For too long, our narrative has focused on what we’ve lost: the factories that closed, the storefronts that emptied, downtowns in disarray, the neighborhoods that dimmed. Time has not served us well. Is this really what we want to cling to?

What if we shift the focus? Not on what we don’t have, but on everything we do?

Wayne County is rich with possibilities. We have the bones of beautiful historic buildings, walkable streets, hardworking people, entrepreneurs in abundance, and a deep well of local pride. Our Main Street and the Depot District are full of potential and opportunity.

The Heart

At the heart of it all and leading the way is the Wayne County Land Trust. The Trust builds on more than a decade of preparation and aligns with successful local and regional initiatives to amplify rural impact; all while being led by local decision-makers who understand Wayne County’s unique communities and challenges.

Decision-makers who live here, work here, raise families here, and who have expertise in real estate, construction, law, finance, and economic investment. Decision-makers that care about preservation, purpose, and passion, rather than tearing down.

It started with the purchase of Main Street and Depot District buildings. Some from out-of-state owners, but most from local owners who wanted to focus on their businesses and not their building, or who wanted to retire. They saw the Wayne County Land Trust as a trusted partner in the preservation and redevelopment of their buildings.

It takes a lot to give up something you love, and we are grateful these owners believe in the Trust’s ability to revitalize these spaces.

Local Accountability

Local ownership means local input and local accountability. It means we get to decide what goes into those storefronts, how the spaces look, and who benefits. It means keeping wealth in our communities, creating more housing options, and building intergenerational business opportunities for everyone.

And at no cost to taxpayers. The Trust is funded through philanthropic and investment capital. Although the trust is a 501c3, its properties will remain on the tax rolls and continue to contribute to local tax revenues. Our aim is to always reinvest back into the community.

All of Us

We are working in tandem with  Revitalize Richmond, AP Development, Flaherty & Collins, the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, and others to take sections of the downtown and Depot and make the buildings mixed-use.

This revitalization effort is about broadening our economic vision and welcoming a diverse set of businesses that reflect our people. Imagine with us. Coffee shops and tech startups. Event venues and design firms. Local markets, restaurants, music venues, makerspaces, and everything in between.

New businesses that complement our current Main Street and Depot businesses. Businesses that welcome and attract our residents and visitors alike. Businesses that are thriving and can stay open later into the evening, that are open on the weekends, and maybe, just maybe, a few brunch spots on Sunday.

Intention

We’re going to renovate the spaces with intention. We’re restoring buildings not only to their former beauty, but to future functionality. Places where businesses thrive, people live, families gather, and life happens.

It won’t happen in a year, but Main Street and the Depot will look different in the next five to ten years.

We’re creating a new future. One where community drives development, where inclusion is the foundation, where private and public investment intersect, and where hope is built into every brick and beam.

Can you imagine this? If not, what’s holding you back? This is your invitation. Look forward and see the potential and support the new future of Wayne County.

Together, we’re not just rebuilding the Main Street and Depot District. We’re reclaiming it. And we’re building it to last.

The post Reclaiming Revitalization in Wayne County appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

For the month of August, we explored the wide range of career opportunities available right here in Wayne County. We featured many local businesses and career paths on Forward Wayne County’s social media. Continuing this month’s theme of employability, I had the opportunity to hear from Chad Lieberman, the new Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Hagerstown High School. This program was added to assist students with career exploration and to gain more work-based knowledge. I asked him the following questions about this new program: 

What experience are you bringing to this class and how did you find out what career path was right for you? 

I have been employed in various educator roles throughout my career: classroom teacher, school counselor, grant director, and now work-based learning coordinator. These experiences have provided me with a broad perspective of programmatic and student needs, which is necessary when tasked with building a program from the ground up. Additionally, this new role allows me to combine my teaching experience with my counseling experience to become an effective career coach for our Work-Based Learning students, while also leveraging the skills I developed as a grant director to build mutually beneficial relationships with local employers.  

Finding my own career path has been a process starting with my interests and having the mindset that “whatever I find myself doing, I’m going to do it well and trust that the right things and good things will come of it.” This mindset, along with being willing to accept new challenges as they present themselves to me, is what has led me to where I am today.  

Why do you think work-based learning is important for high school students? 

