Bradford Ray “Brad” Eilts, 71, North Manchester, formerly of Galveston, Indiana, passed away July 23 2024 at Peabody Healthcare Center in North Manchester. The son of Edwin Rhianhardt and Virginia (Ward) Eilts, Brad was born in Greentown, Indiana, on September 7, 1952.
Brad’s journey in life was one of dedication and service. After earning his high school diploma from Eastern High School in 1971, he embarked on a fulfilling career with the Kokomo Parks Department, where he dedicated many years of his life.
In the eyes of God, Brad was united with his longtime partner, Kay Bondarenko, sharing a deep and enduring bond. His spirit of kindness and humor endeared him to all who crossed his path; his infectious laughter and jokes never failed to bring a smile to others’ faces. Living by the belief that every moment was a reason to be grateful, Brad approached life with optimism and a warm heart.
Throughout his life, Brad’s talents shone brightly. A gifted musician, he showcased his skills on the drums in various bands and at church services. His passion for music extended to his ability to play multiple instruments and even sing with a voice that touched many. Beyond music, Brad found joy in art, demonstrating his creativity through portraits and coloring.
The loving memory of Brad Eilts will be forever cherished by his sons, Bradford Ray Eilts Jr. and Benjamin (Andrea) Eilts, both of North Manchester; companion, Kay Bondarenko, Galveston; sisters, Paula Daily, Ethridge, Tennessee and Pam (Jerry) Meiring, Tucson, Arizona; and three grandchildren. Brad was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Virginia Eilts.
A celebration to honor Brad’s life will be held at a later date.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Brad Eilts, memorial contributions may be made to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana 46962, to assist with final expenses.
The family of Brad Eilts has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bradford Ray Eilts, please visit our flower store.
Edna Martha Cardwell, age 100, passed away peacefully in her daughter’s home and went on to be with her Heavenly Father on July 25, 2024.
Edna was born in Port Hope, Michigan on March 29, 1924, to Emil and Clara Gaffke.
Edna graduated from Wayne State University with degree in Nursing. She started her nursing career at the Marion Veterans Hospital, where she worked for eight years before moving to Marion General Hospital and retiring after thirty-seven years. Edna loved her job, her fellow workers, and her patients. She took pride in providing the highest quality of care and was esteemed by all.
Edna was a devoted mother and grandmother. She mentored many children during her life span. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for eleven years, receiving “Den Mother of the Year” in 1965. She was also a Girl Scout leader for thirty-seven years, serving all levels of Girl Scouts. She received the “Thanks” Badge in 1978, (the highest honor in Girl Scouts), and “Pin of Appreciation” in 1986. Both of which acknowledge her measurable impact on carrying out the Girl Scouts mission.
Edna was the last surviving original member of the St. James Lutheran Church, where she attended church for seventy-four years. She was a faithful member of Forever Young and Lutherans for Life. Edna aspired to nurture faith in her grandchildren and other youth in the congregation as evidenced by her commitment to Vacation Bible School and her service on the youth board for twelve years, where she served as director and co-director for six years.
She was preceded in death by her children: Richard Cardwell, Roger Cardwell, and Mary Brenneman, and grandchildren: Sierra Spain, Brittany Huitte, and Candy Williams.
Edna will be missed by her daughter Norma “Jeannie” Starr of Marion and stepson David (Cathy) Cardwell of Florida, eleven grandchildren: Charles (Gary) Humes, Mark (Jennifer) Cardwell, Richard (Mia) Cardwell, Tina (Mike) Felty, Michelle Riddle, Shawn Starr, Gary Starr, Jesseca (Kent) Spencer, Kyle Sample, Bethanie Sample, Brian (Amber) Cardwell, and forty-eight great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM at St. James Lutheran Church, 1206 N. Miller Ave., Marion, Indiana, 46952. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will follow services at Grant Memorial Park, 1606 W 26th St., Marion, Indiana 46953. Arrangements have been entrusted to Raven Choate Robinson Funeral Home, Marion, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the “Youth” at St. James Lutheran Church, 1206 N. Miller Ave, Marion, Indiana 46953.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ravenchoate.com.
