Chamber Magazine, Fall 2023

Inside:

League of MIRACLES

Fall 2023

youth Henry County

CAREER INITIATIVES

Ambassadors Young

Chamber taps a precious resource — local youths

INSIDE:

30ANNUAL Dayof Caring th

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Chamber focus on youth is an important effort

T

oday’s world presents wide-ranging challenges for our young people, especially when it comes to their future.

One thing is clear: A high-school diploma alone is no longer enough to provide young people with meaningful employment that will fulfill their needs.

Instead, they need to consider other possibilities: For some, that means a four-year college degree. Others seek a trade certification or an associate degree in a specific field. Still others go directly from high school to full-time employment.

The options can be overwhelming, and that’s where your Chamber comes into the picture.

For the past several years, the New Castle Henry County Chamber EXECUTIVE of Commerce has been delving deep DIRECTOR into initiatives and programs that will improve the lives of our youth. It’s a community effort, and a worthwhile one.

One example of our youth focus is Chamber Career Day, which seeks to connect high-school students with paths to their future, including colleges, trade schools and employers.

This program gives Henry County Shonda Kane youth a glimpse into the possibilities that await them.

But how do they make the right decision? Again, your Chamber is here to help.

In this edition of Chamber Magazine, you will read about our new Youth Ambassador Program (YAP). Chambers have utilized adult ambassadors for years. But this new program, which spanned the summer months, not only familiarizes young people with how a Chamber operates, but also shows them how to capitalize on the skills obtained through community involvement.

One of the YAP participants was Colin O’Farrow, who served as the summer intern here at the Chamber. Be sure to read about Colin and his experiences.

Another story in this edition focuses on Justin Helman and his new role as a Career Coach Liaison for Henry County. One of his key tasks is the creation of opportunities for youth through collaboration with Henry County businesses. Justin is the incoming board president for the Chamber, and we look forward to all that we can accomplish under his leadership. nnn Community involvement is the common thread that unites these stories with others in this edition: n Heart of Indiana United Way’s Day of Caring on Oct. 6 was the 30th year of this important community-wide initiative. Its longevity is testament to just how much can be accomplished when people unite for a common cause. n The Miracle League of New Castle holds a special place in our hearts here at the Chamber. Cindy Brooks, the Chamber’s Member Services point person, is responsible for bringing the organization to Henry County. The Miracle League was named the Community Non-Profit of the Year at the 2023 Chamber Awards Gala. You’ll see why after reading the story.

Shonda Kane is Executive Director of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

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CHAMBER MAGAZINE │ FALL 2023

FALL 2023 Volume 13, Issue 2 PUBLISHER Shonda Kane, Executive Director, New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce info@nchcchamber.com DESIGN AND EDITORIAL DIRECTION The JMetzger Group Juli Metzger | juli@thejmetzgergroup.com John Metzger | john@thejmetzgergroup.com www.thejmetzgergroup.com 765.744.4303 CONTRIBUTORS Writing: Brenda Morehead, Michelle Kinsey, Courtney Schmoll Photography: Kurt Hostetler, Jeff Morehead Design: Tammy Pearson To advertise, contact The JMetzger Group: 765.744.4303 | john@thejmetzgergroup.com For subscription information, contact Shonda Kane at 765.529.5210.

Chamber Magazine: The voice of New CastleHenry County Chamber businesses. It is a product of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group. These materials are the sole and exclusive property of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group, and may not be used without written consent.

Copyright 2023: The New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group.

The JMetzger Group specializes in branded content, custom publishing and social media solutions.

Learn more: www.thejmetzgergroup.com

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930 N. 14th St. | New Castle, IN | 765-521-2450

contents 8 10

ON THE COVER:

CHAMBER YOUTH AMBASSADORS

12 16

Colin O’Farrow is a participant in the Chamber’s Youth Ambassador Program.

Read his story on P12.

