Greenwood Community Magazine February 2016 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

FEBRUARY 2016

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

OASIS Tutoring TREASURE, LEARN & CREATE

BRIAR WHARTON WITH HIS TUTOR TOM FOSTER

This community event includes...

...10K Run, Family-Friendly 5K Walk/Run, FREE Kids Run, Music, Food, Vendors, Giveaways & Awards! Proceeds raised will benefit CG area charities, organizations & trail projects.

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COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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PUBLISHER’S WELCOME Last week, I watched a movie about a big city doctor who gets stopped for speeding in a small town and is sentenced to three days of community service. As expected, she thinks that small town life and everyone pitching in together is silly at best and a waste of time at worst. Of course in the end, she learns the true meaning of community. She drops her rich doctor fiancé and returns to town to serve as their new doctor and gets engaged to the local pickup truck driving guy who happens to be goodlooking, smart and single.

community a better place? There are many reasons to be involved. What is amazing is how many people find a reason to care.

Jody Veldkamp, Publisher

all around our county gathered to create Aspire Johnson County. It was created as a vehicle that opens discussions, shares knowledge and enables residents to make our communities an even better place to live. As an Aspire member, I look at it this way, “Hey, we can do better than this!” We take a look at what’s been accomplished by the 150+ people involved.

In this month’s issue, we look at a few examples of how our neighbors are making a difference in our community. The cover story is about OASIS volunteers, a national program that offers education, exercise and volunteer opportunities for adults 50 and older. Back before I turned 50, I taught an OASIS class for “old people” (yes, I am one now, or so my kids think) called “Introduction to Computers.” My I started thinking about the sense of involvement didn’t have the life-changing community we find prevalent in Greenwood impact that tutoring children has, which is and most of Indiana. Why do people work the focus of this month’s cover story. so hard to help others, spend their free time volunteering and work to make our Nearly three years ago, residents from

Getting involved requires time away from families, and it means that our days, evenings and weekends aren’t always our own. The efforts of volunteers for OASIS, Aspire Johnson County and countless other organizations are making our communities better. Who knows, maybe someday someone just passing through will recognize what we have and say “I’m staying.”

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February 2016 / Vol. 2 / No. 9

COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER

Dann Veldkamp dann@atGreenwood.com / 317-345-9510

VP OF SALES Jody Veldkamp

jody@atGreenwood.com / 317-507-4334

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Miranda Stockdall / 317-833-2248

TOWNEPOST PUBLISHER Tom Britt

tom@TownePost.com / 317-288-7101

BUSINESS MANAGER Jeanne Britt

jeanne@TownePost.com / 317-288-7101

COVER STORY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alyssa Sander

ADVERTISING DESIGNER

Cover Photo / Chris Williams

Austin Vance

EDITOR

OASIS TUTORING

Katelyn Bausman

Writer / Jeff Madsen

FEATURED COLUMNS 7 Lively Greenwood Happenings 2016

25 Aspire Johnson County 27 The GENESIS of a Team 10 Making Waves with Billie Dragoo 13 ‘Sappenings at the Maple Syrup Festival

atGreenwood.com

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Greenwood Health Kick Event Calendar Word Search Kate in the Middle

16 Alive & Thriving 33 Hope for Emotional Healing Business Spotlights are sponsored content.

FEBRUARY WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Alicia Wettrick / Frieda Dowler Jeff Madsen / Joyce Long / Julie Yates Kara Reibel / Kate Rhoten Kris Parker / Tia Nielsen / Tonja Talley

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Help our local economy by shopping local. Advertising supporters of the Greenwood Community Magazine offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business.

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Post your stories to TownePost.com or email to PR@atGreenwood.com.

MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 36097 / Indianapolis, IN 46236 Phone: 317-288-7101 / Fax: 317-536-3030 The Greenwood Community Magazine is published by Chilly Panda Media, Greenwood, under license from TownePost Network, and is written for and by local Greenwood residents.

atGreenwood.com / FEBRUARY 2016 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 5

 GREENWOOD HEALTH KICK

ARE WE TOO STRESSED OUT OVER HYPERTENSION? Writer & Photographer / Alicia Wettrick

Hypertension (high blood pressure) screening is taking on a new beat and will affect how millions are treated. The U.S Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has released new blood pressure screening recommendations for clinical settings. They suggest that before initiating medication therapy for high blood pressure measured in the office, it should be confirmed with readings measured outside the office.

caffeine and nicotine, so a couple of blood pressures in the office, even repeated on another day, only captures a fraction of reality. That is why the USPSTF now recommends confirming high blood pressure readings in a clinical setting by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) or home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM).

The ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is a small device worn for 24 hours. It automatically takes your blood pressure every 20-30 minutes as you go about your The change in rhythm came about from studies daily activities including sleep. The device is discovering that 15-30 percent of patients then returned to the office where the data is deemed hypertensive in a clinical setting had downloaded and reviewed by the doctor. normal blood pressure readings the rest of the day. This is mostly due to the phenomenon Non-ambulatory monitoring, or HBPM, called “white-coat hypertension,” a common needs to be taken twice in the morning and problem that triggers high blood pressure due twice in the evening for 3-7 days. A good to the stress of being at the doctor’s office. cuff monitor needs to be used. That would (Observation Tip: do not down a Starbucks be an automatic upper-arm blood pressure coffee before your visit – that caffeine jolt monitor, approved by the Association for the compounds the problem.) Advancement of Medical Instruments. Wrist and finger monitors are not recommended. Currently, we have 70 million Americans diagnosed with high blood pressure. Up to 21 AMBULATORY MONITORING (ABPM) million of those might not be hypertensive if VS. NON-AMBULATORY MONITORING they had further monitoring. (HBPM) Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is Consequently, we have a lot of people on currently the heartthrob of blood pressure blood pressure medication unnecessarily. screening, but HBPM is a great contender as well. On the other hand, we have patients not on blood pressure medications that should be. The USPSTF favor ABPM for a couple of Studies have shown about 10-15 percent of reasons. First, ABPM takes several readings patients that had normal blood pressure in the automatically throughout the day and monitors office actually had high blood pressure outside during sleep. Research has found that patients the office. This is called “masked hypertension.” with elevated blood pressures during sleep High blood pressure gone undetected may lead are at an even higher risk for cardiovascular to serious health consequences such as heart events. Secondly, it is more efficient. The attacks, congestive heart failure, stroke and monitoring is done in 24 hours and turned into chronic kidney disease. the doctor whereas non-ambulatory (HBPM) is dependent on the patient taking the time to HOW SHOULD BLOOD PRESSURE do the blood pressures for 3-7 days, and there is BE SCREENED? no sleep time monitoring. Furthermore, during Blood pressure is not a fixed parameter. It self-monitoring, if a patient becomes anxious or changes throughout the day with activity, obsessive about a high reading, this can cause stress, emotions and consumptions of blood pressure to stay elevated.

