Progress - Spring 2015 by Palladium-Item Media Group

PROGRESS

2015

COMMUNITY PRIDE

Saluting Growth & Success Sharing stories of business and organizations throughout the Whitewater Valley

2A Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 26, 2015

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JOSHUA SMITH/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Duane Hodgin, right, talks with Misty Hollis while giving a tour of Richmond High School.

JOSHUA SMITH/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Duane Hodgin, left, leads a tour of Richmond High School.

SUPPLIED

Rhonda Duning, left, participates in a tour of Richmond High School led by Duane Hodgin.

Tour RHS Community invited to visit By Louise Ronald

lronald@pal-item.com

uane Hodgin just doesn’t seem to be able to stay out of school. The former assistant superintendent of Richmond Community Schools left town in 1989, but he and his wife, Sandra — both Richmond High School graduates — decided to move back when they retired. Hodgin immediately wanted to volunteer with RCS. “I always liked kids,” he said. “That was my life. That was my career.” Acting as an Early College mentor and helping with the speech team took Hodgin back to RHS after 25 years, and he was impressed by what he saw. It was clean. The students were well behaved. “It just had a good feel,” said Hodgin. He started asking himself, “How can I let the community know about the good things happening at the high school?” “You know,” Hodgin thought, “maybe I could be an ambassador.” So he talked to Bridget Hazelbaker, community partnership and engagement coordinator for RCS, and an idea was born — Tours on Tuesday. Every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Hodgin is available to give tours of the high school to anyone interested in looking around. “We wanted to open it up to the community,” Hodgin said. And he wanted to do it on just a regular day of the week so people can see how students really behave. “You know those ‘Real Housewives’ shows?” Hodgin asks at the beginning of his 45- to 60-minute

DID YOU KNOW? » The first free public high school in Richmond was established in 1864 at North Eighth and B streets. » In 1874, the school moved to the corner of South 12th and A streets. » A bigger school was built at North Ninth and B streets in 1909-10. In 1920-21, that building’s name was changed from Richmond High School to Morton High School in honor of Oliver P. Morton. » The oldest part of the current building was dedicated in 1939 on what was then called Whitewater Boulevard. The road was renamed Hub Etchison Parkway in 1989 in honor of the Red Devils head football coach from 1952-77. » There were additions to the 1939 structure in 1965, 1973 and 1981. Tiernan Sports Center was first used in 1984-85 and the Civic Hall Performing Arts Center opened its doors in 1993. Source: Richmond High School/Morton High School Alumni Directory

tours. “Well, this is ‘Real Kids of RHS.’ You’re going to experience your own reality show.” “I expected chaos,” admitted Rhonda Duning, who recently participated in a tour for Realtors led by Hodgin. “But the kids were doing just what they were supposed to do.” According to the RCS website, current enrollment at the high school is 1,519. During the tour, Hodgin introduces the curriculum options available to those students. “There’s something there for all kids,” he said. “The academic offerings there are just unbelievable,” said Duning. “You walk into the arts department, it’s like going onto a college campus.” Duning said it’s been four or five years since she was last at the high school, and things have changed. “People need to take the time to go

JOSHUA SMITH/PALLADIUM-ITEM

This space in Richmond High School was originally used as the library and still features some original furnishings.

check it out.” Hodgin also talks about the history of the high school building, pointing out the original tiles, doors, chalkboards and bulletin boards still in use. “They’ve taken such trouble to retain the integrity of the original high school,” he said. When the school was built in 1939, it was on the cutting edge of technology, Hodgin said, with a school-wide intercom system and telephones to the office in each classroom. Student lockers were another innovative feature. Hodgin knows all sorts of trivia about the building, and what he doesn’t know, he will find out. “It was very informative,” Duning

said of the tour. “I highly recommend it.” Richmond High School, she said, “is not a place to be afraid of. It’s a place to delight in.” Tours on Tuesday will continue the third week in May and resume at the end of September. Tours can be arranged on days other than Tuesday. There is no charge. The tours can accommodate one or two people or a larger group. To request a tour, email duanehodgin@yahoo.com or call Hazelbaker at (765) 973-3329. Staff writer Louise Ronald: (765) 973-4469 or lronald@pal-item.com. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/LouiseRonaldPI.

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Sunday, April 26, 2015 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Page 3A

VanVleet Insurance New Office, Enthusiastic Agents Help Agency Grow

By Ron Greeson ocation! Location! Location!

That might be a mantra in the real estate business, but it has made a big difference in the growing success for VanVleet Insurance Agency in Richmond. Since the agency moved its location from South A Street to Glen Miller Parkway, directly across from the Richmond Rose Garden and former Glen Miller golf course, the business has enjoyed the best two years in its 34-year history.

in the commonwealth, and invited some “tried and true” Erie agencies to open branches there. Vanessa Ross, a VanVleet employee at the Richmond location, accepted the challenge, and agreed to move to Independence with her husband David and two sons. The agency has a complete health insurance department, headed by Kyle Zajdel, that specializes in life and health products, Medicare supplement products, and the Affordable Care Act, signing up more than 300 enrollees in the past two enrollment periods.

customers, a VIP referral party for clients who refer business, and an association with the Rose Garden’s annual Bloom & Glow event each June featuring hot air balloons. Eric VanVleet notes that Warren Buffet and his high profile insurance company spend a billion dollars a year in advertising with prolific lizard TV ads. “However you won’t find Warren washing your car, hosting you a social event, or taking your claim.” A four generation Richmond family has deep roots in Richmond/Wayne County and are proud to provide true service to their clients.

Erie Insurance is in a “sweet spot” for homeowners’ insurance rates that have “eye-popping” premiums. “The agency has enjoyed this pricing advantage for the past two years and will continue to do so until Mother Nature hits our area with major hail and storm damage,” Brad said. Erie also offers “Rate Lock” for auto insurance, a patented insurance concept that locks auto rates permanently unless one of three things happens: change of cars, change of driver, or change of address. The agency continues to differentiate itself by staging an annual Christmas Party at the Wayne County Historical Museum, a summer car wash for

Vanessa Ross, KY agent

Brad & Eric VanVleet

“Our agency has added four new employees since the move here two years ago,” said Brad VanVleet, president. Brad & his father, Eric, own the agency are excited about the continued growth and success. The new business location is a former bank branch, and now the office is filled to overflowing with employees. The former bank vault is the office of Kelly VanVleet, Brad’s wife, and the marketing director for the agency. “I think the combination of the new location, our association with Erie Insurance Company, and the fact that we have eight employees under the age of 36, sets our agency on an accelerated growth path,” Eric said of the agency’s position moving into the future. In just the past two months, VanVleet Insurance has added a northern Kentucky location in Independence, as Erie Insurance wanted to operate

Left to Right: Beka Davis, Kelly VanVlet, Valerie Huffman, Katrina Smith, Marcia Stroud, Carol Stevenson, Brad VanVleet, Eric VanVleet, Jessica Stanton, Kyle Zajdel, Michael Elorreaga (not pictured: Tiffany Clemens)

Now Serving Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky! RICHMOND, IN OFFICE

INDEPENDENCE, KY OFFICE

1 GLEN MILLER PARKWAY • RICHMOND, IN • 935-5655 5294 MADISON PIKE SUITE 206 • INDEPENDENCE, KY • 859-359-5104

www.VanVleetInsurance.com

Home • Auto • Business • Life PI-0000176377

Page 4A ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 26, 2015

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Reid Physicians Associates Specialty, urgent care offered to wider area

Craig Kinyon

he Reid Physician Associates network, now in its seventh year, continues to grow in the region and expand offerings to care for area communities. Today, RPA is a rapidly growing physician network that represents what is a national change in how physicians provide care. “Health care delivery systems are constantly looking at improved means to deliver high quality health care at the best value,” said Jim Hayes, Executive Director for RPA. He said RPA is bringing specialty and urgent care to an expanded number of area residents with such additions as Reid Urgent Care in Eaton, new specialty offi ces in New Castle and coming soon to Greenville, Ohio, and ongoing efforts to recruit almost 40 physicians and specialists to the East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio area served by Reid. RPA is doing this by bringing multiple specialties together to share costs of the information technologies and other overhead items. RPA is reaching out to include nearby, undeserved municipalities. “Using shared resources we can bring high quality care to a larger area,” Hayes said. Craig Kinyon, Reid President/CEO, said Reid began addressing the challenge of maintaining a supply of physicians in the community years ago by keeping a full-

Jim Hayes

time recruiter on the team, and now has two, he noted. At the same time, doctors in practice in Richmond and the area began seeking employment rather than running their own small business. “Local physicians have continued to work harder and get paid less,” he said, “while continuing to cover the costs of running their practices.” Increasing regulations and reimbursement reductions have meant doctors in private practice have seen their incomes decline. “RPA was formed as a result of physicians requesting to be employed or risking having them relocate to other areas that would employ them,” Kinyon said. “Almost all new physicians we recruit are seeking employment as a base requirement before considering our community.” Meanwhile, newer doctors are graduating with an expectation of being able to choose employment and often limiting their services to outpatient care. This is the major factor behind the implementation and growth of the Reid hospitalist program in the past decade. “To be able to attract new recruits, we had to be able to offer options that included a hospitalist program, where we have a team of physicians who take care of patients in the hospital – rather than have doctors try to see patients in a practice and in the hospital,” Hayes said.

Recruitment efforts are benefi ting the region. Collaborative relationships with some other providers and other outreach such as telemedicine are putting specialty care into regional towns so patients can receive care close to home. Reid has a presence in neighboring communities including in Indiana — Brookville, Connersville, Hagerstown, Liberty, Lynn, Ridgeville, New Castle and Winchester — and in Eaton and Greenville in Ohio. RPA has 35 primary care and subspecialty practices in the region and employs about 149 physicians and providers. “RPA is a way for Reid to retain and grow its primary and specialty care physician base as well as introduce new specialties that have not been in the community previously but are in great demand, such as infectious disease and endocrinology,” said Hayes. Reid and RPA also continue to promote and provide resources for wellness in the region, with a goal of healthier communities and reducing costs at the same time. “Our mission depends on attracting and keeping providers, and making care available in a growing area,” Hayes said. “And we are committed to this mission and doing all we can to make care as accessible as we can to the people we serve.”

! Visit your specialist — NEW without driving to Richmond! Reid’s new Telehealth technology removes the burden of traveling.

How does it work? You can visit with your specialist, even though you are not in the same room! Just travel to the nearest participating Reid physician practice. From the office in Richmond, your specialist can do complete exam by using a digital stethoscope, otoscope, EKG and exam camera. The specialist can hear your heart and lung sounds, examine incision, port or catheter sites, and examine your ears, nose and throat. Your visit will feel as if you are sitting in the same room! A specially trained nurse will be with you throughout the entire visit, assisting the doctor. Once the exam is complete, your specialist will be able to create treatment plans and make recommendations. The nurse will complete all of your paperwork, review your treatment plan, and schedule future tests and appointments for you. Benefits of Telehealth include: • Less time away from home and other activities • Reduced transportation expenses • Reduced need for alternate care • Fewer and shorter absences from work You have the physician’s undivided attention during the appointment! For more information, please call (765) 935-8878 or email Telehealth@ReidHospital.org.

Reid Cardiologist Dr. John McGinty performs a telehealth visit in Richmond with a patient in a remote location.

Is Telehealth right for you? Call to schedule a Telehealth appointment with the following specialists: TeleCardiology TeleOncology TeleInfectious Disease TelePumonology TelePsychiatry

(765) 962-1337 (765) 935-8773 (765) 935-8928 (765) 935-8943 (765) 983-3298

E-mail Telehealth@ReidHospital.org

TeleHealth is available close to home! Eaton Family Care Center — Eaton, OH Union County Medical Center — Liberty, IN Whitewater Valley Primary Care — Connersville, IN Hagerstown Family Practice — Hagerstown, IN Randolph Medical Center — Winchester, IN Coming soon! Reid Specialty Physicians of Greenville 1100 Reid Pkwy | Richmond, IN 47374 | (765) 983-3000 | ReidHospital.org PI-0000176523

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Sunday, April 26, 2015 â&#x2013; Palladium-Item â&#x2013; Page 5A

6A Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 26, 2015

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INDIANAPOLIS STAR FILE PHOTO

The Gennett Mansion on East Main Street is an example of the outstanding architectural designs of John Hasecoster. The restored mansion is now for sale.

