There are some ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things in our community. We call them everyday heroes.
Monday, O ctober 24, 2016
Celebrating bright spots in our community
Congratulations TO THE 2016 EVERYDAY HEROES!
On behalf of The Reporter-Times, The Mooresville-Decatur Times, and the Everyday Heroes sponsors, thank you for your contributions! You help make our communities great.
Kenny Berwick
Rob Helms
Zach Smith
James Bolin
Dylan Horatschki
John Trimpe
Ava and Sammi Bowen
Krista Nelson
Jerry Vest
Steve Brock
Patty Owens
Brian Wagaman
Alice Cordes
Frank and Judy Pauley
Dale DePoy
Randy Rogers
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Inside This Section... Kenny Berwick ........................................................................9 James Bolin ...........................................................................14 Ava and Sammi Bowen ......................................................15 Steve Brock ...........................................................................21 We’re pleased to present the inaugural Reporter-Times
Alice Cordes ............................................................................4 Dale Depoy ............................................................................10 Rob Helms ...............................................................................8 Krista Nelson .........................................................................12
and Mooresville-Decatur Times’ Everyday Heroes. Over 32 extraordinary people were nominated this year, and all are deserving of recognition—there are so many more people who make contributions that often go unnoticed in the community. This summer, readers answered our call and nominated friends, co-workers, neighbors and family members. These individuals are involved in their professional
Patty Owens .......................................................................... 17
capacity, in a formal volunteer sense, and by simply doing good deeds for those in need. No cookie cutters here.
Frank and Judy Pauley.........................................................18 We went through the difficult process of selecting a
Randy Rogers ........................................................................16 Zach Smith ..............................................................................7 John Trimpe ..........................................................................20
smaller number for feature stories in this section, picking out 15. All those nominated are mentioned in this section as well. We’re proud to introduce you to our Everyday Heroes for 2016. Our hope is their stories will be an inspiration to everyone to be a hero to someone. Every day.
Jerry Vest .................................................................................5 Brian Wagaman ......................................................................6
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Alice Cordes
Alice Cordes cares for the underserved By Amy Hillenburg ahillenb@md-times.com MOORESVILLE Alice Cordes, executive director of Churches in Mission, has spent much of her life serving those who are underserved and in desperate financial circumstances. It is a trait she got from her parents, Bob and Marjorie Butler. At a time when not many women even attended college, Marjorie graduated from Purdue University. She did charitable work with her sorority, Delta Theta Tau, taught school and also operated the mission in Mooresville. Bob Butler worked at the airport for Delta Airlines. “My parents were very generous people, having more time to give than money most of the time. I learned the importance of community service from them,” Cordes said. Cordes was born in Methodist Hospital, and her parents lived in Clermont at the time so her dad could be close to his work. The Butlers were born and raised in Hamilton County, and Cordes said they had their first date at age 16. They married when they were 25 years old. Cordes also married at a young age, 21, to Fred Cordes at the First Christian Church in Mooresville where they still attend.
They’ve been married 46 years. The couple raised four girls, two by birth and two of their nieces. “Our girls are Christine, Heather, Jennifer and Amanda, all in their 40s. We are the very proud grandparents of four, the oldest is a sophomore in college and the youngest is in kindergarten,” Cordes said. “The girls and I all graduated from Mooresville High School, having gone to Newby Elementary. Three of the girls live out of state. “My parents moved to Mooresville in 1955 because, after being transferred out of state, Dad had to be within 15 minutes of the airport because of his position with Delta Airlines. We bought our home at 23 E. Washington Street, which is now the Citizens Bank parking lot, from Paul Hadley, who was currently living there. When he moved, he chose to take all of his paintings with him, much to my parent’s disappointment.” Cordes studied music education at Butler University, and she and Fred settled in a home her husband owned at 33 E. Washington Street. Their first daughter was born before their second anniversary, and her second daughter was born two days before their third anniversary. “I became a stay-at home-mom, the best job I ever had,” Cordes said. “I directed our church choir for much of those first years, and when I went to work it was in marketing. I had a variety of jobs between caring for ill parents-in law. When the Mental Health Association advertised for an executive director, I applied.
ALICE CORDES continued on page 13
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Jerry Vest Martinsville man helps veterans reach peace, closure By Sophie Harris swharris@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE
more. They made it possible for those in combat to do their job, and they’re equally important.” He said that many men feel they aren’t worthy of being honored because of survivor’s guilt. “Hollywood and media emphasizes the combat soldier, and the role of combat,” Vest said. “For these guys, every day is a bonus. They made it through the great war, and rr Je — every day past that is just a bonus to get to have a family, get an education. They truly are the best generation.” Vest, who lives in Martinsville, also works with the American Legion. “Several Morgan County vets have gone on the trip,” Vest said. “For a lot of them, it provides a sense of closure. Some came home in the middle of the war, and there was no parade for them. They got off at the bus station, their wife or parents picked them up, and they went back to work.” When veterans return from Washington D.C., they are greeted with a homecoming celebration. “A lot of guys don’t talk about the war. Their families have no idea what they went through,” Vest said. “This trip seems to loosen their lips. They start talking about it. They say it’s been the best day of their lives. They’re all in their ‘90s, and they’ve had a lot of days.”
