Now & Twin
Southport’s Judy and Paul Selke and Janet and Jim Jensen celebrate 50 years of marriage – times two
Paul and Judy stand with Janet and Jim. (Above)
By Nicole Davis
Judy and Paul Selke have shared a lot of memories with Janet and Jim Jensen through the last 50 years: from the day Paul and Jim married their brides, identical twin sisters Judy and Janet, with a double wedding on May 25, 1963 to now celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries.
“Everybody I talk to says how exciting to make it through 50 years,” Judy said. “Everybody thinks it’s unique since we’re all still here. Most of the wedding party is still here.”
The two couples met when they all began working at Eli Lilly in 1957, where the men retired in 1993. When Paul and his fiancé Judy heard that Janet and Jim wanted to get married too, they decided to say their nuptials together in a double wedding. The women said it was cheaper for their dad – both in one shot.
“They’re good guys,” Janet said. “We’re lucky to have found them. I guess it was fate.”
Married at Broadway Methodist, they said it was the first double wedding their pastor had performed. Judy and Janet, age 23, dressed alike in identical dresses and headpieces. During the rehearsal, their father practiced walking down the aisle in between his daughters but during the wedding day, the dresses were too big and he couldn’t fit. Walking behind them, relatives joked that it looked as though he were pushing the sisters down the aisle.
“It just doesn’t seem like it’s been 50 years,” Judy said, as she flipped through her wedding photo album. To which Janet quipped, with a laugh, “… and then other days, yeah, it does.”
After the wedding, the couples took a honeymoon to Gatlinburg, Tenn., separately. They had their first children a year a part to the day and settled in homes less than three miles from each other in Southport. Judy and Paul have three children while Janet and Jim have two. Each couple has five grandchildren.
“We’re not just relatives, we’re friends,” Janet said. “We’ve been blessed for 50 years with healthy children, grandchildren. We’ve had a good run.”
The couples have taken many vacations together. They have attended the same church for 46 years. Paul said they all have similar interests, which makes maintaining the friendships easy. While Judy and Janet go out for lunch and shopping every Friday –for what they call “our day” – and most Wednesdays, Paul and Jim will often be spotted together too, often at the auction. Laughter and teasing jokes coming from all four when they are together show just how close they have grown and remained.
“We’ve never really tried at this. It’s just come naturally,” Judy said. “We’ve just taken what’s come along. We just take it one day at a time.”
Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with their family and close friends, the couples said they just plan to take each day as it comes: as they have done every day for the last 50 years.
“We just enjoy every day,” Paul said. “We’re waiting for 75 years. You can stand 25 more? (He asks Judy) We don’t have any bit plans, just whatever comes along.”
A word of advice…
Married for 50 years and remaining friends, Janet and Jim Jensen and Judy and Paul Selke said they don’t feel they had to work to maintain their relationships.
“We’re just like everybody else,” Janet said. “We’ve had our ups and downs.”
Though their uniqueness of having a double wedding and sharing their anniversary has had their friends ask them how they’ve managed to do it. Here is some advice from two couples who have maintained 50 years of friendships and family:
Janet -“You’re going to have arguments, get over them.”
– “Jim and I went to a dinner. We were asked how we have been married so long. I (jokingly) said ‘I let him have his way.’ He then laughed, ‘I like to have my way.’”
Jim-“We have had good role models… We’re also tried to bring out kids up the way we were brought up.”
Judy – “Just treat each other with care. Treat them as you want to be treated. It’s worked.”
- “You are going to be mad but you’ll get over that. We haven’t had to work at it.”
- “We’ve always teased each other. There is a lot of laughter.”
Paul – “Forgive and forget.”
Full of friendship and family
Southside residents and families recognize Friendship Healthcare with award from Indiana governor
Irene Gulley and Shirley Arnold hold the award of recognition for outstanding healthcare.
By Nicole Davis
Irene Gulley has not missed visiting her mother a day since she was diagnosed with dementia five years ago. Having to transfer her mother to five different nursing facilities, Gulley said in 2011 she finally found a place that makes her mother, and now sister, feels comfortable and happy to reside. That’s why she worked to get Friendship Healthcare recognized by Governor Mike Pence and his office. On May 13, owner Shirley Arnold was presented with a signed photo from Pence and a plaque for recognition of quality and outstanding care.
“You know how you leave a relative in a place, you’re uncomfortable; sometimes you can’t sleep at night? I don’t feel that way here,” Gulley said. “It amazes me how different they are from other facilities. They have a great team. They just go above and beyond.”
Gulley, who works for the state, said she has been impressed with how the nurses never forget a resident’s birthday and even bring them little gifts. She said even Southern Care Hospice has had some of the friendliest staff she has encountered. The award presentation was organized as a surprise for Arnold, for the residents to share in their appreciation of the “outstanding” care. Staff and residents participated in a pizza party in celebration.
