New Castle | Henry County
Chamber Magazine
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: A WELCOME & A GOODBYE
Fall 2020
100 Henry County Memorial Park
HCH champion to begin a new chapter
years of local history
INSIDE: Unexpected reunion at Henry Community Health
Welcome to New Castle DR. MEGAN FURBEE ASH, FAMILY MEDICINE
DR. STEPHANIE TRENKNER,
PEDIATRICS
DR. LISA GROOMS, FAMILY MEDICINE
Our Northfield Park Primary Care Campus has expanded with the addition of three new physicians. DR. MEGAN FURBEE ASH and DR. LISA GROOMS
Care for infants, children, teens and adults at New Castle Family and Internal Medicine. Call 599.3279 to make an appointment with Dr. Ash or Dr. Grooms.
DR. STEPHANIE TRENKNER Joins Pediatrics at New Castle Family & Internal Medicine also caring for infants, children and teens. Call 599.3100 to make an appointment with Dr. Trenkner.
Henry Community Health | 1000 North 16th Street, New Castle, IN 47362 | 765.521.0890 | hchcares.org |
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Together, we are finding new paths to accomplish difficult tasks
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lthough I have been associated with the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce for a relatively short amount of time, I am excited as I look to the future! Despite the limitations placed on our organization and community businesses by the COVID-19 pandemic, the board and its members have been diligent and uncompromising in the effort to serve member businesses.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Shonda Kane
‘As we navigate through these trying times, I am confident that your Chamber will continue to find new ways to serve our members and the community as a whole.’
The Chamber offers a unique opportunity for me to use the skills I have honed over the years in my career: • I was with the Cardinal Greenways during the years when the idea of paving a railroad bed was foreign to many and the restoration project of the Wysor Street Depot, which was opposed by some. Both are now jewels of the Eastern Region of Indiana. • I served as the Marketing Director during my 12-year employment with the Delaware County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and understand the importance of collaboration among agencies in the process of growth. • While I have always understood the importance of communication in its various forms, COVID-19 has taught me how we can communicate in new ways. Social media platforms and digital/virtual communication has never been more important, and we must stay versatile to succeed. As we navigate through these trying times, I am confident that your Chamber will continue to find new ways to serve our members and the community as a whole. Our board of directors and the deep well of volunteers deserve much credit for their willingness and creativity in finding new paths to accomplish difficult tasks. The holiday season is quickly approaching, and we are planning the annual Downtown Christmas Walk, which is scheduled for December 3, beginning at 5:30 p.m. As we are all well aware, plans could change at a moment’s notice, and we are looking at various contingencies for the event. But one thing is expected to go as planned: The Knights of Pythias has, for years, transformed the downtown by decorating with lights and displays, and is moving forward with plans to continue that tradition. We are grateful to the Knights for creating this bright, cheerful atmosphere, especially during these uncertain times. n Shonda Kane is Executive Director of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. 4 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020
New Castle | Henry County
Chamber Magazine Volume 10, Issue 2 PUBLISHER Shonda Kane, Executive Director, New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce info@nchcchamber.com DESIGN AND EDITORIAL DIRECTION The JMetzger Group Juli Metzger | juli@thejmetzgergroup.com John Metzger | john@thejmetzgergroup.com www.thejmetzgergroup.com 765.744.4303 CONTRIBUTORS Writing: Brenda Morehead, John Metzger Photography: Kurt Hostetler, Jeff Morehead Design: Tammy Pearson To advertise, contact The JMetzger Group: 765.744.4303 |thejmetzgergroup.com@gmail.com For subscription information, contact Shonda Kane at 765.529.5210.
Chamber Magazine: The voice of New Castle-Henry County Chamber businesses. It is a product of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group. These materials are the sole and exclusive property of the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group, and may not be used without written consent. Copyright 2020: The New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and The JMetzger Group.
