M O N D A Y ,
O C T O B E R
2 6 ,
2 0 1 5
Celebrating bright spots in our community
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Join us tonight at 6:00 p.m.
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EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 3
Inside This Section... Dawn Buis and Patrick Eudaly.................................................................12 Susie Burgess........................................................................22 Amanda Hall and Charity Zimmerman.....................................................20 Mary Lawrence.......................................................................6 Deb Malott..............................................................................19
We’re pleased to present the inaugural Reporter-Times and Mooresville-Decatur Times’ Everyday Heroes. Over
Levi Pearson Mayhew and Emma Broyer....................................................................4
50 extraordinary people were nominated this year, and
Bruce McKee......................................................................... 26
in the community.
Tammy McLary......................................................................15
all are deserving of recognition—there are so many more people who make contributions that often go unnoticed
This summer, readers answered our call and nomi-
Rick McQueen.......................................................................23
nated friends, co-workers, neighbors and family mem-
Rick Miller.................................................................................8
capacity, in a formal volunteer sense, and by simply doing
Joe Mills...................................................................................11 Gary Oakes............................................................................ 24 Danny Ranard....................................................................... 25 Bill Rumbaugh........................................................................14 Erlene Sichting.......................................................................10 Tom Tacket...............................................................................7 Linda Williams.......................................................................18 Alicia Wiseman-Fouty..........................................................16
bers. These individuals are involved in their professional good deeds for those in need. No cookie cutters here. We went through the difficult process of selecting a smaller number for feature stories in this section, picking out 21. All those nominated are mentioned in this section as well. We’re proud to introduce you to our Everyday Heroes for 2015. Our hope is their stories will be an inspiration to everyone to be a hero to someone. Every day.
4 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Levi Pearson Mayhew Emma Broyer Children’s unique friendship warms hearts locally, internationally By Alexis Fitzpatrick afitzpatrick@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE Few stories have captured the attention and the hearts of so many in the community of Morgan County as did the friendship between two local children, Levi Pearson Mayhew, 6, and Emma Broyer, 10. Levi died July 24, 2015 from complications of a rare congenital disorder called Zellweger Syndrome, just days before his 7th birthday. But it was what Levi and Emma did for one another during his final year that brought in over a dozen Everyday Heroes nominations for the pair. Last December, Levi gave his Make-A-Wish trip to Florida theme parks to his friend Emma. Levi’s disorder made him physically disabled and unable to go himself. Emma and her family took the trip, bringing along Levi in the form of “Flat Levi,” a laminated cutout that was with them
every step of the way. The Broyers, along with Make-A-Wish volunteers, put together an album of the trip for Levi and his parents, Rebecca and Justin Drake of Martinsville. The Reporter-Times covered the story, which led to national and international attention. #FlatLevi became a Twitter tag for people who printed their own version and helped Levi travel the globe. The “Loving Levi” Facebook page currently has over 2,200 likes. “They did so much in so little time,” Rebecca Drake, Levi’s mother, said. “One simple act snowballed…it’s incredible.” The multiple nominations for the pair tell of the inspiration of both children’s’ selflessness. “He’s shown us that life is worth living and the most important things in life cannot be bought,” Stacey Chmura wrote. “These two children shared such an incredible bond,” Courtney Cox wrote. “Their story is uplifting and shows everyone that love and selflessness is very much alive…Thank you Levi and Emma for being such an inspiration to me!”
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 5 Emma Broyer Levi Mayhew
“He brought a community together, made people stop to help their neighbor,” Misti Rios wrote. “I am better for having loved and known him and his whole entire family. When I say they have changed my life I don’t say that lightly.” “Emma has loved and cared for Levi Mayhew through his failing health,” Melissa Starnes wrote. “She is not “family” but became part of his family through her love and compassion for Levi and his family. She has gone above and beyond [what] any young girl would normally do. She truly has a heart of gold!” Although Levi has passed, Emma is still very much a part of his family’s life. Drake said she still sees Emma all the time. Shawn Broyer, Emma’s mother, said Emma loves and misses Levi every day. “Levi lost everything so quick,” Drake said. “I can only imag-
ine what that was like. Emma made sure he was still loved. She made him a part of everything.” Emma said she would go over to Levi’s house and help his mother with things while Levi and his brothers played Minecraft, which she is not good at herself. Levi had lost the ability to speak by the time he became friends with Emma, but her mother said he would always smile when she walked in the room and sometimes she was the only one that could calm him. Drake said she hopes people learn to “pay it forward” from Levi and Emma’s story. “If you see someone having a hard time, reach out,” Drake said. “The only time you should be looking down on someone is when you’re helping them.”
6 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Mary Lawrence Focus on God and family inspires Lawrence By Alexis Fitzpatrick afitzpatrick@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE Mary Lawrence is no stranger to the hallowed halls of education- but she is new to her current surroundings. Lawrence is currently in her second year as principal of Mooresville Christian Academy. She previously taught for over 32 years in Decatur Township, worked as a math coordinator at Valley Mills Elementary and an instructional coach at Stephen-Decatur Elementary. Then she retired, but the break didn’t last long. “It was God’s plan,” Lawrence said of the transfer to MCA. “It’s been fabulous so far.” Lawrence said she has focused on getting the teachers more attuned with what their students can and can’t do, using data to help enrich the educational experience and having teachers attain more professional development training. She makes sure she is as involved as possible. “We’re like a family,” Lawrence said. Decades of experience aren’t Lawrence’s only offering to the school- she also brings her two therapy dogs to visit weekly and reads to students. She said she likes to give back to the students, a sentiment echoed in her Everyday Heroes nomination. Nichole Williams wrote, “…she has created a camaraderie among parents, students and staff never before seen at MCA.” According to Lawrence, more families are participating in school events as record attendances continue to be set. “People are getting more excited and proud,” Lawrence said. “Families are getting involved.” Lawrence has also put a spotlight on volunteerism, something
she feels strongly about instilling in children. She said sometimes students will visit nursing homes and, after getting over their initial shyness, will go up and introduce themselves. “It’s important for them to get out there and realize they are not the center of the universe,” Lawrence said. “I try to get across that it’s not all about them.” Students also helped with a shoebox drive last year, collecting non-perishable items in conjunction with Churches in Mission food pantry. Lawrence herself has been known to buy groceries for families and anonymously leave the food at their doorstep, along with gifts during the holidays. She said she can’t stand the thought of children not having food at home. Lawrence has passed on her philanthropy to her three children, who are all grown now. She tried to instill the “pay it forward” philosophy not only to her own children, but also the students at MCA. “We’re all in this together,” Lawrence said. “It’s a big world out there; we’ve got to reach out and take care of each other.”