“I’m just overwhelmed,” Arnold said. “The gratitude is so precious. The facility has been through a lot. I’m just very proud of this staff that has done a wonderful job and understand what my personal mission is in caring for these folks.”
Arnold began as a director of nursing with Friendship Healthcare in 1999 after working with children. She said geriatrics was a better fit for her. In 2002 she took ownership, leasing the facility which was later ripped down by a tornado in 2004. Eventually rebuilding it, Arnold said she want to create a home-like atmosphere for the highest quality of care possible for the 53-bed facility, located at 2630 S. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis.
“I’m glad that somebody’s recognized our facility and our staff that works hard,” said Lauren Pratt, marketing director and one of Arnold’s daughters. “Being so small, not too many people notice us but inside we’re a big family. We’re family owned, not a corporation. I can’t stress enough that we really treat our residents like they’re our own family… I’m really proud of my mom for all the hard work she’s done.”
With a goal of transforming the one-star facility into a five star, Arnold said she just appreciates some of the great people she has encountered through the years. With echoes of agreement that the facility offers “treatment like family” throughout the cafeteria as Arnold was presented the award, Gulley said nothing can be said to truly show all of the little things the nurses and staff do that make the facility worth the recognition.
“I can’t do enough to show my appreciation,” Gulley said. “They make everybody feel like they’re family and friends. Their name suits them.”
A promising pitch
Beech Grove senior Jonathan Hicks advances to college baseball with goals of playing in the Major Leagues
By Nicole Davis
Jonathan Hicks has played baseball since he was five, participating in t-ball at Christian Park. Through the years he has worked to develop his pitching skills, playing in travel leagues and on the Beech Grove High School team. On May 7, he signed his “Early Decision” to continue playing with Earlham College in Richmond, Ind. after he graduates from Beech Grove this spring.
“To me, it’s the best sport there is,” Hicks said. “I’ve always prided myself on being top pitcher, the best pitcher for my team. When I’m pitching, I feel like I’m controlling the whole game.”
Though Hicks said this year’s baseball season at Beech Grove has started out slow, he hopes that it will pick up like last year – when they won their sectionals for the first time since 2005.
“Playing here and being able to help change the program was a big accomplishment for me and my team,” Hicks said. “Last year we won sectionals; that was my best moment. I pitched all 10 innings. We had our first winning season in years.”
He will attend Earlham to major in electrical engineering. Though he said he’s nervous for his freshman year of college, he’s excited for the promising future ahead of him. He said the coaches at Earlham began showing interest in him two years ago. Since then Hicks has went on two overnight trips to visit the college and meet his future teammates and said he had a great time.
“It means a lot that I get to continue playing after high school,” Hicks said. “I can play baseball and get a really good education too. It’s another step towards my major goal of playing professional ball.”
Hicks says he has had great family support which has helped him make it this far. His father, Glenn Hicks, enrolled him in travel ball at age 10 and took the role of being his son’s personal coach. Hicks said he’s play 60 games a year, improving on his abilities. His family has attended every game they came – whether it’s at home or away. Through the years, Hicks has attended many camps, throwing 81 mph at a University of Indianapolis Camp in 2011. Aiming to continue improving, Hicks said he wants pursue a career in the Major Leagues, and has always wanted to play with the Cardinals – since Indiana doesn’t have a Major League team.
“I just want to prove how good of a player I am, when I get the chance,” Hicks said. “I want to build on the velocity of my pitching ability when I get to play.”
At Play Calendar 5/16/13
Fundraiser
Menards Pet Supply Drive • May is National Pet month and Menards is serving as a pet donation drop site for a local non-profit animal organization. The drop box will be near the exit door to collect new and unwrapped pet supplies. | When: Now-May 31. | Where: Menards, 7140 S. Emerson Ave. and 300 S. Marlin Dr., Greenwood. | Info: Visit menards.com for store hours and locations.
Katie’s Run/Walk for Hope • The second annual 5K Run/Walk will be held to benefit the Katie Lynch Scholarship Fund for Roncalli students as well as help make the dreams of sick children come true. | When: May 18, (registration) 8 – 9 a.m. and (walk) 9:30 a.m. | Where: Roncalli High School, 3300 Prague Rd. | Cost: $25 per person (includes event t-shirt), $15 for students or $100 for a family. | Info: Visit katieshope.org.
Family Fun Night • Bob Evans has teamed up with Otte Golf for a community night of family fun. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. The next event’s proceeds will benefit 12-year-old cancer patient Emma Stumpf. The event features a dj, mini golf, clowns, face painters and a silent auction. | When: May 18, 4 – 8 p.m. | Where: Otte Golf Center, 681 Sheek Rd. | Cost: Kids are $6 for unlimited mini golf and $5 for dinner. Adults are $7 for unlimited mini golf and $7 for dinner. | Info: Call Bob Evans at (317) 859-1932.
