Trio contributes talents to Linda Vista project

By Dawn Beigel

Selflessness runs deep for three Oakwood women.

Laura Seyfang, Pam Browning and Suzanne Seleem all have demanding day jobs, yet still make time to volunteer for a Dayton-based project that helps disadvantaged women. The Linda Vista Project, as it is called, provides a number of supportive services like housing, job training and mentoring to women and their children who are homeless or suffering from a form of abuse. Those who make it into the program must follow strict guidelines if they are to achieve the basic goal: Becoming self-sufficient.

The Oakwood three have each brought something different to the project.
Seyfang, a Delphi executive, teaches a group session for Linda Vista called Inner Wellness which focuses on healing, strengthening and developing the mind, body and spirit.

“It seems to work…they like it,” says Seyfang. “The most rewarding part (of the project) is working with the women, watching them rebuilding their lives.”

Seyfang joined the project while it was still coming together, and took an interest after reading an article about the donation of some bedding for the housing units. She visited the project site, asked how she could help, and ended up providing furnishings and construction labor.

“There’s such a need in the world for people to feel stronger, healthier and in control of their lives. I strongly believe we can all help each other (with that)—that’s why I do it. Everyone can make a difference,” says Seyfang, who invited her friend Pam Browning to join the project.

Browning serves on the advisory board, and offers advice, helps with fundraising and has provided her gardening skills to the building grounds. She describes Linda Vista as “particularly rewarding and worthwhile” despite juggling it with the demands of a stay-at-home mother with three children.

“It’s hard to juggle the time, but I feel that we’re setting a good example for our kids as to the importance of helping others and community involvement. It also helps them to see life outside the dome and how lucky they truly are,” says Browning.

Seleem agrees. “I’m very fortunate in many, many ways. And you realize that by helping others achieve their goals,” she said. Seleem helps to raise funds and obtain grants for Linda Vista, and encourages involvement in the project from students at Central State University, where she teaches chemistry.

“It really makes my day to see them come on board. I want them to get interested in Linda Vista…to give back to society,” she says, adding that she sees herself as giving back to society.

Seleem became interested in Linda Vista the day its board members visited the Oakwood Rotary Club where she is a member. The club has supported the project’s technology needs.

Project founders Shari L. Rogers and Carmen Gooden note that the generosity from Oakwood “doesn’t go unremarked here,” especially since Linda Vista is a place where they know they’ll be able to see a difference. Rogers and Gooden envisioned that three years ago when they bought a run-down apartment building in North Dayton. In fact, Linda Vista essentially means “beautiful vision.” After nearly two years of building renovations, it officially opened. In January 2006, Linda Vista welcomed its first family via a referral, and has since been referred with about 150 individuals.

Pictured outside the Linda Vista building (from left) Suzanne Seleem, Shari Rogers, Carmen Gooden and Pam Browning.

Help and partnership with community organizations and businesses allows Linda Vista to provide housing, referrals, job training, case management, education and training, and mentoring to its participants, but more community help is needed. The project board identifies its challenges as obtaining grants and scholarships, and providing transportation, staff support and job placement.

Linda Vista is a non-profit organization. To volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation, call 277-9663 or visit the website at www.lindavistaproject.org.

Comic Book Superheroes

Photo by Jessica Hellerstein

These superheroes attended Wright Library’s Superhero Program on Monday, February 5.  Superheroes at the program were able to leap tall buildings, lift heavy boulders and enjoy a superhero storytime. Pictured, left to right: Batman, Colman ; Blue Ninja. Nicholas ; Robin, Noah. For more photos from this program, see the library’s website at www.wrightlibrary.org.      

Newman accepted into UT MEDStart program

Caitlin Newman, a 2004 Oakwood High School graduate, was just accepted into the University of Toledo College of Medicine’s MEDStart program.

MEDStart is an early admission program designed to accept students during their junior year ao their undergraduate education.

The applicant must demonstrate motivation and enthusiasm for medicine as demonstrated by their volunteer and community service, medical activities, leadership skills and academic record.

Caitlin is currently a second semester junior at Miami University with dual majors in Biochemistry and Spanish. She is the daughter of Peter and Susan Newman of Oakwood.

Fenstermacher participates in St. Olaf Choir tour

Elyse Fenstermacher of Oakwood is participating in the mid-winter tour of the St. Olaf Choir with performances in Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Minnesota. The annual tour features a rich tapestry of classical, sacred and world music.

“While the St. Olaf Choir is known for introducing a capella performances to America’s choral scene in the early 20th century, I am excited that we are touring this year with a small chamber ensemble,” said Conductor Anton Armstrong.

Founded in 1912 and known as a creative force behind the a capella tradition, the St. Olaf Choir has been featured in performance on PBS programs with global audiences. 

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