day ys, every e it u g e s e “For th nus. They mad r, is a bo h the great wa is throug day past that e v ry and eve nus to get to ha n. io o t b a c a u t d s e ju , get an a family y truly are the The eration.” Vest y best gen
Jerry Vest thinks it’s important that World War II veterans get the recognition they deserve. That’s why he volunteers with the Indiana Honor Flight program, allowing veterans to fly to Washington D.C. to see the memorials and Arlington Cemetery. “We take them there for free, and we show them the memorials,” Vest said. “When we go to Arlington Cemetery, we watch the changing of the guard.” Vest said everyone at the program is a volunteer. They’ve been together since 2012. He is also a board member and a bus captain. He drives one of the buses for the veterans to tour D.C. “I did 22 years in the airforce. I know what it is,” Vest said. “The World War II veterans — I grew up watching them in movies on television, and now I get to meet them, hang out with them, and spend time with them. I get to listen to their stories. We get a chance to talk to them and learn history from them instead of out of a book.” Vest said many of the veterans they are honoring are those who weren’t in combat. “Only about one out of 16 people were in combat,” Vest said. “The others were behind the scenes: cooks, motor pools, and
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Brian Wagaman Wagaman’s dedication to social justice and animals helped serve ‘Justice for Ditto’ By Sophie Harris swharris@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE Brian Wagaman helped serve justice for Ditto, a dog wrongfully killed in Martinsville. Ditto was fatally shot and his killer, Craig Standridge, was asking for a plea deal. Wagaman had read about the case online, and he gathered people to protest outside the courthouse during the trial. The plea deal was denied, and Ditto’s killer will spend a year behind bars and a year on house arrest. “It was a big success,” Wagaman said. “The protest changed the outcome of the verdict. I was happy for sure.” Wagaman’s main motivation in protesting was to make sure heinous crimes against animals didn’t go unnoticed. “I had to draw attention to it to make sure that it didn’t happen... Today I just wanted to let them know that we were watching so he doesn’t just get a slap on the wrist,” Wagaman said on the day of the protest in July. He said he wanted to stand up for the dog and support Ditto’s owner, Misty Ward. Acts like these are just a couple of examples of Wagaman’s dedication to social justice and animal rights in the community. About nine months ago, he created a Facebook page called the the “Martinsville Watchcat.” It’s a local crime watch site and since its creation, 3,200 members have joined. “Local shops will send in tapes of shoplifters and we’ll post them to the site,” Wagaman said. “We’ve caught multiple shop-
lifters this way.” He said people in the community often recognize the shoplifters and can identify them. Wagaman said he created the site to help cut back crime in the community. “There was too much mischief going on after dark,” Wagaman said. “I would see it all over Facebook. I wanted to make a group where everything was in the same place. It’s a common area to look.” Wagaman said a lot of people joined the group who, like him, enjoy being vigilant in the community. Wagaman’s philosophy, he said, is something like being a “vigilante without breaking the law.” Along with a passion for social justice, Wagaman also has a soft spot for animals. He is known in the community for helping to rescue cats. “If there’s a cat in a tree, I help get them down if the fire department can’t,” Wagaman said. “I find homes for tons of stray cats. I house them until I can find homes that I know are good.” He only has three cats now, but he had 13 at one time. He said he was trying to help all the stray cats in town. “I’ve learned I can’t do that anymore,” Wagaman said. His favorite thing about Martinsville is the small-down feel, said Wagaman. He likes knowing everyone, and although he moved away for a decade, he returned recently and is doing his part to improve the quality of life here.
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Zach Smith Smith raising money to better children’s lives By Nicole DeCriscio ndecriscio@reporter-times.com MOORESVILLE Zach Smith is known for going out of his way to help others. The 17-year-old has been known to hold doors for people, loading groceries for the elderly and just helping anyone who Smith thinks needs help. help dy needs His nominators describe him as respectful “Everybo spect,” Smith a and thoughtful. The camp costs about $500, which Smith in some was honored e H . id n a Smith has spent several years raising and sa s knows is too expensive for some children that a d e ct to be sele ro. “It means donating money for The Juvenile Diabetes want to go. He Everyday Smith said. Research Foundation. “I feel as if that’s more important,” he said a lot,” “I’m a collector of Indian artifacts,” Smith said. of the camp. He sold his collection of artifacts to donate the money Smith has also had others return prestowards the cause. ents to purchase items for others. Both of Smith’s grandmothers and two of his cousins While shopping with one of his nominahave diabetes, so finding a cure is personal and important tors, Peggy Sue Patton, Smith saw a breast to him. cancer charm necklace. He knew that Patton had a club sister “It’s just something I grew up around,” he said. battling breast cancer and had Patton return the items she had The first year, Smith raised $500, and the total continues to purchased for him to instead buy the necklace. increase. “I thought it would be nice to take my stuff back and get that “I believe altogether we’ve raised between four and five thoufor her,” Smith said. sand,” Smith said. He believes helping others in important and finds enjoyment in doing so. Smith has been raising money for about five years. “Everybody needs help in some aspect,” Smith said. But two years ago, he changed his efforts from raising money He was honored to be selected as an Everyday Hero. for The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to raising money “It means a lot,” Smith said. to send children with diabetes to a summer camp.