Downfalls with the ABPM: They are not widely available. You may have to go to a cardiologist for the device. Also, they are expensive, and your insurance may not cover the cost. So the USPSTF acknowledges that access to ABPM can be a problem and have concluded that there is adequate evidence to support HBPM as an acceptable alternative to outside monitoring.

USPSTF BLOOD PRESSURE RECOMMENDATIONS

• Overall optimal blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg • Age 18-39: target less than 130/85 mm Hg • Age 40 to 59: target less than 140/90 mm Hg • Age 60 and up: target 150/90 mm Hg or less • (Recommendations defer for kidney disease and diabetes) The USPSTF recommends yearly ABPM for individuals with one or more risk factors: over 40 years old, an initial high-normal blood pressure (130-139/85-89 mmHg) in the office, African-American at any age, overweight or obese. The USPSTF recommends ABPM every 3-5 years for individuals age 18-39 with blood pressures above optimal level (120/80 mm Hg).

TAKE AWAY POINT

The pressure of doctor visits may make you temporarily hypertensive, so don’t fret and start medication in a heartbeat. Talk to your healthcare provider about confirming outside the office. Alicia Wettrick is a Family Nurse Practitioner working in OB/GYN for Community Hospital Network. She believes that Greenwood is a great place to lead a healthy lifestyle and raise a family. She is married to Don Wettrick and has three kids, Ava, Anna and Grant. She has been a southsider since childhood and has lived in the Greenwood area since 1998.

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LIVELY GREENWOOD HAPPENINGS 2016

Writer / Tia Nielsen . Graphics Provided

Greenwood is a city rapidly redefining itself. Intentional growth plans have been developed by community leadership. Spearheaded by Mayor Mark W. Myers, the Common Council and several commissions, plans are underway for strategic growth patterns that will enhance the economic vitality seen in recent decades. What can we expect to see happening in 2016?

building numbers 137, 147 and 165 S. Madison Ave. and 230, 260 and 320 W. Main St. Phase Three includes the restaurant Revery and six participating buildings farther east along both sides of W. Main Street. Seven of 13 building owners are not involved with any phase of this largely grant-funded project.

OLD TOWN GREENWOOD will work on Phase One of restoring building facades in downtown beginning on the north side of West Main Street – addresses 308-332. A total of nine facades in structurally sound buildings will include the corner one at 200 S. Madison and No. 170 north of it. Phase Two would be for

TASTE OF THE SOUTHSIDE is moving in two ways in 2016. This Greater Greenwood Chamber event has become so popular that it has outgrown the original host location and is moving. Because of that location change, the date is also shifting from February to November 13, 2016.

GREENWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY is a celebration of the passion • Old Town Greenwood will begin work on Phase One of updating that our community has for learning and claiming ownership facades of most downtown businesses buildings. of all that the library offers. Just four years ago, GPL was nearly insolvent. But the community rallied in word and deed around • Greenwood Public Library continues to offer an extraordinary the energetic leadership of new director Cheryl Dobbs. She made amount of activities, programs and a stimulating educational necessary cuts to staff and services while the community raised environment. funds in multitudes of self-directed ways. Friends of the Library • Greater Greenwood Chamber is moving its wildly popular, raised funds as did numerous individuals and small businesses. annual “Taste of the Southside” event to November at a new location. There was a palpable community sense of “This is OUR library, and it will survive and thrive.” Today the parking lot is • Greenwood Municipal Airport continues to grow its capacity. full every time the doors are open. The library holds copious • Greenwood Community Center begins renovations in April that amounts of programs and classes monthly on top of providing will shutter it for eight to nine months. a bright, welcoming environment for locals to hang out, work • Freedom Spring Aquatics Park will have new additions for its on computers, do research or simply read. GPL is always a second summer season. ‘Happening’ place.

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GREENWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER will undergo a massive remodel beginning in April. All exercise rooms will move downstairs to the area filled with windows near the parking lot. Both women’s and men’s locker rooms will be nearby. Basketball courts remain where they have been.

Notes the Chamber website: “After 23 wonderful years at Valle Vista Golf and Conference Center, the 2016 event will move to Primo Banquet and Conference Center [2615 E. National Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227]. We are grateful for our friends at Valle Vista and thank them for their years of hospitality and abundant generosity!” Expect to see the delectable Chef Challenge Competition and the bartenders Mixology Competition again. GREENWOOD MUNICIPAL AIRPORT has plans to add six new hangars and make improvements to existing ones. Taxiways were redone to handle all the increased business after the main runway grew to 5,100 feet. “We are focused on bringing more corporate traffic to our airport,” states Greenwood Mayor Mark W. Myers. “We are the closest airport to downtown Indy, and these improvements are another reason that we are the best choice for business and convention travel.”

The children’s area will become highly interactive with bright colors and plenty to do. A huge climbing wall of net with mini-platforms to use as steps will be one way that children can move from the lower level action Kids Zone to the upstairs Imagination Station for quieter activities. The center will be closed for eight to nine months during this remodel. New and renewed memberships will be good through 2017, says Rob Taggart, Parks and Rec Director. FREEDOM SPRINGS AQUATICS PARK has succeeded beyond all projections. Due to popular demand, a new shelter house and a cabana are being added. The aquatics park usually is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. 2016 looks to be a lively year of pride and progress in building community. Writer Tia Nielsen has explored human interest stories for 20 publications. She started out at a bilingual newspaper, despite not knowing more than 50 words in Spanish. She also has served on three nonprofit boards, worked for the Indiana Department of Education, and handled communications and marketing for several organizations. You may reach her at Tia@tiaconnects.com.

