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lunte e r Network

f Bl o omington Vo
o
The City presents

g Vo lunteers
2016 Celebratin

Buskirk-Chumley Theater
March 29, 2016

Community and Family Resources Department


A Celebration of Volunteerism
Welcome Master and Mistress of Ceremonies:
Joe Hren, Anchor of WTIUs Indiana Newsdesk and
Bet Savich, Director of the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network

Community Portrait 2016 Nominee Photo Show

Presentation of the 2016 Be More Awards


Be More Healthy Award Be More Knowledgeable Award
(Health/Wellness) (Education/Literacy)
Presenter: Brent Molnar, Station Presenter: Bryan Price, President
Operations and Content Director, and CEO, IU Credit Union
WTIU
Be More Creative Award
Be More Collaborative Award (Arts/Culture)
(Group or Family) Presenter: Beverly Calendar-
Presenter: Erikka Vaughn, 2014 Be Anderson, Director, Community
More Award Recipient and Family Resources Dept., City
of Bloomington
Be More Energized Award
(Youth) Be More Phenomenal Award
Presenter: Tina Peterson, (Board Member/Administrative)
President and CEO, Community Presenter: Debbie Pidgeon,
Foundation of Bloomington and Executive Director, Serve Indiana
Monroe County
Be More Bloomington Award
Be More Uplifting Award Presenter: Sarah Smith-Robbins,
Presenter: Barry Lessow, Executive Director of Learning Technologies,
Director, United Way of Monroe Kelley School of Business
County
Be More Dedicated Award
Be More Sustainable Award (Lifetime of Service)
(Environmental Sustainability) Presenter: John Hamilton, Mayor,
Presenter: Jacqui Bauer, Sustain- City of Bloomington
ability Coordinator, Economic &
Sustainable Development Dept.,
City of Bloomington

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INTRODUCING the

ers
g Volunte

Nominees
2016 Celebratin

Lindsey Badger
New Leaf - New Life, Inc.
Lindsay Badger works through New Leaf- New Life to help
inmates make the changes in their lives necessary to avoid reof-
fending. Recidivism is a major reason for prison overcrowding,
and many released from prison face serious obstacles in reenter-
ing the community; Lindsays volunteer efforts are aimed at
reducing recidivism by developing inmates self-confidence and
communication skills as well as by reducing the barriers they face. Lindsay teaches I.U. Communica-
tion and Culture Department credit courses in the jails and leads think tank groups to research crimi-
nal justice issues, develop recommendations, and present findings to members of the community
who can act on them. Lindsays actions have life-changing impacts on the students involved in her
classes and bring attention to serious issues the community faces.

Beth Barnett
New Leaf - New Life, Inc.
Beth Barnetts volunteer service has been with the Monroe
County jail since about 2006; she also volunteers with the
Center for Womens Ministries. Beths work is a reflection of her
continuing studies and professional ambitions in suicide pre-
vention and mental health care. At the Monroe County Jail, Beth
orchestrates a writers group that focuses on the joy of storytell-
ing, be it personal or fiction. Beths service is important as it accentuates the need for compassion
in the midst of rebuke. She offers an essential service, teaching healthy communication skills, that if
lacking would contribute to recidivism.

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Marsha Barreiro
People & Animal Learning Services
Marsha Barreiro has volunteered at People & Animal Learning
Services (PALS) for over a decade. During this time, she has
participated in every role available with the utmost passion
and energy, and is truly a blessing to the organization. Marsha
has been a consistently positive influence, taking the time to
get to know all of the staff and a large number of clients, while
working to ensure the PALS facility is clean and in top condition. When not coordinating the efforts of
other volunteers, she is often found sweeping, dusting, and cleaning stalls to ensure the barn looks
immaculate. Her optimism makes an immediate impact, making the PALS volunteer experience that
much nicer for both returning and brand new volunteers. Marsha truly represents the volunteer spirit!

Woodie Bessler
SIREN
Woodie Bessler applies his background in electrical engineering
to helping people in the community understand energy and use
it wisely. As a member of the Monroe County Energy Challenge,
Woodie led the effort to target homes that use the most ener-
gy; documented possible conservation savings; performed free
energy assessments; and helped make an empty house livable
for AmeriCorps Members. As a member of the Southern Indiana Renewable Energy Network (SIREN),
Woodie is the author and presenter of the Going Solar program, given over 50 times to approximately
1,000 people. He has also coached MCCSC robotics teams, trained teenagers to weatherize houses,
and visited classrooms. Woodie applies his experience and know-how to assist our community as it
works to reduce its energy consumption to reduce climate change.

Carey Blackmore
Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County
Carey Blackmore has served on Habitat for Humanity of Monroe
Countys Events Committee for three years, and in that time she
has embraced the Habitat mission. This year, she created the de-
sign for the sweatshirts given out to hundreds of volunteers. Carey
creates all Habitat apparel designs, as well as home dedication
schedules and volunteer appreciation gifts, always contribut-
ing her enthusiasm and fresh ideas. Through her designing and planning, she has reached over two
hundred people every year, with volunteers and partner families alike feeling incredibly appreciated.
Without Carey, Habitats Events Committee would not function as effectively, nor would its apparel
and gifts be so beautiful. The time and effort she puts into designing apparel, planning events, and
attending every meeting makes Carey truly remarkable!
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Jose Yamil Adorno Cancel
Bloomington Animal Shelter
Jose Yamil Adorno Cancel cares for and loves the stray and
unwanted animals that are at the Bloomington Animal Shelter.
Jose Yamil, a student at Bloomington High School South, has
helped with their pet adoption program and the foster guardian
program, through which shelter animals reside in temporary
homes. Originally from Puerto Rico, he has excelled in his stud-
ies, earning a spot on the honor roll several times as well as receiving the 2015 City of Bloomington
Outstanding Latino/Hispanic High School Student Award and the Indiana Outstanding Hispanic High
School Student Award. Jose Yamil is committed to volunteering and to animal welfare, and through
his work has impacted hundreds of animals, and served as an example for students in the community.

