EXTRA MILER: Grundy has the gift that keeps on giving

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February 16, 2008

By CAROL DAWSON The News and Tribune Sat Feb 16, 2008, 02:13 AM EST

Kahil Gibran was quoted to have said, “It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”

However, our Southern Indiana Extra Miler for August, Yvonne Grundy provides a twist to those words, “It is when you give of yourself that you truly start to live.”

Yvonne Grundy, a retired New Albany elementary school teacher, has a list of volunteer activities so long that this column cannot note all of them individually. She is extremely active with her church, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She serves as the church organist, Finance Committee secretary, and Missionary Society member (just to name a few).

Her talent as a musician also puts her at the head of many volunteer lists, as she accompanies several senior citizen singing groups and church choirs. Her philanthropic ventures continue, as she serves on multiple boards, including the Division Street School, Art Council, Bridgepoint Goodwill and Community Action.

Yvonne also volunteers with the Carnegie Center for Art and History, Retired Senior Volunteer Persons (RSVP), Scribner House (Docent), Church Women United, Altrusa International and many more. This is an industrious woman!

Yvonne is the woman who can’t say “no.” It is difficult to imagine she has any time to herself. Yvonne doesn’t place emphasis on alone time: “My mother encouraged me to do for others at an early age and I can’t imagine focusing on myself.” She adds, “Doing volunteer work takes the focus off yourself and when you focus on helping others you are giving yourself a very special gift. The feeling it gives is difficult to describe.”

Yvonne’s volunteer activities started through her church and have grown to become, in great part, who she is. Her minister, the Rev. Dennis Laffoon, was overjoyed to contribute to Yvonne’s recognition stating, “She incorporates the multiplicity of what it means to be culturally significant. By this I mean she is a great and positive influence to everyone in our community.”

Yvonne believes everyone is given a special gift and it is vital to share that gift to inspire others.

“When I taught elementary school children, I challenged each of them to find their gift and to use it for the common good,” she said.

Sally Newkirk, director of the Carnegie Center for Art and History, had two children taught by Yvonne. She said, “The parents and children always fell in love with Yvonne. She had a special connection to each child in her class. In Yvonne’s class, the children knew they were special.”

Sally added, “Yvonne has also worked with the Carnegie Center as a board member and on special projects and she is always willing to work in the trenches ... and she does so with the best attitude.”

Rev. Laffoon summed up his thoughts on our Extra Miler: “Yvonne Grundy creates relationships and this is what makes her a great leader. People definitely respond to her in a positive manner.”

Yvonne appears to be many things to many people; however, Rev. Laffoon expressed it best by referring to her as, “a nurturer ... a legacy of positive leadership in the New Albany community.”

Thank you, Yvonne Grundy, for instructing and loving our children for 34 years and for continuing to show your love for our community and the people who reside in Southern Indiana. You are indeed the epitome of an Extra Miler.

Kindness Tip of the Month

Since Yvonne encourages everyone to be positive role models to our youth, consider volunteering at your local school. Be sure to call the school administrative office in advance and ask where your talents are needed. If you want to experience a special “gift of giving,” ask to read a book to an elementary class. If you are short on time, you can read several books within 30 minutes.

Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and owner of EEO Guidance, Inc. If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an Extra Miler, let her know about it. To submit a story or act of kindness, contact Carol via e-mail: Extra.Milers@newsandtribune.com or mail: THE EXTRA MILERS, The Evening News, 221 Spring St., Jeffersonville, IN, 47130-3340.

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