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BECAUSE EVERYTHING

WITH BILLIE DRAGOO Writer / Kara Reibel Photographer / Amy Unger

RepuCare Founder, President and CEO Billie Dragoo has an office so heavily decorated with awards and accolades that it appears to be a trophy room at a Hall of Fame museum. Dragoo is honored to have received every award proudly displayed in her office. When asked about her most coveted achievement or award, Dragoo doesn’t hesitate to say “the Central Indiana Business Hall of Fame Junior Achievement Award I received alongside fellow Laureates David Simon (SIMON Group), Dave P. Lindsey (Defender Direct) and Michael Smith (Anthem) the same year.”

Make no mistake, Dragoo is a champion. She is a celebrated champion of her efforts to help others, namely women business owners. Dragoo’s story is inspirational of course. As a single mom of two young children, she started a business based in her home providing healthcare staffing which has flourished over the years. But it’s not the struggles she has experienced or a sad tale that defines Dragoo. The truly compelling nature of why crystal trophies litter her office space is simple. It’s Dragoo’s method and her mindset that has brought her success. She didn’t trip the prom queen and throw the PTO moms under the bus; she has simply lived a life of service by reaching out to

help other women around her achieve their dreams. “You help one woman in business, you help a thousand,” says Dragoo. Her friend, Deborah Collins Stephens, bestselling author and former Silicon Valley venture capitalist, adds. “The ripple effect of helping just one woman cascades to others. The outreach is profound.” There is still a long way to go with measurable statistics supporting why companies should support diversity in business. Studies show that women-led teams in large companies outperform those led by men. Women-owned businesses give back more to their communities and are found to be more efficient.

“You help one woman in business, you help a thousand.” When Dragoo was looking for funding to expand her business, she was rejected. “I had a solid pitch deck, and there was not a single institution wanting to invest in my service-based company,” says Dragoo, “until Carol Curran stepped in and put up her own money.” Carol Curran, CEO of Phoenix Data Corp, created a ripple with her investment in RepuCare, for the money enabled RepuCare to expand and subsequently purchase another womanowned business. The ripple turned into a wave. This experience propelled Dragoo to facilitate profound policy change in regards to venture money for women.

Most service-driven companies are owned by women. Finding capital for service-based businesses has been nearly impossible. Dragoo takes credit for the start of the Indiana Diversity Investment Fund as she should. “I believe that if you are in a position to extend your hand and bring someone forward, you do it,” says Curran. “My investment in Billie’s company enabled her to help someone else directly. We are all proud of that.” Collins Stephens adds, “Billie has opened doors for so many women in this state. I wish others could operate as she does from a ‘perspective of abundance’ instead of a ‘what’s in it for me?’ mentality. Billie

TownePost.com / FEBRUARY 2016 / TOWNEPOST NETWORK

is the real deal, and I am blessed to have her as a friend!” Dragoo’s value of other female entrepreneurs cannot be overstated. Mentoring is very important to her, and she feels it is a duty, rather than a choice, for women to assist other women for business success. The wave is gaining momentum. For more on Billie Dragoo and her company, visit RepuCare.com. Kara Reibel, a freelance writer and storyteller, is a main contributor for TownePost Network’s magazines. Follow her: Karareibel.com; Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @karareibel.

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Welcome

‘SAPPENINGS AT THE MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL Writer / Tonja Talley . Photos Provided

The Festival: March 5-6

“As spring approaches, the nights remain cold while the days get longer and warmer. This fluctuation in air temperature assists sugar maple tree sap to ‘run’ from the branches down to its roots. By tapping a tree, sugar makers can gather the sap, boil the liquid and bottle the sweet delicacy into what we know today as maple syrup.” — Description of the maple syrup season by a sugar maker hobbyist The last gasps of winter brings our state’s first harvest of the year — Indiana maple syrup. In celebration of the maple-sugaring season and the coming of spring, the National Maple Syrup Festival (NMSF) will host a three-weekend event in Indiana. The quaint town of Nashville hosts the first two weekends, “Tap the Town” and the “Festival” with the last weekend, “Indiana Maple Weekend,” being held statewide.

Tap the Town: February 27-28

Nestled in the heart of Nashville, Indiana, the Village will sprout into a sugar bush (maple syrup farm) for “Tap the Town” February 27-28. Participants become sugar makers for a day, learning to capture the tree’s sap by a technique called “tapping the tree.” For the length of the Festival, the tree’s identification will then be by the name of the individual, group or family who tapped it. In anticipation of a large number of participants, early registration for this event is required on the Festival website.

To open the Festival weekend, Nashville High School invites the public to the school’s cafeteria for a high flippin’ pancake breakfast extravaganza both Saturday and Sunday, March 5-6, from 8-11 a.m. “John Young, the owner of Louisville’s Chris Cakes, will again delight customers with his famous pancake grilling and flipping expertise,” said NMSF director Eric Freeman. “John and his pancake-making machine produce 120 pancakes every five minutes. He then wings each pancake through the air and onto your plate … as long as you keep your plate still.” No matter what the weather forecast, the Festival in Brown County State Park is the place where it’s ‘sappening. The 1930 two-story, fieldstone shelter house plays host to the 2016 Festival. With its warm and inviting fireplaces, visitors can come and go as they please, immersing themselves in everything maple. Back by popular demand, visitors can experience the Maple March, a 30-minute interpretive walk. Leaving every hour on the half-hour from the shelter’s lower level, park naturalists exhibit such topics as recognizing a maple tree in winter, tapping the tree sap and (my favorite) tasting the sap right from the tree. Before or after the Maple March, visitors can step back to a time when this land was still wild and unbridled. Descendants of the Delaware and Shawnee tribes, who lived in this area, lead festivalgoers back to the 1700s.

