MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR
The Owen County Fair always provides your Owen County Community Foundation directors with the opportunity to meet people in the community. This year I had the honor of meeting many of you while manning our booth. As a retired school librarian, it’s always fun to see and visit with many of my former students and their parents. One of my favorite visitors this year was school superintendent Andy Cline who stopped by to tell me that he was in possession of a library book from a former student that was 25 years overdue! I hope that many of you were able to stop by our booth and visit with our staff and board members.
Last year when we were conducting community focus groups to help us develop a new strategic plan, we discovered that many of them didn’t really know what the OCCF does. In preparation for working at the fair, we spent some time working on what we call our “elevator speech” about the Foundation. An elevator speech is a brief way of getting across a key point or two. It’s called an elevator speech because it takes roughly the amount of time you’d spend riding an elevator with someone. I was able to practice my elevator speech with a few of you who stopped by the booth, but I can always use more practice. If you have questions about what your Owen County Community Foundation does or you would like to hear my “elevator speech”, feel free to stop me any time!
Myrna Fields OCCF Chairperson
MISSION
To enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Owen County, now and for generations to come.
VISION
To be the trustworthy resource for philanthropy by building permanent endowment, addressing needs through grantmaking, and providing leadership resources to serve our community.
VALUES
PHILANTHROPY: We will promote community involvement and charitable spirit.
STEWARDSHIP: We will support and preserve donor intent across generations.
LEADERSHIP: We will act as a catalyst and collaborate with others to build a better tomorrow.
INTEGRITY: We will act ethically in every relationship.
EXCELLENCE: We will meet or exceed expectations in all we do.
RESPECT: We will honor the dignity and worth of all.
New Board Members Summer Interns
Ed Staubach
Ed resides in Poland with his wife, Joani, and their many pets. Ed is a retired music teacher who moved to Owen County in 2005. Ed is currently an active volunteer with the OCCF’s scholarship committee, Spencer Pride, and a community orchestra. Ed’s many years of experience in education and community leadership make him an invaluable asset to the Foundation.
Ronda Stogsdill
Ronda is a lifelong resident of Spencer and currently works for Indiana University as a Project Manager. Ronda has been an active member of the Spencer community for many years and she currently serves as a director for BBP Water Corporation, Spencer Main Street, and a member of the Tivoli’s Events Committee. We are thankful for the talent and expertise that Ronda brings to our organization.
The OCCF was able to add not one but two internship positions this summer thanks to a generous grant made by Lilly Endowment, Inc. and funding from the state’s EARN Indiana program.
Grace Pendleton filled one of these internship roles, shadowing the work at the Community Foundation for the remainder of the summer. Grace hopes to establish a nonprofit organization of her own one day, and greatly values the knowledge and experience she is able to obtain while working at the Foundation.
Abby Warthan is the Community Foundation’s MYPath intern. She hopes to one day teach in Owen County, utilizing her experiences with MYPath in her classroom.
As an intern, Abby’s main job was to help organize the New Meadow Project with project manager Kyle Hannon, overseeing the transformation of a large meadow into a pollinator garden and recreational spot along the MYPath Trail.
Grace and Abby both graduated from Owen Valley High School in 2021 and are currently sophomores pursuing degrees from Indiana University - Bloomington. Both Grace and Abby became extensions of our staff and their work this summer has been invaluable.
Meet your Board & Staff
Myrna Fields - Chair
Tom Wallace - Vice Chair
Amber Mullin - Secretary
Kaye Erney - Treasurer
Rob Babbs
Barbara Bonness
Susan Coulter
David Friedel
Marilyn Hart
Heather Light
Grant Minnemeyer
Ed Staubach
Ronda Stogsdill
Dale Walker
Janet Rummel
President & CEO ceo@owencountycf.org
Maria O’Connor
Senior Director of Programs and Administration maria@owencountycf.org
Karah Bobeck
Director of Development & Communications karah@owencountycf.org
Grace Pendleton
Abby Warthan
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Owen County Veterans Park Flag Display
In time for Memorial Day, the Owen County Veterans Memorial Park set their sights on a new flag display to honor each branch of the service. This display proudly sits on the 68-acre tract of land that was developed into the Veterans Park through the work of many members of the local community. The Foundation provided a $5,055 grant towards the purchase of the new flags and bases. We encourage our community to take advantage of Veterans Park’s offerings: a shelter house, playground, and a beautiful nature trail, named after veteran Barry O. Gatzke.
