Greenfield Intermediate Collects Food

Greenfield Intermediate School K-Kids, a youth division of Greenfield Kiwanis held a food drive for the Hancock Food Pantry collecting over 2,000 pounds of food.  The food was delivered in 3 trucks by Greenfield Kiwanis members to the food pantry.   With previous contributions this brings the total that Kiwanis and Kiwanis youth collected to over 8,200 pounds of food as part of the the 40,000 pounds of food drive.

Picture 1:  Food collected at the Intermediate School

Picture 2: The PE Class that volunteered to help  load the food into the trucks.

Super Celebration

 Retta Livengood and Karen Kleine discuss the upcoming Super Celebration in Greenfield.

Retta Livengood, President of the Greenfield Chamber of Commerce, told the Greenfield Kiwanis about upcoming events for the Chamber and the Super Celebration in Greenfield for Super Bowl. 

In 2012 the Chamber’s goal is to engage their members more.  They hold monthly luncheons on the first Tuesday for all members.  On September 15 the Chamber will co-sponsor a “Taste of Hancock County” on the Courthouse Plaza.

Greenfield is a Super Celebration site for the upcoming Super Bowl on February 5.  Mrs. Livengood told of the activities which include a Super Indy Car, Super Celebration Party, Super 46 Fun Party, Football Helmet Art Project, downtown football planters, welcome centers, and free bus shuttle service.

The public is welcome to participate or volunteer in these activities.  For further information contact the Greenfield Chamber at   477-4188 or online at www.IndianapolisSuperBowl.com.

Pastro David Woods Tells of Kenya

David Woods, Senior Pastor of Park Chapel Christian Church spoke to Kiwanis about his recent trip to Kenya and the missions that members of Park Chapel support. Pastor Woods presented a narrative with pictures of the trip to Kenya. The trip allowed members of the church to visit children they sponsor and to see a church that was recently built. The mission had three components, a school, a feeding station, and a church. Each sponsored child receives clothing, 2 meals a day and an education. Without sponsorships children can not attend school and many go hungry, Many of the sponsored children only eat when at school.
A child can be sponsored for $30 a month which pays for all their food, clothing and their education. Anyone desiring more information can contact Park Chapel church at 317.462.4513 or send contributions to Park Chapel Christian Church, 1176 E. McKenzie Rd.
Greenfield, IN 46140.
Pictured: Are from Left, David Woods, Senior Pastor, Park Chapel Christian Church and Kiwanis Program Chair, Sondra Gullion.

Kiwanians tour food pantry

The Greenfield Kiwanis adjourned their December 13 meeting to the Hancock County Food Pantry on Blank Street in Greenfield where the members checked in as if they were clients and were given the tour of the facility as if they were receiving a monthly allotment of food.

The food pantry is one of the organizations that Kiwanis support with weekly food drives.  Several Kiwanis members volunteer at the food pantry.  

Kiwanians gather over 6,200 pounds of food for pantry

Greenfield Kiwanis members and their youth organizations gathered over 6,200 pounds of canned food, flour, sugar, detergent, toilet paper, toothpaste and other staples for the Hancock Food Pantry as part of the annual 40,000 pounds of food drive.  This is in addition to the weekly contributions by Kiwanis to keep the food pantry supplied with "birthday bags", detergent, soap, and canned goods.

Kiwanians gathered to load trailers and trucks with food for the 40,000 pounds of food drive.

Over 6,700 pounds of food were gathered.

Kiwanis members after unloading the food onto 8 pallets.  The group was supervised by Karen Kleine and Sondra Gullion who managed to avoid appearing in any pictures.

Robert Browning Eagleston Age 97

Long time member "Brownie" Eagleston passed away, Saturday, October 29.  Calling ia 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, Greenfield.  Services will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. 

One of our three major scholarships is in honor of Brownie.
Stllinger Obituary of Brownie

.James Whitcomb Riley Fence Painting

Youth from the Kiwanis sponsored Builders Club (Jr. High) and Key Club (High School) gathered Saturday morning to paint the fence at the Riley Home.  Students have been helping spruce up the Riley fence for a number of years in time for the annual Riley Festival.  Adult sponsors supervising the painting were; Doug Apple, Terry Beagle, Pat Parker and adult Kiwanians Jan Jackley, Scott Kleine and Karen Kleine assisted by the Parks Department. 