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 7
Tom Tackett Tackett uses own experiences to help others By Brian Culp MARTINSVILLE Tom Tackett knows what it is to be homeless. At an early age, his mother was taken to a mental institution and he had to fend for himself. “When I was a kid, I lived in my car, and I was happy in my car. And one day I came home, and my car had been towed away,” he said. “So I was legitimately homeless.” Tackett then began living in an abandoned home on the MorganMonroe county line. He would take a bus into Bloomington each day to go to school, but he would often meander around the Indiana University campus instead. After being arrested for truancy, however, Tackett decided to turn his life around. His experiences with homelessness never left him, though. For more than 25 years, he has operated Manna Mission just west of the square on Morgan Street, dedicated to making sure others have a chance to pull themselves out of the trap of homelessness. His drive to help others is the reason is was chosen as an Everyday Hero after being nominated by multiple people. Michelle Blakely, one of those whom nominated Tackett, wrote, “Everyday our pastor wakes up and leads a team, of residents and volunteers, in order to feed Morgan County’s struggling residents. He works countless hours networking, fundraising, directing, talking with people, attending funerals, preaching, baptizing, aiding our community in spiritual guidance, counseling, housing residents, all with a smile on his face and God in heart. He gives people hope and leads them to a place of salvation. God granted me a great gift the day I met my Pastor Tom Tackett.” Tackett said that he has seen it all. He has seen multiple families “merging” to afford homes they wouldn’t be able to separately. He
has seen people sleeping in vehicles, like he used to, and showering at a friend’s house. He has seen people sleeping under bushes in the park. Tackett said that one large cause of homelessness is untreated mental illness. So many people, he said, are completely normal until they are off their medications. He added that sometimes they can’t afford the medications and sometimes they just stop taking them. “They are making it, but they’re struggling, homeless, hungry (and many are) mental health patients,” he said. Manna Mission allows men to stay if they follow the rules and they have never committed crimes against women or children. Tackett also said that he has seen a whole different demographic since the financial crisis. According to Tackett, people from many different socioeconomic levels become homeless — some people even he would never expect. Tackett told the story of a nicely dressed man in a Lexus who pulled up in front of Manna Mission in the past few years. The man walked in — clutching a cell phone, wearing expensive sunglasses — and demanded something to eat. Tackett said he confronted the man about it, saying he didn’t look like someone in need. What the man did surprised Tackett: the man started to cry. “You don’t understand,” he said. “They’ve been looking for my car for six weeks. The phone’s been shut off. I have nothing and nowhere. Just a little food will help.” Tackett said he was taken aback, because this man was not the typical homeless person. But this man was just another one who slipped onto the wrong side of the statistic. “Volunteers are always needed, and they need to be very peopleoriented, nonjudgmental,” he said. “Because they’re stepping into something that most people don’t understand.”
8 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Rick Miller I don’t have to know all of the steps before I take the first one, I just have to be able to see what I’m being called to do and
trust
God
will provde
what I need. – Rick Miller
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 9
Miller’s goal is pulling people out of poverty Staff report MARTINSVILLE Rick Miller has led his life by taking steps in faith and helping others do the same. He does it at Eastview Christian Church, where he has been pastor for 20 years. But it is his work in the community that led to his nomination as an Everyday Hero. “My faith experience has led me in my life. I’ve grown up trusting that if you do what God wants you to do, He’ll find a way for that to come together,” Miller said during a talk at the Martinsville Rotary Club this summer. “I don’t have to know all of the steps before I take the first one, I just have to be able to see what I’m being called to do and trust God will provide what I need.” He said this as he was introducing the Lynay Center. Springing from the Bridges Out of Poverty initiative, the center is part of a three-pronged effort by Stability First that includes the Magdalene House, the Pike Street Bridge and the Lynay Center — with stands for Love Your Neighbor As Yourself. The Magdalene House will serve single women as a homeless shelter — a key element in the Martinsville community’s safety net that has been missing, Miller said. The Pike Street Bridge, 500 W. Pike St., will provide men with safe, transitional housing to help them become more stable. It will include mentoring services and require its participants to make a covenant to be drug and alcohol free. Part of the mentoring will include financial planning and counseling as well as the establishment of a savings account, according to a brochure for Stability First.
Finally, the Lynay Center will address poverty issues by being a place where people in need can get referrals for services such as utility help, food distribution and help with other financial and spiritual needs. The concept for Lynay Center came from Miller’s work with Bridges Out of Poverty, which Joe Mills described in his nomination of Miller. Mills wrote, “His involvement with the community doesn’t end at the church doors.” Rick has been on the board of Bridges Out of Poverty since its inception. He is the chairman of Bridge Builders, which offers mentors for the graduates of the Getting Ahead Class for those in poverty, which stemmed from the Bridges Out of Poverty Committee. Through discussions in the Bridges group, the members began to see several needs that were unmet in our county. “Rick also heard about the problems first-hand as he got to know the men he led in Tuesday night Bible studies at Manna Mission. One of these needs was for transitional housing for men who were coming out of addiction or homelessness and were ready to commit to a job and accountability mentors. This is now the Pike Street Bridge. The other unmet need was for homeless single women coming out of jail or out of addictions. This is now Magdalene House and Lynay Center. “Rick became the “vision caster” and the driver to push the Bridges committee from discussions of needs to concrete action. Rick feels led by God and trusts God for each step in this new venture. Rick has made presentations to area churches to build financial support for the support of these projects. Rick feels he is just an instrument of God to bring these projects to fruition. Because of Rick’s ongoing support for the least of these, he is one of our everyday heroes.”
led
My faith experience has me in my life. I’ve grown up trusting that if you do what wants you to do,
God
He’ll find a way for that to come together.
