2016 Everyday Heroes TM

There are some ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things in our community. We call them everyday heroes.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Celebrating bright spots in our community

Congratulations TO THE 2016 EVERYDAY HEROES!

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

Gene Abel

Frank Hughes

Beth Snead

Deb Cory

Robert Hughes

Debbie Stailey

Barry Crane

Trevor Hunter

Al Tolbert

Bill Drury

Erin Jeffries

Jack Voigtschild

Bryan Fountain

Marilyn Langley

Brian Young

Jon and Becky Goller

Barry Magers

Sandy Young

Buddy Hendricks

Justin Morgan

EVERYDAY HEROES | THE TIMES-MAIL | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | 1

Inside This Section...

Gene Abel.................................................................................7 Deb Cory ................................................................................13 Barry Crane............................................................................19 Bill Drury ..................................................................................3 Bryan Fountain .....................................................................10 Jon and Becky Goller............................................................21 Buddy Hendricks...................................................................12 Frank Hughes ..........................................................................6 Robert Hughes.........................................................................4 Trevor Hunter . ........................................................................9 Erin Jeffries...............................................................................5 Marilyn Langley and Sandy Young ..................................14 Barry Magers........................................................................20 Justin Morgan . .......................................................................8 Beth Snead...............................................................................2 Debbie Stailey........................................................................ 17 Al Tolbert.................................................................................18 Jack Voigtschild.....................................................................15 Brian Young............................................................................16

EDITORS NOTE: Now in its third year, the Times-Mail Everyday Heroes project started with readers and residents of the community. We asked for nominations of people who selflessly offer time and talent to serve others and make our communities better places.

This year, we received more than 73 nominations, listing about 70 people. Those nominations came from friends, relatives, neighbors and co-workers.

Each one of the nominees was worthy. It was difficult to choose those who are featured in this Everyday Heroes book.

But with the help of the nominating letters and panel of volunteers, we picked 21 people — 17 individuals and two double nominations — to highlight on these pages.

Times-Mail staff members wrote the articles and took most of the photographs.

Everyday Heroes, in this community, don’t seek the spotlight. Many were surprised to be selected, and many hesitated at the word “hero” being attached to their names.

But it is important that their stories be told and their accomplishments recognized. We believe their stories can inspire others. We hope these stories move others into action, to become involved in making our local communities better places to live.

And I sincerely hope you enjoy reading their stories as much as we enjoyed writing them.

—Krystal Shetler Managing Editor

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Beth Snead Service comes from ‘thirst for learning’

By Carol Johnson cjohnson@tmnews.com BEDFORD — From Girl Scouting, local politics, the Red Cross and efforts to improve literacy, Beth Snead has found that service isn’t just a way to better the community, it’s one of the best ways to learn about your community.

“I still have a thirst for learning,” said Snead. “I enjoy learning about community activities and participating in them as a volunteer. For instance, I never quite understood how LIFE pantry worked. As a member of Altrusa, we fill food orders on Wednesdays. That helped me understand the ever-present need to fill the donation box at church.”

Snead’s volunteerism dates back to 1974 when she became a Girl Scout troop leader.

“Girl Scouts was something I didn’t do as a child because there wasn’t a troop in my part of the county. I had always been curious about it and I wanted to help girls,” she said.

This led to a decades-long involvement in Girl Scouts. Snead was day camp director at Camp Friendly and served on the Tulip Trace board of directors from 1978-2010. Her time included serving as board secretary, treasurer and first vice president.

“I enjoyed working with staff, seeing the results of what troops do,” she said. “Most troops do community service projects, which I really admire.”

Her connection to scouting and later her time as director of the Red Cross chapter led to her involvement with the local United Way. She served as campaign chairwoman in 1989. Under her leadership, it was the first time the United Way raised $225,000 in Lawrence County.

Snead said her interest in politics goes back to her childhood.

“Both my grandfathers were Republican precinct committeemen. My early memories were seeing my grandfather reading the Indianapolis Star and talking about government,” Snead recalled.

Times-Mail | RICH JANZARUK

He would read her stories from the newspaper, and she remembered seeing people come to her grandfather’s house to discuss roads, bridges and other local issues.

Much of her time these days is devoted to Altrusa International Club of Bedford. She is currently club president. As an Altrusan, she volunteers at LIFE pantry, is a bell ringer for the Salvation Army, helped paint Becky’s Place, a shelter for women and children, bagged corn at the Bryantsville Hunger Relief Project, delivered book bags to Head Start preschoolers and helped with luncheons and bingo parties for residents of Hauck House.

She said Altrusa’s focus on literacy is one reason she joined in 2007.

“Our high illiteracy rate leads to a lot of other social problems,” she said. “I like the fact literacy is one of the things they focus on as well as other projects.”

She noted the bingo parties and Christmas gifts for residents of Hauck House are another club project she enjoys as a way to brighten someone’s day.

“The bingo prizes are practical things like hand lotion or Kleenex, which frees up their money for something else … maybe our gift will permit them to buy a gift for a family member or someone else.”

Family:

Married to Harold Snead for 44 years

Career:

Co-owner V.I.P. Fashions Inc., served as executive director American Red Cross Lawrence County Chapter, political campaign management, program manager for Bedford Urban Enterprise Association Inc.

Hobbies: Gardening, hiking/walking, reading Quote:

“My guiding philosophy stems from my Christian world view and ‘love your neighbor as yourself’ found in Mark 12:31 is my inspiration for volunteering.”

EVERYDAY HEROES | THE TIMES-MAIL | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | 3

Billy Drury Logging injuries defy the odds

By Roger Moon rmoon@tmnews.com PAOLI — Billy Drury exemplifies the popular expression “You can’t keep a good man down.”

That is evidenced in the impressive way he has rebounded from a logging accident that found him defying the odds in surviving massive head and facial injuries — so severe that the entire left side of his face still must be kept covered by a bandage.

Drury said doctors told him after the March 17, 2015, accident they were unaware of anybody who had suffered injuries like those he experienced and lived to tell about it.

Having watched her 42-year-old brother stand up to what first appeared insurmountable, Tammy Herd nominated him as one of TimesMail’s 2016 Everyday Heroes.

Drury shrugs it off. “I’m no hero,” he said.

Herd wrote in her nomination, “My brother is a true everyday hero. Billy has always been involved in our community, whether it be his outstanding work with the 4-H, volunteering with church or school projects or just helping others in need.”

She referenced the logging accident. “My brother lost his left eye and most of that side of his face, plus suffered other injuries in the accident.

Now, over a year later, specialist surgeons are working on building him a new titanium face.” She wrote that he has a tracheotomy for helping him communicate and he uses a feeding tube, primarily for drinking.

Drury, who has worked as a truck driver as well as in logging, no longer is able to work. He already has had multiple surgeries and many more are ahead. In fact, Drury said surgeries will continue periodically for another nine to 10 years before plastic surgeons can completely reconstruct his

Times-Mail | ROGER MOON

face. “They said it’s ground-breaking surgery,” Drury said, adding that the nation’s two top surgeons in the field will be called in to operate.

As the father of 18-year-old Austin and 15-year old Ashton, both of whom are in 4-H, Drury has been volunteering with 4-H for a decade.

He currently is treasurer of Orange County 4-H Inc. Herd wrote of the accident and surgeries, “None of this has stopped Billy from continuing to do what he lives to do. He went way above helping with 4-H this year. He not only took care of his kids’ animals, but he helped others, plus he judged in several events.”

But a commitment to a 4-H prevailed even in 2015. Drury was told that for every four days spent in the hospital, he should expect to spend three days in a nursing home. He, in fact, spent 62 days in University of Louisville Hospital and 44 days in a nursing home.

“I set my own personal goal to be out before the fair, and I got out a week before,” he said. “I was out there last year. I couldn’t stay very long, but I was out there for two or three hours at a time.”

Herd wrote, “Most people that I know would have had a hard time leaving their own house, let alone continuing to be active in their community. Well, not my brother. He is a true hero. He is my hero.”

Drury has no doubt about why he has progressed as well as he has following a logging accident in 2015. “It’s God,” he said. “God has taken care of me. He added, “It says in the Bible, that he (God) won’t put more on me than I can handle. He’s been good to me. … I’ll be all right.”