$175 million in capital investments in Henry County SPECIAL REPORT: Chamber of Commerce engages in new initiatives that pair youths with employers

Meet Henry County’s new career coach

Miracles inspire United Way’s annual Day of Caring

Looking forward and backward

18

Chamber continues to broaden engagement opportunities

A

s we approach the end of another successful year here at your Chamber, we reflect on the past few months and look forward to what lies ahead.

Our membership numbers BOARD continued an upward trend in 2023, thanks to the hard work and dedication PRESIDENT of members and sponsors. From Lunch with the Chamber and Candidate Forums to ribbon cuttings and special events, your Chamber offers something for everyone. Our constant emphasis on broadening engagement opportunities increases value to you, our members.

Here are just a few examples of some of the Chamber activities that Latina Masters offered ways for members to network and get involved: n Chamber Cup Challenge: The Chamber’s annual golf outing held at Memorial Park Golf Course on June 26 was great fun, as always! Congratulations to the winning team, Elite Gear. n Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade: Indiana’s largest Memorial Day parade is our annual gift to the Henry County community. This year’s event continued a great tradition of gathering as a community to celebrate our veterans and enjoy each other’s company. Plans are already in the works for next year! n Chamber Career Day: The May 3 event connected area high-school students with employers and education representatives. Your Chamber is laser-focused on our 6

CHAMBER MAGAZINE │ FALL 2023

community’s youth, and Career Day is one example of that effort.

You can read more about other youth-related efforts in this edition of Chamber Magazine. n Wedges and Wine: Presented by the Chamber Network for Women, this new golf event provided community women the chance to gather and network at Memorial Park Golf Course.

Watch our website and Facebook page for future Chamber Network for Women events. nnn And here’s a taste of what’s ahead: The annual Downtown New Castle Christmas Walk is Thursday, Dec. 7, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Downtown will be decked out with lights, luminaries, and seasonal decorations for this family-friendly event that features carriage rides, Santa Claus, characters (Grinch, Frosty, princesses and more), caroling, storytelling and other holiday traditions.

The second annual Designer Handbag Bingo is sold out!

This Nov. 2 event raises money for the Chamber’s Scholarship Fund, and last year’s event contributed more than $18,000.

Nominations are now open for our annual Chamber Awards! The Chamber Awards Gala, scheduled for March 20, 2024, recognizes outstanding citizens and businesses of Henry County, across nine categories. Chamber membership votes to select three finalists in each category, and the winners are announced during the gala, presented again this year by Jake’s Heating, Air and Plumbing.

Latina Masters is President of the New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She is a Raintree Banking Center Manager for Citizens State Bank.

2023 BOARD

DIRECTORS

Executive Board Members President Latina Masters Citizens State Bank

1st Vice President Justin Helman FocalPoint Business Coaching

2nd Vice President Wayne Williams Eastern Indiana Works

Treasurer Brianna Chapman Weiland’s Flowers

Secretary Amber Houser Henry County REMC

Immediate Past President Cindi Kiner The HR Connection

General Board Members Kristen Bennett ERA Integrity Real Estate Kevin Brown Hinsey-Brown Funeral Services Cathy Crabtree McGowan Insurance Group Kevin Davenport Clean N Simple Commercial Cleaning Amy Glaser State Farm Insurance

Cara Huffman F.C. Tucker/Crossroads R.E. Jeff Jaco The Sanctuary Anna Leyes Wolf Creek Farms Accounting Cynthia Lines First Financial Bank

Amy Madden New Castle Community Schools Matt Martin Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame Vickie McIntosh First Merchants Bank Vaughn Reid III Vital Computing Travis Weik The Courier-Times

Ex-Officio Board Members Emily Hurst New Castle Main Street

Linda Link Chamber Ambassador

Corey Murphy President: NCHC Economic Development Corp.

Greg York Mayor: City of New Castle

Chamber Staff Shonda Kane, Executive Director

Cindy Brooks, Member Services

765.529.5210

nchcchamber.com

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7

Henry County company investments will bring 150 new jobs to community

T

here is a flurry of construction activity across Henry County, Indiana. From Mooreland to Knightstown and points in between, more than $175 million of capital investment is underway with more than 150 new jobs in the county.