Richmond’s architecture is an enduring legacy

By Rachel E. Sheeley rsheeley@pal-item.com

n the rush of daily life, it’s hard for area residents to see what is right in front of them. They’re missing the beauty, the history and the treasure of the architecture. “I look at Richmond’s architecture and I’m amazed every time I go there,” said J.P. Hall, director of the Eastern Regional office of Indiana Landmarks, an organization dedicated to the preservation, reclamation and reuse of Indiana’s historic architecture and locations. “You realize something important happened in Richmond at the turn of the century. It’s in the built environment. There was a lot of wealth in the community and they put it into their built environment, into their homes and their commercial buildings,” Hall said. Hall sees Richmond’s downtown as very walkable with intact buildings. “Downtown architecture is very important. Richmond is the exception and not the rule,” Hall said. “I always see that as an opportunity. “The National Road, along with the architecture on it, is incredibly significant and it’s unique to Richmond. It’s one of the finest examples of a National Road community in Indiana,” he said. “The Starr District … is probably one of the finest residential historic districts in my region. From an architectural standpoint, it’s incredible,” Hall said. Many talented architects and artists put their stamp on Richmond. Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church was designed by Tiffany studios. It features all Tiffany windows, but Tiffany furnishings as well. John Hasecoster is another architect who made his mark in the city. He designed several of the most eye-catching residences including the 1876 Abram and Agnes Gaar Mansion on Richmond’s far north side; the 1898 Colonial Revival residence that is known as the Gennett Mansion at1829 E. Main St.; the original 1904 Reid Memorial Hospital building; the main building at the Wernle Youth and Treatment Center; St. John’s Lutheran Church and several buildings at Richmond State Hospital. Outstanding architecture in a community has a value beyond its aesthetic beauty.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION THROUGH REUSE OF HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE » What: Quality of Place Conference “Making Things Happen” » When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 25 » Where: William G. Scott House, 204 N. 10th St., Richmond » Sponsors: Event is organized by Richmond Columbian Properties, in partnership with Indiana Landmarks, Place Economics and the Richmond Urban Enterprise Association. » Cost: $35 each » Registration: May be made through Eventbrite at https:// eventbrite.com/event/16329092756/ or by mail to P.O. Box 294 Richmond, IN 47375. » Information: www.richmondcolumbianproperties.org.

“It’s been proven that good architecture translates into good places, which thus translates to good economies,” Hall said. “A community that puts great importance on their built environment … ties into a community’s pride and into the health of the economy.” A 2010 Knight Foundation study, Hall said, said community attachment is important to keeping people in a place and that attachment is made through value of the environment, such as the natural or architectural; through places for gathering, such as a historic downtown; and through a community’s openness to all types of different people. Matt Stegall has long been active in encouraging revitalization and use of existing architecture here. He operates the family business, a funeral home, from historic house not far from the city’s center, he lives nearby in a house that he rescued from demolition and he is a leader in a program to rejuvenate residences in the same area. “The architecture and quality of life of a community is important to its economic development. Re-investing in our historic neighborhood’s and respecting architectural heritage is important. It shows that the city cares about its appearance and its vitality,” Stegall said. In 1988, Stegall bought his historic home at the corner of North 10th and D streets to not only save it, but the neighborhood where he did business.

His family had been part of the North10th Street corridor since Stegall-Berheide-Orr Funeral Home purchased its building in 1927. “When they moved there, the neighborhood was in decent shape,” Stegall said. “The reason I bought (my house) is because, quite honestly, it was part of my business plan for the funeral home. “I had to make a choice: leave the neighborhood and find another location that was desirable and build new, or keep what we have, which makes a great facility for a funeral home, and make a stand,” Stegall said. “The only way to make it happen was to move into the neighborhood and start making changes.” He has been active in the restoration and reuse of the former Knights of Columbus building, the William G. Scott House, through its owner Richmond Columbian Properties, and is active in a new project Richmond Columbian Properties has taken on across the street from his business. Through the “This Place Matters” Rehabilitation Project, two houses will be rehabilitated through a partnership with West End Bank, the Richmond Redevelopment Commission, Indiana Landmarks and the Economic Growth Group. The partnership uses public and private money including $210,000 provided by the redevelopment commission. When work is complete, the properties must be sold for use that puts them back on the tax rolls and the sales proceeds returnto the commission. The first property to undergo renovation, at 209 N. 10th St., is well on the road to recovery. A primer coat was painted on the house recently and masonry work is being done at the rear of the building where two wooden additions were removed. Stegall hopes that phase one of the renovation will be complete by late June. ‘There’s a pride in in that we’re saving these buildings because they were built well by our ancestors,” Hall said. “We’re honoring them by maintaining these buildings .. maintaining the legacy.” Hall said many people today talk about “green buildings” that are economically friendly and sustainable. “The greenest building is one that’s already built,” Hall said. “I think there is an argument to me that our historic built environment is an investment already made. I’ll take an old building over a new one any day.”

RACHEL E. SHEELEY AND JOSHUA SMITH / PALLADIUM-ITEM

Left: The Gaar House, designed by John Hasecoster, is one of Richmond’s outstanding examples of architecture. Middle: Matt Stegall poses outside his renovated home at 326 N. 10th St. It had been condemned in 1988. Right: Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, at North 11th and A streets, features Tiffany windows and furnishings, but its significance is often overlooked by passersby.

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Sunday, April 26, 2015 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Page 7A

Warm Glow Candle Co Store Celebrates Spring with Open House By Ron Greeson

ENTERVILLE, Ind. - If it’s spring, it must be time for the Spring Open House at the Warm Glow Candle Company Store.

And indeed, yes it is!

discount will apply to products that will be sold under the tent set up for the three days of savings. One other piece of big news for customers of Warm Glow candles through the years is that the two-wick loaf candles manufactured and sold years ago by Warm Glow are back and available this year. “When the downturned economy hit our business a few years ago, we looked at ways to streamline production, and just be more effective. We decided at that time to stop producing that kind of candle, but we think the economy has improved to the point that we can resume production,” she explained. Thus, these special candles are back this year, and in four different fragrances. About 40 people continue to work for Warm Glow at this time of year, combined from the plant in Centerville and the retail store on I-70. Carberry expects to add more as summer approaches and production ramps up for candles for the Christmas 2015 season.

The annual Spring Open House for the Centervillebased business has grown steadily over the 20 years of Warm Glow, and its co-owner expects another big weekend May 1-3. “We are very excited about another year for our special event, and I think we have some wonderful buys for our customers to come see us over the weekend,” said Jackie Carberry. For the first time, the tent that will house sale items at the open house will offer the business benchmark at a most special discount. Carberry said Warm Glow candles will be available at 50 percent off from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily during the Spring Open House. “We will have many items for sale at 50 percent off under the tent, and for the first time, we decided to put our candles out there as well,” she said. “There will be live music here, a petting zoo, and many not-for-profits will have tables where people can learn about what they do, and hopefully, help those needed agencies out,” Carberry added. “I am very excited for this year’s event, and we even have a special theme for this year.” The theme will be the 1950s for this year’s Spring Open House at Warm Glow, and that 50 percent

But before that, enjoy three days celebrating the 1950s, 20 years of Warm Glow candles, and the Spring Open House in nearby Centerville on May 1-3.

8A Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 26, 2015

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SHANNON HAYES PHOTO

Joe Hellrung, left, board president of the Society for the Preservation and Use of Resources, hikes the Riverside Trail with board member Karen Montgomery. The project is awaiting a grant from the Indiana Department of Revenue.

Hiking trails give glimpse of past, present and future

BILL ENGLE/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Top: Seton High School students, from left, Jacob Rogers, Noah Ilano and Megan Schroeder (foreground) cleaned the Riverside Trail as part of their Branch Out Day on April 17. Above: Mark Houser, left, Thom Herrman and Curtis Wong (foreground) cut branches and brush along the Cardinal-Greenway Trail April 15 as a pair of joggers in the distance move their way. Houser coordinates a group of volunteers who regularly clean and trim the trail.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED, DONATE » S.P.U.R. (Society for Preservation and Use of Resources), 4910 Shoemaker Road, Centerville, IN 47330. Call (765) 977-3406. » Wayne County Cardinal Greenway, P.O. Box 2411, Richmond, IN 47375. Call (765) 977-2886 or email deniser@cardinal greenways.org. Regional information, including maps, can be found online at cardinalgreenways.org

By Bill Engle bengle@pal-item.com

he story of hiking/biking trails in Wayne County is one of past, present and future. A trail was always part of the discussion in the Whitewater Gorge through Richmond, as early as in the 1930s. But it wasn’t until forwardthinking people laid claim to the land in the 1960s that that dream began its long, steady evolution to reality. The national rails-to-trails movement started in in 1965 and one year later the Society of the Preservation and Use of Resources (SPUR) bought a chunk of land south of the G Street Bridge with the idea that future generations would build a trail. Today, that trail -- the Cardinal-Greenway Trail -stretches from Test Road near Richmond’s southern edge 60 miles to Marion. In Wayne County, there are 22.5 miles of paved trails that now host walkers, bikers, joggers, in-line skaters and families walking dogs and pushing strollers. It is home to competitive and fun rides, running and family events hosted by groups in Richmond and Muncie. “Needless to say, it has been a great success,” said Cardinal Greenway Wayne County District Director Denise Retz. “People come from near and far to use this trail. It is now a destination.” Retz estimated that over 250,000 people use the trail each year. Lee Elzemeyer was president of the Wayne County Cardinal Greenway Steering Committee for 10 years, leaving the post in 2013. “We’ve just been so pleased to see this project get to this point. The trail is heavily used year ‘round,” Elzemeyer said. “I would say we have as many as 15 events on the trail each year and have four or five running and cycling groups who use the trail regularly.” “It’s pretty amazing when people can start in town and be out in the country in just a few minutes,” Retz said. “The trail has brought a lot of people together both in working on making it a reality and staging events, and now enjoying the trail. “We’re very pleased with the way the community has responded,” she said. Another trail is now on the horizon and the same group who helped give birth to the Cardinal Greenway are again at the heart of the effort. A new generation of members of SPUR have ac-

quired land on Richmond’s north side and have begun to develop the Riverside Trail, which to date runs from North 12th to North 24th streets, just north of North J Street. But it is neither paved nor ready for much public use. SPUR president Joe Hellrung said its future at present depends on a $200,000 Indiana Department of Natural Resources” Recreational Trails Program grant. “SPUR has owned that land for a long time. This part of the trail will happen. We’re working to make that happen. It will just take time and money,” he said. That grant and a local match would allow the trail to be cleared and paved. SPUR is working with the city of Richmond on the grant. SPUR has donated 20.2 acres to the city to serve as the approximately $50,000 local match for the grant. SPUR board members are hoping to one day take the trail to Hayes Arboretum and possibly to the Ohio line. They have recently begun plotting ways to build the trail north to the Indiana University-Ivy TechReid Hospital campuses. “We’re looking at those possibilities,” Hellrung said. “It’s a vision right now because there are some pretty significant obstacles,” he said. The rest of the trail’s growth will depend on fundraising, land acquisition and donation and work. Lots of work. “It’s a long term project to say the least,” Hellrung said. SPUR board member Shannon Hayes said the dream is for the Riverside Trail to someday be a part of the National Road Heritage Trail, a state-wide multi-use trail running from Richmond to Terre Haute. “We’re trying to go step by step to building this trail. This things never happen quickly,” she said. “But if you think of it that way it will continue to grow. “It is exciting because it connects us to the rest of Indiana and it’s part of a much bigger plan,” she said. Hayes said SPUR members hope to have the first section paved and open in 2017. “It’s such a beautiful area and it would be nice to open it up for the rest of the community to enjoy,” she said. Staff writer Bill Engle: (765) 973-4481 or bengle@pal-item.com. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/billengle_PI.

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Sunday, April 26, 2015 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Page 9A

First Bank Bank Offers New Technology But Keeps Local Focus By Ron Greeson Although based in Richmond, First Bank continues to offer a local physical banking presence throughout Wayne County.

more than half a century.

massive changes in the bank’s products and services.

First Bank Richmond was formed in 1993.

“First Bank is a community bank, and we like it that way,” Coulter commented. “A large part of our mission and philosophy is that we really care about our customers and community. Most organizations lose that when they are assumed by another larger company.

With eight current branches, and a history of 128 years, First Bank has an established place in communities around the area. The community bank that is a national bank provides many advantages for its customers.

“The current goals of the bank in providing new products and services are keeping up with technology and providing security,” Coulter said. “We introduced mobile banking several years ago, and for those who are dependent on their phones, it makes banking effortless.”

Marketing director Sara Coulter described recently what these advantages are.

The First Bank vice president said mobile services are important to many customers.

One is certainly the locations that customers may visit, starting with the financial center and motor branch in downtown Richmond. Within the city are three other branches, the Westside, Northside and Eastside branches. Outside of Richmond, branches are in Centerville and Cambridge City, plus one out of the county in Shelbyville, according to the bank website.

“Statistics show that more people are shopping (paying bills, doing banking, etc.) on their phones than on desktop computers,” Coulter said. “So we need to have products that cater to these needs.”