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New Castle | Henry County
Chamber Magazine TABLE OF CONTENTS
Corey Murphy
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chamber updates
First virtual version of Cash Bonanza is hugely successful
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s we continue to adjust to this new world brought about by COVID-19, one thing appears consistent: Change. It seems that daily life requires almost endless pivoting, and the idea of “business as usual” is long forgotten. The bright side is that we are learning that we are a resilient community who can weather this storm, and we can attack problems in ways we never considered before.
BOARD PRESIDENT
A story of second chances 10 Chris May
‘The bright side is that we are learning that we are a resilient community who can weather this storm, and we can attack problems in ways we never considered before.’
When it comes to Chamber business, we continue to make progress, thanks to the diligence of the board and members. Some examples:
Website upgrade
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Memorial Park’s 100th
Foundation changes
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• Earlier in the year, we rolled out an upgrade to our website, on the heels of a logo update. The idea behind the website update was to make it more attractive and engaging, and more importantly, easier to navigate and more accessible to members. Response from site visitors has been very positive thus far, and we are implementing tweaks and upgrades as we move along. We welcome feedback: If you have suggestions on how to improve, be sure to reach out to the Chamber office: 765- 529-5210/info@nchcchamber.com
Annual meeting
• Because of the pandemic, the 2020 annual meeting was cancelled, and we had to delay the announcement of Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year. The selection committee and the board are discussing all the possible options, and tentative plans are to present two years’ of awards during the 2021 annual meeting. Stay tuned! We will keep you informed as plans solidify.
Cash Bonanza
Henry County Memorial Park: “Spirit of the American Doughboy” statue and (inset) 1890 Krupp cannon. Photos by Kurt Hostetler.
• The first virtual Cash Bonanza was a huge success! The event, which was live-streamed on Sept. 12, saw more tickets sold than last year, and the online turnout was high. Congratulations to the four who split the grand prize: Marka Sonoga, John Cole, Johnny Shepherd and Matt Huffman! Many thanks to the tireless efforts of the committee, volunteers and donors. They prove that the path to a success is paved with planning and hard work. We are hopeful that we will see you in person for next year’s event! n
Top right: Jennifer Fox and Beverly Matthews from the Henry County Community Foundation. Bottom right: Ricci Atchison from Henry Community Health. Photos by Jeff Morehead.
Chris May is president of the Board of Directors for the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce. He is executive director of The Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.
A successful career end
20
ON THE COVER:
6 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020
Of Growing in Henry County The New Castle-Henry County Economic Development Corporation is celebrating 40 years of serving our community. How can we help YOU grow in Henry County?
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CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020 | 7
Economic Development Corporation and Convention & Visitors Bureau join forces My intention was to write this column without using the terms “COVID-19” or “new normal.” The goal was to provide an update on the economic development initiatives and I will do that. However, our community’s response to assist small businesses during the pandemic is phenomenal. To date, more than $500,000 has been granted or loaned to small businesses throughout Henry County. The source of the funding is diverse: federal, local government, and private.
EDC DIRECTOR
Corey Murphy
‘Good health habits support a strong economy. Please remember to continue to social distance, wash your hands, mask up and stay home if ill.’
Volunteers from the New Castle Main Street were instrumental in managing two grant programs for our small business community (countywide!). I believe this is another story of how our community boxes above its weight class, and this characteristic will be helpful to retain and attract people and businesses. Kudos to our front-line healthcare professionals, the Henry County Health Department and Henry Community Health. Good health habits support a strong economy. Please remember to continue to social distance, wash your hands, mask up and stay home if ill.
Retaining & attracting talent
Forge ECI is an initiative of the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership and is a collaborative effort among 10 East Central Indiana counties to build pride and empowerment among ECI residents, improve talent attraction, empower people to foster
change within their communities, improve the region’s amenities and quality of life, and to diversify and grow population. Visit forgeeci.com to learn more and get involved.
