ANDERSON — After two knee replacements that caused Bill Lantz to change careers from sales and running his own business to being a job coach and now a transition specialist at Hopewell Center, Lantz has found his calling, working with young people and adults with special needs.
Lantz, 50, who is married 30 years to Stephanie with whom he has a daughter, Stacey, 29, and a son, Brian, 27, was nominated by Sandra Montgomery, a co-worker who called him “Mr. Positive.”
Montgomery wrote this about Lantz: “He works here at Hopewell Center transitioning high school students into ‘life after school.’ He does about a million other non-paid things. He started a Sunday school class for people with disabilities in the nursing home who can’t attend church. He has started programs at several churches to include people with disabilities. He works as an advocate ... all of the time. The list goes on and on.”
Also, she wrote, “His office is full of toys and he always has a joke to make you laugh or a compliment to make your day.”
During an interview with Lantz in his office surrounded by his toys, he talked about his motivation. “I am a Christian, so I try to give God credit for any good thing in my life. It gives me so much joy to see others’ reactions.”
Describing his work, Lantz said he helps special education students graduating from the seven Madison County high schools transition to adult life. He talked about his volunteer work with “my friends with disabilities.”
Lantz said, “The difference between us and our friends with disabilities is we are smart enough to hide ours.”
Lantz talks about how the mentally disabled all have talents and abilities. During a recent gathering of one of the Sunday school classes Lantz helped start, the Sonshine Club at Middletown Nazarene Church, he introduced every member by pointing out a talent or positive attribute for every person. He touted the artistic ability of one, pointed out that two of the members were great “Elvis impersonators,” and described one woman as being “so sweet that, if you squeezed her, honey would come out of her ears.”
Lantz, who recently became a licensed minister with the Nazarene church, said that rather than lead an individual church his goal is to “plant ministries to share God’s love everywhere I can and to be an advocate for our friends with disabilities.”
Positive People is a weekly photo column about everyday people who do not ordinarily receive recognition and who have a positive influence on others, through volunteerism, mentoring, being a good neighbor or any other selfless acts that help individuals or the community.
Submit nominations to staff photographer Richard Sitler at richard.sitler@heraldbulletin.com or P.O. Box 1090, Anderson, IN 46015.
Home News (ADS ONLY)
Related Photos
-
Richard Sitler
Discussion
March 16, 2009
Positive People: Bill Lantz is 'Mr. Positive'
- Home News (ADS ONLY)
-
-
Photo gallery: AU vs Mount Saint Joseph Baseball
Photos from the baseball double header and senior night for Anderson University and Mount Saint Joseph on 5/7/10.
-
Comedian Harland Williams coming to Paramount
LOS ANGELES — Canadian Harland Williams was enjoying winter in Southern California. “It’s beautiful out,” said Williams, 47, familiar from roles in films like “Dumb & Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary.” “A bit cold, but is 65 cold? I’ll take this cold any day, thank you.” Williams, whose Indiana performances have been exclusive to Crackers in Broad Ripple, will take the stage at the Paramount on Friday, April 2.
-
Nancy Wood back in Anderson, with ASO
ANDERSON — Nancy Wood stared into the glass vase, full of clear water, with the bare roots of a plant dangling down into it.
-
Auction deal for buyers, not for owners
ANDERSON — An auction held Saturday at a former, popular cabinet manufacturer resulted in deals for local woodwork hobbyists and businesses, but earned less than the new owners hoped for.
-
Ann Duran on the air in Madison County
DALEVILLE — As a child, radio personality Ann Duran remembers her father calling her his mini-Barbara Walters.
-
Weights, measures officials protect consumers
ANDERSON — Whether consumers are filling up their cars’ gas tanks, buying a gallon of milk or drying clothes at a laundromat, one man in Anderson makes sure they always get their money’s worth.
-
AHS rocking to 'Schoolhouse Rock Live!'
ANDERSON, Ind. — With the end of the school year quickly approaching, Anderson High School Performing Arts students are springing into a favorite pastime. With the help of their director of six years, Tiffany Jackson, the group of 12 is putting on a musical, “Schoolhouse Rock Live!”
-
Anderson native to lead county ghost tour
ANDERSON — Growing up in Madison County, Nicole Kobrowski liked to visit some of the area’s creepier places, such as Moss Island Road just west of the city.
-
Sidewalk Prophets looking for a Dove
Sidewalk Prophets know how to please a crowd when they sing Christian pop at concerts across the nation.
Now, they’d like fans to reciprocate to help the band win a Dove Award. -
At Home: Project a bonding experience
PENDLETON — When a four-year project goes on for seven years, the result is often a strained marriage.
- More Home News (ADS ONLY) Headlines
-
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