10 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Erlene Sichting Sichting’s many rescues recognized By Ronald Hawkins rhawkins@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE Erlene Sichting says she was touched to learn she had been named an everyday hero in recognition of how she has touched the lives of more than 100 children she took in as a foster parent, along with the dozens of retired racing greyhound dogs. Sichting, 78, suffered a heart attack last December, but since her recovery, she has resumed a life of years of service including being a foster parent. “My husband (the late Keith Sichting) and I were childless,” Sichting said, discussing how they first became foster parents. “We saw a young girl at church who needed a place and we took her in.” The Sichtings adopted that girl, as well as a baby and two others over 20 years. They were foster parents to more than 100 children, many of whom had been horribly abused. In nominating Sichting, Lynn McIntosh wrote, “Today she still helps out some of our troubled youth. She is a wonderful person always willing to lend a hand and ear. Always there with a prayer too! She may not have given birth to me, but she is my momma.” Barb and Thad Smith also nominated Sichting. Barb wrote that Sichting was her foster mom and made a huge difference in her life. “She does a reading program at the elementary school, she helps troubled kids and works with the Indy greyhound rescue,” Barb wrote. “And she still finds time for all her ‘family.’” Thad wrote that Sichting is his grandmother. They were among the many people that the Sichtings showed what love was, Thad said. Thad said his part of the story began 42 years ago when his mother was a scared 16-year-old pregnant girl with cancer. Her mother was
killed when she was very young. “She was placed with the Sichtings,” Thad wrote. “The welfare and other people wanted me aborted because it could possibly kill her, but she wanted me more than anything.” Thad’s mother was placed in a home for unwed mothers in Indianapolis, but Erlene didn’t give up. Thad’s mother and Sichting decided they would fight for him. Thad was initially placed in another foster home, but Sichting and his mother got him back. “My mother and I lived there ‘til she was 18 and could make it on her own, but we have never been on our own,” he wrote. “My grandparents have been here my whole life. ...It shows you that you don’t have to be blood to be family.” Sichting said the children they took in were very needy and many had been abused. Some were handicapped and malnourished. The Sichtings specialized in taking teenage girls, she said. Sichting is still close to several of the foster daughters. Sometimes police would knock on the Sichtings’ front door late at night asking them to provide emergency shelter for the children. When she suffered a heart attack last December, her children pitched in and divided providing food, doing laundry and other chores between them. Sichting has not only rescued children, but 31 greyhounds over the last 15 years, she said. She adopted seven of them. Even after her heart attack, Sichting is taking on new challenges.
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 11
Joe Mills Joe Mills has a heart for service Staff report MARTINSVILLE Joe Mills has retired multiple times. It doesn’t seem to stick. He keeps finding new calls to help other people. In 2008 he got involved in flood recovery efforts following the 2008 one hundred year flood in Morgan County. At that time, he promised the Habitat Board that he would serve at least two years. Mills had retired in 1995 from serving on the Governor’s Commission (under Evan Bayh) for a Drug-Free Indiana. He spent seven years in that position and had been hired before that by Gov. Robert Orr. He announced in June that at 77 he was retiring as director of Morgan County’s Habitat for Humanity. Once again, it didn’t last. On Sept. 1, he began serving as executive director of the Morgan County Substance Abuse Council. In doing so, he returned to a field in which he spent a great portion of his life, he wrote in a letter to the editor. The truth is, that even though he did a few other things for the last few years, he never really stopped helping people with their substance abuse problems. His nominator, Lee Mahon, summed Mills’ life of service well. In her letter, she wrote, “Joe Mills is an everyday hero to the people of Morgan County who are struggling with addictions or inadequate housing. For those with addictions, he leads the Overcomers addiction recovery program on Friday nights at Eastview Christian Church. For those with inadequate housing, he started as the chairman of the Morgan County Flood Recovery Program in 2008, and then went on to be the Executive Director of Morgan County Habitat for Humanity. He will soon become the new director of the Morgan County Substance Abuse Council.
“Every Friday night for 12 years Joe has dedicated his time through the Overcomers program to helping addicts get to the root of their addiction. He doesn’t offer band-aids, but the radical surgery of completely turning their lives over to Jesus Christ. He builds relationships, gets to know the men and women in the program, and offers on-going accountability. He offers them an exit plan not just from the shelter where they are living, but an exit plan from this life through knowing God. “Joe drives a van to Manna Mission every Friday to pick up anyone wanting to come to Overcomers and he usually fills the van. Living with an addicted person is like living with a live rattlesnake. The families involved often feel helpless. Joe serves as a mentor to the families as well as the recovering addict. His extensive background in substance abuse counseling, including his time as Executive Director of the Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana under Governor Evan Bayh, provides him with a wealth of knowledge regarding resources available for addicts and their families. Joe is also involved in Bridges Out of Poverty, and as a director of “Stability First,” a faith-based ministry that will soon include a group home for men (Pike Street Bridge), a women’s shelter (Magdalene House), and a counseling center (Lynay Center). “Joe has conducted a weekly Bible study for prisoners of the Morgan County jail for several years. In addition to all this, Joe started the Eastview Community Garden of Feedin, which offers garden plots to anyone in the community who wanted to grow their own fresh vegetables. Some of the produce has been donated to various shelters in the county. Joe sees a need and he is quick to offer his leadership, expertise, and time. That is why Joe Mills is an Everyday Hero in Morgan County.”
12 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Dawn Buis Patrick Eudaly The more we
teach, the more lives we can save.
– Dawn Buis
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 13
Buis and Eudaly educate children about fire safety By Mikayla Yohe myohe@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE “Until you’ve held that child after you’ve pulled that child out of a fire, you will never understand the emotional dedication we have to teaching young kids about the dangers of fire and the importance of having a plan in case of a fire,” Dawn Buis, a member of the MC Axe and Fire Crew, said. Buis and Patrick Eudaly are both volunteers for the MC Axe and Fire Crew. The organization travels across the country to places such as Houston, Texas, and Charleston, North Carolina. The goal is to teach young children about fire safety and proper procedures in case of a fire. Through songs such as “Stop, Drop and Roll” a parody of “Shake, Rattle and Roll” by Bill Haley and His Comets, as well as jokes, they keep the interest of young children, while teaching about fire safety, according to Ginny Storar, a community member personally touched by the group. Eudaly and Buis teach children about proper safety procedures in case of fire as well as the importance of prevention.