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Bob Hughes Overcoming challenges to give back

By Sara Kuhl skuhl@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Being a paraplegic didn’t stop Robert “Bob” Hughes from helping out fellow veterans. In fact, it only made his will to give back that much stronger.

Hughes, a veteran himself, served in the Air Force, and when he came home, he worked for the city of Bedford Street Department. That’s when he received a life-altering injury.

“I fell 6 feet out of a tree,” Hughes said. “It left me paralyzed.”

Hughes was surprised at the number of people who visited him every day in the hospital.

“It was the same people every day, Sunday to Saturday. They would leave me stuff. I didn’t have to work or nothing,” Hughes said. “Now I can carry it on and help other people.”

Hughes first helped start up Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living, which is an organization that helps people with disabilities to live on their own.

“I see a lot of people that need help, and they can’t get it through anything else,” Hughes said.

Then, Hughes retired from SICIL to help with the Disable Veterans Wish Foundation of Indiana.

“Bob is a big addition to DVWF/IN with his experience working with disabled people, his knowledge of veterans benefits and how to cut government’s red tape to expedite benefits faster,” wrote David Hall, president of the organization and the person who nominated Hughes as an Everyday Hero.

Hall gave specific examples of the kind of work Hughes does. Hall said when a Bedford native Navy veteran needed a roof, Hughes found volunteers to get the roof done. Then, Hughes worked with the veteran to increase his benefits, and Hughes got an agency to go to the home and

Times-Mail | GARET COBB

help care for the veteran and his spouse, who was ill.

“Bob takes veterans to the Indianapolis VA to help with the enrollment.

He takes them to Bloomington and Indianapolis VA to their appointments,” Hall explained. “Bob is a hero. He puts others before himself. He is assisting the true heroes who fought for our country freedom, keeping our country safe, and now they are going through a rough time in their lives, and it is time to serve them.”

But Hughes doesn’t look at it that way. For Hughes, he does it to thank the people who helped him after he nearly died from his accident. He specifically thanks his wife Jane and Al Tolbert, another Everyday Hero, for their help over the years.

“It’s just repaying people who helped me when I was down,” Hughes said. “It made me feel great. Not many people know who your friends are until you’re down, and when I was down, I had no problem at all.”

He attributed a lot of his success with SICIL and DVWF/IN to former Bedford Mayor John Williams.

“One day, after I got out of the hospital, I was sitting on my front porch, and a guy was driving the street. It was John Williams, and he pulled up, and he asked me if I wanted my job back. I said I couldn’t work. He said, ‘That’s not what I asked. I asked if you wanted your job back.’

“He gave me a chance, and that’s all it took. … I wouldn’t be out of the house if it weren’t for him. That’s one man who made it all happen.”

Age:

69

Work:

Navy veteran, retired from Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living, now works with the Disabled Veterans Wish Foundation of Indiana

Next goal: “I’m a veteran myself. And doing what I’m doing, you get to know a lot of

veterans. Now, we want to get all the veterans together, hear everyone’s stories

and put it in print. That’s our next goal.”

EVERYDAY HEROES | THE TIMES-MAIL | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | 5

Erin Jeffries A mission to serve others

By Krystal Shetler kshetler@tmnews.com MITCHELL — Erin Jeffries has no idea how her story will play out, but she trusts in God’s plan for her life.

Jeffries was just a few months shy of graduating from the Indiana University School of Medicine when the cancer she battled and seemingly beat in 2013 returned in late 2014. This time, the outcome appeared bleak. Her only hope was a surgery doctors said could only prolong her life, not cure the mucoepidermoid carcinoma — a rare cancer of the salivary glands.

The surgery was a radical move, one with its fair share of risks. Jeffries, whose infectious grin can light up a room, would likely lose her ability to smile when a facial nerve was severed during the surgery. The surgery took 12 hours, but the risk was rewarded. Not only was the surgeon able to remove all of the tumor, but the cancer had not spread into the surrounding cells. And when Jeffries awoke, she smiled.

But her battle didn’t stop there. In the months to follow, more tumors surfaced. She battled through testing, pain and additional surgeries for more than a year. Then, in May, Jeffries met with her medical team, and doctors finally said her cancer would be a chronic condition.

“You know, for most people, after five years of no recurrences, they’re in remission and ... that’s considered the end of it,” Jeffries said. “That’s not what I will ever have, so we continue the surveillance of it every three months, hoping it stays stable.”

The pain associated with the cancer forced her to give up the rigorous demands of her medical residency. She is now working in a research position in the obstetrical department at the IU School of Medicine. She’s also taking classes for a graduate certification in medical humanities.

Times-Mail | GARET COBB

“After resigning and grieving this process, I looked to God and asked, ‘What do you want me to do?’ I’m not sure what his plans are for me right now, but I’ve come to realize that it could look different from all the plans I made for myself,” Jeffries said.

Some of it means telling her story, despite her resistance of being in the pubic.

“I’m learning to let people in, so they can see my scars and know I am a broken vessel to which I can let his light shine through,” Jeffries said.

“Sharing my story has been huge for me.”

And she’s even looking at an offer to put her story in print.

“Suffering really is a path to the heart of God,” Jeffries said. “I’ve learned to surrender all to him. I miss practicing clinical medicine every day, but I’m trying to trust the Lord and explore what this could look like. I know, no matter what happens, I’ll find another way to serve and love on people and meet them where they’re at.”

Mission trips:

She has taken three medical mission trips to Africa. She’s been to

Kenya once, and Zimbabwe twice.

Favorite Bible verse:

“I love the book of Ephesians, specifically Paul’s prayer in Chapter 3.

I pray it continually, especially the last two verses: ‘Now to him who is able to

do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power

at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.’ And Romans 9:25, which

says, ‘She who is unloved, I will call my beloved.’ It’s why I have ‘beloved’

tattooed on my left wrist.”

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Frank Hughes Retiree sets an example of hard work, kindness

By Jeff Routh jrouth@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Frank Hughes is a jack of all trades.

Born at the start of, and growing up during the Great Depression, he learned early about hard work. He dropped out of school at age 15 and got a full-time job to help his family through tough times.

He began working in the stone mills around Bloomington. He learned all that he could on each job, then as he moved on, learned a little more.

He also traveled to find work.

He married a Lawrence County girl, Dorothy Stewart, in 1947 and shortly after that moved to the Valley Mission church neighborhood. They moved into her childhood home in 1951, and he has been there ever since.

The couple had five children, but lost a son several years ago to lung cancer. His wife died March 10, 2015. He has two surviving sons who live in Texas and his two daughters live in the area. He has 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

“I helped build part of State Road 37 and part of State Road 446 from the bait shop down to U.S. 50,” he said. “I also worked on a lot of bridges in the area as a crane operator, working for various area contractors.”

Hughes was also involved in the construction of Kmart in the old Stone City Mall as well as the former Kmart in Town Fair Center, now home to Rural King.

“I also helped build Hauck House,” he said. “We poured all those floors with a crane and a concrete bucket. Today they use flow trucks and pump the concrete up. But we did it with cranes.”

Hughes, who has stage 4 lung cancer, can’t do many of the things he used to do, but he still is able to live by himself. He does his best to keep on going in spite of his illness.

His main past time is reading.

Times-Mail | JEFF ROUTH

“My daughter goes to the library for me and picks up books,” he said.

“I enjoy westerns and detective stories. I also read a lot of religious literature.”

He also enjoys going to auctions. He sometimes buys a box of books and passes them around to family members.

He has seen a lot of changes in his lifetime. He has lived in northern Lawrence County since 1951, before Lake Monroe was constructed as a flood control lake.

“I remember when the bottoms down here used to flood,” he said.

“The northern roads would flood first, so we could get out by going south. Then the southern route would flood and we’d have to go out the northern route.”

His nomination letter said he used to hunt during the winter months when he was laid off from his construction job. He taught his sons to hunt and fish, to clean and dress what they caught to help feed the family. From their bounty, they would help friends and neighbors who were also in need.

He also was active in his church, serving in various positions in the church, as well as helping with construction projects.

“Frank has always tried to help others in any way he could,” his nomination letter reads. “He lives his life in such a way that it sets an example for others to follow. He is a true definition of a hero.”