John Carter
City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department
John Carter has served on the Bloomington Board of Parks
Commissioners for 16 years, where he volunteers his time and
experience to benefit the Parks and Recreation Department and
the Bloomington community. As a Parks Board member, John
contributes to the decision to approve the Parks Departments
budget, approve contracts, acquire or sell land, and much more.
He also serves as a liaison for the nonprofit Bloomington Park Foundation, an organization that raises
funds for projects and scholarships for youth. John has created a precedent of collaboration between
the Department and Monroe County Community School Corporation, oversaw the decisions leading
to the construction of the B-Line Trail, and impacts approximately 80,000 residents of the City of
Bloomington through his dedicated volunteer efforts.

John Davenport
Community Kitchen of Monroe County, Inc.
John Davenport provides extremely valuable services to the
Bloomington community. For twelve years, John has prepared
lunches and snacks for Community Kitchens childrens programs,
dramatically reducing the cost of providing food while ensuring
that children do not go hungry. This enables Community Kitchen
to continue their homebound seniors and homebound HIV patient
programs. John has volunteered for over eleven years, building homes as part of Habitat for Human-
itys general construction group, keeping costs low while growing stronger family and community
ties. During this time, he has also volunteered at the Shalom Center where he helps to meet the
needs of Bloomingtons homeless membersand at his church, where he acts as treasurer and Bible
class instructor. Through his selfless actions, John epitomizes a true philanthropic philosophy.
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Larry Davidson
Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County
Larry Davidson devotes himself to helping those in need
through Habitat for Humanity of Monroe Countys Habitat Hope
program. After discovering that no free money management
programs exist in the Bloomington community for those that do
not qualify for home ownership, Larry helped the Hope program
begin offering these services. Combining his fresh perspective
with a background in economics, he has proven invaluable to the program, completing applicant
intakes and working closely with clients to craft the financial plans they need. Larrys consistent
patience and commitment has allowed for the program to serve six adults and nine children since its
creation in July, and Habitat for Humanity looks forward to serving many more in the future thanks to
his dedicated work.

Rick Dettwiler
WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology
Rick Dettwiler joined the WonderLab volunteer team in 2007,
bringing 15 years of experience in building maintenance, electri-
cal and plumbing knowledge, construction skills, and problem
solving. Over the nine years since he joined, Rick has helped to
keep exhibits running safely and smoothly, allowing WonderLab
to maintain high quality exhibits while researching and devel-
oping new ones. Rick also serves as a WonderLab ambassador, reaching out in the community and
promoting the organization that he works tirelessly to make great. He is known for his dedication,
contagious joy, and can-do attitude. Whatever needs to be done, whether it is overseeing new exhibit
safety, coordinating volunteers, or arriving at creative solutions, Ricks your man!

Nola Donley
Edgewood Junior High School
Nola Donley is a dedicated, creative volunteer, willing to do
whatever is asked. She has assisted in the library/media center
of Ellettsville Junior High School for 39 years, all to better serve
students. She also offers professional photography services to the
Students of the Month, so they can be recognized by their peers,
teachers and the community. Nolas service has kept the media
center running smoothly, especially after reductions-in-force eliminated the librarian position. She
has worked with at least four librarians there, easing the transitions through her deep knowledge of
the school and its services. Many thousands of students have had more choices within the media col-
lection because of her service, which keeps them actively reading and climbing high to meet personal
goals.
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Helen Freeman
Bloomington Hospital Auxiliary/ IU Health Bloomington
Helen Freeman has been delivering flowers for IU Health
Bloomington Hospitals Volunteer & Visitor Services program
for 50 years. For the hospital and for its patients, volunteers
bring joy to those truly in need of tender love and care; Helen
is known for her volunteering, often delivering their mail, tak-
ing time to visit with patients and always bringing homemade
sweets. When she is not volunteering at the hospital, Helen is delivering meals to Bloomingtons se-
nior citizens through the Meals on Wheels program, providing not only food but quality visiting time.
At 95 years old, Helen is an icon in the community, a magnificent role model, and a shining example
of how we could all be!

Michelle Henderson
CUBAmistad
Michelle Henderson is the inspiration behind the art and book
exchange between Bloomington elementary schools and those
in Santa Clara, Bloomingtons Sister City in Cuba. Through this
program, International Baccalaureate designated schools in the
Monroe County Community School Corporation - Templeton,
University, and Childs Elementary Schools - have a unique
avenue to learn about Cuba while creating a sense of community with students from another culture.
Michelle has been instrumental in coordinating this program, working tirelessly to bring it to fruition.
Her dedication is an incredible asset to CUBAmistad, and her ideas, suggestions, and help in imple-
menting new and engaging methods of cross-cultural interaction are invaluable.

Israel Herrera
Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs and WFHB 91.3
Israel Herrera has served on the City of Bloomington Commis-
sion on Hispanic and Latino Affairs for six years. Given the social
exclusion and economic constraints common within the Latino
community, Israel`s work contributes to strengthening this
community, providing services that would otherwise not be
available. He dedicates countless hours to this volunteer work,
through which he has created educational initiatives, proposed state legislation, promoted health
services for Latinos, organized artistic and cultural activities for the community, provided invaluable
information regarding immigration, and created ways to distinguish the volunteer work of children
and leaders in Bloomington. His has strengthened the sense of pride, identity, and social commitment
within the Hispanic-Latino community, making Bloomington a more integrated and just place for all.

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Susan Jones
Bloomington Playwrights Project
Susan Jones serves as the Literary Manager for Bloomington
Playwrights Project (BPP), dedicating her efforts to the organiza-
tions fundraising and mission-related goals. Susans role is es-
sential as she is responsible for coordinating two script contests
that receive over 1,000 script submissions every year from around
the world, supervising a group of twenty, managing the admin-
istration behind BPPs core donors, and managing the silent auction for BPPs Annual Gala. Through
her devoted efforts, BPPs script contests are able to recognize playwrights original and innovative
works, its silent auction raises over $8000 annually, and the community is able to provide opportuni-
ties for hundreds of artists and patrons alike. Susans involvement has not only made a lasting impact
on Bloomington Playwrights Project, but on the Bloomington community itself.

