Franklin Magazine January 2025 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

MODERN WOODMEN’S MISSION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Pure Imagination

Franklin Community High School Brings

“Wonka” to Life

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Anterior Hip Replacement Procedure

Dr. St. Germain is one of the few surgeons south of Indianapolis who performs the Anterior Supine Intermuscular (ASI) hip replacement procedure. Unlike traditional hip replacement techniques, the ASI technique uses an incision at the front of the hip instead of the side or back of the hip. The ASI procedure is designed to reduce trauma to the tissues surrounding the hip joint. This allows patients to experience less post-operative pain and return to daily activities more quickly.

JOHNSON MEM

To ensure his patients receive the best possible outcomes, Dr. St. Germain is specially trained in the use of OrthoGrid Hip AI , a non-invasive artificial intelligence application that provides valuable, real-time image analysis during surgery. This tool allows surgeons to improve alignment accuracy and make better decisions in the operating room.

State-of-the-Art Robotic Surgery

Dr. St. Germain utilizes the ROSA robotic system in many joint replacement procedures. This tool allows for greater precision when positioning implants than traditional methods, and can lead to a more natural-feeling joint after surgery.

Nicholas St. Germain, MD

(317) 412-4652

Modern Woodmen’s Mission to Make a Difference

GAME

Make Plans to Support the Turning Point Domestic Violence Services “Not So Newlywed Game”

Locals Enjoy the Music of Taylor Swift in Many Ways

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Cruisin’ Franklin

Writer / John Wales

In the world of supercars, perhaps no name looms larger than Lamborghini. Some may argue that Ferrari is the apex of the Italian stable of horsepower, but Franklin resident Randy Brown would disagree.

Not all “Lambos” are fast, however, as the company began by manufacturing tractors. Rumor has it that Founder Ferruccio Lamborghini shifted his business to supercars only after purchasing a Ferrari and being disappointed. After offering some unsolicited criticism that Enzo Ferrari promptly dismissed, he decided to build his own supercar starting in 1963.

Since then, Lamborghini has been the gold standard of speed and performance. With several iconic models such as the Miura, Countach, Diablo and Revuelto, the company has continued to innovate and impress. The Diablo was particularly known for its brute strength, design and attitude. Its name, meaning “devil”, spawned from Ferruccio Lamborghini’s love for Spanish bull fighting, and is the reason the raging bull emblem adorns all Lamborghini models.

Brown is the original owner of his beautiful 1999 Diablo VT Roadster MOMO Edition, having traveled to Springfield, Missouri, to purchase it new from Motorcars International. The MOMO edition was a limited edition of 12, with six being painted red and the others yellow. Brown’s is number four, and is only one of two red models still on the road, making it extremely rare and valuable. The MOMO edition was a standard Diablo VT Roadster, but it featured special upholstery, MOMO four-point seatbelt harnesses, and MOMO chrome wheels.

Equipped with a 530 horsepower V12 with variable valve timing, a five-speed gated transmission, and viscous traction that transfers power to the front wheels, this red devil can rocket to a top speed of 206 miles per hour!

Brown’s beauty has only 8,000 miles on the odometer despite being entered in car

shows all across the United States over the last 25 years. He frequently trailers the car to keep the mileage low. The Diablo is always a crowd favorite at every show including the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance in Monterey, California, where famed Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni signed Brown’s owner’s manual and inner trunk panel.

There are many things to love about this bright-red behemoth, and Brown’s favorite thing is the smiles, as well as the drools from spectators at car shows - especially the kids. “It’s a good reason to stay in school,” he often tells them as they admire their dream cargood advice, as this ultra-rare exotic is valued in the seven-figure range (that’s more than one million dollars, kids).

Brown is often noted as the guy who brought the super car to Franklin, where sightings of Italian performance cars on the streets are rare. Despite its incredible power and intimidating profile, Brown says the Roadster is so refined that a grandmother could drive it (perhaps “The Little Old Lady from Pasadena” from the Jan and Dean mega hit about a drag-racing grandma).

