Archive for the ‘Events’ Category
Leadership class marks program midpoint with teamwork session

Leadership Whitley County class members John Black of the United Way, Carrie Hoffman of Huntington University and Mike Cook of Columbia City's water pollution control facility try to figure out the best use of teamwork while blindfolded at the December session of LWC.
The December session of Leadership Whitley County convened at Whitko Café in South Whitley with WHS Student Council members welcoming class participants to their school. The morning kicked off with an informative awareness session featuring a panel of local non-profit organizations. Panel members included: Shawn Ellis of Beds and Britches, Etc., Tania Keirn of Interfaith Mission, Mark Green of the Columbia City Parks Department, John Slavich of Count Me In! and Jacie Worrick, board member for the United Way of Whitley County. Each panel member had the opportunity to provide an overview of their organization, detail its benefits to the community, and highlight areas for possible volunteer involvement. LWC class members then had the opportunity to ask questions of the panel members.
The main topic for the day was “Team Building,” presented by Dr. Rick Upchurch of Huntington University. The session began with a lively and enlightening activity on teambuilding in the school’s gymnasium. Principal Parrish Kruger joined the group on this activity, which used blindfolds and focused on communication as a critical tool of teamwork. Upchurch then worked with the group to overview the principles of effective teams and touched briefly on handling conflict as a part of effective teamwork. More emphasis on conflict management and facilitation will be addressed during the group’s February session.
As the LWC program heads into the 2010, class members will experience programs focusing on public speaking, conflict management and personal mission. A celebration graduation will be held, recognizing all class members on Thursday, April 15 at the Eagles Nest Event Center. For more information on applying for the 2010/11Leadership Whitley County class, supporting the program, or having an informational presentation made to your business or organization, contact Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045 or 3dsheiss@gmail.com
The support of local business, industry and organizations is key to the success of Leadership Whitley County. Sponsors for the 2009-10 year include: CenturyLink, NIPSCO, Old Settler’s Day Association, J & J Insurance, Northeastern REMC Operation Round-Up, Star Financial Bank & Star Insurance, ABCM Enterprises Inc., Pro Fed Credit Union and LWC Alumni June Keiser, Ava Lillmars, Tam Parker, Tom Rethlake, Janet Scank, R.D. Schrader, John Slavich, Esther Smith, Jeff Walker, Melinda Woll. This support, financial and/or in-kind, serves as a key to success for offering quality programs that compose the core of Leadership Whitley County.
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2009 Food and Wine Event a Spectacular Success

Current LWC class member Betty Mishler listens intently as one of the wine vendors details the offerings to sample

LWC alums Tom Rethlake and Dennis Warnick
It’s a night anticipated by many, known for its fine wines, delicious food and support of a worthy cause. This year’s Food and Wine Spectacular was no exception, offering over 80 diverse wine varieties, an array of food options and delicious chocolate. Adding to the ambience was entertainment courtesy of the Lake Effect Jazz Band and an artist gallery showcasing four local crafter’s talents. The annual event is hosted by Leadership Whitley County and proceeds help to support the county’s unique servant leadership program.
For the first time, a VIP hour was held, with special ticket holders gaining access to the event an hour early. Over 165 people attended the event, and a special wine stopper raffle was held, with Mark Espich taking home the coveted prize of a pair of diamond earrings for his wife. The earrings were donated by J & J Insurance.
“This is a signature event for our community that people have come to look forward to every year,” said LWC Program Director Kelley Sheiss. “We greatly appreciate those who attend as well as The Dock, who is instrumental in securing the wine vendors for the evening.” Sheiss also said the generous support of sponsors is key to the event. This year’s sponsors included J & J Insurance, Star Financial Bank and Star Insurance, J & K Communications, The Dock, Espich Printing, R & R Signs and Talk of the Town.
Plans are already underway for next year’s wine tasting, tentatively planned for the first Thursday in November.
LWC Alumni David Smith of Star Financial Bank samples one of the many wines available at the eventLWC alums Tom Rethlake and Dennis WarnickCurrent LWC class member Betty Mishler listens intently as one of the wine vendors details the offerings to sample
Food and Wine Spectacular – November 5, 2009
Tickets are on sale now for a fine evening of food and wine. This year’s Food and Wine Spectacular is slated for Thursday, November 5, 2009 from 7-9 p.m. at the Eagles Nest Event Center in Columbia City. Proceeds from the event will support Leadership Whitley County, the community’s unique servant leadership program. In addition to sampling over 100 wines, chocolate samples from The Chocolate Thimble will be featured along with an array of food prepared by Eagles Nest Chef Stan Horne and his wife Doris. Three local art vendors will offer their creations for sale and a wine stopper raffle will showcase a pair of diamond earrings as the grand prize. Presale tickets are $25 and available at The Dock, J & J Insurance, Star Financial Bank downtown, or from LWC alumni. All ticket holders will receive a customized wine glass celebrating the event. Join LWC in an evening to spoil the senses!
Tags: Eagles Nest, LWC, tickets, Wine
Food and Wine Spectacular
The date is set! On Thursday, November 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. enjoy a showcase of over 100 wines and delicious food at the Eagles Nest Event Center. A special VIP hour will be offered this year form 6 – 7 p.m. More details to come your way later this summer.
Tags: event, Leadership Whitley County
Alumin Picnic to kick-off next LWC season
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 23 from 5-7 p.m. (rain date August 30). A LWC Alumni picnic will be held at the new pavilion in Morsches Park! The Splash Pad will be open for your enjoyment, baseball and flag football equipment and fields will be open as well as cornhole and hillbilly golf. LWC will provide roast pork, drinks, chips and dessert. Bring your family and enjoy a nice, relaxing evening. We are seeking a few sponsors for this event, so if you are interested please contact Kelley. Let’s make this a great event for alumni and their families!
Tags: event, Leadership Whitley County

