Resident Highlight: Crystal Henneike

My husband and I’s journey to Kentland began a little over three and a half years ago. We were living right over the border in Illinois, and it’s incredible to think that though we’ve only resided in this small town for a short period of time, it feels as if we’ve been forever.

Kentland reminds me of small communities like Clifton, where I grew up about an hour west. In Kentland, we have access to all of the basics, like grocery stores and gas stations. We’re centrally located and don’t have to go outside of town if we don’t want to. I think this gives Kentland a unique advantage. It’s cozy enough to keep that smalltown community-feel where you have the opportunity to know everyone and have a sense of belonging.

I work for an insurance company called Cigna as a Program Lead Analyst. My team functions as a double-check for claims before they go out the door to ensure they are processed correctly. When I’m not working, however, I serve as the President of the Kentland Park Board. I have been on the Park Board for over a year and joined because somebody suggested I should when all new members happened to be jumping on. It was a fascinating opportunity because I love being involved in community projects. Of course, in the last year, we’ve been heavily impacted by what we’re able to do, given the Covid 19 pandemic. I’m very excited to start new events as we move past this.

One of the other things that I do a lot is coaching, specifically softball (though I have coached basketball in the past). Growing up, I was a three-sport athlete. Even in college, I played two sports on scholarships. These experiences shaped who I am today and the path I’ve taken in life, including the sports aspects and my team mentality. Doing things for and with your community means a lot to me. I want to give the next generation an outlet to learn what it means to be on a team, play a sport, make friends, and have a support system outside of their immediate family.

The most significant contribution people can make in our community is to provide the sort of support system like I just mentioned. Kentland is small enough where you get to know quite a few people. There’s no shame in saying that everyone needs help once in a while, and to know that you have an entire community that’s standing with you no matter what happens is what makes a difference in peoples’ lives.

My first task on the park board was the town’s Halloween Festival. With Covid-19, we weren’t able to host it last year, but we were responsible for planning and executing this event in the year prior. I am grateful for the other areas of community investment that I’m able to take part in. For instance, I’ve coached softball every summer, specifically for my daughter’s team. Last year I coached 6th-grade girls basketball at South Newton. I also coach a travel softball team with a couple of members from here, but we play across the border in Sheldon.

I’m so excited for Kentland’s future. The Park Board has discussed hosting more events like Touch a Truck, bringing in firetrucks for the children to interact with, or entertainment such as Movie Nights in the Park for family and friends.

Speaking of the park, my three-year-old love spending time at Cast, and my older daughters enjoy taking their bikes on its walking path. We live about a block and a half from there and find these experiences to be pivotal to creating a sense of place in Kentland.

This is why I love the Batton Park Revitalization Project. The Park Board is working alongside the Town Board to select the new park equipment and plan what pieces will be removed. It’s all really exciting! Seeing how much Cast Park is used, and how even people from outside of town come over here just to use our park, I know that Batton Park’s update will only add to the appeal of Kentland. The newly updated Batton Park also gives our children a place to hang out, especially since it is going to be the bright and shiny object in town. Being located right across from the baseball and softball fields, it’s an ideal spot that will be visually stunning for residents and out-of-towners alike.

All of this makes me want Kentland to be known as a community that cares for its people, with a vibrant small-town culture. It’s not like the big cities where you don’t know your neighbor. You know the parents, kids, school, athletic teams, and neighbors. It’s my hope to have an impact on the kids through events and coaching. I’ll always want to give them something to do that’s fun and supports the amazing life we have here in Kentland.