The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1131808
A-6 Local Wednesday, June 19, 2019 The Press-Dispatch Gwaltney, Segert honored at State Assembly Patricia Gwaltney, who retired in 1999 after 25 years teaching at Pike County Schools, began volunteering that same year. Her degree was in gen- eral education, with endorsements in ED, LD and neurologically impaired. She started two days a week at Some- body's Place stocking shelves, sort- ing clothing, and distributing soap, toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo. A fter 20 years, she faithfully contin- ues to serve. At her church, she organized a Bi- ble study for special needs students and regular students. She also cooks funeral dinners and assists with the women's ministry. In recent years, she has journeyed to A frica for two weeks, working with a medical team registering patients, distributing literature, teaching chil- dren, overseeing the construction of water wells, distributing care packag- es and sharing God's love. This past Wednesday, at the Rep- resentative Assembly of Indiana Re- tired Teachers, Gwaltney received from Sudi Naraine, regional director of Associated Member Benefits, the Clock Award as the Outstanding Re- tired Teacher Volunteer for Indiana Area 9 (Dubois, Harrison, Crawford, Orange, Perry, Pike, Gibson, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties). Shirley Segert, born in Evansville, graduated from English H.S., Uni- versity of Evansville and received her master's degree from Butler, taught in multiple school districts as she raised her three sons and moved with her husband's career. Her pas- sion was helping children mature and prepare for adulthood, especially in teaching Family and Consumer Sci- ence classes. Several years ago, after retiring from Pike Central, she looked for ways to volunteer. "I had heard about CASA in the past, but didn't know much about it," said Segert. She saw the ad in the lo- cal newspaper about the need for CA- SA volunteers. She clipped the ad and called Kelli Gordon, director of Pike County CASA, to learn more. "I learned their objectives lined up with mine." In addition to CASA, Segert volun- teers with two other organizations: The Pregnancy Care Center in Wash- ington and T TR (Trials, Tribulation and Redemption), and Haven Over the Hilltop, Inc. in Otwell. The preg- nancy center "is dedicated to provid- ing life-affirming choices which meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the people affected by un- planned pregnancies." T TR is "a non- profit founded to help meet the grow- ing, ever demanding needs of foster families, grandparents and other kin- ship caring for children." Twelve years ago, the president of Indiana Retired Teachers Association saw that CASA volunteers from the ranks of retired teachers would fill a great need. Prosecuting attorneys represented the state, and defense at- torneys represented the adults. Judg- es could appoint special advocates for the children, but who would do this for free, who had training in deal- ing with children and adults? While people from many life backgrounds are trained CASA volunteers, retired teachers make up the largest single group of Court Appointed Special Ad- vocates for children in Indiana. The Indiana Retired Teachers As- sociation has been recognized and awarded nationally for their work in this area. This year, the Indiana Lot- tery decided that individual retired teachers needed to be recognized for their work as well. This past Wednes- day, Sarah Taylor, executive director of the Hoosier Lottery, presented to Shirley Segert, the award for the Out- standing Retired Teacher CASA Vol- unteer for Area 9 of Indiana at the Rep- resentative Assembly of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association in Indi- anapolis. Each year, members of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association donate close to a million hours to assist chil- dren and adults in Indiana. Fears graduates from WKU Jacey C. Fears graduat- ed from Western Kentucky University May 19, with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. She is pursuing her career as an intern at The Celebra- tion Theatre in East Paris, Maine. Fears was named as a Presidential Scholar for the spring semester. Students who earn a grade point av- erage of 3.8 or above will re- ceive this honor. She is the daughter of Tim and Kathy Fears, grand- daughter of Norman and Cheryl Cornelius, Devara Krause and late Bill Krause, and the late Shirley Corne- lius. Student Spotlight Obituaries Patoka Valley Quilt Guild met June 4 By Kathy Weyer Meeting was opened by President Pamela Catt. She informed the mem- bers of a donation made by the