Kiwanis Christmas Charity

Over 50 Birthday bags from Kiwanis Christmas Party

Kiwanis ended it's year with a Christmas party where the fun benefits local charity.   Admission to the party was a Birthday bag for the Hancock County Food Pantry.   Birthday bags are given out to clients of the Food Pantry who have a child under 12 in the month of their birthday.  Each bag contains a cake mix, icing, plates, napkins, candles and small gifts or party favors.  Kiwanis collect these all year long and are assisted by the Greenfield-Central Key Club that collect the bags.  

Scott Kleine reported that the Key Club had adopted to Christmas families and that the presents and gift cards had been delivered today.   It was also reported that Kiwanis members had contributed $470 to the Food Pantry to pay for meat for their Christmas baskets.

The highlight of the party was a white elephant auction that raised $1,1,40 for local charities.  Some of the best presents were a rubber chicken, a singing Christmas tree, and a red neck toilet plunger.

Soup Kitchen

Jill Ebbert, Executive Director of the Kennneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen told Kiwanis about the current activities at the Soup Kitchen.  Kenneth Butler was the Greenfield Fire Department Chief who along with his wife helped people who were in need all of their lives.   The Soup Kitchen was opened 7 years ago in October and named in his honor.   Since opening over 800 people have volunteered and over 230,000 meals have been served.   People who are hungry receive a meal of an entree, 2 sides, drink and dessert.  On Fridays a sack lunch is provided to help people over the weekend when the Kitchen is closed,  There is no cost for any meal. 

The Soup  Kitchen is a faith based organization supported by local citizens.  It receives no money from Federal or State government.  Park Chapel Christian Church pays for the sack lunches.  Jack Donuts, Ben's Pretzels, Bob Evans , Mozzi Pizza, Domino's, and Dave Caeletto provide frequent contributions.  The Soup Kitchen, is located at 202 East Main Street, and is open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 7p.m. with serving hours: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for lunch; 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. for dinner.

Neigborhoods Against Substance Abuse

Tim Retherford, NASA Executive Director

Neighborhoods Against Substance Abuse (NASA) exists as a community partnership that strives to develop healthy lifestyles through Prevention, Education, Treatment, and Enforcement of substance abuse issues for youth and adults.  Tim Retherford spoke to Kiwanis about NASA.   During the past three years there has been a decrease in all types of substance abuse among the youth of the community.  For more information on NASA go to www.nasa-hancock.com

Greeenfield Intermediate K-Kids Food Drive

Bob Gullion, Bob Spriggs, Don Hoffman and Scott Kleine unload the Greenfield Intermediate K-KIDS food drive food at the Hancock County Food Pantry.  Not pictured the photographer, Dan Riley.

Three skids of food was delivered.

Rose Division Lt. Gov.

Rose Division Lt. Governor, Don Kowalke of Richmond spoke to Greenfield Kiwanians.   He commended the club for growing our membership. Greenfield is one of 24 clubs in the Rose Division and is by far the largest.    He also spoke of the 4 I plan of Inspiration, Impact, Image and Investment,  

Greenfield Kiwanis meets each Tuesday night at Ponderosa Steakhouse.  The members purchase and eat their meals before the meeting which begins at 6:15 p.m.  Guests and prospective members are always welcome,

Food Resource Bank

John Kube, Laura Kube and Marv Baldwin

Food Resource Bank (FRB) raises money to help people in developing countries grow their own food.  Each year more than 200 U.S. Growing Projects volunteers, companies, and organizations raise over $3 million to support 50-60 overseas programs To administer these programs, FRB works through a network of 16 member organizations and local partner organizations in more than 29 countries around the world.

Reaching the next 1 million: In 2014, FRB celebrated two exciting milestones: our 15 year anniversary and reaching more than 1,000,000 people through sustainable food security programs. In looking forward, FRB set a large goal to help us grow and expand our work. By 2023 we hope to reach the next 1 million people through our programs. 