EDC, CVB joining forces
The respective boards of directors of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) in Henry County have agreed to merge with details being worked out. The tasks for the first two years will focus on the fundamentals: design a new mobile-responsive website with fresh content, collateral material, supporting existing attractions and complimenting the regional brand Forge Your Path.
Shell building construction
Through the leadership of the Henry County Redevelopment Commission and County Commissioners, construction will soon start on a 50,000 sq. ft. shell building that will be expandable to 200,000 sq. ft. The building will be constructed by Runnebohm Construction located in the industrial park south of New Castle on Brooks Drive. The shell building allows Henry County to compete for new business investment and jobs. There is a saying within the economic development profession: “No Product, No Project.” The shell building is serious product with a majority of the statewide site searches looking for buildings.
Grants enable site assessments
Our office has grant funds for Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments on commercial properties. In May, we received a three-year $400,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency – our second grant since 2015. It is a great tool for returning properties to the tax roll and welcoming new investment and jobs.
Thank you
2020 marks the 40th anniversary for the EDC. Thank you to the public and private leadership that continues to invest and make Henry County a safe and welcoming place to call home. n Corey L. Murphy, CEcD, serves as President of the New Castle Henry County Economic Development Corporation.
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8 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020
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SECOND CHANCES
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Diane Hess of Henry Community Health reunites with Michael and Duella Howard. The COVID-free trio briefly removed their masks while outdoors to commemorate Michael’s recovery.
A medical emergency and rapid response create a surprising, life-changing bond STORY BY BRENDA MOREHEAD
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PHOTOS BY JEFF MOREHEAD
pril 13th had been a fairly normal Monday for Michael and Duella Howard. They were home and had just eaten lunch together when Mike started complaining about some pain in his upper chest. Indigestion, they thought, so Mike took some medicine to calm his stomach and went outside to sit in the sun for a few minutes. Then the pain started radiating down both of his arms.
10 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020
“One said, ‘I don’t have a pulse.’ And the other one said: ‘I don’t either.’ ” “I said that’s it. Let’s go,” Duella said. And they started their four-mile drive to Henry Community Health. It was a drive that Duella will never forget. They were within sight of the hospital, at the stop sign before the entrance, when Mike slumped over in his seat and became unresponsive. “I could see his expression, and I knew then I was in trouble,” said Duella. “So I grabbed him and I said, ‘Get up. You’ve got to walk in. I can’t walk in for you.’ I was pulling at him and driving at the same time.” When she pulled up to the curb at the hospital, an employee was helping another patient get in his vehicle. Duella opened her car door and yelled for help. It took two employees to get Mike out of the car. “The first guy was at his neck, and he was feeling for a pulse, and the other guy was at his legs, and he was feeling for a pulse,” Duella recalls. “And one said, “I don’t have a pulse.” And the other one said. “I don’t either.’”
him stabilized he would go right back in that arrhythmia.” But, after an hour, Mike was stabilized, and was prepared for transfer to the St. Vincent Heart Center. As Hess was leaving the hospital, Duella stopped her for an update. Hess shared the news that Mike was stable and reassured her that all was well. It was the first day Hess and the Howards would cross paths. But it wouldn’t be the last.