• A 2.6-mile addition of the Wilbur Wright Trail near Mooreland is almost complete. Mooreland is in the northeast portion of Henry County on U.S. 36.

EDC DIRECTOR

Corey Murphy

‘All this activity needs people. The New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation is working with Make My Move to attract out-of-state remote and traditional workers to relocate to our county.’

• Co-Alliance is under construction on a $19 million feed mill in Millville. Millville is located north of State Road 38 between New Castle and Hagerstown. This site is expected to host 30 new jobs by the end of 2024.

• Ag Express has broken ground on their new facility on U.S. 36 in Sulphur Springs.

• BCW Supplies is adding office space to the former Liebhart Mill location on State Road 236 in Middletown.

• Henry Community Health broke ground on the first phase of their Knightstown Campus, located on State Road 109, just south of Interstate 70. The 26,000-square-foot facility will provide primary care, pediatrics and orthopedics along with other sub-specialty care.

• The Knightstown Public Library and New Castle Henry County Public Library are both launching renovation projects.

• Spiceland-based Draper is finishing up a 100,000-squarefoot addition to their campus. This addition will support 25 new jobs.

• Boar’s Head, located in the New Castle Henry County Industrial Park, just north of Interstate 70 on State Road 3, is adding approximately 100,000 square feet of processing space and adding approximately 100 new jobs.

• The Co-Alliance Mt. Summit facility on State Road 3 is wrapping up a $15 million expansion that includes a state-of-theart rail-served dry fertilizer facility.

To complement this business and institutional investment, new residential communities are underway in Knightstown and New Castle. Knightstown’s River’s Edge Townhomes is in the heart of Knightstown, just east of the Hoosier Gym with some homes overlooking The Big Blue River. This 22unit neighborhood is being developed by local developers Academy Annex, LLC, and is supported by the Knightstown Redevelopment Commission.

The Preserve at Northfield Village, located near the Henry County YMCA on the north side of New Castle is a residential development by Bridgenorth Homes. Both singlefamily and quad homes are available, and neighborhood amenities include pickleball courts and convenient access to the Wilbur Wright Trail. This development was also supported by the New Castle Redevelopment Commission.

All this activity needs people. The New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation is working with Make My Move to attract out-of-state remote and traditional workers to relocate to our county. The program has welcomed three people since the summer of 2022, two remote and one traditional.

Local employers looking to attract talent from out of state are encouraged to use this program. Funding for Make My Move is a collaboration between Henry County, New Castle and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

Corey L. Murphy, CEcD, serves as President of the New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MAKE MY MOVE: www.makemymove.com/get-paid/henry-county-indiana

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CAREER SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS Career Coach Liaison will match students with employers for career exploration & experience

STORY BY BRENDA MOREHEAD 10

CHAMBER MAGAZINE │ FALL 2023

| PHOTOS BY JEFF MOREHEAD

Chamber partnerships will boost high school student internships

J

ustin Helman has a vision.

For Henry County students.

For local employers.

And for the community as a whole.

The key to that vision is collaboration, and connection.

And connections are just what Helman is making in his new role as a Career Coach Liaison for Henry County.

One of Helman’s first tasks will be creating a master list of as many Henry County businesses as possible that are willing to partner with schools – to provide guest speakers, to host field trips and to offer workplace experiences such as internships for students at Henry County high schools.

“We want to provide students with the information they need to see the pathways that lead to different careers,” Helman said. “Students need support to prepare them for when they leave high school.”

Helman said the Career Coach Liaison position is made possible through a 3E (Explore, Engage & Experience) grant received by the East Central Education Service Center in Connersville in collaboration with the Economic Development Center of Henry County. The grant, through the Indiana Department of education, supports expanding — Justin Helman, student access to pathways Career Coach Liaison leading to careers.

Shenandoah High School Principal Greg Allen said he looks forward to the assistance Career Coach Liaisons will provide to schools, and to individual students.