Spay and Shop Day • The event features manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing and massages by appointment. Vendors will be on hand with various products such as jewelry, makeup, décor, cooking and other items. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds will be donated to fund mission projects. | When: June 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Where: Concordia Lutheran Church, 305 Howard Rd., Greenwood. | Info: For appointments or further information, call (317) 859-8844.
CGI Empower Golf Outing • The Center for Global Impact will host a golf outing, open to the public. All proceeds benefit CGI’s mission to empower the poor and open a door for the Gospel through projects. | When: June 7, (registration) 7:30 a.m. and (tee off) 8:30 a.m. | Where: Winding River Golf Course, 8015 Mann Rd. | Cost: Registration is $50 per player prior to May 1st and then $60 until the event. | Info: Visit myCGIstory.com or call (317) 522-6092 for more information on the event and possible sponsoring.
Memorial Benefit Ride • The 5th annual James Lee Rike Memorial Benefit Ride will be held. All proceeds benefit the IDt James Lee Rike Education Center and Children’s Death Benefits. Live entertainment, silent auction and poker run will be after the ride. | When: June 8, registration 10 a.m. – noon with the ride beginning at noon. | Where: American Legion, Wayne Post No. 64, 601 S. Holt Rd. | Cost: $15 registration. Kids are free. | Info: Visit jamesleerike.com.
Social
Senior Expo • Presented by Franciscan St. Francis Health Orthopedic Services, attendees can meet with representatives from over 100 different companies serving older adults in the area. Visit the free mini health fair and guests can have a chance to win door prizes and giveaways. | When: May 16, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Where: The Gathering Place, 1465 W. Main St., Greenwood | Info: Call the Social of Greenwood at (317) 882-4810.
Lemonade Day Stand • Southport Girl Scout Troop 92 will operate a lemonade stand with lemonade, pink lemonade and bottled water. This will be held as a drive-thru operation. Proceeds will be given to Hunger, Inc. | When: May 18, 11-4 p.m. | Where: Gray Park, Southport Road and Sherman Drive.
Forces of Music • The Beech Grove Choir Spring Spectacular presents Forces of Music. | When: May 18, 7 p.m. | Where: Beech Grove High School Auditorium. | Cost: $8 adults, $5 students at the door. | Info: Reserve seating at bgtickets@yahoo.com.
Vintage Movie Night • The film “House of Mystery” (1934) will be shown. Starring Ed Lowry and Verna Hillie, the film is a mystery with a touch of comedy centered on a mansion with an ancient secret. | When: May 18, 8 p.m. | Where: Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Dr. | Cost: $4 | Info: Call (317) 327-7135.
Free Military Dinner • Active military, reservists, veterans and family members can attend a free dinner with a guest speaker. | When: May 19, 5 p.m. | Where: Christ Our Shepherd, Church of the Brethren, 857 N. S.R. 135, Greenwood. | Info: Call (317) 882-7212.
IMCU Special Guest Appearance • Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing Development Driver Kyle O’Gara will make an appearance for the public to meet. | When: May 20, 3 – 4:30 p.m. | Where: Indiana Members Credit Union, 5047 Madison Ave. | Info: Call (317) 788-4693.
Recycle Fest • The event combines environmentally responsible initiatives through an all day festival featuring live music, demonstrations, activities and education. Pattern Magazine will host a “recycled fashion” area to collect donated clothing. The Indianapolis Food Truck Alliance and Sun King Brewery will provide refreshments. | When: June 1, noon – 10 p.m. | Where: Garfield Park, 2505 Conservatory Dr. | Cost: $15 | Info: Visit indy.gov/concerts.
Summer Horse Camp • Kids ages four and up can spend the summer learning about horse care, participate in horse related activities and all day campers will ride twice each day. | When: (Ages 11 and up) June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; (Ages 7-10) June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; (Mini camp for ages 4-6) June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 1 – 4 p.m. | Where: Four Willows Farm, 1213 N. Franklin Rd., Greenwood. | Cost: (ages 7+) $75 per day and (ages 4-6) $45 per day | Info: Call (317) 862-4691.
Ladies Night • All adult ladies are welcome for an evening of riding, crafting and dinner. Food and wine will be provided, but guests can bring their own beverages. | When: June 8, 5 – 9 p.m. | Where: Four Willows Farm, LLC, 1213 N. Franklin Rd., Greenwood | Cost: $65 (bring a guest and receive a $5 discount) | Info: Call (317) 862-4691.
