Yorktown Chamber of Commerce
Monthly Meeting
June 18. 2019
Mellott Family Center
INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME: Keith Gary, Gay Nation, Ryan Ballard, Steve Perry, Tyler Ewing, Greg Hinshaw, Carolyn “Buffy” Grieves, Leslie Baim, Sarah McCord, Tim Williams, Tom Chiudioni, Kallie Sulanke, Chris Day, Mark Goodpaster, Brendon Comp, David Riggs, Maura Hoff, Tony Miller, Ed Armantrout, Maureen Walby, Christi Ingram, Pete Olson
QUESTION OF THE DAY: Do you fly the flag either at your business or at home? Most responded that they did.
BREAKFAST SPONSOR: Westminster Village – Gay Nation – Westminster Village is a retirement complex that encourages a life in balance, focusing on mind, body and spirit. There is a complete walking path around the complex that promotes fitness and exercise. More than twenty-five percent of the staff at Westminster has been employed for more than twenty years. Nation encouraged visiting the Westminster website and Facebook for upcoming events, most of which are open to the public. Westminster provided breakfast with delicious scones, fresh fruit, juice and coffee.
SECRETARY REPORT: Approved as submitted.
TREASURER REPORT: Ed Armantrout – Approved as submitted.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Four for the 4th – Chris Day – Reported that registration is at 600 plus, and is 25% ahead of last year. Deadline for registration to obtain a shirt or tank top, or to receive a family discount is Thursday, June 20. Teams of four may register by that date to receive a discount, as well. Shirts may be purchased on line at a cost of $10. Sponsorships are ahead of last year. Medals have been ordered. New awards will be given this year for the Top Dog Award (anyone participating with a dog, The Hot Wheels Award (anyone participating with a stroller and child), The Best Dressed Award, most patriotic, and the Fantastic Four. Each entrant will receive sunglasses. Visit the event on Facebook; please like and comment. Volunteers are needed for the July 3rd packet pickup, 4-7 p.m. Day reminded all that proceeds from the event improve and expand the walking trails in the Yorktown area.
SCHOOL REPORT: Greg Hinshaw – Yorktown schools experienced a great spring sports season in baseball, golf and tennis. Progress continues on the Pleasant View and transportation projects. Project for the middle school improvement is pending with plans to begin in 2020. Six certified positions are being added, with a certified music specialist. There will be two dual-credit classes being offered at the high school in the fall. Fall enrollment expected to be a record-breaking 2,700 students.
TOWN REPORT: Pete Olson – The Canal Street project has started; civic green project contract has been awarded, with Yorktown being rated A+ for bond sales. Four for the 4Th Cardboard Duck-Tape race will be at 2 p.m., with fireworks in the evening. There will also be food vendors for the event.
PROGRAM: Muncie Mission – Bob Scott – Muncie Mission has been providing services since 1930, as a result of homeless men on the streets. Originally called Muncie Rescue Mission, the organization has occupied seven different buildings with five directors prior to moving to its current location. Muncie Mission currently contains eight dormitories and provides meals for 60-70 people daily. The Mission provides a 30-day shelter program which allows patrons to leave in the morning and return in the evening. Men can participate in this program again after a 30-day break between stays.
The Mission provides addiction and recovery programs that range from twelve months to three years and have added transitional housing to assist with this program. The program has been expanded to also serve women in transition and addiction treatment who need a place to stay. The women’s program will allow those with small children to be housed there. There is also assistance for women who want to regain custody of their children.
The Mission provides a food pantry, provides vouchers for clothing, and provides assistance with household utilities.
The Mission’s retail outlet, The Attic Window, now has locations in Blackford, Delaware and Randolph Counties.
The Muncie Mission provides two large meals for the community at both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Mission is currently renovating three homes and has acquired six lots to expand their current location.
Although donations and the thrift stores have sustained the program, the Mission is looking into other business ventures such as catering, bakeries, and organic gardening to help support their efforts.
The Mission’s goal is to provide hope for those who are homeless; recently fifteen participants graduated from phase 2 to phase 3 of the program.
There are several ways through which the community can support this endeavor: Team Hope (making a monthly contribution to the program), donation of items to the thrift store, providing recycling materials at the Ray Raines Recycling Center, volunteering to sort items that are donated. Walk a Mile in My Shoes is the Mission’s largest community fundraiser; Sky Footwear also provides a pair of socks to the mission for every pair purchased. All donations of items and hands-on assistance are greatly appreciated.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Westminster will be hosting a Garfield film at 2 p.m. June 18; LifeStream Services will be hosting its annual Aging Well Conference, with guest speaker, Loretta Swit; Minnetrista upcoming events include a bee exhibit, fireworks on July 4, featuring America’s Hometown Band.
TIPS OF THE MONTH: Please keep the Bakers in your thoughts and prayers; pet owners should be aware that shelters will keep lost pets for three days without tags, seven days with tags; housebreak your pet by putting a bell on the door that the dog can ring when needing to go outside.
MEETING ADJOURNED:
NEXT MEETING: August 20, 2019 – Bring a guest!