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Rob Helms Rob Helms’ love of music and sports helps inspire local teens I ids, and “I love k ing them ch love coa ing them,” h c and tea . “It’s really id a s Helms t to me.” t r o imp an
is grateful to have been surrounded by music and sports his whole life, and he considers them his passions. “I love kids, and I love coaching them and teaching them,” Helms Music and sports are his passion, and Rob Helms couldn’t be said. “It’s really important to me.” more grateful to do what he loves every day. He said he is a big believer in He has been coaching football since 1987 and being on the the principles that sports teach sidelines has become a life long passion. kids — discipline and guidance. “I started coaching at West Middle,” Helms said. “Jim Miller “It’s very important for later in was the head coach at the time.” Helms said he graduated in 1983, life,” Helms said. “I hope I give them and once he started coaching, he hasn’t left the sidelines since. guidance and teach them to work “Then I started coaching basketball in the early ‘90s,” hard and persevere.” Helms said. “Along with coaching, I work at John R. . k c Along with Bigg Country, Helms a b e Wooden middle school (formerly West Middle) got to giv also plays in gospel band, Downpour. “You’ve believer in the as the in-school suspension supervisor.” I’m a big d you’ve just “We’re doing a big event soon to In addition to basketball and football, he is Bible, an ive back,” raise money for a woman who needs got to g said. also the assistant track coach, and he helps coach a kidney,” Helms said. “Tracy StierHelms freshman football. Along with coaching, Helms said walt — her son played football with music takes up a large part of his life. He performs in the me. I’ve known her for a while. We’re band, Bigg Country, who recently opened for Charlie Daniels. putting on a concert to raise money.” “It was a true honor to open for a legend like that,” Helms Helm’s philosophy is that giving said. “We’re going on 20 years as a band.” back is everything. Helms said his father, Bobby Helms, was the original singer “You’ve got to give back. I’m a big believer in the Bible, for “Jingle Bell Rock.” Bobby, originally from Bloomington, and you’ve just got to give back,” Helms said. “When you do, moved to Martinsville when he met Rob’s mother. good things happen. I’ve been blessed with talent, and I try to “I played the drums for him,” Helms said. He added that he use that.” By Sophie Harris swharris@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE
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Kenny Berwick The volunteer firefighter does what he thinks is right By Sophie Harris swharris@reporter-times.com MOORESVILLE
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Sometimes you do something just because it’s the right thing to do. That’s why Kenny Berwick has been a volunteer firefighter in Mooresville and Brooklyn since 1976. “Being a volunteer firefighter means you’re called in at all hours if there’s a fire,” Berwick said. “We don’t get paid and you’re on call 24/7 if you’re not at work.” He said the gig is basically a full-time job without pay, but he doesn’t mind. In fact, he loves it. “It’s just something I’ve always done,” Berwick said. “It’s an adrenaline rush. You what you can to help the community. And someone’s got to do it.” He said he began fighting fires when he was 16, and his dad was a full-time firefighter. “After I started, I just never quit,” Berwick said. “I never thought about it. I don’t do it for recognition. I just like to do it.” Berwick’s adopted grandson is also a volunteer fire fighter. “He went with me for years, and he became a volunteer,” Berwick said. “He became an EMT and a firefighter. He took it full time where I never did.” His grandson, who will be 21 in December, began training when he was 16. Berwick said that most firemen agree that there are some runs that stick with your forever. “You remember the really bad fires. You remember the really
bad wrecks, and you remember the wreck victims. It stays with you,” Berwick said. “There’s this saying that goes something like this: ‘I wish my mind could forget what my eyes have seen.’” He added that the department is a rural one, and they don’t see nearly the amount of incidents that a bigger city would see. “Even so, you see enough,” Berwick said. “You wish you could forget some of it.” However, his experience hasn’t been negative. Berwick said seeing what he’s seen has inspired him to be more grateful. “It’s also a great learning experience for the kids,” Berwick said. “My boy sees the drug overdoses all the time. You’re seeing it, and he’s thinking, I don’t want that. I don’t want to be that. It’s scary, and it’s getting worse. Morgan County definitely has its problems. The public has no idea. They don’t see that.” He said he hopes 18, 19, and 20-year-old kids won’t succumb to the peer pressure of doing drugs. The problem is real, he said, and many aren’t lucky enough to get a second chance.
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Dale Depoy
Dale Depoy: His duty is the community By Amy Hillenburg ahillenb@md-times.com MOORESVILLE Dale Depoy has played many roles in his life — soldier, husband, father, CPA, accountant, disabled veterans advocate, grandfather and a civic leader. He considers his family, his community and serving non-profits among his duties as a human being and Christian. Depoy said he doesn’t get much leisure time, because those things are his priorities. He and his wife Melanie have two sons Spencer and Mitch — they are also grandparents of six, including Jackson, who has cerebral palsy. He was the impetus for Dale, Melanie and their daughter-in-law to bring the Jackson Center of Conductive Education to Mooresville. The first one of its kind in Indiana, the center brings a unique method of educating children with motor disorders. The family moved to Mooresville in 1986, and Mitch and Spen-
cer graduated from Mooresville High School. They were active in tennis and the high school pend “I don’t s e choir Spotlighters. much tim but Depoy’s roots are in small-town ack looking b cus on America. He grew up in Winamac, instead forward,” Indiana, in the northern farm country moving fo said. and graduated from Winamac High Depoy School. He worked as a “soda jerk and a lifeguard” in his teens. “I was actually born at home,” Depoy said. “We moved to Mooresville because we wanted the Christian values a small town provides.” Depoy attended a business college in South Bend, was drafted and served in the Army infantry as a Staff Sergeant in the Republic of Viet Nam. After he returned home, he enrolled in Indiana University, graduated in 1975 and became a CPA. Depoy started his career in public accounting in Indianapolis with Ernest & Young. While in college at the Bloomington campus, Depoy met many vets returning home from Viet Nam who were disabled like himself. He and a group of other disabled veterans organized the first College Chapter of American Disabled Veterans (DAV) and advocated for them. He looked for easy routes into buildings and
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documented those as a way to help the disabled students. He left public accounting to design an accounting system for the deputy mayor of Indianapolis, who needed an accounting and reporting system for a newly created non-profit federation. Depoy said the federation consisted of 12 Indianapolis community centers. “Although I had audited non-profit companies, this was my first hands-on experience. I was hired as the chief financial officer, but my role soon expanded to include deputy director responsibilities,” Depoy said. “In those roles, I learned how difficult managing a not-for-profit can be and to appreciate the role good financial management can play.” Since he had to present his financial case to United Way of Central Indiana for the federation’s annual support, UWCI soon hired him to be their Vice President of Operations. Those duties included managing personnel, accounting, investments, technology and facilities. He worked nearly 29 years for the UWCI. He is a member of the Masonic Temple and also the Kiwanis Club. Depoy said he has attended church all of his life, thanks to an uncle who took he and his brothers to services. His own father often was out of town for his work weeks at a time. Depoy retired in 2014, but said he’s still active as a consultant for a network of non-profit entities serving the 38th Street and Keystone area of Indianapolis known as the Meadows. “It has been a very tough area of Indianapolis for a long time. Many lives, including policemen, have been lost in that area including a high school classmate working as a pharmacist there,” Depoy said. “Today much change is taking place and I am excited to be a part of it. I also am an adjunct professor for IUPUI School of Public and Environmental Affairs.”