Owen County Public Library Pavilion
When out and about downtown Spencer, you may have noticed the on-going construction taking place in the Owen County Public Library’s parking lot. As time has progressed, the Owen County Public Library’s new pavilion has begun to take shape - fully equipped with a poured concrete floor and stage, and eventually, WiFi, security cameras, and lighting. The pavilion will be utilized for a variety of public events, and individuals and organizations may contact the library for reservations. The Foundation contributed $25,000 to this community project, which has been entirely funded through donations from the public.
Public Fireworks Display
This year, when $10,000 was needed for the community fireworks display, the Owen County Chamber of Commerce reached out to your OCCF to take advantage of our new fundraising offering - crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing is when large groups of people pool together small individual investments to provide the capital needed to get a project off the ground. Utilizing the Foundation to assist with an organization’s fundraising allows for easy and convenient giving options, access to a wide network of a community-minded audience, and the ability to keep all donations local. In the end, the full amount was funded, and our Sweet Owen community got to enjoy another patriotic, firework-filled, Independence Day!
We hope to work with other nonprofit organizations in the future to help them reach their fundraising goals!
New Flags at the Owen County Veterans Memorial Park
Judge Kelsey Hanlon Receives Lilly Scholars Network Lead Forward Grant for
MYPath
The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) and partner, 2003 Owen County Lilly Scholar Kelsey Hanlon, are thrilled to receive a Lilly Scholars Network Lead Forward Community Grant of $2,500 to develop the MYPath Pollinator Garden.
Lead Forward Community Grants, available to current and alumni Lilly Endowment Community Scholars, are rooted in one of the fundamental reasons for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program - to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.
People walking on MYPath will be able to enjoy beautiful native flowers and the sights and sounds of bees, butterflies, and birds, and the pollinator garden will provide an outstanding living laboratory for learning and exploring.
MYPath Awarded Highly Competitive Grant
On April 20th, Governor Holcomb announced that the Department of Natural Resources awarded the MYPath Trail System a Next Level Trails Grant of nearly $640,000 to complete a key section of the trail. MYPath was one of 38 selected out of 61 applications.
Integral to the Town of Spencer and Owen County’s economic development and quality of place initiatives, the MYPath Trail System connects residents and visitors to the county’s natural landscapes, including streams, wetlands, floodplains, and forests.
With this grant, MYPath will upgrade the surface of the Riverfront Trail, making it bicycle and wheelchair accessible. A nod to Owen County’s history, the project will reclaim the abandoned Hancock School Road bridge to extend the trail over Elliston Creek. From there, the trail will connect with a newly established trailhead and pavilion at the DNR White River Access Site. The community gains ADA-access to scenic White River vistas, a reforestation project, a wetlands area, the New Meadow prairie reclamation project, and a noted eBird Hotspot.
Efforts are currently in place to extend the trail to McCormick’s Creek State Park, McCormick’s Creek Elementary School, and eventually to the Ellettsville Heritage Trail System, another Next Level Trails recipient. The Next Level Trails Grant program is designed to incentivize collaborative efforts to accelerate trail connections. The grant provides $639,483 in state funding and is matched by $301,317 in local contributions. Matching funds include the value of the property, volunteer work, the value of the abandoned bridge, and monetary contributions from the Owen County Community Foundation, Duke Energy Foundation, and Smithville Charitable Foundation.
Originally conceived in 2016, the vision is to connect the Owen County Family YMCA to McCormick’s Creek State Park.
Community members interested in participating in volunteer work days should visit the MYPath Facebook page for details or contact Kyle Hanlon at mypath@owencountycf.org.
GRANTS
Bringing a Big Impact to Owen County
So far, in 2022, your OCCF has administered more than $739,000 in grants and scholarships. Our core programs and community impact initiatives are designed to support students, strengthen nonprofits and solve community problems while delivering solid results and leveraging relationships.
