Frankfort, IN — Lorra Archibald, executive director of Healthy Communities, joined host Shan Sheridan in studio on Tuesday’s “Party Line” broadcast on WILO, Boone’s Best 102.7 and Hoosierland TV to preview a busy stretch of programming for the Clinton County nonprofit, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
The conversation opened on a note of community service, with Archibald and Sheridan urging residents still recovering from recent storms to check in with the Salvation Army in Tipton, which is collecting cleaning supplies for people affected by flooding and wind damage. Both hosts encouraged donors to check with the organization online before dropping off items, so contributions match what families actually need rather than unwanted secondhand goods — a lesson Sheridan learned firsthand while running relief missions to the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.
The pair also noted that Tuesday, Aug. 18, is National Never Give Up Day, a fitting theme given Healthy Communities’ mission of connecting residents facing financial, health or personal struggles to the resources they need. “We always say we give people a hand up, not a hand out,” Archibald said, describing the organization’s approach as helping people find the “springboard” to their next step, whether that’s a ride to work, a benefits referral or a connection to medical care.
New Trail Would Link Frankfort Lagoons, TPA Park and the Milky Way
Healthy Communities is partnering with the City of Frankfort, the Trails Group and Clinton County government on a proposed multi-use trail that would connect the Frankfort Lagoons, Wesley Manor, TPA Park and the Milky Way restaurant. Archibald said the route was chosen to link existing community amenities rather than cut through farmland, addressing concerns from residents in the county’s agricultural areas.
The public is invited to a community conversation about the project on Tuesday, September 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Trinity Hope Center, 806 N. Columbia St.
Organizers plan to show drone footage of the proposed route so attendees can see what the finished trail would look like, and will collect feedback on the current plan as well as ideas for future trail connections. The family-friendly event will include a bike and helmet giveaway and a “walking taco trail,” where guests pick up taco ingredients at stations along a short course.
The trail is designed for walking, biking and motorized wheelchairs, but would not be open to mopeds, golf carts or other motorized vehicles, Archibald said.
She also pointed residents to a City of Frankfort survey, posted on the city’s Facebook page, gathering input for its comprehensive plan. The survey will close before the Sept. 16 event, and results — including how residents rank trails among the city’s priorities — will be shared at the meeting.
Free Zumba, Pound and Line Dancing Classes Continue
Healthy Communities continues to offer free Zumba and Pound fitness classes every week at Trinity Hope Center, led by instructor Tammy Sheridan. Both classes run about 30 minutes; Archibald noted the schedule can shift if the instructor is traveling, so residents should watch the Healthy Communities Facebook page for updates. Separately, a group of local women hosts a free line-dancing session open to all ages and genders on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in a church fellowship hall.
United Way Grant Funds New Full-Family Financial Literacy Program
Using a grant from the Clinton County United Way, Healthy Communities is launching its first financial wellness program, designed for the whole family. The pilot series runs six Wednesday evenings — Sept. 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, plus Oct. 7 — at 6 p.m. at the Trinity Hope Center.
Each session opens with a family supper before splitting into age-specific classes: adults work with a licensed financial counselor, while teens attend a session led by a Purdue University professor. Childcare will be provided for younger children. Curriculum covers budgeting, retirement and college savings, and investing, tailored to the realities of rural household finances. Participants who complete the program earn a certificate and receive a gift card at each session. Because space is limited, Archibald asked interested families to RSVP with Healthy Communities in advance.
Community Garden Produce Free for the Taking
Healthy Communities’ community garden is producing a heavy harvest this year, including peppers, cherry tomatoes, green tomatoes, onions, basil, squash, zucchini and an especially large eggplant crop, which Archibald attributed to this season’s wet weather. Green beans took a hit from deer this year. Fresh produce is available free of charge in the lobby of the Trinity Hope Center; residents unsure how to use an item can ask staff for a FoodLink recipe card, a Purdue Extension resource accessible via QR code.
Free Halloween Costume Giveaway Set for Sept. 12
As a Walmart and Good360 donation site, Healthy Communities has been collecting Halloween costumes, decorations and makeup for several years and will give them away for free on Friday, Sept. 12, at 3:30 p.m. at the Trinity Hope Center, 806 N. Columbia St., while supplies last. Archibald said the giveaway is meant to remove a financial barrier for families ahead of the holiday.
Stay Connected
Healthy Communities is marking its 20th anniversary this year with special posts on its Facebook page, where the organization also lists all upcoming events and flyers. Residents with questions can reach the organization through its Facebook page or by visiting its office at 1234 Rossville Ave. in Frankfort.
“Party Line” airs on WILO, Boone’s Best 102.7 and Hoosierland TV, with listeners invited to call in at 765-659-3338. The show is broadcast LIVE weekdays from 8:30 to 9:30 AM.
More information about WILO and Clinton County Daily News is available at YesWeLoveLocal.com.