“We can reach out to Justin with a senior who has the credits to graduate, wants a reduced schedule and wants to work during the day,” Allen said. “Justin can help connect that student to a quality internship and then a quality job. Just having those business contacts in the community is going to be great for our students.”

Serving as a Career Coach Liaison is just one of Helman’s community roles. He works at Cross Country Mortgage, owns Helman FocalPoint Coaching that provides career and executive coaching services, and also is a football coach at Shenandoah High School.

‘

We want to provide students with the information they need to see the pathways that lead to different careers.

’

‘CAREER’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM engages Henry County students in deeper community relationships

Youth Ambassador Colin O’Farrow.

STORY BY MICHELLE KINSEY 12

CHAMBER MAGAZINE │ FALL 2023

| PHOTOS BY KURT HOSTETLER

New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce launches program for community youths

H

ow did you spend your summer vacation?

The answer to that question, for a select group of ambitious high school students, might be surprising.

“There was a lot of city council meetings, lectures, business tours … career tests,” said 19-year-old Colin O’Farrow.

And he loved every minute of it.

This summer, the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce kicked off its new Youth Ambassador Program (YAP).

A recent graduate of New Castle High School, Colin was one of nine area students who participated in the program. Colin already was familiar with the Chamber – he was working there as an intern.

His internship was one of seven this summer funded by Henry County Community Foundation.

The Foundation has been funding nonprofit internships for two summers, granted by the Choose Henry Fund.

When the opportunity to become a Youth Ambassador opened up, Colin jumped at the chance.

“It was a great experience,” he said.

Colin, who is now studying journalism at Indiana Institute of Technology in Fort Wayne, said the Youth Ambassador Program gave him hands-on communications experience.

“I took photos, put together videos, and I wrote my first press release,” he said.

But more than that, Colin noted, the program gave him a new appreciation for his hometown.

“Before my time with the Chamber, I really didn’t know much about what the community was doing,” he said. “I honestly didn’t think we had much going on. But this is a good community with people who put a lot of work into it. I was able to talk to those people, the people who are providing jobs and so many opportunities to take advantage of.” That was one of the goals of the new program, to expose young people to the great things the city and county have to offer.

The Chamber already had adult ambassadors.

“We wanted to get a younger generation interested in civic — Cindy Brooks, engagement,” said Chamber Membership Services Cindy Brooks, Chamber Membership Services.

‘YOUTH’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

‘

We wanted to get a younger generation interested in civic engagement.

’

Colin O’Farrow, a recent New Castle High School graduate, participated in the Chamber’s Youth Ambassador Program.

CHAMBER MAGAZINE │ FALL 2023

13

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‘YOUTH’ FROM PAGE 13

The first meeting was YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM June 12. The students High school students gathered in the Chamber interesting in conference room to learn participating in about what the Chamber does (Chamber 101, if you will) and next summer’s hear about the busy weeks of Youth Ambassador field trips and guest speakers Program should call the ahead. At the table with Chamber office: 765-529-5210.

Colin was Destiny McGlothin (Knightstown High School), Kinadee Flynn (Tri Jr. Sr. High School), Eli Sayre (Blue River Valley High School), Tyler Brooks (Tri Jr. Sr. High School), Sarah Jones (New Castle High School), Mark Nelson (New Castle High School), CJ Kimerly (Blue River Valley High School) and Isaiah Paris (Knightstown High School).

Colin began taking notes in his leather-bound notebook.

“One lecture was by Wayne Williams from Eastern Indiana Works about interview skills and how to write a great resume and cover letter,” Colin said as he began to flip through the pages.

Financial advisor Michelle Frazier talked about bank accounts and saving. Carrie Barrett, he noted, was the perfect tour guide through downtown New Castle. Barrett is the Executive Director of New Castle Main Street.

And Corey Murphy, president of New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation talked about “tourist spots and how to make New Castle more popular.”

“I’m glad the Chamber created the program and I am glad students participated,” Murphy said. “I hope it continues and as it becomes part of the fabric of our community it does nothing but build stickiness between those students and their community.”

Colin did have a favorite part of the program.