Workshop
Learn to Draw • Children in grades K-5 can learn to draw from the beginning or brush up on their sketching skills. | When: May 18, June 1, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Where: Greenwood Public Library, 310 S. Meridian St. | Info: Visit greenwoodlibrary.us.
Garage Sale 101 • Petra Ritchie will teach attendees how to successfully shop and hold a garage sale. | When: May 21, 6 p.m. | Where: Beech Grove Public Library, 1102 Main St. | Info: Call (317) 788-4203.
Elementary Art Sample • This hands-on course exposes children ages 5-12 to a variety of art materials and art forms. Students will explore painting, drawing, claw and printmaking. | When: Tuesdays, June 11 – 23, 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Where: Southport Community Room, Southport Park, 6901 Derbyshire Rd. | Cost: $65 (non-residents) or $55 (Southport residents) | Info: Call Claire Dillehay at (317) 670-3292.
Teen Creative Writing Camp • High school juniors and seniors interested in creative writing can hone their talents in a week-long camp hosted by nationally recognized writers from the University of Indianapolis Department of English. Students can choose to focus on fiction, poetry or a combination of the two. | When: June 24-28 | Where: University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave. | Info: Registration information can be found by calling (317) 788-2018 or visit uindy.edu.
Meeting
Essential Tremor • The support group is meeting to discuss diabetes. Guest speaker Dr. Denis Joseph will speak and answer any questions on the subject. Members are encouraged to bring guests or family. | When: May 18, 2:30 p.m. | Where: Dimitri’s Casual Dining, 4902 S. East St. | Info: RSVP by calling Jacqueline Hudson at (317) 823-3803.
Perry Township/Southport Historical Society • All are welcome to attend the meeting. | When: May 28, 7 p.m. | Where: Perry Township Education, Room 210, 6548 Orinoco Ave. | Info: Call (317) 789-3979.
Library
Book Sale • The library will host a book sale for the community. Buyers can fill their own collection with new items, while helping the library to free up space for more books. | When: May 16, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; May 17-18, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Where: Beech Grove Public Library, 1102 Main St. | Info: Call (317) 788-4203.
A family circle
Shawn Seals spends his free time volunteering with his family at Perry Township’s St. John’s United Church of Christ
Shawn Seals met his wife, Jennifer, while attending the University of Indianapolis. He said that he never expected to settle in the largest city in the state. He expected to start a family, and retire in a small town like where he grew up. It didn’t work out that way.
In an attempt to win over the family, Seals said he decided to start attending church with her at St. John’s UCC on Southport Road.
“I was instantly comfortable and welcomed as an extended member of her family,” Seals said. “Within a couple months, we were working the nursery together and having the times of our lives.”
A few years later, the couple married in the same church, and a few years after that he found himself actively engaged in any opportunity he could.
Now, Shawn and Jennifer have two teenage boys, Douglas and David. Both have been baptized and confirmed at St. John’s. The family can be found most of the time working within the church or volunteering their time.
“Several years ago a best friend from high school and college asked me, ‘Do you have a social circle? It seems like you spend all your free time either at church or working to build up your church,’” Seal said. “This caused me a pause and in the end, I said, ‘You’re right. I don’t have a social circle. I have a family at St. John’s UCC, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.’”
What is it about your place of worship that helps you grow spiritually?
I grew up in a very structured church environment. I loved that then, and I still love that today. However, at St. John’s UCC, it’s easy to be yourself. One of my favorite things about both St. John’s and The United Church of Christ itself, is that you are free to be who you want to be. With John 17:21 “That they may all be one.” as the motto of the UCC, it couldn’t be more fitting for me. I often share a table in the contemporary service or a pew in the traditional service with someone who I consider a brother or sister in Christ, but we may not be on the same political, social, or other pages, but we are family at that time and in that place. This has shown me the truest way to share God’s love with others and I’ll always be grateful for that.
What is it about your place of worship that helps you feel connected to your spouse, children, parents or family?
Although I’m no longer as young as I think I am (45 at the time of this writing), spending time with my family during all the mission and outreach events at St. John’s helps us to grow closer. Working together on building the walls for a Habitat for Humanity home in the parking lot of your own church with Jennifer, Douglas and David was an amazing experience that I will always cherish. Working and playing together in all the other missions and ministries of St. John’s has opened my eyes to the true Glory of God; friends and most importantly family. Because of that mission and family-based attitude at St. John’s, I know that my legacy will be nothing more or less than the memories I leave behind for my family. I only hope they are as wonderful to them as they are in my own mind.
What is one meaningful event that has taken place at your place of worship?