“We often hear that our customers appreciate that the front-line staff are so knowledgeable,” Coulter said about First Bank building on its customer service strengths. “We invest heavily in training our staff. With our eight branches, you’re never more than a few miles from the closest location, here within the county.” This community bank turned national bank began as the Richmond Loan & Saving Association in 1887, then became the First Federal Savings & Loan Association in 1935, operating under that name for

The added services bring benefits, but also risks. “With this avid use of the Internet comes the possibility of fraud,” Coulter continued. “As a bank, we are responsible for protecting your money, but we don’t have control over people’s online habits. So, we just introduced a series of new checking accounts that give customers the tools to protect themselves.”

“But we are also a national bank, with all of the advantages that this brings.” Recently, the bank made a staffing move with this focus in mind. “Two years ago, First Bank created a full-time position for community relations,” Coulter said. “Employees donate over 5,000 hours of volunteer time each year. Some of the larger efforts supported by the bank are Junior Achievement, Boys and Girls Clubs, Relay for Life, Third Grade Academy, Lemonade Day, Richmond Civic Theatre, Richmond Symphony Orchestra -- the list goes on!” All of those activities show the bank’s support for the many not-for-profit groups serving local people.

Coulter explained that First Bank provides ID fraud monitoring on more than 1,000 websites, credit file monitoring and unlimited access to your credit reports. In this day and age, she adds, we can’t have too much insurance against fraud. And First Bank continues a lot of support to the community, even in the 21st century amid the

“Our goal at First Bank is to make a difference in the communities that we serve” - Garry Kleer, President/CEO

10A Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 26, 2015

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PHOTOS BY JOSHUA SMITH/PALLADIUM-ITEM

A mural welcomes visitors along North E Street near the former Pennsylvania Railroad Depot building.

Murals inspire pride in neighborhoods, business districts

By Millicent Martin Emery mmartin@pal-item.com

f a picture says 1,000 words, how many words does a mural express? More than 75 murals can be found throughout Wayne County, delighting local residents who see the large artworks daily and visitors who happen upon them. The art helps set this area apart from other communities, said Mary Walker, executive director of Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau. “It enhances what people think of us and elevates us in their eyes to another cultural level,” Walker said. When Walker tells people there are 75 murals in a county of 70,000 residents, they’re astounded, she said. And we’ll have the opportunity to watch more murals be created this summer.

Murals offer inspiration, education

Walker says the murals enhance neighborhoods and historic districts in Richmond as well as small towns such as Cambridge City and Hagerstown. The murals, which are nestled in places where we live, eat and shop, help build community engagement. Murals help make people proud of where they live, she said. And when they’re proud, they tend to keep areas litter-free and take care of their properties. They might also put out flowers or make other beautification efforts that complement the murals. One example Walker gives is the music mural on the side of Bertie’s Music Bar in the 1100 block of East Main Street. It’s an entryway into Richmond’s downtown for those traveling west. In addition, Walker says several murals help make people aware of Richmond’s music heritage and might inspire them to learn more. Walker said the tourism bureau now offers brochures for a self-guided tour of some of the county’s most visible murals. When people go through the Historic Depot District, they also see the nearby shops and restaurants and might be drawn to stop and spend. And, they could even impress someone looking for a site for their company, Walker said. “You never know where your next pieces of business is going to come from,” Walker said. “Whatever we can all do to make us a more unique community and set us apart from the competition, we need to do that.” “My ultimate goal is that we’re going to be the mural capital of the world,” Walker said.

Festival of Murals

The county is moving a step closer to Walker’s goal this summer. Ten more murals are to be added to the county during the Festival of Murals. Artists from around the area, nation and world have expressed interest in the opportunity to compete in the Festival of Murals. They will work on their creations between June 15 and Aug. 15. A panel of judges will select the contestants. The chosen artists will be assigned to predetermined walls in Wayne County and will work with the building’s owner on the vision for the project. Walker said contest organizer Pamela Bliss helps determine locations for murals based on visibility, the types of wall available and the condition the walls are now in. So far, no business has turned down the opportunity to have a mural painted on its wall during the festival. As Walker says, who wouldn’t want to be known for having a fun recognizable landmark such as a big guitar or Hoagy Carmichael on their building? “The art makes you smile,” Walker said. Artists will display their designs one week before production begins at a reception open to the public. A map of the murals will be available to the public during the competition. Completed murals will be judged by a qualified panel of judges. Awards will be announced at a closing ceremony in early fall. The Festival of Murals program has fostered the creation of 24 works of murals and sculptures by local and regional artists of past competitions since 2010. The festival is hosted by the Wayne County Chamber Center for Excellence and co-sponsored by Wayne County Tourism Bureau, Richmond Furniture Gallery and the Richmond Historic Depot District.

There are 75 murals in Wayne Co., which has 70,000 residents.

Additional donations and sponsorships are welcome. Competition information and updates will be available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FestivalOfMurals or on the Wayne County Convention and Tourism Bureau website, http://visitrichmond.org/ visitors/things-to-do/festivals-murals-2015.

Beginnings

Bliss, a Wayne County native, has inspired the local mural movement. She started adding commissioned murals to local buildings several years ago. Some of those murals helped celebrate Richmond’s music heritage, featuring performers who came to Gennett Records to record early jazz tunes. In 2010, Bliss began organizing a community festival to get more artists to add their artistic touches to local businesses. At least 35 pieces of art have been created through the program. However, Wayne County’s mural heritage goes back to the early 1900s, when artist Charles Newcomb painted a large wrap-around mural inside what is now Hagerstown Museum and Arts Place.

RICHMOND MURALS

» Adam Bartel Building, Gennett Recording Artists Mural, 911 N. E St. » Bertie’s Music Bar, Cross Rhythm Coda, 1129 E. Main St. » Cardinal Greenway, North Third Street » Chuck’s Sports Bar, 1500 N. E St. » Community Mural, Sim Hodgin Parkway » Dils Building (The Loft), Parisian Cityscape, North 10th and D streets » South Fourth Street home (west side) featuring Eric Clapton, Charlie Patton and Blind Lemon Jefferson » 5th Street Coffee & Bagels (south w all), South Fifth Street » Firehouse BBQ and Blues (north w all), The Cradle of Recorded Jazz; (south wall),The Rescue; east wall, and inside, 400 N. Eighth St. » Gennett Walk of Fame/South First Street, Shakespeare murals and Gennett logo, South First Street » Historic Depot District, Louis Armstrong / Welcome to Historic Richmond, 193 Fort Wayne Ave. » Wright Brothers Bikeshop, Starr Piano, Model “T” Historic Richmond, and flowers and girl holding balloons , all at 310 N. Eighth St. » The Diner is OPEN, 800 N. E St. (at overpass) » The Gloved Hand, U.S. 27 overpass (water tower) » Urban Art below U.S. 27 overpass » Lady holding rolling pin at doorw ay behind Firehouse BBQ » Peacock, window with curtains, behind Firehouse BBQ » Sailor, ladies looking out window, behind Firehouse BBQ » Musician in doorway behind Firehouse BBQ » Long train east of Depot, 900 block North E Street, Richmond » Hoagy Carmichael mural, Ninth and Main streets » Indiana University East, 2325 Chester Blvd. » Jazz Mural Remembering the Immortals, North Eighth Street » Old National Road Welcome Center, 5701 National Road E. » Old Time Grocery back of Senior Opportunities Services , 401 S. Fourth St. » Opti Vision Layers Upon Layers, 832 E. Main St. » Paulee’s Restaurant Louis Armstrong & Hoagy Carmichael , 416 N. Eighth St. » Paust Printers The Age of Communication, 14 N. 10th St. » Allen’s Antiques Stuck on Richmond, 168 Fort Wayne Ave. » King of the Delta Blues, 901 E. Main St. » Richmond Civic Theatre, The Curious Peacock, 1003 E. Main St. » Richmond Furniture Gallery: 1st floor, “City of New Orleans,” “The Streets of Richmond” and “Richert F ine Furnishings”; second floor, 1890’s Main Street Bridge, Richmond Historic Downtown, 1902 Depot / Wayne County Courthouse; third floor, 100 Foot Christmas Wonderland; Starlight Night Railroad, Starr Gennett - 80- foot jazz mural; front parking lot Starr Gennett Charlie Mosey; and Post Card - North Wall Greetings from Richmond, all at 180 Fort Wayne Ave. » Parker Building, 1902 Train Depot, 923 N. E St. » Richmond State Hospital (by Ron Deane) » Roscoe’s Coffee Bar, Time, Fort Wayne Avenue » Sim Hodgin Parkway / Under Lamar Lundy Bridge , Jazz in the Gorge/The River of Life » Sim Hodgin Parkway and Bridge Avenue, American flag » Skateboard park (Glen Miller Park), South 22nd Street and Grand Avenue » Leebee’s Tobacco, Groucho west side of building, and Bogart & Bacall east side of building, East Main and 15th streets » Tin Lizzie, 820 E. Main St. » Underground Railroad, South Fourth Street » Veach’s Train, 715 E. Main St.

AROUND WAYNE COUNTY » New Deal WPA Works, Cambridge City Library » McDonald’s Restaurant, Cambridge City » Canal Wall Back in Time, 26 E. Main St., Cambridge City » Allen’s Antiques Models of Transportation, 39 W. Main St., Cambridge City » US Bank Single G / 100 years, 100 W. Main St., Cambridge City » Warm Glow store, North Centerville Road, Centerville » Happy Day Records, Long Live the Cowboys & Recorded Music, 24 E. Pearl St., Greens Fork » Kids Territory, The Kid in All of Us , Indiana 38, Greens Fork » back of Lil’ Louies Bar & Grill , 10 S. Main St., Greens Fork » Willie & Red’s, Boats, 40 E. Main St., Hagerstown » Hagerstown Arts Place & Museum, a Charles Newcomb Mural, 96 1⁄2 E. Main St., Hagerstown » Logston Building/Grandview Pharmacy Sweet Memories, 25 W. Main St., Hagerstown Source: Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau

A mural by Just Us Kids Outdoors participants greets those passing by on South Seventh Street.

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Sunday, April 26, 2015 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Page 11A

Friends Fellowship Community As a leader in the field of dementia care FRIENDS FELLOWSHIP COMMUNITY

Unique to Friends Fellowship Community

is pleased to announce we will soon be an approved OMA site!

developed by

Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University of Ohio Elizabeth “Like” Lokon, PhD Founder of the OMA Program

riends Fellowship Community is so pleased and excited to announce that we are in the process of establishing a visual arts program for people with dementia, specifically OMA or Opening Minds Through Art. This curriculum was founded by Dr. Elizabeth Lokon working in conjunction with the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University of Ohio. FFC will be the first Community in Indiana eligible to offer this wonderful program. The philosophy of Friends Fellowship Community’s dementia care program has always been to provide person-centered care and to encourage the strengths of each individual. What a perfect marriage of ideas as OMA seeks to capitalize on what people with dementia still can do, which may be to express feelings and emotions through art that they can no longer express verbally. Dr. Lokon’s mission is to build bridges across age and cognitive barriers. As the paint brush becomes their voice, the feelings of depression and social isolation which so often accompany dementia may well be replaced with feelings of confidence, acceptance and connectedness to the Community as a whole. The one-to-one ratio in the creative process of OMA also develops very close relationships between the residents and their volunteers and staff. The staff at FFC begins training in June with the goal of launching the OMA program in September of this year. The team approach will be comprised of a combination of the following: FFC professionals, visual artists, secondary or higher education faculty, and volunteers responsible for service learning. To that end, FFC will partner with IU East, Earlham College and the Earlham School of Religion. Their collaboration is an essential part in being able to provide the numbers of volunteers needed for the one-on-one sessions with our residents. Each art class will have a maximum of 12 participants paired with 12 volunteers and will last one hour. Sessions run in 12-week cycles, and all the art projects will be matted and framed, and if appropriate, displayed in a gallery exhibition to celebrate the success of our artists!

OMA is an intergenerational art program for people with dementia

By combining the principles of dementia care with the expressive outlet that art provides, along with the individual attention provided by dedicated volunteers, we feel our objectives will have a very positive outcome for everyone involved.

Art Show following 12-week session

SEE FOR YOURSELF

www.ffcinc.org

PI-0000176416

It's just nicer here! 2030 Chester Blvd. Richmond, IN 47374

Call Pam at 765-962-6546 Follow us on Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube

We’ve always been aware that Friends Fellowship Community is indeed unique in Wayne County and surrounding counties in that FFC is a Continuing Care Retirement Community, a “CCRC.” We are the only retirement community in this area that offers care through the entire continuum of need, from completely independent homes on the beautiful grounds to independent and assisted apartments in the Main Building, as well as skilled nursing and a secure facility should the need ever arise. Graceful aging in place is our speciality. Of course, we want you to visit us in person; there’s nothing like seeing our Community for yourself! Please call Pam at 765-962-6546 for an appointment or just to get further information. We look forward to hearing from you!

12A Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 26, 2015

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PHOTOS BY JOSHUA SMITH/PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

Brett Stewart reads a book with Melody Stewart during a joint event between K-Ready and Morrisson-Reeves Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. K-Ready is one of the organizations that participates in the Wayne County Foundation’s Challenge Match.