“They were all good, but Justin Helman from FocalPoint [business coaching] was my favorite,” he said. “He told us what a risk assessment was and how to use behavior business tests.

It’s a way to find out what career would be best.”

And Colin made sure to write down “really good quotes” like “perfect doesn’t always mean complete” and “listen with your eyes.” As he reached the end of his pages of notes, Colin paused.

“All of this showed how much the adults in the community want to help you, give you advice,” he said. “They want to set you up for success.”

At the conclusion of the program in early August, each student received a certificate of completion during a Chamber luncheon.

Murphy said that even when these students move away and go to school, or do other things, that “we want them to know they always have an open line back here.”

Colin said he has used what he learned in the YAP many times since he moved away for college in August.

“I redid my resume for an on-campus job to include some new tips, like adding my qualifications and achievements and awards,” he said. And he’s been thinking a lot about his future in New Castle. “That’s all I have been thinking about since I started college,” he said. “What can I take back to New Castle? How am I going to improve it?”

Chamber Youth Ambassadors attend a June City Council meeting. Back row, from left: Mike Guffey, Rex Peckinpaugh, Colin O’Farrow, Mark Nelson, CJ Kimerly, Aaron Dicken (back), Kinadee Flynn, Lynn Perdue, Jeff Hancock. Front row, from left: The Chamber’s Cindy Brooks, Mayor Greg York, Mark Koger.

Photo provided by New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce.

Henry County:

Shenandoah High School Principal Greg Allen looks forward to the partnership that will connect his students with local employers for job experiences.

‘CAREER’ FROM PAGE 11

In addition, Helman sits on the executive board for the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. He said he is looking forward to increased participation in Chamber efforts.

“The Chamber is great with their work to get more interaction and involvement in the community, and I’m happy to be part of that,” he said. “The Chamber is all about collaboration, and that makes everything better.”

One of the Chamber’s collaborative events each year is Career Day, scheduled for May 3, 2024. This will be the fourth year for the event, which is a partnership between the Chamber and Eastern Indiana Works.

Helman said the event focuses on bringing in as many high school students as possible to help them experience career opportunities, and the pathways to reach those careers. Students learn about many post-secondary paths, including apprenticeships and certifications, as well as two- and four-year degree programs.

Students are provided the chance for hands-on experiences with different careers, from trying their hand at brick laying, to seeing tools auto mechanics use, to using a stethoscope to listen to heart sounds.

“We want to help students learn how to get from where they are now to where they might want to go in a career,” Helman said.

Helman said when he considers his new role as a Career Coach, he is focused on providing knowledge to students through building partnerships — Justiin Helman, Career Coach Liaison with businesses.

“My role is to take real-world stuff and try to help simplify it so students understand it better,” he said. “If we provide students with enough experiences, they will be able to better make decisions about their futures.”

‘

We want to help students learn how to get from where they are now to where they might want to go in a career.

’

We’re advocating for innovators through Entrepreneurship-Led Economic Development (ELED).

Learn more at GrowInHenry.com

This collaboration with other community partners includes the Business Builders workshop series and pitch contest. The 2023 winner is CJ’s Candies.

The Enterprise Loan Fund (ELF) is a revolving loan fund that offers an attainable funding option for local businesses.

Your EDC hosts the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC). They offer free resources and business consulting services.

GrowInHenry.com 765.521.7402 CHAMBER MAGAZINE │ FALL 2023

15

United Way Day of Caring engages hearts & resources A STORY BY COURTNEY SCHMOLL

| PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HEART OF INDIANA UNITED WAY

variety of service projects kept volunteers busy for Heart of Indiana United Way’s 30th annual Day of Caring in Henry County.

Day of Caring offers businesses, individuals, organizations, and civic clubs the opportunity to help local nonprofit agencies accomplish muchneeded projects, big and small, through a day of organized volunteerism.

This year volunteers of all ages came together on Oct. 6 to complete projects for 13 local organizations.