Fami- ly of Lou Obermeier. The treasurer's report was given by treasurer Marge Hevron. Education chairwoman Sherri Hil- geman reported that open sewing will be on July 27 and August 23-24 at the Ferdinand Library. Heritage Days at the museum next year will be April 7-9, 2020. Biannual Quilt show at the Krempp Gallery during the month of August was reported by Becky Fuller. Reminder to get your dues paid up, as the cut off will be the end of August. Ann Jorden and Nancy Merkel re- minded the members of the dates for the up coming retreats. Montgomery will be June 21-23 at the Gasthof. The October retreat at St. Meinrad will be October 11-13, the meals will be in- cluded. Becky Fuller said at the next meet- ing we will be working with water col- or pencils and fabric paints. August meeting will be how to make a wood-based ironing board for next to your sewing machine. Becky Fuller will teach a Bonnie Hunter class, cost will be $20 and you will need the book Addicted to Scraps by Bonnie Hunter. It will be at the Fer- dinand Library on August 17. All that made their row by row quilts showed them off to everyone, along with others that had quilts they wanted to show. Many lovely quilts were shown. With no other business, the meet- ing adjourned. Coleman selected as Pike Co. Farm Bureau, Inc. scholarship winner Pike County Farm Bu- reau, Inc. has selected its student scholarship winner for the 2019 -2020 school year. Elijah T. Coleman, son of Ryan and Misty Coleman, of Winslow, is this year's scholarship recipient. As a scholarship winner, the student chosen is being awarded $1,000 toward his future education. Coleman is a 2019 grad- uate of Pike Central High School. During his time there, he participated as a peer tutor, football team cap- tain, student worker and in several other sports, includ- ing basketball and weight- lifting. His community activ- ities include Pike County 4- H, church, and youth group. He also worked at Superior Ag and Prides Creek Park. Coleman has proven him- self a leader and plans to at- tend Vincennes Universi- ty, majoring in natural re- sources and environmental sciences - agricultural con- centration, and then trans- fer on to Purdue to complete his degree. Coleman credits his family for his interest in agriculture. Elijah T. Coleman Jacey C. Fears Pictured (l to r): Sarah Taylor, executive director of Hoosier Lot- tery, with Kelli Gordon, Pike Co. CASA director, presents Shirley Segert with an award. Sudi Naraine, regional director of AMBA, right, presents Pat- ty Gwaltney, of Petersburg, with the Clock Award for Outstanding Volunteer. LANNY JOE KELL Lanny Joe Kell, 59, of Oakland City, died Tuesday, June 18, 2019, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born December 15, 1959, to Raymond and Bobbie Kell. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Kell; son, Aaron Kell; daughters, Joni (Levi) Mc- Daniel and Melissa ( John) Green; brother, Dane ( Jana) Kell; sister, Beth Ann (Frank) Coleman; 14 grand- children; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Bobbie Kell. Arrangements are pend- ing at Lamb-Basham Funer- al Home in Oakland City. See additional obituaries on page C-7 Leadership Pike County graduation celebration The Pike County Cham- ber of Commerce and Pur- due Extension Pike Coun- ty announce the gradua- tion of the inaugural Lead- ership Pike County Class. The class of 14 people will receive a Community Lead- ership Program Certificate from Purdue at a ceremony at the Pike County Court- house on Thursday, June 20 at 5:30 p.m. Class of 2019 receiving this honor will be David Ackley, Ryan Benner, Ja- son Deweese, Megan Fred- erick, Shanna Hallett, Colin Mahoney, Kyle Mills, Kris- ta Powell, Krista Robinette, Matt Robinette, Holly Schut- ter, Lori Thyen, Krissy Toms and Kara Willis. Participat- ing but not graduating was Heath Abell. This group of passionate community members spent the last nine months hon- ing their leadership skills, learning more about Pike County and are all commit- ted to getting even more in- volved in the community. For more information, contact the Pike Co. Cham- ber of Commerce at 812- 354-8155, chamber@pike- county.in.gov, or stop by the office located on first floor in Courthouse. Applications will soon be available for the next class. CREATIVITY. OUR SPECIALTY. When you place an ad in The Press-Dispatch, your ad is designed by Indiana's top designers. Eric and Matt have nearly 20 years of combined experience and a long list of awards including the HSPA's Indiana's Top Ad Designer, Think Outside The Box and Innovation Award. The Press Dispatch PIKE COUNTY'S NEWS NETWORK Ready to Start? Call Today! 812-354-8500 OR EMAIL ADS@PRESSDISPATCH.NET