“The more we teach,” Buis said, “the more lives we can save.” Eudaly worked with the Department of Natural Resources and specifically helped with its Smokey Bear campaign for 23 years. Buis has been a firefighter since 1992 and an EMT and paramedic since 2002. According to Eudaly and Buis, they both wanted to bring awareness to fire safety and prevention, especially with children. The MC Axe and Fire Crew spends a majority of its time touring central Indiana when possible. Due to conflicting schedules of firefighters and paramedics, it does not get out in the community as much as it would like, according to Eudaly. A lot of its programs are held at Brown County State Park, however the main office in Indianapolis. Along with touring and speaking to children, both Eudaly and Buis continue the initiative set up by the fire departments by promoting fire safety. Dawn’s fire department has a program to provide smoke detectors to those whom can’t afford one, as well as information about proper smoke detector care and upkeep. “What we do by doing this is something we believe in, and if we can teach one child, then we’ve done our jobs,” Eudaly said. “That’s what we do this for.”
14 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Bill Rumbaugh Work with youth, Morgan County Fair, farming garner awards for Rubaugh Staff report MARTINSVILLE On Oct. 8 Bill Rumbaugh was surrounded by second-grade students, laughing in good humor at some of their questions and answering all of them as best he could. Teaching young people about farming — and life — is something Rumbaugh relishes. Rumbaugh’s work with Morgan County youth includes bringing animals to schools and youth events, and coaching 4-H state winners and national contenders. He is credited with developing the 4-H Hippology program and Horse Bowl teams. He and his wife, Judy, have been honored as “Friends of the Extension” by the Morgan County Purdue Extension. He also serves on the Morgan County Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Fair Board and Drainage Board. It’s important that youth know “there’s so much out there,” Rumbaugh said. “In 4-H, they can take things so far. What they are exposed to is incredible.” The Rumbaugh family lives on a farm between Martinsville and Morgantown. Rumbaugh is now superintendent of buildings and grounds at the Morgan County Fair. He has been active with the fair since 1978, and he is a former president of the organization. His wife is on the 4-H Council. All their children, Bill, Mary and Susan, participated in 4-H activities. They showed cattle, sheep, indoor projects, dogs and horses. Mary won one of the registered heifers that were given away at the fair. She raised calves, sold the heifer and bought some registered sheep, which her daughter and son, Jessica and Blake Gidney, showed at the fair. “Mary saved all her money and paid her way through Purdue University with her winning 4-H money,” Rumbaugh said.
Susan lives in Kansas and trains horses for a living. She won a college scholarship. All this comes from activities in 4-H, where she got the recognition to get the scholarship. “The grandkids who showed animals saved the money they received to help pay for college expenses,” said Rumbaugh. “One of the reasons that I’m still interested in this is that 4-H and the fair made a significant difference in the children’s lives,” he added. “You certainly hope that your involvement helps some other child get the benefits that your children did. “When the people in the community pay a premium for the 4-H livestock animals, and the kids get to use the money for their education, it’s certainly a win-win situation for the child and the community.” Rumbaugh said meeting new people is the most fun. “One of the neat things about the fair is that you get to meet people from all over the county. It is the only event in the county where a person can make a contribution back to the county,” Rumbaugh said. “The only way you can have a food booth at the Morgan County Fair is if you return your profits back to the community.” Rumbaugh said the older 4-H kids, the Junior Leaders, have exclusive rights to food at the grandstand, and the fair board does not bill them for their building or electrical use or anything. And this money is used for scholarships for the kids. It amounts to tens of thousands of dollars. The fair board does not dictate what they do with the money, just that it must be returned to the community. “To my knowledge, we are the only fair in the state that does this,” Rumbaugh said. “All paid fair workers, ticket takers and parking assistants are from service clubs and churches, so the money is usually spent in the community. “If you add up all the return the community gets from the local fair,” he said, “it’s in the millions of dollars, according to a study at Purdue.”
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 15
Tammy McLary McLary honors mother by helping others By Alexis Fitzpatrick afitzpatrick@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE What began as a pet project over 10 years ago to brighten the holidays for some nursing home residents has become a full-scale holiday endeavor for Tammy McLary, all in the name of her mother Pam Weddle. In 2003 at age 53, Weddle suffered a brain bleed and stroke that left her in a coma for nearly a month. After awaking, Weddle was sent to The Waters in Martinsville, where she remained for the last five and a half years of her life. McLary visited her almost every single day. McLary recalled that one of her mother’s favorite things in life was “to smell good and look nice.” McLary said the nurses would often ask to use her mother’s nice products and after noticing how few other residents had visitors, the mother-daughter duo decided to do something about it. The first year, they collected 10 bags worth of toiletries and handed them out around Christmas. But 10 wasn’t enough. McLary said she felt bad for the others that didn’t receive anything, so after donations from people she knew, nurses and a surge following a Reporter-Times article written by Bette Nunn, “donations came in like crazy.” McLary said the following year, she and her helpers, dubbed Mamaw Pam’s Angels after her mother, were able to give bags to not only every resident at The Waters, but also Grandview and Merry Manor in Mooresville.
The bags included things such as body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, pajamas, blankets, snack and other items. The Angels also take requests. “One lady wanted a Bible,” McLary said. That year four were donated. Another time, a man requested a new pair of shoes, which they bought without ever meeting him before. “They were the perfect shoes; he was beside himself.” After Weddle passed away in 2008, McLary faltered on continuing with the gifts. She contemplated it and decided her mother would want her to. “I felt a need to continue,” McLary said. “My mother loved to give gifts.” The Angels persevered. In 2012, they hit their highest numbers yet: 1,754 bags distributed over five counties. McLary said going from ten bags the first year to that was amazing. “It’s my goal that no one in a nursing home goes without a gift,” she said. The reactions from people keeps McLary going. She said many volunteers wear Santa hats as they distribute the bags. “People’s faces light up,” McLary said. “It’s like actual Santa.” McLary said she knows her mother would have wanted her to continue with the annual donations. “It takes a community,” McLary said. “We can’t forget people in nursing homes.”
