Category Archives: Dani’s Dreams Memorial Walk/Run

Dani's Dreams Memorial Walk/Run, Donations and Fundraising, Go Green Discovery Center, Special Events

WATCH US GROW! – Sign up now for Dani’s Dreams Walk/Run

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This is your chance to make a difference in your community and grow environmental education in Hancock County! Sign up for the fifth annual Dani’s Dreams Walk/Run Aug. 4, 8 a.m. at New Palestine High School. The event benefits the Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center at Zion and the construction of our Go Green Discovery Center that will focus on environmental education for grades preschool through 8 in Hancock County – with a community garden, greenhouse, interactive exhibits and experiments in solar and wind energy.
To sign up, download a form from the link below and mail it to Zion Lutheran Church and School, 6513 W. 300S, New Palestine, IN 46163. Forms are also on the Dani’s Dreams Facebook Page.
5K/1 Mile Family Walk
Register for the 5K walk/run or 1-mile family walk that begins 8 a.m. Aug. 4 at NPHS and receive a cool commemorative T-shirt with this year’s theme, “Watch Us Grow.” The winning shirt is designed by Zion Lutheran student Katie Taylor.
Registration for the 5K Run/Fitness Walk is only $20 Individual and $30 family. Pre-registration includes a specially-designed commemorative T-shirt; No T-shirts guaranteed for race day registration. Family registration includes 2 T-shirts. Pre-registration ends July 31.
Registration after 7/31 and on race day is $25 individual; $35 family.

danisdreams walkrunbrochure2012 side 1
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NEW! Come to the Go Green Center’s Open House/Music Festival Aug. 4, 12-2 at Dani’s Dreams for a music festival from Zion youth, tours, crafts, snacks, demonstrations and a preview for teachers of the ways Dani’s Dreams can enhance hands-on science education.
If you would like to perform at the music festival or help in any way, contact Donna Griffin, 640-4430 or email dgriffins@netzero.com.

Dani's Dreams Memorial Walk/Run, Donations and Fundraising, Go Green Discovery Center, Teacher Resources

The Go Green Center is Growing – Check It Out!

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Watch our Go Green Center Grow and enjoy exhibits, music, demonstrations, snacks and crafts from 12-2 at Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center following the Memorial Walk/Run at 8 a.m. that morning at New Palestine High School. Find out about solar and wind energy, how to protect our planet and what you can do to make a difference in your world!
If you have a band or are a musician and would like to perform for the Dani’s Dreams Open House and Music Festival Aug. 4, 12-2, email dgriffins@netzero.com.
Thanks to Dave Griffin, Austin Pope, Mike Dirr, Randy and Mark Caster, the Go Green Center is taking shape and will soon be under roof (see more pictures on the “Watch Us Grow!” page) – anyone who would like to help or donate materials, email dgriffins@netzero.com.
Teachers, Scout leaders, preschools and community groups come to the Go Green Open House Aug. 4 and see how Dani’s Dreams can help you with hands-on science education for this fall!

Dani's Dreams Memorial Walk/Run, Donations and Fundraising, Go Green Discovery Center, Special Events

Check it Out – What’s Growing in the Community Garden?

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Despite drought and hot sun, the plants in Dani’s Dreams Community Garden are thriving thanks to TLC from volunteers, including Don and Pat Adam, Kara and Katie Morris, David Griffin and Courtney Sloan who weeded and watered recently. Broccoli was ready for the picking, cucumbers and a small pepper are gaining in size and zuchini and cauliflower plants are budding. Green bean plants, grown from seeds by Noah Finchum, are shooting up.
More seeds were planted for a bountiful fall harvest, including a sunflower garden and a Dani’s Dreams pumpkin patch for mid-October.
Check out the Community Garden page for the progress and come to Dani’s Dreams new Discovery Center opening August 4!

Dani's Dreams Memorial Walk/Run, Go Green Discovery Center, Teacher Resources

Top 10 Tips to Save Energy and Money This Summer

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By John Chu, a Senior Communications Specialist at the Department of Energy, from the Energy Savers Blog:

June 20 marked the first day of summer, and for many of us that means trips to the beach, outdoor concerts, and cool drinks. Summer is also a great season to save energy and money in your home. Here are some tips to get you started:

Lighting makes up about 10% of home electricity costs. You can save up to 80% of that energy by simply replacing your traditional incandescents with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light emitting diodes (LEDs). They will also last you for years after the summer is gone, saving money on replacements.