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e 1. For more information on these activities, visit nationalmaplesyrupfestival.com. 2. Park admission: $7 in-state autos, $9 out-ofstate autos (park passes can be checked out from your local library). 3. Festival admission: $5/person, children 6 and younger admitted free. Online tickets: buy 3, get 1 free through Feb. 29 on the Festival website. Pancake Breakfast: $8/adult; $5/student ages 3-18; $30/family ticket.

w Photography / q T Preston Photos w Tonja Talley e Brown County Photography Club

MAPLE SYRUP FUN FACTS • Did you know that, geographically, Indiana holds the southern and westernmost position in the United States’ Maple Syrup Belt? • To make one gallon of syrup, it takes approximately 40 gallons of tree sap, which is equivalent in size to a trash service’s blue trash container. e

Witness demonstrations, tools and stories of how their ancestors created maple sugar. Nearby, re-enactors representing the French Colonial who came to this territory in the mid-1750s demonstrate European techniques to show how the Colonialists made maple sugar. In the same area, children can tap into a number of activities to suit their taste. For the craftier group, The Lighthouse Puppet Theater tells a “Tall Maple Tale,” while stories and make-it-and-take-it projects abound. For the adventuresome children, many activities like the “Maple Motion,” a children’s obstacle course on a miniature sugar bush, is a must do.

Indiana Maple Weekend: March 12-13

Sponsored by the National Maple Syrup Festival and the Indiana Maple Syrup Association, Indiana sugar makers statewide

encourage visitors to come and visit their modern-day sugar bushes March 12-13. Drop in and see what invention gathers the tree sap now instead of a bucket or bag. Explore the sugarhouses and witness the process that quickly turns sap into syrup. For more information on each sugar maker’s activities or maps for the Indiana Maple Weekend, check the Festival website. No matter what your age or interest, there are plenty of maple activities for everyone during the 2016 National Maple Syrup Festival. Come see the ‘sappenings! Tonja Talley has called Center Grove home since 1993. An 11-year bi-lateral lung transplant survivor, Tonja enjoys speaking on behalf of the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization. She also volunteers for the CF Foundation, byTavi and her church.

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ALIVE & THRIVING THE ARTS IN GREENWOOD Writer and Photographer / Joyce Long

“Colonization of Commonality” by artist Quincy Owens 16 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2016 / atGreenwood.com

“Seed” by Sam Spiczka

Karen Wilkerson

When browsing Greater Greenwood Arts Council’s (GGAC) website, greenwoodarts. org, you’ll immediately notice its main characteristics — color and design. It’s quite fitting for a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “advance and promote the visual, performing and literary arts in the Greater Greenwood Community.” You’ll also discover how active this group is locally. As a community connector, GGAC collaborates with a variety of businesses and organizations. In conjunction with Mallow Run Winery, it sponsors a bi-annual contest, Art Uncorked! Local artists submit original design labels for Mallow Run’s Artist Series wine via GGAC’s website. Co-owner John Richardson emphasized Mallow Run appreciates their association with GGAC. “We love supporting the arts in our community. Usually the Artist Series wine is something new we’re introducing.” Incoming GGAC President Barbara Dunn Stear

Looking forward to involving more of the community and businesses with the arts, the GGAC board of directors is planning a redesigned Arts Alive! — an interactive event featuring local artists and their talent which will debut in 2017. GGAC’s next event, Art for the Ages Community Art Show, is scheduled for April 22 from 6-8 p.m. at the Greenwood Public Library.

PUBLIC ART ON THE TRAILWAY

They catch your eye despite traffic. Since 2012, sculptures have greeted walkers, runners and parents pushing strollers on the trail along Smith Valley Road east of Meridian Street. That’s about to change. Leased for the past two years, Art on the Trailway — “Seed” by Sam Spiczka, “Iris” by Scott Westphal and “Colonization of Commonality” by Quincy Owens — will be replaced mid-April, according to GGAC’s Vice President of Development Karen Wilkerson. “We would love to expand and install four new sculptures this year. This has been a really good partnership with the Greenwood Parks Department,” said Wilkerson. Incoming GGAC President Barbara Dunn Stear remembers the community’s initial

response to the sculptures: “It has been 99 percent positive. I have enjoyed watching citizens interacting with the sculptures and have heard many fine compliments and answered a few questions. We did have a few people who didn’t understand the provocative nature of abstract art. But it caused a conversation, and that is part of what art should produce.” Without the support of the Greenwood Parks Department and the Johnson County Community Foundation along with a donation by D&M Concrete, the current public art would not have been possible. “We would love to expand because this helps Johnson County increase its brand and culture,” said Wilkerson.

To date, both Sertoma Club of Greenwood and Greenwood Parks Department have committed to sponsoring the 2016-18 public art to help fund the four leased sculptures budgeted at $12,000. Two years ago, the parks department purchased “StriderII,” the permanent sculpture by John Merigian.

INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Stear praised the dedication of the Greenwood Parks Department in its commitment to public art. However, more sponsors are needed. GGAC will provide packets that detail the different levels of participation and labeling to interested parties. Potential sponsors may contact Karen Wilkerson at 317-432-1093 or kwilkerson48@gmail.com.

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“LIFE IS ENHANCED BY ART. TO BRING ART EXPERIENCES TO OUR COMMUNITY PROVIDES A QUALITY OF LIFE CHERISHED BY PEOPLE OF ALL CULTURES AND ECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS.” “We hope this is a beginning for public art to become prevalent in our area,” said Wilkerson. With more sponsors, White River Township could feature public art on the roundabout at Fairview and Morgantown Roads and at Independence Park. A panel comprised by members of both the Indy and Columbus Arts Councils will select the 2016-18 art by mid-March. GGAC’s Vice President of Public Relations Lynsey Gregg will gather the jury for this selection. Other officers include Laura Richardson serving as treasurer and John Reames as secretary. The GGAC 16-member board of directors invites the public to attend the Artist Reception Friday, May 6. Check the website for more details. Stear emphasized the need for more volunteers to help with GGAC events.