Although this question is asked in past tense, I’m going to speak in future tense. That way I don’t have to pit my wedding, the boys baptisms, or their confirmations against each other; although they are certainly some of my proudest moments at St. John’s. The event that I am most excited about is happening this summer. As mentioned earlier, I am typically the male chaperone on our Jr. and Sr. Youth mission trips. Over the last several years we have partnered with an organization called Youth Works for our Youth Mission trips. We have helped those in need in Green Bay, Wis., we have helped support folks living on a Native American Indian reservation in Pawhuska, Okla., we have shared God’s love and support with the young and not so young in Charleston, W.Va., and this year we will be reaching out to one of the nation’s most challenged communities, New Orleans, La. On one of these trips, our Youth and Family Ministry Director, Jenny Zotz, and I began discussing the possibility of bringing Youth Works to Indianapolis and hosting them at St. John’s UCC. This summer is the realization of that dream. We will host 60 youth from across the country at St. John’s for a period of four weeks, with hopes, plans and prayers for more next year.
Why would you recommend your place of worship to someone?
Why wouldn’t I? If you are mission-focused and enjoy being a part of a “church family” that really wants to make a difference in the lives of those around them, both far and near, then you have found your new church home. At St. John’s we recently completed a visioning process to make sure we were still able to provide the community what it needed most from us. In the end, we developed our own motto, “At St. John’s UCC we are staying TRUE to the gospel by Teaching Christian principles, Reaching out through mission, Uniting as family, and Engaging our community.” If you’re looking for someplace to worship and be completely yourself, St. John’s UCC on Southport Road is waiting for you.
St. John’s United Church of Christ
7031 S. East St.
Indianapolis, IN 46227
(317) 881-2353
stjohns-indianapolis.org
A little bit ‘o country
Franklin Township entertainer Steve Jeffris continues to grow his career with Jeffris Junction
By Nicole Davis
When he’s not playing music, Steve Jeffris spends a lot of time on his Franklin Township back porch. For more than 35 years, the entertainer has worked not only to evolve his career with 29 albums, two more releasing this summer, and a more than 650 member fan club, but to also create a backyard worthy of admiration. Jeffris Junction, also the name of his fan club, features a western-style rail yard with a 1906 Caboose he converted into a mini museum, a jail, train depot and more.
“To me, I don’t feel like I’ve done anything different, but other musicians can’t figure out how I keep booked as heavily as I do and make a living out of it,” Jeffris said. “Most people that do this kind of thing, they can’t make a living out of it. We’re not rich, but it’s been a good deal for us.”
Jeffris plays mostly as a solo act, with a performance, or two, booked nearly every day. He began playing when he was 13 and received his first guitar for Christmas. He learned to play one song and performed it for some friends. He jokes that the girls took notice, so what a better incentive to learn to play more? As he improved his playing, he dreamed of going to Nashville, Tenn. and becoming a big star. Those dreams changed. While in Nashville, he said he was told if he couldn’t make it in his own home town, he couldn’t make it at all. Growing up on the Southside, Jeffris has made it in his hometown and plays locally multiple times every week – Mondays at Harry C’s, 6-9 p.m. at 5055 S. Dearborn, Indianapolis; and Wednesdays at Moose Lodge #17, 6-9 p.m. at 7055 E. 16th St., Indianapolis; along with other regularly scheduled performances.
“A lot of people that said you can’t do this,” Jeffris said. “Well I proved them wrong. I just had to do it my own way. We’ve thought outside the box and it worked. I’ve been blessed.”
With a growing fan base, Jeffris said he created Jeffris Junction to give back to those who supported his growth. He wanted to create a space to host events for the fans. He hosts a free Caboose Festival picnic for his fans every September; this year it will be Sept. 15.
“I probably have the largest fan club of a regional act, that’s active,” Jeffris said. “These folks will come and see you and become part of an extended family.”
Jeffris’ backyard junction began with one caboose. While unwinding after a show one evening at a Southside bar in 1990, he joined a random discussion about what everyone would like to have in their backyard. When Jeffris said he’d like a railroad caboose, the waitress said she knew where he could get one. When he purchased it, he said it was very torn up. He restored it and converted it into a small museum of railroad and country music memorabilia. From there, Jeffris Junction evolved. With help from friends and his fan club members, Jeffris built each additional building on his property – the jail, depot and even a pioneer-style cabin which he said he wife and grandchildren spend a lot of time in, reading and having sleepovers.
“We’ve kind of kept this under radar,” Jeffris said. “It’s probably one of the best kept secrets around. Folks in the fan club really enjoy themselves out here.”
Playing his music full-time, Jeffris said allows him to enjoy life and the little things other musicians may not have time for – like mowing his lawn and sitting on his porch overlooking all the structures he built. He said his biggest challenge is performing independently and managing himself. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time. Last year he performed for the Daytona Speedway; the same year Kenny Rogers and Reba Mcintire performed. Being in the right place at the right time was the only reason he said he got the gig.