Keep a sharp eye out in the coming summer for this ferocious red Italian bull prowling the streets of Franklin. Maybe you could even buy it, as Brown says “everything is for sale” with a devilish grin. Of course you better have stayed in school, and have a fat wallet.

Until then…keep cruising!

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

MODERN WOODMEN’S MISSION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran

If you’ve been involved with a Johnson County nonprofit in recent years, chances are you’ve heard of Beau Jackson. As the managing partner of Modern Woodmen of America’s (MWA) central and southern Indiana firm, Jackson has established himself as a leader in financial planning and community engagement. Alongside his wife, Jennifer, who serves as Franklin College women’s head soccer coach, and their two young children, Jackson calls Old Town Greenwood home.

Through his role at MWA, Jackson and his team focus on helping individuals and families overcome financial challenges to build secure futures. But for Jackson, the mission goes beyond dollars and cents. Under his leadership, the firm has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars in resources to local nonprofits and

devoted countless hours to community service. This year their efforts were recognized with Aspire Johnson County’s 2024 Nonprofit of the Year Award.

“Our mission isn’t just about financial security, it’s about creating stronger, healthier communities,” Jackson insists. Katie Schwarz, director of ByTAVI at the Center for Global Impact agrees. “Beau and his team at Modern Woodmen of America are a true blessing to our nonprofit community. His dedication to community and servant leadership is an example not just for us as individuals, but for the business sector as well.”

LEADING THE WAY FOR CHANGE

Jackson’s team exemplifies his commitment

to service. Financial Representative Collin Bopp and Fraternal Coordinator Michelle Badolato work alongside him to offer personalized financial solutions, including retirement planning, education funding and long-term security strategies. Together they embrace Modern Woodmen’s fraternal model, which reinvests profits into member benefits and community programs, rather than distributing them to shareholders.

“Being a 501(c)(8) organization gives us a unique business model,” Jackson says. “Every dollar over our overhead goes back to our members and the communities they live in. Some assume that because we’re a nonprofit, we’re not focused on helping people accumulate wealth, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. What sets us apart is our ability to make

a significant community impact while also helping individuals achieve financial security.”

The team has established 13 active chapters across central and southern Indiana, where they organize food drives, match fundraising efforts and host educational workshops.

“Our local chapters are the heartbeat of what we do,” says Badolato. “It’s neighbors coming together to solve problems and support one another.”

Badolato, known for her attention to detail and empathetic approach to client relationships, is a cornerstone of Jackson’s team. She plays a critical role in managing events and coordinating outreach, ensuring the team’s success. “It’s amazing to see what we can accomplish when we pool our resources,” she says.

MWA’s matching fund program has amplified these efforts, doubling resources for local projects that benefit schools, health care initiatives and other vital causes. “Every dollar raised has the potential to change lives,” Jackson notes. Julia Reynolds of the Greenwood Public Library Foundation agrees, saying “this Modern Woodmen team is the epitome of what it means to give back to the community.”

A GLITTERING CELEBRATION

One of Jackson’s proudest achievements is the annual Glitter and Gratitude Gala. Launched in partnership with his Leadership Johnson County Signature Program group, the event celebrates nonprofit leaders who tirelessly serve the community.

“The idea for the gala came from my years in the nonprofit sector,” Jackson shares. “I saw how much these leaders give without always receiving the recognition they deserve. I wanted to throw them a party, a night to honor their incredible contributions.”

The inaugural gala, backed by Modern Woodmen’s home office in Rock Island, Illinois, was a resounding success. Awards included the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Nancy Plake (United Way Johnson County) and Tandy Shuck (Leadership Johnson County executive director), and the Catalyst of Hope Award, given to local celebrity Rafael Sanchez.

“The gala was a unique and inspiring experience,” says Danny Causey, executive director of Discover Downtown Franklin. “It was amazing to see nonprofit leaders honored at their very own event.”

The Glitter and Gratitude Gala has since become an annual tradition, with this year’s celebration scheduled for April 15.

INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION

Another cornerstone of Jackson’s vision is fostering youth leadership through service clubs. These programs teach young people the value of service while creating tangible benefits for the community. “Instilling responsibility and compassion in today’s youth lays the foundation for a brighter future,” Jackson emphasizes.

Modern Woodmen also partners with Leadership Johnson County’s Youth Leadership Academy, offering high school students the chance to present grant proposals for community projects. “Each year they allow some of our high school students to gain experience by making an ask for grant funding for one of their community service projects,” says Shuck. “For many of the students, it is their first time making that type of presentation. It’s invaluable.”

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

Looking ahead, Jackson is focused on expanding MWA’s impact across central and southern Indiana. Growing the membership base is a key priority. “The more members we have, the more we can accomplish together,” he explains.

Bopp shares Jackson’s vision, and has a special focus on Franklin. “This town has a charm and sense of community that’s unmatched,” he says. “It’s why I choose to raise my family here and run my business.”

Known affectionately as Collin the Franklin Guy, Bopp is passionate about contributing to Franklin’s success.

Another priority for the team is enhancing financial literacy. Through workshops on budgeting, retirement planning, and navigating life’s financial challenges, they aim to empower individuals and families. “Financial education is the key to taking control of your future,” Bopp adds.

The team also hopes to deepen its partnerships with Johnson County schools, providing more resources for educators, parents and students. “Through this collaboration, we are able to expand our reach and offer more comprehensive services to our community,” says Michele Lee, community service director at Turning Point Domestic

Violence Services. “Modern Woodmen’s commitment to financial security, education and community involvement aligns with our mission, helping us deliver impactful initiatives that foster financial literacy, personal development and overall well-being. This partnership strengthens our ability to make a meaningful difference, ensuring that our programming continues to evolve and meet the needs of those we serve.”

Amanda Hoff, executive director of KICIT, says “Beau and his team have been invaluable to our organization and the youth we serve. Their unwavering support through event sponsorships and service projects has greatly benefited homeless and at-risk youth in our community.”

For more information on financial services, community involvement or career opportunities, contact Beau Jackson at 317-452-6927, or Collin Bopp at 317-560-7311. You can also go to reps. modernwoodmen.org/bjackson.

GAME TIME

MAKE PLANS TO SUPPORT THE TURNING POINT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES “NOT SO NEWLYWED GAME”

Writer / Teena Catt

On February 6, an updated version of the game show, the “Not So Newlywed Game”, will take place in the Branigin Room of Franklin College. Turning Point Domestic Violence Services of Johnson County is hosting this event.

The “Not So Newlywed Game” provides an opportunity to promote healthy relationships within the community. Emcees for the evening are Amy Skirvin from Sweat Shop and Franklin Magazine, along with Beau Jackson from Modern Woodmen. They are returning this year as emcees after requests for them to return after doing such a fabulous job at last year’s event.

Local celebrity couples will compete to be the “Not So Newlywed Game” champions for 2025 based on points scored for the most correct answers. One other couple will be awarded the Most Valuable Couple with the most money raised for the agency. People can vote for their favorite couple(s) via the link below or by visiting the website, also listed below.

This year’s contestants are Rafael and

Beth Sanchez, Jesse and Kim Spurling, Zach and Trevor Stevenson, and Eric and Sarah Ward.

“Beth and I love the community which we call home,” said Rafael Sanchez. “We want to embrace not-for-profits which seek to give a hand up to others in love, kindness and compassion.”

Tickets for the event are $40 per person and tables are available with sponsorship. Dinner is included in the price of your ticket and a cash bar will be available. Watch social media for updates leading up to the event.

Turning Point’s mission is to work toward the prevention and the elimination of domestic and dating violence. Michele Lee, community services director for Turning Point in Johnson County, said “we do this work by way of crisis intervention and advocacy, prevention education, and offering public trainings and awareness opportunities. We engage with survivors and provide legal advocacy, safety planning, residential and nonresidential services, case

management, and navigation of community resources, through a 24hour crisis helpline, evidence-based curriculums in the schools, and by collaborating with community partner organizations that support vulnerable populations. We strive to educate our local law enforcement agencies, local businesses and local service agencies.”