“Heart of Indiana United Way strives to bring together the people and the resources to get things done,” said Kim Rogers-Hatfield, director of community resources, Heart of Indiana United Way. “Day of Caring perfectly embodies this mission, as it brings together people and resources to address the diverse needs of the community.

Henry County’s Day of Caring is organized by the United Henry County has numerous nonprofits that Way and supported by community volunteers. greatly benefit from the contributions of our volunteers. This event also facilitates a deeper understanding of these organizations and empowers “We enjoyed being outside, working up a sweat, and individuals to make a positive impact by sharing their knowing we helped a community partner.” unique skills, time, and talents.”

To extend the spirit of volunteerism beyond the 30th The event kicked off at 8:30 a.m. at 1400 Plaza in Anniversary Day of Caring event, Rogers-Hatfield and downtown New Castle, complete with Jack’s Donuts, team encourage community members to commit to 30 Day of Caring t-shirts, and a group photo. From there, hours of volunteer service in Henry County over the volunteer teams dispersed across the county to engage in coming year. This emphasizes that community service can a wide range of projects throughout the early afternoon. occur on any day, not just Oct. 6.

Projects ranged from park repairs, weeding, trimming, “I am incredibly proud of the enduring spirit of and organizing. Teams also painted playground service, compassion and community collaboration this equipment, beautified outdoor areas, and prepared spaces event has displayed year after year,” said Jenni Marsh, for the upcoming winter months, including hanging president and CEO, Heart of Indiana United Way. Christmas lights.

“Through 30 years and thousands of volunteers, we have “Day of Caring was a great day spent with my work made a lasting impact on countless lives and community family giving back to our community,” said Shelley organizations in Henry County.”

Wilson, chief nursing officer, Henry Community Health.

Day of Caring Volunteer Teams: ● Blue River Valley Junior-Senior High School ● Citizens State Bank ● DSI-Developmental Services, Inc. ● Edward Jones ● First Baptist Church Youth Group ● Henry Community Health ● Henry County Community Foundation ● Henry County Government ● Little Apple Shore Therapy ● New Castle Career Center ● N.C. High School Environmental Club ● New Castle Junior Optimist Club ● STAR Financial Bank ● TS Tech – Indiana ● Waters of New Castle ● Wolfcreek Farms Accounting

16

CHAMBER MAGAZINE │ FALL 2023

A volunteer with the New Castle Career Center team sows seeds near the YMCA in conjunction with the Henry Co. Removes Invasive Plant Species (RIPS).

Volunteers from New Castle High School help clear out Economic Development Corporation offices.

New Castle Junior Optimists volunteer at New Castle’s Arts Park.

A volunteer from Henry Community Health spruces up a shelter at the Girl Scouts Camp Ada in Spiceland.

Kim Rogers-Hatfield kicks off Henry County’s Day of Caring.

First Baptist Church Youth Group volunteers plant flowers at ReStore.

Blue River Valley High School volunteers clean up Memorial Park.

CHAMBER MAGAZINE │ FALL 2023

17

Jennifer Green celebrates a base hit.

18

CHAMBER MAGAZINE │ FALL 2023

A

LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN “

STORY BY MICHELLE KINSEY

| PHOTOS BY KURT HOSTETLER

Up next for the Yankees, it’s Hannah ‘The Boss’ Brooks!”

The crowd goes wild as Hannah approaches the plate, her pink foam bat gripped tightly in her hand.

Her face is focused. Confident.

The pitcher winds up and delivers a pitch. Hannah nods it off.

The second pitch looks good and Hannah makes contact, sending the ball toward third base. Hannah grins as her “buddy” from the New Castle Fire Department rushes Hannah’s wheelchair toward first base…then second…they round third…and then her wheels cross home plate! “It’s another home run for Hannah Brooks!” The announcer congratulates Hannah as she makes her way back to the dugout amid more cheers.