Beyond becoming a graduation requirement for most students in the near future, it is an opportunity for students to develop and synthesize their skills in a tangible, meaningful way. Each placement will be unique and provide an educational experience that exists beyond the walls of the school. What I mean by this is that it is important for students to understand how classroom curriculum is applied to the “real world”, while also developing the intangible employability skills and traits, such as dependability, that are necessary for success in all career fields. 

How do you plan on helping students discover their interests, strengths, and potential career paths? 

Discovering interests, strengths, and possible career paths requires a lot of self-reflection over time, and ultimately, this program will span K-12. We want students to consider and plan for their future selves throughout their school career. At Hagerstown, we plan to facilitate this directly and explicitly through high quality instruction, interest and strength inventories, career coaching, existing partnerships with the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and East Central Educational Service Center, and yet to be established partnerships. As we facilitate these experiences throughout their education, the self-reflection required for such discovery becomes an inherent part of the process that will allow our students to assume ownership over the decisions that dictate their future. 

What are the most important skills students should develop when it comes to looking for employment in their future career? 

Most schools in the state have done this and most largely overlap, but Hagerstown has identified six skills/traits to develop within each learner as part of our Profile of a Graduate. We want every graduate to leave being (1) a Confident Communicator; (2) a Creative Problem-Solver; (3) a Respectful Citizen; (4) an Effective Team Player; (5) Dependable; and (6) Resilient.  

What are your goals for the school year? 

The goal and focus for this school year is to establish efficient systems within the Work-Based Learning program at HHS and build a network of local employers willing to host our students. We understand employers have no obligation to participate or sacrifice their own needs, but we are striving for a network of collaboration and mutual benefit.  

For our students, we want them to discover and develop their skills sets. In addition, we also want them to have exposure to meaningful work experiences with Wayne County employers. We have a lot of great employers that have great career options. 

This year will come with a number of logistical challenges, and some of those may force us to adjust. Nevertheless, Superintendent Emily Schaeffer has a clear vision of Work-Based Learning and Career Exploration K-12, and I am here to ensure that vision becomes actionable.  

Do you have any advice for students (or anyone) who are still unsure of what career path they want to take? 

Develop a plan. Even if it is a bad plan, that’s better than having no plan. As I said before, do well with whatever it is that you are doing now. You will find what is meaningful in that process which will lead you to where you should go.  

A Great New Asset 

I enjoyed getting a closer look into the new addition of the Work-Based Learning program at Hagerstown High School. It will be a valuable resource for students as they begin exploring different potential career paths. As a college senior who is still unsure of where my future career path will take me, I know I will also take Chad Lieberman’s advice to heart as I prepare for life after graduation.  

The post Work-Based Learning appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

This month we focused on health and wellness, specifically how social connections contribute to overall well-being. What better way to highlight this than by spotlighting a place dedicated to fostering those connections? Wayne County is home to numerous senior centers, but this month, I took a deep dive into one in particular: the Richmond Senior Recreation Center. Keep reading to discover how they’re redefining what it means to be a “senior”.

A Hidden Gem

Nestled in a quiet neighborhood in the southwest part of Richmond, the Richmond Senior Recreation Center is housed in a repurposed elementary school at the top of a hill. From the outside, it may look like a school, but inside, it’s a thriving hub of connection, creativity, and community.

I spent a morning at the senior center and was fortunate enough to be shown around by coordinator Becky Thompson. She expressed much enthusiasm, compassion, and pride in her work. Even though she brought much experience to the role, she recalled being amazed by just how much wellness takes place within these walls.

When asked what she enjoys about her job she explained, “It’s the relationships you get to see. I’ve never seen anyone sit by themselves and be completely ignored here. Somebody will always go up to talk to them.” Becky further explained that she loves the sense of community, authenticity, and belonging that is found at the senior center.

