2015 Everyday Heroes Times-Mail

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3 THURSDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER22, 22,2015 2015||TIMES-MA EVERYDAY HEROES | TIMES-MAIL 4 | THIURSDAY,

Inside This Section...

Lynn Andrews .........................................................................4 Joe Burnette ............................................................................5 Jim Collinsworth ....................................................................6 Joshua Drake .........................................................................22 Jean Evans ............................................................................ 26 PJ Granger ............................................................................. 24

EDITORS NOTE:

Lynn Andre

The Times-Mail Everyday Heroes project started

A ‘go-to guy’ Cross, Milwau

with readers and residents of the community. We asked for nominations of people who selflessly offer time and

Julie Heweston .......................................................................8

talent to serve others and make our communities bet-

Mike Holsaapple.....................................................................9

We received dozens of nominations, listing a total of

BY CAROL JOHNSON 47 people. Those nominations camecjohnson@tmnews.com from friends and

Lee Hutchinson.....................................................................10 Willard Lee Johnson ............................................................15 Doug & Debbie Kellams......................................................27 Darlene Steele McSoley .....................................................12 Gwen Norman...................................................................... 25 Jenny Robbins Purcell .........................................................13 Patty Robertson....................................................................14 Larry & Jane Root .................................................................16 Joe Summers ........................................................................ 17 Mary Jean Swank ..................................................................11 Joyce Teters...........................................................................18 Sarann Weeks .......................................................................19 Mary Jo Williams .................................................................20

ter places.

relatives, neighbors and co-workers.

It’s never good when Lynn Andrew Each one of the nominees was worthy. It was diffimorning. But he knows it’s importan cult to choose those who are featured madeininthis theEveryday middle of the night, some Heroes book. answers that call.

Andrews a volunteer for the Ame But with the help of the nominating letters is and a chapter Disaster Aid Team. He serves a panel of volunteers, we picked 23 — 19 individuals and Martin and Orange) which means he two couples — to highlight in these Times-Mail firepages. or weather event strikes. is a retired forester staff members wrote the articles andAndrews, took mostwho of the Center Crane, joined the Red Cross bo photographs. volunteers so that’s why he joined.

Everyday Heroes, in this community, “It’sdon’t been seek goodthe for me,” he said. “I’ person who’s spotlight. Many were surprised tonot be aselected, and outgoing, and it’s had firestoand such, but the R many hesitated at the word “hero”they’ve being attached disaster volunteers.” their names.

Teena Ligman, who nominated And But it is important that their stories beatold their is also Redand Cross volunteer, said An guy in all things disaster.” accomplishments recognized. We believe their stories He keeps the shelter supplies organ can inspire others. We hope these stories move others are ready for any disaster and “stays to become involved in making ourchanges communities better and keeps the rest of us infor Andrews and another volunteer alte places.

The chapter responds — Mike Lewis to about 40 dis “Ninety percent are house fires, bu Managing Editor couple years ago and some flooding e of bed at 2 a.m. is not something I en from being able to help people. It’s a te with a good feeling.”

4 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

Lynn Andrews A ‘go-to guy’ for Red Cross, Milwaukee Trail

BY CAROL JOHNSON cjohnson@tmnews.com It’s never good when Lynn Andrews’ phone rings at the 2 in the morning. But he knows it’s important that, when a call has to be made in the middle of the night, someone who knows how to help answers that call.

Andrews is a volunteer for the American Red Cross Hoosier Hills chapter Disaster Aid Team. He serves a three-county area (Lawrence, Martin and Orange) which means he has to be ready to go when a fire or weather event strikes.

Andrews, who is a retired forester from Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, joined the Red Cross board in 2010. The DAT needed volunteers so that’s why he joined.

“It’s been good for me,” he said. “I’m surprised I’m doing it. I’m not a person who’s outgoing, and it’s hard to talk to people after they’ve had fires and such, but the Red Cross had a real need for disaster volunteers.”

Teena Ligman, who nominated Andrews for Everyday Heroes and is also a Red Cross volunteer, said Andrews is the chapter’s “go-to guy in all things disaster.”

He keeps the shelter supplies organized so the other volunteers are ready for any disaster and “stays tuned in to the latest policy changes and keeps the rest of us informed,” wrote Ligman.

Andrews and another volunteer alternate being on call for a week.

The chapter responds to about 40 disasters a year.

“Ninety percent are house fires, but we had a tornado in Paoli a couple years ago and some flooding events,” he said. “Getting out of bed at 2 a.m. is not something I enjoy. The satisfaction I get is from being able to help people. It’s a team effort, and you come away with a good feeling.”

Lynn Andrews helped out the Family Forest Fun Day at Murray Forest Park earlier this month. Times-Mail / GARET COBB

Personal: Married to Cathy for 42 years; one son and four grandchildren Career: Retired forester. Worked for the U.S. Navy for 35 years, 32 of those years at Crane.

Hobbies: Doing anything outside.

Philosophy on volunteerism: “I’ve got the time, i think it would be awful if I didn’t do something for the community. If we all do something it would be a lot better community.”

Besides his volunteer work with the Red Cross, Andrews has spent the past two years working on the Milwaukee Trail, a hiking and biking trail in Bedford.

Located just behind his house, Andrews said he saw volunteers working on the trail one day and offered to help.

“I don’t do anything special, just what needs to be done,” he said.

“Erosion problems, cutting brush. It’s something I really enjoy.”

Andrews has also lent his knowledge of forestry to the trail development.

Ligman wrote, “When the idea surfaced to construct an outdoor lab for Parkview Schools, Lynn came to the table and helped plan what would be needed and has helped work the the city of Bedford to put in a connector trail down to the Milwaukee Trail and give advice as a forester.”

With several miles of the trail complete, Andrews is a regular on the trail, walking with his dog Haley.

“I love to be outside, it’s not work to me. I see all the families and young kids on the trail, doing things together and older people out there walking,” he said. “It’s building a healthier community.”

Lawrence County is lucky to have a volunteer such as Andrews.

“Lynn is there for his grandchildren, he’s there for his community … I’ve seen him working with Red Cross clients who have lost everything,” wrote Ligman. “He is always kind and empathetic, offering people hope and helps them put together a plan to move forward.

It’s been an honor to work with Lynn.”

5 THURSDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 22, 22, 2015 2015 || TIMES-MA EVERYDAY HEROES | TIMES-MAIL 4 || THIURSDAY,

Joe Burnette

Lynn Andre

A ‘go-to guy’ Cross, Milwau

WILLIAMS — Joe Burnette, known as “Santa Joe,” at home with his wife, Deliliah, and their dog, Gracie. Since 1991, Santa Joe has provided Christmas presents to children in need throughout Lawrence County. Times-Mail / GARET COBB

‘Santa Joe’ Burnette: ‘This must be my calling’

BY KRYSTAL SHETLER kshetler@tmnews.com WILLIAMS — When Joe Burnette heard a few neighborhood children wouldn’t get a visit from Santa Claus because their father hurt his back and was unable to work, he took it upon himself to gather gifts for the youngsters. When others heard of his work, more names were added to the list.

That was 1991, and he helped eight children receive Christmas gifts that year.

“I had no intention of continuing it,” he said.

But he says God had other plans. Fast-forward 24 years, and he’s taken on the moniker Santa Joe for his work in helping local children in need at Christmas.

“This must be my calling,” he said. “I just looked up at God after that first Christmas and said, ‘I’ll do it if you supply it.’ And he has.

I really feel like the Lord has called me to do this.”

In nominating her husband as an Everyday Hero, Deliliah Burnette said, “I don’t think I have ever seen a person work so hard to help the children. I see him work in a semi trailer in the freezing cold, without heat and electricity, year after year, but that does not stop him. He is dedicated to knowing he did his very best to make sure no child went without a decent Christmas.”

Working strictly from donations, Santa Joe spends the year cleaning up used toys and installing new batteries. As the holiday season approaches, he’ll receive donations of new toys. He tries to give each child at least one new toy. Throughout the year, donors fill his mailbox with trash bags, new batteries and money.

Toy donations for Santa Joe can be dropped off anytime at ResourceMFG, formerly Employment Plus, at 1516 I St., or at Big Daddy’s Tattoo, 2531 29th St. Both new and

BY CAROL JOHNSON gently used toys are accepted as well as various sizes of batteries. cjohnson@tmnews.com 3238 Port Williams Monetary donations, or batteries, can be mailed to: Joe Burnette, Road, Williams, IN 47470, or call (812) 388-5557. (Be reminded Santa Joe works during the day. Leave a message, and he will return your call.) It’s never good when Lynn Andrew morning. But he knows it’s importan made in the middle of the night, som “There’s no way I could do this withoutanswers the donors, nor could that call.

I finance it,” Santa Joe said. “I’ve got to giveAndrews credit toisLawrence a volunteer for the Ame County for having such a donating heart.

We have a generous chapter Disaster Aid Team. He serves a county and that’s a big part of this.”

Martin and Orange) which means he Santa Joe believes it takes a community fire to raise a child. event In 2012, or weather strikes. he helped 232 children, and in 2013, he delivered presents Andrews, whotois388. a retired forester Last year, he helped 170.

Center Crane, joined the Red Cross bo “I’m good with that number going down,” he said. so “The goal is he joined. volunteers that’s why to not to need to help any child, but as long “It’s as there a child beenisgood for in me,” he said. “I need of Christmas, I’m going to make it happen.” not a person who’s outgoing, and it’s But he knows he cannot do it alone. Each winter,had ReGeneration they’ve fires and such, but the R gives him truckloads of toys and even gavedisaster him a U-Haul truck to volunteers.” make his pickups and deliveries. His wife, Deliliah, and aunt, Jean Teena Ligman, who nominated And Steward, also are instrumental in the effort.

Local business is also a Red Cross also volunteer, said An collect toys for him to distribute. guy in all things disaster.”

“It would be very strenuous without that He help,” Santa said, supplies orga keeps theJoe shelter “because I’m in the Santa Shop after workare until I’m ready to disaster drop and “stays ready for any and go to bed. It would limit what I couldchanges do if I didn’t havethe therest of us infor and keeps help I do.”

Andrews and another volunteer alte In the end, for Santa Joe, it’s all about the children.

The chapter responds to about 40 dis “I just hate to see kids do without because“Ninety I love kids,” he are saidhouse fires, bu percent in a 2013 Times-Mail story. “I don’t get to see the kids receive their couple years ago and some flooding presents. The little reward I have on Christmas morning is knowing of bed at 2 a.m. is not something I e I’ve done all I could to make the morningfrom better for the being ablechildren to help people. It’s a te of our community.” with a good feeling.”