Wilma Irene Ray, 83, of Wabash County, Indiana, joined her husband, Larry Melvin Ray in heaven on Monday, July 22, 2024. She was born on August 11, 1940, in Warren County, Indiana, to James Monroe and Elsie Viola (McKinzie) Foster.
Wilma was a 1958 graduate of Pine Village High School and attended Purdue University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics and Master’s degrees in P.E. and Consumer Science. Later in her career, she received postgraduate credits in Counseling from Ball State University and Secondary Education and Administration from Indiana University. She married the love of her life, Larry Melvin Ray, on December 24, 1961, at Riverview United Methodist Church in Independence, Indiana. Larry died on October 1, 2021.
Wilma worked and retired from teaching at Heartland Career Center in Wabash after 19 years. She also worked four years at the South Bend School Corporation, as well as eight years for the Huntington County Schools. Wilma was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in South Bend.
She is survived by two daughters, Lynn Ray and Nancy (George) Chung, both of Woodinville, Washington, and three granddaughters; Veronica Chung, Vanessa Chung, and Valerie Chung.
Additionally, Wilma is survived by nephews: Jim (Jane) Link, Mike (Carol) Link, and Noel Foster. From those nephews, she has great and great-great nieces and nephews: Julie (Chad) Staat and daughter Logan (Matthew) Smith (children: Kora and Korbyn Smith); Jeremy Link; Jason (Julie) Link (children: Emma, Caleb, Deborah, and Peter Link); Rob (Kristy) Link, Kalamazoo, Michigan (children: Jake, Max, Zeke, Reese, and Elyse Link); Shawn and Shane Foster; Brandon Sr. Foster, James Foster, and Antoinette Garcia-Berry.
She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Rod (Linda) Ray, Lafayette, Indiana, nephew Anthony (Kathryn) Ray, Greenfield, Indiana, and niece Michelle Librie, Lafayette, Indiana, along with great-nephews and great-nieces, Carson and Fiona Ray and Caleb and Cadence Librie. Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, brother, James Ernest Foster, sister Florence Link, nephew, Steven Foster, and great-nephew, Steven Foster Jr.
Wilma enjoyed her high school years being active in 4H and representing Warren County at the Indiana State Fair for Girls School, The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, serving as the class secretary for the Jr. and Sr. class, receiving the DAR Good Citizen award, and acting in school plays.
At Purdue she enjoyed her studies, living at Twins Pines Cooperative House, participating in Twin Pines activities, meeting Larry, and hanging out with the Purdue Ag gang. They continued to meet after graduation at least 4 times a year for over 50 years.
Wilma was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. When Larry passed in October 2021, they were just 3 months shy of celebrating 60 years of marriage. Her greatest joy was being there for her family and friends. She especially enjoyed finding gifts for her family even outside the traditional holidays. For friends, she had a unique talent for knowing when someone needed flowers or chocolate or even a friendly prank or two. She was blessed to be a part of so many lives throughout her and Larry’s careers.
Traveling with Larry was a favorite hobby for Wilma and they visited every state and most of Europe together. A favorite travel period in their life was going on many tours organized by her dearest friend, Connie Marshall. Wilma particularly enjoyed time spent in the various cities where Lynn and Nancy lived. Her favorite trips of all were to spend time with her three granddaughters.
Growing up as a farm girl, Wilma never shied away from working outside. Even in the weeks before she passed she was out mowing at her beautiful property and as often as she could at the farm where she grew up. She always enjoyed the many visitors to her property, especially getting to play with her great nieces and nephews as well as being the host to the backpacking buddies, her “hunting boys” and their whole clan.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 am, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, 110 N. Cass Street, Wabash, Indiana with Pastor Doug Barton officiating. Burial will be at Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Monday, July 29, 2024, at the church; arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.
Preferred memorial is the Education Professions at Heartland Career Center of Wabash or the charity of your choice.