The Opportunities are Endless

For just a small yearly fee of $25, you can enjoy a wide variety of activities at the Richmond Senior Recreation Center. Since the building was originally an elementary school, each classroom has been conveniently repurposed for specific activities. The game room features four pool tables, the art room showcases seniors’ drawings and paintings, and the gym serves as the location for dancing, pickleball, and more. However, it doesn’t stop there. Here are some more of the activities that are offered each week:

• Sports & Fitness
  • Disc golf
  • Line dancing lessons
  • Yoga
  • Workout classes
  • Walking club
  • Basketball
• Arts
  • Wood carving
  • Knitting & crochet
  • Sewing
• Games and other hobbies
  • Board games
  • Card games
  • RC aircraft flying

One of the best parts of the senior center is that any tools and/or supplies needed for these activities are provided by the senior center and can be used for free. It’s a great option if you are thinking about taking up a new hobby, but don’t necessarily want to invest too much money into it just yet.

More Than Fun

For many, the senior center is a safe space where they can belong and be themselves. It is a close-knit community that welcomes new members with open arms. Not only does the senior center offer a wide range of recreational activities, but it also provides weekly tech help, support groups, workshops, and other informational classes. There is also a Widowed Persons Service coordinated by staff member Donna Handley that assists anyone who has lost a spouse with anything they may need. Losing someone is a big adjustment and the senior center offers valuable resources to help. You can learn more about what the senior center offers here and learn about upcoming events on their Facebook page.

The Importance of Social Connections

As we have discussed throughout May, social interaction can impact your health significantly. It has been shown that communities who are more connected are more resilient, happier, and live longer! There is no better feeling than the comfort of knowing that there are people out there to support you.

If you’re 50 or older, consider becoming a member at the Richmond Senior Recreation Center! For just $25 a year, you can participate in a variety of activities, games, community field trips, informational workshops, and more. The possibilities are endless!

The post Redefining the Word “Senior” appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

As Forward Wayne County continues to focus on Our People, we are going to introduce you to Caring for Creitz, a park improvement project initiated by a group of passionate citizens.  

A Longtime Resident

Stacey Bertsch is a longtime resident of Cambridge City. She raised her now adult children in the community and is an elementary school teacher at Western Wayne Schools. Being in a small town for so long allows you to see changes, some good, some bad, throughout the years.  

One of those changes Bertsch noticed was with Creitz Park and its decline from year to year.  

 “As a parent of grown children and a current teacher of young children, I have the perspective over time of seeing the park playground become less appealing since my children were small and now seeing what the needs are of our current families in the community.”  

It was seeing the age and wear of the playground equipment that led her to become involved in Caring for Creitz.

Caring for Creitz

Caring for Creitz came about from a need to improve the park’s equipment and the potential of $50,000 from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program, as well as some public investment from the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP). The goal of the project is to help make the playground more accessible for families of all ages and abilities.  

Plans for the project include a paved pathway, safer play space, and accessible playground equipment everyone can use. Throughout its years of service, the park has become a staple for people in the community. It is a place to play and gather.  

Getting Involved

A group of dedicated community members is spearheading the Caring for Creitz implementation. They have worked for the past year to plan the playground updates, to get buy-in, to gather support, and to research the needs. The project committee is made up of:   

• Stacey Bertsch   

• Sherry Ervin   

• Debbie McGinley   

• Brenda and Jim Mclane   

Stacey became involved with the project after attending a town council meeting where she noticed the benefits the playground updates would have for Creitz Park and Cambridge City. She has played a significant role in planning and fundraising for Caring for Creitz.

Stacey hopes the updates to Creitz Park will give Cambridge City residents a space to utilize, enjoy, and take pride in.  

“I want young families, community groups, visiting families using the ball field, school classes, and our community as a whole to be proud of, utilize, and enjoy the park.”

Future Plans

The playground update is only the beginning for Creitz Park. There are additional plans to build a performance venue adjacent, which will help bring more concerts to Cambridge City. Along with that project, the committee would like to continue adding more playground equipment   

“After this phase of playground improvements, we would like to continue to add equipment and other features to encourage the use of the playground area for all ages.” 

A Note About Passion

Communities need people to create positive changes. It is something that requires passion and dedication to helping others and a commitment to making someplace better. If one thing holds true about people, there will always be someone who will step in to initiate those impacts.  

When it comes down to it, this defines Caring for Creitz. It is a group of private citizens volunteering their time to better the community. They were willing to take that extra step and make changes where change is needed. Stacey had this advice to offer up.  

“Taking a step to get involved and telling others about your community is a great way to make positive change. It doesn’t have to be a big commitment to make a difference when more people are working together to make it happen.”  

