PAGE A8 • NOVEMBER 23, 2010
THE POSEY COUNTY NEWS • SERVING THE COUNTY SINCE 1882 • WWW.POSEYCOUNTYNEWS.COM
BUSINESS/AG
PCCF taking applications now
Jim Scarafia and Aaron Wilson perform some community service work blowing all the leaves into a pile on a recent afternoon of sunshine in New Harmony. Forecasters predict a mild Thanksgiving. Photo by Dave Pearce
Bill Gillenwater, president of the Posey County Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, has announced that scholarship opportunities are available through the Foundation’s Community Scholarship program and the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship program. The Community Scholarship program is made up of 24 scholarship funds, each with individual selection criteria and eligibility requirements, created by donors to provide Posey County students with opportunities for advanced education. Awards are made by the Community Foundation following a competitive process. All awards are made without regard to race, creed, color, sex, religion, or national origin. The deadline to
apply is February 1, 2011. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, fully funded by Lilly Endowment, is administered locally by the Posey County Community Foundation. One applicant will be awarded the scholarship, which covers four years of undergraduate study at an accredited Indiana college or university and an allowance for required fees and books. Further criteria apply. The deadline to apply is January 19, 2011. Applicants are required to submit their applications online this year. Detailed information is available for both programs at www.poseycommunityfoundation.org or by calling Julie Eickhoff, director of the Foundation, at 812.838.0288. The Posey County
Community Foundation is a charitable organization formed to strengthen the community by awarding grants to local nonprofits, by bringing individuals together to address community needs, and by offering personalized charitable gift planning services to our donors. The Foundation is made up of a collection of endowed funds – like scholarship funds – established by donors from all walks of life and generally focused on charitable endeavors in their own communities. For more information about the Foundation, contact Eickhoff at 812-838-0288 or Julie@poseycommunityfoundation.org. The Posey County Community Foundation is a member of the Community Foundation Alliance in Evansville.
Economic Development Coalition outlines economic success “The message is simple — the Coalition has been a great success in a very short period of time,” stated Michelle Hudson, cochairperson of the Economic Development Coalition of Soul hwest Indiana during the Coalition ‘s annual board meeting held this morning. “Since its formation in late 2006, the Coalition has helped to secure $346 million in new investment from existing and new companies such as Berry Plastics, Mead Johnson Nutrition, Toyota Boshoku, Vuteq and AT&T, which is a strong statement during tough economic times,” added Hudson. “From headquarters to customer service centers to research and development op-
erations, these companies represent not only new investment but more importantly 1,780 newjobs as well,” said Greg Wathen, president & CEO. “And, the most exciting part of these investments is that the majority were made by existing companies.” Another important aspect of the Coalitions multi-faceted job description is helping the communities it serves build new capacity for future development. In three years, the Coalition has secured $47 million in grants for such things as expansion of water and sewer systems; building new community centers; and, making improvements to the region’s levee system, which protects thousands of
acres. Wathen aiso returned this week from the Indiana Trade Mission to Japan headed by Governor Mitch Daniels, where Governor Daniels and Wathen met with key partner companies including Toyota, Aisin Seiki, Toyota Boshoku, and Toyota Industries. Wathen also participated with Governor Daniels in a private luncheon with Tomikazu Fukuda, Governor of Tochigi Prefecture — Indiana’s sister Japanese state. ‘During the meetings, Governor Daniels delivered a powerful message about how Indiana and Southwest Indiana are the perfect business locations,” said
Wathen. “Demonstrating to Japanese business how Southwest Indiana works as one economic region opened their eyes to the investment possibilities,” Wathen noted. Formed in late 2006, the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana acts as the umbrella economic development organization for Gibson, Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties in Southwest Indiana. The Coalition facilitates and coordinates business retention, expansion and attraction activities; and, supports efforts to enhance the business climate through regional capacity building.