Marvin Jones Jr.


Bethel African Methodist Church Homework Help
Marvin Jones Jr. devotes his time to tutoring students and en-
gaging his campus and community. With a PhD in mathematics,
Marvin supervises the Bethel AME Homework Help program,
providing free assistance to kindergarten through 12th grade
students in Bloomington. Through this program, he assists stu-
dents of all ages with compassion and patience.
Marvin also serves as the vice president of the Black Graduate Student Association, where he has been
instrumental in collaborative leadership efforts, including a literacy initiative for Fairview Elementary
School. He has also led on-campus movements as a student activist, planned and facilitated meetings
with students and administrators, and mobilized members of the IU community to improve the cam-
pus racial climate. Marvin is driven and admired, always putting others needs before his own.

Christiane Jung
My Sisters Closet of Monroe County
Christiane Jung is the volunteer shoe and purse manager at My
Sisters Closet. Since 2014 she has both overseen and trained the
accessory volunteer team and managed the shoe and purse in-
ventory. She is personally responsible for My Sisters Closet giving
away and selling almost $22,000 in shoes and purses last year, a
feat that not only helped ensure the organizations financial suc-
cess in its first year at its new location, but more importantly, the economic success of over 200 clients
interviewing for jobs. Christiane works without fanfare while she mentors volunteers of all ages, and
keeps everyone wanting to go back and be part of her team. My Sisters Closet sincerely appreciates
Christianes boundless energy and warm compassion!

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Wendy Lumsdaine
Middle Way House The Rise
Wendy Lumsdaine is the founder of Middle Way Houses art pro-
gram for girls, providing them with a creative, constructive outlet
fostering creativity and friendship. Her program has created a
safe place for girls to speak freely about their experiences while
expressing themselves through art, and her compassion and love
for them raises their self-esteem in ways that no other program
could. Wendy sought resources to fund this impactful project, applying for grants and providing the
program with a wide selection of books. Through this, Wendy has impacted over a dozen girls, while
also giving 32 families access to reading material through the littlest library component of the pro-
gram. Starting with the goal of changing one childs life, Wendy has touched the lives of many.

Jim Mahan
Buskirk-Chumley Theater
Jim Mahan volunteers as an usher and at volunteer recruitment
fairs for the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Every year, the Theater
hosts over 200 events and serves over 50,000 people, and at any
one of these events, Jim will likely be the usher welcoming pa-
trons and assisting with operations. He is responsible for know-
ing emergency procedures, assisting people in finding their
seats, and making sure that nothing is interfering with the audiences ability to enjoy the show. He
plays an integral part in the Theaters running, as the Buskirk-Chumley relies on volunteers for almost
all events. Jim stands out because of his strong and proactive commitment, always giving 100% to
the theater and those who attend its shows!

Maggie Maier
South Central Community Action Program
Maggie Maier has made a lasting impact in the South Central
Community Action Program (SCCAP) Head Start Program, which
serves children in the Monroe County area. Maggie almost single-
handedly planned SCCAPs Fall Family Fun Night, an event that
hosted 50 families! She also worked to promote the program
within Indiana University and the Bloomington community.
Maggie also volunteered in four classrooms, directly working with around 80 children. As an IU stu-
dent, she encouraged them to achieve academically. Every day, Maggie went to SCCAP with a smile
and upbeat attitude, excited to give back to the families, children, and her community. College is of-
ten a far-fetched dream; when amazing IU students like Maggie volunteer at Head Start, it shows that
college can be an attainable goal.

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Bruce Miller
People & Animal Learning Services
Bruce Miller has been a dedicated People and Animal Learning
Services (PALS) volunteer since 2013. He has participated as
a side walker, horse leader, stable manager, and more during
this time, providing encouragement to all of the clients with
whom he works. His kind nature and sense of humor make him
a perfect fit for the PALS Therapeutic Riding program, focused
on providing for clients with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. Bruces efforts greatly
impact PALS, as he works with an average of 5-8 clients, coordinates 4-10 volunteers, and cares for 11
horses all on a weekly basis! Bruce goes above and beyond, not only through volunteering at PALS,
but also at Meals on Wheels and at a local soup kitchen.

Lisa Morrison (Posthumous)


Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center
Lisa Morrisons philanthropy began in the 1990s and continued
until her death. Over that time, it encompassed promoting local
organizations such as Middle Way House, Bloomington Animal
Shelter and Hoosier Hills Food Bank on WTTS and WFHB. She
worked nights, weekends, and holidays to complete projects,
and even on difficult days her positive attitude and enthusiasm
for life shone through. Active in the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center, Lisa was key in plan-
ning Dalai Lama visits to Bloomington on three separate occasions. She had an amazing capacity for
connecting with others; Bloomington is a better place because of her efforts.
Lisa was a music promoter, event coordinator, wedding planner and marketing specialist, but more
than anything, she was a volunteer in the city she loved.

Kathy Morrison
Bloomington Hospital Foundation
Kathy Morrison has annually recruited, trained, and supervised
over four hundred volunteers for the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5k
race and walk, directing all volunteers from start to finish. As the
largest 5k in South Central Indiana, the event takes an enormous
amount of planning and coordinating, but Kathy carries out ev-
erything, from promoting the event on the radio, to connecting
community volunteer groups. Without her efforts, the 5k would not have nearly as much impact on its
beneficiaries, the Olcott Cancer Center and the countless patients who visit the center. Kathy possesses
excellent leadership skills and her drive, year after year, makes her a model advocate for the Bloom-
ington Hospital Foundation, the Olcott Cancer Center, and the Bloomington volunteer community.