Feeling inspired? Wayne County is home to numerous stories like Creitz Park. It is people working to help others in a way that generates benefits for everyone.  

Caring for Creitz is in the final days of its fundraising campaign. If you are interested in giving, visit the project’s Patronicity page here.   

The post Caring for Creitz: A People Project appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

As Forward Wayne County continues to focus on early childhood success, this blog is providing an overview of the Regional Birth to Five Coalition.

Special thanks to Jeri McCorkle, TRAC Program Manager, and Theresa Lindsey, Wayne County EDC Business and Workforce Development Manager, for providing information.

Coalition Beginnings

The concept of a Regional Birth to Five Coalition has traceable origins going back to when East Central Indiana (ECI) stakeholders realized the value of early childhood learning (ECL). Fast forward to 2021, when the East Central Indiana Talent Collaborative (ECITC) was formed to help advance regional initiatives.

One of those initiatives was birth to five programming. Thus, the Regional Birth to Five Coalition was created to help address gaps in ECL throughout the region. The group comprises several like-minded professionals, from childcare experts to nonprofit and community leaders.

In 2021, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation launched the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). East Central Indiana was one of the many state regions that received millions of dollars of funding from READI. From East Central Indiana’s allocation, $1.5 million was awarded to ECITC to help advance the Regional Birth to Five Coalition.

Mission and Programs

As part of its mission, the Regional Birth to Five Coalition works to ensure that early learning professionals are provided with quality learning opportunities and experiences. To that end, the group collaborated to create the Regional Training, Resource, and Advocacy Connector (TRAC). Jerri McCorkle is the TRAC Program Manager.

“TRAC is the result of the Regional Birth to Five Coalition’s deeply rooted commitment to long-term growth in the region and throughout the state. Our grassroots efforts support ECL providers who then support every sector in the region by ensuring that parents and family members can go to work.”

The program aims to give early learning providers access to quality resources and training while encouraging others to pursue careers in ECL. Additionally, TRAC engages with employers and policymakers to advocate for the importance of ECL programs.

The goal of TRAC is to become a model for training and resources for families and ECL professionals to rely on.

Another focus area of TRAC is to support the early learning sector of ECI communities. The goal is to increase that sector’s capacity to support a thriving and productive workforce. To that end, there is a TRAC County Coordinator in every county. In Wayne County, the TRAC County Coordinator is Dani Arthur. She serves Wayne County and helps connect local early care organizations to various resources, funding opportunities, and access to a monthly newsletter dedicated to early care and learning.

Regional and Local Impacts

Since its implementation, the TRAC program has had numerous regional impacts. In May, $210,000 in funding was awarded to 22 early care and learning projects by the Regional Activity Support Committee. This is a committee of the Regional Birth to Five Coalition. Some projects include facility improvements, learning materials, outdoor play spaces, and more. Each application went through a rigorous and in-depth evaluation process. Forward Wayne County Program Director Acacia St. John serves as the Regional Activity Support Chair.

“The Regional Birth to Five Coalition received more than 40 applications and were excited to award much-needed funds to 22 groups throughout eight counties.”

Wayne County early learning centers received a portion of the grant funding through TRAC. $27,909 was allocated to Oak Park Learning Academy and Old Richmond Daycare and Preschool to support S.T.E.A.M. learning curriculum and develop outdoor learning spaces.

 The EDC of Wayne County, in partnership with Eastern Indiana Works, received funding from TRAC to support two centrally located onboarding/orientation sessions for incoming early childhood employees. This training program will gather potential hires and interested persons to participate in the requisite I LEAD sections, CPR, and First Aid, under the direction of an experienced early childhood director.  Early childhood care and education providers will send potential hires for this comprehensive training to JUMP START the employee for effective and longer lasting employment.  The EDC and Eastern Indiana Works will actively recruit interested participants from the community and local adult education programs such as the Excel Center, Eastern Indiana Works, Richmond Adult Education, Ivy Tech, and IU East.  

Along with grantmaking, TRAC provided scholarships to childcare providers to attend state-level conferences. This year, the program has also continued its advocacy for early care learning, with presentations given to policymakers at every level of government.

