Goshen, IN

Elkhart County, Indiana, home to La Casa helps homeowners everyday, all year long, but one day a year they organize a day for REALTOR's to give back to the community. This is the first time I have volunteered to "Help A House" and I gotta say, it sure felt good. The home we worked on was an early 1900's home in pretty sad shape, located in Goshen. The homeowner and her three children were there to run fetch things, hand out drinks, donuts, pizza, or help tear apart or put bak up whatever needed doing at the moment. Did I mention how great it felt to give back? And expect nothing in return? Today, it really was about them, them, them.

We were served a pancake breakfast by the local United Methodist Church, all 250 volunteers (not all REALTORs) ate to their hearts content and left with a sugar and caffeine high to help get a good start on all the labor! We ate from 7 to 8 am and then went to the homes we were assigned to. REALTORS from Prudential One, Century 21, Realty Group Resources, Coldwell Banker, Cressy & Everette, A Progressive Realty, and the Elkhart Board of REALTOR's Director all had representation, plus, I know there was another Brokerage present but I can't think of the name of it! What a showing we had...

We started off with a bang, by 9:30 am all the windows were out of the house, most of the tiles and tarpaper was down and it seemed like we were really making progress, and we were. We were scheduled to stay until 3 pm but at 1:30 everything was done except final roof touches and clean-up. What a day! I am sore and stiff but the gratitude and appreciation of the homeowners was well worth it. Giving back rocks!

If your community has such an organization I urge you to volunteer. If they don't have one, why not start one? You put together some pretty creative packages, you can put this together too!

Goshen's Greencroft Senior Center offers choice activities and programs for all area adults, 55 and older, at no or low cost. For more information please call 574-537-4090. Also available for private rentals and catered events, with seating to 500. Real Services meals served Monday through Friday at 11:30 am. Meal reservations are at 574-971-6016 between 10 am and 11:30 am the previous weekday. Donation: $3.

Adult day Services at the Thelma A. Schrock Homestead, Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm. Call 574-537-4000 and ask for a marketing associate, or contact them via greencroft.org.

Homemaker, handyman and companion services for those 50 and older in their own home provided through Greencroft at Home. For more information please call 574-537-4006.

This public service announcement provided by your Local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert, Evelyn Johnston, Prudential One Realty.

Elkhart County, Indiana Goshen Public Library located at 601 S Fifth Street can be reached at 574-533-9531.

• Celebrate National Library Week by reading new books in the library.
• Awesome Author contest for grades K-5. Check in the children's department for details. An awards program will be held at 6:30 pm Tuesday.
• Jane Mayse/Friends of the GPL Scholarship: A $1,000 scholarship for Elkhart Township high school seniors is available. Pick up an application by Tuesday.
• Babytalk Lapsit for babies up to 18 months at 10:30 am every Monday through May 19. Must be accompanied by parent or caregiver. No registration.
• Wonderful Wednesdays at 10:30 am for toddlers 18 months to 3 years old. No registration.
• Terrific Thursdays at 10:30 am for ages 3-5. No registration.

This public announcement was brought to you by your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert, Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Realty.

Goshen Air Center, 17229 CR 42, Goshen, Indiana is hosting the Elkhart County 4-H Aerospace Club at 7 pm. Elkhart County kids in grades 3-12 are invited to attend. Meets the Second Tuesday of every month. For more information please call Amy Coons at 574-586-0404 or 574-848-7594.

This information was brought to you courtesy of your local Elkhart County Real Estate Expert Evelyn Johnston with Prudential One Reatly at 574-304-7148.

City Hall 202 S 5th Street 574-533-8621 574-533-9740 fax

Fire Dept 209 N 3rd Street 574-533-7878 574-534-2804 fax

Police Dept 111 E Jefferson Street, Suite 5 574-533-8661 574-533-1826 fax

City Court 111 E Jefferson Street 574-533-9365 574-533-3235 fax

Parks 607 W Plymouth Avenue 574-534-2901 574-534-6644 fax

Plan Dept 204 E. Jefferson Street, Suite 4 574-534-3600 574-533-8626 fax

Street Dept 311 W Madison Street 574-534-9711

Zoning Appeals 204 E Jefferson Street 574-534-3600 574-533-8626 fax