“I don’t think I’ll ever stop performing,” Jeffris said. “I really enjoy it that much. I will always continue to perform better, looking to cover more areas. I haven’t played around the world, but I have met a lot of good people and had friendships that you can’t put a price on.”
For more information on Jeffris, his fan club and music, visit SteveJeffris.com.
Getting to know Steve Jeffris
-I love antiques and history and so does my wife. I like to take old things apart and put them back together in working condition.
-I love all kinds of music. I really appreciate someone that can entertain an audience. I am studying all the time great entertainers and their performances – the art of entertainment.
-My wife and I like Route 66. Arizona is our favorite place to go.
-My fans have allowed us to enjoy a dream. And that dream was to entertain folks for all of these years.
Julie’s legacy
Jina Hackman stands in front of the trees planted in Julie Sambol’s honor.
Beech Grove Education Foundation carries on memory of deceased teacher with 17-year-old fund
By Nicole Davis
Seventeen years have passed, but the memory of Julie Sambol has carried on at South Grove Intermediate School. A reminder of a close friend, Dean of Students Jina Hackman keeps a photograph of Sambol posted beside her desk. A fund through the Beech Grove Education Foundation in Sambol’s name continues to benefit teachers at the school, funding little projects and needed items for teachers and students.
“She was really outspoken and passionate about education,” Hackman said. “She would be so grateful and proud to still be helping children.”
As an elementary student, Sambol struggled with reading. A teacher helped her improve those skills which encouraged her to go into teaching herself. Sambol taught at South Grove for six years, her classroom located next door to her college friend, Hackman.
A devoted fan of football and her family, Sambol would attend every game that her father, Al Harrants, would coach as head coach at North Central High School. While traveling on a school-sponsored motorcoach to Jeffersonville, Ind. on Oct. 13, 1996 for a game, the bus tipped over at the exit at Rural and Keystone. Sambol, who was six months pregnant, and a third grader were ejected through some open rooftop windows and were killed instantly. Julie was sitting next to her Mom, who was uninjured. A classroom assistant at the time, Stacy Johnson, who continues as a staff member at South Grove today, took over as the teacher for Julie’s class. The staff and students of Julie’s class did a balloon release in her memory, with students able to write their thoughts down about Julie and send them to the sky in the balloons.
Two weeping cherry trees were planted in front of South Grove in Julie’s memory, which still stand in front of the main entrance. The Beech Grove Education Foundation started shortly after Sambol’s death and began its first employee fundraising drive, with teachers pledging payroll deductions. Some teachers at South Grove asked about pledging money in someone’s name. Hackman said honoring Sambol seemed to bring in more money for the South Grove.
“I remind the staff that the money you put in will stay here at SouthGrove,” Hackman said. “The money goes back to us. It will be here long after I’m gone and I’ve been here 24 years.”
That drive is still held every year, with outside contributions accepted for the fund. Each year the school receives a check for around $1,300. The money is used for items that teachers may need to improve the classroom experience. It has been used for a lot of books, a picnic table, science supplies, maps, awards for students and many other things. This year it will pay $75 for a student to go to summer camp.
“It’s not a lot,” Hackman said. “But it’s just that little perk for a teacher they don’t have to take the money out of their pocket.”
Sells Celebrate 60th anniversary
Sells celebrate 60th anniversary
Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Sells celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary May 16th, 2013. Robert is a 1946 graduate of Beech Grove High School and Rosemary is a 1952 graduate of Columbus High School. They raised their family in Beech Grove until 1980 and now reside in Franklin Township. They have three children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Their family and friends wish them happy anniversary and many wonderful years ahead!
At Play Calendar 5/9/13
Fundraiser
Menards Pet Supply Drive • May is National Pet month and Menards is serving as a pet donation drop site for a local non-profit animal organization. The drop box will be near the exit door to collect new and unwrapped pet supplies. | When: Now-May 31. | Where: Menards, 7140 S. Emerson Ave. and 300 S. Marlin Dr., Greenwood. | Info: Visit menards.com for store hours and locations.
Jazz Concert • A benefit concert, dinner and dance will be held by the Franklin Central High School Band Boosters. | When: May 9. | Where: Schwitzer Student Center, University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave. | Info: Tickets can be purchased by contacting treasure@fcbandboosters.org.
Centennial Breakfast • In celebration of the lodge turning 100 years old, the fourth centennial fundraiser breakfast will be held. It features an all you can eat meal at a low cost. | When: May 11, 7 – 11 a.m. | Where: Beech Grove Masonic Lodge, 617 Main St. | Cost: $5 | Info: Call (317) 787-0972.