Another good reason to switch to energy efficient lighting choices is that it can lower your cooling costs. Only 10% of the energy from traditional bulbs is used for light—the rest is wasted as heat. By using CFLs and LEDs that give off less heat, you can reduce your need for air conditioning and save money.

If you plan to remodel your home, take advantage of the longer, sunnier days with daylighting. You can bring more sunlight in your home by upgrading to today’s highly energy-efficient windows and reduce the need for artificial lighting (and electricity!)

Another way to take advantage of the prolonged sunshine is to install outdoor solar lighting. They are easy to install, virtually maintenance free, and provide free electricity.

Switch to a high-efficiency air conditioner—you can reduce your energy use by 20% – 50% and save money.

Install a cool roof for your home. Cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat—reducing your energy bills by decreasing cooling needs. For more on selecting cool roofs, read this guidance from our EERE Building Technologies program.

You can reduce your cooling costs with landscape shading. Planting trees, shrubs, and plants around your home strategically can reduce heat radiation and cool the air before it reaches your home’s walls and windows.

If you have a swimming pool, you can reduce your heating bills by installing a high efficiency or solar pool heater or using a pool cover. Read more about solar pool heating.

Enjoy the summer wind, get exercise, and save money by walking or biking to work instead of driving your car. If you have to drive, check out these tips to reduce the amount of gas you use.

By properly insulating and air sealing your home, you can reduce your air conditioning costs by keeping more of the cooling in your home. Read more about insulation and air sealing.

What other tips do you have for saving energy and money in the summer?

Please share them and watch for the opening of Dani’s Dreams Go Green Center Aug. 4!

Dani's Dreams Memorial Walk/Run, Donations and Fundraising, Earth Day Dedication Event, Go Green Discovery Center

Watch ‘Em Grow Winners!

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Five Southern Hancock students’ creative talents will be on display this year in the fifth annual Dani’s Dreams Memorial Walk/Run Aug. 4 at New Palestine High School.
Katie Taylor, a fourth grader at Zion Lutheran School is the winner of the T-shirt design contest. Taylor’s design will be featured on T-shirts for the event. Second place goes to LeeAnn James, a fifth grader at Sugar Creek Elementary and third place winner is Sarah Maynard, a third grader at Sugar Creek.
Their designs are featured online and will be used in walk/run brochures and on posters for the event.
Essay contest winners are Ireland Crabtree, a second grader at Zion Lutheran School and Drake Shadle, a first grader at New Palestine Elementary.
Check out their winning essays:
I CAN HELP MY COMMUNITY GROW
By Ireland Crabtree,Second rade,
Zion Lutheran School
We could plant some trees in a park or two. I would help grow gardens in my neighborhood. Instead of riding in a car, you could ride your bike or you could walk. We could grow a vegetable garden and give some food to a food pantry. You need to ride your bike because you don’t need to use gas. We should plant trees because it takes in carbon dioxide. I could have a neighborhood clean up. Reuse old shoes instead of buying new ones. Also you can reuse old backpacks too. We can recycle old cans, bottles and paper.

By Drake Shadle, First Grade,
New Palestine Elementary
I can can help my community grow by picking up trash. Trash can harm animals. Animals can also eat trash and get sick.
I can also help my community grow by recycling. Recycling is important because it saves trees. Let me explain how. We cut down trees for paper. If we throw away paper, that will waste trees.
Giving can also help my community grow. People can donate food to soup kitchens That way people with no food or money could have food.

Following the fifth annual Dani’s Dreams Memorial Walk/Run, the new Go Green Discovery Center will be opened. Donate $100 and your name will be listed on the dedication plaque at the center. Email dgriffins@netzero.com for more information.
Send your donation to: Dani’s Dreams
Outdoor Education Center at
Zion Lutheran School
6513 W. 300 S.
New Palestine, IN 46163