An unexpected reunion
Fast forward to mid- to late-May. The Cardiac Rehab unit was able to reopen, and Hess received a referral form for a new patient. The name on the paper: Michael Howard. “I’m pretty sure if you talk with anyone in my field, the chances of being able to both resuscitate your patient and then be the one to also rehabilitate them are slim to none because you are never in both settings,” Hess said. “When he walked into the lab and I saw him as good as he’s looking today, it was amazing.” Crossed paths Mike, who doesn’t remember anything from the day of his Around that same time, Diane Hess was learning to heart attack or the following few days, said that he is taking clerk in the Emergency Department. It was a temporary his rehab seriously and is assignment for Hess, who, grateful for all that Hess has as a cardiopulmonary done for him. He has lost fitness specialist, normally 30 pounds, made dietary works in Cardiac Rehab at changes, is exercising and the Forest Ridge Medical has quit smoking. Pavilion. But, due to “I’ve just kept feeling COVID-19, that unit was better. I decided I’ve got to closed, and the Cardiac do this right. And I’m still Rehab staff assigned to the doing it,” he said. “I look Emergency Department. forward to going to rehab. It was a slow afternoon, They make it fun.” Hess recalled. Duella said Hess has That is, until the provided an immense Howards arrived. amount of support to both “I was by the door when her and Mike – helping to they came in and said they keep her spirits up as Mike had someone unresponsive struggled with a couple of out in the lobby and needed setbacks in the early days of help as soon as possible,” his recovery. Hess said. “I grabbed the “There is not a word gurney out of the closest Duella and Michael Howard reflect on a medical emergency that expresses how grateful exam room.” and treatment at Henry Community Health. I am for the moral support. Mike was in ventricular When she called one night fibrillation – a deadly Mike was back in the hospital. She stayed on the phone arrhythmia, Hess said. A team of 4 or 5 nurses, a doctor and with me until I was ready to hang up, and answered all my Hess began working to save his life, including taking turns questions,” she said. performing CPR. Hess said Mike’s resuscitation and rehabilitation are pure Although Hess has worked in the cardiac rehab area of examples of teamwork. And of never giving up hope. It’s why Henry Community Health for 31 years, and is trained in CPR, she considers her position a dream job and is grateful to have she had never had to resuscitate a patient. been part of both parts of his medical journey. A few minutes later, it was her turn. “I wake up looking forward to coming in to work every “You just do it. You don’t even think about it,” Hess said. “We worked on him an hour. Just when we thought we had day,” she said. “Stories like this make it all worthwhile.” n
CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020 | 11
100 Happy
th
BIRTHDAY, Memorial Park
12 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020
STORY BY JOHN METZGER
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PHOTOS BY KURT HOSTETLER
Most people will agree that 2020 is a year for the history books. But the date holds special significance for Henry County Memorial Park. Not only is it the park’s 100th birthday, but in August it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures.
“Memorial Park is a special place,” says Tracy Harrison, the park’s superintendent. “There are 100 years of memories here, and residents have long enjoyed this wonderful resource.” Harrison started her job as superintendent on March 16, about a week before Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb’s stay-at-home order went into effect on March 25. The COVID-19 pandemic was a double-edged sword for the park, Harrison said. “We had planned a public anniversary celebration and were so excited about showing off this wonderful place, but plans were cancelled out of safety concerns,” she said. “On the other hand, as people grew tired of staying indoors while quarantining, Memorial Park offered a chance to get out in nature and still stay safe. We’ve been really busy with visitors.” New Castle native Mark Orr has written the book on the park’s history – literally. “Henry County Memorial Park: One Hundred Years of Memories” is packed with photos and historical details, and offers readers a true sense of the depth of the park’s past. “The site has an intriguing history long before it was Memorial Park,” Orr says. “I don’t think many people realize the park’s historical significance.” The land occupied by the park was once a Miami Native American settlement called White Raven Village. In 1818, the Treaty of St. Mary’s ordered the removal of the Miami, and the site came under private ownership. Memorial Park Superintendent Tracy Harrison “In 1839, the county tours the park she oversees in Henry County. commissioners purchased the William Silver Farm for $2,000, and thus began the existence of the Henry County Poor Farm,” Orr said. “It started as a log house in 1839, and a new brick building was erected in 1844. In 1855, a fire destroyed the building and all the records, and its replacement was completed in 1860 at a cost of $7,000.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 17
Learn more Memorial Park history:
Mark Sean Orr is an author, historian, genealogist, and photographer living in New Castle, Indiana. His book “Henry County Memorial Park: One Hundred Years of Memories” can be purchased locally at The Book Nook, the Henry County Historical Society & Museum, and Whimsy N’ Such and is available online at Blurb.Com. Pricing: $15 softcover, $28.99 hardcover with dust jacket, and $27.00 hardcover-image wrap.
CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020 | 13
SHELTERS 1
2
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LARGE SHELTER HOUSE. The park is working to secure grants for a complete restoration of the shelter, built in 1922.
must-see treasures in henry county memorial park for history lovers
HAYWORTH GAZEBO. The Bill & Ruth Hayworth Gazebo was built in 1988 at the amphitheater.
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REEVES SHELTER. The former cabin is one of several shelters in the park.
GARDEN JAPANESE GARDEN. Originally designed by famed landscaper T.R. Otsuka and created in 1927, the garden was refurbished in 2010 by Altrusa International of New Castle.
BRIDGES 4
STONE BRIDGES. Seven stone bridges built by the Works Progress Administration during the 1930s are on display in the park.
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VISIT HENRY COUNTY
MEMORIAL PARK
2221 N Memorial Dr, New Castle, IN 47362 Open daily 8 am - 11 pm For information, call: 765-529-1004
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SPIRIT OF THE AMERICAN DOUGHBOY. Artist E.M. Viquesney of Spencer, Indiana created the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” statue in 1920. It was dedicated in Memorial Park by The American War Mothers on August 25, 1929. In 2018, it was moved to this Smith Building location.
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FOREVER REMEMBERED. This memorial, dedicated on November 11, 1972, includes the names of those from Henry County who paid the ultimate sacrifice in WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
COMPANY I MEMORIAL The memorial was built in 1960 for Company I of the 152 Infantry 38th Division.
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GENERAL OMAR BUNDY MEMORIAL. The memorial was donated by the Bundy family and dedicated in June, 2019.
MONUMENTS 1893 CANNON. Brought to the park in 1926, this 1893 cannon was captured by soldiers under General Omar Bundy’s command.
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KRUPP CANNON. The refurbished 1890 Krupp Cannon on Legion Hill was brought to the park in 1926.
CANNONS
CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020 | 15
The Historic Register designations In order to start the process of listing the park on the National Historic Register, approximately $2,300 was required for associated fees. The Citizens to Preserve Henry County Memorial Park began fundraising on May 3, 2018 and reached goal on August 30, 2018. The lengthy process was made even more so by COVID-19, and on August 26, 2020, Henry County Memorial Park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Indiana Register of Historic Sites and Structures. While the designations offers no legal protection, they do qualify the park for grant money. The register designation also places the park on various lists and websites, creating more tourism potential.
Email us today: askmuncie@ivytech.edu 16 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020
FROM PAGE 13
In 1919, Indiana legislation paved the way for memorials honoring veterans of the Great War (WWI) and Henry County founding father Salem Shively responded by petitioning the county commissioners to set aside a park. Memorial Park opened on June 11, 1920. Throughout the 1920s, the park grew at a rapid pace. Some additions of the decade include: • 1921: First playground equipment installed. • 1922: Large shelter built. • 1927: Japanese Garden installed. (Designed by famous landscaper T.R. Otsuka.) • 1928: Land for golf course donated by VFW. • 1929: Shively Lake completed and named in honor of the man who started it all. The 1920s saw other notable additions: • On April 16, 1923, the Wilbur Wright Memorial dedication was attended by Wilbur’s siblings, Katherine, Loren, and Orville Wright. • Two cannons were brought to the park: An 1890 Krupp Cannon was installed on Legion Hill and an 1893 cannon, which was captured by soldiers of General Omar Bundy’s command. (The Bundy family is well-known in these parts as part of the founders of the county.) • On August 25, 1929, one of the most enduring memorials in the park was dedicated by The American War Mothers: Spirit of the American Doughboy Statue by the artist E.M. Viquesney of Spencer, Indiana. In the meantime, numerous memorials dedicated to war veterans have found a home in the park, and history buffs can get their fix at almost every turn. But as rich as the history might be, Harrison points out that the park’s amenities make it attractive to visitors of all ages, interests and backgrounds. “People love being able to spend time in nature without going too far from home,” she said. “The trails offer a glimpse of true beauty, and the playgrounds are a big draw for the little ones.”