6 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

BEDFORD — James Collingsworth smiles for a photo inside his room at Core Nursing & Rehab. A former employee at Green Hill Cemetery, Collingsworth was nominated because he liked to walk around Bedford picking up trash. Times-Mail / SARA KUHL

Jim Collingsworth

James “Jim” Collingsworth worked at Green Hill Cemetery. When he got off work, he didn’t go home to relax. He was known for keeping things clean downtown.

“When I got home, I’d go pick up trash around the street and around the square,” he said. “I wanted to be nice. I just wanted to be a nice guy.”

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‘Just wanted to be a nice guy’

BY SARA KUHL skuhl@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Those who know James “Jim” Collingsworth describes him as “a one-of-a-kind kind of guy.”

That’s what Toni Cox would say to anyone who has never met him. She works as a housekeeper at Core Nursing & Rehab, where Collingsworth has been a resident for the past 14 years.

And if the name doesn’t ring a bell, many area residents would remember him as “the guy who cleaned up the streets of Bedford for many years,” Cox added.

“He does a lot of things for other people,” she said. “He gives other residents his hats just to make them smile. He used to put a rag at the bottom of his cane to sweep the floors when he walked around.”

Another resident of Core Nursing, Rick Roach, agreed.

“He’s always helpful, no matter how down he is,” Roach said. “He likes to feed the birds. ... I give him bread and crackers so he has something to feed the birds.”

Collingsworth is the kind of person who doesn’t think twice about helping others.

“I first met Jim while volunteering at the old Charity Chapel food kitchen on J Street,” Kathy Howe wrote in a letter nominating Collingsworth for the Everyday Heroes award. “He would come into the dining room daily and just sit at a booth. Never asking for anything but accepting whatever was brought to him with a graciousness and thankfulness I rarely saw in many others. Even living on a very limited budget, Jim would make sure to slip money into one of the worker’s hand the day he received his disability check.”

Before his residency at the nursing home, he worked at Green Hill Cemetery. He mowed grass, pulled weeds and completed other groundskeeping tasks. But when he got off work, he didn’t go home and kick back to relax.

“When I got home, I’d go pick up trash around the street and around the square,” Collingsworth said. “I wanted to be nice. I just wanted to be a nice guy.”

He grew up in Virginia and moved to Bedford for work. For a while, he worked at a factory and also worked as a stone cutter. He was spotted cleaning up trash along the White River one day, and so he was offered a job at Green Hill Cemetery, which he remembers fondly.

“They used to keep me busy,” Collingsworth said. “I’d go there every day. Them ol’ boys says I was the best worker there.”

But Collingsworth thinks his co-workers were just as good to work with at the cemetery.

“Everybody there were good people. ... People were real nice.

They appreciate every little thing,” he said.

“That was the best place to work. Everywhere else didn’t want to pay you nothin’.”

And though Collingsworth only talks about how good other people are, Howe believes most people should be made aware of how much Collingsworth helped keep Bedford clean, both at work and after hours.

“Most never have ... known the things he’s done for Bedford because he has never asked for, nor wanted, recognition,” Howe wrote. “He was a constant fixture at Green Hill Cemetery, picking up sticks, limbs and trash. The same for the streets of town. He would walk them every day, picking up trash, sometimes sweeping the walks.”

Even the changing of seasons didn’t stop Collingsworth from helping others.

“In winter, he shoveled snow in many areas,” Howe wrote. “Things he would find would be donated to St. Vincent Thrift Store, even when he had to walk blocks out of his way to bring them or could have sold some of the items he found for his own good.”

The impression Collingsworth left with other people lasts a lifetime.

“He never left the dining room without a tip of his head, telling

BY CAROL JOHNSON all who were there, ‘God’s people are mighty good people.’

They are, cjohnson@tmnews.com and it’s people like Jim who make it easy to be good,” Howe wrote.

“He has been an unseen, unsung hero for a long, long time.

It’s never good when Lynn Andrew morning. But he knows it’s importan made in the middle of the night, some answers that call.

Andrews is a volunteer for the Ame chapter Disaster Aid Team. He serves a Martin and Orange) which means he fire or weather event strikes.

Andrews, who is a retired forester Center Crane, joined the Red Cross bo volunteers so that’s why he joined.

“It’s been good for me,” he said. “I’ not a person who’s outgoing, and it’s they’ve had fires and such, but the R disaster volunteers.”

Teena Ligman, who nominated And is also a Red Cross volunteer, said An guy in all things disaster.”

He keeps the shelter supplies organ are ready for any disaster and “stays changes and keeps the rest of us infor Andrews and another volunteer alte The chapter responds to about 40 dis “Ninety percent are house fires, bu couple years ago and some flooding e of bed at 2 a.m. is not something I en from being able to help people. It’s a te with a good feeling.”

Lynn Andre

A ‘go-to guy’ Cross, Milwau

8 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

Julie Hewetson MITCHELL — Julie Hewetson has been employed by Mitchell schools for 36 years, with 22 years being spent as a counselor.

Times-Mail / RICH JANZARUK

Making days brighter

BY ROGER MOON rmoon@tmnews.com As one of the Times-Mail’s 2015 Everyday Heroes, Bedford’s Julie Hewetson said, “I think there are people that have the gift and the love for serving others. I believe God made me that way for a reason, and that’s why I am so involved.”

Ruth Johnson, in nominating her daughter for the honor, lists a number of ways that the longtime Mitchell High School guidance counselor participates — or has participated — in her community, including her involvement with Community Baptist Fellowship, Bedford Tri Kappa, Bedford City Council and Lawrence County’s Distinguished Young Woman program.

Hewetson was born and raised in Bedford. Her mother, Ruthie Johnson still resides in the house where Julie grew up. Hewetson’s father was the late Bill Johnson. Both of her parents were teachers in the North Lawrence school system. Hewetson graduated from Bedford North Lawrence High School in 1975 and attended Indiana University. She switched from majoring in nursing to pursuing a degree in education, becoming a fourth generation of the Johnson family to be in teaching. Bill Johnson was a basketball coach at Bedford High School, and Hewetson, at one time served as a health and physical education teacher, following in his footsteps.

She coached basketball and track at Mitchell Junior High School for 14 years.

Hewetson has been employed by Mitchell schools for 36 years, with 22 years being spent as a counselor. The letter of nomina-

Julie Hewetson said she thinks there are people who have a gift and the love for serving others. “I believe God made me that way for a reason,” she said, “and that’s why I’m so involved.” She added, “I believe it’s important to step up and do my part at whatever I’m doing. The doers are who make this world a better place.” tion references her “countless hours reviewing grades, transcripts and academic standing to ensure all of her students accomplish their goals in regard to high school achievement and collegiate aspirations.”

“I believe it is important to step up and do my part at whatever I’m doing,” Hewetson wrote in response to questions posed to her by the Times-Mail. “The doers are who make this world a better place. I especially love love love doing things that involve my students. This is my passion. It might be talking to someone having a bad day at school or at home or offering advice on college and career choices.”

Hewetson was married to Bruce Hewetson from 1984 until his death in October 2008. She is the mother of two children, Barron Hewetson, who lives in Lafayette and is completing his doctorate in bio-agricultural engineering, and Anah Hewetson Gouty, an attorney for Pittman, Emery and Nikirk in Bedford.

“My heritage of good, hard-working, church-going family members has molded me to be who I am,” Hewetson wrote. “My aunt Norma Luallen and grandparents Alma and Elda Johnson were the best role models a person could have while growing up. I married Bruce in 1984 and he was extremely community-oriented and loved Bedford, as well. So, he understood when I wasn’t home some nights. Unfortunately, they all left this earth too soon, but I plan to keep on the path in their memory.”

Johnson’s nomination letter says of Hewetson, “She has a giving nature and never misses an opportunity to make someone’s day brighter.”

9 THURSDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 22, 22, 2015 2015 || TIMES-MA EVERYDAY HEROES | TIMES-MAIL 4 | THIURSDAY,

Mike Holsapple

Lynn Andre

A ‘go-to guy’ Cross, Milwau Serving those in prison, nursing homes

BY JEFF ROUTH jrouth@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Jesus Christ told his disciples in Matthew 25:26, “... I was sick and you cared for me and I was in prison and you came to me.”

Mike Holsapple, a retired tool and die maker at Central Foundry, now GM Bedford Casting, has been ministering to the sick in nursing homes and going into the local jail, preaching to inmates for many years. His ministry at Westview Nursing and Rehab goes back nearly 40 years, and his jail ministry has been going on for at least 33 years.

Holsapple was born and raised in the Bedford area, the son of Eugene and Maxine Holsapple, both of whom are deceased. He is a graduate of Shawswick High School. He was one of six children in the family and three are still living.

He married Darnell Hatfield, and they have two children, Jeremy, who is a member of the Bedford Fire Department and Abi Lewis, who is a minister at Old Union Christian Church. They have six grandchildren.

Mike worked for 40 years at the Bedford GM plant. As a teenager, he worked at local theaters.

He has also served as Sunday school superintendent at Faith Mission Church for the past four or five years and has attended

BY CAROL JOHNSON cjohnson@tmnews.com

BEDFORD — For at least 33 years, Mike Holsapple has been conducting a ministry at the Lawrence County jail. Times-Mail / GARET COBB

Michael Earl Holsapple is one six children of Eugene andIt’s Maxine Holsapple. never good when Lynn Andrew He is married to Darnell Hatfield and is the father of two and grandfather of six. morning.

But he knows it’s importan made in the middle of the night, some answers that call. that church for more than 30 years.

Andrews is a volunteer for the Ame “I’ve been going to Westview Nursing and Rehab for about 40 chapter Disaster Aid Team.

He serves a years,” he said. “We have a church service Martin each Wednesday in the and Orange) which means he regular unit, then we go to Augusté Cottage, memory care fire orthe weather event strikes. unit, and do another service there. I’m sort Andrews, of a chaplain for who is the a retired forester residents.”

Center Crane, joined the Red Cross bo In addition, he regularly visits with the residents and volunteers soaccording that’s why he joined. to his nomination, he takes his friends for walks outside informal “It’s been or good for me,” he said. “I’ meetings on the porch as weather permits.not a person who’s outgoing, and it’s “I’ve done several funerals for residentsthey’ve when they hadhave firespassed and such, but the R away,” he said. “It is very rewarding. Youdisaster grow to love the old volunteers.” people there.”