FRB engages volunteers to raise money for 50+ overseas programs a year. All of the programs focus on developing small-holder agriculture, often in the most remote and poorest regions of the world. We see agriculture as the solution to hunger experienced in much of the world.

In Hancock County Elanco, IMI, and Cherry Farms all particpate in FRB.  Some of the participation inclues employee farm markets and employee gardens.  Part of this also support the local Soup Kitchen.  

Changing Footprints

Deb Cherry told Kiwanis the story of Changing Footprints, a 501c3 organization that realized the need for shoes in our community and around the world.  They collect previously worn and new shoes for distribution to homeless, disaster stricken, and underprivileged people at home and abroad.  Over 125,000 pairs of shoes have distributed worldwide.  Over 50 tons have shoes have been re-purposed and did not end up in a landfill.  

Locally the shoes are distributed at the Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen.  Shoes can be donated there, at the Greenfield Christian Church, or the Acorn Tree.  For more information on the program or to donate money go to http://www.changingfootprints.org/.

Halloween Party

Kiwais hat themed Halloween party.

Prizes of candy ad new cars were give out.

No money was spared in creating winning costumes.

Emile and Emelia Airhart made an appearace.

What can be said?

Some people loaded their hats with candy in hopes of persuading the judges.  It worked.

Judge and emcee Marcy seems to be at a loss for words.  That is indeed a Happy Halloween.

Mental Health Partners

Kim Hall, Executive Director of Mental Health Partners of Hancock County spoke to Kiwanis about their organization.  Mental Health Partners of Hancock County is a not for profit organization dedicated to partnering with individuals, businesses, organizations, and the community for Mental Health and Emotional Wellness.Since 1954, MHP has provided a variety of programs that encourage individuals to maintain mental health and emotional wellness. Primary focus is to over-ride the stigma of having mental and emotional issues and gain access to avenues that will provide opportunities to overcome the issues that hold people back from having happier and productive lives.

Boy's and Girl's Club

Chad Hudson, Executive Director of the Hancock County Boys and Girls Clubs of Hancock County spoke to Kiwanis about his background and the state of children throughout the country as well as Hancock County.   Hudson grew up in Hancock County and spent his childhood playing at the Club,  He reminisced about Jim Andrews.  Hudson spent time teaching in elementary, alternative and adult schools before becoming the Executive Director.  
He compared the audience's  80% participation in scouts, athletic programs, and similar programs to 25% for today children. 

He noted that nationally each day:

• 16,200 children 4th grade through 12th grade are suspended from school.
• 2,800 teenagers dropout of school.
• 1,800 children are abused
• 3,600 children are arrested, 384 for drugs, 167 for violent crimes
• 21 children die from murder or suicide

The Boys and Girls Club provides services for children regardless of their ability to pay.  In 2015, 552 children were served.  So far through 2016, 612 children have been served.

Girls on the Run

Lorri Brune, Executive Director of Girls on the Run of Central Indiana presented Kiwanis with information about their program.  We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.  Girls on the Run is in all 50 states and Canada. 
Meeting twice a week in small teams of 8-15 girls, we teach life skills through dynamic, conversation-based lessons and running games. The 20-lesson curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run coaches and includes three parts: understanding ourselves, valuing relationships and teamwork and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large.
The program has 125 students in Hancock County at Harris Elementary, Maxwell Intermediate, New Palestine Elementary and Eastern Hancock Middle School.
For more information see http://www.gotrci.org/ or  e-mail lorri.brune@girlsontherun.org. 

Thank you Jim Cherry

Jim Cherry completed his term as President of Kiwanis for 2015-2016 at the September 27 meeting.  Jim provided the program with slides about his trip to Brazil to see agricultural operations at mega farms in Manaus and Brazillia.  The club members thanked Jim for work in the past year. He was presented a scrapbook with pictures and stories of the past year.

New Officers Installed

2016-17 Officers installed September 27 were Donna Owen, Secretary; Barb Kauchak, President-Elect; Gerry Smith, Vice-President; and  Patric McClarnon, Treasurer. Chris Thompson was previously installed as the President.