Community Investment Grants
Owen County Extension Homemakers - $1,000 - Used to purchase and screen print totes and books for the Homemakers’ Ready Reader Program. This program has been active for six years and provides between 170 - 200 kindergarten students at Owen County schools with books and bags to promote their education.
Owen County Fair Association - $4,800 - Funding used to preserve and protect the Open Class Building from flooding during periods of heavy rain. This was accomplished by correcting the slope of the ground, allowing the water to drain property, protecting the building and its contents.
Owen County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development - $5,000 - Used to launch an initiative to identify best practices, align funding opportunities and create a final broadband recommendation to help provide affordable, high-speed internet to the town of Spencer and surrounding communities.
Rapid Response Grants
Rapid Response Grants are another new addition to the OCCF’s menu of grant offerings. The intended purpose of Rapid Response Grants is to provide immediate support of up to $1,000 for operations, emergency equipment purchases, and funds for completing a project. As of September 13, nine Rapid Response Grants have been awarded:
• Coal City Volunteer Fire Department - $1,000 - New Generator Purchase
• Crossroads Ranch - $1,000 - Bunkhouse Capital Purchase
• Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park - $1,000 - Equipment Purchase
• Owen County Preservations, Inc./Tivoli Theater - $1,000 - Wi-Fi Upgrades
• Owen County Sheriff - $1,000 - Owen County Jail Adult Education Program
• Owen-Putnam Friends of the Forest - $1,000 - Nonprofit Startup
• Purdue Extension for Owen County - $650 - Amish & Plain Community Training
• Spencer First Church of the Nazarene - $1,000 - Inventory & Supplies for the Community Garden
• Spencer Lions Club - $600 - Upgraded Electricity
Spencer Elementary School’s Ms. Grandi and her kindergarten students.
Providing Educational Opportunities in Owen County for All Ages
District Wide Pre-K - In March, the OCCF provided S-OCS with a grant for $35,479 to purchase a new bus for Pre-K students, which the district needed to move forward for the implementation of district-wide Pre-K. Additionally, the OCCF entered an agreement to pledge up to $24,000 for Owen County families, who meet certain criteria, to receive funds to offset costs related to pre-school. Since April, the Foundation has provided nearly $111,000 in Pre-K scholarships to S-OCS and Cloverdale Community Schools.
OVMS Maker Space - The Maker Space project at Owen Valley Middle School kicked off in 2021 when local teachers presented a proposal to give the Little Shoppe of Books, a student-run business, a facelift. After interviewing each OVMS student, it was clear that the students yearned for more hands-on projects. The result of this school-wide need was the idea for a Young Entrepreneur Shop, a maker space for students, which would provide resources and opportunities for students to design and build their ideas through the use of electronics, 3D printing, and other material crafts. The OCCF funded the project’s start-up costs, including teacher training and space renovation. Over $79,000 in grant funding was provided from our Foundation to bring this project closer to completion.
OVHS Patriot Manufacturing - Established in 2020, Owen Valley High School’s Patriot Manufacturing is a student-run, self-sustaining business where students learn real, hands-on, life skills while designing, processing, and selling quality merchandise. On a daily basis, students create invoices, work with customers, trouble-shoot machinery, make quality products, and maintain financial records. This program finished their first year with a total of over $25,000 in sales. The OCCF has awarded over $4,000 to students and teachers to help them continue this valuable work.
Owen County Adult Education ELL Program - This successful English Language Learners (ELL) program, which began in 2021 and continues to operate, helps adults from all backgrounds become more proficient in speaking and writing in English. Owen County Adult Education has received $16,500 in funding to jumpstart and continue serving Owen County residents through this beneficial program.
The OCCF presents a check for $65,000 for Owen Valley Middle School’s new Young Entrepreneur Shop
SCHOLARSHIPS
Your OCCF proudly presented 73 scholarship awards to high school seniors and post-secondary students during the April 24th, 2022 Scholarship Celebration. This year, over $127,000 in scholarships was awarded, $54,000 more than awarded in 2021. $108,071 was awarded to 32 Owen Valley, Lighthouse Christian Academy, and White River Valley High School seniors, and $19,800 was awarded to 10 postsecondary students who are currently attending college and technical schools.