“One of our primary goals for 2016 is to encourage volunteers to engage with the Arts Council on a specific task or event. This year, we have a Community Art Show slated for the month of May, a concert coming up in September, an art wine label to choose and sculptures to place. We need marketing, public relations and finance volunteers as well as social media gurus.” If interested, contact GGAC at greenwoodarts.org/ volunteer.php.

COMMUNITY VALUE

Stear believes public art makes a huge statement about a community. “Someone made this point to me while relating it to traveling. When you go to a new place, what do you want to visit and experience? I bet you will say the food and art. They create memorable and lasting impressions and interesting conversation.”

Wilkerson echoes this belief. “Life is enhanced by art. To bring art experiences to our community provides a quality of life cherished by people of all cultures and economic backgrounds.” Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers agrees and advocates for local arts. “The arts are alive and thriving in Greenwood and a part of what is great about our city. That is especially true for the Greater Greenwood Arts Council who is actively working to educate the community about all types of local art forms.” Joyce and her husband Al have called Center Grove home since 1987. Empty nesters with both children, Chris and Valerie, living out of state, they enjoy Bible study, traveling, golf and Johnson County Garden Club. Joyce currently serves on the board for Center for Global Impact.

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OASIS Tutoring TREASURE, LEARN & CREATE

KAREN EMMETT TUTORS KINDERGARTNER ANDIE JACKS 20 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2016 / atGreenwood.com

Writer / Jeff Madsen . Photographer / Chris Williams

oving his finger along the words on the page, Jim Anderson reads aloud in the nearly empty classroom. Jonathon, an audience of one, listens intently, his eyes bouncing along with each word.

housed in the back corner of Room B7. “He likes to read, and he picks up things quickly,” Anderson said of his young friend. “But being so young, it doesn’t come easy to him. He has some trouble with the larger words, the ones with more than one syllable.”

The tutor’s main purpose is to help the youngster understand the connection between speaking, reading and writing, Adcock said. “Do you know this one?” Anderson asks in a quiet voice. There’s a Each tutor is asked to read to the child at each session and have quick shake of the head. “That’s OK. We’ll get to it.” them dictate a journal. Ideally, the child would actually write out the journal. But Adcock said that simply takes too much time with Anderson, a 79-year-old retired United States Postal Service worker, children in kindergarten through third grade, so tutors generally now spends part of his day delivering TLC to Jonathon Chelf, a write out what their students say. first-grader at Westwood Elementary School in Greenwood. In this case, TLC stands for Treasure, Learn and Create – the core of the The weekly sessions usually last about an hour, and they can vary in OASIS tutoring program. form. Some tutors sit with their students at lunch. Others have oneon-one sessions in an empty classroom or alone in the hallway. Anderson is one of nearly 40 OASIS volunteers who tutor students in Greenwood’s elementary schools. OASIS is a Adcock, a former teacher in the Indianapolis Public Schools, has national program that offers education, exercise and volunteer headed up the local program for the past six years after working as opportunities for adults 50 and older. The tutoring program has a tutor for five years. What started as a way to serve her community matched thousands of students with volunteers all across the has turned into a passion. She now spends countless hours country for the past 20 years. recruiting new volunteers like Sue Hacker.

A LITTLE TLC

OASIS volunteers Treasure their students, Learn how to help them succeed in school and Create an environment of caring and empathy, said Janie Adcock, the OASIS coordinator in Greenwood. “I wish I could change the name from tutoring to mentoring because the best part is the relationship with the student,” she said. Jonathon and Anderson visit nearly every Wednesday. The pair usually read two books that Jonathon picks out from a collection

Hacker is a retired Christian counselor. She was recruited by Adcock about four years ago at a Greenwood City Council meeting where she had been speaking in favor of a smoking ban. Tutoring gave her yet another avenue to do something productive with her time. “There was a little void in my life at that time,” Hacker said. “I’ve always been interested in doing the right thing, so I said yes.” She hasn’t regretted the decision. Because for everything volunteers put into the program, they get back much more.

atGreenwood.com / FEBRUARY 2016 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 21

JIM ANDERSON READS TO HIS STUDENT JONATHON CHELF

“Some of these kids don’t need as much help in reading as they just need someone to talk to, someone to share with.”

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“You really feel like you’re making a difference,” Hacker said. “These children share so much with you.” Hacker tutors a second-grade student at Isom Central Elementary school. She is well aware of how much this program means to both the students and teachers.“All of my children [work in the] education [field], so I know teachers can use a hand,” Hacker said. “They have so much paperwork to do.”

A BIT OF EXTRA HELP

their tutor is someone who cares, not simply someone to read to them. Held has had an OASIS tutor in her room for more than five years. She has seen how extra attention focused on a child helps them make the decision to work a little harder. “It can really have an impact on a student who may be struggling,” Held said. “It can really turn the tables for a child.”

CROSS-GENERATION SHARING

Spending some time each week with his tutor is what Briar Wharton likes best about the OASIS program. Briar, a secondgrader at Westwood, meets regularly with Tom Foster, who at 91 is the oldest tutor in the program. “The best part is talking about stuff and reading all the things we do,” Briar said.

Lending a helping hand is the advantage that OASIS tutors offer, said Andrea Held, a third-grade teacher at Isom. Held stressed it is not a program for failing students or “at risk” students; it’s for anyone that can benefit from a little help. “You can usually tell who needs just a little extra help,” Held said. “Sometimes they’re the last It might seem that a 91-year-old and a second-grader may not have ones to turn in their assignments because they just don’t quite get it.” much to talk about, but it’s usually just the opposite. The children seem to enjoy talking to an adult other than their parents or OASIS volunteers are trained to offer that assistance. They undergo teachers, Foster said. The two talk as much about what’s going on in a comprehensive 12-hour training session that includes the their lives as they do about reading. program’s philosophy and classroom methods. The training program gives tutors the skills to help students understand the relationship “Some of these kids don’t need as much help in reading as they just between speaking, reading and writing. Through reading books and need someone to talk to, someone to share with.” Foster said. talking about what they’ve just read, students begin to understand That goes both ways. Foster, who retired from Mayflower nearly 30 the importance of reading, writing and speaking. years ago, gets just as much out of their meetings as Briar. However, much of the method is simple common sense, said Karen Emmett, who tutors kindergartner Andie Jacks at Westwood Elementary. Like all tutors, Emmett reads to Jacks during each session. And the duo usually ends each day by playing Go Fish with alphabet cards. But Emmett, a third-year tutor, sees the program as so much more than reading and writing. “It’s important in the elementary years to have a good grasp on reading,” said Emmett. “But part of it is getting a chance to share things with the children. They’re so young. There’s a lot for them to get to know.” The one-on-one connection is one of the most important aspects of the program, Held said. The students quickly learn