Residents donate money, items and time Community’s generosity makes impact in Wayne Co. By Mike Emery mwemery@pal-item.com

A dollar bill dropped into a Salvation Army kettle. Food delivered to a pantry. A check mailed to a non-profit. Time spent helping at an animal shelter. Generous acts such as those occur regularly in Wayne County, and they quickly add up to make a big impact. “People have a generous spirit in Richmond Steve and Wayne County,” said Scott Zimmerman, presi- Borchers dent of the United Way of Whitewater Valley That’s a feeling Steve Borchers, executive director of the Wayne County Foundation, shares. “The Wayne County community is an incredibly generous community, Scott Zimmerman and the generosity cuts across all socio-economic levels,” he said. “There are large gifts from wealthy people and an outpouring of support from people who don’t have a lot of money.” The Chronicle of Philanthropy on philanthropy.com credits Wayne County residents with $20,730,000 of giving during 2012, the last year for which numbers are available. That figure

represents 3.74% of residents’ adjusted gross income. While the county’s wealthier residents contributed more dollars to that total, the poorest residents contributed a much higher percentage of adjusted gross income. The numbers: » Those earning less than $25,000 contributed $872,000 at 9.17 percent of adjusted gross income. » Those earning between $25,000 and $50,000 contributed $2,058,000 at 4.60 percent of AGI. » Those earning between $50,000 and $75,000 contributed $2,899,000 at 3.96 percent of AGI. » Those earning between $75,000 and $100,000 contributed $3,063,000 at 3.70 percent of AGI. » Those earning between $100,000 and $200,000 contributed $5.053,000 at 3.27 percent of AGI. » Those earning more than $200,000 contributed $6.785,000 at 3.58 percent of AGI. “We have a very generous community, and it’s important to think about, too, that people give what they can,” Borchers said. “For some people, it’s relatively easy to make a large cash gift, but others might give their time. “People give what they can, and what underlies generosity and philanthropy is relationships. If people care, they’ll put their time and money where they care. We have a lot of caring people here, and that essentially helps build a community. It’s the glue that binds a community together.” Organized campaigns such as the United Way’s annual campaign, the Wayne County Foundation’s Challenge

SOME GIVING OPPORTUNITIES » Wayne County Foundation, 33 S. Seventh St., Richmond. (765) 962-1638 or htttp://www.waynecountyfoundation.org/ » United Way of Whitewater Valley, 129 S. Ninth St., Richmond. (765) 962-2700 or http://www.GiveTheUnitedWay.com/ » The Palladium-Item is in the midst of a 12 Months of Giving campaign. Each month, we announce a local charity’s wish list and invite you to bring a needed item to our office, 1175 N. A St., Richmond. The April charity is Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center and the May charity is the Laundry Project. Call (765) 973-4468 to learn more.

Match, the InConcert Series or the Alternative Gift Fair help non-profits raise money. Groups also conduct fundraisers of their own. There are also businesses and corporate foundations that award grants to non-profits. “That actually is one of the things we take seriously, the ability to show the community how donations make a difference in the community,” said Zimmerman, of the United Way’s fundraising on behalf of its partner non-profit organizations. The 2014 Challenge Match raised $792,580 from the public for 40 organizations. That total rose to $1,023,950 when the match money was added. “People like to know their money is being put to good use and they like to get a bargain,” Borchers said. “All gifts are important, but not all gifts cost the same to make. With the match, it costs less to

have the same effect.” Individuals account for much more giving than foundations or corporations, according to Giving USA statistics, which are generated by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis. Giving USA numbers for 2013 showed individuals gave 72 percent of the $335.17 billion contributed in 2013. Borchers said the number of nonprofits “is huge” after significant recent growth. That creates competition for charitable dollars, although it also offers more opportunity for potential donors to care about a cause represented by a non-profit. “People who care will find a way to support what they care about,” Borchers said. That caring isn’t always expressed monetarily, either. Generous residents donate food, clothing, furniture, toiletries and more, and they volunteer their time, which provides value to non-profits. In fact, Independent Sector recently quantified that value at $23.07 throughout the United States. In Indiana the volunteer value was $22.34 compared to $21.46 in Ohio. The value reflects hourly earnings of production and non-supervising workers on private-sector, nonfarm payrolls and adds 12 percent for fringe benefits. “Generosity is a whole set of kindnesses that are expressed in giving something to someone that don’t make the radar screen but happen every day,” Borchers said. “People give of themselves, give of their resources or even share their stories. It’s a generous spirit I think helps define the community.”

Wayne County’s generous residents donate food, clothing, furniture, toiletries and more, and they volunteer their time, which provides value to non-profits.

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Sunday, April 26, 2015 â&#x2013; Palladium-Item â&#x2013; Page 13A

Stitching Nook Quilting & Sewing Store Offers Personal Service By Ron Greeson

orking with clients at the Stitching Nook is nothing new for Diana Bruns and many times it is the highlight of her day. The popular quilt shop has been at its current location, 4629 National Road East, for about nine years. The shop has been in business for 33 years and customer service has been the main focus of the Stitching Nook and its employees since the beginning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I still enjoy what I do,â&#x20AC;? Diana said after a recent weekday afternoon class at the store. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been rewarding to work with lots of great people,â&#x20AC;? she said of her customers and staff. She and her staff like to be involved with the classes, shoppers, and Viking machine sales. They enjoy helping people pick out just the right patterns and fabrics for the quilts and to find a Viking machine that is the right fit. Viking machines range from a very easy to operate mechanical model at around $400.00 to a very high end model that embroiders, sews, and is in

discount,â&#x20AC;? she went on. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are all about customer service and helping students have a positive experience. Most people develop a lifelong interest in sewing from our classes. Many are empty-nesters who finally have time to devote to their creative side and who want to leave a tangible legacy of love to children and grandchildren. Quilting is more than a hobby, it is an expression of love,â&#x20AC;? Diana commented.

reality a computer that sews. Diana and her staff are very involved in consumer education and make it their goal to ensure that every one who buys a Viking from the Stitching Nook knows how to operate it and achieve great projects. Most of the time general service and repair is done â&#x20AC;&#x153;in house.â&#x20AC;? Computerization is a big part of most machines today, just as it is with so much equipment in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;LCD screens and lights have become common place and Viking machines do a very good job of keeping up with the latest technology,â&#x20AC;? Diana reports. The love and passion for the art of sewing developed when Diana was young, as a member of 4H. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For me, and for most, it is a hobby that lasts a lifetime,â&#x20AC;? she said. Diana enjoys coming to her store every day, seeing and working with the fellow sewing enthusiasts from across the region who travel to the Stitching Nook as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;destinationâ&#x20AC;? store. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today, most people who take classes here are more into quilting than clothing construction,â&#x20AC;? Diana explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People like to make everything from placemats to full size quilts with side trips into purse and tote bag construction. Close to the holidays, gift making becomes a priorityâ&#x20AC;?, she laughed.

Pat Knoechel, the well-known sister of quilting celebrity Eleanor Burns, will be at the store on June 23rd for a two-hour program with the latest patterns and quilts from the Quilt in a Day company. Pat also has many interesting stories, and exciting demonstrations that appeal to all levels of quilters. Later, in November, we are having a Viking educator who will be showing our customers all the newest techniques and products from Viking. Time and place will be announced in our fall newsletter, on Facebook and our website. Information can be found online at www.stitchingnook.com, and on Facebook. The phone number at the Stitching Nook is 765-962-7678.

Diana is aided in offering classes by four part-time employees and occasional guest instructors. Classes are held six days a week, Monday through Saturday, during the day and early evening. A full description of classes is available on the Stitching Nook website and printed copies of the schedule are available at the store. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have students of all ages, and at all skill levels, from total newcomers learning the basics, to experienced sewers and quilters interested in the latest machine techniques and trainingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Diana said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re starting to see some younger people in our classes, and that is needed to maintain the long-term strength of quilting. We need people who want to carry on the tradition of creating a cover of love for their family.â&#x20AC;? Diana added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Class size is limited to only six to eight people to ensure lots of individual attention.â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do provide machines for use during class at no added cost, and we recommend quality materials for use classes, which we sell to participants at a 20%

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Page 14A ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 26, 2015

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West End Bank West End Adding More Services For Customers

By Ron Greeson

or Timothy Frame, President and Chief Executive Officer of West End Bank, his story is tied to the history and mission of the institution he leads. It’s a local business that has served this area for many years. Frame is a proud graduate of Indiana University East, and his many years at West End have included a variety of roles during his professional career. The business has grown tremendously since its early beginnings during the late 1800s.

no minimum balance requirement and no service fees. This type of checking account is a product that is becoming extinct in the marketplace with fi nancial institutions choosing to associate fees and tedious requirements in order to decrease or eliminate those fees. We are committed to continuing to offer a free checking account to our community, with no strings attached.” In fact, Frame said the bank plans to make major announcements soon about enhancing their checking account products, with what he describes as features that focus on convenience, added accessibility and technological advances to traditional checking and deposit accounts. “Our goal has always been to remain a customerfocused community bank, and continue to be very competitive in the local market.” Frame, previously the Chief Lending Officer at West End, became President early this year upon the retirement of John P. McBride, who was President/ CEO since 2003.

West End was established in 1894, and is one of only two banks originally founded in Richmond that is still serving the community. “We are very proud of that fact,” Frame said as he looked out of his window that faces South Seventh Street in Richmond’s rejuvenated uptown. “The bank is proud of that heritage, and I am personally proud of that fact.” Frame is also proud that West End continues to be honored as a recipient of a Five Star Superior Rating by Bauer Financial Inc., an independent financial rating service, which judges the safety and soundness of banking institutions.

In addition to his pride in the bank’s business success, Frame is very proud of the institution’s community outreach. He stated the West End Bank Charitable Foundation has donated nearly $300,000 to the community since its formation in 2012. Organizations have received significant funding from the foundation, such as Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center, Boys and Girls Clubs of Wayne County, Communities in Schools of Wayne County, and Indiana University East for their new Activities Center. “We are committed to contributing to our community financially. The people and institutions in our

“From our humble beginning focused primarily on deposit related accounts and services, we have now diversified ourselves into a full service commercial bank, providing real estate, auto and small business loans,” Frame stated of West End’s focus today. “Our core business is providing credit, in various forms, however we still continue to offer the community a sound, competitive range of savings and checking accounts, including a free checking account, with

community have supported our bank for so long, we want to give back,” Frame said of the motivation for the gifts. “As for the bank itself, West End has invested in our own facilities, renovating the main office located uptown, the eastside office, and offices in both Hagerstown and Liberty,” he said. The Eastside office also serves as its Mortgage Loan Center, with Jim Backmeyer Jr. leading the lending staff as mortgage loan manager and working from that location. “I am very pleased that West End remains a leader in the market for residential real estate lending,” Frame said. “That is proof that we are providing excellent products, services and customer service to the community and they are choosing West End Bank for their financial needs.” The bank has grown to more than 80 employees, and also provides a courier service that provides pickup and delivery to business banking clients across the area. “We offer this unique courier service across east central Indiana and even into west central Ohio to provide a high level of convenience to our clients.” Frame said West End also offers several e-banking based services and pre-paid debit and gift cards as enhancements to more traditional services. In connection with education, the bank opened the state’s first student-operated bank in 2005 at Garrison Elementary School and over the years expanded the program to all RCS elementary schools and Richmond High School. In a connection to Frame’s alma mater, IU East, there is now a current IU East student intern working part time in the marketing department at West End. West End’s products and services have expanded substantially over the years, however the community focus has not changed and Frame expects that to remain consistent going forward in the 21st century.

A CUSTOMER FOCUSED COMMUNITY BANK Serving the community since 1894 Ri Richmond Main Office

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Sunday, April 26, 2015 ■ Palladium-Item 1B

Richmond seminaries ‘change the world’ By Louise Ronald lronald@pal-item.com

Two Richmond institutions — Bethany Theological Seminary and Earlham School of Religion — have been named to the 2015 list of Seminaries that Change the World. Many people drive past the seminaries almost every day without realizing. Tucked onto the corner of National Road West and College Avenue, the seminary buildings appear to be part of the Earlham College campus. Both have strong connections to Earlham and mutual collaborative ties, but they are independent of Earlham

and of each other. Both offer master’s degrees in divinity and religion, but have a vision of ministry beyond church walls. That’s what drew the Rev. Wayne attention of the Rev. Meisel Wayne Meisel, director of the Center for Faith and Service at McCormick Theological Seminary and creator of the list, which recognizes innovation in theological education. “Seminaries that Change the World is part of a movement to reclaim the important historic role that theological

education has played in promoting community and justice while training and launching local and world leaders in all areas of society,” it says in a story about the 2015 list on the McCormick website. The list includes only 26 of more than 200 accredited seminaries in America. Only three cities had two or more schools on the list — Chicago, Atlanta and Richmond. “To be with Chicago and Atlanta as a hub for really visionary leadership in the world — yeah, I think (Richmond) can be proud of that,” said Meisel during a recent visit to Bethany and ESR.