Katie’s Run/Walk for Hope • The second annual 5K Run/Walk will be held to benefit the Katie Lynch Scholarship Fund for Roncalli students as well as help make the dreams of sick children come true. | When: May 18, (registration) 8 – 9 a.m. and (walk) 9:30 a.m. | Where: Roncalli High School, 3300 Prague Rd. | Cost: $25 per person (includes event t-shirt), $15 for students or $100 for a family. | Info: Visit katieshope.org.
Family Fun Night • Bob Evans has teamed up with Otte Golf for a community night of family fun. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. The next event’s proceeds will benefit 12-year-old cancer patient Emma Stumpf. The event features a dj, mini golf, clowns, face painters and a silent auction. | When: May 18, 4 – 8 p.m. | Where: Otte Golf Center, 681 Sheek Rd. | Cost: Kids are $6 for unlimited mini golf and $5 for dinner. Adults are $7 for unlimited mini golf and $7 for dinner. | Info: Call Bob Evans at (317) 859-1932.
CGI Empower Golf Outing • The Center for Global Impact will host a golf outing, open to the public. All proceeds benefit CGI’s mission to empower the poor and open a door for the Gospel through projects. | When: June 7, (registration) 7:30 a.m. and (tee off) 8:30 a.m. | Where: Winding River Golf Course, 8015 Mann Rd. | Cost: Registration is $50 per player prior to May 1st and then $60 until the event. | Info: Visit myCGIstory.com or call (317) 522-6092 for more information on the event and possible sponsoring.
Memorial Benefit Ride • Proceeds from the 5th annual James Lee Rike Memorial Benefit Ride will benefit the IDt James Lee Rike Education Center and Children’s Death Benefits. Live entertainment, silent auction and poker run will be after the ride. | When: June 8, registration 10 a.m. – noon with the ride beginning at noon. | Where: American Legion, Wayne Post No. 64, 601 S. Holt Rd. | Cost: $15 registration. Kids are free. | Info: Visit jamesleerike.com.
Social
Plant Sale • The Cultivating Garden Club will host its 12th annual plant sale, including sun and shade perennials, herbs, shrubs and more. The event is rain or shine. | When: May 11, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Where: 7125 S. Meridian St. (one block south of Southport Road on Meridian Street) | Info: Call Ginny O’Brien at (317) 783-4727.
National Train Day • Celebrating the importance of trains across the nation, the free event features displays of Amtrak railcars, a Chuggington Kids Depot with train-themed kids’ activities, an HO scale operating model train and other family-friendly activities. | When: May 11, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Where: Amtrak Indianapolis Station, 350 S. Illinois St. | Info: Call (317) 263-0550.
Senior Expo • Presented by Franciscan St. Francis Health Orthopedic Services, attendees can meet with representatives from over 100 different companies serving older adults in the area. Visit the free mini health fair and guests can have a chance to win door prizes and giveaways. | When: May 16, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Where: The Gathering Place, 1465 W. Main St., Greenwood | Info: Call the Social of Greenwood at (317) 882-4810.
Vintage Movie Night • The film “House of Mystery” (1934) will be shown. Starring Ed Lowry and Verna Hillie, the film is a mystery with a touch of comedy centered on a mansion with an ancient secret. | When: May 18, 8 p.m. | Where: Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Dr. | Cost: $4 | Info: Call (317) 327-7135.
Recycle Fest • The event combines environmentally responsible initiatives through an all day festival featuring live music, demonstrations, activities and education. Pattern Magazine will host a “recycled fashion” area to collect donated clothing. The Indianapolis Food Truck Alliance and Sun King Brewery will provide refreshments. | When: June 1, noon – 10 p.m. | Where: Garfield Park, 2505 Conservatory Dr. | Cost: $15 | Info: Visit indy.gov/concerts.
Summer Horse Camp • Kids ages four and up can spend the summer learning about horse care, participate in horse related activities and all day campers will ride twice each day. | When: (Ages 11 and up) June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; (Ages 7-10) June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; (Mini camp for ages 4-6) June 5, 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 1 – 4 p.m. | Where: Four Willows Farm, 1213 N. Franklin Rd., Greenwood. | Cost: (ages 7+) $75 per day and (ages 4-6) $45 per day | Info: Call (317) 862-4691.
Workshop
Learn to Draw • Children in grades K-5 can learn to draw from the beginning or brush up on their sketching skills. | When: May 11, May 18, June 1, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Where: Greenwood Public Library, 310 S. Meridian St. | Info: Visit greenwoodlibrary.us.
Garage Sale 101 • Petra Ritchie will teach attendees how to successfully shop and hold a garage sale. | When: May 21, 6 p.m. | Where: Beech Grove Public Library, 1102 Main St. | Info: Call (317) 788-4203.
Teen Creative Writing Camp • High school juniors and seniors interested in creative writing can hone their talents in a week-long camp hosted by nationally recognized writers from the University of Indianapolis Department of English. Students can choose to focus on fiction, poetry or a combination of the two. | When: June 24-28 | Where: University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave. | Info: Registration information can be found by calling (317) 788-2018 or visit uindy.edu.