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“I get a kick out of walking into this place,” said Foster, who has been a tutor for 12 years. “The kids always come up and greet me. I guess I am part of the fixture here. I have loved every minute of it. It gives me a reason to get up and get out of the house.” The children also seem to love every minute of it. On this day, Anderson and his friend Jonathon share the exploits of Corduroy, the bear. Jonathon is seated on his knees on the folding chair totally oblivious to everything else around him. The bear starts to climb an escalator, and Anderson stops reading. “Have you ever wanted to climb a mountain?” he asks. Jonathon smiles and nods yes. If you want to help a child through the OASIS program, please call Janie Adcock at 317-396-3751.

Jeff Madsen is a recreation activities coordinator for Greenwood Parks & Recreation. He spent more than 20 years as a newspaper reporter and editor after earning degrees in journalism from Franklin College of Indiana and Indiana University. Jeff is a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan who lives in Greenwood with his wife Carmen and daughter Jayme.

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Representatives of Talent Team Cheryl Morphew, Jim Spence, Nicole Otte and Tina Gross Plan for Future Education Panel

ASPIRE JOHNSON COUNTY CONTINUING TO COMMUNICATE THE STRENGTHS OF JOHNSON COUNTY Writer / Julie Yates . Photographer / Forrest Mellott

Launched in 2013 as a program of Johnson County Development Corporation, Aspire Johnson County’s promotion of the county and its communities has yielded tangible results. It is staffed by interested volunteers who have a sincere love for the area along with the dedicated leadership team of Co-chairmen Larry Haydon and Brent Tilson, Cheryl Morphew, Dana Monson and Gail Richards.

VEHICLE TO PROMOTE JOHNSON COUNTY

Monson, Aspire Coordinator, along with Morphew, President and CEO of Johnson County Development Corporation, work together to achieve the goals of the organization. While Morphew is involved with long range planning, Monson handles the day-to-day scheduling of meetings and works on moving projects forward.

Monson describes Aspire as a vehicle that opens discussions, imparts knowledge and The program’s work is never finished and enables residents to make their county a continues to broaden and evolve. What began great place to live. She stated, “Attraction of as an initiative to make Johnson County a businesses involve lots of drawn out work great place to live, work and play has added behind the scenes. However, most jobs come the facet “learn” to the list. The organization from retention and expansion of existing has developed into three active focus teams: businesses. Aspire is the leg of community Infrastructure, Placemaking and Talent. It development that promotes communication also meets monthly as a large group. that Johnson County is a good place to live, Cindy Cook, Co-chair of Placemaking Team, meets with Dana Monson, Cheryl Morphew and Tina Gross

and that makes it attractive to both new and current businesses.” Having the foresight to realize that employers want to locate in communities that attract potential employees is something that Monson credits Morphew for. “Cheryl knew from her research that companies are aware of the mindset of Millennials,” Monson explained. “This age group looks at regions and then chooses where they want to live. Quality of life is important to them as well as finding a great place to raise children.” She further elaborated, “Johnson County has six wonderful school corporations that collaborate and work together. There is also a wide variety of housing in several diverse communities ranging from the executive homes in Center Grove, rural residences in Bargersville, small starters in Greenwood and the historic houses in Franklin.”

LIVING AND PLAYING

Several successes have been achieved in communicating the diverse amenities and amusements that the county has to offer. Although residents know the area is a great place to live and play, many people outside the county do not. The Placemaking Team solved the problem by tapping into resources on the Internet. “Three years ago, it would not have been possible to find anything about Johnson County on the Internet. Today, there is the Aspire website and a Facebook page,” said Monson. atGreenwood.com / FEBRUARY 2016 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 25

In addition, the team has recently started to upgrade the Journey Johnson County website as a destination marketing tool.

aware of local happenings and even have the chance to foster collaboration on issues they share.

Another important accomplishment was the establishment of a monthly Leadership Lunch where officials from the county’s varied communities can become more

A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

An important accomplishment of the Talent Team is their involvement in an annual career and education conference for

What Matters Most to You is What Matters Most to Us.

middle school students and their parents. Four hundred people attended the first Community Career+Education Forum in 2014, and the event grew to 900 participants in 2015. The emphasis of the forum is advanced manufacturing, health sciences and information technology. Area manufacturers and post-secondary educational institutions set up booths and activities to inform students how they can train for a job located right in the region with minimal debt. Recently the Talent Team met to plan a panel discussion of former Ivy Tech and Central Nine students. This future meeting will promote the value of career and technical education for students.

LEARNING ABOUT ISSUES

Bringing people together for the purpose of imparting knowledge to enable better planning is one of Aspire’s strengths. The organization does not advocate for one side or another but aims to foster communication that enables the community to consider long range plans involving businesses, residents and visitors. In 1897 the J.C.Wilson Funeral Home, which later became the Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Home, opened to offer Greenwood families an affordable and dignified option for quality funeral service.Today, nearly 120 years later, the sixth generation of the St. Pierre family continues a tradition of sensitive, professional service, competitively priced. Peace of mind is important. Families like knowing their loved one is treated with dignity and respect which is why we own and operate our own crematory. They want to remember their loved one, which is why we offer memorial tribute jewelry and other forms of tribute. It’s not the 120 years that matter, but the thousands of families that placed their trust in us.