The Henry County Saddle Club has been housed on park property since 1959, and 4-H began its association with park in 1929. The park’s lakes offer great fishing spots and there are numerous shelters available for rent. Harrison finds herself with a foot in two worlds: the past and the future. “It’s so important for us to recognize and preserve the history here,” she said. “But it’s equally important to look forward to assure the park’s vibrancy.” Some recent additions seek to do just that: • The Dough Boy statue was recently moved to a more prominent spot. • A bridge near the Shively Lake Lagoon was constructed. It is a replica of the original bridge located at the entrance to the old playground. And there’s more in the works: A war memorial museum is being created in the basement of the Smith Auditorium, and an Expo Center is planned for the south side of the park. A partial list of some other improvements being discussed: • The examination of the Poor Farm burial grounds on the hill east of Shively Lake Lagoon. The graves have never been marked and those buried there date back as far as one former slave who was born in the 1700s. • Electrical system updates that will allow for more concerts in the park and amphitheater. • Family weekend events and summer movie series • Construction of docks on the pond for easier fishing “My overall goal for the park is to make it more accessible and safer for everyone,” Harrison said. “We are currently working on a grant that will affect the large shelter house. We want to repair this beautiful structure from top to bottom.” The recent listing with the historical registries might help this effort because the park is already qualified historically, Harrison said. “We want to bring back the historical aspects of the building while making it a sound structure that will last for another hundred years.” n
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CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020 | 17
Dennis Hamilton.
Outgoing Henry County Community Foundation President and Executive Director Beverly Matthews, left, with Jennifer Fox, who will take over leadership at the Foundation in 2021.
Foundation Strong STORY BY BRENDA MOREHEAD
Matthews retires after a decade of leadership
Jennifer Fox returns to the Community Foundation and will take over the helm in 2021
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PHOTOS BY JEFF MOREHEAD
F
or Beverly Matthews, it’s the small gestures that matter. A listening ear. A smile. A phone call to check in.
“That’s what people will remember – every kindness you show,” Matthews said. “It doesn’t really matter how much money someone has or how successful they are. You just need to show kindness when someone asks something of you.” That’s a philosophy that has guided Matthews throughout her career. She will retire at the end of 2020 after 10 years as President and Executive Director of the Henry County Community Foundation. Matthews’ favorite part of her job has been meeting people, and the shared commitment to helping others. “Our donors are high caliber, whether they are giving us a dollar or $2 million,” she said. “They have the same giving hearts. They want to make a difference.” The Community Foundation has blossomed over the years because of the hard work of all who have been involved, including staff and the CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
18 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020
‘No matter where you’ve gone, you come back to this place.’
— Beverly Matthews
The Community Foundation’s assets have grown to $45 million — $18.5 million during Matthews’ (at left) tenure. In 2021, Jennifer Fox (right) takes over the leadership of the Foundation.
