Let’s look at what is going on in Union City. Last week we looked a Cobie Wells, Union City, Indiana. police chief. Another program that is being given is a “Self-Defense and Awareness” for the next three Sunday afternoons. The sessions are being held at Wesley United Methodist church, 515 W. Oak St., Union City, Indiana. Each session begins at 4 p.m. and last until 7 p.m. This is a part of the outreach mission program that Wesley United Methodist Church is doing for our own community.
Friday evening at the Union City Junior/Senior High School. – The Wesley United Methodist Church of Union City will host a Basketball Chili Extravaganza at the Union City Indians vs. the Lincoln Golden Eagles basketball game Friday starting at 5 p.m. The event will take place at the Union City Jr/Sr High School, located on North Walnut Street. Chili, sandwiches, desserts and drinks are will be available for free, in addition to special giveaways throughout the evening. To learn more about Wesley United Methodist Church, visit their website at ucwesley.com and like them on Facebook.
This week, let’s look at a retired teacher and how he never does retire. Thomas E. Leahey, born and raised in Union City, he attended Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, majoring in English and mass communication. Leahey continued his education by obtaining his M.A. in communications, received School to Work Training, Indiana Department of Education, School to Work Seminar, Indiana State University, Four-mat Training certification, Cooperative Learning Instruction, Indiana Department of education, L202 Introductory Literature Instruction, Indiana University and W131 Introductory Composition, Indiana University, Bloomington.
Leahey was a vital part of the educational system at the Randolph Eastern School Corporation, beginning his career at West Side Middle School before moving to the high school and then retiring. But, oh no, he did not retire! Currently, Leahey is teaching at Indiana University East and previously instructed at Indiana University South Bend, Advance College Project at Indiana University, and CEP & Dual Credit Consulting with Michigan Dept. of Education and Higher Education Commission. Also Continuing Education, Indiana University, and associate instructor at Indiana University. His work with School to Work programs assisted hundreds of students. He served as a faculty sponsor to Residential Fellows, Indiana University and staff on Phi Delta Kappa International Potential Educators Workshops, with Arizona State University, San Jose State University and Indiana University.
Leahey has published various books and manuals on readings, writings, and connecting between higher education and secondary education. To his credit he has a collection of writings and images of Randolph County. Additionally “The Changing Male Image” is another of his publications.
Speaker, presenter, seminar planner and conductor, plus in his vast array of experiences served on the board of directors and in officer positions for representing Indiana University to the Indiana Partnership, NACEP (National Alliance for Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships), Indiana Landmarks, Union City Public Library Board, Literacy Coalition for Randolph County, Art Association of Randolph County, Preservation Society of Union City, and North Central Association Evaluation Team.
Leahey is a member of a wide variety of organizations, not only in education, but Jacque Cousteau Society, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Eiteljorg Museum, Friends of Taliesen-Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Ball State Alumni Foundation, and Indiana University Alumni Foundation. His awards and recognition include too many to list, but a sincerely long list involving many of his interests. He has traveled to Italy, Paris, Finland, Sweden, Russia, and Panama Canal and extensively throughout the United States.
His interests include scholarly and poetry writings and readings, skiing, hiking, biking, architecture (particularly Frank Lloyd Wright), historic restoration, wood working. He is also an artist loving watercolor and mixed media. Talents pour from Leahey; he is also an accomplished clothing designer and loves to sew.
In his years with Randolph Eastern School Systems, he led many students in plays, speech development, costume design, and set design. His skills are limitless as is his energy. Leahey was born and raised in Union City, Indiana, and feels strong ties to the community and is a prime example of giving back to the community where you were born and especially where you worked. Leahey is an exemplary volunteer. An individual such as Leahey doesn’t come along often, but Union City is richer for his contributions and passion for learning, arts and restoration. Thank you Leahey for loving your community and the teaching of your thousands and thousands of students.
So as always I close with “What have you done for your community this week? “But this week is a real challenge. As Union City has become a community of volunteers, together you can make a difference.