Indiana farmers give bounty back to their communities The first Thanksgiving, celebrated in Plymouth, Mass., marks an important milestone for American agriculture. It was a time when people gathered together to share the bounty of the land and to celebrate their newfound sense of community and life in America. While much has changed since that first Thanksgiving, the sense of community and appreciation for agricultural production are still integral components of the holiday. And because of farmers, both of those ideals are still upheld. The America’s Farmers Grow CommunitiesSM program – an initiative made possible by the Monsanto Fund – celebrates Indiana farmers that feed, clothe and grow their communities everyday. This program allows farmers to give back to those organizations that they value most with the opportunity to direct $2,500 to their favorite local nonprofit organization, like the local FFA chapter, library, fire department or elementary school. Now, with the expansion of Grow Communities, Indiana farmers in 83 counties have until December 31, 2010 to enroll and potentially
impact their hometowns in a monumental way. Nearly $1.2 million have already been donated in 10 states through two pilot programs, impacting a variety of rural community programs like an FFA chapter in Wayne County, Ohio. Northwestern Wayne FFA Chapter advisor Dan Fulk said $2,500 is a huge help to organizations like his. Farmer Joe Miley of Wayne County directed those dollars to the organization after being selected as a winner during the second pilot earlier this year. “The timing of this grant is just perfect. We are going to use this donation towards the building of a storage barn for our FFA Department, the Industrial Arts Department and the Northwestern High School,” Fulk said. “Isn't it just like local agriculture and Monsanto to help out the agricultural youth and education of this country?!" Youth agricultural programs like 4-H and FFA were common recipients and received more than $432,000 in donations. And, another roughly $430,000 was contributed to much needed improvements in community
emergency services, community groups and health care initiatives. Aside from the local organization selected to win the $2,500 benefitting, the local United Way chapters will receive a $1 donation from the Monsanto Fund with each farmer sign up, providing yet another opportunity for farmers to make a difference in their communities, just by signing up. Farmers can apply online at www.growcommunities. com or by calling 1-877267-3332. Farmers, age 21 and over, who are actively engaged in farming a minimum of 250 acres of corn, soybeans and/or cotton, or 40 acres of open field vegetables, or at least 10 acres of tomatoes, peppers and/or cucumbers grown in protected culture, are eligible. The program is open to qualifying farmers, and no purchase is necessary in order to enter or win. In Indiana, one winner will be drawn from each of the state’s 83 participating counties. Monsanto Fund will announce winning farmers and recipient organizations in February 2011.
United Way Volunteers at work in PC Keith Spurgeon, campaign chairman, announced that the United Way of Posey County campaign drive has raised 40% of the $620,000 goal. He urged all the people of Posey County to get involved. “With 40% of the goal raised, the United Way campaign still has a long way to go and we need everyone’s help to have a successful campaign. Contributions help to make sure that important services are available for the people of our community, both to improve the quality of our lives and to help in times of need.” United Way of Posey County agencies receiving funds in 2010 are: Albion Fellows Bacon Center, American Red Cross Posey County Chapter, Boy Scouts of America Buffalo Trace Council, Catholic Charities, Children’s Learning Center, Christian Church Day Care Center, Community Emergency Assistance, ECHO Community Health Care, Family Matters, Homeless Shelter of Mt. Vernon, Indiana Legal Services, Lampion Center, Mental Health America, New Harmony Ministry Association, Posey County Council on Aging, Posey County Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Center, Salvation Army, Visiting Nurse Association of Southwestern Indiana, WNIN Ra-
dio Reading Program, and Willow Tree of Posey County. In addition, contributions help to fund United Way programs such as the local Gifts In Kind program, Information and Referral Assistance, 2-1-1, the easy-to-recall telephone number for access to information about resources and assistance in Posey County, and the prescription drug discount program. Steve Bennett, president of the United Way of Posey County, said “Through the efforts of local volunteers who participate in the volunteer review process to determine what services an agency provides for the people of Posey County and how the funds are being used, contributors can make sure that their generosity to the United Way of Posey County is a good investment in what matters in our community. If you would like to help with this, just let us know. It is the work of these volunteers that allows us to say to everyone that if you want to make a difference in your community this is a great way to do it because your contribution is not wasted, stays here to help people in our community, and is effectively used.” This year the volunteers working to make this happen are: Larry Williams, Lindsay Schmitt, Grant Beloat, Steve
Bennett, Linda Crawford, Michael Peck, Fran Thoele, Pat Beckgerd, Beth Dingman, Rev. Monica Gould, Jack Higgins, Niall McConville, John Wood, Wayne Games, Michelle Hudson, Carrie Robb, Todd Jackson, Paul Allison, Donald Baier, Steve Cochran, Clayton Powers, Tom Verkamp, Bob Boerner, Joe Crissup, Dana Dieterle, Keith Spurgeon, Scott Strickland, Judy Games, Glen Kuper, Staci Reese, Darlene Sullivan, and Aaron Wilson. Spurgeon announced that special events to help the United Way campaign in Posey County continue. Santa is coming to the Posey Grill in Mount Vernon on Saturday, December 4, from 7 – 9 a.m. There will be free pictures with Santa and Santa Pancakes for only $1 during Santa’s visit and United Way donations will be accepted. Spurgeon said “Support this fundraiser and help the United Way campaign in our community while having a great time with the kids and grandkids.” You can contact the United Way of Posey County at 8383637 or uwposey@sbcglobal.net for more information or to get involved. Contributions can be sent to P.O. Box 562, Mount Vernon, Indiana 47620.