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“We have the unique opportunity to plan for future growth, so it will benefit the community and add to its strengths,” states Monson. The Infrastructure Team has been active in researching the proposed I-69 expansion. A large community meeting was held, and residents had the opportunity to ask questions about such things as how the project would be funded and the implications of land use. Although many of Aspire’s successes are noticeable today, the full results of the program’s work may not be visible for several years. “We are planting seeds now and putting a foundation down,” says Monson. “We don’t know how far reaching our work might turn out to be.” For information and volunteer opportunities, visit aspirejohnsoncounty.org.

26 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2016 / atGreenwood.com

THE

GENESIS OF A TEAM

Writer / Kris Parker . Photographer / Forrest Mellott

In the past, there were a limited number of activities geared toward and available for homeschoolers only. However, as the number of families choosing homeschooling has increased, so too has the number of activities available. Homeschool sports, for instance, is an area that has gained momentum in recent years.

SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION

Genesis United Soccer Club is one such opportunity on the southside of Indianapolis. Founded in 2011, their mission is to develop Christ-like character through the disciplines of competitive soccer. “A group of parents desired to start a club that was board-directed which allowed the coaching to be separate from the administrative aspects of the club. It is a ‘club’ in the sense that we offer varsity men’s and women’s teams and a JV team,” said Steve Dyer, player parent and assistant coach for the men’s team. “We belong to the IHSA [Indiana Homeschool Soccer Association] which is a homeschool fall league, but we also play about half our games against IHSAA teams.” “The strength of Genesis is the spiritual foundation of the organization,” explained Matt Hogan, the Club’s manager. “Genesis is intentional in providing an environment where an athlete can grow both spiritually and physically. Life principles are taught through a sport while also providing leadership opportunities for all players.”

For instance, midway through each practice, a player leads the team in a brief devotional about a life-applicable topic. Each player is given this opportunity at least once during the season, which “is not only an opportunity to lead their peers but also enables spiritual growth to occur together as a team,” said Hogan.

KICKING DOWN HURDLES

As one might imagine, there were obstacles at the beginning of the Club’s creation. “First, new organizations have to develop their mission and purpose. Genesis has had to determine how competitive we should be,” said Dyer. Playing against stiff competition throughout the Indianapolis area, the Genesis teams consider themselves to be on par. Hogan went on to explain, “The teams compete against many public and private high schools at the JV and Varsity levels. In addition, we play in the Indiana Homeschool State Tournament and National Homeschool Tournament for varsity homeschool teams.” This past fall, the Genesis women’s team finished second at the National Homeschool Soccer Tournament, and the men’s team finished ninth. Another obstacle Genesis faced early on was how the Club was perceived by other teams as well as by the community. “Genesis has also had to deal with our outside reputation,” Dyer explained. “Most people don’t understand that homeschool clubs can be very competitive. When we played a U17 team from Zionsville recently, their coach came over at halftime, and said, ‘I don’t think our guys expected your team to be this good.’

atGreenwood.com / FEBRUARY 2016 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 27

“GENESIS has carved out a niche of playing COMPETITIVE SOCCER in an environment that is not expected to be competitive. We are highly competitive while holding on to values. ‘How can I play/coach in a CHRISTLIKE MANNER?’ is a question we ask ourselves.” - Coach Scott Eickman -

Of course, it was a compliment, but it shows that expectations aren’t “The leadership is the best coaching staff in the league!” said Caleb. always very high for homeschool sports. We’re trying to change that!” “They have brought these teams to a high level of playing that has gotten recognition. Also as important, they stress a spiritual side as well.” Men’s head coach Scott Eickman also spoke to the Club’s competitiveness. “Genesis has carved out a niche of playing FOCUS ON FAITH AND FAMILY competitive soccer in an environment that is not expected to be In addition to its focus on Christ, the Club also strives to unite competitive. We are highly competitive while holding on to values. players and their families together off the field as well. “For our ‘How can I play/coach in a Christlike manner?’ is a question we ask family, it has given us opportunities to meet and fellowship with ourselves,” he said. other families. We cheer together, pray together, eat together and encourage each other in the Lord,” said Caryn. Resources are another hurtle the Club has had to traverse. “One of the other obstacles of homeschool high school sports is that Caleb added, “My best friends are my teammates. On and off the we are not funded by tax dollars like the public schools. Our field, I hang out with the same guys. The closest friendships I have revenue comes from parents and business sponsorships. This hasn’t in my life are with some of the guys on my team. This club is not impacted the level of excellence provided to the team but does just my team, it’s my family.” require extra time and money from the families,” said Hogan. To learn more about Genesis United Soccer Club, check out their MORE THAN SOCCER website at genesisunitedsoccer.org. Extra money and time aside, parents are excited to have their children play for Genesis due to its footing based in Christ. Caryn and Mark Felber’s son, Caleb, is a junior this year and A lifetime resident of the Center Grove area, Kris graduated from IU Bloomington with a degree in Journalism. She and her husband, one of the men’s team captains. “For Caleb, Genesis has given Jimmy, parent two active, home-schooled boys and one foster son. him a competitive outlet to improve his soccer skills and much If she had spare time, she would enjoy blogging and thrift-store opportunity to develop leadership skills, all in a setting that is shopping. openly Christian in its focus,” said Caryn. 28 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2016 / atGreenwood.com

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can cost up to $180 per hour as compared to the programs that Lisa facilitates which are $25-$30 per session depending on the duration of the program.

THE JOURNEY

Writer / Frieda Dowler . Photographer / Chris Williams

When life-altering circumstances occur in the form of abuse, illness, grief or extreme stress, the soul will express it even if the pain is too deep and words are not adequate. It may come in the form of anxiety, depression, fear and anger. The feelings associated with these circumstances might be impossible to verbalize, but learning to communicate feelings through the language of art can bring hope for emotional healing.