The memorial guest book for Wilma may be signed at http://www.grandstaff-hentgen.com
Delbert E. Stinnett, Jr., 69, Noblesville, passed away at 7:50 am on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Prairie Lakes Health Campus in Noblesville. He was born in Marion, Indiana, on Sunday, September 5, 1954, to Delbert E. and Betty (Wilson) Stinnett, Sr. On July 18, 1981, he married Nikki J. Percy.
Delbert graduated from Marion High School and received his associate’s degree from Purdue University. He served the City of Marion Fire Department for 32 years and held every position at one time or another, including Pension Secretary. He was Deputy Fire Chief for two administrations for a total of eight years. Delbert had a knack for numbers. While the girls were growing up, he prepared taxes from his home office. Following his service and retirement from the fire department on December 5, 2007, Delbert worked at H&R Block.
Delbert enjoyed going to concerts, fishing, being outdoors, playing with the grandkids and attending their activities. He enjoyed taking the family to museums and being their personal tour guide. Delbert loved science, history, and following politics. He was always learning. In recent years, he enjoyed playing BINGO, going on day trips, and “Happy Hour” on Fridays.
Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Nikki J. Stinnett; daughters, Lydia (Marcus) Ballenger of Fishers and Sheena Dawn Stinnett of Marion; grandchildren, Makayla Jackson, Miles Ballenger, and Katherine “Katie” Ballenger; and sister, Lana Stinnett Cracknell of Cincinnati, OH.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive visitors from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Delbert’s life will begin at 4:00 pm with Pastor Mick Simpkins officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Grant Memorial Park, Marion, IN.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 511 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Irving, TX 75062 or Brain Trauma Foundation, 228 Hamilton Ave., 3rd Flr., Palo Alto, CA 94301.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
Kathie Lynn Stone, 73, of Marion, passed away at 2:01 pm on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne. She was born in Marion, Indiana, on Thursday, December 28, 1950, to Thomas and Mary (Leffler) Hicks. On August 7, 1971, she married Ernest Stone, and he survives.
Kathie graduated from Mississinewa High School in 1969. She worked in food service at Historic St. Mary’s City and St. Mary’s College in Maryland. She was a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
Kathie was involved in 4-H and county fairs, and she had won ribbons in baking, horticulture, and antiques. She enjoyed working in her garden and growing flowers, restoring antiques, baking, and cooking. She was artistic and enjoyed drawing, painting, and crafts. Kathie also liked fishing, especially with her family. She will be remembered as a kind, generous, and thoughtful woman who was focused on loving her family to the fullest.
Survivors include her loving husband, Ernest Stone of Marion; sons, Paul Ernest (Danielle Bryan) Stone of Friendswood, TX, Daniel Edward Stone of Orlando, FL, Jason Eric (Heather) Stone of Ridge, MD, and Shawn Erin (Jill) Stone of Lusby, MD; grandsons, Paul Ernest (Alexis Hawthorne) Stone, II, and Jason Hunter Stone; granddaughters, Amelia Stone and Annabelle Stone; great-grandchildren, Elijah, Cameron, and Xander; brothers, Tom (Linda) Hicks and Greg (Sue) Hicks; several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law; and her beloved dog, Kyoto.
She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas L. Hicks; mother, Mary Elizabeth (Leffler) Bryan; step-father, Tom Bryan; and brother, Mike (Linda) Hammond.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, August 2, 2024, at the Marion Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2424 S. Nebraska St., Marion, IN 46953.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Kathie’s life will begin at 1:00 pm. Burial will take place at Estates of Serenity, Marion, IN.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Marion-Grant County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1921, Marion, IN 46952.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
WABASH, IN- The Common Ground Ministry Team invites the public to a Back to School Prayer Walk on Sunday, August 4th, beginning at 6pm.
Join in at one of the listed locations as the community will be praying for school employees, students, and the upcoming school year.