Depoy was named CFO of the Year by the Indianapolis Business Journal, and said he works behind the scenes in the nonprofit arena. He considers this is his God-given talent. “I believe in the concept of ‘it takes a village.’ I was very fortunate to live in a great village where many adults mentored me from birth to high school graduation. I also have worked with community leaders far more intelligent than I,” Depoy said. He would like people to think of him as a caring person who has tried to make life better for others using the skills God has provided him. Depoy said he loves his family, his country and his God. “I don’t spend much time looking back but instead focus on moving forward,” Depoy said. He added that one of his most satisfying experiences was helping UWCI manage disaster relief dollars during the major flood in Morgan County. Depoy served as the senior staff liaison to Morgan County United Way, working on getting infrastructure in place to manage volunteers and finances. “To some, it probably seemed like forever, but in reality, Morgan County recovered faster than all the other counties impacted,” Depoy said. “We really have some great people and organizations in this county that all came together for a common goal. I do not remember their names, but I do remember each one of them and how extremely well they served others.”
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Krista Nelson
Krista Nelson: an advocate for children By Amy Hillenburg ahillenb@md-times.com MOORESVILLE Krista Nelson cares about children. In her fourth year as principal at Newby Elementary in Mooresville, Nelson works with her staff to help them succeed. She also believes in public service and the community that surrounds the children she sees every day. Nelson is a native Hoosier and was born in Indianapolis. She grew up in Greenwood and attended Center Grove Community Schools. Her parents are Bill and Regina Young and she has one brother Andy Young. Krista married Chuck Nelson, and the two have a four-year-old daughter Karter. “I graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education and minor in Science in 2003. I graduated with a Master’s in Education from Indiana Wesleyan in 2006,” Nelson said. “I obtained my administrative license from Indiana University in 2008. Currently, I am enrolled at Indiana State University obtaining my Ed.S, Superintendent’s License and Ph.D.” Nelson was a teacher in Lawrence Township for six years,
teaching grades second, third and fourth. She also was a buildinglevel administrator for four years in Monroe County Community School Corporation before coming to Mooresville Schools. This is her 14th year in education. In Morgan County, Nelson has been involved in the South Central United Way Board, Youth as Resources Board and various school district and community events. “I love volunteering to help our community members and school community,” Nelson said. “I feel that it is important to be a good steward. Especially, to the community that is supporting the work we are doing in the schools.” Although she is a school administrator, Nelson said spending time with her family is a priority. “My family and I like to travel and spend time together. We love to be outside, swimming and boating,” Nelson said. “I love to read and work with stained glass.” Nelson said her passion for education is to see students succeed and have a love for learning. “I love being an educator, but also a learner. I work with wonderful staff members at Newby - they also have a passion to see that students succeed in life,” Nelson said. “The staff makes sure that students’ needs are being met socially, academically and physically. It is easier to be a Lead Learner at Newby, when the team you work with wants the best for every person who enter our doors. We feel that kids are very special people.” Nelson said Newby has been blessed to partner with many
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organizations that have helped the school with making sure students’ needs are being met. “I enjoy volunteering at community events, Churches in Mission, United Way, Youth as Resources and other community engagements,” Nelson said. “We are very fortunate in Mooresville to have a caring community that gives back every day.” Nelson said her entire life has been filled with people who have influenced her personally and professionally. She added that her parents are hard workers who volunteered their time to give back to their community. She also credits her husband with having a “servant heart.” Nelson said she feels lucky to work with amazing educators in Mooresville Schools - “passionate educators who want the best for their students.” “My administrator colleagues are always striving to be better, and they have helped me improve my own professional practices,” Nelson said. “I know I am a better person and leader because of them.” Nelson said she feels her journey has just begun, and she still has so much to give back to her community and world. She believes that human beings are part of a greater purpose, and this drives her to be a better person and to go above and beyond to help other people.
