President Braden Rogers shares at the COA luncheon.

In February, LIFE also had the opportunity to serve at The Waters in LaGrange, an assisted living facility. LIFE members visited during the recreational hour and enjoyed interacting with residents and playing bingo.

LIFE will meet one more time during the 2023-2024 school year for their annual retreat this May. Before the retreat, members look forward to joining the nonprofit organization Meals of Hope in LaGrange to pack meals for children in need.

LIFE will then travel to Camp Lutherwald in Howe for fun and team building, concluding their activities for the school year. The program will resume this fall after the start of the new school year.

2024 Showcase winners, Intentional Acts of Kindness and more!

On Jan. 11, members of the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce joined together for a Member Showcase and the Annual Meeting. This year, the staff of the LaGrange County Community Foundation won the 2024 Member Showcase!

Each year, Chamber invites members to showcase their organization or business prior to their Annual Meeting. The Community Foundation wanted to inspire kindness this year with their booth.

Decked out in pink and red hearts, the booth had information about their upcoming Intentional Acts of Kindness Calendar. In February, the Foundation will be participating in acts of kindness each day, and encouraging others to join in. You can join in on the Intentional Acts of Kindness Event Page!

LCCF is also excited about a new matching opportunity. The Caring Community Fund supports the greatest needs in LaGrange County, at any given time, making impact forever. The Foundation intends to apply for a $750,000 Matching Fund Grant from Lilly Endowment to support the Foundation’s unrestricted endowment, which will provide resources to present and future needs.

The Community Foundation is asking people and businesses like YOU to give to the Caring Community Fund.

For every $1 you give, the matching grant will give $2, giving the fund a total of $3! If you would like to give to this fund DONATE HERE, chose to give to a specific fund, then chose the Caring Community Fund.

LaGrange County Community Foundation awards $92,000 to area nonprofits

The LaGrange County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the fall Community Impact Grants cycle.

LaGrange County Soil & Water District Water Quality Monitoring

The Foundation recently awarded $92,000 in grants to eleven nonprofit organizations. The Community Impact Grants support nonprofits in six areas: arts and culture, health and human services, recreation, environment, community development and education.  

The Community Impact Grants are made possible by the generosity of donors who give to the unrestricted and field of interest funds at the Foundation.  

For over 30 years, the Community Foundation has remained committed to its mission of “inspiring and sustaining generosity, leadership and service in LaGrange County.”

“Through our grantmaking program we are able to ensure a lasting legacy for our funders who have made a long-term commitment to support positive growth of our nonprofit community in LaGrange County,” said Octavia Yoder, Executive Director. 

“We are honored to support many deserving nonprofit organizations who are improving the quality of life in LaGrange County and helping meet important and unmet community needs,” Yoder added. 

The 2023 fall Community Impact Grant recipients include: 

  • LaGrange County Department of Parks & Recreation, Tetrick property, $20,000; 
  • LaGrange County Soil & Water Conservation District, Long-term strategic water quality monitoring program in LaGrange County, $11,500; 
  • LaGrange Baseball League, Score board installation at Spreuer Park, $8,000; 
  • Coffee & Cream of South Milford, Coffee & Cream equipment, $12,500; 
  • Agape Child Care Ministry, Program materials, $2,500; 
  • Cancer Services of Northeastern Indiana, Client advocate program for LaGrange County, $2,500; 
  • Clothes & Food Basket of LaGrange County, Operating support, $15,000; 
  • Junior Achievement of LaGrange County, Junior Achievement Biztown Fieldtrips 2023-2024, $5,000; 
  • Boomerang Backpacks, 2023-2024 school year weekend feeding program at Westview and Prairie Heights schools, $10,000; 
  • Youth for Christ Northern Indiana, Westview Campus Life, $2,500; and
  • Kate’s Kart, Book Distribution at Parkview LaGrange, $2,500.