Hannah is a player in The Miracle League, a baseball league for those ages 3 to 103 who have different abilities. She’s also the reason why it exists. It was about 16 years ago when Hannah’s mom, Cindy, noticed that her daughter wanted to play baseball just like her two brothers. “We were at a game and she just kept pointing to the field, wanting to go out there and play,” recalled Cindy. “I told her she couldn’t, but then I thought about it and realized that’s not fair. She should be able to.” So she did some research and found The Miracle League, a national organization founded in 1998 in Georgia with the slogan, “Every child deserves and chance to play baseball.” Cindy quickly organized and raised the money for a sanctioned Miracle League in New Castle.

This summer, New Castle’s league celebrated its 15th anniversary.

The first year, there were 40 players on 4 teams. This summer there were 12 teams with 117 players. The oldest player was in his 80s. One of the youngest players was Emily Mullins. She’s three. This was her first season in the Minor League playing for the Reds. “I have some family members who have been in the league,” said her mom, Cassie, before Emily played her final game of the season on a beautiful sunny Saturday at Baker Park. “So when Emily turned three, I thought, you know, soccer didn’t work out for her. So, I thought, let’s try baseball.”

That decision turned out to be a home run for Emily and her mom. Cassie remembers well the first time Emily stepped out onto the field. “I can’t really explain how it felt,” she said. “Her dad was here, he was her buddy, and it was just so wonderful to see her included . …” Cassie pauses, her voice shaking and her eyes filling with tears. “It was so beautiful. And it was messy. And they don’t care if she plays right or runs all over the place. Somebody will always be there to catch her. And she loves it.”

And Cassie loves how she feels at each game. “It just makes you feel good,” she said. “Not just to see your own child, but to see everybody else. And I go home filled with so much joy.”

Cindy and Hannah Brooks. Photo provided

by The Miracle League of New Castle.

HOW TO ENGAGE WITH THE LEAGUE Want to donate? Have information about land for a new field? Want to play or volunteer with the League? Visit www. miracleleagueofhenrycounty.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

CHAMBER MAGAZINE │ FALL 2023

19

Evan Copp.

Ward Morgan.

Megan Altic.

Ben Brawley.

Skaar Hinds Blevins.

Elizabeth McDonough.

Coleen Brown (left) with Buddy Courtney Caudill.

for several years, many since day one.

“We’re known as a friend of youth and Perhaps that’s why people want to get we like to do things for the youth of our involved with Miracle League after they see a community,” Optimist member Jennifer game. Everyone who participates in making Kelsic said as she carried several bags of hot this Miracle League happen is a volunteer. dog buns from her car to the picnic shelter.

This was Kris Harter’s second season with “This is one way that we can help and support the league. He’s an assistant coach for the them. And it’s just so much fun!”

Shenandoah High School baseball team and was The Optimists offer special events for the looking for a way to get more involved with the teams during the season, culminating with community. He was scrolling Facebook when he this end-of-season cookout. “The kids love it, spotted The Miracle League. He showed up at a they look forward to it every year.” game, then another one, and another. “I think I Why does Jennifer do it? “The smiles,” she went to literally every game last season,” he said said without hesitation. “That’s it. You will with a laugh as he helped set up the diamonds never forget them.” before the games. “Yeah, I just fell in love with it.”

With a huge smile on his face, Travis Day, He was invited to a board meeting, joined 31, was the first player to arrive. He has been the board and, now, is the league’s co-director playing with the league each summer since it with Tammy Rains. “I help out as much as I began. This summer, he was a Major League can, but what I get in return is so much more,” player on the Cubs. He was quick to mention he said. “Every Friday night and Saturday that his best friend, John, plays on the Red morning, I would not want to be at any other Sox. Travis is one of the “big hitters” of the place.” Which is why he’s on a mission to make league, he said. “I do what I need to do,” he sure as many people as possible know about said before his game, where he would send the league. He’s setting up tables at high school several balls to the fence line. basketball and football games. He’s presenting Jackson Allen. Photo provided by This was Whitney Van Alst’s first season to groups. “I just tell them to come see a game,” The Miracle League of New Castle. as a “buddy” with the league. Her day job is he said. “Come see one game and you’re going as a supervisor at one of the group homes in to be hooked.”