To learn more about Turning Point Domestic Violence Services of Johnson County, visit turningpointdv.org.

For ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities, visit weblink. donorperfect.com/NSNWJOCO

For assistance with domestic violence, please contact the 24-hour help hotline at 1-800-221-6311.

FCHS Drama Club presents

January 30, 2025 @ 7pm

January 31, 2025 @ 7pm

February 2, 2025 @ 12pm & 4pm

Tickets: $10, $12, $14

SCAN HERE TO GET TICKETS

Based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Dramatized by Richard R. George

PURE IMAGINATION FRANKLIN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL BRINGS

“WONKA”

TO LIFE

The curtain is set to rise on Franklin Community High School’s much-anticipated production of “Wonka”, a vibrant and imaginative adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.

Under the direction of Courtney Burke, the performances will run January 30 and 31 at 7 p.m., with matinees on February 2 at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. This family-friendly show promises to delight audiences of all ages, blending the charm of the classic Gene Wilder film adaptation with the energy of live theater.

For Burke, choosing “Wonka” was a natural decision. Having previously served as the school’s drama club director, she has always prioritized productions that are both widely recognized and accessible to families. After returning to her role, she knew this play was the perfect fit. “I wanted something fun and engaging that allowed kids of all ages to participate,” she explained. With cast members ranging from first-graders to high school seniors, “Wonka” offers a unique opportunity for students across grades to collaborate.

Unlike musical adaptations or the modern film version, this production stays closely aligned with the 1971 movie starring Gene Wilder. While the iconic Oompa Loompa songs are absent, the play retains the eccentricity and humor that made the original movie adaptation so beloved. “We’re staying true to what I grew up watching,” Burke shared, noting that the mix of imaginative wonder and deeper themes of poverty, greed and parenting makes the story resonate with both children and adults.

Casting such iconic characters presented its own set of challenges. Burke sought a student who could embody Willy Wonka’s quirky, mysterious persona, while the Charlie Bucket character required a youthful yet confident actor capable of conveying awe and excitement. Burke said the result is a dynamic cast that has shown remarkable growth, even in the early stages of rehearsals. “It’s been incredible to see their progress,” Burke said. “We’ll really hit our stride in January.”

The production’s creative vision will come to life through

inventive set pieces, costumes and technical effects. Vibrant lighting and sound design will help transform the stage into Wonka’s fantastical factory, complete with chocolate rivers and golden tickets. Burke credits the broader school community with making such an ambitious production possible, from generous donations by sponsors to volunteers assisting behind the scenes.

The revival of the school’s drama club is a testament to Burke’s dedication to providing an outlet for creative students. “Theater is such an important part of many students’ lives,” she said. “It’s a space for kids who may not fit into other activities like sports to shine.” Through live productions, students cultivate creativity, discipline and teamwork, gaining skills that extend far beyond the stage.

With opening night just weeks away, the excitement is building. Audiences can look forward to an unforgettable show, where students of all ages come together to create a magical experience. Burke hopes the community will join in supporting the program by attending the performances or becoming sponsors. “Watching a live production is an entirely different experience,” she said. “It’s fresh, exciting and something you won’t want to miss.”

Tickets are available now, so don’t miss your chance to step into the magical world of “Wonka”.

Le Rose Dance Academy

LE ROSE

Writer & Photographer / Christina Cochran

Wonka Cast walked in the Holiday Lighting Parade

SWIFTIES OF FRANKLIN

LOCALS ENJOY THE MUSIC OF TAYLOR SWIFT IN MANY WAYS

Writer / Katie Hosea

There’s no doubt that Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour left a huge mark on central Indiana, with many Franklin Swifties in attendance. For 12-year-old Emmaline Swigert, the experience was an amazing surprise. She has been a patient at Riley Hospital for Children since March 2023.