Born:

Sept. 27, 1928 in Bloomington, lived in Lawrence County since 1948.

Age:

88

Wife:

Dorothy Stewart Hughes. She died in March of 2015

Family:

Five children, four living; 14 grandchildren

Occupation: Retired construction worker and heavy equipment operator.

Motto:

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you — Matthew 7: 12

EVERYDAY HEROES | THE TIMES-MAIL | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | 7

Gene Abel For the love of history

By Jeff Routh jrouth@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Gene Abel likes history and most things historic. That’s why he has gotten involved in many of the projects he has over the years.

After growing up in Bedford, attending Bedford High School for two years before transferring to and graduating from St. Meinrad, he joined the United States Air Force for four years. Following his military discharge, he went to Washington, D.C., where he met his wife Kerri. They had three children.

When they left Washington, they moved to the Indianapolis area.

Returning to Bedford in 1973, he joined his parents in owning a north Bedford landmark, the Three Pigs. His parents were getting older and needed help with the restaurant. He became involved with the Lawrence County Art Association and began doing framing work for Morrell Turner, Nelson Sears and other art association members. Because of that, he opened a frame shop, Acorn Valley Frames.

His frame shop also helps families preserve paintings and photos for years to come.

Gene has been a member of the Lawrence County Historical Society for many years.

His historic preservation instincts kicked in again a few years ago when he read about vandalism to the old section of Greenhill Cemetery. Several stones were damaged at that time and he and several others began working to repair the stones.

“We did about 30 stones at that time, but I looked and saw other deterioration in that part of the cemetery,” he said.

He didn’t sit idly by and watch. He and friend Dave Whipple applied for and got a grant from the Lawrence County Tourism Commission, which

Times-Mail | RICH JANZARUK

has a driving tour of the cemetery, to repair and reset stones. They later received over $3,600 from the Lawrence County Community Foundation to continue the work.

In that process, he also located the first burial in that cemetery, Rebecca Dewey, and had a new stone put up for her in the cemetery.

Later, he and Dale Platteter worked on a QR (Quick Recognition) bar code project which guides people through the cemetery using their cell phones.

In addition to his historic preservation work, Abel is active in his church, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, serving over the years as Eucharistic minister, choir member, and making home visits, as well as physical projects as rewiring the lights of the church, removing old carpet and cleaning the stone exterior of the church. He has also been active in the Knights of Columbus.

He also volunteered at the Salvation Army men’s warming center.

“I am honored but also dumbfounded by my nomination,” he said. “I have never really done anything for the recognition. I just do what I feel needs to be done.”

Hometown: Bedford Graduated: St. Meinrad Academy Veteran:

United States Air Force

Family:

Wife, Kerri, and three children

Motto:

“If not now — when? If not us — who?”

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Justin Morgan Times-Mail | DERREK TIPTON

Just doing what’s needed

By Derrek Tipton dtipton@tmnews.com ORLEANS — While some describe Justin Morgan’s efforts working with youth in the community as heroic, he shies away from the term.

“I’m a little hesitant of the title,” Morgan said. “I just do things I feel like I’m good at and things that are helpful to other people. I’ve seen some heroes and that’s not a label I would place on myself.”

Morgan is scout master for Boy Scout Troop 348 in Mitchell, but he and his wife Christi have worked with previous Cub Scouts troops, too.

He said his background in the U.S. Army, where he spent eight years, helped prepare him for the job.

“With my military background and my skill set, I thought it would be worth it to pass along what I’ve learned,” Morgan said.

He was in the Army from 1991, almost immediately after he graduated Orleans High School, until 1998. He served 2 1/2 years as a special operations paratrooper in Savannah, Ga., before he was transferred to Fort Campbell in Kentucky, where he was a a team leader in the 101st Airborne Division’s Pathfinder Company. Eventually, he was transferred to Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, N.C., where he was a team leader with the 18th Airborne Corps Long Range Surveillance Company, then later with the 82nd Airborne Division’s Long Range Surveillance Detachment.

Originally from Noblesville, Morgan moved to Orleans with his parents, who were from Orange County, at the age of 6. His four older

brothers also served in the military, and he said he felt he needed to follow in their footsteps.

“Growing up, it was kind of something you felt obligated to do, it was my duty,” Morgan said. “Talking to them and listening to their stories, I’m sure sparked my interest.”

In addition to his Boy Scouts work, he is also a guitar-playing worship leader at Orleans Christian Church. Like with his with work with Boy Scouts, he said he became the worship leader to fill a role that was needed.

“I feel like, with the talent God’s given me, this is another way for me to give back,” Morgan said. “The church was in need of someone to fill that position. … That’s the story of my life.”

In addition, Morgan is a project manager at Layne Inliner.

Morgan was nominated by Bennie Freed. In the nomination letter, Freed said Morgan teaches scouts “life lessons that will benefit them in life, outdoor skills, service projects and making a huge impact on their future.”

Family:

Justin Morgan is married to his wife, Christi. They have two sons, Hunter, 16, and Gavin, 14.

Favorite movie:

“Saving Private Ryan” starring Tom Hanks, Matt Damon and Tom Sizemore.

EVERYDAY HEROES | THE TIMES-MAIL | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | 9

Trevor Hunter Orleans sixth-grader turns ideas into action

By Jeff Routh jrouth@tmnews.com ORLEANS — At 12 years of age, Trevor Hunter is the youngest Everyday Hero, but that doesn’t mean his actions don’t deserve recognition.

Trevor is the son of Justin and Bobbi Jo Hunter of Orleans. He attends Orleans Elementary School and attended school in Mitchell until the family moved to Orleans in the past year.

“I wanted to use my free time to do something nice for veterans and anyone else that may need my help,” he said via email. “Helping people is very rewarding. It’s nice to get out and be helpful to people in your community.”

“Trevor was born to lead,” said Bryan Fountain, his fifth-grade teacher for the 2015-16 school year. “As a student, he not only motivated himself, but also his fellow classmates and peers. He was always the first to make a good decision, take charge, and advocate for change where it was needed.”

“He always thinks of others,” said his mother Bobbi Jo. “He volunteers his time to help veterans and he delivered cookies, pop, and a card to the Mitchell Police Department to show his support after the Dallas, Texas, police shootings.”

He learned about caring for others at an early age. His younger brother, Diezel is a “Riley kid” and has special needs.

“My little brother Diezel is my role model,” he said. He has been through a lot in his life, but he pushes through it. He is the strongest person I know and my best friend.”

In addition to Diezel, he has a sister, Jordynn Farmer.

Richard Grace, a Marine Corps veteran and a cousin of Trevor’s grandfather, said Trevor approached him about helping local veterans.

“It was in the spring, about Dogwood Festival time and he wanted to do some work for veterans,” Grace said. “I talked to his mother and he came

Times-Mail | JEFF ROUTH

over and helped me plant flowers, spread mulch, just about anything I asked him to do. He didn’t want any money for doing it, but I finally forced him to take a little bit.”

“My papaw (Naaman Taylor) and cousin Richard (Grace) are both former Marines and have taught me a lot about respect for our military and country. They have both taught me many life lessons and I don’t think they even know it,” said Trevor.

He said his dad has also been a big influence in his life. “My dad is the hardest worker I know,” he said. He has shown me how to be a good dad and a hard worker. He works a lot but is always there for me and supports me in everything I do. He is the best dad.”

“As a teacher, I always let my students know they are educating me just as much as I am educating them,” Fountain said. “Trevor truly changed me as a professional and a teacher, reassuring the idea that students, kids, do have the power to make a difference in the world.”

After he finishes school, Trevor would like to serve his county as a U.S. Marine.

Age:

12

Family:

Parents Justin and Bobbi Jo Hunter, siblings Diezel and Jordynn Farmer

Lives in:

Orleans

School:

Sixth-grader at Orleans Elementary

Hero characteristics:

Likes to help others, especially military veterans and elderly.

Role models: His brother, Diezel who is a “Riley kid;” his grandfather Naaman Taylor and

cousin Richard Grace, former U.S. Marines; and his dad, Justin Hunter.

Life ambition: To be a U.S. Marine.

10 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | THE TIMES-MAIL | EVERYDAY HEROES

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Times-Mail | RICH JANZARUK

Preparing students for this world

By Krystal Shetler kshetler@tmnews.com MITCHELL — An abundance of mentors factored into Burris Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Bryan Fountain’s decision to become an educator, but two of the biggest were his parents, Jerry and June Fountain.

