Yorktown Chamber of Commerce

Monthly Meeting – Zoom

March 16, 2021

 

INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME: Kat Knox-Blankenbaker, Greg Hinshaw, Pete Olson, Keith Gary, Ryan Vaughn, Carolyn “Buffy” Grieves, Mary Ann Stroeh, Jenny Hamilton, Carly Acree-King, Kristi Ingram, Bonita Ramirez, Ed Armantrout, Tyler Ewing, Dr. Bruce McFarland, Rachel Tucker, Chris Day, Dustin Humm, Deb Casill, Maureen Walby, Brendon Comp

 

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Do you have any spring trips planned? Most responded that they do not.

 

SECRETARY REPORT:      Approved as submitted

 

TREASURER REPORT:     Ed Armantrout – Shafer bill yet to be paid; tax returns have been submitted. Currently reaching out to old members for renewal of memberships. Treasury contains approximately $32,000. Treasurer’s report approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

Four for the 4th – Chris Day – Committed to making the race happen. Currently beginning with fundraising and looking for sponsors. Currently working to form a partnership with the Yorktown Community School Foundation. Have revamped the website. This year’s race will be on Sunday and looking at providing a community church service in the meadow on that day.

 

Events on the Green – First meeting to be held April 5, 5:30 p. m. at Mr. Mouse Annex; committee has already met once. Chamber will assist with committee. Members include David Spaw, Jenny McKee, Nanci Sears-Perry, Erin Hill and Amy Spangler.

 

School Report: Dr. Greg Hinshaw – Structural steel going up for the new building for middle school with expected January, 2022 completion. Bids awarded for the tennis court upgrade and project will be started soon.  Plans are in the works to continue a virtual school program. Will be adding courses for high school with IU. Project Lead-the-Way and engineering-based program is continuing. Still focusing on curriculum upgrades. The school year has been a good one despite the COVID issues.

 

Town Report:  No town report but thanks were provided to the town for their efficient snow removal. Christmas lights are coming down and spring flowers will planted in downtown containers.

 

Lunch and Learn:  Brendon Comp – Should be receiving email information from Shafer Leadership regarding programs being offer. Those interested can also register on the Shafer Website.

 

Program:             Jenny Hamilton, CEO – LifeStream Services, Inc. – Jenny Hamilton is the director/ CEO of the area agency on aging, serving twelve counties in East Central Indiana. LifeStream provides services to older adults and persons with disabilities, providing case management for more than 4,000 clients. LifeStream provides options counseling, transportation in some areas, nutrition program, including mire than 22 meal sites in the area. Hamilton has been with the agency for 22 years.

 

The agency is currently providing phone assessments and information due to COVID and has experienced a very large call volume during the past year. There has been no on-site meal service during the past year and is currently partnering with Second Harvest to offer community-boxed nutrition and home-delivered meals. Any client 60 years or older can receive support through the meal program. There has been a very large increase in home-delivered meals during this past year.

 

Transportation has continued to operate despite COVID. LifeStream also participates in the SHIP program which provides assistance to seniors exploring supplemental Medicare coverage. There are currently 10-15 certified counselors available.

 

In January, the Division of Aging, contracted with the Area Agencies on Aging to provide assistance with COVID vaccine related calls and is continuing with this service. Currently arrangements are being formulated to go into homes for people in Wayne and Henry County who cannot go to a vaccination site to receive the vaccine.

 

During this past year, the LifeStream office, located at 1701 Pilgrim Blvd., Yorktown, has undergone renovation and revamping of the existing space. LIfeStream has also launched a new logo and added new staff members to the organization.

 

Questions followed relating to Medicare, Medicaid and prescription drug coverage.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Ed Armantrout reported that the Kiwanis Club had provided filed more than 100 tax returns for clients. Wendy and Shannon Wallace purchased the Stock’s Nest Building. Applications are available for endowment grants serving residents of Yorktown; $2,500 grants are available to non-profit organizations. Westminister Village is again open for tours, dining room service has reopened. Kiwanis has begin fund-raising for Riley Hospital for Children – donates toys to Riley.

 

TIP OF THE MONTH: Mark Goodpaster – Get your COVID vaccine!  Continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. Vaccine is most effective two-weeks after the administration of the second dose. Goodpaster recently traveled by air and found it to be easier than expected due to COVID restrictions.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED: Next meeting – April 20, 2021 – Program – Ted Baker with Innovation Connector