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Will Northquist
Young Life of Greater Bloomington
Will Northquist builds authentic friendships and mentorships
with Tri-North Middle School students. Dedicating a few hours a
week, Will dives into students worlds as a coach and after-school
club leader. He has volunteered as an assistant cross country
coach and assisted with track meets for two years, and every
other week, Will spends his Friday night creating a safe and fun
environment for students to laugh, share, and listen through his gaming club. Adolescents need
positive role models to encourage them, and Will does just that, reaching into the lives of over 100
students. Will persevered to become a Young Life volunteer at Tri-North Middle School; now students,
parents, teachers, and administrators alike welcome Wills efforts and positive influence!

Juan Pablo Perez


La Escuelita
Juan Pablo Perez has volunteered for more than 15 nonprofits in
Bloomington while maintaining a 4.0 GPA at Bloomington High
School South. Juan Pablo has volunteered for El Centro Comunal
Latino, WonderLab, Hola Bloomington WFHB, and many more,
and has received several awards for his efforts, including the
Presidents Volunteer Service Award. He volunteers at La Escuel-
ita, encouraging student learning while assisting Latino parents in understanding transcripts, school
structure, technological access, and more. His work at El Centro Comunal provides students with an
advisor as they make plans to attend college. He also volunteers with his church and gives lectures on
how to be a leader. Juan Pablos work is of vital importance to empowering the Latino community,
and his dedication is unmatched!

Cheyenne Powell
Pets Alive Nonprofit Spay/Neuter Clinic
Cheyenne Powells work is essential to the mission of the Pets
Alive Spay/Neuter Clinic. Pets Alive does not have the funding to
hire paid cleaning staff, but needs a sterile work environment to
provide the highest quality care possible to the thousands of ani-
mals it serves. Cheyenne performs most of the tasks to keep the
clinic running, from washing blankets to unloading animals from
the transport truck. Because of Cheyenne, Pets Alive has the ability to perform over 100 surgeries in a
single day, and the organization has served over 30,000 animals since she began volunteering. With
her kindness and bubbling personality, Cheyenne completes some of the hardest work in the clinic,
allowing it to save animals lives every day.

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Liisa Rautio
My Sisters Closet
Lisa Rautio began volunteering at My Sisters Closet when she
moved to Bloomington in October 2014, quickly becoming a
board member and then the organizations treasurer. Bringing
her skills and experience as an accountant, she transitioned My
Sisters Closets bookkeeping and reporting systems to electronic
formats, greatly increasing efficiency and organization. In addi-
tion, she recruits and trains IU Kelley School of Business student interns to assist with accounting and
the transition to digital. Outside of this role, Lisa also volunteers on store projects and assists local
food pantries. Lisas service has not only made My Sisters Closet more digital, but it has also provided
it with the ability to engage with the student community, easily prepare grant applications, and bet-
ter assist women in the community.

Jiren Ren
Middle Way House
Jiren Ren applies his experience in law to Middle Way Houses
Legal Advocacy program. Middle Way monitors about 100 court
cases per month involving abuse, sex crimes, and stalking.
Partnering with Protective Order Assistance Partnership, it also
provides services to individuals who need protective orders. Jiren
dedicates his efforts toward both of these services, affecting at
least 100 people requiring assistance, while also training new volunteers. He provides an invaluable
service, touching lives and making a real difference. Jiren studied at IUs Mauer School of Law. After
graduation, he took the New York Bar exam and passed, but needed to volunteer at least 50 hours
with a pro bono legal service before he could be admitted. He has volunteered about 400 hours and
hasnt stopped yet!

Amy Roche
Bloomington Community Orchard
Amy Roche has contributed countless hours toward making
Bloomington Community Orchard a solid presence in the com-
munity. Over the last five years, she has served as the partner-
ships manager, IU advisor, education team co-chair, events
planner, outreach chair, and board chair. Amy is known for her
focus on community building, environmental sustainability, and
reaching out to those in need. Her passion goes beyond the Orchard; she has made significant vol-
unteer contributions to Habitat for Humanity, Mother Hubbards Cupboard, Hoosier Hills Food Bank,
and many other organizations. Through her leadership, the Orchard has been able to offer sponsored

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educational programming, break attendance records at their annual events, and deepen ties to IU and
the community. Amy is a living, breathing LinkedIn, helping community initiatives synergize through
collaboration.

Kathryn Sandefur
Hannah Center and Hannah House Maternity Home
Kathryn Sandefur has been a dedicated Hannah Center volunteer
for over 20 years. Recently, Kathy has become a member of the
Board of Directors, for which she contributes her insights, leader-
ship and experience. In a crisis center, needs change quickly;
Kathy is known for her ability to adapt to these needs. On any
given day, she may be encouraging a parent, teaching a dental
hygiene class for kids, or strategizing goals with staff. Over her years of service, Kathy has helped the
center serve over 100,000 clients, and has been instrumental in helping the organization grow from
serving 100 families a year to serving 100 a week. Her knowledge and desire for growth is the perfect
blend of respecting the past while embracing the future.

Carrie Shabahrami
Van Buren Township Project Lifesaver
Carrie Shabahrami has worked tirelessly over the last three years
to bring Project Lifesaver to Monroe County. Project Lifesaver
is a national organization that assists caregivers in caring for
their loved ones through individual transmitter bracelets, which
track people at risk for wandering off, including those with
Alzheimers, dementia, autism, and other cognitive conditions.
In 2012, Carries nonverbal autistic five year old daughter, Sophie, became the first Monroe County
Project Lifesaver bracelet recipient, inspiring Carrie to commit herself to expanding the program. Car-
rie has since been relentless in her passion to help others, affecting both those receiving the bracelet
and the families who care for them. Through her efforts, the project has raised $48,000, serves over 40
families, and has saved over 15 lives.