Fountain began his career teaching at Loogootee, where he earned the Golden Apple Award from WTHI-TV in Terre Haute in 2011. The next school year, a teaching position came available at Burris, and Fountain called it a “prime opportunity” to alter his career path and come home to teach.

“Dad broke his foot twice in one year. We were living in Daviess County at the time, and we were making three to four trips to Bedford to help take care of the farm,” Fountain said. He decided then that a move to Lawrence County was in order. After his parents gifted him property, he built a house in the Shawswick area.

“When the Burris job came open, it just made sense,” he said.

When Fountain began teaching in Mitchell, it created a trifecta of Fountains at the school. June taught third grade, Jerry taught fourth grade and Bryan landed in the fifth grade. The trio taught together for three years until Jerry and June opted for retirement.

“It was a wonderful time,” Fountain said of teaching alongside his parents.

Although he started out teaching third grade in Loogootee, he is now a fan of fifth-graders.

“I fell in love with third-graders, ... but now that I’m in fifth grade, I love the difference in the students,” Fountain said. “They are just on the cusp of a big change in their life, and they’re so eager to learn.

“The best part of teaching, in general, are the kids. I love seeing them figure out a concept, then take so much pride in themselves for figuring it out. The excitement you see in their eyes … it keeps you going.”

But when Fountain isn’t in the classroom, he’s still teaching. As part of a farm family, Fountain grew up showing animals in the 4-H program. When he became an adult, it was only natural for him to become a 4-H leader. He leads The Country Club 4-H group, which had 40 children in it last year.

“Including my own time in 4-H, I’ve been involved in the 4-H program for 21 years,” Fountain said. “The most important part of that, for me, is youth development.”

He believes, through 4-H, young people are taught leadership, speaking skills, service and advocacy.

“It’s a wonderful program,” he said.

As soon as school lets out each summer, he hits the road with B&B Show Stock — a Boer show goat venture he owns with Blakely Clements — and spends his months out of school traveling across the country in competition. Boer goats are meat goats, but mostly, the duo raises them for showmanship and competition.

And when it comes to life, Fountain always encourages the kids in his care to be advocates for change.

“I tell them, ‘Don’t go quietly. Be loud and be the change in this world,’” he said.

Give where you live During times of great joy and great sorrow we look for ways to remember the special people in our lives. The Community Foundation provides an opportunity to honor or preserve the memory of those special people while simultaneously supporting charitable needs in Lawrence County, forever.

Giving to the Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services Fund held by the Community Foundation is a fitting way to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and help build the endowment fund that benefits the local Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services clients.

For good. Forever.

For Lawrence County.

Favorite quotes: “Ann Ackerman, who taught in Loogootee, had a sign in her room that read, ‘Just because it’s different, doesn’t mean it’s wrong.’ I emphasize that a lot with my students.

At the beginning of each school year, I tell my parents, ‘My job as a teacher is not to hide your children from the world, but to make sure they’re prepared for everything they might encounter as they walk outside these doors.’”

People who’ve impacted his life: His parents, June and Jerry Fountain, who were both educators; Charlene Crouch, who he encountered while student teaching and made a big impact on him; Dr. James Stroud, a professor at Ball State University who actually hails from Orleans; and Blakely Clements.

Little known fact: “I originally went to college to become a music teacher. ... I was required to perform 60 hours of classroom service as a part of one class. I realized music wasn’t for me, and went for elementary education because I fell in love with the kids.”

812-279-2215

www.cfpartner.org

HOPE FLORES

Executive Director

1324 K Street, Suite 150 P.O. Box 1235 • Bedford, IN HT-124387-1

12 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | THE TIMES-MAIL | EVERYDAY HEROES

Buddy Hendricks Leading by example

By Sara Kuhl skuhl@tmnews.com MITCHELL — Buddy Hendricks believes everyone should set out to do something that helps other people. It doesn’t matter if it’s one person, 10 people or a whole community.

“We all have to have a job that we get paid for … but at some point, helping others is what makes people who they are. It’s when they can do something above and beyond to help someone. It’s a great feeling,” Hendricks said. “There’s always some organization or somebody out there that needs help. It’s not difficult to find something to do to help.”

And for years, Hendricks lived by that motto.

Hendricks serves as president of the board of directors for the White River Humane Society for almost 10 years, and he was the president of the board for several years.

“When people didn’t show up, or on holidays even, Buddy would come in and clean so employees could go home a little earlier,” said Eden Stafford, administrative director for the shelter.

“When we lost our director three or four years ago, Buddy did that job. He learned to do that job and took over until we could get someone hired,” Stafford continued. “He would do everything from taking an animal … to the vet to doing something as crazy as working on holidays just to help. It shows that he really cares and is willing to put in the effort.”

Hendricks did it, however, because he loves animals.

“I’ve got 15 of my own, nine dogs and six cats, so that’s basically why I help with the shelter,” Hendricks said. “It’s a great organization, and it does a lot of good work. I don’t think a lot of people realize just the shape Lawrence County would be in without the shelter.”

Times-Mail | RICH JANZARUK

And despite all the extra work he did to help the shelter, that wasn’t the reason his nominator, Rusti McBride, felt Hendricks was an Everyday Hero.

“My son has struggled in math, and when I needed a tutor for him, I thought of Buddy because he was my third-grade math teacher. I hadn’t spoken to him since I was very young,” McBride wrote in the nomination letter.

“I called him, and while he had never tutored (even though he taught for many years), he jumped in with both feet and told me he would do it. He tutored Treyton two nights a week for about a year and a half.

During that time, he would not take a dime for what he did for my son.”

And if you ask Hendricks, he’ll tell you he had fun doing it.

“He’s just the neatest kid. He’s tremendously smart, and he’s a great kid,” Hendricks said. “He’s got an imagination that he could be a writer some day at the level of Stephen King. … I had as much fun doing it as anything, and that’s why I did it without taking any money for it. I just felt really good that I would take him a step further in math.”

Who:

Buddy Hendricks, board president at the White River Humane Society

Age:

69

Work:

Retired from Burris Elementary School as a third- and fourth-grade teacher.

Buddy taught for 28 years.

Quote:

“There’s always some organization or somebody out there that needs help. It’s not difficult to find something to do to help.”

EVERYDAY HEROES | THE TIMES-MAIL | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | 13

Deb Cory A passion for little ones

By Krystal Shetler kshetler@tmnews.com MITCHELL — No one who knows Deb Cory would ever assume this thoughtful, caring keeper of children would have started out in life not desiring to have offspring.

But the birth of her four children and whispers from God told her otherwise.

A consummate volunteer with a passion for teaching young people, Cory has spent her life as a champion for children.

“We are God’s hands and feet here,” Cory said. “Everything I’ve ever done has been a God thing. Everything you ever do in this world is not what you’ll throw at his feet because those things aren’t the crown. I keep doing what he tells me, and he’s told me, ‘All children are your children.’

We all have that responsibility.”

Cory moved to Mitchell in August 1999 after her husband of nearly 44 years, Pat, accepted a job at Crane. When the Crane option came forth, the Cory family — which includes four children — jumped in the car and drove to southern Indiana to take a peek at the landscape.

“There were a lot of tears,” Cory said with a laugh. A couple months later, the family packed their house and moved to Mitchell from the Quad Cities, a region of four counties in northwest Illinois and Southeastern Iowa.

It didn’t take long for Cory to integrate herself into the Mitchell community. She first jumped into downtown development endeavors, then threw herself into a passionate pro-life cause.

“It has always been what spoke to my heart the most,” Cory said. “I hadn’t been here but a couple of months when a woman talked to me about how much of a benefit it was to have Planned Parenthood close by and how beneficial of an organization it was. Then another woman told me she’d taken her granddaughter there to get an abortion.”

She approached Pastor Raymond Bunn at the First Baptist Church, conducted surveys and gained community support. The Pregnancy Care

Courtesy photo

Center was opened in 2002 in Mitchell. (Later it became the Hope Resource Center, which still operates in Bedford.)