New Members Initiated

New Members were initiated into Kiwanis. From left Susan Cherry, sponsor with new members Ron and Sarah Mohr, and Deb Cherry; New Members Shane Bryant, Drew and Judy Mulligan with their sponsors Jan and Steve Burt.

Spell Bowl Team

Barb Kauchak, Sandy Miller, Sue True, and Dave Medved represented Kiwanis at the Hancock County Adult Literacy Coalition Spell Bowl

Adams Heeting and Cooling emploiyees donates money for backpacks

Josh Russell, Tyler Pugh, and Robert Brooks of Adams Heating and Cooling present a check for $250 in support of Kiwanis Backpack efforts to the club on Tuesday, Sept 20. 

Alternatives, Inc

Rachel Dennis and Kandi Floyd, Victim Advocates with Alternatives, Inc,

Rachel Dennis and Kandi Floyd. Victim Advocates with Alternatives, Inc.   Alternatives Incorporated serves all victims of domestic violence-women, children, and men. Our services are non-sectarian and include emergency shelter; transitional housing; crisis advocacy; information and referral; and support and advocacy.
Alternatives is one of 29 shelters in Indiana.  Their primary service area is the counties of Hamilton, Hancock, Henry, Madison, Marion, and Tipton in East-Central Indiana.  Our agency is funded primarily from federal and state grant sources, with support from the United Way and private contributions.
For more information see http://www.alternativesdv.org/ or call the 24 hour emergency hotline at(866) 593-9999.

Birthday Party Septemeber 13

Over 70 Birthday bags were collected and given to the Food Pantry.

Don Hoffman cooking burgers

Birthday Party chairs Julie Dishman, Marty Crider, Barb Kauchak, Marcie Hoffman, and Carol Reddish

Wayne Addison, Hancock County Chief Probation Officer and local Auctioneer spoke to Kiwanis about his background and experiences.  Wayne was born in Hancock County.  His father worked for Ford Motor Company, the Hancock County Sherriff's Office, and started W.B Addison and Sons Auction,  Wayne wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement and majored in Criminal Justice at  Ball State University.  He served as a Reserve Deputy in the Hancock County Sherriff's Department and then became a Probation Officer.  He has been with the Probation Department for 34 years,  During that time the staff size has grown to 22 staff members.

Wayne stated that his goal is to try and change peoples lives where they have had poor examples or no examples.  He has two certified mental health counselors on the staff working with probationers. 

Wayne also mentioned that he was a new grandfather and that he is grateful to live in a generous county.

New Members

Kiwanis welcomes our new members:

1. Carol Hudson
2. Shane Bryant
3. Deb Cherry
4. Dew Mulligan
5. Judy Mulligan
6. Ronnie Mohr
7. Sarah Mohr

Dr. Harold Olin

Jim Cherry, Kiwanis President with Dr. Harold Olin, Greenfield-Central Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Harold Olin, Greenfield-Central Schools Superintendent, spoke to Kiwanis about his background, Special Education, Digital learning, the new building next to the high school and then answered questions.

Dr. Olin is a 3rd generation educator in Hancock County.  His grandfather was a part of Mt. Vernon Schools, his father a part of New Palestine schools and he has been a part of Greenfield-Central for over 16 years. 

The Special Education students are all a part of the G-C system now and the transition from Joint Services is complete.  Over 900 students have an Individualized Education Program. 

Digital learning has been introduced to the high school and junior high.  Some digital programs are in the Intermediate schools to familiarize the student with the concepts and process  before junior high.

The former Library building at 700 North Broadway was purchased by the schools to house alternate high school education and a preschool.  The alternate education program helps students who require special schedules to coordinate with work or vocational education continue their studies.   The preschool will add high level preschool capacity to the city. 

Dr. Olin answered questions regarding  Finance, the teacher shortage, and education for advanced students.