ALICE CORDES continued from page 4 “My mother had been on their board for some time and had facilitated support groups for them, and I became very interested in the work they did.” Cordes said she’s also suffered with severe depression most of her adult life, so she was familiar with how it affects the patient as well as the family. After six years, the girls were all out of college and Cordes said she needed her own mental health break, so she “retired.” She was babysitting her great-niece and her mother was board chair of Churches in Mission. They were looking for an executive director and Cordes said her mother was exhausted trying to keep the mission running and interviewing for, but not finding, a director. “I offered to be the interim director, and she took that offer to the board. They decided to hire me as interim in April of 1997, and I don’t know that they ever really changed my status from interim,” Cordes said. Marjorie Butler was a charter member of Delta Theta Tau Sorority, in both Martinsville and Mooresville, and became the Mooresville chapter’s first president. Cordes joined the sorority when she was 18 and will celebrate 50 years of membership next year. “My favorite way to spend free time is with my grandchildren.
“Every evening I reflect on my day and think about what I contributed to my family, school and community.,” Nelson said. “Some days I feel that I have accomplished quite a bit, helping and giving back to those in need. There are also days that I reflect on my day and feel that I have failed. “I am okay with having good and bad days. My bad days give me more drive to be a better person the next day. I also feel that sometimes we get caught in the daily grind and lose focus on what our life goals are. One of my favorite quotes that describes the hope for my life legacy is by Forest Witcraft: “One hundred years from now, it will not matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of house I lived in, how much money was in my bank account, nor what my clothes looked like. But the world may be a better place, because I was important in the life of a child.” Nelson said that following her passion to be an educator is what she was called to do. She did not choose this path after graduating from high school, but she said education found her. “I truly believe that I am where I need to be to leave a life legacy, helping children be the best they can be. Over the past 14 years I have been able to touch the lives of over 3,000 children. Modeling compassion, niceness, being a servant leader and leading with my heart has hopefully made a difference in many of their lives.”
I enjoy music, attending plays and antique shopping. I plan to dust off my sewing machine when I retire,” Cordes said. “My passion is for the people I meet at Churches in Mission, and finding ways to help make their lives better. If you haven’t worried about what you will feed your child or had to explain why he couldn’t attend a field trip or birthday party because you had no money for it, then you can’t understand the challenges my friends face every day,” Cordes said. “My parents were my example. My dad worked for Delta Airlines and was a very hands-on dad before it was the norm. He chaperoned my sister’s kindergarten field trip with the mothers because mom was working. He made a tighter ponytail and braids than my mother could, and he taught us how to play baseball and ride bikes. “Mom taught in both Mooresville and Plainfield schools and led the 4-H program for years.” Cordes serves as an elder at the First Christian Church in Mooresville, where she was involved in the music program until recently. She also writes columns for the Mooresville-Decatur Times on mission activities and special programs. “I hope my legacy is that of providing hope to those who needed it, giving a smile to those who didn’t have one, of caring without fear or judgment. I want my legacy to be that of a good and faithful servant, a good wife and mother and the fun grandmother.”
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James Bolin Brooklyn Police Officer is motivated to seek justice after his own tragedy By Sophie Harris swharris@reporter-times.com BROOKLYN The world can be a scary place. No one knows this better than James Bolin, who lost his 11-year-old daughter to kidnapping and homicide about 40 years ago. Shortly after it happened, Sherriff Paul Mason showed up on Bolin’s doorstep. “He asked me if I wanted to work for him, starting today at 4,” Bolin said. “I told him I would be there at 5. I wanted to be handy enough to catch the man who killed my daughter.” Today, Bolin has been a police officer for 40 years, and he loves it. He is currently serving in Brooklyn, and prior to that, he served in Mooresville. In his time as an officer, Bolin liked to focus on the good he was doing. “I’ve made a lot of arrests,” Bolin said. “The OWI’s were my favorite. I felt like I was saving lives. I loved what I was doing, and I still do. I have a lot of friends all over Morgan County.” He said he felt like he was doing a good job as an officer, but at the same time, law enforcement was never a job for him. It was a calling. Bolin serves his community as a police officer, but he also serves the children of the community by taking care of them.
“We started adopting 10 years ago,” Bolin said. When his wife first asked him about it, he was wary. But they had been getting cards in the mail from a place called “Kids’ Peace,” a foster care agency. “I wasn’t interested. But my wife wanted to do it,” Bolin said. “We got our first daughter at three months old. I rocked her to sleep every night, and I was hooked.” Bolin now has five children. The oldest turned 11 in September. “We started doing it to help the kids,” Bolin said. “We were always involved with the youth at the church. We took kids on Youth Camps every summer. I just love kids, love being ted. But s e r e around them.” t in “I wasn’t anted to do it,” Bolin said for anyone w my wife . “We got our id thinking about adoption to a s ee Bolin er at thr er t h g u a d ask around about it. first ked h old. I roc “If you’re able to and feel months every night, to sleep hooked.” like you want to, you s and I wa should,” Bolin said. “The Lord blessed us with kids. I would recommend it. Talk to people and contact agencies.