This year, OCCF presented three new scholarships: the Geraldine & Wilma Bucklew Educational Scholarship, Morgan L. Drescher Family Scholarship, and the William Truax Family Scholarship. Many scholarships have different eligibility requirements; however, one element remains the same – they make higher education more accessible and affordable for Owen County students. The complete list of scholarships awarded this year is listed below.
Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship
Dev Patel
NEW Geraldine & Wilma Bucklew Educational Scholarship
Mackenzie Carver
NEW Morgan L. Drescher Family Scholarship
Logan Bridges
NEW William Truax Family Scholarship
Marina Knieriem
Babbs Supermarket Scholarship
Marissa Taylor
Bennie J & Joan R Woodruff Scholarship
Lucas Hendershot
Braysville Homemakers Scholarship
Ethan Fulk
Charles T Cooper Scholarship
Haley Frank
Charles W. Edwards Scholarship
Maleah Kristoff
Clinton & Louise Abrell Scholarship
Breanna Davis
Coyne Family Scholarship
Kenzington Brown
David Campbell Gray Scholarship
James Truax
Dick (Mr. Dyar) & Sue Dyar Scholarship
- Part 1
Cloe Sharpee
Dick (Mr. Dyar) & Sue Dyar Scholarship
- Part 2
Norah Beeman
2021 Dick (Mr. Dyar) & Sue Dyar Scholarship - Renewed
Julianna Hartman
Educators Philanthropic Investment Chapter (EPIC) Scholarship
Marissa Taylor
Elliott Hickam Memorial Scholarship
Marissa Taylor
Erika Wells Memorial Scholarship
Breanna Davis
Freedom Alumni Scholarship
Zackary Hamilton
Gary McCarter Scholarship
Nathan Goss
George & Nancy Thurston Scholarship
Grace Coryea
Gosport Alumni Scholarship
Olivia Wainscott
Gosport Lions Club Scholarship
Emily Wright
Ione W. Fulk Scholarship
Abigail Herrington
James P. Root Scholarship
Bethlee Von Bokern
Jefferson Twp/Coal City Alumni
Scholarship
Haley Frank
Jeffrey Wayne Johnson Scholarship
Victoria Hey
Jim & Wilma Fulford Scholarship
Kyndall Drake
John Moore Scholarship
Zackary Hamilton
Josephine Brown Owens Scholarship
Haley Frank
Judy Hamilton Education Scholarship
Victoria Hey
Lloyd H & Rosalie E Lucas Agri-Science Scholarship - 4H
David Stone
Lloyd H & Rosalie E Lucas Agri-Science Scholarship - FFA
David Stone
Loretta Heidrick Memorial Scholarship
Kayla Kyle
Lyle & Marion Brighton Scholarship
Alexandra Sartelle
MacMorran Family Scholarship – Part 1
Victoria Hey
MacMorran Family Scholarship – Part 2
Phillip Meek
MacMorran Family Scholarship – Part 3
Grace Pendleton
MacMorran Family Scholarship – Part 4
Emily Stierwalt
2021 MacMorran Family Scholarship –Renewed
Abigail Herrington
2021 MacMorran Family Scholarship –Renewed
Maleah Kristoff
Margaret Marley Pinkston Scholarship
Waid Stormes
Mearl & LaVerne Brown Scholarship
McCartney Wright
Melvin R. & Margaret A. Hall Nursing Scholarship
Emily Stierwalt
Michael Job Vocational Scholarship
Emily Stierwalt
Mildred E Harbison Scholarship
Brock Rosenberger
Monroe, Long & Butts Vocational Scholarship
Ethan Fulk
Myrtle S. Marshall Business Scholarship
Nathan Goss
Our Community Bank Scholarship
Andrea Wood
Owen County Farm Bureau Scholarship
– Part 1
David Stone
Owen County Farm Bureau Scholarship
– Part 2
Victoria Worland
Owen County I.U. Varsity Club Scholarship
Cloe Sharpee
Owen Valley FFA Scholarship
Brock Rosenberger
Patricksburg Alumni Scholarship
Matthew Crum
PFC Brett Wood Memorial Scholarship
Brock Rosenberger
Quincy Alumni Scholarship – Part 1
Zackary Hamilton
Quincy Alumni Scholarship – Part 2
Lily Wallace
Quincy Alumni Scholarship – Part 3
Emily Wright
Quincy Alumni Scholarship – Part 4
McCartney Wright
Rebecca & William Applegate Scholarship
Elizabeth Johnson
Roma Wilson Scholarship
Victoria Hey
Ronald E. & Carol L. Patterson
Dillingham Scholarship – Part 1
