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Still on Top of the World -- Indy TV Personality Barbara Boyd, Part 2

"I know one thing for sure," says Barbara Boyd. "From adversity good things can come."

And indeed, that has certainly been the case in her life.

In 1970, her family's home went up in flames when a faulty furnace caused a devastating fire. And, despite the horrible experience, she laughs about things like the firemen recognizing her as a local celebrity and recounts the generosity of people, including station owner Eldon Campbell, in providing them with clothing and personal items while they lived in a hotel until they could find a permanent home.

That home is the same home in which she resides today. She looks around the collection of photos and mementos that surround her and says, "It was really a blessing; had it not been for the fire, we would have never moved in here."

She's Still Got It! Indy Personality Barbara Boyd

barbhome The doorbell rings and Barbara Boyd bounds up the stairs to the door with the gusto of someone in their twenties.

“You’re pretty spry going up those stairs,” I comment … wondering if at age 52 I could do as well. Then she shares her fitness secret. “You know what I do?” she asks, sinking back into her comfy couch with a twinkle in her eyes and her so-familiar smile. “I play the Wii every night. First I play tennis, then I bowl, then I box … that will really work you out. Then, I dance.”

I don’t know why I would be surprised. Now in her early 80s, Barbara Boyd has never been one to do the expected. From the time she hit the airwaves in 1969 at age 40 with no on-air experience but confidence to place her in the lime light time and time again, she has made history … much to her own surprise.

Seniors Bring Great Value and Experience to Employers After Retirement

ICA_goodwill_photo_final For nearly 25 years, Indianapolis resident Samuel Manning worked in the construction industry, building commercial retail buildings as well as a number of health care facilities. But when the bottom began to fall out of the economy and the local health care landscape was shrouded in uncertainty, Manning was laid off. He struggled for the next two years, watching savings dwindle and his economic situation become more dire.

But Manning continued his outreach ministry volunteer work. One day, while taking one of his young charges to Goodwill to apply for a program, a brochure caught his eye. He filled out an application to become a participant in the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). Much to his surprise, they called him. “I didn’t really have any idea what was in store for me,” the native of Mississippi who grew up in Detroit chuckles. “But it has been a wonderful, wonderful experience.”