Andrew Simmons
Lotus Education & Arts Foundation
Andrew Simmons has volunteered for the Lotus Festival Streets
Committee for the past five years. He has acted as a liaison with
city authorities, managed equipment outside of venues, and
provided input to street closing plans. This year, Andrew cheer-
fully took on a major role that had previously fallen to staff:
creating and cataloguing Lotus Festival signage for all venues and
tents. Applying his commitment and experience on the Streets Committee, Andrew embraced this
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role, evaluating strategic placements, creating a file system for volunteers, and creating signs used
throughout the festival. Through this, his work impacted thousands and made the Lotus Festival that
much better. He also happily volunteers for Lotus other events, including Lotus Blossoms, making
Andrew an integral part of the Lotus experience.

Mary Strow
VITAL (Volunteers In Tutoring Adult Learners)
Mary Strow volunteers at VITAL (Volunteers in Tutoring Adult
Learners), where she provides one to one tutoring for English
language learners and leads an English conversation group. VITAL
works to help learners not only communicate with others, but
take more active roles in the community, and Mary is a prime
example of the impact the program can make. She has helped
learners obtain their first library cards; helped a young man pass his drivers license exam and, as a
result, keep his job; and enabled many of her students to understand the complex social issues facing
our community, in the English language. Her dedication, combined with her patience and under-
standing, has helped countless learners, and has made a real impact on the Bloomington community.

Jason Tharp
Bloomington Animal Shelter
Jason Tharp has served the City of Bloomington Animal Shelter
for the last five years. As the Volunteer Coordinator Support
Intern, an unpaid position, Jason assists in nearly every aspect of
the Shelters work, including training volunteers and facilitating
adoptions. Over the last five years, he has impacted over 4000
members of the community through adoption counseling. He
also donates his time to raising funds for the shelter through the Hoosier to Hoosier Community Sale
(H2H). Over the last two years, Jason and other shelter volunteers have raised over $2500 at H2H.
Jason is a genuine, caring, hard-working and generous person who always finds new ways to improve
the community and those within it, whether they are human or animal.

Shay Upadhyay
WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology
Shay Upadhyay has been volunteering at WonderLab Museum
since she was in the 7th grade, and has been a dedicated volun-
teer ever since. In her four years at WonderLab, Shay has donated
over 600 hours of her time and talent, working in development,
membership, and the volunteer department, the birthday pro-
gram, outreach events, summer enrichment camps, and more!
In her work, Shay interacts with hundreds of visitors in the museum, and during her summer work
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impacted over 120 campers per week for four weeks. Wherever she is volunteering, she is known for
making a positive difference and offering her contagious enthusiasm. Shay stands out not just for
what she does, but how she does it, making her a model for volunteering in Bloomington.

John Warkentin
Hannah Center and Hannah House Maternity Home
John Warkentin has volunteered at Hannah Center for 4-5 hours
a day, 4-5 days a week, for 18 years. The center provides physi-
cal, emotional, educational, and practical support to up to 100
families a week; John has impacted the lives of thousands of
clients, while saving the center a great deal of money. Because of
Johns level of commitment and faithfulness, the center has been
able to employ a prenatal, childbirth and education teaching employee for nearly two decades. When
he started volunteering, after his retirement as an engineer, John learned to navigate the financial
logistics of a major capital campaign while handling operational, longer-term capital, and shorter
term designated donor accounts. During his service, Hannah Center has consistently received excellent
evaluations by independent accounting auditors.

David White
South Central Community Action Program
David White is known in Bloomington for his tireless volunteer
work, both for the South Central Community Action Program
and for over half a dozen other organizations. Over the last 11
years, David has produced and distributed Safety Net, a newspa-
per which supports organizations working with people in pov-
erty and lends a voice to people in need. He is also a committed
volunteer for Thriving Connections, which supports low-income families working to escape poverty.
David has been a founder of New Leaf-New Life, a volunteer who helps homeless people find employ-
ment, a Shalom Center board member, an Interfaith Winter Shelter volunteer, and more. David cares
deeply about people, and consistently does all he can to support and empower those facing difficult
circumstances.

Big Brothers Big Sisters at


Indiana University
Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Central Indiana
Big Brothers Big Sisters at Indiana University (BBBS at IU) is de-
voted to connecting IU students and community youth through
advocacy, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment. BBBS of South
Central Indiana has a long waiting list of between 50-100 youth,
and BBBS at IU works hard to recruit more mentors every year.
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Providing over 3000 hours of community service, BBBS at IU focuses on creating activities that provide
youth with a feeling of belonging, both to BBBS and the larger community. These include the IU Bowl
for Kids Sake and the November carnival, which support the relationships created while promoting
healthy assets. Thanks to BBBS at IU, over fifty youth facing challenges have been matched with a
community adult, making a huge difference in their lives.

Bloomington Boogies Volunteers


Bloomington Boogies: The Bloomington Blues & Boogie
Woogie Piano Festival
Bloomington Boogies provides an artistic and educational event
offering a specific type of music - blues and boogie woogie
piano. Its volunteers are actively involved in all aspects of the
festival, contributing time, expertise, and labor. The festival also
reaches out and involves students at Fairview Elementary school
by providing free tickets to their students and families; they also bring several guest artists to the
school the following day. Volunteers raise funds through grant writing; plan, set up and tear down the
event; and do everything in between, making them absolutely essential to bringing this event to the
community. This annual artistic event educates youth and enlivens downtown Bloomington, none of
which would be possible without the hardworking volunteers who make it happen.

Blooomington Hospital Auxiliary


IU Health Bloomington
Bloomington Hospital Auxiliary and its volunteers participate in
a wide range of programs that benefit the IU Health Blooming-
ton Hospital and the people it serves. The 150 volunteers operate
the gift shop, work the hospitals main information desks, and
providing numerous patient services in flower delivery, pastoral
services, out-patient escorts, and many others. Volunteers come
in contact with virtually every patient or family member at the hospital, and visit and help in any way
they can. The money they raise through the gift shop is used to better the hospital; contributions have
supported the patient shuttle program, the hospital helipad, digital mammography, the oncology
program, among others. For over 50 years, Bloomington Hospital Auxiliary and its volunteers have
taken the needs of the community to heart.