Those participating included Chelsey Parsons-Rose, Nicole Watson, Makenzie Horning, Kaylan Bacon, Ellie Roberts, Jacob Polson, Kristen Baran, Amelia Baker, Kayla Lee, Callie Richardson, Jan Jackley, Dana Woodworth, Nicole LaGue, Mary Hoffman, Brenden Gill, Sydney Burkhart, Ava Dickmann, Rachel Sherman, Jerich Johnson, Jacob Arland, Kayla Lee, Jacob Arnold and Jacob Borgmann-Bayrid.

Jane Cooney and Zero

Jane Cooney and Zero were introduced to Kiwanians by September program chairman, Pat Parker.

Jane Cooney, Math Coach at Harris Elementary, spoke to Kiwanis about “Zero, Her Hero”.  Jane received a Lilly Endowment, Inc. (Teacher creativity) grant to travel and learn more about the number zero.  While traveling, she posed with “Zero” a character designed by Jane and her students.  Zero wears a cape (all heroes need a cape) with over 300 zeros added by students at Harris Elementary.  She traveled to Italy, Greece and Turkey to study the influence of Fibonacci and how he influenced the evolution of numbers (especially the 0) used in math which influenced our own number system.  Jane is very excited about math and her excitement builds interest in her students and helps to make math and learning fun.

My Mission, My Town

Troy Griesmeyer was introduced by Pat Parker as guest speaker.

Troy Griesmeyer spoke about “My Mission, My Town” to the Greenfield Kiwanis.  In his day job as investment counselor at Edward D. Jones he found that he had outside interests but not a lot of time.  His church, Park Chapel, does mission trips out of the U.S. and also to other states but these too, involve time.  Liking the idea of helping others, he saw a need within his own community so with a friend began to help needy Greenfield people.  He makes a point that they do not do work and repair for those that can afford to pay for the services so as not to take away business from people who make their living from repair.  They help those that would have to do without or have it done free or not at all.  Soon the need grew and now he works with a group associated with Love Inc. to help his own town.

April Wood New Member

April Wood, one of Kiwanis new members, was the featured “Meet Your Kiwanian” for the month of August.  April told about her life, family and work.  April is the Assistant Manager and Mortgage Consultant at Flagstar Bank in Greenfield and wife and mother of two daughters.

Greenfield Kiwanis Donates $5,000

The Indiana District of Kiwanis International made a commitment to Riley Hospital for Children, to raise one million dollars to support the Riley/Wells Research Center for pediatric diabetes.  At the Kiwanis Convention Sunday, August 14, 2011, the Greenfield Kiwanis Club presented a check for $5,000 to 2010 Governor Elaine Cummings-Bullard.  Sondra Gullion and Karen Kleine from the Greenfield club presented the check.  It was the largest amount given from any Indiana club.  The donation was made possible from the sale of Kiwanis Easter carrots.

        Indiana Kiwanis clubs have provided funding for many projects throughout the years.  Indiana District Kiwanians believe in ‘serving the children’ and this contribution is meant to help children by finding a cure for Pediatric Diabetes through research.  In the past ten years there has been an alarming increase in the number of children with diabetes.  Each year, more than 15,000 youth are diagnosed in the US and is one of the most costly chronic childhood diseases

Rick Roberts Arts Council

Jim Cherry, Kiwanis program chair of the month, introduced guest speaker Rick Roberts.

Rick Roberts spoke to Kiwanis about the new Riley Spring Concert Series that will be announced soon.  Nine Star is sponsoring the series which will begin in mid-April and run into May and held at the Ricks Theatre.  Three different vocal or musical guests will perform.  Flyers and mailers with dates and artists announced will be sent later.

Nine Star Connect

David Spencer, Marketing Executive and Matt Layton, Security, from 9 Star Connect, spoke to Kiwanis recently.  David told about the evolution of 9 Star and of the services they provide and Matt showed Security Systems available from 9 Star.