For more information on Greenfield-Central Schools see http://www.gcsc.k12.in.us/

Chris Sickels, Artist

Chris Sickels, the artist of Red Nose Studios in Greenfield spoke to Kiwanis and showed examples of his work and creative process.  Chris, a Winchester, Indiana native began his artistic career while in high school  where he was encouraged by his family and art teacher to pursue his art.  He then attended the Art Academy of Cincinnati. 

Chris works as a commercial artist, book illustrator, sculptor, and does stop motion animation.  He recently completed illustrations and animation for the book “Secret Subway” by Shana Corey.  His work has also appeared in the New Yorker, Angie’s List magazine, and on Main Street in downtown Greenfield.  A video animation is featured in the new Fulton Street Station of the New York MTA and a print from that video is featured on some Subway trains.

Chris and his wife live in Greenfield with their four children.  More information can be found at http://www.rednosestudio.com/.

Prosecutor Brent Eaton

Prosecutor Brent Eaton reviewed the operations of the office with Kiwanis.  The Prosecutor is elected to a four year term.  The office has 20 employees and a budget of about one million dollars.   Child support is a major division of the office with collection, disbursements, and enforcement handled by the staff.  The office handles between 2,500 and 3,000 criminal cases per year. 

The office is staffed during lunch hours so that the public can come in for assistance.  A victims assistance grant and a grant that provides a full time attorney to prosecute crimes against women and children.  

More information  and contact phones and can be obtained at http://hancockcoingov.org/hancock-county-indiana-prosecutor .

Lunch with the Rover

Lunch and Learn with the GCHS Rover Team on Friday, July 29, 2016  at the Riley Park attracted visitors from Kehin, Senator Coats office, the Indiana Department of Education and many members of Kiwanis.  The event took place from 11 am to 1 pm at Riley Park.

Sierra Leone

Gerry Smith presented slides from his recent trip to Sierra Leone where he and others helped with general medical and educational aid to the city of Kabala.  Kabala is a city of about 40,000 people in northern Sierra Leone. 
70 % of the people in Sierra Leona are below the poverty level.   Life expectancy is 46 years of age and the literacy rate is about 35%.  Electricity, potable water, and sanitary sewers do not exist outside the capital city. 
SEED, a non profit based in Colorado, United Methodist congregations from Colorado and Indiana built a health clinic and schools in Kabala.  The clinic is the only one in a 40 mile radius of Kabala.  The major health problems include Malaria, Cholera, intestinal parasites and malnutrition.  The groups hope to establish teacher training.  The cost of a scholarship for a teacher is $400.  Student tuition is about $100 per year.  If you are interested in helping contact Bradley United Methodist Church.

Backpack Attack

Backpack Attack Bus

Kiwanis Backpack Loading Team, Dave Crider, Jim Cherry and Becky Riley

Unloading Dave's car are Dave Crider (nice backpack Dave); Jim Cherry; Becky Riley; Paula Jarrett of United Way, and Jeannie Roberts of United Way.

The of Backpack Committee Diane Osborne,  Martie Crider, Susan Cherry, Becky Riley and Terry Beagle collected money and supplies for the Hancock County Backpack.  They purchased over $600 worth of supplies.  Becky Riley and 3 husbands of committee members went to Walmart to unload the car of all the supplies.  One of the husbands took pictures.

Project ReadUP, Backpack Attack, and Chocolate Walk

Jeannie Roberts, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for United Way of Central Indiana in Hancock County told Kiwanis about the Backpack Attack program and Project ReadUP.

The Backpack Attack program which concludes tomorrow collect school supplies to provide children the tools they need to succeed in school.  The school supply drive has taken place each summer since 1999.  School supplies like Backpacks, crayons, dry erase markers, glue sticks, school boxes and scissors. 

Project ReadUP matches volunteers with local schools to help get students on track and stay on track with grade level literacy  .ReadUP volunteers work one-on-one with third grade students to help them reach grade-level literacy,

For more information contact jeannie.roberts@uwci.org or call 317.477.2345.