board of directors, Matthews said. The Foundation currently has $45 million in assets. During Matthews’ tenure the assets have grown $18.5 million. “It’s just due to the amazing people that helped form the foundation, the people who have worked for it and the wonderful community who continue to support all of our efforts,” Matthews said. Taking over the helm of the Foundation in 2021 will be Jennifer Fox, who had worked at the Foundation from 2005-2015
before taking a position at her college alma mater, Indiana Wesleyan University. She returned to the Foundation earlier this year as Vice President and Director of Development. Fox said that Matthews, and her predecessor at the Foundation, Jerry Schaeffer, served as mentors for her. She said she recently found a photo of all three of them from 2010, just after Matthews became Foundation executive director. “I had two very strong ladies in my life who mentored me into being the professional that I am,” she said. “I saw that picture and realized what a full circle that is with all three of us there.” Fox said she’s looking forward to continuing to show the impact the Foundation can make, both in the present, and especially in the future. “It’s about legacy. I’ve always believed you should give to your local nonprofits. But what happens after you are gone? Your annual donation disappears upon your death,” she said. “However, when you create a fund at a Community Foundation, your support continues through the annual payout to the nonprofit. Whatever you have a passion for continues to be supported. It becomes your legacy.” Matthews said she has enjoyed the many community partnerships the Foundation has had, from big projects, such as bringing in infrastructure to help attract new businesses to the area, to smaller projects such as new dog kennels for the animal shelter. She especially loves working with families to set up funds, and with donors who may have moved away from New Castle, but who still consider it home and continue to contribute through the Foundation. “No matter where you’ve gone, you come back to this place,” Matthews said. “And the Foundation is really a place where we can work together and make things happen and change the world, even if it’s right here in our own little world in Henry County.” n
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CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020 | 19
Farewell
Henry Community Health PR/Marketing Director ends fulfilling 30-year career
STORY BY BRENDA MOREHEAD
R
| PHOTOS BY JEFF MOREHEAD
icci Atchison has a message for her elementary school teachers:
The label “talks too much” is not a negative attribute. In fact, that very trait has helped shape who she is and the career she has had. “Who knew you could get a job where they pay you to talk to people?” said Atchison, Public Relations/Marketing Director for Henry Community Health. “This is the best. I love people and working with people.” And working with the Henry County community is exactly what Atchison has done for the past 30 years. She retires at the end of 2020. Atchison said she has been fortunate to be able to promote one of Henry County’s greatest assets. “This hospital and health system is amazing for this size of a community. It truly is,” Atchison said. “We offer so many things. And what we do, we do very well. We have some of the best physicians and surgeons.” Atchison said although she has the same job as when she started 30 years ago, the way she completes her tasks looks a lot different in 2020 than in 1990. “The digital world has just changed marketing tremendously,” she said. “When I started here, I was one of the few people who had a computer. Now it’s rare if you can do your job without one.” Henry Community Health has experienced tremendous growth, in services, as well as in physical locations, Atchison said. She has witnessed the addition to the front of the hospital in 1993, construction of the Forest Ridge Medical Pavilion in 1999, and the Northfield Park Primary Care Campus in 2017. Throughout it all, Atchison has been a champion for the community’s healthcare needs. “My job has allowed me to tell the community what we have to offer and how we can help them to stay healthy, or if they are ill or injured, how to get service,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot about healthcare over the years.” 2020 has presented its own learning curve, Atchison said, with the need to stay on top of developments with COVID-19. “The one thing about healthcare is that it is always, always changing. That’s just healthcare,” she said. “But this year the changes with COVID-19 were even more rapid. I’m like everyone else trying to navigate these really strange waters.” One of Atchison’s favorite Henry Community Healthcare events has been Affairs of the Heart, a community fair that promotes women’s health and includes vendors, presentations, demonstrations and giveaways. And the vendors she has connected with over the years mean the world to her. “I’m going to miss the people I work with. They are friends. They are family,” she said. First on the list for Atchison after retirement is rest, she said. Camping trips with her husband, Tim, are also high on her
20 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020
‘My job has allowed me to tell the community what we have to offer and how we can help them to stay healthy, or if they are ill or injured, how to get service. I’ve learned a lot about healthcare over the years.’ — Ricci Atchison agenda, as is time in her yard, planting and weeding. In addition, retirement will afford her more time to spend with friends and lots more visits with her son and daughter and their families. The social distancing required by COVID-19 has perhaps helped her get ready for less social interaction after retirement, Atchison said. “It’s been a forced reduction in my need to see people,” she joked. Atchison, who majored in journalism at Ball State University and worked for the New Castle newspaper for a several years before moving to her marketing position, said working for Henry Community Health was a dream job. “Working here has let me grow and do things I never dreamed of doing. I can’t thank HCH enough for such a wonderful career,” she said. “I still just love what I do.” n
Why Join The Chamber? 11
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unexpected perks of membership
Community Involvement: Volunteering for Chamber committees gives businesspeople the opportunity to study community needs in-depth and find solutions to concerns of the Henry County business community. Tax Deduction: An investment in the Chamber may be deductible as a necessary business expense. (Please check with your accountant.) Business Contacts: Make new contacts and create opportunities to expand your business by meeting new potential customers through Chamber events, committee involvement, publications and mailings. Meeting Space: Chamber members receive complimentary use of the Chamber’s conference room. Business Referrals: When asked to supply names of businesses in the region, the Chamber refers Chamber members. Additionally, all Chamber business is conducted with Chamber members when possible. Chamber Magazine: Twice-yearly publication focuses on members, and tells the “good news” community stories. Editorial content features only Chamber members and non-member ads are charged a premium.