16 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Alicia WisemanFouty Wiseman-Fouty’s compassion for cats helps felines live in harmony with community By Emily Tate etate@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE More than 2,000 area cats can thank Alicia Wiseman-Fouty for their chance to live longer, healthier lives. Since 2013, feline euthanasia rates have dropped 83 percent at the Morgan County Humane Society, and in the same timeframe, several thousand “community” and feral cats have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies and returned to live as they intend. Wiseman-Fouty is the Trap, Neuter, Return coordinator for the county humane society, a volunteer position, and though the cats can’t type, she was nominated 15 times to be recognized as an Everyday Hero. “Alicia has been working hard to educate the public, the Martinsville town council and have people spread the word about the importance of spay/neuter and how it benefits the county, the residents and the animals,” one nomination stated. “She works day in and day out setting up appointments, trapping, transporting to and from the vet and cleaning the cages after return. She does all of this while receiving no pay.” She also helps to coordinate homes for unowned cats, sometimes as barn cats or neighborhood pets, and she often assists in
“Alicia has been working hard to educate the public, the Martinsville town council and have people spread the word about the
importance of spay/neuter and how it benefits the county, the residents and the animals,” one nomination stated.
“She works day in and day out setting up appointments, trapping, transporting to and from the vet and cleaning the cages after return. She does all of
this while receiving no pay.” obtaining food and medical care for cats whose keepers can’t afford them. Wiseman-Fouty manages the Morgan County Community Cat page on Facebook as well. The Trap, Neuter, Return program is subsidized by grants, but only possible by the hours upon hours of work by Wiseman-Fouty and a crew of caretakers, grant writers and other volunteers. “It takes a large group to make all of this happen,” she said. She sees the initiative as a way of reducing a taxpayer burden — altering cats reduces “nuisance” behaviors that lead to calls about unruly or intrusive felines. “Eventually I’d like to see it actually become integrated totally into the humane society, and it will be part of who we are,” she said. “It will be a program that is going to stay around because it is important to do that.” Wiseman-Fouty said the success of Trap, Neuter, Return efforts reflects the community’s desire to care for animals. Plus, she said, widespread efforts since the 1950s to round up outdoor cats resulted in many of the animals being euthanized, but did not reduce the stray population or shelter intake rates. “Everybody wants that good outcome,” she said. “TNR is becoming more and more common. Forward-thinking communities are going toward this method.”
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 17
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18 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Linda Williams Williams helps community in a multitude of ways By Mikayla Yohe myohe@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE Linda Williams, despite her Daily Point of Light and Distinguished Hoosier award as well as recognition by those she’s touched in the community, has kept a very humble mind, according to Gabe Taylor. Taylor, a disabled man in the community, has felt William’s warm heart as she brings him food in the winter, as well as helping him run errands. “She sees a cause that catches her heart and she can’t not get involved,” Taylor said. Williams began her journey when she joined a team for the 2004 Relay For Life when her best friend’s mother passed away from cancer. Since then, she has participated in another friend’s team in honor of their mother’s passing, as well as started her own team. In her first year running her own team, Williams raised $1,600 for Relay of Life through a silent auction of donated items as well as separate donations. “I was so happy when I saw how much I had raised,” Williams said. “It made me want to do it again.” On top of starting her own Relay For Life team, Williams also began another initiative. With her grandmother suffering from
Alzheimer’s in a nursing home, according to Williams, she began regularly visiting. Williams noticed other patients did not have visitors. “It was almost like they had no one to talk to,” Williams said. “They were so alone and no one should ever feel alone.” Williams began collecting books and accepting donations from others. She now has enough books to make monthly trips to nursing homes in the community once a month. Williams also started a youth group that helps make cards and small gifts to take to those in the nursing homes during Christmas time. Williams and the group members spend a day at the homes socializing with those housed there and provide a friend for anyone feeling alone, according to Williams. Williams is not slowing down any time soon. She has plans to participate as a team captain for her team again this year for Relay For Life, as well as continue her regular book drop-offs at local nursing homes. She is starting a clothing drive to collect clothes for the homeless in the community, most which she is doing anonymously. “I don’t like to be in the spotlight, usually,” Williams said. “That’s not why I do what I do.”
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 19
Deb Malott There’s a “heavy” emphasis on helping the community for the owner of Heavy’s Bar & Grill By Emily Tate etate@reporter-times.com CAMBY Deb Malott, who has owned the establishment at 8411 Windfall Lane, Camby, for four years, frequently organizes and hosts fundraisers for causes ranging from funeral expenses to medical needs. “She does fundraisers for different families all the time,” her Everyday Heroes nomination stated. “At least three times a month she is giving to a family in need. She cooks a buffet of food, gives items for auctions and offers all proceeds on certain drinks for victims.” Malott’s reputation reflects her efforts. “Deb is a bar owner, but more importantly she is a caring, giving, loving woman,” her nomination states. “She has treated the entire staff as family since the day we all started working for her. She reminds us every day how important the little things in life are.” She has even been aiding one of the bar’s servers, Cory Tanner, who is battling leukemia. “I like to help out because I’m in the position that I can help out,” Malott said. “A lot of the times, even as far as when people come, it touches me in one way or another,” she said. “Either a family member has had it or has it or a close friend. There are so many things out there
that you don’t realize it’s in your close family.” Her father died from pancreatic cancer and several fundraising efforts have contributed to research and treatment for it. “If we can raise money for awareness for things like that, it might help the next person,” she said. The fundraisers require a lot of elbow grease on her part, but that’s how she was raised. “I kind of live to give, I might say,” she said. “It just makes me feel really good almost to the point where I don’t want to turn anybody down.” Malott also recognizes that someone else’s troubles could easily be hers. “My DJ, he had a family that was in a fire, and their kids lost all of their belongings and things like that, and it’s just ‘What if that would happen to me and my kids?’” she said. “I know that the community would be there for me.” She doesn’t want to take all the credit for her efforts — she attributes success to her staff and patrons. “If it wasn’t for the community, then I wouldn’t have a business,” she said. “Because they’re great people up there, even our regulars who come in — they support whoever we have, whatever cause comes in.”