Meisel first created the list in 2014 and based his selection on institutions with which he had a working relationship. For 2015, applied for inclusion. ESR was on the list both years. For Bethany, 2015 brought a new honor. An ordained Presbyterian minister, Meisel has had a long career in community service, including as a founding board member for Teach for America and founding president of the Bonner Foundation. “I hope there will be a day when seminaries believe their role again is to go out and change the world and there won’t be a need for the list,” he said.

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Bethany Theological Seminary students Karen Duhai, left, and Katie Cummings lead a group at Girls Inc. in Richmond.

Bethany seminary commits to its presence in Richmond

Jonathan Stauffer of Polo, Ill., a student at Bethany Theological Seminary, foreground, and Bob Servoss of Kalamazoo, Mich., a student at Earlham School of Religion, study in the ESR classroom building entry hall.

Earlham School of Religion has a quiet presence; hopes to bolster residential programs

By Louise Ronald

lronald@pal-item.com

ennifer Scarr grew up in the Los Angeles area and is finishing a master’s degree in divinity at Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond. One of her sweetest memories of her time in Indiana, said Scarr, will be watching families enjoy the trains at Richmond Furniture Gallery during the Old-Fashioned Christmas Festival in the Depot District. “It was such a wonderful time for family and friends to be out,” she said. “People were being so kind to one another.” Like Earlham School of Religion, Bethany isn’t well known to many residents unless they have come into contact with students through their involvement with churches or nonprofit organizations. Bethany is tucked next to ESR at the corner of National Road West and College Avenue. The Church of the Brethren seminary was founded in 1905, but has been in Richmond only since 1994, when it moved from Oak Brook, Ill. Tina Hornbacker, professor and ministry formation, missional leadership and evangelism at Bethany, said the school’s Illinois campus had grown too large and was in need of costly repair. “It was not good stewardship to stay,” she said.

SUPPLIED

Jeff Carter, left, president of Bethany Theological Seminary, visits with Ivan and Clara Patterson of Greenville, Ohio, during the dedication of the Bethany Neighborhood on April 10. One of the houses in neighborhood is named Patterson House in their honor.

One reason Bethany chose to come to Richmond was to have what Hornbacker called a “sister seminary” relationship with ESR. “Our (Religious Society of Friends and Church of the Brethren) theologies are ... not the same ... but they are compatible, See BETHANY, Page 2B

SUPPLIED

This new classroom at Bethany Theological Seminary allows distance learners to have face-to-face interactions with their professors and classmates.

hen asked what he would like Richmond and the surrounding community to know about the Earlham School of Religion, Jay Marshall has a simple answer. “We’re here,” said Marshall, ESR dean since 1998. Unless residents become acquainted with ESR students through church or volunteer work, they might not realize that the school offers master’s degrees with focus areas in pastoral care, pastoral ministry, peace and justice, Quaker ministry, religious LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM leadership, spirituality, teaching and This historic home on College Avenue writing, as well as a variety of nonhouses offices for the Earlham School of degree programs. Religion. They might not be aware of the school’s annual writing colloquium, weekly peace forums and frequent lectures and gatherings open to the ESR was formed in 1960 and was public. accredited by the Association of Theo“We don’t get much response belogical Schools in 1969. It has a curyond those who already know us,” rent enrollment of about 90 students, admitted Marshall. a little less than half of whom live in But Simon Thiongo, an ESR student Richmond and take classes here. The from Kenya who is working on a onerest participate in the school’s disyear supervised ministry project with tance learning program, doing most of area farmers, said he has had a good their coursework online and coming response from people who are acto Richmond for occasional two-week quainted with the school. “I think they intensive sessions. are open when I mention that I come See EARLHAM, Page 2B from here,” he said.

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

People enter the classroom building of Earlham School of Religion. The historic home that serves as administrative offices is in the background.

2B Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 26, 2015

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LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Folks gather for a peace forum at Earlham School of Religion. The weekly lunch event attracts students from ESR, Bethany Theological Seminary, Earlham College and Indiana University East.

Earlham Continued from Page 2B

“There’s a conscious effort on our part to get our students to be involved locally,” Marshall said. Projects like Thiongo’s involve community organizations such as Open Arms Ministries, the Community Food Pantry and the Wayne Township Trustee’s office. In addition, the school has direct working relationships with First Friends, West Richmond Friends, Dublin Friends and Williamsburg Friends churches.

ESR is a Quaker seminary, but Marshall said the school welcomes people from many different backgrounds. “We draw the circle broad,” he said, while maintaining a centrist position some find too conservative and others find too liberal. “Sometimes (it’s) hard for people to digest.” Not so for Kristin Bowen, an Episcopalian student from Michigan interested in healing ministry. “What I love about this school is that we have students from all different walks of life,” she said. Thiongo said the diversity of ages and experiences among the students makes for a “very

rich community.” Before coming to ESR, Thiongo studied at another U.S. seminary that was much more rigid. He said he appreciates ESR’s encouragement to “come the way you are.” Instead of being told what to do or think, the message Thiongo hears is, “Ah, this is your gift. Tell us more.” Lonnie Valentine, professor of peace and justice studies, said ESR’s inclusion on the list of Seminaries that Change the World “... supports that Quaker heritage of focusing on enrichment.” That focus is deliberate, said Marshall. Seminaries in

general are seeing a decline in enrollment as the church itself is in decline. But Marshall said the challenge is to think more broadly. “It’s not such a big step to go from ministry to service,” he said. Valentine said students are encouraged to reflect on the theology they are learning. “What does that mean when you take it back into the world?” ESR graduates have made a big impact in Kenya, Thiongo said, especially in peace and justice activities — much of which are done quietly, without fanfare. “ESR is famous in

LEARN MORE Go online to www.esr.earlham.edu.

Kenya,” he said, “even if (people) don’t know ESR.” The school has created incentives to bolster its residential programs, but likely will remain a quiet presence on the corner of National Road West and College Avenue. Even so, efforts to make connections with the community will continue. Staff writer Louise Ronald: (765) 973-4469 or lronald@pal-item.com.

Bethany Continued from Page 2B

and there is an energy that respects both the differences and the similarities.” Another reason was the low cost of living — at least, as compared with the seminary’s former home in the Chicago area. Bethany makes a conscious attempt to help its students earn their degrees without going heavily into debt, according to Amy Gall Ritchie, director of student development. “Richmond serves us well in that capacity,” she said. Earlier this month, the seminary had a ribbon cutting for a project that demonstrates both its commitment to keeping its students’ costs low and to deepening its presence in the community. The Bethany Neighborhood is a cluster of three houses near the intersection of South West C Street and College Avenue and a shared green space behind them. The houses will be rented to residential students at the seminary. Jeff Carter, in his second year as president of Bethany, is proud of the project. “One of my goals was to move off the corner (of National Road West and College Avenue), to move out into the community,” Carter said. The Bethany Neighborhood is a concrete expression of that goal — from clearing out trash to working with the nearby Marsh store to remove graffiti from the back of it’s building. “The hope is ... that we can be a blessing to the city,” said Carter. Current enrollment at the seminary is 92 students, with about two-thirds of those attending through distance learning. The school recently created a classroom that allows distance learners to have face-to-face interaction with their fellow students. “It’s not just about technology, its about community,” Carter said. When distance learners make required visits to campus, their classmates now will be able to recognize them. Carter said students yearn for “community, new patterns of living ... and a deeper spirituality.” Hornbacker said that

SUPPLIED

Rita Willett, a student at Earlham School of Religion, buys flowers from a young girl before participating in a Hindu religious ceremony in the city of Rishikesh during an ESR/Bethany Theological Seminary trip to India.

LEARN MORE ONLINE Visit www.bethanyseminary.edu.

search takes Bethany students “into a variety of settings beyond church,” including Girls Inc., Open Arms Ministries and more. “Being located in a community helps us to be in ministry with that community.” Like ESR, Bethany draws students from many different denominations and prepares them for ministries beyond a traditional church setting — one reason why the school finds itself on the list of Seminaries that Change the World. Bethany is not an ivory tower, said Hornbacker, but embedded and involved in the context of Richmond. “When (our students) live here, they really do live here,” she said. “They don’t just come to classes.”

SUPPLIED

Participants in a Bethany Theological Seminary/Earlham School of Religion trip to India ride camels in Pushkar.

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Sunday, April 26, 2015 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Page 3B

Koons Appliances Dry-Heat Saunas Join Appliance Store’s Products

By Ron Greeson

and experienced factory trained technicians for delivery and service after the sale.

But as 2015 unfolds, there is a new line of products for Koons Home Center, which began in 1966.

“I brought the units here, and the response has been really good so far,” the longtime business owner said. Koons encourages potential buyers of the dry heat saunas to come to the showroom and look at the options available.

Now in the Koons showroom at 221 N. W. 18th St. stand multiple Far-Infrared Saunas (FIR saunas), a series of new products designed to provide many health benefits for all ages.

Long ago, Koons opened the doors of his business at this same location, at the very beginning he opened with Maytag washer and dryers and diversified as he got the business established.

“Today, we have the traditional agitator washers,” Koons explained. “Today, there are also higher efficiency top load washers that are popular, and buyers need to understand that this type of washer is more effective in cleaning clothes if you use smaller loads.”

or Ron Koons, many things are still the same in his nearly 50 years of business on Richmond’s west side.

Now there are appliances of all kinds, along with great inventory of adjustable bases for bedding and now saunas, for sale. A full local service department also is offered for all the products sold at Koons.

A continuing big sales item at Koons is washing machines. He said there are three different types of washers manufactured and available today.

He added that front-load washers are here to stay, and requires less detergent. He also suggested that warm water is most effective with detergent as it is produced today. And how about the future for Koons? “We are working on a special event for June of next year, which will be our 50th year in business,” he concluded. “We are proud of our business, and the longevity we have enjoyed, and thank our customers for being so good to us over the years and today.”

The local business owner saw the health units at a show recently, and immediately decided these new products would generate a lot of interest, and sales, at his store here. Early returns convince Koons that his judgment was correct. The units are Sunheat FIR saunas. Koons said he believes the products could help the many people in our area. Residents that are Koons customers, or potential customers. “These units use no water, but instead use dry heat helps to remove toxins from the body, relieve aches and pains of arthritis and other ailments, along with burning calories,” Koons said of the new health units. The saunas come in various sizes, and with different wattages of heat, with dials to set the desired temperature and the time people spend in the unit. They are primarily interior units, and Koons has seen a great deal of interest already from the people who have heard about and seen these new units. Koons will deliver and assemble the units, which have seats inside and a wood exterior. Some fit two people, but larger units are available for groups to get a treatment at the same time.

“We service all of the products we sell, but only the products we sell,” he explained. “There is a cost to providing that level of service, and we can only do it if we sell you that product as well.” Koons has seven full-time people now working at his home center, and he prides himself on having personal service, and good, qualified sales associates

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JOSHUA SMITH/PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

The skeletons of an allosaurus, left, and an American mastodon are part of the collection at the Joseph Moore Museum on the Earlham College campus.

Richmond museums serve future with focus on past By Mike Emery

JOSHUA SMITH/PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

Wayne County Historical Museum founder Julia Meek Gaar bought the museum’s mummy in Cairo, Egypt.

PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE

The Wayne County Historical Museum is telling stories of area residents. This World War II display was part of the 2014 project.

mwemery@pal-item.com

hen a museum displays an Egyptian mummy or giant beaver skeleton, visitors observe pieces of life from the past. That’s the most visible role of Richmond’s museums, too, but Jim Harlan, executive director at the Wayne County Historical Museum, said there’s more to museums than just history. “We have all three areas: the past, the present and the future,” Harlan said. “A museum Jim Harlan can remind you of what you have been or a museum can remind you of what you can be again.” To that end, Harlan has begun recording the stories of area residents, picking a different topic each year. He began two years ago with NATCO workers, moved to World War II veterans last year and featured Korean and Vietnam War veterans this year. Next year’s project will focus on Wayne Works workers. “Those stories need to be told before they’re gone,” Harlan said. The Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History at Earlham College displays history from the Ordovician period more than 400 million years ago, but staff members also collect samples from the present to inform our choices and raise awareness of impacts on the future. “If we don’t collect specimens now, we’ll lose the record of this time and place,” said museum director Heather Lerner, whose staff collects as many specimens of as many Whitewater V alley species as possible each year. With that record, changes in species pass without notice. In fact, entire species can disappear. The museum displays passenger pigeons, which once were plentiful then became extinct in 1914, Lerner said. “It was the first time people realized people have an impact on the environment,” Lerner said. “A species that was that common and in a few generations we make extinct, so people began to wonder what we are doing to things that are rare.” The museum is working with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to digitize information about all of its specimens, so researchers can access the information quickly online. While specimen records attract researchers, impressive displays draw visitors from close and far to the museums. Each features an Egyptian mummy, the only two mummies in Indiana. Harlan said the Indianapolis Children’ s Museum now displays a fiberglass reproduction. Harlan said the mummy – bought by museum founder Julia Meek Gaar in 1929 – remains the historical museum’ s most popular draw. Antique cars, textiles, farm equipment, historic village, Main Street display and W ayne County timeline also pique visitors’ interest. “This is absolutely the jewel of the county,” Harlan said. “You can take a family or group and everyone always, always finds something of interest.” The Joseph Moore Museum acquired its

Some local museums » Wayne County Historical Museum, 1150 N. A St., (765) 962-5756, www.waynecountyhistoricalmuseum.org/ Features: Egyptian mummy, period clothing, furniture, portraiture, log cabins, Conestoga wagon, blacksmith shop, print shop, baker, Richmond-made automobiles, steam-powered tractors and Davis airplane. » Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History, 801 National Road W., (765) 983-1303, www.earlham.edu/joseph-moore-museum/ Features: Giant beaver skeleton, mastodon skeleton, Egyptian mummy, live snakes, Ralph Teetor Planetarium. » Model T Museum, 309 N. Eighth St., (765) 4880026, www.mtfca.com/clubpages/museum.htm/ Features: The Model T Ford Club of American’s museum exhibits a variety of Model T vehicles, including a fire truck, farm truck and dump truck, plus Model T-era memorabilia and a Model T-powered airplane. » Richmond Art Museum, 350 Hub Etchison Parkway, (765) 966-0256, www.richmondartmuseum.org/ Features: Permanent collection of American Impressionists, Taos School, the Hoosier Group, the Richmond School and other regional artists, plus the Overbeck Sisters and Bethel Pike potters. » Indiana University East’s The Gallery and Meijer Artway, Whitewater Hall, 2325 Chester Blvd., (765) 973-8605, www.iue.edu/gallery. » Starr-Gennett Walk of Fame, South First Street just east of the Main Street Bridge, (765) 962-2860. Features: Medallions embedded in the sidewalk at the former site of the Starr Piano Company honoring artists such as Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Jelly Roll Morton, Hoagy Carmichael and Gene Autry. » Gaar House and Farm Museum, 2593 Pleasant View Road, (765) 966-1262, www.waynet.org/nonprofit/gaar_mansion.htm/ Features: In 1876, Agnes and Abram Gaar built an elegant Victorian mansion, which is open for tours the first and third Sundays in June, July and August and the first three Sundays in December. » Indiana Football Hall of Fame, 815 N. A St., (765) 966-2235, http://indiana-football.org/ Features: Exhibits feature the state’s high school, college and professional football players from the early 1920s to the present.

mummy and its giant beaver skeleton in 1889. The mummy, Ta’an, was purchased by thenEarlham President J.J. Mills, while the giant beaver skull was brought to Earlham for Joseph Moore to identify, Lerner said. Moore was taken back to where the skull had been unearthed and seven-eighths of the giant beaver skeleton was recovered, making it the most complete giant beaver skeleton in the world, Lerner said. A mastodon skeleton and a planetarium that offers personalized shows are also museum highlights, Lerner said, as well as Ordovicianera fossils from when the Whitewater V alley was a shallow sea. Richmond’s museum offerings stretch far beyond mummies and skeletons, however. Residents and visitors also enjoy the rich opportunities of the Richmond Art Museum, Model T Museum, Indiana Football Hall of Fame and the Starr-Gennett Walk of Fame. “We are really, really lucky,” Lerner said. “The special thing about our museums is they have long histories here and people have valued them for a long time.”

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Sunday, April 26, 2015 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Page 5B

Wayne Bank and Trust Co Tradition. Community Pride. Innovation. Service. By Ron Greeson

ayne Bank and Trust is a family owned community bank that began in Cambridge City on Wayne County’s western edge.

But through the years, this institution has grown in the city of Richmond, and seeks more growth with ever deeper community involvement and an increased customer base. Recently, several members of Wayne Bank’s leadership team spoke of the bank’s new and old strengths and hopes for 2015 and beyond. Mark Soukup is the Wayne Bank President and Chief Executive Officer and expressed clearly the bank’s hope for its involvement in the city of Richmond at this point in company history. “We (the leadership team) feel like we are the biggest secret in Richmond, even though we have done business here for 35 years,” Soukup said of the institution’s approach to growth in this market. Originating in Cambridge City, Wayne Bank was actually the first bank in the county, with operations beginning in 1882. The first step into Richmond for Wayne Bank came with the Gateway Shopping Center branch in 1981. Two years later, the Waytru Plaza branch in downtown Richmond was opened, and the awareness of the bank within the city of Richmond has been increasing ever since. There are two key elements to the greater awareness of Wayne Bank in Richmond, with one being the bank’s ever-increasing role in promoting non-profit, community events and organizations, and the second, the recent spike in new and cutting-edge technology tied to the bank’s products and services. “We are very proud of being a family owned, community bank,” said Soukup recently. “The reality that all loan decisions, and all of our customer interactions with our bank are handled by people right here, not in another city, is very important, I think.” Wayne Bank supports numerous community organizations such as the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, Golay Community Center in Cambridge City, Indiana University East, Cope Environmental Center, Relay for Life, the Old Fashioned Christmas Festival in Richmond’s Historic Depot District, and the

Economic Develoment Corporation of Wayne County, among many others. “Not only do we give substantial financial support to groups and causes, but our employees are very active in many groups,” said Norene Groth, the bank’s Marketing Director.

CAMBRIDGE CITY

Recently, Bill Barker of Williamsburg, Virginia, who portrays Thomas Jefferson, was brought to the area by Wayne Bank and the Remnant Trust, a collection of rare books and documents, materials that were written with themes that are the basis for modern society. Those documents were on display at the bank for a period of time, then displayed in multiple local libraries. Both of these special events are an early start to the celebration of Indiana’s bicentennial year of 2016.

WAYTRU PLAZA

Along with history, Wayne Bank promotes new products and services designed to enhance the banking experience for its customers. There is the Mo-Go Mortgage on the Go Application, a Virtual Bank for Wayne customers, in which applicants for mortgage loans can apply anywhere, anytime, on any device, and receive credit decisions on the spot, as per Fannie Mae credit guidelines. “The whole process is done online, and is part of our upgraded technology options, our e-services, which trims time for our staff, and most importantly, makes it much easier for our customers to do business with us,” said Michael Gaddis, Chief Operating Officer. Plans are for all consumer and car loans to also be available like the Mo-Go product soon. And there is another new wrinkle to the bank’s marketing efforts. Wayne Bank has a Selfie Pix Booth that is portable and mobile, and is brought and set up at community events, and allows people to take selfies, post the pictures and send them to friends, family, and others, by all forms of social media. All members of the bank leadership team report great enthusiasm for the booth, which has been available at many not-for-profit group events. It introduces the bank to many new potential customers, and raises the enjoyment level for many people at the events.

GATEWAY Last year, Wayne Bank brought Athena International Award for Women in Leadership to this area, staging a dinner in conjunction with Indiana University East at Forest Hills Country Club. A local person received a top award that night, and monies raised at the event went to two nonprofit groups that provide leadership development opportunities for women. This year’s second annual dinner event is June 23 at Forest Hills Country Club. Tradition. Community Pride. Innovation. Service. All are qualities that Wayne Bank and Trust strive to demonstrate in their business dealings on a daily basis, and in the bank’s outreach to its customers and all people in Richmond and throughout Wayne County.

www.WayneBankOnline.com

6B Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 26, 2015

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“Where caring people make the difference!” ASCSeniorCare.com PI-0000176612

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Sunday, April 26, 2015 ■ Palladium-Item ■ Page 7B

Civic Hall Performing Arts Center Nationally Touring Acts, School Shows Fill Season By Ron Greeson here is solid, and there has never been a question about that. The structure for supporting Civic Hall was already here when I arrived, and it is still here today. The Civic Hall Associates group still exists and meets monthly, and the Richmond Art Museum (RAM) is a long and well-established entity here at the high school. It is wonderful to continue to see the support for the programming and educational activities with the arts.”

Each year, the Proudly Presenting Series offers a series of five shows of widely known national performers who come to Civic Hall. One condition of the contracts Thorne negotiates with performers is they will meet with students from RCS or other area school systems, or the community at large. A question-and-answer session is usually organized and Thorne said students ask good questions of the performers.

effrey Thorne had a lot of experience in his field before he came to Richmond to serve as facilities director for Civic Hall Performing Arts Center.

After nearly 30 years of working in a similar position in Marion, Indiana, Thorne started work here on Valentine’s Day in 2006. He is still satisfied with his job in Richmond. Once a high school gymnasium, the building was transformed under the leadership of Civic Hall Associates, Richmond Community Schools and the support of the community. It is now a modern performing arts facility on the very same ground.

“The time to spend with students is a required part of an appearance in this facility, and most acts are happy and excited to do that,” Thorne said.

This civic landmark now hosts around 150 rehearsals and programs a year, according to Thorne, and his office estimates that more than 40,000 people a year come through its large glass doors for public and private community events.

The upcoming 201516 season is again a varied group of acts, as chronologically, it is a Broadway revue in October, a brass concert in November, with a swing music Christmas show in December. A quartet of men who performed in Broadway’s “Jersey Boys” will sing Motown, doo-wop and rock hits in March 2016, followed by country singer “Jo Dee Messina” in May 2016 to end another special year of entertainment for the entire community.

The center’s director is continually amazed by the width and depth of the support his facility receives from all segments of the community. “Our center is very well-supported, and way back when I learned of the open position here in Richmond, I thought it was a great situation,” Thorne said of his decision to come to Richmond. “Literally and figuratively, the stage was set for long-standing success in directing activities at this center, what with the support of the Richmond Community Schools, the school board, and the community at large,” Thorne said in looking back at his time in Richmond.

It is not just public concerts that take place at Civic Hall these days, but some

“Often, the first thing school systems want to cut when budgetary issues come up are the arts programs, but not here in Richmond. The support

private events staged by community performing groups and some productions of Seton Catholic Schools. Private business events also may be staged when the facility is rented for use. Thorne is particularly excited about a few other upcoming events for students and the community at large. This fall, a children’s musical show based on the character “Curious George” is scheduled to be staged by TheatreWorks USA in November. All area schools and homeschool families are invited to bring their students for a field trip. In addition, the “Dallas Brass” will return to Civic Hall with singer Bryan Anthony, and the Richmond High School band will be joining the group in the performance. Then there is “Another Round”, an a cappella group composed of 12 Indiana University students that will sing in Civic Hall as a fundraiser for Senior Opportunities Services. Thorne said the “Curious George” performance will be in October and the performance with “Another Round” is scheduled for November. With the new QLab software, a new projection system for the stage that blends the images of three projectors for backgrounds, the Civic Hall Performing Arts Center retains its position as not only a unique and esteemed local landmark, but also as a regional center that stands out among cities of Richmond’s size. It marks this area as a special site for touring performers who seek venues such as Civic Hall for performances, and enriches cultural experiences for kids and adults.

Civic Hall Performing Arts Center Richmond Community Schools and Civic Hall Associates Proudly Presenting Series

2015-2016

Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway

NEIL BERG’S 100 YEARS OF BROADWAY recreates the greatest moments from the fi nest shows of the century featuring the actual stars of shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, CATS, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Jekyll & Hyde. These amazing performers light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred. Neil Berg presents brilliantly revived arrangements of Broadway classics as well as thrilling numbers from Broadway’s newest hit shows. Don’t miss this great evening of Broadway music at Civic Hall.

100 Years of Broadway

Under The Streetlamp

Welcome to UNDER THE STREETLAMP... America’s hottest new vocal group. UNDER THE STREETLAMP delivers an electrifying evening of classic hits from the American Radio Songbook, bringing their unique blend of tight harmonies and slick dance moves to your favorite DooWop, Motown, and old time Rock ‘n’ Roll hits. UNDER THE STREETLAMP is composed of recent leading cast members of the Tony Award-winning sensation Jersey Boys, proving that retro never sounded so now.

Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 7:30pm

Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 7:30pm

Adults $32 / Students $24

Dallas Brass

With its title ME chosen by fans, Jo Dee’s newest album - released March 18, 2014 marks her most personal album to date. Jo Dee wrote, or co-wrote, many of the songs on the album and will release ME on her own newly established label, Dreambound Records. For the fi rst time in her career,Jo Dee is able to boldly do things her own way and pave her own path to success. Although this album is a fresh start for Jo Dee, she is no stranger to the entertainment world. Debuting in 1996 with the hit single “Heads Carolina, Tales California”, she has charted 9 number one singles, 16 Top 40 singles, and sold more than 5 million records worldwide. At this point in her life, Jo Dee isn’t afraid. She’s a woman, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend and an incredibly gifted vocalist and all that awaits her.