Don Gard, Meet Your Kiwanian

Don Gard was the featured "Meet Your Kiwanian" at a recent meeting. He told about his life and family. His guest for the evening was son David Gard.

Food Resource Bank

        John and Megan (daughter of John) Kube spoke to Kiwanis recently.  John spoke about Elanco’s involvement with the Food Resource Bank.  He told that over one billion people go to bed hungry every day.  Through teamwork with the Resource Bank, companies and individuals can help provide needed food.  The group tries to increase crop productivity through education.  They are fighting hunger by collaboration with countries that need help and are teaching better methods and techniques for farming.  The Bank has helped over 100,000 families over the years.  Jim Cherry (Kiwanian and Hancock County farmer) farms 50 designated acres of farmland with the produce going to support the Bank.

        The Kube’s visited one of the sponsored areas in Bolivia in February.  Megan showed pictures of the beautiful mountainous area and the people and told of their visit.  Rather than giving a handout, the group teaches how to improve production so as to become more self-sufficient.

Kirsten Clevenger, Physical Therapist

Kirsten Clevenger, Physical Therapist, spoke to Kiwanis recently.  Kirsten has a degree in Physical Therapy and Physical Education and spoke about fall prevention.   Fall prevention is important at any age but especially to people 65 or older as 60% of fall-related deaths occur among people 65 and older.  More than one-third of adults 65+ fall each year.  The causes range from unsafe living environment, medications, muscle weakness, and vision problems to balance problems.  Prevention can begin with a regular exercise program.  Balance and coordination exercises should be included in any program to help strengthen and improve the ability to prevent falls.  The program should be approved by a doctor before beginning.  Vision should be checked and making the home safer by keeping the floor free of items that can cause tripping (paper, books, shoes and small throw rugs) should help.  Home areas should be well lit.  Hand rails on both sides of stairs and good lighting on all stairways is important.  These are just a few of the suggestions given to improve safety for any age.

Backpack Attack

Kiwanis members Nancy Ferdon, Terry Beagle, Store Manager Duane Johnson, Jan Jackley, Tom Beagle, Carol Reddish and Bill Reddish(not pictured) line up with donations to the Back Pack Attack.  Five carts full of school supplies, amounting to over $400, were purchased by Kiwanians at Walgreen Drugs.  Each year, Walgreens helps by making items available at an affordable price.

Immigation Attorney

Recently speaking to Kiwanians was attorney, Angela Adams from Lewis & Kappes, Indianapolis Professional Corporation. Carol Landes, program chairman, introduced the young, vivacious attorney. She spoke about a very controversial subject; immigration. From her information we learned that the immigration laws are “broken” and something needs to be done. The federal government fails constantly to pass reform laws. This lack causes problems for individuals as well as businesses needing to employ immigrants. Nothing is as simple as it sounds…and many say…enter the US legally or go back and come back the right way. The catch 22 is that if someone has entered illegally and then goes back to reenter, they cannot return for 10 years (there are also a few exceptions to this law but even those require 5 years to requalify).


Marrying a US citizen does not fix the problem if they have entered without inspection (or legally) and if they go back to country of origin, once again, they cannot return for 10 years. A possible exception is to earn a waiver for extreme hardship (only if married to a US citizen) but with the backlog of cases; this is not a good answer either.

Permanent status is granted with a green card (which is not green at all). Only a limited number are issued per country and to enter our country on a Tourist Visa is difficult because it is hard to get and the wait is long.

Many people think the simple solution to the problem is to round up all illegals and deport them. This too, is stymied by law and a deportation back log. The answer to the problem is not at all simple and due to antiquated laws, it seems evident that much needs to be changed.

Greenfield Fire Department

Greenfield Fire Chief Jim Roberts spoke to Kiwanis at a recent meeting. Beginning with a little personal history, Roberts told that he served as a volunteer fireman before joining the force. He had always been interested in firefighting and served for 18 years before being appointed Fire Chief. Becoming Chief was one of his life goals and he is enjoying the position. He oversees two stations, the downtown location as well as the newer station on New Road. The stations have two ambulances plus reserve vehicles, a tanker and a ladder truck in the downtown location, rescue trucks plus other fire engines. When questioned about need for a ladder truck when Greenfield does not have high rise buildings, he explained that what Greenfield has are “wide buildings” that they need the capability to reach over the top to apply water to fires.