Andrea Wood
Ronald E. & Carol L. Patterson
Dillingham Scholarship – Part 2
Ryan Woodward
Sons of American Legion Joe
Carmichael Memorial Scholarship –Part 1
Zackary Hamilton
Sons of American Legion Joe
Carmichael Memorial Scholarship –Part 2
Jaden Padgett
Spencer Alumni Scholarship – Part 1
Matthew Crum
Spencer Alumni Scholarship – Part 2
Haley Frank
Tri Kappa Cochrane Royer Scholarship
Norah Beeman
Tri Kappa Continuing Education Scholarship
Allison Staples
Tri Kappa Lillian Dyar Music Scholarship
Norah Beeman
Tri Kappa Vocational Scholarship
Katelyn Collier
Vada Baker Scholarship
James Truax
West & Parrish & Pedigo Scholarship
Matthew Crum
Woody & Barry Franklin Scholarship
Jerry McBee
Dev Patel, 2022 Lilly Endowment Community Scholar
Dev is a graduate of Owen Valley High School and received the 2022 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship award through your OCCF. In high school, Dev was very active as the Treasurer of the Class of 2022, a 4-year OVHS tennis player, and manager of the girls tennis team during the 2021-22 season. He earned the added honor of graduating Valedictorian of his class. Outside of school, Dev served as a dedicated volunteer on the MYPath Trail System and participated in the Science & Engineering Apprenticeship Program at Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center. He will be attending Purdue University studying this fall to study engineering.
“It is a great honor to receive the Lilly Scholarship,” Dev says. “I would like to thank the Owen County Community Foundation for believing in me and giving me this honor. This small and amazing community has given me many opportunities, including this scholarship, and I am grateful for them. The Owen County community has made me who I am today. I am now going to Purdue University for engineering and excited to see what new opportunities wait for me there.”
To be considered for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, students must be a resident of Owen County County, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.75 on a 4.00 scale and have an SAT/ACT score of 1100 or above, or the ACT equivalent (21).
The Patel Family
MEMORIALS
The individuals listed here have been honored by a contribution to one of the permanent endowed funds within the Owen County Community Foundation. Memorial gifts provide a way for families and friends to remember their loved ones. Honor gifts recognize friends or family on occasions of a birth, anniversary, birthday, holiday, or any special celebration. Tributes are another way to make a lasting impact in the community with a contribution to your OCCF. We received the following Memorial and Honor gifts from January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022. The name of the person being memorialized or honored is in bold
Mary Ackerman
Patty Ackerman
Mace & Ellen Clark
Doug & Susan Cull
Paul & Dana Cummings
Steve & Jeanne Custer
Richard & Myrna Fields
Craig & Mary Haverfield
George & Carol Hill
IU Alumni Association
Don & Marilyn Jackson
Jennifer Jackson
Vic & Shirley Kinney
Jane Mellenthin
Eric Newsom
Lori Quillen
Donald & Ann Reighard
Mary Gates Rice
Thomas & Lynn Robbin
Tom & Becky Wallace
Max Anderson
Babbs Supermarket
Bruce Corpe
Vicki Basman
Richard “Dick” Dyar
Anonymous
The Allison Family
Jerry & Colleen Blair
Robert & Sandy Burns
Ron & Barbara Carter
Dan & Wendy Colglazier
Steve & Peggy Cradick
Wally & Kathy DeFord
Bonnie J. Dyar
John & Sylvia Dyar
Barbara Engle
Tammy Ewbank
Tom & Karen Fulk
Joe Ed Greene
John & Cindy Hackworthy
Hal & Sue Hanes
Robert & Mary Hawkins
Tina Hayden
John & Deanna Heckman
Insurance Services, Inc.