Next Steps

The Regional Birth to Five Coalition plans to continue developing TRAC. The group developed a strategic plan for the program through 2026. During this time, Trac will offer more specified training to families and ECL providers while looking for ways to reduce onboarding costs and difficulties. Plans are also in place to build more partnerships with local stakeholders to grow the coalition at the community and regional levels.

TRAC and the coalition have invested over 500 hours and $210,000 back into the ECL systems, helping to ensure continual growth for our children, our programs, and our region,” said Jeri.

For more information on TRAC, contact Jeri McCorkle at jeri.mccorkle@bsu.edu.

The post The Regional Birth to Five Coalition appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

The WIN Program

WIN is an acronym for Workforce Initiative Network, and it is simply an eight-week workforce development program. It is split into two sections. The first one is three workshop sessions where we teach 8th grade and up how to complete a resume, cover letter, application, and finally, an interview. The goal is to give them the knowledge and confidence they need to reach their first job and create the resume they will use (maybe) forever.

The second section involves job shadowing. We take high schoolers to 8-10 different local businesses to highlight the jobs in their community. We go to manufacturing, retail, and fast food to expose them to a wide variety of jobs. For this cohort, we were able to use the funding we received to buy them a professional outfit, so when they go to their first interview, they have the clothes for it.

A lot of teens grow up to resent the town they grew up in. If we can show them that there are quality, high-paying jobs in their neighborhood, maybe we can keep their talents local.

Creating Partnerships and Impacts

This program came about because Boys & Girls Clubs saw a need. When we polled teens nationwide, they said they come to clubs for 1. friends, 2. food, and 3. jobs.

Friends and food are easier to achieve; however, we knew we needed a program solely focused on their workforce development. We partnered with Nathan Hogg of Hoggs Helps and Carl Rhinehart of Future Achievers to create the program. When I was hired, I was given the program outline and was told to run with it. We rely on community partnerships to help with the program, which also gives teens a chance to meet and learn from successful people.

Youths are rewarded well for completing the program. After the first section, youth receive a T-shirt, a flash drive, pens, a yearly planner, and a $100 gift card. After the second section, they receive a $250 gift card. It runs once a semester and youth are welcome to come back after 1 full year.

WIN’s Impacts and Future

The program is simple yet effective. All our surveys say that participants learned a skill they didn’t have and feel more confident about applying for their first job. We help provide them a foundation for their future because we all need jobs and need to know how to get them. With more success comes more opportunities to grow this program and our impact.

One day, I hope to have most of the youth in the community pass through this program.

The post Workforce Initiative Program appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

In Search of Opportunity

It took less than a month for our new neighbors to ask us “Why Wayne County.”  A valid question to ask anyone that just moved to town.  The word that summed it up for us was opportunity.

Meriam-Webster defines opportunity as “a good chance for advancement or progress”.  Being transplant young professionals to Wayne County, we recognized opportunities that would allow for an all-encompassing advancement in our lives. Opportunities that would catapult us professionally, personally and spiritually.  Both of us grew up in small towns that did not offer a lot of opportunity to eager young adults to grow holistically into our full potential.  When looking for a place to call home, we wanted to be close to family, have variety of shopping and restaurant options, and an abundance of recreational opportunities close by, but yet some place that had the small town feel and a place that would allow us to flourish.

Plenty of Opportunity

Wayne County is under 90 minutes from three major cities, airports and countless state parks.  If a person wants Starbucks, we have it or maybe they want a local vibe, lets head to Roscoe’s.  The best ice-cream in Indiana sits on the corner of Fort Wayne Avenue and North D Street with Ullery’s Ice-cream.  We can watch a play at the Richmond Civic Theatre or see a concert with Richmond Symphony Orchestra.  Or maybe an outdoor ride on the Cardinal Greenway or pick flowers at the Barn at Helm.  The options are truly endless right here in Wayne County!

There are ample amount of opportunities for people of all ages to become engaged and connected to the community. These opportunities have afforded us to be able to connect with individuals personally and professionally. In return, these connections offer a reciprocal role, making them feel like a family and sense of home and belonging. Having connections and a sense of belonging is key to making Wayne County home.