Centerstone Recovery Engagement


Center Volunteers
Centerstone of Indiana
Centerstones Recovery Engagement Center encourages and sup-
ports people with mental illness and/or substance use disorders
as they obtain and sustain recovery. Volunteers are at the heart
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of recovery from addiction to rebuilding lives. The mission of the center could not be accomplished
without the essential work performed by its volunteers. They are the heart and soul of the program.
Each volunteer has his or her own powerful story about life in recovery. They empower others to find
the strength and will to rebuild themselves, their families, their careers- their whole lives. Sometimes
the most powerful words are I understand. They can plant a seed of hope and from there, the pos-
sibilities are endless. Their motto is There is an opportunity for everyone!

Civic Leadership Development


Community Kitchen of Monroe County, Inc.
Civic Leadership Development is an IU student organization
that aims to increase the awareness of Kelley School students of
social challenges through direct community service to Bloom-
ington nonprofits. Members work with a wide range of organi-
zations every semester; there is no such thing as a typical day of
service. One weekend they may be digging in the dirt at Bloom-
ington Community Orchard, painting a Habitat for Humanity house, sorting donations for My Sisters
Closet, serving meals at the Community Kitchen, or staffing a fundraiser for Relay for Life. During the
week, they may be teaching business and economics at a grade school through Junior Achievement or
staffing an event at the Monroe County Public Library. In 2015, members volunteered over 2200 hours
with 30 local nonprofits!

Commission on Hispanic and


Latino Affairs
The Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs is charged with
considering economic, educational, and social justice for His-
panic/Latino residents in Bloomington. When Latinos became a
significant presence in Bloomington, there was a need for advo-
cacy and support both for them and the broader community. The
need to understand and focus on issues affecting Latinos, such as
the need for interpreters in medical offices, clinics, social service agencies and schools, is crucial. The
Commission raised funds to train a cadre of community interpreters, and it has met with social service
agencies, the medical community, the school system, the police department and others who provide
services to the Latino community, offering assistance and co-sponsoring events. The Commissions
efforts impact Bloomington in an immeasurable way.

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Cry of the Children, Inc
Cry of the Children serves hundreds of people every year in
several capacities, including tutoring, literacy, step dancing and
through its annual Thanksgiving meal, during which volunteers
prepare and serve food to over 150 community members who
are homeless or in poverty, all in a warm, safe environment. The
organization breaks down stereotypes and incorporates commu-
nity involvement from businesses, civic groups, churches, student
groups and other social service organizations. Cry of the Children will celebrate its 10 year anniversary
this year - a decade of serving those in need and making Bloomington a stronger community in the
process.

Escuelita para Todos


Escuelita para Todos the Little School for All - strives to develop
English-Spanish biculturalism and bilingualism among residents
in south-central Indiana by conducting educational outreach,
teaching the Spanish language and fostering Latin American
cultural traditions. Most children are natural language learners,
absorbing new vocabulary easily. However, those from a back-
ground where their first language is Spanish usually perform
better and retain more of their learning by participating in interactive exercises that involve Spanish.
To fulfill this need for both children and their parents, Escuelita is creating a Spanish-based curriculum
that is designed to motivate and encourage active participation. Escuelita has more than 40 students
who are preparing to be global citizens and to represent Bloomington in the nation and around the
world.

Hope Builders
New Hope Family Shelter
New Hope Builders remodel and maintain the row of houses
leased by IU Health to New Hope for Families, which provides
child care, programming, and emergency shelter to homeless
families. Three properties have been completed; the fourth is
rapidly being transformed from a vacant house into space for
infant, toddler and child programming. The Hope Builders make
a real impact on the 314 school-aged children who are homeless in Monroe County. Over the last four
years, they have provided shelter to nearly 90 families. This group is amazing! Working tirelessly to
remodel each of the houses, they contribute needed skill sets and countless hours to give families
with the greatest needs in our community not only shelter, but love and support.

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ICEY (Interfaith Community of
Environmentalist Youth)
The Interfaith Community of Environmentalist Youth ICEY - is
run completely by teens and aims to reduce humanitys negative
impact on the climate by educating and involving our community
in the fight to save the planet. Their trainings, actions and advo-
cacy have affected hundreds of youth and adults. Seeing these
teens in action inspires their peers, younger children and adults
alike. On top of homework, extracurriculars, and jobs, these young adults devote long hours to seeing
large and remarkable events into being. Deeply committed to making a difference, they put their all
into this work and lead with humor and grace.
ICEY embodies what we hope for from the next generation. Not even out of high school, these kids are
becoming adept and articulate leaders.
The Unknown Volunteer
The unknown volunteers are the spouses and family members
who support their loved ones who commit themselves to volun-
teer service. They dont complain about our passion for volun-
teerism. They dont complain about the many hours we spend
on volunteer activities. They dont complain about the fuel cost
as we drive miles to volunteer. They dont complain when we
have to arrange vacations around our volunteer activities. They
dont question when our volunteer tasks demand financial contributions. Without their total support,
perhaps we would not be able to carry on our commitments to serve our great and magnificent com-
munity, which they also totally love and respect. These many spouses and family members are the
unknown volunteers in service to the community. (Submitted by Amal Altoma)
Indiana K-9 Search Specialists
Indiana K9 Search Specialists is a volunteer search and rescue
group made of experienced K-9 handlers who have worked
together serving the community for 13 years and as a formal
group for the last five years. Working with law enforcement, the
group works to find lost and missing persons, contributing the
experience its members have in law enforcement, firefighting,
and paramedicine. When not actively dedicating its resources to
searches, it puts on educational demonstrations for schools, law enforcement, and civic groups in the
community, making police aware of available resources, training those interested, and providing safe-
ty instruction to the public. Search and rescue affects an entire community; when a loved one is found
safe, the family is relieved, but the community as a whole is reassured that police have resources that
are dedicated, trained, and available to assist in an incredibly important way.