Locations will be:
Emmanuel Christian School, Heartland Career Center, LH Carpenter, Metro North Elementary, MSD Administration Office, Northfield Jr./Sr. HS, OJ Neighbors, Sharp Creek Elementary, Southwood Elementary, Southwood Jr./Sr.HS, St Bernard Elementary, Wabash County Learning Center, Wabash Administration Office, Wabash MS HS, White’s Jr./Sr. HS
If you have any questions please call one of the following:
WABASH, IN- Fourteen contestants will compete for the title of Wabash County Festivals Queen in the 34th annual Wabash County Festivals Scholarship Pageant on Friday, July 26, at 7:00 p.m. For the very first time, the Pageant will be held in the Eagles Theater. The new queen will be crowned by our 2023 Wabash County Festivals Queen, McKenzie Roth.
Contestants will compete in a personal interview, sportswear, evening gown and on-stage question. The new Queen will make appearances at the Kunkel Cruise-in Car show; Founders Fest activities and parade as well as Lagro Good Old Days, Roann Covered Bridge Festival and other Wabash County Festivals as requested. Our Queen will also be competing in the Indiana State Festivals Pageant on November 9, 2024, in Greenfield, Indiana.
Many businesses and individuals have contributed to the scholarship monies. We are excited to award over $3500 in scholarships to the winners. The contestants contributed to the scholarship fund by working at the Pageant’s annual Port-A-Pit chicken sale and First Friday activities. The pageant is supported by the EHH Foundation.
Assisting with the pageant this year will be the Queen Team Directors: Katie Jones Beauchamp; Makayla Ridgeway; Teresa Ridgeway; Patty Meagher and Bev Vanderpool. Others assisting will be: Choreography, Lisa Mattern Billings and Megan Long; Ticket Sales, Jeff Culver; Stage Decorations, Jon Vanderpool; Escorts Ryder Schram and Ryland Miller.
Tri Kappa Sorority members helping during the pageant are: Deb Culver, Karen Walker Jones, Abby McDonald, Paula Merriman and Beth Miller. Earlier this year, Tri Kappa Sorority members hosted a get acquainted pizza party for contestants Emcee for the evening is Roderick Schram. Escorts are Ryland Miller and Ryder Schram.
Contestants are:
Roxanne Billman, daughter of Faith Jackson and Joshua Jackson (Step-father). Roxanne is a 2023 Graduate of Northfield High School. Roxanne is a student at Manchester University.
Quinn Claussen is the daughter of Kent and Denise Claussen. This Fall Quinn will be a Senior at Southwood High School.
Ella Clifford, is the daughter of Melissa Clifford . Ella is a 2023 Graduate of Manchester High School and is a student at Indiana State University.
Jessica Dingess, Wallace and Melody Dingess. Jessica is a 2022 Graduate of Manchester High School. Jessica is a student at Huntington University.
Zoey Gaylourd, Is the daughter of Josh and Sara Gaylourd. This Fall, Zoey will be a Senior at Southwood High School.
Eden Hoover is the daughter of Tony and Krista Hoover. Eden is a 2024 Graduate of Northfield High School. This Fall, Eden will be a student at Indiana University Bloomington.
Mahayla Krom is the daughter of Andrew and Nikki Krom. She is a 2024 Graduate of Manchester High School. This Fall Mahayla will be as student at Huntington University
Karigan Long is the daughter of Josh and Megan Long. Karigan is a 2024 Graduate of Wabash High School. This Fall Karigan will be a student at Trine University.
Marissa Metzger, is the daughter of Brad Metzger and Trisha Loker. Marissa is a 2022 Graduate of Southwood High School. Marissa is a student atstudent Purdue University.
Macie Overlander, daughter of Shannon Overlander and Emily Overlander. This Fall Macie will be a Senior at Northfield High School.
Ella Satterthwaite, is the daughter of Chad and Angela Satterthwaite. Ella is a 2022 Graduate of Northfield High School and is a student at IU Kokomo.
Paloma Shull, is the daughter of Amanda Shull and Brett Shull. Paloma is a 2024 Graduate of Wabash High School. This Fall Paloma will be a student at Indiana University Bloomington.