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | 15
Ava and Sammi Bowen ‘All About Ava’ brings awareness, inspiration to community
“You can’t even tell she’s sick,” Sammi said, “except for the bald ing ir p s head.” in n ps o By Alexis Fitzpatrick “Ava kee ach day with Sammi said the support from the comle p afitzpatrick@reporter-times.com peo e g fight and munity has been outstanding and even in z MARTINSVILLE her ama ination to people from outside the state have reached m deter gnosis ia d is h out. t not let e her.” For the past year, the Bowen family has had a “She’s made so many people come defin Horton lot on their plate. Aside from raising two small children, —Jerika together,” she said. “All of these people working and conducting their daily lives, Sammi and Kevin have been praying for her. It’s crazy Bowen have had to deal with their young daughter’s recurhow many people she’s touched with ring cancer. her story…she always has a smile on Ava, 3, was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma, her face.” or ALCL, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in October Jerika Horton, who nominated Ava and Sammi, said in her 2015. Sammi said she noticed a lump on the side of Ava’s head, nomination, “Ava has not slowed down for one second, wreswhich the pediatrician thought was a swollen lymph node. tling with her little brother (Owen), racing her cousins through There were other lumps on Ava’s ribs and chest. mamaw’s living room and eating her mommy out of house and Ava went to the emergency room with what Bowen thought home… was pneumonia. The family traveled to Riley Hospital for Chil“Ava keeps on inspiring people each day with her amazing dren in Indianapolis, where they were told Ava not only had fight and determination to not let this diagnosis define her.” her left lung full of pneumonia, but after a biopsy and multiple Horton said Sammi has stayed strong and redefined “the examinations and tests, she had cancer as well. meaning of patience, understanding and how to keep your faith.” The diagnoses led to several rounds of chemo, a cancer-free According to Sammi, the strong support system from her famdeclaration on St. Patrick’s Day and a crushing resurgence of ily, friends and the Martinsville community have helped her and cancer just a few short months later in June. Ava immensely over the last year — from multiple fundraisers Throughout the entire ordeal, the Bowens have chronicled to help with the rising medical bills to emotional support when Ava’s battle on social media, developing a loyal following with things became too much. the ‘#allaboutava’ campaign and corresponding Facebook page, Ava’s trials are far from over — she is currently gearing up for which has over 1,500 likes. But it has been Ava’s attitude that has really drawn people to a bone marrow transplant. Her father, Kevin, is a perfect match her struggles. and in Ava’s words, he’s her “hero” too.
16 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Randy Rogers Mooresville Police Officer loves to serve community, in and out of uniform By Sophie Harris swharris@reporter-times.com MOORESVILLE
own and roll d st p o t s ll I’ “ ow and ju my wind people. say hi to nt them a I really w m there.” I’ to know Randy Rogers
Mooresville Police officer Randy Rogers cares deeply for this community. That’s why he cares so much about giving back and showing people that the police are here to help, not just give you tickets and arrest you. “I do it because of my core values,” Rogers said. “I learned a lot from the older police officers at the force. They came from another time, where communication was a big thing. It’s big for them to be able to just talk to people.” He said he learned his communications skills from the older officers, many of whom are now retired. “I always felt I should talk and get to know the people in my town,” Rogers said. “I’ll stop and roll down my window and just say hi to people. I really want them to know I’m there.” He said he really wants kids to know the police are there to help. “At a time like this in the U.S., we need to let the public know you’re not just there for bad things, but for help too,” Rogers said. “I give 100 percent to everything I do. I always have. Jobs in high school, and everything after that. If you’re accepting a wage to do something, you should give it 100 percent.” Rogers was a K-9 officer in the past, and he said he loved taking the dog into schools.
“I really like to get to know the kids and the schools,” Rogers said. He said he loves Mooresville, and he has been at the department there for 18 years. He grew up in Mooresville, and he thinks Morgan County as a whole is an amazing place. “People are very friendly here. We don’t have the crime here that people do in other counties,” Rogers said. “I think it’s very important to stay connected with people in the community.” Rogers said he thinks it’s important to stay active even when off-duty. “I try to do as much as I can, even off-duty. Sometimes people lock their keys in the car. I don’t like to see people in trouble,” Rogers said. “There are cases where elderly people can’t get out of their cars and get locked out, and neighbors sometimes call for inspections. Sometimes I pick up stray dogs. Just things like that.” When Rogers heard he had been nominated for an award, he was in shock. “I’m very honored. It makes me feel so good. I’m at a loss for words,” Rogers said. “That someone thinks highly enough of me to nominate me... I’m at a loss for words.”
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EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | 17
Patty Owens Patty Owens continues to faithfully serve community By Nicole DeCriscio ndecriscio@reporter-times.com MARTINSVILLE
ators er nomin ns h f o e n O d Owe describe one who as some y from any a “shies aw reward you r o praise turning the give her, ion to those t conversa e serves.” h s that
Patty Owens is known for spending her time and energy helping those in need. “I started with the food pantry in 1981,” Owens said. Owens volunteers at the Red Barn and serves as the director. In 1991, she became a manager at Red Barn and has been there ever since. The Red Barn provides food and clothing for people in need in Morgan County. One of her nominators described Owens as someone who “shies away from any praise or reward you give her, turning the conversation to those that she serves.” “We give them enough to last probably a week,” Owens said. Owens said the Ladies of the Red Barn Scholarship is another important aspect of the services offered at Red Barn. The scholarship provides $1,000 for two high school seniors who are going into a field that helps others. Examples of these fields include social workers and doctors, as well as other careers. The money for the scholarships come from sales made at the thrift store. “We take a portion and we put back for our scholarships,” Owens said.