There are 46 career fire fighters, EMTs and Paramedics associated with the department. Constant training is part of the job. There are 28 Volunteer staff members and they participate in 24 hours of training per month to stay active and are paid a small monthly stipend. Firemen serve 24 hour shifts with 13 members per shift serving.

Approximately 3,000 runs per year are made with 80% of them being ambulance runs. Each run consists of an ambulance and fire rescue vehicle to ensure that the patient is treated as quickly as possible. A question about Life Line answered that the fire or police department makes the call about when they should be called and where they should land, depending on the circumstance.

The Greenfield area covers 52 square miles of Greenfield and Center Township and serves basically all of Hancock County on a mutual aid agreement.

Besides fire and emergency runs, the department does 700-800 Commercial inspections per year to make sure fire codes are met. They also do Fire Safety education for schools and pre-schools and homes for elderly.

A cadet program in conjunction with the high school provides training in fire fighting to students. Four former cadets are presently serving as Volunteer firemen.

An additional duty is checking and maintaining apparatus and equipment. Most meals are cooked on site and each shift handles duties differently.

Present goals include finding and purchasing land to build a third station.

Indiana State Parks

Ginger Murphy, Assistant Director for Stewardship for the Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs, spoke to Kiwanis about Indiana’s state parks. On 32 properties the system covers 171,123 acres and hosts 15.8 million visitors a year. They maintain 2,080 buildings, 600 miles of trails, and 61,000 acres of hunting land. They also have 31,000 acres of lakes, 73 boat ramps, and 17 marinas. There are 14 year-round interpretive centers with 631 inn rooms and 7,797 campsites and 149 cabins. There are 17,000 picnic tables, 174 picnic shelters, 163 playgrounds. All of this is staffed by 348 full-time staff and is paid for with entrance/rental fees and a per capita cost to Hoosiers annually of only $1.89. Indiana is fortunate to have one of the best park systems in the country.


Ginger handles education for Indiana school children and helps with resource management. She told that she came from Kentucky and originally thought “Indiana was just a long cornfield” but was surprised and pleased with the diversity and variety of our state and parks.

Ginger gave a questionnaire on “How Much Do You Know About Indiana’s State Parks and Reservoirs?” It was discovered that not enough was known since the top score was 12 of 32 possible. After hearing about the 32 properties, the group is more knowledgeable and many plan to visit parks new to them.

Voter Redistricting

Kathy Richardson, State Representative from Noblesville, presented Kiwanis members with a program about redistricting.  She was appointed to the committee by the Speaker of the House.  She was a caucus chairperson and has had experience as a county clerk.  She has been involved in government issues for 30 years.  The redistricting is based on the 2010 census.  Congressional areas can not vary by more than one person.  The new map will take effect 7/1/11.  Then, local districts will have to be rebalanced.  Hancock County will be represented by three members instead of two.  These representatives are Bob Cherry, Brian Bosma and Sean Eberhart.  Senator Gard’s area will change and include Hancock County as well as a small part of Marion and Shelby counties.

Patrick McDaniel, New Kiwanian

New member, Patrick McDaniel, was the featured “Meet Your Kiwanian” for the month of June. Program chairs for June were Cheryl Bruns and Kristin Fewell.


McDaniel told his history as a Hancock County resident. He attended Purdue University and majored in Forestry. After graduation, he worked for the park services in Minnesota, Wyoming, and Florida. Florida was his least favorite because “everything there wants to bite”.

A second career was in ministry and after graduating again, he lead the Greenfield Church of Christ. He is now on his third career working in pre-planning for Stillinger Funeral Home. After working around the country, he finds home is best.

2011 Scholarship Winners

From left; Erin Komornik, Sarah Mueller, Bethany Sickle, Eastern Hancock students receive $1,000 Kiwanis Scholarship checks from Bob Gullion, president.