“The point was to never be accusatory toward women, but to counsel them and support them by offering them the truth,” Cory said. “The importance of information, the importance of being aware, even when it’s painful, and the importance of prayer cannot be understated. ... We walked in faith, and he provided.”

Cory also has been involved with the Awana program, the Good News Club, children’s ministry and Mitchell on the Move, a downtown revitalization effort. She has hosted women’s ministry programs in her home, and she was a part of the Fleur de Lis service club. She also volunteered with the Persimmon Festival and taught sewing and crochet to many. She also tutored at Burris Elementary School and volunteered in classrooms at Hatfield Elementary School.

However, she and Pat are now in the process of moving to Indianapolis.

In the spring, the couple’s oldest son welcomed a set of twins. They felt compelled to move closer to his family, which in turn put them closer to their other children.

“I planned to never move again,” Cory said, “but every time we had a plan, God changed it.”

Family: Husband, Pat, and four children: Rhiannon Eck of Cincinnati, Devon Cory of Indianapolis, Jordan Cory of Bloomington and Calin Young of Kansas City, Mo. She has nine grandchildren, ranging in age from 7 years to 6 months.

Inspiration: Husband, Pat. “He makes all these things possible. He’s always backing me 100 percent and praying for me and with me. We’ve been married for 44 years in December. Without his partnership, I couldn’t do any of it. ... There’s a different level of intimacy when you’ve been married this long. He’s truly my hero and my secret strength.”

Favorite Bible verse: Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Favorite author: Joni Eareckson Tada, an evangelical Christian author, radio host and ministry founder.

14 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | THE TIMES-MAIL | EVERYDAY HEROES

Marilyn Langley & Sandy Young ‘If you love what you’re doing, it makes it a lot easier’

By Sara Kuhl skuhl@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Volunteers Marilyn Langley and Sandy Young both felt a calling to help at Bertha’s Mission.

They started volunteering at the soup kitchen about three years ago when it was at Fifth and J streets.

“I had a need for it,” said Langley, who’s 85 years old. “I wanted to help.

And I thought, this is something I can do.”

Young, 78, expressed similar sentiments.

“I just drove by it one day, and I just stopped in, and I’ve been there ever since,” she said. “I just thought it was something really worthwhile.”

Langley helps at the new Bedford location, 512 Lincoln Ave., every Tuesday and Thursday from about 8:30 a.m. until closing. Young is at the Bedford location Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and she drives to Mitchell on Mondays and Fridays most weeks.

“There is a lot more hunger, not only physical, but emotional and spiritual that I see now, and I can only help the physical hunger, but it gives me insight to understand and it brings me satisfaction,” Langley explained.

“There’s just something in me that says you can do it, you can help. And I think I have increased my beliefs in God’s work and see it more.”

Both women offer to do whatever needs to be done while they’re working at Bertha’s Mission, founded by Janice Nickeo Pendergrass. Sharon Kittaka, who nominated Young and Langley for the Everyday Heroes recognition, described their dedication in the nomination letter.

“Sandy Young and Marilyn Langley are two of the most dedicated individuals I have ever met,” Kittaka wrote. “… They show up without fail and are on their feet for hours preparing, cooking and serving the food that people come to eat. Some days, they are the only volunteers. These women not only cook, they clean, they organize, they do whatever needs to be done.

Times-Mail | RICH JANZARUK

“They often do things they should not like lifting heavy boxes and climbing on things to get items off of shelves they can’t reach. … They do work women half their age might struggle to do, and they do it gladly to serve God and their fellow Lawrence countians.”

However, Young said it always goes smoothly for her.

“If you love what you’re doing, it makes it a lot easier,” she said. “I think you need to stay busy, because it makes you feel good.”

In addition, the two women are at all of Bertha’s Mission’s events and rode on a float during the Limestone Heritage Festival parade.

And both of them said they don’t volunteer to receive recognition.

“My favorite part is interacting with the people,” Langley explained.

“You develop a relationship with these people who you serve.”

Often, the customers will ask Langley to step away from the work to give them hugs.

Young enjoys it because she can see them smile as she’s helping them.

“Especially the children,” she said. “I love it when they come in and smile when they see me.”

Kittaka said she only hopes she can become more like Young and Langley.

“I hope that 30 years from now, I am able to do what these two women are doing at Bertha’s Mission,” Kittaka wrote. “They are definitely heroes of mine and are heroes for all the people who come to Bertha’s Mission to eat.”

Ages: Langley is 85 and Young is 78.

What they do: Volunteers at Bertha’s Mission. Langley is there every Tuesday and Thursday, and Young helps the community kitchen every day of the week she can.

Reactions to receiving award: Young said, “Well, it’s a great honor. I think it’s a good thing.

And I’ll keep doing it as long as the good Lord keeps me healthy.” Langley agreed, adding, “I feel honored. It’s not that you do these things to receive recognition, so when you do actually receive recognition, it’s a great feeling.”

EVERYDAY HEROES | THE TIMES-MAIL | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | 15

Jack Voigtschild This hero is a diligent doer

By BOB BRIDGE bob@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Jack Voigtschild enjoys helping people. His affinity for assisting other has not gone unnoticed.

“When I hear the name Jack Voigtschild I think of everything good about the word volunteer in Lawrence County,” explained Donna Pruett, who nominated Voigtschild as a Everyday Hero. “Jack serves so many organizations in so many capacities that it’s difficult to point out just one area of influence where he has touched the lives of many.”

Indeed, he was integrally involved with the Salvation Army Board for more than four decades. He also serves with Hope Resource Center’s advisory group and as secretary of Lawrence County Suicide Prevention Coalition Board.

“There are talkers and doers in life,” Pruett noted, “and Jack is one of the valuable doers in Lawrence County. His goal is simply to help all that he can and to make life better for those in the community he serves.”

Who inspired such a generous mindset?

“My dad was always helping people who worked for him in his construction business,” Voigtschild explained. “Maj. David Higgins at the Salvation Army also was a major influence.”

Voigtschild especially enjoyed his stint director of Emergency Services with the Salvation Army.

“Taking drinks and food to police and firemen and helping families was very gratifying,” he said. “I’ve made many wonderful friends on my

Times-Mail | RICH JANZARUK

escapades. Being chaplain for the DNR, the LCPD and IU Health has been a wonderful ministry. It was a great way to pay back our community for a successful career.”

He retired from Western Southern Financial Group.

These past two years Voigtschild has assisted with Celebrate Recovery and now lends a hand at The Landing, a Christian-based, 12-step program for young with “hurts, habits and hang ups.”

He’s also shared his skills with Gideons, Free Methodist Church, Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living, Lawrence County Vietnam Veterans Group, Noon Lions, Lawrence County Mental Health Coalition and a variety of worthy organizations.

When he’s not occupied with his “helping habit,” Voigtschild enjoys watching his grandchildren compete in sporting events.

“My wonderful wife Sherry and I love to attend their ball games,” he said. “Sherry and I have been married for 47 years. We have two sons, Brian and Brent, plus five grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.”

Voightschild said he will serve as long as he is needed.

“People can find themselves in difficult situations,” he said. “I want to be there to help them get through those.”

Voigtschild follows a philosophy proffered by Green Bay’s legendary football coach Vince Lombardi: “Leaders aren’t born, they are made and they are made like anything else, through hard work.”

16 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | THE TIMES-MAIL | EVERYDAY HEROES

Brian Young Up for the challenge

By Derrek Tipton dtipton@tmnews.com OOLITIC — Growing up, Brian Young didn’t always have the best teachers.

“I have Tourette’s Syndrome and, growing up, I had some teachers that weren’t nice or respectful,” Young said. “They kind of mocked me.

I pledged to myself I wouldn’t do that.”

And as a fourth-grade teacher at Dollens Elementary School, Young is far cry from those unsavory educators. His wife, Carrie Young, said he spends countless hours working for and worrying about the his students.

“He has been an advocate for those without a voice,” Carrie Young wrote in her nomination letter. “Brian has a real sensitivity for students who have special needs, academically or socially. He vowed as a child to be a hero to a child who was suffering as he had. ... He offers support guidance, encouragement and understanding to children who seek, but fail to find that in peers or other adults.”

Originally from Salem, Young moved to Lawrence County in 2001. He is currently in his third year of teaching at Dollens, but he’s a veteran with North Lawrence Community Schools. He’s held positions at Oolitic Middle School, Englewood School and Shawswick Elementary School.