Myra Walker, is the daughter of Tim and Angela Middlekauff and George Walker. Myra is a 2024 Graduate of Manchester High School. This Fall she will be a student at Huntington University.
Erika Yard is the daughter of Staci Yard. Erika is a 2022 Graduate of Manchester High School. Erika is a student at Western Governors University.
IN- Remember the following information about school bus safety in Indiana: • It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing and stop-arm extended, except on highways divided by a barrier. If the highway is divided by a barrier, motorists are only required to stop if they are traveling in the same direction as the school bus.
To ensure school bus transportation is safe for everyone, follow these best practices: • When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or biking to school. • When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, be alert for young people who may not be thinking about getting to school safely. • Slow down and watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks. • Be mindful of children playing and gathering near bus stops. • Stay alert, as children arriving late for the bus may suddenly dart into the street without checking for traffic. • Learn and adhere to the school bus laws in your state, as well as the “flashing signal light system” that school bus drivers use to notify motorists of upcoming actions. • Yellow flashing lights on a school bus indicate it is preparing to stop. Motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop. • Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their vehicles and wait until the red lights stop flashing and the extended stop arm is withdrawn before they can start driving again.
For parents, teach your child the following safety practices to make school bus transportation safer: -Safety Starts at the Bus Stop • Ensure your child arrives at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. • Show your child where to wait for the bus: at least three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb. • Remind your child that the bus stop is not a place to run or play. -Get On and Off Safely • Instruct your child to wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, the door opens, and the driver indicates it’s okay before approaching the bus door. • Advise your child to use the handrails while getting on and off the bus to prevent falling. -Use Caution Around the Bus • Teach your child to never walk behind a school bus. • If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, instruct him/her to walk on a sidewalk or along the side of the street to a place at least five giant steps (10 feet) in front of the bus before crossing. • Emphasize making eye contact with the bus driver before crossing. • Instruct your child to inform the bus driver immediately if they drop something near the bus instead of trying to pick it up themselves.
Let’s all do our part to ensure that this school year is safe for everyone. Information Provided by the: Indiana Criminal Justice Institute
WABASH, IN- Visit Wabash County officials announce that Summer Registration for the 15th Annual Wabash County Dam to Dam Ride(D2D) will change to Last Chance Registration pricing on August 8th. The ride takes place on Sunday, September 8, and is powered by INGUARD. D2D is more than just a ride; it’s a bike tour designed by cyclists for cyclists, featuring six catered SAG stops. The tour emphasizes camaraderie, outdoor recreation, and the scenic rural beauty of Wabash County. Over the past 14 years, the event has grown from 9 riders to nearly 1,000, drawing participants from 24 different states. INGUARD has committed to supporting the event at the title sponsorship level consecutively for the last 5 years. INGUARD is a full-service insurance brokerage that specializes in risk management, insurance placements, and a variety of health benefit programs. To advance their mission of making healthy choices more accessible, INGUARD’s President Daniel Schmitz supports events that inspire health in Wabash and around the region. “People coming together in the spirit of community health and fun is what INGUARD is all about,” said Schmitz. “Events like Dam to Dam uplift the health journeys of our friends and neighbors, and we’re excited to be part of that.” The event is geared toward cyclists of al riding levels and ages and gives participants the choice between riding anywhere from 15- 150 miles. D2D is organized by Visit Wabash County staff with the help of a dedicated group of committee volunteers. David Mann, Greg Garner, Adam Stakeman, John Trimble, Don Peterson, Chris Wetherford, Shely Baucco, Mike Paul, and Roger Peebles work tirelessly to ensure that the event is a success