Erin Komornik, former Eastern Hancock high school graduate and present Depauw student, received a $1,000 scholarship check and read her winning essay to Kiwanis members at the recent meeting. She received the Bill Griffing science scholarship to study Kinesiology (exercise science).

Sarah Mueller received the Robert Eagleston Business scholarship. She plans to study Agri-economics/business at Purdue University.

Bethany Sickle received the J.B. Stephens Education award. She plans to attend Anderson University and study Elementary Education.

Kiwanis is proud to award these scholarships recognizing outstanding students. The girls read their winning essays about the importance of community service to Kiwanis.

Kiwanis is one of few groups that consider college students for scholarship awards. Most are given to graduating seniors but college students are encouraged to apply.

Dictionaries for Third Graders

Kiwanis member Dan Riley (center) shows Karen Kleine and President Bob Gullion a dictionary similar to dictionaries presented to all third grade students in Hancock County schools.  The dictionaries were purchased with a grant written by Kristin Fewell and awarded by the Hancock County Foundation

Balanced School Calendar

 


From left; Ann Vail was introduced by Kristin Fewell to speak about the new school calendar

Ann Vail, Assistant Superintendant of Greenfield Central Schools, spoke to Kiwanis about the new “Balanced School Calendar”. The calendar, which is required by state law to contain 180 days of school for students, will now have the school year divided evenly into four quarters. There will be 90 days in each semester. The first semester will end before Christmas break. After listening to parent comments, she feels the chosen calendar is as close as possible to matching requirements and parent concerns. While not everyone is happy about starting school on August 1, she thinks that the two week breaks in October, December and March will help make up for the August early start. Snow or make-up days are included into the first week of vacations but the second week will be left for vacation planning. Most other traditional breaks will remain with Labor Day off and the two day Thanksgiving break the same. Summer break will be eight weeks.

County Extension Educator

Roy Ballard (center) answers questions from Kiwanian Denny Chapman (left) and Dan Riley.

Roy Ballard, County Agent with the Purdue Extension Office, spoke to Kiwanis. He explained that the County Agent is a very busy person who deals with many programs and promotes activities such as Health and Human Sciences, 4-H, Master Gardener Program, SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education), Farmers Market, Agri-tourism and working with the Hancock County Solid Waste Management to mention just a few. He answers questions from people about lawn care, pesticides, tree problems and how to get rid of moles (you don’t). He advises farmers on organic farming. He advised a way to save Ash trees (expensive but worth it for a tree on your lot but probably not cost efficient for whole woods). Contact him at the Extension Office for further details. He told that there is a new federal law which will certify and audit all farmers as Safe Producers of safe food. For questions or more details contact Roy Ballard at RBallard@purdue.edu.

Deborah Smith, Accomplish Artist and Kiwanian

Deborah Smith was the “Meet your Kiwanian” member at a recent meeting.  She told about her life and showed photos and pictures that she had designed.  Deborah has a studio in her home where she does custom art, portraits in any media, and custom framing.  To contact her, call 462-7793.  She is also an accomplished singer and a twenty-four year member of  the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir as well as Bradley Methodist Church Choir

Krsiti Barber HRH Foundation Director

Christi Barber, new Executive Director of the Hancock Regional Hospital Foundation, spoke to Kiwanis. She was introduced by May program chairman, Walt Waitt.

Barber hopes to see the foundation continue to grow and support Hancock Regional Hospital. Presently they are working toward funding of a new Hospice Unit. Barber says the need for hospice care is growing as our population ages. To meet this need, the HRH Foundation has begun raising 3.1 million to fund an endowment which will support the care of hospice patients now and in the future. They have raised $750,000 and will continue fund raising to make the new unit possible.
The foundation also recently awarded eleven scholarships totaling $22,000 for Edith Zike nursing scholarships. Fund raising events on the calendar include the 33rd Annual Golf Benefit on June 17 at Hawk’s Tail of Greenfield Golf Course. Sponsorship contributions provide funding for Edith Zike Nursing Scholarships. For more information about the golf outing, call 468-4583.