20 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Amanda Hall Charity Zimmerman These ladies give so much of their time and energy to this team and do it all as volunteers. – Melinda Rito
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 21
Sister color guard coaches cited for unselfishness By Ronald Hawkins rhawkins@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE The days of a mild sibling rivalry while in the Martinsville High School color guard are long behind Everyday Heroes Amanda Hall and Charity Zimmerman. Now, they are a team that works to coach the Martinsville junior varsity color guard and cadet teams, a task they took on five years ago. Nominated for the Everyday Heroes recognitions by Cindy Tullar and Melinda Rito, the sisters were commended for their unselfish approach, their involvement in Special Olympics, Relay for Life and preparing them for a wide variety of events, including competitions throughout the state and the Fall Foliage Festival Parade. In her nomination, Tullar wrote, “These two are some of the most selfless people I have ever met. They consistently, year after year, volunteer their time and resources to help many people in our community. ... “The main reason they are an everyday hero is the positive impact they have on some of our children each year. They are the co-coaches for the Martinsville Junior Varsity Color Guard. This team represents and is recognized by our schools, but it is not funded by them in any way. They created the program and have grown it into two teams now, the junior varsity and cadet programs. This been done entirely on a volunteer basis. They sacrifice their own time and money to do this for our kids.”
In her nomination, Rito wrote that the two were responsible of expanding from what was just a cadet team of 12 girls to one of nearly 20 and junior varsity team, which was started two years ago, of 25. “These ladies give so much of their time and energy to this team and do it all as volunteers,” Rito wrote. “They have created a family out of this team and have taught all the team members how to be upstanding citizens in our community by ensuring the girls complete community service hours throughout their season.” Amanda Hall and Charity Zimmerman were members of the Martinsville Color Guard in the late 1990s. Both are parents now. “The only ones (sibling rivalries) we ever had were when we were in the guard together,” said Hall, the younger of the sisters. “It was huge then. I always loved being a part of the color guard ...Overall, the atmosphere is the same now.” “Once we graduated we went about our lives,” Zimmerman said. Zimmerman moved to Colorado where she developed management skills while working at a ski resort before returning to Central Indiana. At Artie Fest a few years ago, Hall and Zimmerman asked if the color guard could use their assistance. Since they’ve become involved, the program has been met with considerable enthusiasm. “The parents are glad their kids found a place they can fit in,” Hall said. Zimmerman said she loved the color guard when she was in high school. Today, she loves to see the girls’ expressions of accomplishment when they compete.
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22 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Susie Burgess Burgess impacts church and community By Mikayla Yohe myohe@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE From the age of nine, Susie Burgess lead the youth of the church she grew up in. Since then, Burgess has found herself seeking out
Martinsville area whom receive free or reduced lunch at school. She also handles “Parent’s Night Out,” which is promoted solely by
more opportunities, leading her to becoming the children’s min-
word of mouth, according to Burgess, that allows parents to drop
istry director at Hoosier Harvest Church in Martinsville.
their children off at the church for a night. The children participate
Growing up, Burgess’s church stopped their youth services at
in games and eat dinner with the volunteers.
the age of nine. According to Burgess, she had the choice to attend
Burgess is also a part of the church’s Relay For Life team. She is
adult service or volunteer to help with the youth services instead
responsible for planning games and helping organize events for
and that is where she found her calling. Wanting to be a youth
the children to raise money. Fundraisers tend to get a bit messy,
counselor, Burgess found her place among guiding the youth of
Burgess said, as they include pies in the face, eggs with paint in
her church.
them and much more.
Now, with the invaluable support of her husband, Burgess is
Along with year-round activities, Burgess helps organize holiday
making an impact on both her church and the community.
events for the children. She handles the “Breakfast with Santa”
“It’s something that I’ve grown up doing,” Burgess said.
event at the end of November every year that consists of a pancake
As the children’s ministry director at Hoosier Harvest Church,
breakfast with Santa, as well as photos. The money raised goes
Burgess has been in charge of several events. This past year she
toward Relay For Life donations. She also plans Easter egg hunts
organized “Backpack Attack,” an event sponsored by United Way
for both the youth in the community as well as one for people of
of Central Indiana that collected school supplies for children in the
all ages at Hoosier Harvest Church.
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 23
Rick McQueen A drug-free Morgan County is McQueen’s goal By Mikayla Yohe myohe@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE Rick McQueen went from teaching children about science at West Middle School for 34 years to teaching an entire community about drug and substance abuse. As president of the Morgan County Drug and Substance Abuse Council, which works in conjunction with the Governor’s Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana, McQueen directs an operation focused on creating a drug free community. The mission, according to the council’s Comprehensive Community Plan, is to “reduce the incidence of substance abuse and their related costs, pain and suffering, and consequences through mobilization and education of the community.” The council works to kick-start prevention and treatment programs in the area, according to McQueen. As well as prevention and treatment, the council works with law enforcement around the county. However, this isn’t McQueen’s first rodeo in promoting drug prevention. While teaching at West, McQueen became the Safe and Drug Free Schools Coordinator for the Martinsville School District. After teaching for the science and health department, he felt as though the role fit in well with what he was teaching in his course work for his students. With this, he created several drug prevention pro-
grams for the students and spent a majority of his time advocating a sober living, McQueen said. Along with teaching students, he created non-violent crisis training for teachers in case of a situation that could escalate to violence due to drugs or another substance. McQueen has been president of the Kiwanis club of Martinsville. During is presidency, he helped organize several youth projects in Morgan County, as well as fundraisers to raise money for families whom can’t pay their pediatrician and scholarships for students in the community. McQueen has also become a volunteer for programs for students such as Character Counts, The A-Team, and The Haven. He has offered to drive the bus for these programs field trips and continues to be on call in case he is needed. “The enjoyment of working with the middle school age made me realize the importance of intervening with the kids and getting to them at a younger age to teach them about prevention,” McQueen said. “It’s all about keeping them from being a part of our society’s drug culture.”
