Rich Meyer, 53, lists his occupation as home repair/auto mechanics/peacemaking. “In my early 20s, two community businessmen taught me valuable skills that I still use today — Merle Bontrager (Merle’s Electric & Plumbing) and Phil Eiler (Eiler’s Garage),” he said.
Where did you grow up?
Emerson Street, Goshen
How long have you lived here?
Forty-five years, except for six years in southern Africa and one year in Indianapolis.
What schools did you attend?
Parkside Elementary, Whiteman Junior High, Goshen High School and Goshen College
What is your fondest memory of this community?
In the ’90s some members of the KKK announced a rally at the courthouse. In a previous event the KKK had been surrounded with a lot of police, but this time Police Chief Mike Kettlebar announced that the downtown sidewalks were open to everyone, no exceptions. The Klan members could be there, but there would be no cordon of police, and anyone else could also use the sidewalks. There would be a few police present, watching to see that everyone remained civil, but no barriers separating people. It was brilliant — only a few Klan members showed up, they were met by Goshen residents respectfully refusing their ideology, and that was the last time the Klan came to Goshen.
Describe the essence of this community
Generosity builds community. Not just donations to helping agencies, but town merchants supporting school plays, volunteers giving their time — Maple City Health Care Center letting patients work off bills by volunteering at OTHER community agencies. Like LaCasa’s Help-a-House, generous investment in community pays back richly.
What about this community would you like to improve?
Goshen would benefit economically and culturally by taking a stronger stand in welcoming immigrants. Previous generations of immigrants to this country and this city found a better welcome than we are extending today. The fact that our national immigration laws are messed up shouldn’t make us act mean and selfish — when hospitality is illegal, the law is wrong. The fault is not with the immigrants, the fault is with our laws that no longer permit reasonable, orderly immigration. A generous city can find ways to work around that until the laws are changed.
What is this community’s best kept secret?
Goshen Airport. Goshen Air Center service and New Horizons Aviation flight training make Goshen Airport a jewel, and (Airport manager) Randy Sharkey’s mom serves a great lunch every Friday.
Who We Are
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Rich Meyer
Who We Are: Rich Meyer
Generosity helps build our community
- Who We Are
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WHO WE ARE: Hispanic storefronts dot the community
As the Hispanic population in Goshen has grown over the years, an increasing amount of Hispanic-owned store fronts now dot the business landscape in the city.
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WHO WE ARE: Soccer's popularity keeps growing
When exploring reasons for the increased popularity of soccer in Goshen one fact that can’t be denied is the cultural diversity the city has and its contributions.
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WHO WE ARE: Technology is changing the face of business
Business fronts are no longer just on Main Street. They fit in phones, computers and tablets.
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WHO WE ARE: Goshen's park leagues are not forgotten
Since my daughter was 8 years old she has played travel softball. Our family vacations are always planned around weekend regional tournaments, four-day state tournaments, and even week-long national tournaments.
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WHO WE ARE: Local churches using technology
Turn your hymnal to page such-and-such and proceed to make a joyful noise.
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WHO WE ARE: Living the lake life in LaGrange County
When people in Elkhart County hear about going to the lake, they typically assume you are speaking of Southern Michigan or of the lakes in Kosciusco County.
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WHO WE ARE: Infrastructure changes with needs
Elkhart County residents have come along way since settlers traveled on foot and horseback through the forests on Indian paths 180 years ago.
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WHO WE ARE: A growing interest
Ever wish you had a better idea of where your food comes from? Ever wish you could see first hand what that food went through before it got to your plate?
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WHO WE ARE: Misconceptions about the Amish
The Amish religion has been part of the Elkhart and LaGrange county communities and cultures since the mid-1800s.
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WHO WE ARE: 175 years of communication
The community’s need for reliable information is as old as the city itself. The Goshen News is proud to trace its roots all the way back to 1837.
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