October 12, 2011, will be the Women Helping Women dinner. To make a contribution to either the golf outing or dinner or the hospice unit, contact the Foundation at the number above or visit the website www.hancockregional.org.

Economic Development Council for Hancock County

Dennis Maloy, Director of the Economic Development Council for Hancock County, spoke to Kiwanis.  He considers his job as being a salesman (marketing/selling) of Hancock County as a good place to locate and invest.  While working for Hancock County, he spends much time away from Hancock County, making contacts and getting our name out there.  Companies interested in Hancock County need to know about our tax structure, zoning, and availability of work force.  Much information is gathered through web sites but relationships are helpful.  Information usually comes from the state to us, but there are times that it comes to us first, from contacts made by the Council.

Habitat for Humanity

Photo:Janice Boring, guest speaker from Habitat for Humanity, was introduced by May program chairman, Walt Waitt.

Janice Boring, from Shelby County, spoke to Kiwanis about her work with Habitat for Humanity. Habitat International is a nonprofit Christian housing ministry that seeks to make decent shelter available to needy people. By working together in partnership to help build houses, Habitat has built more than 225,000 houses around the world, providing 1 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds with the help of homeowner families. They are sold to the chosen partner family at no profit, financed with affordable mortgages. One of the most familiar names associated with Habitat is that of former president Jimmy Carter.

Habitat is not a giveaway program. In addition to a modest down payment and monthly mortgage payments, homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor “sweat equity” into building their house and the houses of others.

In Shelby County there is a waiting list of applicants who are screened by a committee and take classes about home management. Janice Boring teaches some of the classes.

Habitat for Humanity’s mission statement is that they are building houses, building communities and building hope. Habitat works in partnership with God and people from all walks of life to develop communities with people in need so every person can experience God’s love and can live and grow into all that God intends.

Mt. Vernon HighTech Academy

   From left; Kiwanian Mike Adkins, program chair for April, introduced Matthew Remmel, student and Tom Shaver teacher from Mt. Vernon High School. 

They presented a fascinating look at the Mt. Vernon HighTech Academy.  The academy was formed with help from an Eli Lilly grant and includes students from all the county high schools.  There are no other academies like this in the whole country.  Students are involved with Rapid Prototyping, Motion Capturing, Animation and 3-D Visions and are learning and using a whole new world of concepts.

SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions)

From left; Amy Ingram, sponsor of SADD, with her Mt. Vernon High School students Jackie Hernandez, Ellie Nowak, Savannah Poe and Kiwanian Mike Adkins.

Kiwanis heard members from SADD (Students against Destructive Decisions) from Mt. Vernon High School. The group was originally associated with a group called VOICE that worked against the use of tobacco but the group now advocates against all destructive behavior. Behaviors such as Drinking, Drugs, Smoking, Texting or Eating while driving or anything that might take attention away from driving or living responsibly. The group works to enhance awareness of harmful activities that could lead to problems. They work to educate younger students about making healthy choices. Questions about the group may be directed to mvhssadd@yahoo.com.

New Member Deborah Smith

Deborah Smith, a new Kiwanis member, with her sponsor Kathy Medved.

Sister City Program young

Robert Young was introduced to speak to Kiwanis by friend Nancy Ferdon.

Robert Young spoke to Kiwanis about the problems following the earthquake in Japan. He is a representative of the Sister City Program and told of communications with Kakuda friends. He told of the many problems Japan is dealing with and how we can be of help to our Sister City. Due to the tragedy, there will be no student exchange between our cities this year. Cash donations are being collected to send to Kakuda to use as needed. Donations may be sent to: Community Foundation marked for Kakuda.

Rabbits making carrots

Pat Elmore and Skip Harper don bunny ears to help with the production of “Candy Carrots” for Kiwanis spring money making project.  Proceeds are “ear-marked” for Riley Hospital and will be for sale soon.  As in the past, carrots will contain orange slices, jelly beans or M&M’s and the price is the same as last year at $3 each or two for $5.

April Wood joins Kiwanis

Tom Billings welcomes new member, April Wood to Kiwanis.  April joined at the March meeting.

New Member Geroge Armstrong

New  member George Armstrong, is welcomed into Kiwanis by President Bob Gullion.

