Watching Bloomington 3-22-20

March 24th, 2020 08:00am

This week Denise talks with Kara Baertsch, president of Mental Health Monroe County about the mental aspects of dealing with coronavirus.

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Watching Bloomington 3-15-20

March 16th, 2020 07:00am

This week Denise talks with Courtney Stewart, the Purdue Extension health and human sciences coordinator.

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Watching Bloomington 3-8-20

March 8th, 2020 12:01am

Denise Lessow speaks with the Executive Director of Reimagining opera for kids, Kimberly Carballo. ROK: Reimagining Opera for Kids is a non-profit community arts and education organization based in Bloomington, IN.

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Watching Bloomington 3-1-20

March 1st, 2020 12:00am

This week Denise speaks with Vicki Pierce the Executive Director at Community Kitchen of Monroe County. The two speak on the role the organization plays within the community and the difficulties of distributing food within the community.

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Watching Bloomington 2-23-20

February 23rd, 2020 12:00am

This week Denise speaks with Andrea Hadsell, the education manager of the Monroe County History Center. The two discuss the logistics of the center and Monroe County history.

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Watching Bloomington 2-9-20

February 9th, 2020 12:00am

This week Denise speaks with Patt McCafferty the director of financial aid at Ivy Tech. The two discuss Pat's role as director as well as the fun and interesting opportunities that Ivy Tech offers.

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Watching Bloomington 2-2-2020

February 2nd, 2020 12:00am

Today, Denise interviews Stephanie Shelton the Director of Development for LIFEDesigns. Stephanie explains what LIFEDesigns does as well as the origin story behind the nonprofit.

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Watching Bloomington 1-17-20

January 17th, 2020 12:00am

This week, Denise speaks with Sandy Keller from My Sister's Closet. The two discuss the non-profit and the issues involved with maintaining a non-profit organization. Also, Denise has some very special surprise guests! Listen to find out who.

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Watching Bloomington 1-12-20

January 12th, 2020 09:00am

This week Denise talk with Amber Shride, the resource development coordinator with CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates. Monroe County CASA is a volunteer-powered program which provides representation in juvenile court for child victims of abuse and neglect. The program recruits, screens, trains, and supervises adult community members who volunteer their time to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), with full legal authority set forth by the State of Indiana.

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Watching Bloomington 12-15-19

January 7th, 2020 07:00am

This week guest host Denise speaks with Talisha Coppock, the Director of Downtown Bloomington Inc. The two discuss the exciting things going on in downtown Bloomington during and shortly after the holiday season.

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Watching Bloomington 12-29-19

January 7th, 2020 07:00am

This week Denise talks with Katie Broadfoot, the Executive Director of Monroe County United Ministries. Monroe County United Ministries creates lasting solutions to economic, educational and social injustice in our community through quality services, collaboration and innovation.

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Watching Bloomington 1-5-20

January 7th, 2020 07:00am

This week Denise talks with Tyler Garzinski, Events and Communications Coordinator with Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana. or more than 100 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life.

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Watching Bloomington 12-6-19

December 6th, 2019 12:00am

This week guest host Denise speaks with Abby Henkel, the communication director for Sycamore Land Trust. The two discuss the act of land preservation and speak about the activities held by Sycamore Land Trust.

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Watching Bloomington 11-15-19

November 22nd, 2019 12:00am

Guest Host Denise welcome Efrat Feferman the executive director of United Way Monroe County. The two discuss new member of the United Way team, Jim Sims, as well as the needs found in Monroe County.

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Watching Bloomington 11-22-19

November 22nd, 2019 12:00am

This week guest host Denise speaks with Emily Pike, the executive director for New Hope for Families. The two discuss the roles "New Hope" plays within the community and the programs the group provides.

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Watching Bloomington 11-8-19

November 8th, 2019 12:00am

This week Denise speaks with Nancy Richman, the executive director with Volunteers in Medicine: Monroe County. The two talk about the acquisition made by Health Net and what Volunteers in Medicine does.

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Watching Bloomington 11-1-19

November 1st, 2019 12:00am

This week guest host Denise talks with the Director of Development at LIFEDesigns, Stephanie Shelton. The two discuss the role LIFEDesigns plays in Bloomington and community engagement.

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Watching Bloomington 10-25-19

October 25th, 2019 12:00am

This week guest host Denise talks to Penny Caudill, the Administrator for the Monroe County Health Department. The two discuss the importance of flu shots and tips for staying healthy!

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Watching Bloomington 10-18-19

October 18th, 2019 12:00am

This week guest host Denise talks with Martha Whitmill, the development and communication director for Girls Inc, Bloomington. The two discus Girls Inc and what Martha's position entails.

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Watching Bloomington 10-11-2019

October 11th, 2019 12:00am

Feeling reminiscent today. This week in Watching Bloomington we take a look back at a great episode from the past: Today Barry talks with the CEO of Monroe County Habitat for Humanity Wendy Goodlett.