Don, Marilyn, & Jennifer Jackson
Judy Jenkins
Sean & Meredith Jenkins
Buck & Nan Johnson
Alvin & Mariellen Katzman
Kathy & Dennis Keyes
Joe & Brenda King
Vic, Shirley, & Jason Kinney
The Lindman Family
Charles & Bonnie Macy
Kevin & Jill McKay
Jane Mellenthin
Greg & Anita Murray
Robert & Nancy Oberholtzer
The O’Connor Family
Directors, Officers & Staff of Owen County State Bank
Steve & Becky Pedigo
Lori & Gary Quillen and Family
Mary Gates Rice
Debbie Sheppard
Jack & Linda Simmerman
Sons of American Legion Post 285
Curtis & Benita Thacker
Linda, David, & Kristi Thomas
Kim Tucker
Tom & Becky Wallace
Gordon & Diane Wells
Aeriel White
Tad Wilson
Phillip & Suzanne Zook
Rev. Samuel Freeman
Ronda Stogsdill
James “Jr” Harkrider
Dave & Doris Scully
Robert “Bob” Hancock
Cloverdale Agri Center, Inc.
Louis & Norma Crouch
The Fuller Family
Shirley Kinney
Nancy Knapp
Tom & Alyssa Rice
Dave & Doris Scully
Jack & Linda Simmerman
Hunter Houck
The Houck Family
Jason Hinkle
Myrna Fields
Phoebe Kay
Dixie Richardson
John King
Cassie (King) Derck
Brad & Robin King
Cameron King
Nolan King
Alyssa Rice
Richard Lancaster
Rob & Cassie Babbs
Brady Lenning
Spencer High School: Class of ‘70
Kelly McGullis
Mary Ellen C. Smith
Harley Melton
Owen Circuit Court Judge Lori Quillen and her staff
Lori & Gary Quillen and Family
Mary Ann Miller
Bruce & Mary Hamlin
Lew Moke
Richard & Myrna Fields
Raymond Parks
Patricia Morton
Every effort is made to ensure your name and your Memorial and/or Tribute is written as you wish. If your name or recipient is incorrect, or you wish you be listed differently, please contact the OCCF.
Rosella Parks
Tim & Judy Bullock
Dona Duncan
William & Susan Friday
Jason Megenhardt
Nancy Megenhardt
Tonya & JR Prentice
James & Trella Schepper
Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church
Gerald Wells
Jon & Jill Youngblood
Kay Pendleton
Spencer High School: Class of ‘70
Jane Poole
Martha Jean Buis
Oren Rubeck
Gosport VFW 7850 Auxiliary
Leonard Smith
Spencer High School Class of 1959
Phillip Snodgrass
Mary Lou Carter
Bobby & Mary Jo Hall
Viola Hall
Loretta Johnson
Grace & Howard Langley
Janet Poff
Marilyn Truesdel
Anita Stines
Spencer High School: Class of ‘70
Kirby Stogsdill
Tom & Jennifer Abrell
George Allison
Tennille, Ben, Elora, & Calvin Andrade
Anonymous
Anonymous
Rob & Cassie Babbs
Michael & Judith Boyd
Dean & Marcia Bruce
Carol S. Byerly-Arnold
Pamela Campbell
Chris & Danielle Conner
Dana & Paul Cummings
Wally & Kathy DeFord
John & Sylvia Dyar
Frank Eberle
Tracy Eccles
First Insurance Group
Franklin Insurance Agency
Stuart Sherfick & Irma Jean Franklin
David Friedel & Ann Mahrdt
John & Nancy Fuhs
Steve & Barb Goddard
Charlie & Pat Hamilton
Bruce & Mary Hamlin
John & Deanna Heckman
Roger & Cindy Herrington
Dick & Vicki Hogan
Insurance Services, Inc.