Chris walked off to give high fives and pep talks to some of the New Castle. “My clients were playing so I thought it would be fun to do something like this with them,” she said. It’s an opportunity Cubs players gathered in a dugout. Players like Kelsey Buckley, for her, and her clients, to “just let loose.” who was telling everyone within earshot that her “whole family is There are usually about 100 buddies each season, and they here to watch ME!” could always use more. “We try to have everybody have a “My dad, my mom, my stepdad, my uncle. …” she said. buddy,” Cindy said. “I would love to have a buddy for every one Kelsey “The Princess” Buckley has played with the league all of the players.” Buddies, who can be as young as 7 years old, go 15 years. She plays first base, just like her dad did when he was through a quick training. The main job of the buddy is to protect younger. Her mom, Amy, said the best part about the league is the player at all times. The job perks of being a buddy: non-stop the friendships, and that Kelsey – the entire league, really – lost fun. Miracle League innings are unlike any you have ever seen. a very special friend this summer.

There are dance breaks and sing-alongs and lots of laughter.

Jackson Allen, 5, passed away in August. His parents, Everyone, for the most part, gets a home run. And if it takes 10 Eric and Alyson, are sticking with the league. In fact, Alyson pitches before a hit, so be it. is a coach. Many fans wear large pins with Jackson’s smiling, For many players, this league is, quite simply, a dream come cherubic face on them. In his baseball uniform, of course. true. And now the league is currently looking for a land donation Brandon Ellington started as an umpire with The Miracle to build a new field of dreams. Baker Park is wonderful, they League 15 years ago. “I was 12 or 13 and I loved baseball,” he said will tell you, but a completely accessible ball diamond is the goal as he set up the speaker system for announcements. “I have been – accessible bathrooms and dugouts, an inclusive playground, coming back every season since then.” Brandon now handles the and a field that all players can use easily. “That is really what we play-by-play duties for the Major League, which includes cueing all want and why many of our families, even if their kids are no up “YMCA” and other tunes for the dance breaks. “I love it. I love longer with us, are staying with the league,” Cindy said. “We all to see all the happy faces out there!” want to see it happen - for them and for our players now. “For The Miracle League would not be possible without a lot many of us, we have a short timeline. We really don’t know when of support. Local businesses and groups such as Olive Leaf something is going to happen to our players. We need to get a Landscaping, Bethany Cares, Tropical Shaved Ice, McGowan field built so that everybody has an opportunity to play ball.”

Insurance, and the Optimists have been sponsors of the league

FROM PAGE 19

20

CHAMBER MAGAZINE │ FALL 2023

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Elvis’ appearance was sponsored

by Action Staffing, Inc.

VIVA LAS VEGAS

CASH BONANZA T

Kylie Wheeler, left, and Diana Coy split the evening’s big prize.

hanks to the support of a long list of Chamber business members, “Viva Las Vegas” Cash Bonanza was a huge success!

The September 9 fundraising event at the New Castle Armory was presented by MRS Heating and Cooling, and offered attendees a taste of Vegas, complete with an Elvis sighting, thanks to The Sincerely Elvis Tribute Show, sponsored by Action Staffing, Inc. The cocktail hour featured cash bar service by L.A. Liquid Catering, dinner was catered by New Castle Breakfast Optimists with assistance from students of the New Castle Career Center culinary arts class, and dessert provided by Jack’s Donuts.

Chamber Executive Director Shonda Kane.

Duke Hamm, owner of MRS Heating and Cooling, the event sponsor.

Congratulations to the evening’s big winners, Diana Coy and Kylie Wheeler.

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CHAMBER MAGAZINE │ FALL 2023

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THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR OF

HENRY COUNTY DAY OF CARING

227 VOLUNTEERS. 13 PROJECT SITES. BIG COMMUNITY IMPACT. Thank you to all the volunteers, community partners, and sponsors who supported the day!

Thank you to our presenting sponsor Henry Community Health

Heart of Indiana United Way Serving Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison, and Randolph Counties

United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Give at www.HeartOfIndianaUnitedWay.org