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Watching Bloomington

October 4th, 2019 12:00am

Guest Host Denise sits down with Lucy Shake, the director of the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network. The two discuss what life is like as the director of the Volunteer Network and how YOU can get involved!

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Watching Bloomington 9-26-2019

September 27th, 2019 12:00am

Guest host Denise sits down with Sandra Groschwitz the Animal Program Coordinator for the Monroe County Humane Association. The two discuss Sandra's program VIPaws and her duties at the MCHA.

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Watching Bloomington

09-01-2019

September 1st, 2019 06:00am

Deniese talks with Positive Link Director and Community Lead Manger of IU Heath Jill Stowers

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Watching Bloomington

8/25/2019

August 25th, 2019 06:00am

This week Denise interviews Mike McAfee, Executive Director of Visit Bloomington, about upcoming events to the Bloomington area.

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Watching Bloomington

8-11-19

August 11th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, guest-host Denise speaks with Monroe Smart Start Coordinator Jennifer Myers about the upcoming school year. They discuss how the organization has helped prepare young children in our community for school. Jennifer talks about how the program isn't just for youngsters who haven't been in school yet, but it can also help to prepare children who may normally have trouble settling back into the normal school routine. They continue by speaking about how the first five years of development are some of the most important learning years for children and how the organization seeks to use this time to really give them a head-start.

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Watching Bloomington

8-4-19

August 4th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, guest-host Denise speaks with Development Associate Mary Jean Holwager and Coach Sandi Clothier from Monroe County United Ministries. They discuss how the organization provides affordable and high-quality childcare for those who need assistance around the area. They continue to talk about how the organization helps to provide families with food and clothing through their self-sufficiency center. Mary discusses how there is a chain of non-profit organizations which help members of our local community if they can't find exactly what they need at MCUM. They also talk about the recent changes to their community pantry, which is staffed by volunteers and has now gone to a selection-based system instead of a "coverall" for everyone.

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Watching Bloomington

7-28-19

July 28th, 2019 12:00am

This week guest-host Denise speaks with Tyler Garzinski, the Events and Communication Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana. They discuss how the nationwide program helps out local youth by giving them the opportunity to learn things from talented "Bigs," people in the community who tutor children over various topics. They continue to talk about how through this mentorship program the local youth can pursue the "right path" while having someone outside of their family to talk through any problems they may be dealing with. Through volunteer services Big Brothers Big Sisters seeks to help motivate youth to continue through school while gaining valuable life skills along the way!

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Watching Bloomington

7-21-19

July 21st, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, guest-host Denise speaks with Habitat for Humanity ReStore Manager Meagan Mabrey. They discuss how the organization helps the local community create the home projects of their dreams on a budget. Meagan also talks about the donation process and how even if someone doesn't want something for their home, someone else in the community may. She goes on to elaborate on ReStore's Partner Family program which helps out families in need around the Bloomington area.

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Watching Bloomington

7-14-19

July 14th, 2019 12:00am

This week, guest-host Denise speaks with Kristen King, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Lauren Martin from LIFEDesigns. They discuss how impactful the organization is in helping citizens with disabilities in the Bloomington community. They go on to talk about how there has been a rise in this community wanting to "feel independent," despite receiving care from those who offer it. Going on to discuss employment for those with disabilities, Kristen talks about how LIFEDesigns is there to help those who may not know where to go to next.

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Watching Bloomington

7-7-19

July 7th, 2019 12:00am

This week guest-host Denise talks with Emily Pike, Executive Director at New Hope for Families. Emily discusses sheltering families during times of crisis and how the organization seeks to keep people together in trying times. They go on to talk about finding stability after hard times for families and how New Hope for Families can be an essential part of getting a family in need back to where they want to be.

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Watching Bloomington

6-30-19

June 30th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington Barry talks with Efrat Feferman, the Executive Director of United Way of Monroe, Owen, and Greene Counties about the recent tornadoes that touched down on June 15th. Efrat further discusses how United Way helps homeowners during times of extreme stress due to natural disasters and how individuals should reach out if they are affected.

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Watching Bloomington

6-23-19

June 23rd, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington Barry talks with Dr. Denise Lessow from Berkshire Hathaway Home Services about low income housing options in our area and why it's so hard for people to find housing affordable housing options. They discuss special financing and how the organization seeks to help families by providing them with the home they want, for less.

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Watching Bloomington

6-16-19

June 16th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington Barry talks with Talisha Coppock, the Executive Director of Downtown Bloomington Inc. They discuss upcoming events as well as historical changes to Bloomington and upcoming ideas that being implemented into our diverse city. Talisha speaks about the convention center and how organizations can use that "unseen" space to do great things.