In addition to his passion for being a guide for students, he said the variety of challenges he tackles keeps him interested in the profession.

And there’s no shortage of challenges for educators.

Times-Mail | DERREK TIPTON

“Every day is different,” Young said. “I go in there and nothing is ever the same. A kid might have a problem one day and a different one the next day. The one benefit of being a teacher is that every day’s different and nothing’s the same.”

But in doing his job, he said doesn’t expect a lot of recognition. Thus, he was a bit surprised when he was nominated to be an Everyday Hero.

“I mean, we teach everyday,” Young said. “We don’t really expect to be recognized with things like that.”

Young is also in his first year as the seventh- and eighth-grade volleyball coach Oolitic Middle School. Previously, he was a volleyball coach at Shawswick Middle School.

Family:

Wife, Carrie; children, Jolee, 12, and Landon, 9; stepchildren, Madison, 17, Macy 14 and Maradyn, 14.

Education:

Indiana University Southeast

Favorite book: “Where the River Ends” by Charles Martin Favorite quote: “I stand upon my desk to remind myself that we must constantly

look at things in a different way.” — John Keating (played by Robin

Williams), from the film “Dead Poets Society.”

EVERYDAY HEROES | THE TIMES-MAIL | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | 17

Debbie Stailey A hero for animals

By Carol Johnson cjohnson@tmnews.com BEDFORD — They come to the shelter, scared, dirty, their hair matted, covered in fleas or worse. But Debbie Stailey sees past the sad eyes.

She sees a dog or cat with a heart made to love, if only the right person comes along.

Stailey is a board member and active volunteer with the White River Humane Society, spending as much as 70 hours a week at the shelter.

“I have always loved animals,” she said.

Stailey joined the board five years ago after seeing an article in the Times-Mail about WRHS board member Buddy Hendricks and the need for more board members.

“I thought it was something I would like to do,” she said.

But those first few months were tough.

“I’d come home every day and I’d cry,” she said. “My husband asked me, ‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ and I said, ‘Yes, I want to make a difference.’”

She has made a difference through commitment and taking on more responsibilities. She helps with fundraisers, fills in at the shelter during staff shortages and fosters animals that can’t stay at the shelter.

“I fostered about 25 puppies, including a litter of 12, over the summer, but not all at one time,” she said. “They all got wonderful homes.”

One of her biggest contributions is taking photos of adoptable animals to share on the shelter’s Facebook page. Her nominator, Eden Stafford, shelter operations manager, said animals are adopted quicker because of Stailey’s pictures, that capture the spirit and personality of the animals.

Other board members share Stailey’s photos on pet websites Adopt a Pet and Pet Finder, which have given shelter animals broader exposure. She

Times-Mail | RICH JANZARUK

also prints out photos of shelter animals to place on donation canisters around the county.

“One woman came from near Chicago to adopt one of the puppies I fostered, and she sends me pictures and emails every week,” said Stailey.

“That’s what makes it worth it.”

Photography was already a hobby of Stailey’s when she began photographing the animals, taking wedding photos and portraits.

“But I’d much rather take pictures of animals,” she said. “They never say make me look younger or thinner.”

Stafford said Stailey’s dedication to helping animals “goes above and beyond” expectations of volunteers.

“She purchases items the shelter needs, she works in the office sometimes working long days when no one is able to … she strives to make sure the shelter is a safe, clean place for the animals to live in,” said Stafford.

“Debbie is a hero to the shelter because her heart belongs to the animals.”

Stailey said shelter work can be heart-breaking but the shelter is blessed with several other board members who are active and hard-working.

“Rarely is there a day I’m not here. But I’m doing what I enjoy,” she said. “And as long as I’m able it’s something I want to do.”

Family:

Married to Kevin for 26 years, one daughter, Lindsey Faubion; two stepsons, Kurt Stailey and Kirby Stailey; five grandchildren and several step grandchildren.

Career:

Retired from GM Bedford Casting after 30 years.

Hometown: Bedford Hobbies:

Caring for animals, photography and gardening

18 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | THE TIMES-MAIL | EVERYDAY HEROES

Al Tolbert An advocate for the disabled

By Roger Moon rmoon@tmnews.com MITCHELL — Many reasons were cited in the nomination for Mitchell’s Al Tolbert to be deemed an Everyday Hero.

All of them are regarded as having helped Tolbert make a difference for people with disabilities during his many years as an advocate. Tolbert’s longtime role as the leader of the Southern Indiana Center for Independent Living brought with it a firsthand understanding of issues and challenges faced by those with disabilities.

Tolbert was nominated by his wife Karen, who wrote his life was changed forever during the Vietnam War when he was in a Jeep accident while on a training mission and within a few seconds he became paralyzed (requiring him to use a wheelchair).

Karen Tolbert wrote, “The words ‘I can’t’ do not exist in his vocabulary.” She continued, “This is a man that lives by the words ‘I can.’ I can overcome the trauma of … injury. I can pursue a life that is worthy and rewarding, just as anyone else. I can go above and beyond.”

She added, “He has done exactly what he set his mind to do and it wasn’t always easy. His endurance of mind over matter is incredible.”

She also credits him as being one who “overcame and conquered the traditional way of thinking and doing.”

Courtesy photo

Tolbert, reflecting on his time with SICIL, said, “I think we made a lot of changes at the state and from the local perspective for people with disabilities. … We got involved with a lot of organizations and communities and made more people aware of people with disabilities.

“We made system changes as well as individual changes. We’ve got a lot more people in wheelchairs than we had 20 years ago. There’s more accessibility than there was 20 years ago. There’s a lot more access to service. I think that’s a major change in the last 20 years. But, it’s ongoing.”

Karen Tolbert praised her husband’s leadership traits, crediting him with having “discipline and being able to prioritize, develop trust, and effectively cast a vision.” She added, “The true measure of leadership is influence.” She said he has “effectively influenced ... positive changes for those that are faced with difficult challenges.”

Tolbert was among Lawrence County residents selected to serve as a Bicentennial Torchbearer last month. He continues to be involved in community organizations. He served as president of the Mitchell-Grissom Kiwanis Club, lieutenant governor of Indiana Kiwanis and an elder at Mitchell Presbyterian Church.

“I think we made a lot of changes at the state and from the local perspective for people with disabilities. … We got involved with a lot of organizations and communities and made more people aware of people with disabilities.”

EVERYDAY HEROES | THE TIMES-MAIL | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | 19

Barry Crane Providing a portal for success

By Derrek Tipton dtipton@tmnews.com BEDFORD — When Barry Crane started volunteering with the Special Olympics when he was a teen, he didn’t know his adult life would be devoted to helping those with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Fast-forward to 2016, and the 49-year-old has spent the past 23 years in Lawrence County helping those with disabilities gather knowledge and skills for workforce opportunities.

He is currently an employment services program director with Transitional Services Inc., which is part of the Indiana Mentor Network.

“I don’t have a typical day-to-day on any given day,” Crane said. “I could be helping people with their resume and interview ... helping someone get to work, what to expect for job interview. ... It’s a fantastic feeling, to be able to see see results so quickly. Sometimes the progress we see in others is years down the road, but with this job you can almost see it immediately.”

The Seymour-native moved to Lawrence County in 1993 to take a job with StoneBelt.

“To be honest, I had never been to Bedford except for maybe twice,” Crane said. “They were opening a group down on H Street, and they hired me to manage it. ... We built it from the ground up, that was StoneBelt.”

In 1998, Crane said he took an opportunity to become an employment support consultant, also known as a job coach, and he fell in love with the job almost immediately.

Times-Mail | DERREK TIPTON

“It’s kind of fortunate for me, because it’s one the jobs I was better at,” Crane said.

Also, Crane said he was worked at supported living sites and day programs — all related to folks with severe disabilities.

Crane was nominated by his wife, Amber, for Everyday Heroes.

“His happiness in serving others comes with a very humbling compassion to see others succeed when life has given them an unfortunate circumstance,” Amber wrote in her nomination letter. “He has helped some individuals for most of their adult and our family extends into each one’s journey.”

Crane said the best about of his job is not only seeing someone succeed, but to see them continuously succeed.