year after year. “D2D is meant to showcase al that Wabash County has to offer,” said Event Director and Experiences Manager Stephanie Rogers. “This event would not be possible without the help of the sponsors and hundreds of volunteers that come together to serve as ambassadors for Wabash County.” Volunteers can be found throughout the county running 6 supply and gear (SAG) stops that are catered specifically to anticipate the various needs of each cyclist. Along with Wabash County EMA, Wabash City Street Department, Wabash City Parks Department, Wabash City Police Department, North Manchester Park’s Department, Town Manager Adam Penrod, Wabash County Sheriff’s Department, Wabash County Highway Department, Wabash County YMCA, and Mayor Scott Long, collectively work together to ensure the overall safety of the event. Special thank you to our community health partner, Parkview Wabash Hospital, for supporting the Liking for Biking club which runs from May to August each year. They teach road safety and how to build endurance for long-distance rides and are a perfect place to prepare for the Dam to Dam. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, and a commemorative t-shirt. Thank you to this year’s sponsors. 2024 sponsors include: Powering Sponsor: INGUARD; Carbon + Sponsors: Alley Cat Outfitters, 5-Hour Energy, Wabash County YMCA, Borders & Beyond Gallery, Parkview Wabash Hosptial, Paperworks Inc, and Visit Wabash County; Carbon Sponsors: City of Wabash, Augie’s Friends, Kroft Chiropractic, Intertech, Inc., Wabash Hardware & Rental, Ford Meter Box Company, Puckerbrush Photography, The Paper of Wabash County, Intrasect Technologies, Spirit Wear, Gaunt & Son Asphalt, Inc.; Titanium Sponsors: Schlemmer Brothers Metalworks, 95.9 Kiss FM, Wabash Valey Chrysler, Kirtlan Automotive, Midwest Eye Consultants, Crossroads Investment Center, Beacon Credit Union, Josiah White’s Teen Recovery, Clear Water Systems, 105.9 the Bash, American Health Network, Red Earth, and David L Mann Financial Advisor; and Aluminum Sponsors: Town of North Manchester, Paul’s Wel Service, Downs, Tandy, & Petruniw, PC, Dawes and Pugh CPAs, LLC, Brandt’s Harley-Davidson, Charley Creek Inn, Wabash County Pork Producers, Downtown Wabash, Inc., Pettit Printing, Inc., LRS, Arc Light Media, Grow Wabash County, First Farmers Bank & Trust, Manchester Alive, Thorne Insurance, Grandstaff Hentgen, 950 Speakeasy Bistro, Rettig’s Industrial Supply, Big City Paints, The Huntington Bicycle Shop, Shepherds Family Auto Group, and Golden Harvest Trinity Seeds. Summer Registration is $50 per person with a guaranteed t-shirt until August 8th and Last Chance pricing is $60 per person and runs through September 8th at noon. Riders under 18 ride for free thanks to sponsorship. Register online now at VisitWabashCounty.com/dam-to-dam. Registration in person on the morning of the event is also available.
Those interested in participating or volunteering for the ride can get more information online at www.visitwabashcounty.com or by calling the Welcome Center at 260-563-7171.Follow Dam to Dam Century Ride on Wabash County Adventure Series Facebook and Instagram Page
WABASH, IN– Eating nutritious food is essential to health. The vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in fresh foods provide the fuel for a person’s body and mind. Unfortunately, people who lack consistent access to fresh foods are at a disadvantage and their health can suffer.
That’s where VeggieRx comes in.
VeggieRx is a produce prescription program that aims to help people with food insecurity, and who have chronic diseases such as diabetes, include more fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. This year – thanks to funding from the Parkview Health Foundation courtesy of generous donations to the Parkview Wabash Hospital Greatest Need Fund — Parkview is offering this program to as many as 100 Wabash County residents who qualify.
“The use of produce prescription programs has become a best practice in communities across the country,” said Michelle Bojrab-Wray, MS, RDN, LD, FAND, lead community outreach dietitian and project director for VeggieRx, Parkview Health. “Research has shown that a combination of healthy lifestyle and well-balanced diet could prevent as much as 80% of chronic disease.”
VeggieRx helps increase fruit and vegetable consumption to improve health outcomes and reduce food insecurity in underserved populations. Over a six-month period, participants receive $50 per month to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, they attend four classes, led by a local registered dietitian, where they learn the benefits of eating more produce and how to prepare it through demonstrations and hands-on experiences.