Eligible counties in Indiana include Adams, Allen, Bartholomew, Benton, Blackford, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Daviess, De Kalb, Decatur, Delaware, Dubois, Elkhart, Fayette, Fountain, Franklin, Fulton, Gibson, Grant, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Hendricks, Henry, Howard, Huntington, Matthew Zoch receives an award for his electric projJackson, Jasper, Jay, Jef- ect from Cheven May at the 4-H Banquet held on Noferson, Jennings, Johnson, vember 3. Photo submitted Knox, Kosciusko, La Porte, Lagrange, Lake, Lawrence, Madison, Marshall, Martin, Miami, Montgomery, Morgan, Newton, Noble, Orange, Owen, Parke, Pike, Porter, Posey, Pulaski, Putnam, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, St. Joseph, Starke, Steuben, Sullivan, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Union, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, Wabash, Warren, Warrick, Washington, Wayne, Wells, White and Whitley. Visit www.growcommunities.com to sign up and to Jenny Lyke presents Jacob Zoch his award at the 4-H learn more about the America’s Farmers Grow Commu- Banquet held on November 3. Jacob was September's 4-H'er of the month. Photo submitted nities program.
New Harmony Theatre 2011 summer season New Harmony Theatre kicks off the 2011 summer season under new management. Elliot Wasserman, chair of the University of Southern Indiana Department of Performing Arts, serves as the producing artistic director, and Angela Torres is the new managing and marketing director. In a move designed to allow more theatre-goers to enjoy New Harmony by day, the Thursday night performances are now replaced with Saturday matinees. Lost in Yonkers, The 39 Steps, and Avenue X will provide a rollercoaster of emotions this summer. “These plays are recent, written during the last two decades. I love the classics, but in my first summer, I wanted to offer our audiences a look at the current theatre, even as we set about charting New Harmony Theatre’s future,” said Wasserman. New Harmony Theatre will start off the season with Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize winning, Lost in Yonkers. This play was part of a new phase in Simon’s work. While still working in the comedic form, Simon had begun including autobiographical elements in his work, thereby moving in the direction of emotional honesty and sentimental comedy. Seen through the eyes of her two grandsons, a tough old German matriarch rules the little world of her candy store and that of her principal subject, her unmarried daughter Bella. What unfolds include some of the most compelling theatrical moments Simon ever wrote, and a play that garnered four Tony awards and a Drama Desk Award in addition to the Pulitzer. Lost in Yonkers runs June 17-19 and June 24-26. The 39 Steps, adapted by Patrick Barlow, from the novel by John Buchan, is a rollicking, fast-paced parody of the classic Alfred Hitchcock film of the 1930’s by the same name. Winner of two Tony awards, it was hailed by Liz Smith of the
New York Post as “the most entertaining show on Broadway.” Writing for the same paper, Clive Barnes called it “riotous and marvelous.” In a dazzling burst of comic mayhem four actors play 150 roles, reproducing the fast editing and quick scene change quality of film to produce a wild 90 minute ride that carries audience and Hitchcock to an absurd new plane. The 39 Steps runs July 8-10 and 15-17. On the heels of last season’s highly successful Ain’t Misbehavin’, New Harmony Theatre will close the season with Avenue X, concept, book and lyrics by John Jiler, and music and lyrics by Ray Leslee. The musical recalls the early days of doo-wop music. “Before the Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync, young men of the early 60’s in poor neighborhoods sang themselves into significance,” said Wasserman. “They filled the air with sweet and soulful harmonies that drew on musical traditions from various ethnic sources. When I first heard this music, it took my breath away, and I was determined to bring it to our stage.” In this powerful story of Italian and African-American youth in 1960s Brooklyn, New Harmony audiences born on both sides of 1960 will find their meeting point in these dazzling a capella tunes. Avenue X runs July 22-24, July 29-31, and August 5-7. All evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. and matinees begin at 2 p.m. Season tickets are $55 for adults, $50 for students and seniors (60 and over), and $46 for groups of 20 or more. Gift certificates are also available for the holiday season. New Harmony Theatre is a professional Equity theatre produced by USI. Plays are performed in the historic Murphy Auditorium located at 419 Tavern Street in New Harmony. For more information, or to make a purchase, call the box office at 812/465-1635 or 877/NHT-SHOW.