Teena Ligman, who nominated And Each Sunday evening at the jail, Holsapple conducts two seris also a Red Cross volunteer, said An vices — one for men, and another for women. guy in all things disaster.”

“We also give out glasses and Bibles and take inkeeps paperback books supplies organ He the shelter for the library,” he said. “We also help the are inmates they get readywhen for any disaster and “stays out of jail. Some come to our church whenchanges they getand outkeeps of jail.the rest of us infor “We are seeing lives changed. We are helping to give to volunteer alte Andrews andhope another the hopeless. The seeds are growing, andThe we chapter have seen several responds to about 40 dis preachers come out of the jail.”

“Ninety percent are house fires, bu In nominating Holsapple for the honor, BJcouple Trowbridge that years wrote ago and some flooding e Holsapple is “working to end the cycle ofof repeat offenders hesomething I en bed at 2 a.m. isas not changes the heart and mind of one inmatefrom at a time. helps thepeople. It’s a te beingHe able to help inmates re-enter freedom with clothes, a buswith ticket and follow-ups.” a good feeling.”

10 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

Lee Hutchinson BEDFORD — World War II veteran Lee Hutchinson was the grand marshal for the Limestone Heritage Festival parade.

Times-Mail / GARET COBB

Author, veteran is a ‘proud patriot’

BY BOB BRIDGE bob@tmnews.com BEDFORD — When Lee Hutchinson looks in the mirror, he sees a patriot, author and teacher.

“I’m a rare species,” the Bedford native explained. “I think kids need to know about patriotism. I don’t write for my own glory. I’m representing all the veterans. And I don’t consider myself a hero.”

James Tolbert begs to differ with that assessment.

“I don’t think we can ever do enough to honor Lee,” Tolbert said in his nomination letter. “The values and lessons he passes on daily to anyone willing to listen or read his books are part of why he is one of my heroes.

“He always takes the time to listen and treat you as if he had known you all his life. I am proud to call him a friend.”

Tolbert pointed out Hutchinson endured the hardships of the Great Depression and developed a strong work ethic by toiling as a newspaper carrier, caddie, cobbler’s helper and auto store clerk before entering

In 2008, Lee Hutchinson was honored for his World War II service and the release of his first book on the floors of the Indiana General Assembly in a resolution by Sen. Brent Steele and Rep. Eric Koch with Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman presiding over the Senate.

the U.S. Army in 1943. He was assigned to the Air Corps and served as a radio operator and gunner on a B-17.

He returned from the war and studied education at Indiana University, setting the stage for stints as an elementary teacher, principal and special projects assistant to the superintendent.

At 90, Hutchinson remains vital and active. He serves as a church elder and was recently honored as the grand marshal of the 2015 Limestone Heritage Festival Parade.

He has penned four books: “Through These Eyes: A World War II Eighth Air Force Combat Diary,” “The Boys in the B-17: 8th Air Force Combat Stories of WWII,” “Bombs Away: WW II Air Force Stories,” and “B-17 Memories: From Memphis Belle to Victory.”

Though officially retired for 28 years, Hutchinson continues to speak to school classes, nursing homes and civic groups to tell stories of veterans who fought to preserve our nation’s freedom. His hobbies are golf, horseback riding and writing.

“I consider myself a wealthy man because of a 68-year marriage, my family, friends and thousands of former students,” he explained.

11 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | TIMES-MA EVERYDAY HEROES | TIMES-MAIL 4 || THIURSDAY,

Jean Swank Hospital volunteer has been cheering up patients for 48 years

BY JEFF ROUTH jeff@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Quit is not in Jean Swank’s vocabulary.

She had a hard enough time swallowing, “slow down,” when her doctor advised that she might need to cut back on the activities she enjoys as a volunteer with St. Vincent Dunn Hospital and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.

“My doctor told me I wasn’t listening to my body when it was telling me I was tired,” Swank a long-time volunteer at St. Vincent Dunn said. “I wondered why I was getting so tired. He advised me to cut back a little and listen to my body.”

Swank, a native of Illinois, lived many places with her active duty U.S. Navy husband. They moved to Bedford when he took a position at NAD Crane, now Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane.

“When we first moved here, I didn’t have a vehicle, but shortly there after, I was able to have the car a couple of days a week,” she said. “That’s when I began looking for something to do.”

Swank was a charter member of the Dunn Memorial Hospital Pink Ladies in 1967.

“I am the only active charter member left,” she said. “There are others that still pay their dues and such, but I am the only one that is still volunteering on a regular basis.”

Her nomination letter states, “She has used her 48 years of experience for the institution’s (hospital’s) benefit. Her age presents challenge, but she gives out of a sense of community, a desire to have an impact on the lives of others, and to set an example of service.”

She has been a leader in the organization which provides favors for the patients’ trays, whimsical items intended to lift the spirits

BEDFORD — Jean Swank makes notes for patients while volunteering as a pink lady at St. Vincent Dunn Hospital.

RICH JANZARUK | Times-Mail

Lynn Andre

A ‘go-to guy’ f Cross, Milwau

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BY CAROL JOHNSON of those in need of a little cheer. She comes up with ideas, gets the cjohnson@tmnews.com needed supplies and offers instructions to other volunteers who help assemble the favors.

It’s never good when Lynn Andrew “I’ve stayed on as long as I have because I can come with it’s importan morning.

But heup knows ideas,” she said. “Others are willing to help,made but aren’t to come in theable middle of the night, some up with ideas as freely as I can. They often ask methat when they get answers call. to play ‘kindergarten.’”

Andrews is a volunteer for the Amer Although she was married, much of the parenting fellAid to Team. her, He serves a chapter Disaster since her husband Carl often was gone for months a time. His Martin andatOrange) which means he pay wasn’t always the best and they onlyfire got or paid once a month, weather event strikes. she managed to make ends meet, sometimes having to rob theiskids’ Andrews, who a retired forester piggy banks in the process.

Center Crane, joined the Red Cross bo “Her children received three, balancedvolunteers meals every day,” why her he joined. so that’s nomination stated. “She managed the household single-handedly, “It’s been good for me,” he said. “I’m and never relied on public assistance. Yet,not herachildren person never who’s lack outgoing, and it’s the basic necessities. Society doesn’t seemthey’ve to appreciate this kind had fires and such, but the Re of dedication anymore, preferring to celebrate those who serve in disaster volunteers.” the public eye.”

Teena Ligman, who nominated Andr “Most widows her age would be content to retire takevolunteer, life is also a Redand Cross said An easy,” the nomination continued. “But, because shethings can, she will guy in all disaster.” continue to give of herself, as long as health allows.

Service to Godsupplies organ He keeps the shelter and man is her life-long career. are ready for any disaster and “stays Jean’s husband, Carl, died about 10 yearschanges ago. They were thethe par-rest of us infor and keeps ents of four children, Don, who lives in Foxridge, Tom of Seymour Andrews and another volunteer alte and Ken of Alabama; one daughter, Carla The Casechapter of Bedford; as well responds to about 40 disa as five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

“Ninety percent are house fires, bu “She produced four offspring, all of whom have turned out to couple years ago and some flooding e be productive members of society, creating theiratown successful of bed 2 a.m. is not something I en families,” the nomination said. “She has spent most able of her from being to life helpinpeople. It’s a tea service to her country and community.” with a good feeling.”

12 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

Darlene Steele McSoley

A heart and voice for children

BY CAROL JOHNSON cjohnson@tmnews.com

BEDFORD — When Bedford attorney Darlene Steele McSoley started a legal advocacy program for children in the 1980s, it was a small part of her practice.

“I started the program 30 years ago, and it was just me,” she said.

“Now we have a CASA program and a CASA director.”

Now the bulk of her practice is devoted to CASA cases.

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate. It is a national program that appoints citizen volunteers to advocate for children so they don’t become lost in the legal and social services system.

McSoley is Lawrence County’s CASA attorney. She attends all court hearings for every child abuse and neglect case filed in the Lawrence County court system. Her current caseload involves more than 200 children with active cases.

“That’s three times what it used to be,” she said.

The program was started when Linda Chezem, who was Lawrence Circuit Court judge at the time, heard about CASA and asked McSoley to start it in Lawrence County.

“Bloomington already had one. I got my training there, and it basically grew from there,” she said. “We need volunteers like crazy.”

It’s not unusual for her to be in court for reviews of 18 cases in one day.

The cases are varied. Some are to consider termination of parental rights; others to get parents the help they need to keep their children.

“A lot of what we see is neglect,” she said. “The parents can’t get off the drugs to be parents. There are some pretty dire circumstances.”

Whatever the situation affecting children, McSoley’s goal is the same: “To give them a voice in the courtroom.”

BEDFORD — For Darlene McSoley, law was a second career. She spent many years as an elementary school teacher before entering law school mid-life. Times-Mail / RICH JANZARUK

Hometown: Bedford Family: Son Patrick McSoley.

In her spare time: Sings alto in the choir at First Baptist Church and helps in the kitchen during church breakfasts.

Become a volunteer: CASA is in need of volunteers, “We are overwhelmed,” she said. To find out more, call McSoley at (812) 275-3978 or the Indiana office of CASA (317) 232-2542.

Volunteers are appointed to cases and their role is to investigate and speak on behalf of children.

“We come to court and tell the court what is in the child’s best interest. Everyone else can speak for themselves but the children can’t,” she said.

Volunteers contact teachers, doctors and anyone in regular contact with the child to inquire about their well being, such as appearance of bruises or whether or not the child is well fed.

“My volunteers are the heroes,” she said. “They volunteer their time and effort.”

For McSoley, law was a second career. She spent many years as an elementary school teacher before entering law school mid-life.

Her father the late Ruel Steele, brothers Byron and Brent and son Patrick are all attorneys.

Her nominator Julie Brassfield wrote, “I personally think she keeps working because she considers this her ministry, and she is very good at it. One heartbreaking case she shared with me involved a 4-year-old girl who was surviving by living out in the backyard drinking rain water and eating leaves.”

McSoley, who Brassfield described as a “generous soul,” is well past the age of retirement, but said she prefers meaningful work, even if it means she doesn’t have time for things her fellow retirees do.

“How can I not do this?” she said. “Once you see these kids in need, you can’t walk away. I feel I’ve improved the lives of some of these kids over the years. Somebody has to be there to protect their rights and speak for them. That gets me up everyday.”