This fall, Amy Hatton nominated Emmaline from the Type 1 diabetes department at Riley for tickets to the Eras Tour. Sixteen patients were chosen to attend the concert through nominations from the staff in each department of the hospital. The excited, deserving group was even given a suite to enjoy the experience.

Emmaline was joined by her mom, Robin Swigert, at the concert in Indianapolis. Her father, Mike Swigert, an elementary music teacher at Webb and Union elementary schools in Franklin, fostered a love of music in Emmaline. Mike and Robin moved to Franklin in 2004 after marrying to grow their family in a small town. Mike loves the small-town feel of Franklin and says he “really enjoys living and teaching here.”

Emmaline’s favorite song was “Bejeweled” from the “Midnights” album. She wore an “Enchanted”-themed dress and her homemade bracelets to trade with her fellow Swifties throughout the concert. Her favorite bracelet was one she made with the iconic beaded letters spelling out “Tea Time” surrounded by hues of blue and pink. Emmaline made lasting memories attending the tour. “It was cool and really loud,” she recalls.

Few Franklin Swifties were able to attend the tour as it passed through Indianapolis, but their love for Taylor Swift was still felt in the community. Always looking for new ways to bring joy to the community, Holly Johnston, Franklin Parks and Recreation Director, took note of this. She and her team began working on putting an event together for the Swifties In Franklin. To honor the Swifties in our

community, Franklin Parks and Recreation is inviting all the Eras lovers to “Bejeweled: A Taylor Swift Eras Party”. The party will be held on January 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Beeson Hall.

The Bejeweled party will be an opportunity for Swifties of any age to put on an outfit from the era they love, make and trade bracelets, enjoy appetizers, take pictures at the photo booth, and play some Taylor Swift bingo with prizes for the winners. The highlight of the party will be Taylor Swift covers from local singer Josie Nicole. She’ll have all the Swifties dancing and enjoying their own mini Eras Tour.

To register for tickets, visit franklinparks.com or stop by the Cultural Arts and Recreation Center. Tickets are $13 and include a novelty ticket that is mailed to attendees for them to keep. The event will be great for families, groups of friends and all other Taylor Swift lovers! All kids should be accompanied by a paying adult, which would make for some great bonding time.

Johnston hopes the event will be one to remember. “We just want everybody to enjoy something that’s affordable with their friends and family, and just have memories to last a lifetime,” Johnston says. So whether you are a Swiftie or love someone that is, grab your tickets and enjoy a night of fun!

ARE WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATIONS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Writer / Amy Skirvin

Many people are committing to lifestyle choices as the new year begins, but it might take more than just diet and exercise. We asked Lisa Lemons, FNP-BC, Precision MedSpa owner and board-certified nurse practitioner, about what the options are when it comes to weightloss medication.

Q: WHAT PARAMETERS DO YOU USE WHEN SUGGESTING A PATIENT USE WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATION?

A: I take a health history and assess chronic diseases, medications and family history. I assess your height and weight to get a body mass index [BMI]. Your BMI should be greater than 26 or 27 for weight-loss medications. However, treatment is individualized.

Q: WHAT MEDICATIONS DO YOU PRESCRIBE FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

Medication choices are based on health, current medications and client goals. I use a shared decision-making model to determine which medication is prescribed.

Some medications such as Adipex or Contrave can be sent to your local commercial pharmacy. Other medications that go through compound pharmacies, where they make the medication at their facility, can range from $350 to $500 per prescription.

Q: DOES INSURANCE COVER THE COST?

A: Insurance can be used at commercial pharmacies, but not at the compound. While Precision MedSpa does not accept insurance for office visits, patients can use HSA accounts to pay for services and the medication.

Q: WHAT RESULTS SHOULD A PATIENT EXPECT WHEN USING WEIGHT-LOSS MEDICATION?

A: Usually in the first month on lowest dosing,

a patient will lose four to 10 pounds. I give conservative numbers so as not to create unrealistic expectations. I also provide a health coach who is very helpful in identifying habits and dietary intake that could be holding a patient back from their goal.