Mark Kerns & Debbie Holcomb
Brad & Robin King
Bob & Carolyn Livingston
Wilma Livingston
Scott Loman
Mallor Grodner LLP
Nicholas & Makayla McCollum
Evan McKalip & Shelley Harriman
Jane Mellenthin
Ken & Dianne Miller
Grant & Colleen Minnemeyer
The Nieto-Phillips/Namorato Family
Maria O’Connor
Mark & Julie Parmenter
Steve & Becky Pedigo
William Phillips & Rebecca Freeman
Gary, Lori, & Jordan Quillen
Elaina Ranard
Leland & Emma Rentschler
Tom & Alyssa Rice
Tim & Connie Rice and Family
Marcus Robinson
Dave & Doris Scully
Mark & Nancy Snapp
Spencer Exchange Club
Ronda Stogsdill
Denise Sudol
Damon & Suzi Summerlot
Kayla, Brandt, & Elodie Tackett
Joshua & Shannon Temples
Travelers Insurance
Judy Tucker
Gordon & Diane Wells
West & Company Realtors
Deborah Westerfield
Deborah Winders
Thomas Winders
Steve Withem
Steve & Nancy Wooden
Jack Woodruff
Betty Taylor
Gosport Class of 1955
Margaret Truax Shultz
Yvonne Fidler
Denise Wells
First Farmers Bank & Trust
Erika Wells
Nancy Deal
Sandy King
John & Sandra McKay
Robert & Cindy White
Marjorie Wells
Lori & Gary Quillen and Family
Fred & Mary Jo Thatcher
Kim Tucker and Family
Roma Wilson
Steve & Alice Parrish
Shirley Wilson
Marilyn Sheppard DeFord
Charles & Bonnie Macy
Steve & Alice Parrish
Sandy Walker
Alan & Donna McElroy
Max Wood
Babbs Supermarket
Sandra Wood
PFC Brett E. Wood
Jack Laymon & Doris Miller
Gib Tucker
Dirk & Sherry Tucker
Zach Tucker
Dirk & Sherry Tucker
Phyllis Tucker
TRIBUTE GIFTS
The 2021 Annual Report
John & Marilyn Bain
Margaret & KT Abrell
Jennifer Abrell
Monica & Olivia Abrell
Jennifer Abrell
Mandy, Sarah, and Jessica Abrell
Jennifer Abrell
Kathy Abrell
Jennifer Abrell
Nina Abrell
Jennifer Abrell
Karah Bobeck
Wally & Kathy DeFord
Don & Marilyn Jackson
Annie Bright
Anonymous
David & Ann Henk
Thomas & Sarah Holicky
Maria O’Connor
Donnie Campbell
Ronda Stogsdill
Judi Epp
Anonymous
Todd Handy
Babbs Supermarket
Nancy Lorenz
Rob & Cassie Babbs
Janet, Maria & Karah
Myrna Fields
Ed O’Brien
Janet Rummel & Thomasina Marsili
Maria O’Connor
Rob & Cassie Babbs
Wally & Kathy DeFord
Don & Marilyn Jackson
Kappa Kapp Kappa, Inc.Alpha Delta Chapter
Gail O’Connor
Suzi Summerlot
Shawn Parrish
Alice Parrish
Steve Parrish
Alice Parrish
Spencer Pride
Marissa Mallo
Mark Rogers
George Allison
Charles & Marge Neumeyer
Steve & Alice Parrish
Steve & Becky Pedigo
Lori & Gary Quillen
Dave & Doris Scully
Ronan & Ale Young
Janet Rummel
Wally & Kathy DeFord
Don & Marilyn Jackson
Julia Sieradzan
Steve & Alice
Diane Wells
Anonymous
Scott & Beth Carpenter
Laura Cummings
Larry & Bonnie Frank
Marsha Nickless Franklin
Tom & Karen Fulk
Mari Beth Jones
Nancy Sparks
Curtis & Benita Thacker
Lyndall Matherly
Thank you to all of the individuals who made Mark Rogers’ retirement party a success!
Remembering Two Community Pillars
DickDyarpassesthetorch
This winter, Owen County lost two very important community members: Dick Dyar and Kirby Stogsdill. Before Dick’s passing, the Dick (Mr. Dyar) & Sue Dyar Scholarship was established to honor his and wife Sue’s many years of dedicated service to the education and medical communities. This scholarship was awarded for the first time in 2021, and it was awe-inspiring to have Mr. Dyar present to meet the first recipient: another generation of students positively impacted.
In the wake of Kirby’s passing, the Kirby Stogsdill Memorial Fund was immediately established to carry on Kirby’s eternal legacy. Kirby was a lifelong resident of Owen County, attending Owen Valley High School and Indiana University before settling in Spencer, beginning a successful career in insurance and raising a family. Kirby’s passion for the community was apparent in everything he did in life and he volunteered his time at many local organizations. Kirby’s adoring wife, Ronda, is currently serving on the OCCF’s Board of Directors and is continuing her family’s tradition of giving back to her and Kirby’s home community.
