Fostering Connections: Jasper Indiana

In Jasper, Indiana, connections flourish. Jane Betz, a Smithville customer and longtime Jasper resident, enjoys using her time to foster connections and help her hometown thrive through her service on the Dubois County Park Board, volunteer work with her church, and devotion to family and friends.

Watch Jane’s video interview at the end of this post.

Jasper, Indiana: tradition in progress

Jane was born and raised in Jasper, only leaving briefly to attend college at Ball State University in Muncie. She loves her community because it’s everchanging. “Jasper’s a great place to live,” Jane said. “We don’t want to stay stagnant. We want to move forward.”

Nestled in the rolling hills of Southern Indiana, Jasper offers both old and new, from its historic sites and German heritage to its thriving business, arts and cultural attractions, and always-improving neighborhoods and schools.

Devoted to the Jasper community

Jane has served as secretary of the Dubois County Park Board for 28 years. On the board, she’s helped coordinate and acquire grants for many improvements, including building a lake and expanding the campground. They are currently in the process of creating a splash pad and activity center.

Additionally, Jane volunteers for her church, St. Joseph. She recently served on the church’s renovation committee. As a committee member, she helped raise funds and coordinate with architects to restore the more than 150-year-old cathedral. And if you happen to take a tour of the cathedral, Jane just might be your guide. She volunteers in that role, too.

Her commitment to connecting with those in and outside the community helps keep the many parks and historic church thriving as landmarks in Jasper for future generations to enjoy.

0C6A6946 — *Jane relies on Smithville internet to stay connected as secretary of the Dubois County Parks Board and St. Joseph church committee member and volunteer.*

Staying connected with Smithville Fiber Internet

A Smithville customer since 2017, Jane signed up when Smithville brought high-speed Fiber Internet to her neighborhood as part of a citywide project to connect all Jasper residents and businesses.

Staying involved in the community and connected to family is central to Jane’s life, so she chooses reliable internet from a local company she trusts. She describes herself as an average internet user, sending documents and emails for work and keeping up with friends and family online. “I think that’s just everybody’s daily life in this day and age — the connection to the news, your family … [the internet] helps you keep in touch with the whole world,” Jane said.

Jane Betz sits outside on her backyard patio in a chair, wearing sunglasses and looking at her cell phone in her hand. — *Jane stays connected to work, family and community with Smithville.*

Seeing recent pictures of her three young grandchildren is a top priority for Jane, who stays in close contact with her three adult sons, parents, and extended family. The speed of Smithville Fiber — up to to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gig) — makes it easy to download files and photos. “Everything seems to be at your fingertips in a split second,” said Jane.

While Jane prefers to see family in person or talk on the phone, the internet makes it simple to stay organized and coordinate events, from birthday lists to restaurant picks. “It’s a lot easier,” said Jane.

She recently attended a family reunion in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, with 70 family members. With so many people and details to coordinate, it was an undertaking. Over the course of a year, they communicated online to organize the event and bring everyone together.

“The speed that you can keep in touch with so many people, whether it’s a club, a family member, a big group, or a Friday-night friend group, it really makes life so simple and fun,” said Jane.

Photographs of babies and family members are held with magnets on a refrigerator door. — *Keeping in touch with family is so important to Jane, and fast Fiber makes it easy.*

Gaining peace of mind with Smithville Security

Jane relies on Smithville Smart Home Security to gain peace of mind when she’s home or away. “Setting the security system and going to bed … I just sleep a little bit better that way. When I’m out of town I feel a little safer,” she said.

Also, when she’s home, Jane also likes the chime feature that alerts her whenever a door is opened. She always knows when people come and go. “The system makes me feel safe.”

The value of a trusted, local company

One reason Jane stays with Smithville is because it’s a local, family-owned company that’s part of the community. While Smithville is headquartered in Ellettsville, there’s a bustling local office in Jasper with technicians ready to assist new and current customers. Whenever Jane needs to reach out to Smithville employees, she appreciates that they are “quality people, friendly, nice to talk to, trustworthy.”

Beyond providing best-in-class internet, voice, and security services, Smithville also sponsors local organizations and events, including the Heart of Jasper organization, the Downtown Chowdown events, and Strassenfest. “[Smithville is] great in our community — very involved,” said Jane. “[They’re] part of the community, and we appreciate that.”

Bright communities, bright futures

Jane is deeply involved in the Jasper community. Her Fiber connection makes it easier, faster and more enjoyable to connect with coworkers, neighbors and family.

Smithville Fast Fiber lights up more opportunities for Hoosiers and in turn, Hoosiers light up our communities.

Watch for a new Bright Communities interview next month.