“The best part is going in six months later, seeing someone doing the same job, with the same smile on their face and being as happy as they were on day one,” Crane said.

Crane attended Vincennes University and Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus, where he attained his bachelor’s degree in social work. Currently, he is attending Western Governors University for a master’s degree in health care management.

Favorite move: “Really, about any of the Marvel comic-book movies.”

20 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | THE TIMES-MAIL | EVERYDAY HEROES

Barry Magers A driver driven by noble intentions

By Bob Bridge bob@tmnews.com BEDFORD — Barry Magers is a driver.

And, he is driven — by a noble spirit.

The popular motor sports competitor, Vietnam War veteran and regional Teamsters leader is among the 2016 Everyday Heroes. He was nominated

by Stan Ritchison.

Ritchison was working at Lawrence County’s Veteran’s Service Office when he first encountered Magers.

“Hearing from him on a first-hand basis about his time in Vietnam and what he endured gave me tremendous respect for what he has done with his life,” Ritchison said. “He has cared for his extended family far beyond what most people do.”

Magers also has reached into the community to assist others.

“He volunteers to drive our veterans to Indianapolis,” Ritchison said.

“He is always ready when I call asking him to give a day of his time to help those in need of transportation.”

Ritchison noted that like so many everyday heroes, Magers does his deeds modestly and with no expectation of gratitude.

“He doesn’t want anyone to know but but he has gone out into the community to help veterans and others in need,” Ritchison explained. “He recently helped provide housing and furniture for a young handicapped person in distress. He does all this while coping with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“This man has spent a lifetime giving to his country, then to his community — without fanfare. He has not sought thanks or acclaim. Barry just works each day to make Bedford and Lawrence County a better place.”

Majors began racing before most acquire a drivers license. He made quite a name for himself at local tracks before departing for Vietnam.

He came home from the war a changed man.

“I was confused,” he explained. “It was hard to understand why we were there. Some of the people we were fighting for were shooting at us.

“I was disillusioned and frustrated. Eventually, those emotions cause you problems.”

Times-Mail | Rich Janzaruk

However, he had not lost his fervor for racing.

“Cotton Pace made a seat available for me in his car,” Magers said. “I thought the world of that man, and he really took care of me. I eventually bought my own car, so I had a chance to do a lot of racing. It was great therapy because it took my mind off what I’d seen and experienced.”

Magers landed a job at RCA in Bloomington and ascended to chief steward with the Teamsters.

“When I got elected I knew I needed to learn a few things,” he said. “I enrolled at IU and studied labor law for five years. I was a busy guy between school, working a lot of hours at RCA and racing whenever I could.”

These days, Barry’s schedule is less rigid. Nevertheless, he remains active assisting whenever and wherever he can.

“I consider it an opportunity to give back,” he explained. “As for driving the veterans, I’ve been through some of the same experiences and I know we can never repay them for what they have done for us.

“I enjoy them, and I enjoying meeting new people. They seem to be comfortable with me.”

Asked how he acquired his benevolent spirit, Magers credited family and friends.

“My mom was a giving person,” he explained. “She taught me that you can’t get respect if you don’t give it.”

He identified Danny Harrison and Carl Covey as stalwart supporters.

“Carl had a strong influence on my life,” Magers said. “He was a caring person, devoted to his family and business.”

Magers, too, is a family guy.

“My wife Penni and our family mean everything to me,” he insisted.

“I couldn’t get by without my kids, Jimmy Saunders and Julie SaundersWarthan, and my grandkids.

“Honestly, life couldn’t be better.”

“You make decisions in your life that are most important to your life when you’re least capable of doing so.”

— Barry Magers

EVERYDAY HEROES | THE TIMES-MAIL | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | 21

Jon and Becky Goller Looking out for kids

By Roger Moon rmoon@tmnews.com HELTONVILLE — Jon and Becky Goller can be described as caring deeply about children.

It’s evident in the roles they have taken on as foster parents, through ministries they are involved in at the Mitchell Church of Christ, and through their roles as court-appointed special advocates for children in need, known in the court system as CASA. In nominating the Gollers as Everyday Heroes, Jamie Russell wrote, “Generosity must be this family’s theme.”

The Gollers are from Heltonville and are the parents of an 8-yearold boy and a 2-year-old boy, whom they adopted, and they now have a 5-month-old foster daughter.

The Gollers, pointing to scriptures, report it was Jesus who led them to become foster parents. An email response to questions from the Times-Mail reads, “Children who have been abused or neglected have endured so much pain and suffering. As foster parents, we have an opportunity to show them unconditional love, consistency, stability and safety. We can also partner with the biological parents to help and support them to become the parents these kids deserve.”

The message further reads, “The most gratifying thing about fostering is watching a child overcome obstacles and/or delays.

People often say, ‘Those kids are blessed to have you.’” But the Gollers said they respond by saying they are blessed to have the children in foster care. “These children have taught us more about love than any one person ever has,” their message reads.

Times-Mail | RICH JANZARUK

Through their church, the Gollers have started a foster parent/ adoptive parent and family placement support group. “We have monthly meetings there, where we educate and encourage each other on this difficult, but rewarding journey.”

Also through the church, they work with what’s called a “foster closet,” which makes bags and handmade blankets available to children placed in foster care. Other items that children need also are available through the effort. The Gollers explained that sometimes a child removed from a home has nothing upon arriving at a foster home. “These bags full of necessities and goodies and a blanket can help them feel a little more at ease with the trauma and difficulties that come with being placed with strangers and being removed from their parents,” the message reads.

The Gollers have been licensed foster parents since 2014.

The Gollers said they, as CASA volunteers, “are the voice for children.” The message reads, “We go to court and report and make recommendations on their behalf. We work closely with the children and family to ensure that the best interests of the children are met.” More than 240 cases are pending in Lawrence County and CASA volunteers are needed.

In nominating the couple, Russell wrote, “I am lucky to count them as friends and I am grateful that my children get the opportunity to be influenced by such caring people.”

Jon and Becky Goller report that it was Jesus Christ who led them to become foster parents and they cite Matthew 25:40 as inspiration. The scripture, as found in the New International Version, reads, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

22 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | THE TIMES-MAIL | EVERYDAY HEROES

We hoped the community would respond to the Times-Mail’s call for Everyday Hero nominations. We were thrilled to receive more than 70 nominations. All of them have inspiring stories to tell, and we wish we could have written feature stories on each of them. To make sure all of them are honored, here are brief summaries of all the nominations.

Joe Stewart An honest, dependable man, Joe Stewart is a firefighter for Marion Township Rural Fire Department and one of the first people to volunteer his time for the Mitchell community whenever something needs to be done.

Roger Gales Described as «the spirit of Bedford,» Roger Gales gives of his time and talent to help the community. From directing the Community Band to being a worship leader at church, he uses his musical talents to better Bedford.

Donald Mains Described as a «quiet man who cares for others each and every day,» Donald Mains has worked with young people as a mentor who provides encouragement and is dedicated to helping youth gain confidence.

Stacey Meadows Injured in a car accident at the age of 19, Stacey Meadows has spent her life graciously giving back to others, making a difference in the lives of those around her. She›s always the first to help family and volunteer at church.

Susan Gales Described as being the «energy behind so many good things in our community,» Susan Gales works hard to keep downtown Bedford alive and vibrant by assisting with events, festivals and historic preservation.

Terri Briscoe She›s the family «go to» person whenever times are tough. Terri Briscoe is always available to her family and friends when times are tough. Not only is she a registered nurse, she has used her gifts for health care mission trips.

Jay and Janet Fiddler Their nomination reads, «This inseparable couple has blessed our community for decades.» The Fiddlers operate a family-owned sign shop, but their arms are always open when it comes to helping others in their community.

Mary Mapes Her career in nursing led Mary Mapes to start a free exercise class for seniors at the Orleans Baptist Church. Through this volunteer endeavor, she helps a dozen or so people each week with a considerate passion for others.

Janice Nickeo Pendergrass The founder and director of Bertha›s Mission, Janice Nickeo Pendergrass works tirelessly every day to make Lawrence County a better place to live by operating a community kitchen.

Hundreds of people have been fed through this ministry.

Darren Norrington An Eagle Scout, Norrington spends most of his spare time being a Cub Scout Master and holds several positions in the Boy Scout organization.

