Brown County, Indiana
Everyone who cares about the direction of our country come to the courthouse lawn in Nashville.
We, the people, it’ s time to shine and stand together! Everyone is welcome. Network with those who care.
Imagine together.
Brown County.“ It seems that anywhere you go in town, Rita is there volunteering.” She cites Rita’ s fundraising work with the Literacy Coalition and the Tri Kappa philanthropic sorority.
“ She has been president of our United Methodist Women’ s group at church and is currently chairman of the mission work area,” Linda said.“ She started the sock and underwear campaign at church and provides many of the items herself. She also volunteers to fill backpacks for the BC Weekend Backpack Program. She was second vice president of the Historical Society and, in that position, found volunteers to man the Pioneer Village.” And some days it was Rita.
Though she recently left the Literacy Coalition’ s board of directors after serving for about 12
years, including a term as president, Rita continues to help children learn through the coalition’ s free afterschool tutoring program.
“ Rita’ s service to the community goes beyond all the agencies and groups that she helps,” said her friend Carol Birkemeier.“ She is never too busy to say‘ yes’ to a need for a helping hand. She gives of herself, never seeking recognition or acknowledgement. Her impact on our community will be a lasting legacy, and life in Brown County is better for everyone because of her.”
But Rita says her activities are not entirely fueled by altruism.
“ I believe and I know from reading the research that happier people are volunteers. They live longer and are healthier. Many things I do in conjunction with friends, so there’ s a social aspect to it too,” she said.
Rita Simon’ s charity and volunteer work has included:
Girl Scouts Nashville United Methodist Church Brown Co. Literacy Coalition Brown Co. Historical Society Tri-Kappa sorority League of Women Voters Brown Co. Community Foundation Pioneer Village Lutheran Food Pantry Mother’ s Cupboard Brown Co. Backpack Program After-school tutoring Love Chapel in Columbus YMCA Habitat for Humanity We Care Gang Salvation Army St. Vincent DePaul Fabulous 50 Women’ s Circle of Care American Cancer Society •
Peace Rallies USA 2016 September 2, 3, 4
Brown County, Indiana
Everyone who cares about the direction of our country come to the courthouse lawn in Nashville.
We, the people, it’ s time to shine and stand together! Everyone is welcome. Network with those who care.
Imagine together.
July / August 2016 • Our Brown County 65