Dulcimer Connection

Front Left to Right: Jody Webb, Barb Kauchak, Diane Lutes, PearlAnn Haines Phyllis Kingen 

Back Left to Right: Melanie Blakely, Yvonne Polise, Michelle  Fife, Charlene Paul, and Leon Paul

The Dulcimer Connection presented a musical program for the Kiwanis Club,   Musical numbers included God Bless America, Battle Hymn of the Republic, This Land is Your Land, Yankee Doodle, Dixie, You're a Grand Old Flag, Back Home Again in Indiana, Dona Nobis Pacem, Dueling Dulcimers, Oh Susannah, and Mockingbird Hill.  The Dulcimer Connection meets and practices at the Senior Center.

Hancock Regional Wound Care

Stephanie Taylor, MBA, Hancock Regional Hospital’s Center for Wound Healing Program Director, spoke to Kiwanis about the Center's programs and protocols for treatments.   The Wound Care Center has offices in the Greenfield hospital, the McCordsville office and at the Major Hospital in Shelbyville.  The center sees patients who need treatment due surgical, vascular, burns, trauma and skin graft wound issues.  
The Center for Wound Healing is a member of the Healogics network of nearly 800 centers, and provides access to benchmarking data and proven experience treating approximately 2.5 million chronic wounds. The Center for Wound Healing offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from non-healing diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds. Advanced treatments include negative pressure wound therapy, bio-engineered skin substitutes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO,) biological and biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies.
For more information see http://www.hancockregionalhospital.org/health-services/outpatient-services/center-for-wound-healing or call (317) 468-4920. 

Dr. Jerry Bergstein

Dr. Jerry Bergstein, a Riley Children's Hospital retired physician specializing in Kidney disorders spoke to Kiwanis about the different problems he saw in children he treated from 1977-2004.  Riley Children's Hospital is one of the major recipient of all Indiana District Kiwanis clubs.  Greenfield Kiwanis annually gives about $5,000 to Riley Hospital.

Reading with Riley Statue

Barb Roark, Assistant Director of the Hancock County Public Library and Paul Norton of Greenfield Parks & Rec Dept. 

Barb Roark and Paul Norton with the Reading with Riley Project spoke to Kiwanis about the project to place a new statue of James Whitcomb Riley in front of the Riley Boyhood Home in Greenfield,  The project was launched as a collaboration with several community organizations to raise about $40,000 for the statute.  2016 is the centennial of Riley's death and the Indiana Statehood Bi-Centennial.  The statue is being created by noted Indiana Artist Bill Wolfe of Terre Haute.  Wolfe created the Larry Bird statue at Indiana State and the Weir Cook statue at Indianapolis International Airport. 

The Riley Old Home Society, the Hancock Visitors Bureau, and the Hancock Tourism Commission made substantial gifts to the project.  Funds are still required to complete the stature so that is can be featured at the Riley Festival in October,  If you are interested in this project information can be found at jwrileyhome.org or a check made payable to HCCF Reading with Riley Statue can be sent to the Hancock County Community Foundation, 312 East Main Street, Greenfield, Indiana 46140.

ARC of Hancock County

ARC of Hancock County Board President, Janice Cassell; Executive Director, Dennis Porter; and Drum Circle Director Angel Yager.

The ARC of Hancock County presented a program on their organization and it's55 year history in Hancock County.  ARC was established in Indiana in 1956 and Hancock County in 1961 by parents of  children with intellectual and developmental disabilities who joined together to build a better world for their children.  ARC provides public policy advocacy, advocacy for employment, education, insurance information, and community connections.

For more information on their programs or membership contact ARC at 317.462.3727 or dennisthearc@att.net.

New Members

Jim Cherry welcomes new members Barb and Paul Roark.

Howard Kellman

                  Chris Norwood with Howard and Robin Kellman

Howard Kellman who has announced the Triple A Indianapolis Indians Baseball Games since 1974 spoke to Kiwanis telling numerous stories about Indians many of whom went on to play in the majors.   For further info on Kellman see  http://www.howardkellman.com.