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IU Art Museum Docents
Indiana University Art Museum
The Indiana University Art Museum docents - volunteer tour
guides - are extremely creative and represent a broad spectrum
of the Bloomington and university communities. These 65 do-
cents give tours to roughly 17,500 visitors annually, ranging from
toddlers to seniors. They are also the principle staff members
who meet, greet, and educate museum visitors. Each docent
offers about 500 hours in service to the IU Art Museum annually. Due to their service, the museum
is able to serve large and growing numbers of visitors. The fabric and function of the museums edu-
cational mission rests assuredly on the docents shoulders. Their level of dedication and the number
of people they serve is phenomenal, especially when compared to other docent groups across the
nation.

Kappa Tau Omega (Graduate Chapter


of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.)
Since January 2015, Kappa Tau Omega has sponsored an educa-
tional enrichment program with efforts designed to motivate,
engage, and assist high school students in reaching their maxi-
mum potential. The program has a strong emphasis on science,
math and related technology careers, and focuses on the fol-
lowing areas: achievement, self-awareness, communication,
engagement, networking and developmental skills (ASCEND). ASCEND is one of five key components
of the Alpha Kappa Alpha International Program theme: Launching New Dimensions of Service. The
chapter and the coaches have equipped the students with knowledge, skills and resources to become
leaders within their community and school. The Kappa Tau Omega Chapter and the ASCEND coaches
have played a significant role in the lives of the ASCEND participants.

Middle Way Houses On Scene Advocate


Volunteers
Middle Way House Inc.
Volunteers in the On Scene Advocate Program at Middle Way
House assure the presence of a face-to-face emergency response
for survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and human
trafficking, on a 24/7 basis. They provide this service both over the
phone and in person. After a minimum of 20 hours of training,
these volunteers make themselves available to provide support and information, and to empower
survivors throughout their healing process. On Scene Advocates regularly wake up in the middle of
the night to support survivors. Advocacy can take 6-7 hours; advocates do not leave until the survivor

20
feels supported with a plan moving forward. This support can mean everything to survivors, as it of-
fers them a vital and true sense of choice as they move forward.

Net Impact IU
Habitat for Humanity
Focused on education, service, and advocacy related to environ-
mental practices and corporate social responsibility, Net Impact
engages in service projects throughout the academic year. From
building a house with Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County
to leading IU Athletics Zero-Waste Station education, Net Impact
members have served 300 hours in the Bloomington community.
The IU chapter was recently nominated for Net Impact Undergraduate Chapter of the Year. A standout
amongst the 84 active collegiate chapters in the U.S., the Indiana University chapter is dedicated to
involving its largest incoming membership class in making environmental and social change across
campus and around the globe. Net Impact is one organization amongst many, working to make real
impact, locally and globally.

Peske Family
Hoosier Hills Food Bank
Every Wednesday from 5:30 7 p.m., Tom, Chrissy, Alex, and
Amy Peske assist Hoosier Hills Food Bank by repackaging pre-
pared food from donors that would otherwise be wasted. This
Meal Share Repack program food is then distributed to families
in need. The Peske Family was particularly helpful to the Food
Bank when their Meal Share Repack coordinator had to discon-
tinue working there. The Peske family stepped up to offer their assistance, which was nothing short
of awesome! In addition to being hard-working and committed, they are lead Meal Share Repack
volunteers, training incoming volunteers to be efficient and safety-conscious, while keeping the at-
mosphere fun and lively.

Prism Youth Communitys Education


and Training Committee
Bloomington PRIDE
The youth members that make up the Education and Training
Committee of Prisms Youth Leadership Team have made amaz-
ing strides in advocating for LGBTQ+ youth. Statistically, these
youth face higher rates of bullying, depression, self-injury, and
suicide attempts. In recognizing these startling statistics, com-
mittee members took countless hours of their time to develop and deliver trainings to make schools
a safer and more affirming place for LGBTQ+ students. These were then delivered to over 600 staff
21
members of MCCSC and at multiple conferences, including Indiana State School Counselors Associa-
tion, IU School of Social Work Alumni Conference, Indiana Youth Group Youth Leadership Summit and
the Youth Empowerment Summit. To identify a need and then address it through advocacy has taken
incredible strength, dedication, self awareness and bravery.

ROK: Reimagining Opera for Kids


Reimagining Opera for Kids (ROC) provides free opera perfor-
mances to elementary, middle, and high school children across
the south central Indiana region. The musicians and stage crew
donate their time for rehearsals, touring, and performances, and
ROK designs and provides free study guides to the schools. ROKs
performances create a jumping off point for further discussion
and inquiry. ROK also give opportunities to young artists, such
as performers, composers, choreographers, directors, and arts administrators. For many audience
members, a ROK performance is their first experience of opera -- or any of the performing arts. ROK
guarantees that reduced public funding will not diminish a childs opportunity to experience live per-
formance, and is committed to making this art form accessible to the next generation.

Social Enterprise Engagement at Kelley


Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County
Social Enterprise Engagement at Kelley (SEEK) is an IU student
group that expands the boundaries of business by using their
skill sets to engage with the IU campus and Bloomington non-
profit organizations. The group hosts case competitions and
roundtables to consult with Bloomington nonprofits. SEEK be-
came a student group in May 2015, but has demonstrated exem-
plary leadership and vision. They started as a group of friends, but within less than a year have grown
into 18 teams within their organization that form initiatives designed to serve the Bloomington and
campus communities. Their latest recruitment efforts have included partnering with students from
the Media School and School of Public and Environmental Affairs, adding the diversity of experience
and perspectives that students outside of Kelley bring.