Adults $28 / Students $20

Founded in Dallas, TX in 1983 by Michael Levine, the DALLAS BRASS has become one of America’s foremost musical ensembles. The group has established a unique blend of traditional brass instruments with a full complement of drums and percussion, which creates a performing entity of extraordinary range and musical challenges. The Dallas Brass repertoire includes classical masterpieces, Dixieland, swing, Broadway, Hollywood, and patriotic music. The Dallas Brass has strong dedication to working with young musicians. They recently published two books of original small ensemble music for middle school and high school students on up, called Bass Grooves and frequently go into schools to present clinics for band students. Inviting students to join them in concert for a selection has become a Dallas Brass trademark. Don’t miss the return engagement of Dallas Brass, featuring vocalist BRYAN ANTHONY, for a wonderful evening of music.

Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 7:30pm Adults $28 / Students $20

Swing’n The Holidays featuring The Jive Aces with special guests The Satin Dolls

Having become the fi rst band ever to reach the semifi nals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2012 following up with a performance for Her Majesty The Queen, THE JIVE ACES have truly established themselves as the UK’s top Jive & Swing band. Together for over a decade, this extremely popular six piece group has performed at thousands of festivals, theatres and events in over 30 countries. THE JIVE ACES are renowned for their high energy Jump Jive music and spectacular stage show. They combine a mixture of fresh arrangements of Swing/Jive/R&B classics with a selection of superb swinging originals taken from their studio albums. With their high energy music, bright stage suits, wild stage show, irresistible humor and sheer professionalism, THE JIVE ACES will quickly get any audience on their feet - or dancing in their seat! Each and every show is guaranteed to go with a swing!

Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 7:30pm Adults $28 / Students $20

Jo Dee Messina

Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 7:30pm Adults $32 / Students $24

Curious George

Thursday, October 29, 2015 K to 4th Grade

Additional Children’s Program to Come! All events, dates and times are subject to change.

Order your tickets today! 765-973-3350 www.civichall.com

Civic Hall Performing Arts Center 380 Hub Etchison Parkway Richmond, Indiana 47374

These presentations are supported by the Arts Midwest Touring Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Indiana Arts Commission and General Mills Foundation. These attractions are also made possible, in part, with support from the Community Foundation of Randolph County, the Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. Further funding has been provided through the generosity of our Sponsors: Richmond Community Schools, KICKS 96 (WQLK-FM and WHON-AM), Indiana Public Radio, Whitewater Broadcasting (1490 WKBV and G101-3 radio). Co-sponsors include: First Bank Richmond, Wayne County Foundation, Earlham College, U.S. Bank, Palladium-Item, Wayne Bank and Trust Co., Dr. William H. Toedebusch, Dr. J. Michael and Nancy Perez and Family, Reid Hospital and Health Care Services, The Stamm Koechlein Family Foundation and West End Bank, S. B. 3,

8B Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 26, 2015

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MILLICENT MARTIN EMERY / PALLADIUM-ITEM

Kathryn Cruz-Uribe speaks with community leaders, including Garry Kleer, First Bank Richmond’s president and CEO, during a reception after her installation as chancellor of IU East in the rehabiltated depot that anchors the Historic Depot District.

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Jazlyn Short, 7, left, shows her sister Tariana McCombs, 3, how to do a jumping dance at the Depot District Oktoberfest in 2014. Having the Oktoberfest is one of the ways Historic Depot District businesses are luring customers into the area.

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Little Sheba’s, which offers inside and patio dining at 175 Fort Wayne Ave., has been a staple in the Historic Depot District for 25 years.

JOSHUA SMITH

The restored Depot Building on N.orth E Street in Richmond.

JOSHUA SMITH / PALLADIUM-ITEM FILE JOSHUA SMITH

Classic cars line North E Street in the Depot District during the Vintage Wheels Car Club Summer Show .

Santa's tallest elf, Ryan Stephens, juggles inside the Richmond Furniture Gallery during the Christmas festival. The festival draws visitors from around the area to the district for shopping, dining and family-friendly activities.

JOSHUA SMITH/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Visitors walk along Fort Wayne Avenue in the Depot District for the 2014 Christmas festival. Horse-drawn carriage rides and live reindeer helped draw crowds.

JOSHUA SMITH/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Shoppers browse vendors’ displays during Oktoberfest in Richmond’s Historic Depot District in 2012.

LOUISE RONALD/PALLADIUM-ITEM

Richmond High School cheerleaders Tahmea Kennedy, left, and Samantha Hazelbaker prepare to do face painting at the 2014 Oktoberfest in Richmond’s Historic Depot District.

Depot District merchants have ‘made their own luck’ Poor reputation has been repaired to welcome visitors

By Rachel E. Sheeley rsheeley@pal-item.com

t’s become the go-to place for locals to take guests, for college students to relax and for out-oftowners to spend a few hours browsing and dining. Richmond’s Historic Depot District is thriving. The area is one of the oldest business districts in the city and it was once a bustling hub where visitors to the city of Richmond stepped off the train and were welcomed. Then passenger trains quit stopping, the interstate bypassed the city and the neighborhood fell into disarray, developing a murky reputation. Roger Richert remembers it as a place his parents told him to avoid while growing up. “We weren’t allowed to go there,” he said. “You wouldn’t walk there. Now, it’s the best part of town.” It has been an evolution anchored by a persistent people. In 1990, John and Sharon Kurtz purchased what had been a deli on Fort Wayne Avenue and developed Little Sheba’s restaurant. They expanded the business from one building into two. In 2002, Steve Terzini purchased the restaurant and has expanded it further, into four buildings and adding outdoor seating in 2013. At the other end of the neighborhood, Rick Parker also saw potential,

purchasing a former warehouse to use for his hardware business. He reclaimed the upper floor for the 4th Floor Blues Club, a rental hall that has hosted receptions, reunions, special events and the InCONCERT series, benefiting participating non-profits. Parker developed Mama Mitrione’s restaurant and continues to adapt his business to customers’ needs. Richert had been away from Richmond for a while, nurturing his chain of furniture stores. One day he and his wife took a drive along North E Street and Fort Wayne Avenue. He realized something was happening in that area. Six months later, Richert bought one of the neighborhood’s eyesores, the former Jones Hardware building that had stood empty for 33 years. “It was a leap of faith. Three bankers told me I was crazy,” Richert recalls. On the day they purchased the building, Richert and his wife, Theresa, ate dinner at Little Sheba’s. It was packed. “I thought, ‘If Steve can get them over here, surely we can get them to walk across the street,’” Richert said. It was a long process to rejuvenate the empty building into the Richmond Furniture Gallery. When it was done, Richert and other business owners in the neighborhood began working together to bring people back again and again. The first Christmas festival was amazing to Richert. “I had to go out and take a picture,” he said. “I’d never seen a family walk down North E Street.”

Tom Broyles, owner of Firehouse BBQ and Blues, is another visionary in the neighborhood. “I’ve always thought you use what you have and Richmond has a lot of history. Certainly, it’s the oldest existing firehouse,” he said. “I could see what it could be. Sometimes, you have to put on a couple different sets of glasses to figure that out. “These kinds of places are what make cities,” Broyles said. “This was built in 1860. When people come in, they can kind of feel that, that history, that nostalgia. It’s hard to replicate that. That’s what Richmond can do.” Broyles, who also is a Richmond firefighter, said making a go of the restaurant was a long process, involving two years of renovations. The daily grind of the restaurant business is challenging as well. “It’s not easy,” he said. “Nobody guarantees you anything. You have an idea and you’ve got to go for it.” The Historic Depot District association of business owners has done a good job of finding ways to promote the area and bring people to the streets, especially through festivals and special events. Social media has been a real asset, as well. “You have to make your own luck sometimes,” Broyles said. “You just can’t sit around and hope that things happen.” The relocation of the Model T Museum to the area has been a godsend, he said, and the parking lot that came with it is a blessing. “I’ve never not gone someplace that I wanted to go because of parking

(but) it’s been great,” Broyles said. “It still amazes me on a Saturday night and there’s people here from all over the place. As long as they keep coming, we’ll keep doing it.” Others with vision have joined the neighborhood. There are antique stores, bookstores, coffee shops, breweries and specialty shops. “Everybody has got to work together to make it happen,” Broyles said. “We try to do things that other places don’t do. Try to be who we are. We just want to keep making the neighborhood stronger.” Richert did his part to strengthen the neighborhood, by taking another leap in buying and restoring the area’s namesake, the train depot. “You can’t have a Depot District without a depot,” he said. “If they had torn it down, none of this would’ve happened.” Looking back, Richert said he was among those guilty of not seeing the potential. When community leaders held on to the aging and empty depot, he thought it should be torn down. Fortunately, his mind was changed. Since then, the depot has played host to the inauguration of Indiana University East Chancellor Kathryn CruzUribe, who chose the location because it was a perfect example of community history and dedication to rejuvenation. Although the refurbished depot remains empty of tenants today, Richert has high hopes for the future. “We’re just getting started,” Richert said. “It’s been something we’ve been proud to make happen.”

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Sunday, April 26, 2015 â&#x2013; Palladium-Item â&#x2013; Page 9B

InCONCERT Businesses, Non-Profits Team To Bring Entertainers By Ron Greeson Any non-profit group that gathers $1,000 in sponsorships becomes a part of the program, and shares in the pool of the money accumulated by the sale of tickets for the entertainment.

In challenging economic times, have you wondered how not-for-profit agencies raise money for their vital services to area residents? One key method locally is through another nonprofit group, one that has a singular focus -- raising money for other not-for-profit groups that affect tens of thousands of people throughout the Whitewater Valley.

The shows are presented monthly at the 4th Floor Blues Club in Richmondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Historic Depot District, which donates use of the hall for the special events.

A leader of these efforts is a group named InCONCERT, a group dedicated to just that task since 2006. The current president of the group is Brett Roland, owner of Whitewater Construction. For the past four years, he has served this fundraising group for 10 local groups, a list that includes Richmond Lions Club, Townsend Community Center, Richmond Kiwanis, the Hub Etchison League, Boys and Girls Clubs of Richmond, HELP the Animals, Senior Opportunities Services, Richmond Music Boosters, Richmond Family YMCA and Sunrise Inc.

Sponsors pay for the entertainment, tickets are sold to the community by the member not-for-profits. and money that is raised by ticket sales by the non-profits themselves stays with that group.

and more people, and groups, will become involved.â&#x20AC;?

Tickets range in price for each event and may be purchased online at www.InConcertRichmond.com or at five local businesses: Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza, Jake & Eddieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Signs & Shirts, Jiffy Lube, Little Shebaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and the Wayne County Convention & Tourism Bureau.

Roland is serving his second two-year term as president of InCONCERT, and has been involved for six or seven years in total. He estimates that about 60 sponsors, corporate and individual, are now supporting the program.

In April, there was a concert and a new event, Puttinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; on the Glitz dinner-dance (formerly the American Red Cross Fire & Ice Prom).

Some of the events include dinner with the show in the ticket price, while others provide dinner that must be paid for at the show. Many groups and sponsors have tables reserved for the shows, or ticket buyers may attend on their own.

The dinner auction event was then followed by a Howard & the White Boys Blues Night, a returning show presented by the group.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;InCONCERT is a fundraising event coordinator to facilitate raising money for not-for-profit groups,â&#x20AC;? Roland explains.

The next event will be the Jeffery Jay Smith Hypnotist Show on May 15.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This program is a win-win for everybody in the community,â&#x20AC;? Roland said of the entertainment program that results in money for all of the not-forprofi t groups.

Then, the group will move its next event outdoors to the parking lot beside Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pizza in the Depot District. On Friday, July 3, the Blast at the Overpass will feature the Laurie Morvan Band, Jay Jesse Johnson, and the local Crossroads Band.

It works this way: The not-for profit groups solicit sponsors, who donate money for a pool that pays for the entertainment brought to Richmond to stage the shows.

Later in the year, there will be a Casino Night on Sept. 25 back at the Blues Club, then Fright Night in the Depot Halloween Party on Oct. 23-25, and a Comedy Night on Nov. 11. The year ends with the annual New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve Party on Dec. 31. The headline sponsor for 2015 is Automated Controls & Electric Supply, and other major sponsors are the Richmond Baking Company, First Bank, Better Home & Gardens First Realty Group, Hoppe Jewelers and Caregan Transport.