“There is growing evidence that the Social Determinants of Health – early childhood development, adequate housing, safe environments and working conditions, economic stability, social connection, and food security – play enormous roles in health outcomes,” said Dr. Eric Reichenbach, section chief for Parkview Physicians Group – Family Medicine in Wabash, Huntington, Miami, Wells and Grant counties. “Healthcare providers have a limited amount of power to affect these systemic factors. However, research has shown that ‘food is medicine,’ and several years ago, Parkview was one of the leading healthcare systems in the country to pilot an intervention to test this concept. VeggieRx has proven to be successful in Allen County and now we are thrilled to bring it to our Wabash County community.”
Parkview partners with local farmers markets and other vendors so participants have multiple ways to purchase a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables with their monthly stipend. In Wabash County, participants receive a special Fresh Connect debit card that can be used at any Kroger or Walmart nationwide, as well as at the Wabash County Farmers Market and Cordes Berry Farm. Other farm stands and stores may be added.
The card is provided to enrolled participants after the first nutrition education class, which will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27, at Parkview Wabash Hospital, 10 John Kissinger Drive, Wabash.
Reichenbach believes the strength of VeggieRx is its multi-pronged approach: “It combines access to fresh fruits and vegetables with education to empower patients to make better food choices and training to prepare wholesome meals. Not only are we seeing better short-term metrics in our patients, but VeggieRx is also an investment to improve longer-term disease outcomes.”
Deb Potempa, market president, Parkview Health South, shares Reichenbach’s enthusiasm.
“VeggieRx is such a win-win, and we are so grateful both to Dr. Reichenbach, for his support, and to the Parkview Health Foundation for making it possible to bring the program to Wabash County,” said Potempa. “In addition, we are excited about the program’s partnership with farmers and retailers to support the local food economy for the benefit of everyone.”
Parkview piloted VeggieRx with 30 people in Allen County in 2019. In 2021, Parkview received a $466,373 Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and VeggieRx grew to serve 121 participants with plans to expand further. The following year, a second Gus Schumacher grant of $499,977 continued the support for VeggieRx, which has demonstrated success for hundreds of people, impacting the lives of 174 in 2022 and 305 in 2023.
In 2023, an Indiana Department of Health produce prescription planning grant supplied support for expansion of the program in Kosciusko, LaGrange and Huntington counties.
Past VeggieRx participants have seen measurably improved clinical outcomes, including lower A1C levels and blood pressure, weight loss and other overall health improvements. They’ve also become familiar with preparing fresh produce and have increased their knowledge of local food systems and resources.
“It’s been so exciting to see how VeggieRx has impacted the health and well-being of our Allen County participants, and we’re excited to offer the program and its benefits in additional counties,” said Dr. Sarah Giaquinta, MD, MPH, senior vice president, Community Health and Equity, Parkview Health. “Beyond the health improvements seen in participants, everyone who contributes to the program is enthusiastic about its impact, from the providers who prescribe VeggieRx and see their patients becoming more proactive about their health, to the dietitians who help patients learn new ways to prepare delicious, nourishing meals, to the farmers who are proud that the produce they grow is now more accessible to those who need it most.”
To be eligible for the free program, an individual must reside in Wabash County and:
Be a patient of a Parkview Health primary care or specialty provider.
Obtain a referral to the program from their Parkview provider.
Meet certain health and financial requirements, including having diabetes or pre-diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or obesity, or having a high-risk pregnancy. In addition, the person must be receiving Medicaid, be dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, be uninsured, or screen positive for food insecurity.
Any person who believes they qualify should contact their Parkview provider to ask about a potential referral. Providers with questions may reach out to Kailey Canary, VeggieRx project coordinator, Parkview Health, at kailey.canary@parkview.com. Enrollment begins Aug. 1 and continues until available slots are filled.
For additional information, call 260-569-2114, email WabashVeggieRx@parkview.com or contact Kailey Canary at kailey.canary@parkview.com. General program information is available at parkview.com/VeggieRx.