At 82, she said, “I’m lucky to have the health to be able to do it. I feel it’s a blessing that I can.”

Everyday heroes | times-mail | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | 13

Jenny Purcell Following her parents’ lead

BY KRYSTAL SHETLER kshetler@tmnews.com BEDFORD — For Jenny Purcell, giving back is second nature.

After all, it’s the way she was raised.

Charlie Robbins worked as a firefighter for the Bedford Fire Department, while his wife, Mary, stayed at home to raise their seven children. Most might think those duties kept the late couple busy enough, but as Purcell points out, her parents always found time to help others.

“My parents definitely set an example for all seven of us children,” Purcell said. “They were the most giving and caring people I have ever known. After my dad retired from the Bedford Fire Department, he sold his business, Hoosier Hills Fire & Safety, then set up his garage as a computer shop and began rebuilding computers and giving them away to whomever needed them.

“My mom was a stay-at-home mother, but always had a house full and would not have it any other way. She always made extra food for dinner because someone would just stop by, and everyone was always welcome.

“Just to give you an idea of the generous parents I had, my father passed in 1997 and my mother in 2005, and I still hear stories of how they helped or did for someone else. This makes me so proud to be their daughter. ... They are truly my heroes.”

But Purcell, who was nominated as a 2015 Everyday Hero, is a hero to many, especially her niece Meagan Robbins, local cancer patients and the youth at Bedford First Church of God. Meagan, now 29 years old, was born with cytomegalovirus, which left her neurologically challenged, among other disabilities. She requires total care, and it’s not above Purcell to pitch in and help provide it.

BEDFORD — Jenny Purcell, at work in the Times-Mail office, credits the example her parents set as the main reason she focuses on giving back to others. Times-Mail / RICH JANZARUK

• Jenny Purcell is married to Tony Purcell; she has three children, Amanda Childers, Dustin LuAllen and Brittany Chastain; and five grandchildren.

• A lifelong resident of Bedford, she has worked as a graphic designer at the Times-Mail for 28 years.

• She is a member of the Phi Beta Psi sorority in Mitchell, which raises money for cancer research and local cancer patients. She attends the Bedford First Church of God. Before the chapter disbanded, Purcell was a member of the Eastern Star.

She is such a blessing to our family,” Purcell said of Meagan.

“She loves to sing and her memories of my parents are amazing. She has changed my life and the lives of those whom she is around. Meagan and I are very close, and I love and treat her like my own.”

Purcell, a former member of Eastern Star, joined the Phi Beta Psi sorority in 2009. The sorority, which has chapters in Orleans, Bedford and Mitchell, focuses its efforts on helping local cancer patients and supporting cancer research.

“I knew this organization helped my mom when she was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer,” Purcell said. “While looking through the history of Phi Beta Psi, I found my aunt Peggy Scherschel had been a lifetime member. What this organization meant and stood for made me want to be a part of it. ... Knowing I’m a part of this organization makes me realize how much we, as members of this community, can do to help others.”

On being nominated as an Everyday Hero, Purcell said, “I am very humbled and credit God and my parents. God has blessed me with so much. How can I not give back to those around me and those who may be in need? You have to pay it forward because that is what God has asked us to do.”

14 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

Patty Robertson MITCHELL — Patty Robertson poses at Hoosier Uplands. Times-Mail / RICH JANZARUK

Hospice social worker always knows what to say

BY CAROL JOHNSON cjohnson@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Most people wouldn’t want to do the job that Patty Robertson does as a social worker for Hoosier Uplands.

She is a hospice/home care social worker and bereavement coordinator, assisting families in the most difficult time of their lives — losing someone they love to a terminal illness.

Robertson of Fayetteville visits a patient’s home during hospice care and checks to see what resources the family needs. She also provides emotional support, which she said all families need.

“I do feel like it’s a calling. I look at it as a privilege to be there with families during this very difficult time,” she said. “My faith gets me through and I want to be there to help people. I’ve had my mother and mother-in-law die of cancer and a daughter-in-law.

I know what devastation families go through. Dealing with loss yourself helps you deal with patients and cope with that.”

In her role as social worker, she visits homes twice a month or more often if a patient needs it. Nurses and health aides also provide home care. Her job takes her to Martin, Lawrence, Orange, Washington and Crawford counties.

Helping terminally ill patients is also something she does as a volunteer. Seven years ago, Robertson joined a group that provides assistance to Lawrence County cancer patients. She became president of Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services when the group’s longtime leader became ill and stepped down.

Family: Married to Larry for 43 years. Two sons, Eric and Kevin, four grandchildren and foster grandchildren.

Hobbies: Reading and sitting on her front porch in Fayetteville.

Philosophy on serving others:: I want to serve the Lord any way I can. All these ways honor Him. I couldn›t do it without the Lord›s help.

In 2014, LCCPS assisted 67 cancer patients by helping with transportation, nutritional supplements and medical supplies. Its total spending to help patients was $21,764. Its main fundraisers are a Christmas home tour and a car show. It also honors cancer survivors with a reception each year, which is named for the group’s founder, Wanda Starr.

“It’s very worthwhile. It helps so many people and the money stays here in the county,” she said. “I want to keep Wanda Starr’s memory alive. She was the driving force behind it, it started with her, and I don’t want to let it die down. There was a fear it would go by the wayside, but we wanted to keep it going.”

Janet Huber, also an LCCPS volunteer, said Robertson serves with compassion.

“She has a heart for people and will take her own time to see patients,” Huber said. “She’s one of those people who knows what to say. We count on her for her leadership and wisdom.”

Robertson was nominated for Everyday Heroes by her daughterin-law Lana Robertson, who wrote, “She goes above and beyond for our church, loves her family and grandkids beyond measure.

She would do anything for anyone she can.”

Robertson is a member of Williams Baptist Church, where she is church treasurer and a member of the praise team.

Huber also said Robertson is a devoted grandmother.

“One of her sons adopted four boys, all brothers,” she said. “She lives for those boys and takes them places. She’s a huge influence in their lives.”

15 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | TIMES-MA EVERYDAY HEROES | TIMES-MAIL4 ||THIURSDAY,

Lee Johnson He brought out the best in people

BY JEFF ROUTH jrouth@tmnews.com MITCHELL — Willard Lee Johnson was a well-known figure around Mitchell and northern Orange County. He lived and worked in this area for many years until he passed away unexpectedly on July 20.

Born in Paoli, April 13, 1943, Johnson retired from Paoli Inc. He worked as a security guard for Paoli Chair, Brittany Furniture, and Ralph Rogers Inc. He also traveled with carnivals and was known for his cotton candy stand.

“Lee never met a stranger,” said his former wife and companion Juanita Mosier. “He loved to travel. We would take off driving for days, with no particular place in mind. We would stop just about everytime we saw one of those little brown signs denoting an historic site along the way.”

He also was Santa Claus for area schools, pre-schools and civic groups. He also was the Easter bunny for the Orleans Lions Club.

“He had nothing to give, but he always gave what he had,” his daughter-in-law Carrie Johnson said in her nomination letter. “What he had was his time and at Christmas time he volunteered hundreds of hours playing Santa and passing out toys to kids who may not have received anything else that year. He couldn’t afford to buy new toys for the children, but he always had a supply of toys from yard sales and family members to give.”

“Lee had lived with us the past few years,” Carrie said in an email. “When we cleaned out his room, my husband and I found his ‘naughty and nice’ notebook. It was an old, small notebook that he carried with him as Santa. He would have the children write down their first names on whichever list they thought they belonged. You see, Lee couldn’t read, but he didn’t let that stop him.”

Lynn Andre

A ‘go-to guy’ f Cross, Milwau

BY CAROL JOHNSON cjohnson@tmnews.com

It’s never good when Lynn Andrew morning. But he knows it’s important made in the middle of the night, some answers that call.

Willard Lee Johnson was known as Lee, the “Cotton Candy Man” and Santa Claus Andrews is a volunteer for the Amer He was a laborer with a big heart. He had eight children, 24 grandchildren and 21 chapter Disaster Aid Team.

He serves a great-grandchildren.

Martin and Orange) which means he h Johnson died suddenly in July. fire or weather event strikes.

Andrews, who is a retired forester “He also played Santa in the Bedford Christmas Parade for the theRed Cross bo Center Crane, joined last several years,” the nomination continued.

“He loved to make volunteers so that’s why he joined. people smile. He would spend hours just driving around in he said. “I’m “It’s been goodtown for me,” his big black truck, wearing a Santa hat andnot ringing Christmas a person who’s bells outgoing, and it’s out of the window.” they’ve had fires and such, but the Re “Obviously, he loved children,” Mosier said.

“Anytime he could get disaster volunteers.” someone to smile, it was great. I will always Teena remember his willingLigman, who nominated Andr ness to lend a hand. He was willing to go the extra mile.” is also a Red Cross volunteer, said An The nomination said he would cut off his beard each yeardisaster.” followguy in all things ing the Christmas season and grow a fresh one thethe next seasonsupplies organ He for keeps shelter when it was time to hop back into the Santa aresuit. ready for any disaster and “stays He was a 35-year member of the Orleanschanges Lions Club assisted and and keeps the rest of us infor with the many projects that group worked Andrews on each year.

He alsovolunteer alter and another was a member of ABATE and raised money kids through Toys Thefor chapter responds to about 40 disa for Tots, Karing for Kids, Santa’s Helpers, God’s Place, Barry’sare MD “Ninety percent house fires, but Carnival, Orange County Cancer Society couple and Team Jerry Mulyears agofor and some flooding e tiple Sclerosis. of bed at 2 a.m. is not something I en “I will never forget his giving spirit,” Carrie fromsaid. being able to help people. It’s a tea with a good feeling.”

ORLEANS — Willard Lee Johnson portrayed Santa Claus in many places, including the Santa Hat 5K Run in Orleans. Times-Mail / GARET COBB

16 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

Jane & Larry Root

BY KRYSTAL SHETLER kshetler@tmnews.com If you’re looking for Larry and Jane Root during the last full week of September each year, it’s a safe bet you’ll find them at the Persimmon Festival selling carnival tickets or dishing out food in the Seventh Street food tent to help the nonprofit entities they support. If you’re looking for them the other 51 weeks of the year, check Root’s RV & Sales Inc., the company the couple started almost three decades ago from the ground up.

Looking at Larry with a smile spread across her face, Jane talked about those early days. With three young daughters at home, she was charged with operating the business during the day while Larry worked a full-time job to maintain health insurance for the family. Jane would schedule the appointments that often kept Larry working until 2 a.m. Life continued like this for about a year until the two of them decided, if they were going to operate a business, then Larry was going to have to give it his full attention.