Roland said more than $40,000 was raised in 2014. The InCONCERT board has five members, plus a member from each of the non-profits that are part of the organization. This group puts together the list of possible entertainers, and then makes decisions on the funds used to bring in the entertainment, choosing the acts and dispersing the money, with the leftover funds shared with the member non-profits. The board is now considering some major older bands for an August show, but the band and date is yet to be finalized. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope that this show will be the biggest name yet that the general public might remember and identify with,â&#x20AC;? Roland said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope that we can finalize this soon.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We encourage other not-for-profits to become involved, local groups or groups from the area around Richmond,â&#x20AC;? Roland said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With this program, we can bring in entertainment from Indianapolis, Chicago, Cincinnati and beyond, that would not perform in Richmond otherwise, so we hope more

2015 SCHEDULE 05/15 - Jeffery Jay Smith Hypnotist Show 07/03 - Blast at the Overpass featuring the Laurie Morvan Band, Jay Jesse Johnson and Crossroads 09/25 - Casino Night 10/23, 10/24, 10/25 - Fright Night in the Depot Halloween Party 11/11 - Comedy Night 12/31 - New Year's Eve Party

2015 PARTICIPATING NON-PROFITS: Boys and Girls Club of Wayne County Hub League Richmond Music Boosters

Sunrise Townsend Center YMCA Richmond Lions Club

Senior Opportunities Services (SOS, Inc) Kiwanis Club Help the Animals

AUTOMATED CONTROLS & ELECTRICAL SUPPLY LLC INCONCERT SEASON 8 SPONSORS: )LUVW %DQN 5LFKPRQG %HWWHU +RPHV *DUGHQV 5HDO (VWDWH )LUVW 5HDOW\ *URXS 5LFKPRQG %DNLQJ +RSSH -HZHOHUV &DUHJDQ 7UDQVSRUW Reid Hospital & Health Care Svs, Carter Lumber, Smarrelliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s General Contractor, Whitewater Construction, Saver Systems, Lingle Real Estate, Allen Painting, West End Bank, Richmond Baking Company, Wetzel Family Auto Cruise, Judy & Mark Harris, Harrington Hoch, Debbie Rudd, Dudley Fetzer, Jiffy Lube of Richmond, Doan and Mills Funeral Home, Aire Serve, Quaker City Self Storage, Wayne County Dental Associates, Reynolds Plumbing, Hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pet Nutrition, NATCO Credit Union, Aire Serv, All Pest Exterminating, M. Nanette Elmore, Richmond Furniture Gallery, Beach Automotive, JM Hutton, Reeves Manufacturing, Carroll Electric, Lemonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Florist. Personal Touch Cleaning, Idris & Ron Smith, Pat & Howard Crist, Deloris & David Rohrer, Wayne Karanovich, Richmond Furniture Gallery, Dr. and Mrs Hendricks, Maze Designs, RMD Patti Insurance, Primex Plastics, Brady Ware, Transilwrap, Cummins Electric Mike Miller State Farm Insurance, Dick Lehman, Dairy Queen. Jake & Eddieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Signs & Shirts, Prolawn, Rinehartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lawncare & Landscaping, 101.7 The Point/Kicks 96, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Express Impressions, State Line Medical, Saver Systems, Janice & Morrie Edelman, Holland Colours, Barry Johnston, Little Shebaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Lemonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Florist and the Palladium Item Media Group.

Visit InConcertRichmond.com for details and tickets 3,

Page 10B ■ Palladium-Item ■ Sunday, April 26, 2015

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Ambassador Healthcare New Beginning, Same Compassionate Care By Ron Greeson Healthcare has certainly done that. In addition to their annual Easter Egg Hunt and their everpopular Halloween Party for area children, Ambassador also participates in providing school supplies for underprivileged students at area schools, celebrating and honoring military veterans, serving holiday meals to many elderly who may not otherwise have a nice meal, and participating in area Walk to End Alzheimer’s and other local events and charities. Regarding Ambassador Healthcare’s commitment to Compassionate Care, Cook states “We have a unique opportunity in this area truly to serve all seniors without regard to net worth. We are not a big corporation. We have the ability to do things bigger corporations can’t do.” One of the things Cook cites is the fact that Ambassador Healthcare offers 64 private rooms on a first-come, firstserved basis to private pay residents, Medicare residents AND Medicaid residents.

rogress 2015 and Community Pride perfectly describe the current environment at Ambassador Healthcare! Located on East Main Street in Centerville, Indiana, Ambassador Healthcare continues moving forward in new and exciting ways with the hiring of new Administrator, Shirley Arnold.

married to Mark for almost 37 years, and together they have three children and seven grandchildren. Also, she and Mark are members of the Faith Baptist Church in Maxwell, Indiana. Her ability to lead, her commitment to senior adults and her four decades of nursing make her a perfect fit!”

“We could not have been more excited with the hiring of Shirley Arnold as our new Administrator late last year,” states Ambassador Healthcare co-owner, Tim Sadler. “She brings 40 years of nursing experience and 35 years of long term care experience. She is a wealth of knowledge and has a true passion for serving the medical needs of senior adults.” Sadler went on to explain that her unparalleled experience as a registered nurse was only part of her appeal. “It’s one thing to have 40 years of nursing experience, but what makes Shirley such an important new addition to lead our team is that her experience also comes with an unswerving devotion to Compassionate Care, making her the perfect fit for our facility!”

The last year has been exciting for Ambassador Healthcare’s ventilator unit, as the year saw Ambassador’s team wean their 200th patient off of ventilator dependency since opening in 2011! “The success of our ventilator unit is an incredible story,” Sadler stated. “Patients come to our unit from all over the state because of our reputation of successful weans. Many of our patients come to us having been told they will be on a vent or have a trache for the rest of their lives. Our great respiratory staff, led by Dr. Dana Reihman, M.D., have been able to wean over 200 people in the last four years. We are so proud of that fact.” Sadler went on to explain the feeling of pride seeing a person walk out of the facility only months after being wheeled in on a gurney and hooked up to a ventilator.

Ambassador Healthcare co-owner, Doug Cook added, “We also liked the fact that Shirley is deeply committed to her family and her faith. She’s been

In addition, Cook asserts that Ambassador goes out of its way to hire staff who share their mission of being a state-of-the-art facility where compassion truly does guide all they do. “Whether you’re in our rehab unit recovering from a broken hip, or memory care unit or our long-term care unit, you can rest assured the person serving you cares about you and your well-being.” “The future has never been brighter for Ambassador Healthcare! We are excited about what we have done, and we are thrilled about what’s on the horizon!” Sadler stated. Anyone who would like more information regarding Ambassador Healthcare, or who would like to set up a tour, can call 765-855-3424 or visit www. AmbassadorHealthcare.com.

Both Cook and Sadler spoke of the importance of giving back to the community, and Ambassador

“When compassionate care matters” Over 200 residents weaned from the ventilator since February, 2011 Respiratory Therapy Staffed 24/7 Newest Wing with 15 Private Rooms 64 Private Rooms available to Private Pay, Medicare AND Medicaid residents RN Staffed 24/7

Emmy Award winning actor, Richard Thomas, cuts the ribbon at New Wing Grand Opening on April 11, 2013. Owners Doug Cook (left) and Tim Sadler (right) look on.

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Page 12B â&#x2013; Palladium-Item â&#x2013; Sunday, April 26, 2015

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Stone Plans Created By Nature...Crafted By Us... By Ron Greeson Stone Plans has its own sandblasting and laser etching services right in our Richmond Plant, along with owning their own granite mines. The entire process from raw granite, stone design, computer layout to the finished product gives us the advantage of controlling the end product. We offer a lifetime warranty on our memorials. This fact enables us to guarantee our work and give our customers a level of confidence that we can execute what they want in the most reliable way. Naturally, the choices that are being made can involve a wide variance in terms of cost, but Byers relates that in all his years in this business, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have never had a family say after choosing a stone that they wished they had chosen something smaller or less expensive. When there are second thoughts, it is that they wished they would have done something nicer,â&#x20AC;? she relates.

ICHMOND, Ind. - For regional manager Shay Byers it is work that is very rewarding. Byers says that taking an idea that the customer has and making it into a unique stone to memorialize their loved one is much more than a job. Byers states â&#x20AC;&#x153;I enjoy working with the families on such an important purchase.â&#x20AC;? The purpose of a monument is to memorialize the life of your loved one and what represented their days on earth. Did dad love to fish and play golf? Was mom the one to sew and attend church? We can represent their passion in life on their monument for future generations to see. With the technology today we are only limited by our imagination. The memorial will be there for generations to come and what better way to represent the life they lived than to have it etched in stone. Increasingly, she reports, people are choosing different colors and shapes for stones, more and more specialized messages - a story of a life lived on stone. Byers said â&#x20AC;&#x153;recently we have done stones with sports, cars, tractors, musical notes, and one of her favorites, an African Safari scene with giraffe, lions and tigers for a couple who had spent most of their

lives as Missionaries in that part of the country. With the technology we have today - if you can imagine it, we can make it. Pre-Need Planning can actually be an enlightening experience as well as peace of mind knowing that they are not leaving such an emotional purchase to their loved ones. Whether it is for a single person or a couple, pre-planning is highly recommended and is being done more today than ever before. Purchasing a memorial is usually the last and final purchase for your loved ones and it can be overwhelming in terms of emotions. Give your loved ones peace of mind and start pre-planning today. We will gladly assist with a no-obligation layout to assist you with the first steps for pre-planning.

Color Porcelains photos are another increasingly chosen alternative for stones. Stone Plans does more than just cemetery memorials. We have done War Memorials, Statues, Mausoleums and Cremation Columbariums - If it involves the monument industry of granite or bronze, we can assist you with your needs. Stone Plans at the Richmond location has over 500 stones on display. However, our satellite stores have the most common sizes, colors, and access to photos of our complete display. Call for store hours or to set an appointment with a memorial specialist. To know more about Stone Plans, visit their website at www.stoneplans.com

With more and more individuals turning to cremation it leaves a void for loved ones. The loved ones are left with no place to visit to honor the birthday, anniversary and holidays of their loved ones. We offer cremation memorials in many styles to include benches, urns, monuments, and more. There are times when one partner is going to be cremated when the other chooses traditional burial. We can design a memorial for two on a single burial plot.

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By Ron Greeson

or Terry Jenkins, it was an obvious decision. Even if it wasn’t the one he might have planned for earlier in his life.

The current owner of Jenkins Real Estate was living in Cincinnati, working in the trucking business, when his father, Claude Jenkins, expressed interest in selling his company when he reached age 65. So, Terry came home to Richmond in 1985. Some 30 years later, he is glad he did. “I had wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I had an interest in keeping the family business going, so I came back to Richmond. It was a conscious decision to do that,” Terry said recently from his west side business. “I am very glad I did.” Now he runs the business he bought from his father in 1986, and employs nine other agents in an independently owned and run real estate company. Jenkins Real Estate is one of the few such companies that now exist here, in a time where franchising is very common in the real estate business. Terry had minored in real estate in college, and had his license, but didn’t necessarily plan to go into the business, even his family’s own business. But that is the decision he made, and he is glad he did. “While there are a lot of kids who come from here and decide to go away, like to Indianapolis as my kids did, there are some people who come back, particularly when nearing retirement,” Jenkins commented. “I did, and recently, one of my high school classmates called and is moving back here from Columbus, Ohio, to be near family. There are people who come back here to retire.”

changes in ownership in local real estate companies took place. “I find the business very rewarding. I enjoy the process of helping people get a house, often the home of their dreams, and when interest is up in buying houses, like it is now, there are more listings and homes to sell,” he explained.

He is seeing a resurgence in the local real estate market, a trend he says he first noticed late last year, and continues into 2015. “The market is taking a nice uptick, and I am seeing it across the range of prices in housing, from starter homes to more upscale housing,” Jenkins described. “I think our economy is getting better, and although it is not growing like the Indianapolis area, for instance, things are getting better after weathering the storm of a down economy.” Jenkins and his company made it through what he called a down time, but other consolidations and

The history of Jenkins Real Estate, and the overall industry locally, is tied to a double lot his father bought on the west side of Richmond back around 1950, Terry Jenkins said. “My dad bought a double lot, with what became our ( Jenkins Real Estate) office, and where Dairy Queen now is (on the west side),” he related. “Bill Lingle brought Dairy Queen to Richmond, then got into real estate in opening his own company (Lingle Real Estate). Frank Otto once ran Dairy Queen here, then also got into real estate for my dad’s company. Frank then opened his own independent real estate company (Otto Realty).

“So a lot of things have changed over the years. We looked at franchising or combining with other companies ourselves, but we decided it was best for the company, in a market the size of Richmond, to stay independent and local,” Terry Jenkins added. “I think it has been a good decision for me and the company.” He is now nearing retirement himself, but Terry Jenkins doesn’t see an immediate end to his time in operating the business. “I still feel that I am in pretty good health, and enjoy the work,” he explains when asked about the future. “I hope it (the continuing success) continues, but we will see what the future brings.” For the second generation of the Jenkins family in local real estate, the road led away, then back to his hometown of Richmond. A longtime but well-known name in real estate continues to serve the community from a west side Richmond office after more than 60 years.

TERRY ROB CYNTHIA JENKINS JOHNSON IRWIN 962-0523 969-2233 966-3182

CHICO RACHEL DANA COTTON MULLINS WILSON 993-8312 993-3170 977-1697

820 National Road West, Richmond, Indiana

765-962-0523

www.jenkins-homes.com 3,

LARRY BRITTANY GARY GROFF HIGGS SANDIFAR 935-5732 277-9599 993-3615