Creating Positive Impacts Locally

Does Wayne County have challenges, absolutely, but so does everywhere else.  The question for us is what are we going to do to make a positive impact.  As young professionals, it is important for each of us to play a part of creating a prosperous and thriving community for the future.  For us, we serve in different capacities that are close to our heart such as serving on the boards of Birth to Five and Brighter Path Inc.  Also, we continue to play a part within our community by serving on committees and participating in different groups throughout Wayne County.

These opportunities give us a chance to not only grow professionally and personally, but also allows us to give back to a community we love in order to make it a better place for the next generations.  We want to look back and be able to tell our daughter and her generation how far we have come as a community and one day be able to hand over the baton to them to lead Wayne County to continue to be a thriving community for all.

In the end, it is simple; Why not Wayne County!  

The post Why not Wayne County? appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Local Identity

Cities are usually known for something or have some claim to fame that puts them on the map. This thinking ties into a town’s identity or its distinguishing characteristics and features. A town’s identity needs to not only be established but maintained. Luckily, one of the best ways to do this is through arts and culture.

For example, here in Wayne County, Richmond is known for Starr Gennett and its impact on early jazz recording. Another great case is seen with Cambridge City through the well-known pottery of the Overbeck Sisters. It is features like those two examples that allow communities to create a sort of personality centered around the arts. It can lead to new projects and events that help add to a town’s distinctive traits.

Wayne Couty has heavily capitalized on these efforts through various projects. One method of doing this has been commissioning public murals that capture a town’s character, like the new Overbeck mural in Cambridge City.

Another successful local endeavor has been preserving local arts landmarks, as seen with the Star Gennett Building or Reid Church.

Local History

Arts and Culture closely intertwine with local history as they provide a narrative for a town’s identity. This is especially true for Wayne County, with its communities’ rich artistic history.

Richmond would not be the same city rich in artistic history if it weren’t for Starr Gennett or the art of the Richmond Group. The same could be said for the distinct archways of Centerville.

It is the same history that still benefits Wayne County communities. Richmond has created a successful event space through Starr Gennett, while the Richmond Group’s art makes up a large portion of the Richmond Art Museum’s collection. Centerville has been able to hold “Archway Days” annually and install two new arch-themed art installations because of the city’s architectural history.

Artistic history helps add a new chapter to a community’s story. It provides a notable feature that residents remember and use to build community through a shared knowledge of the past.

Local Events

Local events are a proven method for building community, and several are related to arts and culture. Community events can quickly become staples of a city, whether they are public gatherings or performances by local artists.

Wayne County has a vibrant and active music, theater, and arts scene. Richmond Civic Theater and the Nettle Creek Players keep theater alive, while the Richmond Symphony Orchestra regularly performs concerts. Annual events, like the Meltdown Festival, Potterypalooza, and Arts Alive, have become community anchors and give people something to look forward to every year.

Bringing People Together

Hopefully, you have found the recurring theme throughout this blog post, and it is all about bringing people together. That is the strongest vehicle for community building, and the arts allow it to happen.

People across Wayne County regularly attend arts and culture events and organizations yearly. Arts and culture is more than paintings and songs, but an avenue for promoting togetherness. There is a shared interest in the arts that people might only sometimes realize.

Community building is one of the hidden advantages of promoting arts and culture. It is an essential step to moving Wayne County forward. Visit the Arts and Culture page on Forward Wayne County’s website to learn more.

The post Creating Community Through Art appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

Hello there! This blog may be a reintroduction for some of you and, for others, a new face. My name is Seth Stegall, and I started my new position as Communications Coordinator for the Wayne County Foundation. In this capacity, I will be helping the Foundation and Forward Wayne County spread organizational information, engage with local audiences, and tell meaningful stories from the community.

I am a lifelong resident of Wayne County, growing up in Richmond and graduating from Centerville High School in 2017. I hold a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a graduate degree in Public Administration from Ball State University. Some of my hobbies include collecting vinyl records, amateur photography, and riding bikes throughout Richmond.

Professional Background

My professional background is a bit complex as it splits between public relations, nonprofit work, and community development. I went overboard in college and completed around ten internships with various places. Those organizations involved local nonprofits, advertising/marketing firms, and a regional planning district. Interestingly, one of those organizations was Forward Wayne County in 2019.