24 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Gary Oakes Someone to count on By Amy Hillenburg ahillenb@md-times.com MARTINSVILLE Jim Johnson, who nominated Gary Oakes as an Everyday Hero, describes his contribution to Morgan County as a “safety net for people going through hard times.” Oakes would not call himself a hero - he would call himself hard-working, a family man and someone who wants others to have a good quality of life. Johnson said the county would simply be “a bleaker place” without Gary Oakes. He and his wife Ruth just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a cruise. His wife has been very busy with the Fall Foliage Festival Parade, which was held Sunday. They are the parents of four children, two of whom are in Illinois, and they have six grandchildren. Oakes is a southside native, graduating from Southport High School in 1965. He has worked in construction and was employed by American Precast for 30 years. He worked in quality control and was vice president of operations. “I got a chance to buy the business in 1994 and sold it in 1999,” Oakes said. “My mom Hollis - that’s her first name - is 96 and living at Miller’s Merry Manor. My dad Tim died a while ago. Ruth has a sister and brother who live here, and I have a brother who’s down in Florida.” Oakes has worked on several projects in the county - all benefit people who have special needs; those who are homeless, victims of domestic abuse or people with disabilities. He was chairman of the construction committee for the League of Miracles, a special-
ized sports center for handicapped individuals. He also served as project manager for WellSpring’s two renovation projects. WellSpring provides shelters for the homeless and transitional housing for those attempting to get back on their feet. He serves as the treasurer for Desert Rose, a shelter for victims of domestic abuse and their children. In his “spare time,” Oakes and his wife are active at First Christian Church in Martinsville and are supportive of others there, too. He and some other church members make handicapped ramps for people in a group called “SAWS.” He and Kenny Costin of Costin Funeral Chapel in Martinsville, have done assisted living projects in Mooresville. Oakes serves as a trustee at the church and is also part of the finance committee for the Community Foundation of Morgan County. He is on the advisory council for United Way of Morgan County. “We’re in Foxcliff on the golf course and by a lake. But I’m construction manager of Habitat for Humanity, and I enjoy that the most - working with other people and the families.”
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 25
Danny Ranard Danny Ranard shares his wisdom with others By Amy Hillenburg ahillenb@md-times.com MARTINSVILLE Danny Ranard of Martinsville was nominated as an Everyday Hero by his wife Brenda. She said her kind-hearted husband responds to people’s calls for help whether there’s “two feet of snow on the ground, frigid temps, pouring down rain or 100 degrees outside.” She said that’s not counting what he does for his family “picking up a sick grandchild, homework, rides to sports practices, sitting through endless hourse of dance recitals, cheerleading and so many other things.” Danny Ranard suffers from end-stage COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), but Brenda said he never tells people that. He’s outlived the hospice limit of two years and is on his own now. Danny said people think he has wisdom about things - or maybe they just know he will be willing to listen and help. He has grown up in Martinsville, and Brenda is from Greenwood. Between them, they have seven children. He ran a business, Artesian Home Improvement and Electric. He was in the U.S. Navy and served a year in Vietnam from 1972 to ‘73. He went to college at Ivy Tech, earning his degree in building construction technology. Danny and his other brother started R&R Construction. He’s been in the remodeling and construction business 40 years. They built homes in Foxcliff, and he used to have a shop where he worked on things, but not anymore. Old customers still call him for things, Ranard said.
Ranard’s parents were Beatrice and Archie Ranard. His dad died when he was 6 years old, and his mother was faced with raising eight children. He was third from the youngest. The children had to think for themselves, learn to share what they had and work hard. Ranard said he loves young people and tries to encourage them whenever he can to stay clean of drugs, get an education and be a useful part of society. He’s coached Little League and for six years drove a school bus in Monroe County, while working full time. Ranard recalled one of his first jobs - washing cars at an auto sales place earning 50 cents a car. He mixed mortar at another job. He used to belong to the VFW, and he and his wife attend Hoosier Harvest Church when they can. He’s also sold mushrooms at The Reporter-Times to the late managing editor Bette Nunn and publisher Bob Kendall. “I try to keep a positive outlook. Kids these days need support,” Ranard said. “Some have listened to me - others haven’t. Making a lot of money didn’t matter to me. I charged a fair price for my services. I try to be a good person.” Brenda said her husband has lost a lot of lung function and often suffers from pneumonia. But even sick, he has gone out to help people. “This past winter was the first time I have ever seen him let someone help him with shoveling snow,” Brenda said. “He is a very proud man and my biggest hero.”
26 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Bruce McKee McKee keeps Spirit of 45 Alive Staff report MARTINSVILLE If it’s 7 p.m. and you’re in Martinsville, you’re not hearing things. Those melancholy notes floating through the air are “Taps.” And they’re being played by a group led by Bruce McKee. The U.S. Air Force veteran plays the song every Friday at the same time, regardless of weather conditions. That dedication, along with other actions he takes to honor WWII veterans, is a reason he was nominated and chosen as an Everyday Hero. In nominating McKee, Mary Nash Record wrote, “Bruce is determined that we not only honor those veterans but also Rosie the Riveters. … Every Friday night, in rain or shine, you will find Bruce along with Zondra Griffin and another bugler playing taps at the south west corner of the Court House. … Bruce is an asset to our community.” McKee, who served in the Air Force from 1980 through 1986, invites people to join him on Fridays on the Square when he bugles “Taps.” Without fail, McKee posts that invitation on the Reporter-Times Facebook page as well as other locations that are highly visible. His determination to honor veterans goes deep and has some of its roots in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. McKee was working for Marathon Petroleum on the day two airplanes were flown into the World Trade Center and one into the Pentagon. A fourth airplane crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside. McKee was driving on Pendleton Pike in Indianapolis when supervisors called in the Marathon employees and told them to go home and spend the day with their families.