Fast-forward 28 years and Root’s RV will mark 2015 as its most successful year to date.

The Roots were nominated as one of the Times-Mail’s 2015 Everyday Heroes by Brian Rainey, who serves with the couple in the Mitchell Lions Club. In his nomination, Rainey said, “I could go on with some of the behind-the-scenes activities and gestures that Larry and Jane do, but it is not for me to divulge, and I think they, in their selflessness, would rather (those acts) be gathered to their heart and not surface.”

Larry, however, is quick to deflect the attention.

“I’m not an everyday hero,” he said. “Our everyday heroes are the men and women serving in the military, our veterans, even our first responders. Those people are my heroes, and if I have but one regret, it’s that I didn’t join the military myself. I guess that’s why I give back to the community. I wasn’t in the military, so this is my way of giving back.”

Larry and Jane Root have filled in several service roles in Mitchell through the years. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year.

Courtesy photo

Larry and Jane Root celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year. They have three adult daughters, four grandsons and one granddaughter.

Jane is from Bedford, and Larry grew up in Mitchell.

They attend St. Mary›s Catholic Church in Mitchell.

Jane›s birthday is the same day as the Everyday Heroes banquet.

For about 20 years, Larry has served on the board for the Marion Township Rural Fire Department. Both he and Jane are members of the Mitchell Lions Club, where they’ve both served in leadership capacities. They also are active at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Larry served as the general chairman of the 2003 Persimmon Festival, which coincided with the city’s sesquicentennial celebration, and he spent many years on the board for the Greater Mitchell Chamber of Commerce as well as the Recreational Vehicle Indiana Council.

The business also sponsors several youth baseball and basketball teams.

“This is a huge honor for us,” Jane said. “We are humbled by the award, but we give back because we want to support the community in which we live. We raised our three daughters here, we do business here, we live here, and it’s important for us to honor that.”

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17 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | TIMES-MA EVERYDAY HEROES | TIMES-MAIL4 || THIURSDAY,

Joe Summers

Lynn Andre

A ‘go-to guy’ f Cross, Milwau

PAOLI — Joe Summers became a volunteer firefighter when he was 23 years old. He recently received a 50-year membership award and is considered as honorary/advisory fire department member. Times-Mail / ROGER MOON

When he speaks, people listen

BY ROGER MOON rmoon@tmnews.com Paoli’s Joe Summers clearly has earned the respect and admiration of those who know him.

That’s evident in his nomination as one of the Times-Mail’s Everyday Heroes for 2015.

“When 82-year-old Summers speaks, people listen,” wrote Catherine Strother, in her nomination letter.

Strother is executive director of First Chance Center in Paoli, a facility that serves Orange County residents with disabilities. Among services offered by First Chance Center (operated through Orange County Rehabilitative and Developmental Services) is the Tot-toTot play group. The group integrates children who have disabilities with children who aren’t disabled. The funding that’s needed to offer the service is available only because Summers is a driving force behind raising money for the WHAS Crusade for Children telethon in Louisville. That money historically has been returned to Orange County to benefit not only Tot-to-Tot, but also the South Central Area Special Education Cooperative and the Southern Hills Counseling Center.

Summers recalls collecting $300 to $500 for the long-standing Crusade for Children during his early days of spearheading the fundraising. “We thought we were doing great,” he said. But, he added that, these days, Orange County’s efforts to raise Crusade donations

When Joe Summers first arrived in Orange County, his experience as a movie projectionist in Crawford County brought him the chance to work at movie theaters in Paoli. He also worked at a U.S. Army surplus store, but his livelihood was in repairing televisions and other electronic appliances. In nominating Summers as an Everyday Hero,JOHNSON Paoli’s Catherine

BY CAROL Strother wrote that one of Summers’ earliest instances of giving to his hometown was cjohnson@tmnews.com in the 1960s when color TV was new. Summers, owner of Summers Electronics, placed a color TV in his store’s front window and brought out speakers so many Paolians could It’s never good when Lynn Andrew watch “Bonanza” for the first time in color. morning. But he knows it’s important made in the middle of the night, some will bring in $35,000 to $40,000 a year. answers that call.

Summers’ interest in supporting First Chance Center agen- for the Amer Andrews is aand volunteer cies like it goes back to when he and his now-deceased wife, Cathy, chapter Disaster Aid Team. He serves a realized their daughter, Cathy Jo, could benefit the services Martinfrom and Orange) which means he h such agencies had to offer. fire or weather event strikes.

“Cathy and I have been dedicated to Orange County since Andrews, who is a we retired forester came here,” Summers said of the family’s move from Crawford Center Crane, joined the Red Cross bo County some 60 years ago. volunteers so that’s why he joined.

That dedication has been evident in his resolve to help the “It’s been good forCrume,” he said. “I’m sade and in his longtime involvement with volunteer fire notPaoli’s a person who’s outgoing, and it’s department. Summers became a volunteer firefighter when he they’ve had fires and such, but the Re was 23 years old. Strother’s nomination letter reads that Summers disaster volunteers.” “received a 50-year membership award recently and currently is Teena Ligman, who nominated Andr considered as honorary/advisory fire department member.” is also a Red Cross volunteer, said An The flagship of Summers’ Crusade fundraising is things a popular pork guy in all disaster.” barbecue dinner that is staged each year in June at Paoli He keeps theChristian shelter supplies organ Church. Summers is quick to give credit toare a veritable of vol- and “stays ready forarmy any disaster unteers who help make it happen. changes and keeps the rest of us infor Strother wrote, “Prior to the annual event, Summers outanother recruit-volunteer alter Andrews is and ing workers and securing donations for the event.

That’s why The chapter respondsit’s to about 40 disa not hard to understand why some of his repeat volunteers drive “Ninety percent are house fires, but from Evansville and Scottsburg to help serve at the one-day event.” couple years ago and some flooding e “It’s such a good thing. It helps so manyofpeople,” said. bed at 2Summers a.m. is not something I en Summers was named Orange County’sfrom Male Philanthropist being able to help of people. It’s a tea the Year in 2006. with a good feeling.”

18 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

Joyce Teters Taking home-cooked meals to home health care patients

BY SARA KUHL skuhl@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Joyce Teters is known as going above and beyond the regular duties of a caregiver for her clients.

Teters, who is 76, works through Older Americans Services, and several people she helps are younger than she is. “(One of them) would tell you I’m pretty close to walking on water, but that’s stretching it, that’s really stretching it,” Teters said.

She lives with her husband, and she often cooks extra food when she’s preparing dinner. Then she takes the extra food with her on her way to her clients.

“I really enjoy cooking, and if I can share it, I’m even happier.

Since it’s just my husband there now, it’s easy to cook a little extra,” Teters said.

“Some of them can’t cook anymore. They depend on meals ... brought-in meals from several organizations, and they just want something homecooked. They want beans and cornbread or mashed potatoes or pie, just something like that.

“For other people, I just do it. I enjoy it. I just enjoy helping them, and I know they enjoy it, and they appreciate it.

“A ‘thank you’ does nicely. My mom always said it doesn’t cost much to throw an extra potato in the pot, so that’s what I do.”

It was one of her clients that nominated her for the Times-Mail Everyday Heroes award, Louise Hamilton, who was already Teters’ neighbor when she was assigned to take care of Hamilton.

Before being a caregiver, Teters worked as an office clerk at several places, including the Pentagon for a while. And after being an office assistant, she had no intentions of becoming a caregiver.

“Did you ever feel like, and at my age, it’s strange, but do you get the feeling this is what you were meant to do?” Teters said. “I mean, I had done a lot of things, but this here I get a lot of satisfaction out of it. I enjoy it.”

BEDFORD — Older Americans Services caregiver Joyce Teters visits with client Tim Moffitt at his home recently. Times-Mail / GARET COBB

Joyce Teters was a little surprised that she was nominated to be an Everyday Hero.

“I am just beyond words, just that anybody would appreciate the extra step that I try to do — I don’t always succeed, I’m sure — but that I try to do,” Teters said. “I just enjoy my work. I make the best of whatever situation it is.”

This job is the farthest thing away from her previous line of work.

“My son operates the senior center here in Bedford,” Teters said.

“He said he really needed, he’d like to have someone to work to just fill in for him if he was off, so I put in my application. ... They didn’t have that open, but they wanted to know if I would be interested in home health care, and I said ‘I don’t think so.’”

Teters said she would think about it for a while.

“I was in Florida at the time. They called me back again later and said they did have someone very close to my house if I’d be interested. ... I wasn’t going to take it, and oh my, that would have been the biggest mistake I would have ever made.”

Teters added that she liked her previous jobs as well, but this one gives her the most satisfaction.

“I enjoy the people. I enjoy doing things for them. Some of them are just lonesome.”

And her clients also enjoy her services.

In a letter nominating Teters for the Everyday Heroes award, Hamilton wrote “I am 94 and have (multiple sclerosis). ... Older Americans furnishes a meal a day Monday-Friday. Joyce is always bringing extra food. .. If my lights are on too late, (Teters and my daughter Anita Mayhugh) check on me. I have no complaints — with the Lord and my two heroes, I am happy. If these two are not chosen, they are still my heroes.”

“I am just beyond words, just that anybody would appreciate the extra step that I try to do — I don’t always succeed, I’m sure — but that I try to do,” Teters said. “I just enjoy my work. I make the best of whatever situation it is.”

19 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | TIMES-MA EVERYDAY HEROES | TIMES-MAIL4||THIURSDAY,

Sarann Weeks Committed to feeding the hungry

BY ROGER MOON rmoon@tmnews.com Sarann Weeks’ contributions to the community are many, but a theme runs through some of them.

That theme is food.

And, making sure people have access to it is a high priority for Weeks, whether it means helping to ensure food is available from day to day or that it’s available on Thanksgiving Day, when feasting and fellowship is at the forefront.

Among Weeks’ many community endeavors is her promotion of the Backpacks of Blessings initiative, which she is credited with forming and which she works tirelessly to maintain.

Named by the Orange County Community Foundation as the Orange County Philanthropist of the Year in 2013, Weeks’ interests also have covered a wide spectrum. Those interests have ranged from supporting 4-H to active involvement with the Paoli Friends Church to her current position as a member and secretary of the Orange County Bicentennial Committee.