While my experiences transcend several disciplines, I have always been passionate about combining my public relations and community development work. I am fortunate to have been involved with several organizations that allowed me to explore that interest. Knowing that some of my work has had positive real-world impacts is comforting. That is part of the reason I was attracted to working with the Wayne County Foundation and Forward Wayne County.

Back Home Again in Richmond, Indiana

Unlike most recent college grads looking to escape the confines of their small town, I took a different path and returned. There is something special about Wayne County that draws you back, and after being involved with several local development efforts, I could not leave just yet. Working in community development gives you a unique perspective and allows you to better understand and love where you live.

There are so many people across the county doing outstanding and impactful work. I have had the pleasure of working with some of them in the past through internships. I am eager to have a role in that area, whether it be large-scale projects like READI 2.0, HELP, or smaller initiatives in the neighborhoods.

Wayne County has been my home, and it has given me several opportunities to learn and grow. I have made meaningful connections and seen several community projects come to fruition. I want to help people see the Wayne County I grew up in. It is a distinctive place, and the people here are passionate about advocating for their community.

Looking Forward

It is an exciting time for my career as I begin to take my first steps into a new role that is not an internship. This will be an exciting journey to see how I develop in this role. I am excited to have a new challenge and share some of my talents with Wayne County. This is a way to give back to the community that allowed me to have opportunities to become more.

My ultimate goal as Communications Coordinator is to tell Wayne County’s story. I hope to act as a resource and advocate in this position and get reacquainted with the area to make more connections. If you have a story that you feel needs to be told, please do not hesitate to reach out.

I can be reached at my email seth@waynecountyfoundation.org.

The post Welcome to the Team – Again appeared first on Forward Wayne County.

There are many factors that can be detrimental to the success of a “weekend warrior” musician. It can be your song selection. Or the way you present yourself on stage. It can be how well you interact with the audience after the music stops. You could excel in all of those departments and still fall short of success if you’re missing the biggest key element:

A community that supports and encourages your development as an artist.

Feast of Famine

For a musician, that makes all of the difference of whether it will be a feast or famine. At the end of the day, for a gigging musician, performing live is more than just a hobby, it’s a source of income. Without venues willing to book musicians, that income doesn’t exist. That’s not a problem we have in Wayne County.

Are you looking to be entertained while you enjoy dinner out on a nice patio? I invite you to try Lakeview in Cambridge City, or make a stop in Richmond to check out The Firehouse BBQ & Blues, or Smiley’s Pub.

Maybe you’re seeking a quieter setting with a unique ambiance? Did you know you can catch touring National Acts at The Barn at Helm? Or that you could sit under the big tent and see a show at Dougherty’s Orchard?

Want to spend a night out dancing with friends? New Boswell Brewery & Taproom has you covered every Friday and Saturday night. Local businesses play such an important role to local musicians. There is no way we could successfully do what we do without their support.

Good Festivals

The summer and fall months are a great time to be a local musician for the simple fact that Wayne County loves a good festival. Canal Days, Archway Days, Jubilee Days, Warm Glow Candle Outlet’s Fall Festival, the 4th Street Fair, and the Williamsburg Farm Festival just scratch the surface of some of the area celebrations that you can enjoy with the entire family while taking in live entertainment.

Not only are festivals a great place to grab an Indiana famous Breaded Tenderloin or lemon shake up, but they also play an important role for musicians to gain exposure to a whole new audience. 

I’ve been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to travel all over the United States with my guitar in tow playing music for anyone that would listen. The hard realization that artists have to face no matter what county you live in, is without community support, live music will not survive. The pulse is strong in Wayne County.

Art is Alive

Art is still alive and well. As a musician, every dim lit corner of a business is a new opportunity. Sometimes the stage is the floor right beside the kitchen door, and the marquee might be your misspelled name in chalk on a sandwich board, but we appreciate it all the same.

It’s never taken for granted. Never.

Music brings people together. It helps us celebrate the good times. It consoles us in the bad times. I’m grateful that my roots are planted in a place that not only allows an artist to grow, but encourages it.

The next time you’re taking a stroll through Wayne County, try to take a moment to catch some live music. Always remember that every requested song, every dollar in the tip jar, breathes life into a community that couldn’t survive without you.

Sean Lamb performs with the Sean Lamb Janet Miller Band all over the region. You can also catch him live on-air in the mornings on Kicks96.

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