Dick and Kirby will forever be remembered and engrained in the rich spirit of Owen County through the many lives that these two exceptional beings touched. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the Dyar and Stogsdill families as they continue to heal.
at the Owen CountyBicentennialCelebration
Ronda & Kirby Stogsdill
Nonprofit Spotlight: Owen County Art Guild
The Owen County Art Guild (OCAG) is a longstanding nonprofit organization that has served Owen County artists and helped non-artists discover their talents for several decades. For over 30 years, the OCAG has been housed in a former canoe rental and bait shop located near the White River on the south side of downtown Spencer. The building flooded due to high water levels, which left the building with mold issues and a great deal of damage. During the recent flood’s cleanup, the building’s art display wall was hit by a motorized vehicle, causing additional internal and external damage. To make matters worse, in 2020, the organization was forced to close down due to COVID-19, and the building was left with little funding or upkeep.
Amber Mullin, the OCCF’s Board Secretary and Grants Committee member, performed a pre-grant site visit to the OCAG. During her initial visit, her report claimed, “the repaired walls are unpainted and lacked shelving or display ability” and that the “restrooms and kitchen area contain mold.” She further explained that “the building was not usable for classes, art displays, or any programs that would provide funding for the OCAG.”
Due to the OCAG’s apparent need for immediate support, the OCCF provided a $2,500 Community Investment grant to fund the OCAG’s cleanup. During a follow-up visit, the OCAG was proud to report that the grant assisted with repairs to all major damages of the building including leaks, cracks, and missing display units, as well as cleaning and restoration of the bathrooms, kitchen area, program/display space, and the office/store. A board member was happy to show a calendar of events with classes for adults and youth and a growing list of paying OCAG members.
We are happy to report that this has been a very successful Community Investment Grant, allowing the OCAG to resume its mission and programming. The nonprofit’s Facebook page shows the beaming faces of adults and children alike who are enjoying the creative offerings of this valuable organization.
A Site to Behold
The Foundation’s website received a much-needed update from Director of Development & Communications, Karah Bobeck. “Together as a team we have been hard at work bringing your OCCF to the next level. It was time that we had a website that offers our constituents a comprehensive, user-friendly experience that truly shows all that our organization has to offer.” Check out our website’s fresh new look at owencountycf.org
OCAG students show off their artwork
With a PASSION for your community
Your gift creates or adds to a charitable fund to benefit causes important to you now or in the long term. Human/animal welfare, education, human services, the environment, church of your choice or any cause important to you which betters our community
The support your fund provides to nonprofit projects, organizations, and student scholarships strengthens our community while creating your lasting legacy of giving.
Unrestricted
Scholarships • Meets with donors to determine which type of fund is right for their goals Assists donors with giving complex gifts • Helps donors grow funds
• Offers expertise on community needs
• Preserves donors wishes in perpetuity
• Provides regular statements on fund activity
60 E. Market St. P.O. Box 503 Spencer, IN 47460
IMPORTANT DATES
2022
• November 11: Deadline to submit Community Investment Grant Application.
• November 12-18: Community Foundation Week recognizes the important work of community foundations throughout America and their collaborative and innovative approach to working with the public, private, and nonprofit sector.
• November 29: Giving Tuesday, often stylized at #GivingTuesday for purposes of hashtag activism, refers to the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. It is a movement to create a national day of giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season.
• November 30: Recipients of Community Investment Grant Application notified.
• December 9: The online application process begins for all OCCF scholarships. For details visit owencountycf.org/students.
• December 15: Last day for scholarship recipients to request their spring semester checks.
• December 31: Last day to make year-end gifts for 2022 tax purposes. Start planning now!
2023
• January 19: Online Scholarship Application Closes at 11:59 p.m.
• February 1: Deadline to submit Community Investment Grant Application.
• February 28: Recipients of Community Investment Grant Application notified.
• April 23: Celebrate our #OCCFscholars by attending the OCCF’s Scholarship Awards program.