Insurance: The Chamber’s Lifestyle Health Plan offers several affordable plans for small businesses, and other Chamber member insurance companies offer general and health insurance packages to members only, often at reduced rates. Networking: Chamber members are invited to participate in a number of events, including Golf Outing, Cash Bonanza, Annual Meeting, Memorial Day Parade, Christmas Walk and Chamber Lunches. Inexpensive Postage: The Chamber’s bulk rate postal permit
is available to members for mailings of 200-plus pieces. This provides reduced postage rates and eliminates the $175 annual permit fee.
Web Presence: The Chamber’s robust website can serve as your business’ only online presence.
Directory: Listings in the annual Member Directory publication is a
vital part of the membership package. Each year, thousands of directories are distributed to potential customers and community members.
Board
of
Directors
Executive Board Members President Chris May, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame 1st Vice President Cara Taylor, F.C. Tucker / Crossroads 2nd Vice President Brock Davis, Henry Community Health Treasurer Melissa True, Henry County REMC Secretary Cindi Kiner, H.R. Connection Past President Kevin Brown, Hinsey-Brown Funeral Home
Board Members Ric Barr, Castle Pawn Shop Cathy Crabtree, Pfenninger Claxton Estelle Insurance Kevin Davenport, Clean N Simple Commercial Cleaning Rebecca Gonya, Big O Tires Jeannie Hamblin-Fox, IVY Tech Jeff Jaco, The Sanctuary Paulette Lees, First Financial Bank Latina Masters, Citizens State Bank Vickie McIntosh, First Merchants Bank Doug Meier, State Farm Insurance Amy Miller, ERA Integrity Real Estate Christy Tompkins, Individual Marka Sonoga, New Castle Courier-Times Myra Strobel, GEO Group Jerry Townsend, Rust Townsend Home Appliance
Ex-Officio Board Members Shonda Kane, Executive Director, New Castle-Henry Co. Chamber of Commerce Corey Murphy, Executive Director, New CastleHenry Co. Economic Development Corp. Greg York, Mayor, City of New Castle
Caring service when it’s needed the most. Honoring your loved ones and celebrating the life you shared are the cornerstones of healing after loss.
Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service New Castle (765) 529-7100 Knightstown (765) 345-7400
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CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020 | 21
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22 | CHAMBER MAGAZINE, Fall 2020
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FOR $25, YOU CAN INVEST IN A CHILD’S EDUCATION.
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Give to support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Henry County:
InvitedToLiveUnited.org/give
Access to books in the home helps kiddos get ready for kindergarten and be successful in life. A gift of $25 provides an Imagination Library book to a child from birth to 5 years each month for an entire year and is delivered to their home at no cost to their family.
United Way of Delaware, Henry & Randolph Counties
InvitedToLiveUnited.org | P.O. Box 336, New Castle IN 47362