PEACE FOR THE HEART

Lisa Durst, a certified facilitator of Art4Healing programs through her nonprofit organization, Peace of heART, knows firsthand what it’s like to suffer from life-altering circumstances. Shortly after graduating from Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts Management and a minor in Marketing and Advertising, she was a passenger in a head-on car collision that resulted in a fatality in the other car. Lisa remembered everything about the accident, replaying it in her head continually. During her recovery process from a concussion, bruised heart, cracked ribs, compound fracture to her leg and multiple lacerations, she also suffered from the invisible injuries of anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Almost 20 years later, she is dedicated to helping others process their life-altering experiences through art with the language of color. Usually, her programs are two hours once a week for four weeks but can be customized to individual needs. During the sessions, a series of questions evoke responses using paints, sponges and cotton swabs. Fine art is not expected; rather, abstract art and learning to express the emotions held captive by the soul allows a release that brings peace.

Lisa pursued her career in graphic arts after the physical recovery from her accident which led to positions with advertising and public relations agencies in Indianapolis and Carmel. The high stress of those positions compounded the invisible injuries of her accident which led her to take painting classes and volunteer at Riley Hospital for Children with VSA (Very Special Arts) where she was moved by the effects that art had on her as well as the children. She enrolled in Herron School of Art and then the University of Indianapolis, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Visual Arts Education. After moving from Indianapolis back to her hometown of Franklin in 2002, she began teaching at Isom Elementary School and then Clark-Pleasant Intermediate School where she has been teaching art since 2005. She began with a little less than 300 in her classes and currently teaches 995 children. Moved by compassion for the kids in her classes who face circumstances of divorce, homelessness, family illnesses, abuse, military assignments and even death of friends or family members, she decided to enroll in the Art4Healing program in California. She was the first in Indiana to receive certification in this method in 2012 to work with children, adults and veterans. Since then, she volunteers after school with children who enroll in the program funded through her nonprofit. She has become an advocate for these kids who can’t focus on schoolwork because they are trying to navigate their difficult circumstances. Sometimes these children are acting out their emotions, appearing as problem children when in actuality, expressing themselves rationally may not be possible. Lisa’s goal is to help them express themselves creatively rather than destructively, and her work often involves other therapists or mental health professionals. A project she has created as a means of expression is the “wreck it” journal where they’re encouraged to vent their emotions on pages in a book that may have the instructions of “Stomp on This” or “Poke Holes Here.”

Lisa’s art studio between Franklin and Bargersville in a country setting is another place where she facilitates programs. She also travels to locations. Her studio is home to her nonprofit In some ways, this is similar to art therapy in which therapists guide organization, Peace of heART, formed in 2014. In response to one individuals in their expression but different in that Art4Healing of her students, Emma Stumpf, diagnosed with inoperable brain programs facilitate self-expression where the participant is in charge cancer at the age of seven, Lisa began a major undertaking for her of their own exploration. Art therapy is a legal field of practice and fledgling organization.

"YOU PAINT YOUR feelings!" atGreenwood.com / FEBRUARY 2016 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 33

For five years, Emma has been battling valiantly. Lisa asked Emma what her dream was. Emma replied “an art cart for kids at Riley Hospital” because art expression had become so meaningful to her, and she wanted to share that with other kids. Lisa resonated with that and went to work to make this little girl’s dream come true. Through initial rejection of her original idea from hospital authorities due to health regulations, she devised sanitary art bags filled with art supplies – 300 of them purchased through fundraisers selling works of art, clay pendants. The art bags are distributed to the children at the hospital who are facing difficult circumstances. Emma was named 2015 Riley Champion, and since the start of this project, three carts and over 1,500 art kits have been delivered to kids at the hospital. Her work with children and with Emma earned her the coveted ARTI Award for the Arts Educator of the Year in 2014 from the Indianapolis Arts Council bringing recognition to her work. Lisa hopes that someone will step in to fill her shoes with Emma’s Art Cart/Kits at Riley Hospital for Children, releasing her to build additional community relationships.

THE FUTURE

Her organization is on the brink of growth beyond its current capabilities. Although she has had funds and helping hands along the way, her current needs, as with any growing nonprofit, are finances and volunteers. Her continuing efforts in the community need others who believe in the value of these methods. Fortunately, a team from Leadership Johnson County has stepped in to help. Leadership Johnson County is a 10-month program designed to train and strengthens 21st century leadership through knowledge, networking and involvement in a community project. A group headed by Emily Marten from Franklin College chose Peace of heART as their community project and is volunteering to help with some of the needs. The mission of the group is to deliver an art-based program to at-risk youth in Johnson County by bringing awareness to agencies about her programs. They have already been instrumental in initiating programs with the Detention Center for detainees and the Children’s Bureau for foster children. Soon they will initiate a fundraising effort on Facebook through “a heart for kids,” the name of their group. Lisa is currently in the process of documenting the success of her after-school programs with grant writing. Through written responses from participants, not one claimed they didn’t benefit from her program. Rather, most expressed satisfaction through the process. When asked how, a favorite response was from a seventh grader who totally got it: “You paint your feelings.”

Peace of heART programs facilitates the creative process while encouraging emotional healing in order to allow participants to learn the language of art as a means of expression. The goal is to create a safe environment where participants can journey inward and have the confidence to process feelings and emotions. The guided By bringing these kinds of art programs to individuals, it helps exercises are designed to elicit emotional responses helping to release them to understand and process feelings that they might not stress, grief, anger and shame, something that would benefit many. otherwise acknowledge except in detrimental ways. As with any other method, it may not bring total emotional healing for all Lisa wants to become a resource for a variety of community participants, but the peace it brings in the process is undeniable. organizations: schools, foster children and families and juvenile detention centers. She hopes to partner with hospitals, healthcare agencies and therapists to integrate Art4Healing programs and Frieda Dowler is co-owner of The Color Café with husband Bruce. She is a longtime Johnson County resident, freelance writer and provide professional development for healthcare professionals. author. Her third book, “Heaven Bound in a Hollywood World,” was Lisa believes the community at large can greatly benefit by these published earlier this year. Friedadowlerbooks.com programs. Without government funding for these programs, she is also responsible for finding funding. 34 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2016 / atGreenwood.com

atGreenwood.com / FEBRUARY 2016 / GREENWOOD COMMUNITY MAGAZINE / 35

F E B R UA R

TS Y LO C A L E V E N