Sophia Frazier An inspiration to women and all individuals, Sophia Frazier works to help others achieve their dreams. She has written five books and allows nothing to get in her way of success.

Jim O’Connell He takes food to the homebound, visits people in the hospital and nursing homes, cleans and landscapes around town, teaches at church and helps out in the schools. Jim O›Connell is always willing to help in any way possible.

Beth Mundy She has been a small town girl her entire life, so she understands rural values and culture. When she got tired of having bureaucracy interfere with patient care, she opened her own health care office in Mitchell.

Terrah Blanton A mother of four, Terrah Blanton spends her days taking care of other people›s children. She donates her time to church, her community and to taking care of others.

Susan Way Susan Way works with the Lions Club, Lawrence InterFaith Endeavor food pantry and the American Legion color guard. She rescues every animal she sees and works to help her community to the best of her ability.

EVERYDAY HEROES | THE TIMES-MAIL | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | 23

Sandy Craig Retiring this year after 43 years of teaching in North Lawrence schools, Sandy Craig is not afraid to let you know when you›re not living up to your full potential. She is selfless and works to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Tug Beal Tug Beal works tirelessly for the East Oolitic community by hosting community breakfasts, sponsoring projects and helping others with a selfless attitude toward service.

Mary Hutslar Mary Hutslar loves animals, which is why she spends her life devoted to finding homeless pets a forever home. She helps families care for their pets and takes direct steps toward helping people.

Cari Isom Cari Isom, a fourth-grade teacher at Burris Elementary School, balances her job as a teacher with her life as a wife and mother of two girls. She has love and respect for her students, and she is the first to offer assistance to those in need.

Bethany Morris At an early age, Bethany Morris has been compelled to help people. She chose to go into teaching, where she is dedicated to the learning process and tutors students to help them achieve success. She also helps organize the Limestone Heritage Festival parade.

Mary Crozier Described as amazing, kind, caring and selfless, Mary Crozier has spent her life taking care of her family. Her nomination states, «She would give the shirt off her back for a stranger. She would give her last dollar to any of us if we needed it.»

Dr. Pa Varghese An anesthesiologist at St. Vincent Dunn Hospital in Bedford since 1978, Dr. Pa Varghese is known for his top-notch patient care. He›s always available to patients, offering kindness and great care.

Andie Redwine The mother to four adopted children, Andie Redwine has helped them dream and taught them how to achieve those dreams.

She wrote and made a movie, «Paradise Recovered,» that has touched thousands of lives. She has made Lawrence County her home and wants to make it a better place to live.

Perry Mullis Perry Mullis, according to his nomination, has devoted his entire life to God, family and the city of Bedford. He has taught hundreds of youth and adults in Sunday school and has inspired them to be better people by living through God. He has helped countless individuals in the community.

Larry and Janet King Larry was instrumental for acquiring the grants and other funds to renovate and secure a location for the Lawrence County Museum of History. All the while, his wife Janet was very supportive and worked in the background to achieve their goals.

Susan Hayes It›s not what Susan Hayes does that makes her an Everyday Hero, but how she conducts herself daily. She works to make a difference in the lives of others, and after going through breast cancer, she has made it her mission to donate blood every 56 days to help save other lives.

Charles Cessna It doesn›t matter what needs to be done, Charles Cessna is up for the task. From working on the Hillbilly 500 to helping create parade floats and decorate for Mitchell prom, Cessna is always there to lend a hand. When working with youth, he offers guidance and patience with a touch of down-home wisdom.

April Shaw April Shaw has been an instrumental part of early education for many children in Lawrence and Orange counties. As the owner of Lollipops and Rainbows preschool, she is a bright light that shines for all of the children she works with. Because of her love and dedication, they develop a love of learning.

Jamie Roub Jamie Roub is instrumental in raising money for those in need.

A fourth-grade teacher at Parkview Intermediate, she puts everything into her students and teaching a love of learning.

Clair Roub Clair Roub is a Mason, and he is a member of the Lions Club and First Baptist Church. He does many things to help others through those volunteer commitments.

Robert Henderson Robert Henderson is one of those rare people who puts others ahead of himself. He always looks for — and finds — the good in people. He practices what he believes, and he is caring, compassionate, loyal, optimistic and his love for Orleans and Orange County goes unmatched.

Jackie Anderson A love of exercise prompted Jackie Anderson of the Mitchell Fitness Center to use her talents and enthusiasm to promote health and wellness to others. She is an encourager, mentor, friend and spokeswoman for those who are lonely, sad or disappointed with life.

Barbara Madden Barbara Madden has spent most of her adult life caring for other people›s children. She operates a day care in Orleans, and she truly loves those kids. She would go out of her way to help anyone in need.

Shirley Eggers Shirley Eggers recently retired after 42 years as a reading aide at Parkview Primary. She always goes above and beyond what is required and spent countless hours and money in order to make sure students were successful.

Betty Gaiser A single mother of seven children, Betty Gaiser went back to school when she was 50 years old. She graduated from Indiana University and later retired from Crane. She has volunteered for many youth projects and sits on the SICIL board. She is always the first to volunteer for any project.

Rebecca Haley-Daugherty Rebecca Haley-Daugherty was the best teacher with an amazing ability to promote learning.

Jamie Chastain As a single mother, Jamie Chastain put her all into raising her four children. She supported them through everything, and when her sister died, she jumped in to take those children to raise. She is a selfless person who would give her last dollar to anyone in need.

Teresa Hoskins She works tirelessly to support youth, anonymously giving to children who cannot afford extracurricular endeavors. She is always first to lend a helping hand and is willing to go the extra mile, without recognition.

Josh Landers A music teacher for Mitchell Community Schools, Josh Landers fosters a love of music education in all of his students. He serves as a worship leader and volunteers at the Little Theatre of Bedford. He played the Tin Man at the French Lick Scenic Railway›s «Wizard of Oz» production.

24 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016 | THE TIMES-MAIL | EVERYDAY HEROES

nomination

summaries continued...

Lisa Nolan Lisa Nolan operates two day cares in Lawrence County. She is a Christian who impacts children›s lives in amazing ways.

Tom and Geneva Jones This longtime couple is always there to lend a helping hand. They go to nursing homes to spread the gospel, and they take care of people anyway possible. They are the glue that binds their family together and always help out of the kindness of their hearts.

Lester Saunders A World War II veteran, he is a selfless and amazing man who is always there whenever someone calls.

A mechanic by trade, Lester Saunders is always there to fix motors and take care of tractors or vehicles. He has helped his family in countless ways.

Diana Murphy A cancer survivor, Diana Murphy is a single mom who raised her children on her own. She has always been there for her children, works full-time and volunteers to help others.

Jamie Williams Jamie Williams works with disabled children at Garden Villa nursing home. Even after losing her own child to a disability, she hangs in there day after day and gives it her all.

Tara Jones For many years, Tara Jones has worked tirelessly to promote the Bedford community through her photography and support of the arts. She›s donated her time to youth activities and works with the Lawrence County Art Association. She passes on her photography skills through teaching and is always giving of herself to others.

Kristen Rayhill A mother of three, Kristen Rayhill is always giving of her heart to help children in need throughout Mitchell. She buys school supplies and Christmas gifts for children and works to help others.

Joshua Turner Joshua Turner is the kind of guy who stops his vehicle to move turtles out of the road so they don›t get hit. He picks up trash to keep his community clean, and he›s always open to trying new things.

Doug Kellams Doug Kellams has always strived to be a community volunteer who not only works to make Bedford better, but to help youth throughout the area. He is a positive role model who will drop anything to help others.

Corrina Hayes Corrina Hayes is the executive director of Becky›s Place, a homeless shelter for women and children.

Day or night, she can be found at the shelter working for those who require a safe haven. She shows compassion and composure in the face of chaos and works to provide a loving environment for all.

Penny Clark Penny Clark is a physical therapist at Bedford Outpatient Therapy Services, where she works to heal children and adults. She also serves as a fitness coach, and despite challenges, she maintains an upbeat attitude.

Dr. George Sorrells Dr. George Sorrells is a pediatrician in the Bedford community who works tirelessly for children.

He has been involved in many mission trips to developing countries, and he is there day and night for his patients.

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