Each year, the Community Foundation seeks proposals for charitable projects and programs that help local nonprofit organizations provide services in LaGrange County. The Grants Advisory Committee reviews the submitted grant applications and makes recommendations to the Board of the Directors who approve the grant awards. To learn more, visit lccf.net/grants. 

Leaders Excited About Philanthropy 2023

Wednesday, November 15, National Philanthropy Day, our LIFE youth philanthropy members hosted the bi-annual LEAP Event, Leaders Excited About Philanthropy. Students from our 3 county public schools are encouraged to get involved in their community during this one-day conference on leadership and philanthropy. 

Our 12 LIFE members along with their LIFE leader, Leanna Martin have been working since Spring 2023 to organize this event for high schoolers from Lakeland, Prairie Heights and Westview. This year’s event was held at Lakeland high school. The members chose the speakers, nonprofits in attendance, icebreakers, snacks and even found donations and sponsors for the event.

There were a lot of fun and education activities throughout our 4 hours together. Our time included lots of Icebreakers for the kids to get to know each other. They also organized a Community Nonprofit Fair in which volunteers/ employees from Agape Missions of LaGrange County, LaGrange County Community Foundation, Elijah Haven Crisis Intervention Center, LaGrange County Habitat for Humanity, and Reason 4 Hope attended. These nonprofits spoke to the kids and shared how they started, where they are located, what they do, and how a person could get involve or help the nonprofit. After the student listened to the nonprofit, they would get their Passports signed to enter for prizes. The prizes were donated from many of our awesome community members, nonprofits and business (see list below!).

We also had a great speaker, Coach Seth Maust from Five Star Life. He spoke to the kids on looking beyond themselves to see others, leaders volunteer first, as well as many other good philanthropic ideas. Octavia Yoder, Executive Director at LaGrange County Community Foundation also spoke to the students about philanthropy, working for a nonprofit and what jobs are available, notably in our area. There was also a small Community Service Project they were able to participate in.

Before they left, students were asked to take part in an end of event survey, in which 100% of the 45 students who participated, said that they would recommend LEAP to a friend.

Our LIFE members did an amazing job of working hard and running the event. But none of that would have been possible without the donations and sponsorships from our community. We want to thank the following individuals/ businesses/ nonprofits for helping the LEAP event be a success:

Donations: Crossroads United Way, E&S Sale, Elijah Haven, Farmers State Bank, Habitat for Humanity, LaGrange County CVB, LaGrange County REMC, Lassus Bros. Handy Dandy in Wolcottville and Yoder Popcorn. Financial Support: Cierra Young & Jessyca Castle, LaGrange Veterinarian Clinic, Shipshewana Trading Place, Tammi Haviland, The Riegseckers, Inc., Topeka Pharmacy and Wear Haus Designs.

Rainbow Years shines in new space

Rainbow Years Learning Ministry is a childcare and preschool program of Shore Church in Shipshewana.

We recently visited Portia Amstutz, director of Rainbow Years Learning Ministry in Shipshewana to see the progress on their $1 million renovation project. Rainbow Years is a ministry of Shore Church, providing year-round daycare and education to children from birth to age 11.

Rainbow Years renovated their space to add more childcare seats. At one point, their wait-list exceeded their capacity.

In June, Rainbow Years received a Community Impact Grant of $21,736 to purchase materials and equipment for its updated facility.

We were excited to see their new space!

Rainbow Years can currently take around 90 kids, ages birth to 11 years old. With the help of the grant, they were able furnish two new classrooms, giving each age level a class of their own. They not only were able to furnish the two new rooms, but they also replaced some old items throughout the facility.

One of the newly furnished classrooms available now for Rainbow Years.
New classroom furnished with the grant funds received.

The grant helped purchase new sleeping cots, glider rockers, furniture for the teacher’s work room and main office, refrigerator and microwave for the teachers, a washer and dryer unit, cribs, changing tables and toys. It also helped create an indoor “recess” area.

They also created a fun, comfortable space for school-age kids to meet before and after school, as well as in the summer.

When we asked Portia what is meaningful about her work; she said the impact they have on the children. She said it’s because the most critical time for learning is before age 5 – it’s an important job!