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Watching Bloomington

6-9-19

June 9th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington Barry talks with Leslie Green from Stone Belt about helping those with disabilities within our local community. Leslie talks about how through the organization local people can live independent lives that otherwise would be impossible. Stone Belt is also celebrating another birthday!

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Watching Bloomington

06/02/19

June 2nd, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry speaks with the Director of Financial aid at Ivy Tech Community College, Patt McCafferty. She shares about her experience helping provide students an opportunity to go to college, including an event called College Goal Sunday. She also tackles difficult topics like taking on unsubsidized college loans, accruing interest, and paying off student loans.

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Watching Bloomington

5-19-19

May 19th, 2019 12:00am

This week Barry talks with Monroe County United Ministries. He speaks with executive director Katie Broadfoot and Sandy Clothier, a self sufficiency coach with Monroe County United Ministries.

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Watching Bloomington

5-12-19

May 12th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry speaks with the Executive Director of Bloomington Housing Authority, Amber Skoby. The BHA provides housing assistance to over 2,500 Monroe County households each year. The BHA operates three affordable housing communities and provides more than 1,300 Housing Choice Vouchers, that allow income eligible families to rent in the private market.

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Watching Bloomington

5-5-19

May 5th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry talks with the former chair on the commission on aging and member of a project group for the United Way of Monroe County, Dr. Denise Lessow. The Commission on Aging serves as a catalyst for improving public awareness of the senior and aging community and the United Way's mission is to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community.

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Watching Bloomington

4-21-19

April 21st, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry talks with the county extension director of the Monroe County Purdue Extension, Amy Thompson. The Purdue Extension connects Indiana communities to world-class Purdue University research and a nationwide network of experts on agriculture, community, environment, family, food, and youth

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Watching Bloomington

4-14-19

April 14th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry talks with the director of Hoosier Hills Career Center, Christi McBride. Hoosier Hills Career Center offers programs in career development for high school students as part of their high school curricula.

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Watching Bloomington

4-7-19

April 7th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry talks with Sycamore Land Trust's communications director, Abby Henkel. Sycamore Land Trust's mission is to preserve the beauty, health, and diversity of southern Indiana’s natural landscape through strategic land conservation and environmental education.

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Watching Bloomington

3-31-19

March 31st, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry talks with founder of Reimagining Opera for Kids, Kim Carballo. ROK is a non-profit community arts and education organization with the goals of introducing children to opera through engaging first experiences and giving developing professional musicians the opportunity to hone their performance skills.

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Watching Bloomington

3-24-19

March 24th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry talks with the executive director of South Central Indiana Housing Opportunities, Deborah Myerson. SCIHO is an independent nonprofit launched to address the area’s chronic shortage of low-cost homes. SCIHO offers the opportunity to keep resources for affordable housing within the community that they serve

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Watching Bloomington

3-10-19

March 10th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry talks with the assistant director of the Monroe County Planning Department, Jason Eakin. The Monroe County Planning Department performs a vital role in creating and communicating a vision of the county and acts as the primary coordinating agency in the development, adoption, and implementation of the county's land use plans and policies. The department provides both current and long range planning services to the various County boards, including the Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, County Commissioners, as well as to the general public.

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Watching Bloomington

3-3-19

March 3rd, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry talks with the director of the Monroe County Public Library, Marilyn Wood and communications and marketing manager, Mandy Hussey. The Monroe County Public Library provides services at no charge to all people living in Monroe County. All are welcome to visit the Library to browse books, magazines, and newspapers, use public computers, and enjoy their spaces

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Watching Bloomington

2-24-19

February 24th, 2019 12:00am

This week Barry talks with executive director of the United Way of Monroe County, Efrat Feferman. The United Way's mission is to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Tune in to hear ways the United Way is impacting Monroe County.

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Watching Bloomington

2-17-19

February 17th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry talks with the director of Financial Aid at Ivy Tech Bloomington, Patt McCafferty. Patt and Barry discuss the importance of filing for financial aid and the upcoming event "College Goal Sunday."

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Watching Bloomington

2-10-19

February 10th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry talks with Danell Witmer, executive director, and Tyler Garzinski, events and communication coordinator of of Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana. Since 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters has been changing children's lives by matching them with caring adults to guide them on a path to success.

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Watching Bloomington

2-3-19

February 3rd, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry talks with Monroe County CASA executive director, Kristin Bishay. Monroe County CASA is a volunteer-powered program which provides representation in juvenile court for child victims of abuse and neglect. CASAs provide advocacy to child victims to ensure that they remain at the forefront of the court proceedings and find a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible.

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Watching Bloomington

1-27-19

January 27th, 2019 12:00am

This week on Watching Bloomington, Barry talks with Red Cross Indiana's southeast chapter's executive director, Donna Colon. The Red Cross has been serving the people of Indiana for over 100 years. The Indiana Region serves 6.3 million Hoosiers in 87 counties and comprises six chapter areas.

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