Meeting
Franklin Township Chamber of Commerce • The meeting will have registration and networking, and then a luncheon meeting. | When: May 14, 11:30 a.m. | Where: Wheatley’s, 8902 Southeastern Ave. | Cost: $12 for lunch or $5 for the meeting only | Info: Contact ftccmember@aol.com or RSVP at (317) 328-6100.
Ave Maria Guild • Guild members are encouraged to bring a sack lunch to the monthly meeting. | When: May 14, 12:30 p.m. | Where: St. Paul Hermitage, 501 N. 17th Ave., Beech Grove | Info: Call Linda at (317) 885-5098.
Essential Tremor • The support group is meeting to discuss diabetes. Guest speaker Dr. Denis Joseph will speak and answer any questions on the subject. Members are encouraged to bring guests or family. | When: May 18, 2:30 p.m. | Where: Dimitri’s Casual Dining, 4902 S. East St. | Info: RSVP by calling Jacqueline Hudson at (317) 823-3803.
Health
Senior Health and Fitness Day • The free community event will highlight fitness for body, mind and spirit for older adults. A variety of community organizations and their services will be represented, along with free screenings, such as blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, bone density and hearing will be provided. Free lunch will be served while supplies last. | When: May 10, 9 a.m. – noon. | Where: Baxter YMCA, 7900 S. Shelby St. | Info: Call (317) 865-6454.
Library
Book Sale • The library will host a book sale for the community. Buyers can fill their own collection with new items, while helping the library to free up space for more books. | When: May 15 (Friends Preview Night), 4 – 7 p.m.; May 16, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; May 17-18, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Where: Beech Grove Public Library, 1102 Main St. | Info: Call (317) 788-4203.
Dig in
Beech Grove Girl Scouts dig up tombstones from 1800s in highly vandalized cemetery
By Nicole Davis
Since 1945, Methodist Chapel Cemetery has been vandalized to the point that few tombstones stand above ground. The Beech Grove Girl Scouts have made it their mission this spring and summer to fix the problem, as part of their project to earn their bronze award. Digging up tombstones dated in the 1800s, 16 girls from Girl Scout Troop 2393 uncovered nine tombstones and 13 bases the first Saturday they worked.
“Since 1945 somebody has kicked over everything here, practically,” said Bob Alloway of the Beech Grove Historical Society. “This cemetery is probably the most vandalized cemetery I’ve ever seen. This is bringing the history back.”
The cemetery is part of the Methodist Wesley Chapel which was organized in 1838 by members of five families and closed in the 1880s. Those buried in the cemetery were members of the church, and pioneers of the city, Alloway said. It is located on Churchman Avenue, behind the Beech Grove Administration building and across from the now demolished Churchman home.
“I think most people in Beech Grove don’t even know this is here,” said Teresa Lamb, mother.
Since the cemetery was abandoned, the Girl Scouts and Beech Grove Historical Society had to get permission to complete the work from the Franklin Township trustee. Before the girls did any work, Isabella Foster, Girl Scout, said they had to have about six meetings on the proper way to find the tombstones, dig them up, clean them and glue them back together. The girls have to complete 20 hours and inform the public to earn their Bronze. They are creating infomercials on proper cemetery care that will be linked on the Beech Grove, Our Town Facebook page.
“This is our first big project,” said Rebecca Lamb, Girl Scout. “I like coming here and working with people. We’re probably going to get more than 20 houses because there is so much work to do.”
Rebecca said they all got to vote on what project they wanted to do. The cemetery was their second choice, but Lamb said they are all very excited with what they have achieved so far and look forward to knowing how many tombstones they find. Alloway said in 1945 a registry was created with names of people buried in the cemetery. The earliest burial listed was 1848 and latest was 1909. The girls have already found tombstones that were not on that registry, meaning those were likely buried before 1945. The earliest burial they have found is 1850.
“I like getting dirty and trying to uncover the history of the people that were here,” Foster said. “People have come and knocked down the headstones. So we’re working to restore it. There is just so much here.”
Additional members of the Beech Grove Historical Society are also signed up to take training on restoring tombstones at a May 17 workshop. When Troop 2393 has fulfilled the requirements to earn their bronze, another troop, 2392, will take their place and finish the work. Alloway said the Historical Society and the girls have already began thinking of additional ways to improve the half-acre cemetery once the tombstones are repaired, including raising money to construct a better fence and to place some park benches inside. Alloway said with a view overlooking Amtrak, the park benches would be a nice addition to the city.
“After we’re done, we will probably come and make sure it’s still clean,” Rebecca said. “It’s just so much fun.”