Cribs and a glider rocker are a few of the many items added to the infant room.

The Foundation is excited to partner with nonprofits like Rainbow Years to help improve the early education of the youngest children in our county.

Community Impact Grants help nonprofits to be more effective, efficient and self-sustaining. The Community Foundation looks to fund innovative or creative projects addressing community needs like Rainbow Years.

Currently, Rainbow Years currently has about 18-20 spots open for childcare! In the next few weeks, they will be able to accept Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers for low-income families. This program will make their childcare even more affordable for more families.

You can learn more about their programs and availability at RainbowYears.org.

Portia Amstutz reading to some of the children at Rainbow Years Childcare Ministry.

Lilly Scholarship finalists selected

From left are the 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalists Xai Leu, Jace Lang, Taylor Jerdon, Christien Noward and Braden Rogers.

Five LaGrange County high school seniors have been named finalists for the LaGrange County 2024 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. The prestigious award goes to an outstanding high school senior in LaGrange County.

The finalists include Taylor Jerdon (Lakeland High School), Jace Lang (Westview High School), Xai Leu (Lakeland High School), Christien Noward (Westview High School), and Braden Rogers (Westview High School).

The scholarship is awarded to one LaGrange County graduating senior who demonstrates service and leadership in their community, and a commitment to academic excellence. Among the finalists, one LaGrange County resident will be awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which will pay their full-tuition at any Indiana college or university, plus required fees. The recipient also will receive $900 per year for books and required equipment.

The Community Foundation received applications from all three high schools in LaGrange County. The  Community Foundation’s Lilly Scholarship Advisory Committee reviews and evaluates applications based on academics, community and school activities, work history, leadership and written essays. Identifying information about the student, such as name, school and gender, are removed during the application process. The finalists are then invited to a personal interview with the committee.

All finalists participated in a personal interview with the Foundation’s Lilly Scholarship Advisory Committee on October 17. The results of the interview round are combined with the application round to determine the 2024 nominees who will be submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana for final selection of the LaGrange County recipient.

Announcement of the recipient will be made in December. The four remaining finalists will each receive the Lambright Leadership Scholarship – a $1,000 award, renewable for up to three years. The Lambright Leadership Scholarship was established by Kevin and Carrie Lambright of Shipshewana in 2013.

The scholarship program is offered each year by the LaGrange County Community Foundation, and other Indiana community foundations across the state to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

Leave a Legacy: Create a Fund

As many of us go through life, we wonder: what will I leave behind? Will I be remembered for anything great? Will my time on this earth have made anyone’s life better? I’ve worked hard all my life, what can I do with my money that will count for something important?

One way you can assure leaving behind a legacy is by starting a charitable fund. The LaGrange County Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds that allow individuals, families and businesses to choose the best way to accomplish their philanthropic goals.

Our funds are simple to establish and the Foundation will work with you to find the right type of fund. We manage more than 150 funds, each with a specific charitable purpose.

Here are different types of funds you can start:

Field of Interest Fund: A field of interest fund allows you to support your favorite causes or issues while relying on the Foundation’s knowledgeable staff to identify nonprofits that make the greatest impact in that area.

Donor Advised Fund: A donor-advised fund allows donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax benefit and then recommend grants from the fund over time.

Designated Fund: A designated fund allows you to create a permanent stream of income for a nonprofit organization of your choice in LaGrange County. This is a great option if you want to help provide sustainability to an organization.

Scholarship Fund: Scholarship funds help support college-bound students in their effort to attain higher education.

Unrestricted Fund: Unrestricted funds give the Foundation flexibility to meet community needs for new programs, emergencies and innovative ideas.

Agency Fund: An agency fund is established by a nonprofit organization to support its sustainability.

If you are unable to start a charitable fund, you can still make a difference by supporting an existing charitable fund. Gifts of all sizes are valued and help support a thriving LaGrange County.

We appreciate the legacy that you are giving to future generations of this community!

Donate to a Fund