Sometime after that day, McKee became a member of Bugles Across America, a non-profit organization of 7,000 buglers worldwide dedicated to the playing of live “Taps” in honor of military, veterans, police and firefighters as well as special events and memorial services. He performs at military funerals and does his best to honor all veterans, but especially WWII veterans as he spearheads the local observation of the national Spirit of 45 movement. Spirit of 45 recognizes WWII veterans the second Sunday of August every year. McKee said he wants to see the day of remembrance continue because of the importance in acknowledging the sacrifices those who serve in the military make. He said he will have a picture of his father, who died in 1988, tucked under his arm as he plays the bugle and begins with the first notes of “Taps.” “That’s the reason why I’ve put it on,” he said. “I want them (veterans) to know that we respect what they did, and we do remember what they did and what so many sacrificed their lives for.”
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 27
Celebrating bright spots in our community
Congratulations TO THE 2015 EVERYDAY HEROES!
On behalf of The Reporter-Times, The Mooresville-Decatur Times, and the Everyday Heroes sponsors, thank you for your contributions! You help make our communities great.
Emma Broyer
Deb Malott
Gary Oakes
Dawn Buis
Levi Mayhew
Danny Ranard
Susie Burgess
Bruce McKee
Bill Rumbaugh
Patrick Eudaly
Tammy McLary
Erlene Sichting
Alicia Wiseman Fouty
Rick McQueen
Tom Tackett
Amanda Hall
Rick Miller
Lynn Williams
Mary Lawrence
Joe Mills
Charity Zimmerman
28 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Thank you TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS.
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | 29
We at the RT & MDT were overjoyed to get so many nominations for Everyday Heroes. We wish we could have done a story on every one of them. To make sure that all are honored, here is a brief summary of the remaining nominees and who nominated them. They are listed in the order in which they arrived.
William Davis Jr.
A caring father and heating and cooling worker that helps those that can’t afford too much. Nominated by Grant Davis
Misti Rios
A single mother with special needs children that helped organize several benefits for the family of Levi Mayhew. Nominated by Heather Lancaster and Heather Bennett
Mike Spencer
An insurance agent actively involved in the community, including work with First Christian Church, KenMar Apartments and the Martinsville Rotary. Nominated by Terry Black
Marsha McPhee-Webster
Founder of the Desert Rose Foundation Inc., a women’s shelter. Nominated by Chelsea Stephey
William Davis
Fire Chief of the Paragon Volunteer Fire Department and always willing to lend a hand. Nominated by Robert Lawrence
Alice Cordes
Executive director of Churches in Mission in Mooresville, also involved with Bridges Out of Poverty and Hope House, who helps with mission work and acts as an elder at First Christian Church. Nominated by Anne Reach
Lorri Rinehart
A breast cancer survivor involved in the Hogs for Hooters motorcycle ride to raise money for the cause who also organized the Trey’s Troops fundraiser for Trey Davis, who has a brain tumor. Nominated by Sandy Gullion
Clients at Indiana Mentor- TSI
Members of a group home with disabilities that brighten the nominator’s day with their positivity and compassion. Nominated by Natasha Hopkins
Jeremy Tackett
Preacher at Manna Mission in Martinsville who overcame his past and now helps recovering addicts. Nominated by Erin Bryant
Sharon Chastain
An LPN who teaches a freedom from smoking class, helps with Court Appointed Special Advocates cases for children and took in her granddaughter and two great-grandchildren. Nominated by Michelle Smith
Brian Spinger
A posthumous nomination saying he loved to make children laugh and smile. Nominated by Beverly Dorris
Stacee and Bud Sanders Youth group leaders always there to help. Nominated by Anonymous
Darren Johnson
Martinsville Police Department officer that helps others on and off duty. Nominated by Karen Johnson
Brian Wagaman
A cat enthusiast who seeks justice against feline abusers. Nominated by John Deweese
Earl Collier
A volunteer at several ministries that works with youth groups, helps clean churches and cooks at functions. Nominated by Melody Ziehl
David Lopossa Sr.
Assistant Brooklyn Fire Chief, who also works for the ambulance service in Martinsville, and would do anything in his power to help others. Nominated by Richard Neel
Teresa Royal
Always willing to help with fundraisers or sit with someone, also volunteers at the American Legion and delivers meals during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Nominated by Dottie Martin
Terry Allen
A retired EMT/ firefighter that has dedicated her new life to rehabilitating wildlife, including raccoons and deer. Nominated by Brandy Hoffman
30 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2015 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
summaries continued...
Rob Helms
Active member of the community and the MSD of Martinsville committed to helping the youth by coaching, teaching and holding benefit concerts. Nominated by Julie Payne
Bob Marley
Monrovia police officers and resident dedicated to the area and helping others. Nominated by Michelle Paskett
Kristi Dunigan
A member of the Morgan County Drug Task force devoted to raising awareness about addiction in the community. Nominated by Marcie Malan
Mike Beyersdorfer
A Mooresville resident and dedicated family man that would do anything for his children and grandchildren. Nominated by Angel Beyersdorfer
Wanda Davee
Works at Carlisle Branson Funeral Service and Cremetory and always helps those in need. Nominated by Rene Cooper
Regan Kirsch
Volunteer at the Morgan County Humane Society that put together the inaugural Feline Frolic color run in April, the largest fundraiser for the organization, that raised over $11,000. Nominated by Sandy Kirsch
Rod Bray
Member of the Indiana State Senate that worked tirelessly to help pass a law defining dyslexia in state schools this past summer. Nominated by Michelle Gabbard
Pat Moneymaker
Known as “Ma Pat,” she led the “Overcomers” women’s addiction recovery ministry at Eastview Christian Church for 12 years and is now involved with Magdalene House, a women’s shelter. Nominated by Debbie Mahon
Kenny Summerlot
Led the volunteer effort for 10 years to decorate the “Winter Wonderland” during the holidays at Jimmy Nash City Park. Nominated by Anonymous
Dee Simerl
A member of the Delta Theta Tau Society that raised money for Mooresville and Monrovia seniors, served on the Mooresville Library Board and is an active member at Monrovia Christian Church. Nominated by Anonymous
Mickey Elliott
Weekday Religious Educator for 27 years, CASA volunteer and active member of Aglow International. Nominated by Anonymous
Join Us in Saluting Our Everyday Heroes!
We are Proud to Recognize Their Kind Deeds and Service to Our Community!
Thank You Morgan County
1
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