Weeks’ daughter, Missi Weeks Jones, knows her mother’s passion for community and has seen it as a constant while she was growing up and during her adult life.

“Sarann came to Orange County in 1960 to work in education and fell in love with the community,” Jones wrote in nominating Weeks for the Everyday Hero honor. “That love is what has driven her to give back through the years.”

For Weeks, conversations about her ongoing drive to help make Orange County a better place to live keep coming back to the Backpacks of Blessings. “Probably that’s my No. 1 (interest),” she said in a telephone interview. Backpacks for Blessings allows for food to be sent home to targeted students on weekends. The effort began

Lynn Andre

A ‘go-to guy’ f Cross, Milwau

Sarann Weeks is credited with starting Backpacks of Blessings in Paoli schools, which allows food to be sent home to targeted students on weekends. The effort began in 2012 and has since become the model for similar projects in Orleans and Springs Valley schools.

Times-Mail / ROGER MOON

Sarann Weeks spent 39 years working for Paoli Community Schools before her retirement.

During 31 of those years, she was the Paoli High School librarian. Even after leaving the high school library, she remained committed to helping young people appreciate the value of reading. She worked at Throop Elementary School for the rest of her years with the school

BY CAROL JOHNSON system, and helped younger students develop their reading skills. cjohnson@tmnews.com Weeks was recognized in 2013 as the Orange County Community Foundation’s Philanthropist of the Year. Earlier this year, she was the recipient of a Golden Hoosier Award. She was one of 19 Hoosiers honored for their volunteer activities. It’s never good when Lynn Andrew morning. But he knows it’s important made in the middle of the night, some in Paoli schools in 2012 and has since become the model for similar answers that call. projects in Orleans and Springs Valley schools.

Andrews is a volunteer for the Amer Finding grants and donations to keep the project going requires chapter Disaster Aid Team. He serves a vigilance, and Weeks is resolved to keep it going. “I’m just like a little Martin and Orange) which means he h bulldog,” she said with a laugh. “If I get hold of something, I’m just fire or weather event strikes. not going to let go.”

Andrews, who is a retired forester Weeks is the driving force behind the preparation of a ThanksgivCenter Crane, joined the Red Cross bo ing meal that she and other volunteers serve in Paoli on Thanksgivvolunteers so that’s why he joined. ing Day. “It’s been good for me,” he said. “I’m Weeks is a former school librarian and is retired from Paoli Comnot a person who’s outgoing, and it’s munity Schools. they’ve had fires and such, but the Re After coming to Paoli from Greene County, she married Wildisaster volunteers.” liam Carl Weeks, who is deceased. In addition to Jones, she has Teena Ligman, who nominated Andr a daughter Mimi Hawkins and two granddaughters, Melanie and is also a Red Cross volunteer, said An Megan Hawkins. guy in all things disaster.”

Weeks is quick to point to a man she calls her mentor, the late He keeps the shelter supplies organ James Babcock, who retired as principal at Paoli High School and was are ready for any disaster and “stays recognized as an Everyday Hero in 2014. “He definitely influenced changes and keeps the rest of us infor me,” Weeks said, “and his position on life, I try to follow daily – folAndrews and another volunteer alter low Jesus and everything else will fall into place.”

The chapter responds to about 40 disa Reflecting on the ways she has set out to better her community, “Ninety percent are house fires, but Weeks said, “Paoli and the surrounding area have been so good and couple years ago and some flooding e have blessed William Carl and me in so many ways. This is how I’m of bed at 2 a.m. is not something I en able to show people that I appreciate them..” from being able to help people. It’s a tea with a good feeling.”

20 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

BEDFORD — Mary Jo Williams sorts clothes at the St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Store. She serves as a volunteer there and at with other organizations in the community. Times-Mail / RICH JANZARUK

Mary Jo Williams

Mary Jo Williams retired after serving members of the Hoosier Hills Credit Union for 36 years. She now works as a volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Society Thrift Store and several other venues throughout the community. Mary Jo has two children, J.W. Williams and Angie Johnson.

EVERYDAY HEROES | TIMES-MAIL | THIURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | 21

She’s ‘very busy’ in retirement

BY BOB BRIDGE bob@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Mary Jo Williams is content as a humble role player.

After 37 years of serving members at the Hoosier Hills Credit Union, she quickly discovered other means of making a difference in her community. “I’m retired now,� she said, “but I keep very busy.�

Mary Jo is a valued volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul Society thrift store. “I enjoy working at the Thrift Store because it does so much good for our community,� Williams explained. “Almost everyone there is a volunteer, and I really miss it when I’m not there. “After someone sorts through the clothes, I inspect them and tag them. When I’m finished, other volunteers display them in the store for sale.�

Williams also is a “go-to� gal at her place of worship. “Mary Jo is such a sweet lady,� said the Rev. Rick Eldred of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. “She is definitely one of those ‘other-centered’ people, always putting other individuals’ needs in front of her own. “Mary Jo sings in our choir, makes sure the organist receives communion, and helps in our Adoration Chapel. She’s always wearing a smile, and we feel blessed to have her around us because she’s such a gentle soul with a sweet sense of humor.�

Angie Johnson described her mother as a wonderful role model. “She is honest, compassionate, a hard worker, and cares for so many people and things,� she explained in her nomination letter. “She doesn’t think she is a hero, but she is.�

Williams said she has never sought the limelight. “I was shocked when I learned about this honor,� she revealed. “I’m certainly not in the hero category. I really don’t do anything special.�

Her daughter respectfully disagrees. “She deserves this honor because she is caring, loving, genuine and helpful,� she emphasized. “I hope someday I can do half of what she has done or touch half as many lives. “My mom makes everyone feel special, and she prays for so many people. She goes out of her way to help people in their time of need, when they need someone the most.

She is an ‘everyday’ hero!�

22 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

Joshua Drake “A lot of employers have a hard time getting graduates, college graduates, that wish to be engineers or be in any kind of STEM fields so the jobs are out there, and the employers need to hire the people,” Joshua Drake said. “It’s harder to find recent college graduates that are local and want to go to college in that field and be hired locally. A lot of times, we hire people to relocate to the Bedford area.”

Joshua Drake with a robot Team 5403 Aluminosity created. Courtesy photo

23 THURSDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 22, 22, 2015 2015 || TIMES-MAI EVERYDAY HEROES | TIMES-MAIL 4 || THIURSDAY,

Teaching the fun of engineering

BY SARA KUHL skuhl@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Joshua Drake moved to Bedford two and a half years ago and immediately became involved in the community.

He had worked in engineering for a few years already, and worked with robotics teams for 10 years. Then he came to GM Bedford Casting in Bedford, and there was no robotics team.

Drake first got involved with the Bloomington South High School team before starting the high school-aged Team 5403 Aluminosity, a community project and 501(c)3, in Lawrence County.

“I was just curious as to what was around,” he said. He wanted to be more prepared for when he started Aluminosity last year. At first, the team had seven students. This year, almost 20 students are participating.

“I feel like in our society today, there’s no passion from high school students to pursue (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. They want to take the easier route, and they don’t see the benefits or the fun involved,” Drake said.

“So we do the robotics program to sort of show them some fun aspects and also to try to push them into those fields in secondary education or beyond.

“For high-schoolers, not always they’re looking at a bigger picture for a career. A lot of times, they don’t know what an engineer does or what that’s about. ... By doing the robotics program, we show them some of the funner things.”

Drake works third shift as a projects engineer at GM, and sometimes he gets less than four hours of sleep, according to his wife, Tonya Drake, “to make sure the kids get his attention.”

Tonya Drake nominated her husband Joshua Drake for the Everyday Heroes award, and she also helps with the team.

“He is an electrical engineer and gives his all to his job and these kids on our robotics team,” she wrote. “We made it to world championships last year under his guidance.”

Drake always had an interest in engineering when he was

Lynn Andre

younger.

“I guess throughout high school, I had a knack for it, an interest in it,” he said. “And I started college in electrical engineering and then switched majors because calculus was getting too hard for me. I wasn’t mature enough, I guess.”

He worked in maintenance for a while and realized there were opportunities for him if he earned an engineering degree.

“So I went back at 30 years old and got my engineering degree because I saw the importance ... once I got out in the real world; I saw the importance of that four-year degree that I could use in my field,” Drake said.

He hopes these students he’s helping now will have the

BY CAROL JOHNSON same realization and will come back to Bedford after they cjohnson@tmnews.com receive degrees in STEM subjects.

“A lot of employers have a hard time getting graduates, It’s never good when Lynn Andrews college graduates, that wish to be engineers or be in any kind morning. But he knows it’s important of STEM fields so the jobs are out there, and the made inemployers the middle of the night, someo need to hire the people,” he said. “It’s harder to find answers thatrecent call. college graduates that are local and want toAndrews go to college in is a volunteer for the Amer that field and be hired locally. A lot of times, we hire people chapter Disaster Aid Team. He serves a t to relocate to the Bedford area.”

Martin and Orange) which means he h But he’s not forcing students on his team stay in STEM firetoor weather event strikes. fields or pursue engineering careers. The point of robotics Andrews, who is a retired forester f is still to learn, to compete and to have fun.

Center Crane, joined the Red Cross boa “I enjoy it. I enjoy putting all the effort in ... It’s a lotsoofthat’s fun why he joined. volunteers when we go to competitions. ... We build a robot, and we tryfor me,” he said. “I’m “It’s been good to get better.” not a person who’s outgoing, and it’s He added that there’s also always someone new on thefires teamand such, but the Re they’ve had because seniors are always graduating anddisaster new freshmen are volunteers.” always coming onto the team.

Teena Ligman, who nominated Andre “There’s always someone without a clue of what’s is also a Red going Cross volunteer, said And on to teach and to bring them up through the program guy in all things so disaster.” that they can learn job skills and something useful once they He keeps the shelter supplies organ graduate,” he said. “We hope they see theare funready in it.” for any disaster and “stays t “Because of Joshua, these kids are getting to take part in a the rest of us inform changes and keeps program that will have a lasting impact on their lives forever,” Andrews and another volunteer alter Tonya Drake wrote. “He is the definition The of a hero.” chapter responds to about 40 disa “Ninety percent are house fires, but couple years ago and some flooding e of bed at 2 a.m. is not something I en from being able to help people. It’s a tea with a good feeling.”

A ‘go-to guy’ f Cross, Milwau

24 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

PJ Granger An inspiration to many

BY KRYSTAL SHETLER kshetler@tmnews.com BEDFORD — When Bedford’s PJ Granger battled through addiction to attain the fitness level needed to compete on “American Ninja Warrior,” he had no idea his nationally-televised run would serve to inspire legions of youngsters.