Muscle loss is a major concern with caloriedeficit diets. I recently added an InBody 380 machine to my practice. This machine helps to measure body composition; muscle mass, water mass and fat mass is broken down to give us accurate measurements of body composition. I also encourage a medical-grade multivitamin supplement to ensure patients are not depleted in vitamins and minerals.

Q: WHAT SIDE EFFECTS ARE COMMON WHEN USING THESE MEDICATIONS?

A: The injectable medication’s most common side effects are nausea and constipation. Diarrhea can happen, but it is not common. These side effects can be lessened by

DOES A PATIENT NEED TO CHANGE THEIR DIET WHEN TAKING THESE MEDICATIONS?

A: My goal is to help the patient change their relationship with food, improve food choices, and discuss what are ultraprocessed foods and why they are bad for us. The medications are a tool for weight loss, but lifestyle changes are a requirement.

DO THESE MEDICATIONS WORK FOR EVERYONE?

A: Medications work differently for every patient, so I do not use a one-size fits all approach. Health coaching may be all a client desires and needs to lose weight. I tailor each plan for each patient. Close follow-up helps to determine if the patient is tolerating the medication and having a good response.

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BOUND TOGETHER

EXPERIENCE FRANKLIN MAGAZINE’S BOOK CLUB

Writer / Teena Catt

What do you get when you place two writers who love to read next to each other at dinner? The answer, of course, is a book club. To be precise, an interactive Franklin Magazine book club!

Debuting this month is Bound Together. Christina Cochran, another writer for the magazine, and I discovered that we not only enjoy writing, but we are both avid readers as well.

Collaborating on this project, Christina and I hope you as readers become a part of our Bound Together club. Each month a new book will be highlighted with a brief description of the book, some information about the author, and any upcoming local events that pertain to the book and author. Christina and I will alternate writing and introducing books each month. Our plan is to introduce a wide range of genres and book styles to our readers.

As a reader, you join by simply reading that month’s selection and following along on Franklin Magazine’s Facebook page. The page will have posts asking for your review and ratings of the book. In the following month’s issue, we will reveal our book club’s overall rating of the book with some reader comments. Then, we will introduce the following month’s book!

January’s book of the month is Alice Feeney’s

“Beautiful Ugly”, a psychological thriller. For those of you who read and loved Feeney’s “Daisy Darker” or “Rock Paper Scissors”, you might be like me and have big hopes for Feeney’s newest novel.

The novel begins when author Grady Green is having the worst best day of his life. Grady calls his wife to share some exciting news as she is driving home. He hears the car brakes slam, hears her get out of the car, and then, nothing. He eventually finds her car on a cliff edge, lights on, door open, but no wife. She has disappeared. A year later, Grady finds himself still overcome by grief and desperate to know what happened to his wife.

He travels to a tiny Scottish island to try to get his life back on track. Then he sees the impossible - a woman who looks exactly like

his missing wife.

I hope you pick up a copy of the bestselling queen of twists Alice Feeney’s new novel. This is sure to be a thriller about marriage and revenge. We encourage you to find a copy at your local Johnson County Public Library or purchase a copy at Wild Geese Bookshop in Franklin.

Wild Geese Bookshop is hosting the author Alice Feeney as she introduces “Beautiful Ugly” on Thursday, January 16 at The Historic Artcraft Theatre. Tickets are $35 and include entry to the event and a signed hardcover copy of the book. Wild Geese anticipates this to be a sold-out event.

The “Beautiful Ugly” release date is January 14, 2025.

Writer / Teena Catt

HOMETOWN HEROES Stephanie Dunn

Teachers are important contributors to society. They pass on their knowledge and foster critical thinking skills. They often inspire their students. They often challenge their students to push beyond a classroom curriculum and excel at an elevated level. It is no wonder that teachers are influential to students, as they spend an average of six to seven hours per day inside a classroom.

In 2016, Stephanie Dunn received Creekside Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year award. This year, Dunn won Indiana’s Academic Coach of the Year. Dunn was shocked and flattered to be considered for this award.