Owens said Red Barn gets most of its clients through referrals from churches, first-responders and other people. “We’re really in tune with the community,” Owens said. However, Red Barn always needs donations. “It’s always a struggle to try to figure out how to feed everybody.” Owens got her start at Red Barn 35 years ago when a friend from church asked her if she would want to volunteer. “I said yeah that sounds pretty good,” Owens said. She has a personal connection to those who come in seeking help because she has experienced financial hardship before. “I do it mostly because I want to help the children,” Owens said. Throughout her childhood, her family struggled financially. “It’s not their fault the parents struggle,” she said. Owens just wants to be able to serve others. “I’ve always wanted to help people,” she said. She believes that the work she does for Red Barn is important. “I think there’d be a void in this town if it was taken away,” Owens said.
18 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
Frank and Judy Pauley Frank Pauley’s legacy remembered By Amy Hillenburg ahillenb@md-times.com MARTINSVILLE The late Frank Pauley was born in Martinsville on March 23, 1935, to Lawrence and Kathryn Pauley. He graduated from Martinsville High School with the class of 1953, according to his daughter Amy Runkel. Pauley was a Martinsville High School softball fan (boys and girls) and often drove the bus for the team for away games. He rarely missed a game, according to an article on Pauley by Reporter-Times and Mooresville-Decatur Times sports correspondent Melissa Dillon. She wrote that Pauley had been a coach, a softball player himself and also taught his children how to play the game.
On New Year’s Eve in 1959, at a square dance in Trafalgar, Pauley met Judy Mattick and a few months later on April 14, 1960, they were married. They recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. They have three children, Angie, Larry and Amy, and they all graduated from Martinsville High School. They have five grandchildren, Austin, Claire, Cameron, Aidan and Ryan. Pauley loved spending time with his family and enjoyed being actively involved with his grandchildren. He lived in the area for 81 years until he passed away on May 28 of this year. Pauley served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Washington and Germany. He attended Butler University, and Pauley and Tony DeMott opened Super Sports Supply in 1972. “He owned and worked at Super Sports Supply for 32 years until he retired,” Runkel said. “He has always been very involved with and has had a love for our community his whole life. He coached Little League baseball, basketball and football. “He went to all high school sporting events and supported the Artesians, especially the high school girls’ softball team. He drove a bus for the MSD of Martinsville and enjoyed taking all the boys and girls to their sporting events.” Runkel said her father’s favorite leisure activities included Intarsia (a form of wood working), playing softball, fishing, boating and walking. “Many people in the community would see him out for his walk and getting exercise. He very much enjoyed being a part of Steps for Health Charity Challenge to help raise money for a number of charities. Runkel said her father was a humble man. He would volunteer and help anyone who needed it without hesitation. He didn’t ever want recognition or anything in return for helping, he just loved to help people and his community. She said her mom and dad always spent time with them and made them feel important and loved. Runkel said her parents took them camping, boating, fishing and her father taught them how to water ski. She said he was just as
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | 19
involved with his grandchildren, attending their games, plays, dance competition and baseball and football games. Pauley was a long-time me unkel member of Zion’s Hill Bap—Amy R tist Church. He was very active within the church and helped build the new church just down the road from the old one. He, Judy and others from the church, helped park cars during IU football games to help pay off the mortgage for the new building. He and Judy also enjoyed volunteering at many church camps. Runkel said her dad was not concerned with leaving a legacy, he just wanted to support his community and be a part of it and would not hesitate to help others. To honor his memory, the Frank L. Pauley Artesian Softball Scholarship has been created.
een always b “He has lved with very invo a love for had and has mmunity c our o life.” his whole
Runkel said there is a special memory she has of her dad. Whenever they would take walks together, he would describe to her every play that was made. She said he would remember all about the players and who all were coming up to be players the next season. Frank and Judy loved Martinsville and didn’t really care if the teams won or lost. It was a way to be close to his family and friends in the city. They followed the teams even if there was snow, Dillon said in her story. Then they packed up their blankets and hand warmers to watch their favorite team play. When he became ill and chemotherapy kept him from mingling with the crowds, people would call him to bring over popcorn for him - they knew he loved to eat it while watching the game. He will be remembered annually from now on because of the Frank Pauley Softball Classic, played this summer for the first time. Pauley will also be remembered by the girls and boys he befriended in the Martinsville sports program. Donations and proceeds from the classic all go to the Frank L. Pauley Artesian Softball Scholarship.
20 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
John Trimpe Volunteer firefighter fought for paramedic services in Indiana and New Jersey By Sophie Harris swharris@reporter-times.com BROOKLYN
paramedic service.” He and his wife got involved, and they were members of the first paramedic service. At the time, the only other paramedics were doctors and nurses. Trimpe left New jersey in 1983 and returned to Brooklyn to work at the fire department. “After the tornado in Martinsville around 2002, we tried to get an emergency medical assistance program here in town,” Trimpe said. “Steve Brock started the group, and we have been with it since the beginning.” Trimpe still serves as an EMT with the Brooklyn Fire department, and he’s been there for 30 years. “It’s important because that’s what people rely on if they’re sick or injured,” Trimpe said. “We need people trained to handle that in emergencies.” Trimpe encourages young people interested in the medical field to become paramedics. “Start attending a first aid class, and then take an EMT class. After that, you will work your way up to being a paramedic,” Trimpe said. “My wife taught at the Red Cross. It was a family thing, you could say. I would hope that we would be prepared in case of an emergency.”