In nominating her husband as a 2015 Times-Mail Everyday Hero, Ashley Granger wrote, “Within 10 months, he got on the show, overcame alcoholism and is now a hero to many kids and adults throughout this community. He deserves recognition because he not only changed his life, but he is helping others change theirs.”

In August 2014, Granger began training with a goal of competing in “American Ninja Warrior,” a hit television show that challenges participants to compete in timed, insidious obstacle courses that not only test physical ability but mental toughness.

In April, he traveled to Kansas City, Mo., hoping to get a walk-on spot on the show. When the attempt failed, he headed to Pittsburgh, where he camped out for days before finally being granted a spot on the city’s semifinals.

“I camped ... for 10 of the 14 days I was in Pittsburgh,” Granger said in a previous Times-Mail story. “I took baths in the (Monongahela) river, but I wasn’t going to give up my spot in line. Once they gave me my ticket that secured my spot in the competition, I drove back to Bedford and rested for two days, and then I drove back to Pittsburgh for the first round.”

Granger completed the course in the semifinals to earn a spot in the Pittsburgh city finals. He nearly completed the finals course as well, but ran out of gas late. Yet, he’d progressed far enough to claim a coveted trip to Las Vegas for the finals, where he eventually fell short of winning.

However, since the shows aired over the summer, Granger has inspired many youngsters, not just in southern Indiana, but throughout the nation, to make physical fitness a priority.

“Even though my first goal was to get on the TV show, now it has become a lifestyle for me,” Granger said. “The best thing that could happen is that my appearance inspires kids to take on the challenge.”

BEDFORD — PJ Granger stretches before the start of the Bedford Half Marathon. Times-Mail / GARET COBB

PJ Granger is married to the former Ashley Coffman. He has two stepsons and a 3-year-old daughter.

Works: Central Construction Co. in Bedford.

Fitness: Now that the television show is over, he tries to work out at least an hour each day to stay in shape.

Goal: To open a gym for all of southern Indiana to train young people with the ninja obstacle courses. “It’s desperately needed in this area. It’s not just for Bedford, but all of southern Indiana because something like that just doesn’t exist in this area.”

In fact, next month, Granger hopes to host a ninja competition for area youths on his backyard training course.

Granger’s run through the warrior competition motivated Jamey and Stori Sullivan’s children to take on the challenge. Three of their sons recently competed in the National Ninja League contest in Columbus, Ohio, with Granger by their sides.

“My boys have always been interested in ‘American Ninja Warrior,’” said Sullivan, who lives in Paoli. “However, when they saw P.J. on the show, it took that interest to a whole new level. Now they believe that, if they practice enough, they could get on TV. The reality for me, as a parent, is it has inspired my children to be more active. They are outside swinging from ropes and climbing things most every day after school now. P.J. was even gracious enough to come try our course with my boys one weekend. His heart for kids is incredible.”

25 THURSDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 22, 22, 2015 2015 || TIMES-MAI EVERYDAY HEROES | TIMES-MAIL 4 || THIURSDAY,

Lynn Andre

Gwen Norman Gwen Norman, center, poses with her daughter JJ and grandchildren Jessi, Kenzie and Danielle. Courtesy photo

Shining as a loyal caregiver

BY BOB BRIDGE bob@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Tia Walker, author of “The Inspired Caregiver,” suggested “to care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.”

An honor? Absolutely.

However, offering care to those with so little hope can be a challenging undertaking on so many levels.

“My grandmother was diagnosed with dementia and eventually went into a nursing home by her own choice,” explained Janita “JJ” Norris. “My mother, Gwen Norman, would go visit her and sit by her side after working 12-hour days. Near the end of my grandmother’s life, my mother often slept in a chair to make sure my grandmother was not alone.”

During her prolonged visits to the care center, Norman developed a healthy appreciation for the staff and an enduring affection for other clients and their families.

“My mother became a friend to all the people at the nursing home,” Norris explained in her nomination letter. “She made everyone feel they were just as important as members of her

A ‘go-to guy’ f Cross, Milwau

BY CAROL JOHNSON cjohnson@tmnews.com Gwen Norman graduated from Heltonville High School, studied at Indiana University, never good and earned a realtor’s license. She first worked at RCA inIt’s Bloomington and haswhen been Lynn Andrews employed at the GM Bedford Casting Plant for more than 30 years. An active morning.

But hemember knows it’s important in the UAW, she has played an active role in many ofmade the organization’ s community in the middle of the night, someo projects. Gwen has a son, Scott, a daughter, JJ, and 10answers grandchildren. that call.

Andrews is a volunteer for the Amer chapter Disaster Aid Team. He serves a t family.

Martin and Orange) which means he h “She took breakfast to the staff members and visited other fire or weather event strikes. patients, making them feel as though she was there for them. Even Andrews, who is a retired forester f after my grandmother’s passing, she continued her visits to the Center Crane, joined the Red Cross boa nursing home. She wanted to repay the kindness shown to my volunteers so that’s why he joined. grandmother. The visits were her way of showing appreciation.”

“It’s been good for me,” he said. “I’m Norris said exhibiting concern and gratitude for others is stannot a person who’s outgoing, and it’s dard operating procedure for her mother. they’ve had fires and such, but the Re “This is only one instance of the many unselfish acts she has disaster volunteers.” performed for people,” she explained. “I am so proud of the Teena Ligman, who nominated Andre example she is to my children and I hope that someday she will is also a Red Cross volunteer, said And be rewarded for all the unseen acts of kindness she does on a daily guy in all things disaster.” basis without seeking recognition or anything in return.”

He keeps the shelter supplies organ Norris said her mother’s primary mission is to uplift. are ready for any disaster and “stays t “If someone is in need of a positive word or looking for a shoulchanges and keeps the rest of us inform der to lean on,” she explained, “my mother is the first to offer it Andrews and another volunteer alter without hesitation.

The chapter responds to about 40 disa “In a hectic world in which it is uncommon for a person to put “Ninety percent are house fires, but someone else’s needs ahead of her own, she is making a differcouple years ago and some flooding e ence. She doesn’t wear a cap or mask, but my mother is truly a of bed at 2 a.m. is not something I en superhero to me and to so many people in our community.” from being able to help people. It’s a tea with a good feeling.”

26 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

Jean Evans Tornado led woman to new ways of helping others

BY JEFF ROUTH jrouth@tmnews.com MITCHELL — It took an act of God to get Jean Evans to Mitchell back in 1990 and she has been doing his work ever since.

Evans, a native of North Dakota, was living near Loogootee when she lost her home to a tornado. She decided it was time to relocate a little closer to her work.

“I was working for Bloomington Hospital at the time,” she said.

“We were going to have to start over anyway, so we might as well start over in a new place. Mitchell was a lot closer, so I’m a transplant.”

Evans met her nominator, Earlene Pickett, through a Sunday school class project with the Mitchell Church of the Nazarene. Picket said Evans and her husband Tony have helped her as well as many other people in the community.

“They have taken me to the store and gotten stuff for me at the store and brought it to me,” Pickett said in her nomination letter. “Jean has taken me to the doctor and even sat with me there. They even took me to the hospital for a surgical procedure and Jean sat by my bed and encouraged me and prayed for me.”

It was an outreach of the church that brought the two women together.

Jean and Tony Evans moved to Mitchell from Loogootee after a tornado destroyed their home. Courtesy photo

Jean and Tony Evans are members of the Mitchell Church of the Nazarene. He teaches Sunday school and she is involved with the children’s ministry.

They moved to Mitchell from Loogootee after a tornado destroyed their home. They have three adult children and five grandchildren.

“I met her when my husband and I were working with the Bread of Life ministry through our Sunday school class,” Evans said. “We began serving meals on Saturday.” Older Americans Corp. doesn’t serve on Saturday and Sunday, so there was a need there. “We sometimes served 186 meals on Saturday.”

Evans said she struck up a friendship with Pickett out of those meal deliveries.

“We would talk a little bit and visit,” she said. “Then we would sometimes go out to lunch. We just became friends.”

“My husband Tony built a ramp for her husband,” Evans continued. “They finally had to amputate his legs, so it was necessary for them to have a ramp. Then, after he passed away, she had a bout with cancer. Her immune system was so depleted, the doctors didn’t want her to leave the house. So I began doing more and more for her.”

Evans said her husband makes sure Pickett’s yard is mowed and the ramp is cleared of snow and ice in the winter. Pickett said Tony even planted flowers around her house to make it look nicer in the summer.

“I enjoy life and enjoy serving my God,” she said. “It’s God first, then my family and my church family.”

Evans was in an auto accident and is disabled, so she is no longer employed, but she continues to serve her church and community in many ways.

27 THURSDAY, OCTOBER OCTOBER 22, 22, 2015 2015 || TIMES-MAI EVERYDAY HEROES | TIMES-MAIL 4 || THIURSDAY,

Doug & Debbie Kellams

Business and community leaders

BY MIKE LEWIS mlewis@tmnews.com

He laughs a bit about it now, but Doug Kellams admits he lost sleep — “quite a bit, actually” — after he purchased the defunct Visteon factory on Bedford’s 16th Street.

The year was 2007, he said. Making that investment was a big risk. Shortly afterwards, the national economy took a nosedive.

“We thought we were going to have to sell our house and move in here,” Kellams said from his office in the building, now called the EastGate Business and Technology Center. “The economy, right after we bought it, tanked. Nobody told me we were going to go into a recession.

“It was dicey there for a while. But it turned out well.”

It has turned out well. And that — along with service to the community in other arenas — earned the Kellams an Everyday Hero nomination.

The building is actually owned by Vision Group Property Development Group, owned by the Kellams and their daughter and son-in-law, Brittany and Nathan McClain.

Doug Kellams said a turning point in EastGate’s history came when TriStar Engineering moved into the building from its previous site in Bedford.

“At that point, the defense industry began to take notice of what we had,” he said.

The building now houses the family’s companies — Tri-County Builders, Tri-County Steel and Union Optical.

“Debbie is the brains behind all these companies we’re involved in,” Kellams said. “She keeps everything moving in the right direction. ... I can’t say enough about what she does.”

Lynn Andre

A ‘go-to guy’ f Cross, Milwau

BY CAROL JOHNSON cjohnson@tmnews.com

It’s never good when Lynn Andrews it’s important made in the middle of the night, someo answers that call.