Indiana State Police Academy

Ernie Alder, representing the Indiana State Police Academy, spoke to Kiwanis. He told many hilarious stories about his time as a Trooper. He now works with the Indiana State Police Summer Youth Camp programs. The camp locations are; Co-Ed Career Camps for Grades 9-12 at Trine and Vincennes University, Lions Co-Ed Law Camps for Grades 7-8 at Anderson and Vincennes University, Optimists Co-Ed Respect for Law Camps for Grades 5-6 held at Notre Dame, Anderson, Hanover College, U. of Southern Indiana and Vincennes University and Junior Pioneer Campouts at Potato Creek State Park and Lincoln State Park. For more information about attending the camps contact the ITYS (Indiana Troopers Youth Services) or E-mail questions to:karen@trooper.org, ernie@trooper.org, rpoole@isp.in.gov .

Sheriff Mike Shepherd

     Sheriff Mike Shepherd, Hancock County Sheriff, spoke about what is happening at the department.  Of special interest was the kids SAFE program.  For further information visit:  www.sheriffalerts.com/in/hancock. The web site will help keep kids SAFE by providing:  REALTIME MAPS of registered sex offenders in this area, AUTOMATIC EMAIL ALERTS when registered sex offenders move to your area, TIPS for talking to your kids and SAFETY advice for children.

United Way

Paula Jarrett, from United Way of Central Indiana, spoke to Kiwanis. She said that the Metropolitan United Way serves six counties and they have a local office at One Courthouse Plaza. It is a nonprofit organization which helps improve lives and build stronger communities. A question asked about sending donations to the Indianapolis address informed that all money sent is in turn returned to Hancock County. In fact, Hancock County receives more monies and services than is actually paid from local donations.


The United Way Mission is to help sustain vital human services. Our community priorities are those plus helping kids enter school ready to learn and graduate ready to earn.

In the past two years $200,000 in Community Economic Relief Fund was disbursed to Hancock residents (whose incomes were too high for traditional federal aid). More than $8 million was distributed across six counties

United Way partner agencies provided more than $777,000 in services to county residents last year. Calls to the Central Indiana helpline show that utilities, housing and mental health services are of greatest need.

United Way is focused on education because only two-thirds of area 9th graders will graduate in four years. Changing the dropout rate can change an entire community and as a result, reduce future human service needs.

Examples of programs and services for children and youth are: Backpack Attack with 40,000 new school supplies distributed to all 18 elementary, middle, intermediate and junior high schools in Hancock County; Early Readers Club with more than 700 children under age 6 enrolled to receive 12 high-quality children’s books each year; Born Learning which provide parenting education materials; ReadUP which is a tutoring program for third graders to help them become better readers and succeed in school. This program becomes doubly important if the state passes the new directive that requires 3rd graders to pass a state test before being passed to grade 4. (More local tutors are still needed for ReadUP and if you can help, call the United Way office to volunteer. You do not have to be a teacher to participate in the program…just love to read).

In 2010 the United Way campaign raised $310,000. The top 6 companies raised 83% of the total contributed. The top 6 were; Elanco, Hancock Regional Hospital, Greenfield Banking Company, Covance Inc., Hancock Physician Network and Keihin IPT Mfg.

Of interest to many was information about the Connect 2 Help program. Instead of dialing 9-1-1 for emergency, dial 2-1-1 to find what help is available for people. It directs to services that are needed and many don’t know are there, such as aid for utility bill paying or where food is available as well as other needs.

United Way encourages volunteering and has the Hancock County Volunteer Fair April 20, 3-7 p.m. at HCPL. For more information: www.volunteersolutions.org or come to the local office.

Greenfield Chamber of Commerce

Retta Livengood, President of Greenfield Chamber of Commerce, spoke to Kiwanis about the Chamber. She told that the Chamber is dedicated to their mission of “Partnering for Prosperity”. The traditional role of a Chamber of Commerce was to be the voice of business. Presently, our Chamber (founded in 1951) has evolved beyond that role to work towards broader community goals. Once they concentrated on building relationships with other businesses, but now include building relationships within the community. The focus is on the measurable impact a Chamber can have not only on members but also on the community.