ortant “It’s imp at’s th because rely le p o e p what sick or e ’r y on if the aid. Trimpe s injured,”
Most Americans wouldn’t believe this today, but there was a time in the U.S. where paramedic services were few and far between, meaning that millions didn’t have access to help during an emergency. Brooklyn firefighter John Trimpe remembers those days, and he worked had to fight for paramedic services. “I joined the fire department in Indiana, and they needed people to make medical runs. I did that,” Trimpe said. “After that, I was working in Zionsville and did ambulance service there.” Trimpe was transferred to New Jersey to work at a fire department. There was a shortage of people, and since he had his EMT license in Indiana, he was on ambulance service at his new job. “My wife and I agreed to volunteer,” Trimpe said. “One of our first runs was on Thanksgiving. I told the chief we needed a paramedic unit. He said, what’s that?” The difference between an EMT and a paramedic, Trimpe said, is that paramedics are more trained, and they can perform intravenous procedures and things needed for emergency situations. “Back in 1978, not everywhere had that,” Trimpe said. “We were a county of more than a million people, and we were going without
EVERYDAY HEROES | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | 21
Steve Brock Brock dedicates life to public service By Alexis Fitzpatrick afitzpatrick@reporter-times MARTINSVILLE Steve Brock may not have been born in r actions Morgan County, but for the last 25-plus “Let you worth,” ur years, he has made it a home for him and prove yo aid. his family. Brock has dedicated most of Brock s his adult life to helping others in a multitude of ways – from acting as EMS division chief for Brown Township to serving on the Metropolitan ter has special needs and he saw a need in the School District of Martinsville Board. community. Brock said it was a calling and his Christian duty “She struggled to get the education she that led him to a life of public service. needed and deserved,” Brock said. An active member of River Valley Christian Church, Brock is also proud of his role on the Martinsville School Brock said his biggest blessings were his wife and chilBoard. He said he had three dreams about running and considdren, all of which also answered the call to help others. Brock’s ered it another of God’s callings for him. wife is a nurse, their daughter is studying nursing and their son The school district was having some issues at the time he is a firefighter, he said. decided to run, he said, but the progress it has made recently “They’re committed to serving,” he said. — such as the STEM Academy at Brooklyn and the Spanish Brock said these days, “talk is cheap. A person is only as good Immersion program at Poston — is encouraging. as their work.” Brock is also involved with the Morgan County Substance And Brock’s work is extensive. Abuse Task Force, which involves doing presentations to keep He has been a paramedic for more than 20 years and has been youths off of drugs. president of the Morgan County Emergency Medical Services “I want to protect our future,” he said. Association for 14 years since its inception. Brock’s nominator agreed, saying, “Steve is all heart and truly “I have been blessed enough to be re-elected,” he said. has the health and well-being of Morgan County first!” Brock has also instructed thousands of law enforcement But for Brock, it’s all in a day’s work, and he plans to stay busy officers and other in things such as CPR, Narcan application helping the community grow. and autism awareness training. Of the latter, Brock said his sis“Let your actions prove your worth,” Brock said.
22 | MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2016 | REPORTER-TIMES/THE MOORESVILLE-DECATUR TIMES | EVERYDAY HEROES
We at the RT & MDT were overjoyed to get so many nominations for Everyday Heroes. We wish we could have done a story on every one of them. To make sure that all are honored, here is a brief summary of the remaining nominees and who nominated them. They are listed in the order in which they arrived.
Alicia Fouty
An Everyday Hero last year, Fouty is highly involved in decreasing the feral cat population of Morgan County. Nominated by Lynne Woehlke
Brad Poe
A dedicated man that has worked at the family restaurant his entire life with a “heart of gold,” according to his nominator. Nominated by Terri Grafton
Justin Drake
A father, husband and small business owner that has helped people overcome addiction and helps those in need. Nominated by Cody and Celia Lucas
Dylan Horatschki
A selfless young man that has dedicated much of his life to helping his brother, Mikey. Nominated by Lisa Myrtle
Larissa Mabry
A young girl with a rare constant partial seizure disorder that remains happy and “touches everyone’s hearts that she comes in contact with,” according to her mother, Sherree Bargo. Nominated by Sherree Bargo
Michael Haight
A ferret rescuer that cares for animals and helps the homeless, elderly, friends and family. Nominated by anonymous
Thomas Duncan Jr.
A hardworking father and volunteer fireman/ EMT. Nominated by Stephanie and Carter Duncan
Edward Alan Bradt
A volunteer firefighter with the A and A Fire Department and volunteer Paragon law enforcement officer. Nominated by Mrs. Edward Bradt
Devan Duncan
A posthumous nomination for a children’s coach. Nominated by Jesse Schoolcraft
Joshua Andrew Briem
A seven-year military veteran, father and Indiana National Guard recruiter. Nominated by Nikki Randolph
Tonya and Kevin Caplonger
A helpful couple that helped the nominator with several bills. Nominated by Penny Sutche
Jeff Faudree
A worker with the juvenile probation department that “goes above and beyond.” Nominated by Ann Faudree
Kristen Brown
Co-chair of the Food Allergy Research and Education Walk. Nominated by Brenda Statzer
Joanne and Fred Stone
Greeters at the First Church of the Nazarene that help at the church in the community. Nominated by Norma Dawson
David Ryan Smock
A blind teacher at Tindley High School in Indianapolis that encourages students to pursue higher education. Nominated by Mary Deittler
William Davis Jr.
A small business owner that helps customers that are sometimes unable to pay their bills. Nominated by Linda Davis
Carolyn F. Stewart Alsup
An active church member that helped raise her siblings, her own nine children and her grandchildren. Nominated by Kim Alsup
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