Doug Kellams received the Bedford Chamber’s CommunityAndrews Service Award One for the Amer isina2010. volunteer of the Kellams’ companies, Tri-County Builders, is doing part of the work in the city’ s chapter Disaster Aid Team.

He serves a t Stellar Communities revitalization efforts.

Martin and Orange) which means he h fire or weather event strikes.

It also is home to three defense contractors, Tri-Star EngineerAndrews, who is a retired forester f ing, SAIC and URS. Center Crane, joined the Red Cross boa Having a skilled workforce, including some former Visteon volunteers so that’s why he joined. employees, has been critical to those companies’ success he he said. “I’m “It’s been goodhere, for me,” said. not a person who’s outgoing, and it’s “Even to this day, there are a lot of former Visteon employees they’ve had fires and such, but the Re still working here,” he said. disaster volunteers.”

“We’re nowhere near where it was (at Visteon’s peak employTeena Ligman, who nominated Andre ment of more than 1,000), but there are 600ispeople who work here.” also a Red Cross volunteer, said And In addition to his business obligations,guy Kellams a member of in all is things disaster.” the Bedford Board of Zoning Appeals andHe serves on the boards keeps the shelter supplies organ of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence County, Radius Indiana (a and “stays t are ready for any disaster regional economic development organization) and the Regional changes and keeps the rest of us inform Opportunity Initiative (a workforce development and Andrews andeducation another volunteer alter organization).

The chapter responds to about 40 disa The Kellams also devote time to the children and grandchildren.

“Ninety percent are house fires, but In making the nomination, Heather O’Connor wrote: couple years ago“Family and some flooding e is clearly important to them, as they spend much of their time of bed at 2 a.m. is notoff something I en with their adorable grandsons. They are down-to-earth, kind from being able to people help people. It’s a tea who care about others.” with a good feeling.”

Doug and Debbie Kellams were nominated to be Everyday Heroes because of their business endeavors, their service to the community and morning. But he knows their commitment to their family. Courtesy photo

28 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

Celebrating bright spots in our community

Congratulations TO THE 2015 EVERYDAY HEROES!

On behalf of The Times-Mail and the Everyday Heroes sponsors, thank you for your contributions! You help make our communities great.

Lynn Andrews

Mike Holsapple

Patty Robertson

Joe Burnette

Lee Hutchinson

Larry and Jane Root

Jim Collingsworth

Willard Lee Johnson

Joe Summers

Joshua Drake

Doug and Debbie Kellams

Mary Jean Swank

Jean Evans

Darlene Steele McSoley

Joyce Teters

PJ Granger

Gwen Norman

Sarann Weeks

Julie Hewetson

Jenny Robbins Purcell

Mary Jo Williams

29 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | TIMES-MAI EVERYDAY HEROES | TIMES-MAIL4 || THIURSDAY,

For the second year, the community responded when the Times-Mail asked for nominations of Everyday Heroes in our community. We were thrilled to receive nearly 50 of them. Each one has an inspiring story to tell, and we wish we could have done feature stories on all them all. To make sure all of them are honored, here are brief summaries of all the nominations, in alphabetical order.

Lynn Andrews

An active volunteer in creating the Milwaukee Trail, he also has been described as the “go-to guy” for American Red Cross disaster relief services.

Becky’s Place staff

A nominator wrote that the staff at the shelter for women and children empower and educate clients to have better lives.

Jay Black

The man responsible for the PA systems at many local concerts and other events, he was called a “sound wizard” by his nominator.

Richard Blackketter

A nominator wrote that he “has helped so many people in many ways with money, work and just being there.”

Joe Burnette

For more than 20 years, “Santa Joe” has made sure that needy children have toys at Christmas.

Sherri Campbell

A nominator praised her for her work at Centerstone, saying she treats clients “like family.”

Center for Women’s Ministries

A nominator praised those who work with this allvolunteer organization, saying they help women “find hope and healing.”

James ‘Jim’ Collingsworth

An unsung hero, he spent hours picking up sticks, limbs and trash at Green Hill Cemetery.

Gary Conner

The North Lawrence school superintendent was praised, as one nominator put it, “for his tireless work and dedication to our students and staff.”

Disabled Veterans Wish Foundation

The organization grants wishes to disabled and terminally ill military veterans to express gratitude for their service in protecting freedom.

Joshua Drake

Through a high school robotics team, he helps teach STEM (Science, Technology, Math and Engineering) to local students.

Michael Duncan

He has been a volunteer at the Marion Township Rural Fire Department for more than 10 years.

Jayda Eubanks

A nominator wrote that she puts others before herself and is “constantly … going above and beyond to make sure others have what they need.”

Jean Evans

Reaching out to help neighbors earned her a nomination an an Everyday Hero.

Christy Farhar

She is the founder of Micah 6:8 Ministry, which brings hope to many children who are subjected to the slave trade in Ghana.

Lynn Andre

A ‘go-to guy’ f Cross, Milwau

Jeremy and Abby Fulk

They have started Jam City Music Education, which is dedicated to helping children learn how to make music.

PJ Granger

BY CAROL JOHNSON “America’s Ninja Warrior” from Bedford, his appearance cjohnson@tmnews.com on the television show has inspired many to pursue their own dreams.

It’s never good when Lynn Andrews morning. But he knows it’s important Julie Hewetson made in the middle of the night, someo A counselor at Mitchell High School, also has served answers thatshe call. her communities in manyAndrews capacities, from a seat on thefor the Amer is a volunteer Bedford City Council tochapter work withDisaster the Distinguished Young He serves a t Aid Team.

Woman and Walk With Martin Excellenceand programs.

Orange) which means he h fire or weather event strikes.

Leah Hillenburg Andrews, who is a retired forester f A nominator praised her for being a “wonderful example Center joined the Red Cross boa of a boss” and working hard, whileCrane, still dealing with relatives’ volunteers so that’s why he joined. illnesses and health issues.

“It’s been good for me,” he said. “I’m not a person who’s outgoing, and it’s Mike Holsapple had fires and such, but the Re A retired tool and diethey’ve maker, he has been serving in various ministry roles, including disaster Sunday nightvolunteers.” service at the Lawrence Teena Ligman, who nominated Andre County jail, for more than two decades. is also a Red Cross volunteer, said And James Lee Hutchinson guy in all things disaster.”

A World War II veteran an author, he has been Heand keeps the shelter supplies organ involved with educational groups, the for Rotary Clubdisaster and other and “stays t are ready any endeavors. changes and keeps the rest of us inform Andrews and another volunteer alter Willard LeeThe Johnson chapter responds to about 40 disa Until he passed away “Ninety suddenly this summer,are he house was fires, but percent known as Santa Claus and the Cotton Candy Man at various couple years ago and some flooding e events in Orange County. of bed at 2 a.m. is not something I en from being able to help people. It’s a tea with a good feeling.”

30 | thursDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2015 | Times-mail | Everyday Heroes

summaries continued...

Shelba Jones

After spending time in a foster home as a youth, she became a foster parent herself and was praised for her unselfish nature and giving spirit.

Tom Jones

A dedicated family man, he was praised as an encourager and provider.

Doug and Debbie Kellams

When Bedford’s Visteon plant shut down, more than 600 people lost their jobs and a significant piece of real estate was threatened with vacancy. The Kellams family stepped up to purchase and re-purpose the building, which now houses several different businesses.

Joan Keller

The superintendent of the Loogootee schools cut her own salary by 25 percent and reduced her paid vacation days from 20 to 15. With the money saved, the school system will be able to hire a social worker to assist students.

Barry Magers

A member of the board at American Legion Gillen Post No. 33, he also volunteers to drive disabled veterans to medical appointments.

Marsha Mathews

A special needs teacher for more than 40 years, she was praised for being “caring, loving and compassionate to each child in her classroom.”

Anita Mayhugh

A nominator praised her for the way she cares for her elderly mother.

Darlene Steele McSoley

After a successful career as a teacher, she became an attorney and now devotes much of her practice to advocating for children.

April Miller

A hard worker, she juggles her job responsibilities with an active family life.

Sharon Mitchell

In her seventh decade, she was praised for caring for those around her, including her husband, her relatives, her neighbors — even the neighborhood dogs.

Lisa Mowery

A nominator praised her for being “an encourager, a cook for the broken-spirited and an inspiration.”

Gwen Norman

Her nominator wrote, “If someone is in need of a positive word or looking for a shoulder to lean on, she is the first to offer hers without hesitation.

Georgia Oakley

A nominator praised her dedication to her family, saying she is “a true hero to her kids, grandkids and greatgrandbabies.”

Linda Parker

She was cited for going “above and beyond” in her job.

Jenny Robbins Purcell

A loving sister, wife, mother and grandmother, Purcell also is devoted to a niece who has special needs.

John Radcliff

He was cited for helping his wife, who has had three brain surgeries that have left her with limited vision and in pain.

Patty Robertson

Among other efforts, she is a volunteer for Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services.

Larry and Jane Root

While running a successful business, they find time to contribute to a range of local endeavors, from the Mitchell Persimmon Festival to activities at their church.

Dr. George Sorrells

A 2014 Everyday Hero recipient, and this year’s guest speaker, Sorrells celebrated 50 years of medical practice earlier this year.

Tim Spreen

A football coach for a Boys & Girls Club team, a nominator wrote that he “absolutely loves the boys and their families.”

Joe Summers

For more than 35 years, he has been planning, and often grilling at, the WHAS Crusade for Children’s pork barbecue fundraiser in Orange County.

Mary Jean Swank

A charter member of the Dunn Hospital volunteers, she has served in many roles to brighten the days of hospital patients.

Joyce Teters

Quietly helping people — including a 94-year-old neighbor — earned Teters recognition on the list of heroes.

Stacy Tillette

A home health care aide, she has been known to take her clients meals and spend time with them if they are alone during holidays. She helped organize a surprise 25th anniversary for a couple in August.

Sarann Weeks

A dedicated retired Orange County educator, she is credited with starting Backpacks of Blessings, a weekend nutrition program for elementary school children.

Mary Jo Williams

A volunteer for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, she has served people in several other ways, including stints at the First Baptist Church’s free Thanksgiving dinner.

Thank you TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS.

HT-6273947

Congratulations to Our Everyday Heroes!

On behalf of IU Health Bedford Hospital and Southern Indiana Physicians, we want to say thank you to those who help make our community a better and healthier place to live.

Š 2015 IUHealth 10/15 HT-6268355