New parks director welcomed
Dear Editor,
I want to thank the board and all who had any part in hiring Jeff Lewis as our new director for Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation. Many knew him before he was director as the very friendly young man who greeted them at the check-in window each morning with a smile, a greeting, a kind or encouraging word or a joke.
I have been water aerobics instructor at College Park pool since August 2009, and have watched many transitions, but I have high hopes for this one. I have observed Mr. Lewis working through the front door, in the hallways, even down at the pool, squatting on the side of the pool to talk with those in the water.
He comes and talks with lifeguards also and seems to gather ideas and encourage all. I hear constant praise for our new director and positive feelings from all who have met Mr. Lewis. They all feel he genuinely cares for the community, he is quick to listen to complaints and ideas and do something about them, and all feel he is such a nice individual. He even brought his wife to the pool and introduced her, giving the feeling of family.
He is a very gifted and wise young man, and the board has made a wise decision. I would invite the community to not only come and see what a variety of programs are offered, but to make suggestions that may be beneficial. We have a listening ear as a director now, and I would suggest you come to welcome and meet him. He would love it!
When I mentioned to the Generation Center class that I was considering sending this letter about our new director, they unanimously said to sign it from them also, and I'm sure that would be echoed by all others there as well. So, board members, "Thank You!" and Jeff Lewis, a big "Welcome and so happy to have you!"
Dianne Brokaw
The Generation Center
and many others
Homeless Coalition seeks volunteer
Dear Editor,
The Clark County Homeless Coalition is very grateful to the people of Winchester for all the support shown during the renovation and opening of Wainscott Hall. This outpouring has made this facility possible.
The assistance we provide to families with nowhere else to go is solely due to the help from this community. Since opening in October, we have provided more than 872 nights of shelter to 13 families, including 11 children. We have helped several families successfully transition into permanent housing and become self-sufficient again. The entire community should be very proud to be a part of this aid.
We ask the community to help us again, so that we may continue to provide this vital service. We currently have a volunteer opportunity in the shelter. The house is staffed seven days a week from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. with a volunteer night manager, or VNM. We have several volunteers who are currently providing this service, and we now seek a full-time live-in VNM. The VMN is provided a private room and some board. The primary role of the VNM is to be available to the residents in the case of an emergency.
There are a few nightly duties, such as checking to be sure chores are completed properly and all doors are locked. A VMN is not expected to stay awake all night, be a case manager, adviser or counselor but a resource when there are questions about house rules or assistance is needed. Training is provided.
If you have the desire to help others help themselves and feel this could be the opportunity for you, please call Karen at (859) 744-8733.
Terry Davidson
President
