Children’s Learning Center friends have fun and make money

Lisa Williams was named Employee of the Year. Photo by Dave Pearce

By Dave Pearce

Members of the support team of the Children’s Learning Center of Posey County gathered on Saturday evening, Sept. 19, at the Community Center on the Posey County Fairgrounds to celebrate the annual gala and fundraiser.

Board President Andy Weintraut gave the audience a quick update and opened the festivities. Members of the board, many staff members, and members of the community listened as Children’s Learning Center ‘interim’ Director Tammy Schneider praised members of the staff and presented several awards to staff members and others who were on hand for the evening.

“I want to thank all of you for being here tonight and for supporting The Children’s Learning Center,” Schneider began.

“Looking around this room and seeing our board members, our families, our generous sponsors, and especially our staff is a wonderful reminder that The CLC is so much more than a building. It is a community.”

Schneider went on to explain that following her somewhat recent retirement from the MSD of Mount Vernon, she wasn’t really looking for the job but the job found her.

“When I stepped into my role at The CLC, I knew there was work to be done,” she said. “I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I arrived the first day, but figured I could handle anything because my stint was to be just a few weeks. But somewhere along the way, CLC became much more to me than just a temporary job. I have fallen in love with CLC, the staff, the children and the families. I look forward to going to work everyday; the position of Director is something I truly value.”

“Working with young children is incredibly rewarding, but it is not easy work. It requires patience, energy, compassion, flexibility, and a tremendous amount of heart,” Schneider said, in reference to the Center’s staff. “Our teachers don’t simply care for children during the day. They comfort them when they’re sad. They celebrate their accomplishments. They teach them how to share, how to communicate, how to be independent, and how to believe in themselves. I am incredibly excited about where The CLC is headed.”

Schneider then began recognizing staff members with a variety of awards as follows:

Brittany Lasher - 15 years Heart of the Center/Cornerstone Award; Trisha Lively - six years, Unsung Hero Award; Lisa Williams - six years, Full Arms-Full Heart Award; Emma Sue McDurmon - two years, Bright Spot Award; Jess Ellis - Back for Round two/Back Where you Belong Award; Kenzie Murphy - two years, Steady & Treasured Leader Award; Lisa Schmittler - seven years, Special Touch Award; Megan Stewart - 10 years, Calm Confidence Award; Kirsten Johnson - four years, No Spot Light Needed Award; Heather Embrey - four years, Master of Multitasking/Staying Balanced Award; Ainsleigh Phipps – one-and-a-half years, Hidden Potential Award; Annie Finch - Cool Under Pressure Award; Lauren Wilsey - one year, Quiet Strength Award; Sally Hook - Wealth of Wisdom Award; Rowan Minnis - Team Player Award; Madison Cox - Rising Star/Calm & In Command Award; Alexis Williams - three years, Steady Presence Award; Gigi Kern – two years, Coming Into Your Own Award (experience and confidence); Akilah Large - Keep on Keeping On Award (Roll With It); Kendra Hess - Go With the Flow Award; Alyssa McIntyre - two years, I’ve Got It Award; and Cassie Inkenbrandt - four years GOAT.

Schneider concluded by explaining that all staff and employees deserve recognition and awards; however, the greatest award went to someone she indicated she could always count on. Cassie Inkenbrandt was named The Greatest of all Time winner.

Others honored were Parent of the year Matt Schriefer, Grandparent of the year Kurt Souders, Honorable mention grandparent of the year was Matthew Lee, received by Katherine Lee Kalsch, Samantha Turner Volunteer of the Year, and Employee of the Year Lisa Williams.

Following the recognition, an ambitious group inspired hotly-contested bids on items such as desserts, games, baskets, toys (big and small), and liquor.

Near the end of the annual meeting, those present opened their hearts and their wallets raising well over $20,000 for the center besides the auction proceeds.

Organizers have already begun planning for next year.