What is a neighborhood without its people? Neighborhoods need passionate residents to create change and advocate for the community. Wayne County is full of individuals who fit that description. They work across all sectors to make a difference, whether big or small.
As part of Forward Wayne County’s focus on Neighborhood Development, we talked with Brenda McLane, The Wayne County Foundation Board of Directors President, and Jim McLane, both long-time Western Wayne residents. They have heavily involved themselves in community development efforts in Cambridge City.
In addition, the McLanes have volunteered with several local nonprofit boards. Brenda’s involvements include the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, IU East Chancellors Advisory Council, and several boards in Cambridge City. Jim is currently on the Cambridge City Town Council and Cambridge City Main Street Board.
They also dedicate their time to current projects and initiatives. Brenda helped plan solar eclipse events by serving on the Wayne County Eclipse Board. Jim represented Cambridge City on the Wayne County HELP Committee and evaluated various local projects attached to READI 2.0.
Getting Started
Brenda and Jim are originally Cambridge City natives, and they raised their kids in the community. Once their kids became adults, they moved to Bloomington but came back to Wayne County in 2018 to buy the Westen Wayne News and be closer to family. It was through the news lens that inspired the McLanes to get involved.
Brenda saw Cambridge City’s ongoing redevelopment efforts happening when they moved back.
“It’s easy to get excited about the community of Cambridge City. Many great things were already happening here when we moved back in 2018 with buildings being restored, upgraded sidewalks and curbs, and the downtown was beginning to thrive again.”
Jim sees a community that has a lot going on for it with the Golay Center, Main Street, and Creitz Park. It helped inspire him to join the Town Council.
“Cambridge City is at a crossroads. It has the opportunity to become something more, and I wanted to be part of that.”
The McLanes want to help enhance those efforts and entice more people to make Cambridge City their home.
Impactful Community Projects
In her years of involvement, Brenda has gravitated toward several local projects. One of those initiatives is Cambridge City Main Street and the group’s community-wide cleanups.
Every year, there is a cleanup day where residents volunteer their time to pick up or drop off trash found around the community. Brenda sees it as a great way to get people involved as they take advantage of the day to clear their properties and volunteer to make pickups.
“Seeing that volunteer base grow has been gratifying. It proves that community involvement is fun and helping people is contagious. In addition to Jim and I, there are many people in Cambridge City who work to grow community pride with neighbors helping neighbors.”
Another Main Street project that Brenda has seen making meaningful impacts is the summer concerts in Creitz Park. She and other community members look forward to the concerts as an avenue to socialize.
“In a small town, most of us know one another or at least family members, but sadly, the opportunity to talk and catch up often comes at the funeral home, so the concert environment has filled a gap in bringing us together once a month for a truly fun evening.”
Jim believes the Main Street and Creitz Park initiatives are benefiting the community’s success, while building on activities that were already happening.
“So many things are going right for us. We need to capitalize on it.”
Vision for Cambridge City
The positive work across Cambridge City is moving along and will continue to make changes. Brenda sees the efforts impacting several sectors of the community, such as cultivating new businesses, cleaning up blighted properties, and bringing more activities to Creitz Park.
She would also like to see Cambridge’s nightlife become more energetic and sculptures of famous residents built to highlight their accomplishments.
Jim, along with the Cambridge City Town Council and Cambridge City Main Street, has been working on finalizing an outdoor venue space adjacent to the park. People of all ages and abilities could use the space year-round.
“This is the second summer for concerts and it has been really neat to see all of the people, including families, make it part of their weekend plans. Right now it is just a temporary stage, but by this time next year, we’ll have the permanent structure in place.”
The McLanes share a desire to convince younger people to move to or stay in the community.
“We want to entice a younger generation to move here and stay here, and we want them to be involved in improving the town.”
Advice for Others
The McLanes have several pieces of advice to offer people looking to make a difference in Wayne County.
Jim thinks if someone wants to become an active community member, they need to go all in.
“Don’t go halfway. You must be willing to put forward that effort.”
Brenda advises people looking to get involved not to be scared to take the first step.
“Don’t be shy – just do it. Find something you’re passionate about, and volunteer to help to make a difference.”
She also encourages others to stay connected with local news and attend local government meetings to get an idea of what is going on in the community.
“Go to meetings to show your interest. Instead of criticizing, ask questions, offer to help, and let them know you want to be part of positive change. It’s fun, and it makes you feel good to volunteer, to contribute ideas, and to give back.”