The Stockmann Family


Mother Hubbards Cupboard
The Stockmann family are, in every sense, extraordinary vol-
unteers. As a family, they have dedicated over 2,000 hours of
volunteer service to Mother Hubbards Cupboard over more than
a decade. They have done everything from stocking shelves to
cleaning the pantry, taking out recycling and sorting through
produce. When the Stockmann family volunteers, their impact
22
on the community is twofold: they help The Hub provide wholesome food to individuals and families
in need; as community advocates and relationship builders, they reduce food insecurity in the long
term. Through their years of dedication, they have had an impact on thousands, if not more, individu-
als, and they have done it with an unassuming manner and boundless kindness.

Walk to End Alzheimers - Bloomington


Planning Committee
Alzheimers Association
Without the Walk to End Alzheimers planning committee, the
ability to put on the walk would be jeopardized. A group of
committed team members like this is not found every day - it
takes special people to do the work they do! It is not easy to be
emotionally available for community members who are dealing
with this disease as well as to be strong enough to fight for a world without Alzheimers. Without this
group of dedicated, motivated, and intelligent committee members, the impact the Alzheimers As-
sociation has on the Bloomington community would not exist, including the education, support, and
research it is able to provide. To say they are vital is an understatement. They are making a difference
in their own backyards.

WFHB Local Live Crew


WFHB Community Radio
The WFHB Local Live crew is Erin Tobey, Frankie Farrell, Jim Lang,
Ilze Akesberg, Adam Reichle, Jason Nickey, Abe Morris, and Dan
Withered but togetehr they are so much more! Every Wednes-
day, these individuals book local bands for live music during
WFHBs local music show. They meet the bands, help them
load-in, set up the audio-technical equipment for the bands
and the live broadcast, record the performances, interview the guests so that listeners can learn more
about south central Indianas musicians, and mix down the recording after the show. Once a month,
the crew does all of these things on the road at a local venue. WFHB would not be able to provide this
service without the hard work of the Local Live volunteers!

WonderLab Volunteer Team


WonderLab Museum of Science, Health and Technology
Most people experience WonderLab as visitors, but a broad
spectrum of teens and adults choose instead to experience
WonderLab as volunteers. In 2015, 902 individuals donated
nearly 17,000 hours in many different capacities at WonderLab.
WonderLabs volunteer team demonstrates the profound power
of volunteering. Volunteers have nurtured WonderLab and
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helped it grow from a traveling outreach program into a vital place for hands-on discovery in science.
Volunteers have touched virtually every aspect of the organization and continue to do so. Since 1995,
WonderLab has served 1,181,028 people through museum visits, outreach programs, and summer
science camps. In 2015 alone, WonderLab served 87,420 people. WonderLab could not offer these
experiences, programs, and exhibits without the combined efforts of the multigenerational volun-
teering team working alongside paid staff.

Happy National
Volunteer Month (April 2016) and
thank you for being a part of the Bloomington
Volunteer Network! Because of your volun-
teerism, you have created lasting change in
Bloomington and Monroe County and made
a meaningful difference in our community!
What is a Bicentennial Project?
Indianas 2016 Bicentennial celebration aims to honor our
states 200 years of history, and to do so in a modern way
that engages all 6.5 million
Hoosiers and leaves a lasting
legacy for future generations.
The 2016 Be More Awards
are an Indiana Bicentennial
Legacy Project honoring our
states 200 years of history.
www.Indiana2016.org.

A very special thank you to


our sponsors!

Community and Family Resources Department


2015 Recipients
Be More Knowledgeable Award
Blacks in Government
Be More Phenomenal Award
Wain Martin,
New Leaf New Life
Be More Healthy Award
David Meyer,
Cover Monroe
Be More Creative Award
Audrey Jo Williams,
Bloomington Symphony Orchestra
Be More Sustainable Award
Dan Withered,
WFHB Community Radio
Be More Involved Award
Eigenmann Hall Residents,
South Central Community Action Program
Be More Energized Award
Youth Engaged in Service
(YES Club at Tri-North Middle School),
Monroe County United Ministries
Be More Compassionate Award
The Nest Animal Rescue Volunteers
Be More Collaborative Award
Monroe County 4-H Volunteers
Be More Dedicated Award
Jack Harlow,
Big Brothers Big Sisters of
South Central Indiana
Connect to service at
BloomingtonVolunteerNetwork.org
The City of Bloomington Volunteer Network works every day to:
Connect individuals and groups to volunteer opportunities in
Bloomington and Monroe County
Build the capacity for effective volunteering through nonprofit
support, resources and professional training opportunities
Promote and celebrate volunteerism
Participate in strategic partnerships and initiatives to mobilize
volunteers to strengthen our community
Match the material needs of local nonprofit organizations with
community members and businesses who can meet those needs.
We do this through the Community Wish List.
Thank You!
to all of the volunteers, staff, community organizations and businesses
who make the Be More Awards possible.

2016 Award Selection Committee


Mary Ducette, Outreach Coordinator, WTIU
Jennifer Hottell, Community Engagement Director, United Way of Monroe County
David Sipes, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, IU Credit Union
Marcus Whited, Program Director, Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County

Reception Entertainment
Kade Puckett, Guitar

Community Portrait Project


A special thank you to all of the individuals and organizations
who submitted photos for the project.

Be More Awards Celebration


Volunteers & Staff
Co-Sponsors: City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department, Community
Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County, IU Credit Union, United Way of Monroe County,
and WTIU Public Television
Staff: Lucy Schaich (Assistant Director, City of Bloomington Volunteer Network), Michael
Shermis (Special Projects Coordinator, Community and Family Resources Department, City of
Bloomington), Alexandre Massey (Intern, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Service
Corps), Safiyyah Abdllah (Intern, Ivy Tech Community College), and Bet Savich (Director, City of
Bloomington Volunteer Network)
Thank you to WonderLab, for donating free admission tickets to each Be More Award nominee,
and Downtown Bloomington, Inc., for recipient gift certificates.
A very special thank you to photographers Martin Boling and Richard Mac McLaughlin, and
Community Access Television Services and WTIU for documenting tonights event. Shout outs
to Gabriel Lantz and his crew for their documentary efforts.

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