The Chamber advocates for businesses and presents opportunities for members to connect with potential customers through a variety of Chamber events. They plan to be a source for educational and business seminars and to enhance the talents and resources of members. They strive to improve economic vitality and quality of life for Greenfield, Hancock County and the surrounding areas.

For more information about what is available or to join the Chamber contact them at 477-4188 or at www.greenfieldcc.org

Nancy King Tribute

Dan Riley, former president of Kiwanis, paid tribute to Nancy King at a recent meeting.  Nancy was a former president, secretary and board member of Kiwanis who died in 2010.  Nancy, a very active and long time member, is greatly missed by the club.

Indiana’s Tobacco Prevention Program

Brandee Bastin spoke to Kiwanis about her work with Indiana’s Tobacco Prevention Program. Working for a tobacco free Indiana has been a priority for ten years. The mission is to create a healthier community through the prevention and cessation of tobacco use in Hancock County.


In the past ten years, smoking rates for high school youth have dropped by 42 percent. Adult smoking rates have decreased from 27 percent to 23 percent. This means there are 207,000 fewer smokers in Indiana. Over the past decade decreased tobacco use has saved $3.1 billion in future health care costs, including $512 million in Medicaid claims. Indiana’s prevention program manages without tax dollars. These services are funded by the Master Settlement Agreement between Indiana and the tobacco industry.

Over 70% of Indiana’s schools have a tobacco free campus. Bastin says that while much has been accomplished, there is still work to be done. Indiana has a 21% smoking rate which sounds good until compared with 17% nationwide which puts us in the top ten tobacco using states.

One of Bastin’s favorite facts used to emphasis the harm of tobacco use is that “Tobacco is the only legal product that kills one third of its users if used as directed”.

For more information about ways to quit smoking, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit; http://www.indianaquitline.net/.

Marty Foster, New Kiwanian

 Marty Foster (left) and Elisa Bell spoke to Kiwanis last week.  Foster, a new member, spoke as a "Meet Your Kiwanian."  Bell invited Kiwanians to the Denim & Diamonds Dinner Saturday, Feb. 5, at the Indiana Downs Casino.  Proceeds go to support Edelweiss Equine-Assisted Therapy Center.  For more information about time and cost, send an e-mail to info@edelweisscenter.org.

Kiwanis Key Club

Terry Beagle, Nicole Morley and Pat Parker converse at a Kiwanis meeting. Beagle was Nicole’s advisor when she was in the Builders Club in middle school and Parker is her present Key Club advisor.


Nicole Morley, President of the Key Club at Greenfield Central High School, spoke to Kiwanis about her experience at Kiwanis Service Leadership Conference. Approximately 100 students attended the conference held at Rancho Framasa in Nashville, Indiana. Greenfield Kiwanis sponsored Nicole at the conference. Nicole thanked Kiwanians for the opportunity for the experience that she thoroughly enjoyed. The program was created by Kiwanis International and is conducted by adult and student facilitators. While at the conference, Morley met many new friends and learned that a Key Leader is an active listener, is empathetic, committed to the community, aware of self and others, helps people grow, is persuasive, is compassionate, builds community, is caring and turns goals and plans into action.

Hancock County Hope House

Kelley Mires from the Hancock County Hope House spoke to Kiwanis. She told that the Hope House serves people from Hancock, Rush and Shelby counties. There is a 35 bed capacity limit. Even though Hope House is considered to be the “Ritz” of homeless shelters, they still have rules and regulations that patrons must follow. If you are staying at the Hope House, there are educational programs provided to help with banking, parenting and job searching. A 7:00 a.m. wake up time is observed with clean up help required and then out to begin a job or job search from 9:00 to 5:00. Curfew is observed with lights out by 11:00 p.m. and earlier for children staying in the Home. Hope House is funded by donations and grants. They also work with county teens on a youth board called YEAH which stands for Youth Educating and Advocating for Homeless.


Hope House sponsors youth services, programs and a thrift store. Individuals or families may stay as long as needed providing rules are followed and an effort is made to learn and become independent.