Dunn is the first-grade and second-grade high-ability teacher at Creekside in Franklin. She has been teaching for 19 years, 18 of which are at Creekside. Coaching the school’s math and science bowl teams is rewarding in many ways, she said.

“It is not scripted,” she said. “It is outside of the general classroom curriculum, and it isn’t the norm. It pushes the students and I like doing that.”

Each team consists of 12 to 15 third- and fourth-grade students. She has coached the math bowl for six years and science bowl for five years. Last year her Creekside science bowl team won the state championship title.

Dunn grew up and lives in Franklin with her husband, Joey, who is also a teacher at Indian Creek High School where he teaches agriculture and leads the FFA club. They met while in middle school, through 4-H. They are still both active in 4-H and assist the Johnson County Fair board during the fair week. They have a golden retriever named Poppy.

Dunn especially enjoys horses. She said her parents always wanted horses as children themselves, so they acquired horses before children. Dunn grew up loving them as well. She is the 4-H leader for the horse and pony club in Johnson County, which has 135 members. She also enjoys reading, crafts and traveling.

Dunn loves decorating, and in her house she puts up 11 Christmas trees. One tree stays up all year long, with a monthly change of decorations depending on the season, holiday or special event taking place in Indiana.

Inside her classroom, she sticks with what she loves. She uses a cactus theme because of her love of Arizona. Growing up as a child, her family often vacationed in Arizona. She said the color schemes of sage are calming inside the classroom, and that is not only to the students’ benefit, but hers as well.

Dunn knew she wanted to be a teacher since fifth grade, when she realized she wanted to be just like her teacher, Mrs. Jayne Yount. When asked if she thought she was like Yount today, she said she hopes so. “I hope one of my students is looking at me and says, ‘I want to be a teacher someday,’” she said.

She said things in the classroom and in our world have changed since her student days at Needham Elementary School. “Everything in the world has changed and it reflects in the classroom,” she said, adding that the hardest part is that accountability for parents and students is gone, and everything lands on the teachers. Changes in society, changes in curricula and governmental mandates can make teaching a challenge today.

Dunn said one of her favorite aspects of teaching is the students. She loves their unfiltered stories. Oftentimes those stories bring humor into a stressful occupation.

COMMUNITY CARING

JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS 18 GRANTS

Writer / Devon Dean

Nonprofits in and around Johnson County are getting a muchneeded funding boost to kick off the new year. The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) recently awarded more than $161,000 in grant money to 18 organizations working to make a difference.

• American Red Cross: $5,000 for disaster relief in Johnson County

• Autism Community Connection: $7,500 for teen and adult programs

• Bridges Alliance of Johnson County: $8,000 for Circles Johnson County 2024/2025 cohort

• Central Nine Career Center School Adult Education: $7,704 for digital skills for life and work - community class offering

• Discover Downtown Franklin: $15,000 to purchase a new event vehicle

• Gateway Services, Inc.: $10,000 for chairs for the Participants of the Day program

• Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Inc.: $5,000 for Produce Hope

• Great Harvest Food Pantry: $10,000 for the Baby 500 Program

• HeavenEarth Spaces: $15,000 for new duplex construction for the Residency Rental program

• I Support the Girls: $10,000 for various community programming

• Johnson County Public Library Foundation: $5,000 for the Affordable Healthy Eating: Food Education Series

• Johnson County Senior Services: $5,000 for various program initiatives

• Joshua Center, Inc.: $3,500 for the Joshua Center Leadership Pipeline

• Pack Away Hunger: $5,000 for Feeding Johnson County

• The Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide: $1,000 for supporting youth sexual abuse and suicide prevention programming in Center Grove schools

• The Salvation Army Red Shield Center: $5,000 for the Pathway of Hope Program - Barrier Buster funds

• Trafalgar Volunteer Firemen, Inc.: $33,442 for the purchase of Jaws of Life tool

• Turning Point Domestic Violence Services: $10,000 for financial aid for participants in Johnson County