Dani's Dreams Memorial Walk/Run, Special Events

Lutheran High School senior awarded Dani’s Dreams Scholarship

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A 4.0 grade point average and a wide range of extra-curricular activities and community service hours characterize Christina Harkleroad, the 2012 winner of the Dani Griffin Innovation in Education Memorial Scholarship. Harkleroad will attend Indiana University, majoring in biology with plans to attend the IU School of Medicine.
A job shadowing experience and watching a surgery at Riley Children’s Hospital inspired her chosen career path.
“It was the most incredible experience that I have ever had. It was life-changing to see what medicine can do for children,” Harkleroad wrote in her scholarship essay. “That was the pivotal moment in my career decision. I knew I wanted to be a doctor after seeing that surgery. Medicine and science affects each of us and I cannot wait to change the lives of children and their families.”
Harkleroad, daughter of Barry and Barbara Harkleroad, is the Saints’ varsity soccer co-captain, a member of the choir and theatre productions at Lutheran High School, a senior mentor and a member of the Zion Lutheran Senior Youth Group.
“God gave me a love for children. I want to use that motivation to become a pediatrician and help children who need medical care,” Harkleroad wrote.
“I work at Zion’s Daycare and Child Care Ministry. When any of the children are sick, I feel bad for them and wish that I could help them. Children do not fully understand what is making them sick or why they are sick. I want to help them understand and recover.”

Dani's Dreams Memorial Walk/Run, Earth Day Dedication Event

Hey, Kids, Watch Your Ideas Grow!

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Hey, Hancock County Kids:
Watch your ideas and creativity grow in Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center’s annual T-shirt design and essay contest.
The theme for the event is “Watch ‘Em Grow!” and this year all Hancock County classrooms or Scout groups are challenged to compete in Dani’s Dreams Seed Starting Challenge now underway. There are now TWO WAYS for you to show your talents.
1. DRAW A PICTURE using the theme for the front of T-shirts. Your drawing could bring Dani’s Dreams to life on T-shirts for the fifth annual memorial walk/run Aug. 4. If your picture is chosen, you will receive a free T-shirt and $50 and your name will be on every shirt. You will be introduced Aug. 4 at the beginning of the walk/run at New Palestine High School.
2. WRITE AN ESSAY based on the theme “How Can I Help My Community Grow?” Entries from all ages will be accepted. Winners will be chosen in the following groups: grades K-2, 3-5 and 6-8. Winners in each age category will receive a free T-shirt and $25. Money raised at this event will go to fund the Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center, open to all students in Hancock County.
Turn in your drawing or essay to your teacher by April 18.
Entries will be picked up at each school April 19 or they can be dropped off at Zion Lutheran School. The best of the T-shirt designs and essays will be on display for voting during the Earth Day Dedication Event at Dani’s Dream Outdoor Education Center May 5 when we will determine the winner of our Watch ‘Em Grow seed starting challenge. Come and see the students’ demonstrations, create crafts and get a sneak preview of the new Go Green Discovery Center, sponsored by the Hancock County Community Foundation, scheduled for construction this spring.
Keep up with all the Dani’s Dreams news here at http://www.danisdreamsoutdooredcenter.wordpress.com. Email dgriffins@netzero.com for more information.

Dani's Dreams Memorial Walk/Run, Donations and Fundraising, Earth Day Dedication Event, Special Events

Dani Griffin Innovation in Education Memorial Scholarship

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The Dani’s Dreams Innovation in Education Memorial Fund Committee of Zion Lutheran School in New Palestine announces its annual college scholarship.

The Dani Griffin Innovation in Education Scholarship will award a $500 one-year scholarship to a high school senior with a 3.0 grade point average or above who attended Zion Lutheran School (in any grade, preschool through eighth) or is a confirmed Zion Lutheran Church member or is a Southern Hancock resident and plans to attend a university and major in education or the sciences.

Deadline is April 13, 2012. The winner will be announced at the Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center Earth Day Dedication Event May 5 at Zion Lutheran School. All applicants are invited to attend. The winner will also be recognized at the Dani’s Dreams Memorial Walk/Run Aug. 4.

Please contact Committee Chairperson Donna Griffin at 640-4430 or email dgriffins@netzero.com for more information. Forms can be downloaded below.

Applications are also available in area high school guidance offices, at Zion Lutheran School or can be obtained by emailing dgriffins@netzero.com.

scholarship app

Dani's Dreams Memorial Walk/Run

Take a Look; We’re Only Beginning

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PHOTOS BY ELYSE SOMBKE
Nearly 100 runners/walkers of all ages took to the course and track for environmental education in Hancock County at the Fourth Annual Dani’s Dreams Memorial Walk/Run Aug. 6 at New Palestine High School. A Fitness Festival was also held that same day at Zion Lutheran Church and School in New Palestine.
The events benefit Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center at Zion Lutheran School, 6513 W. 300S, New Palestine and its plans to construct a Go Green Discovery Center that will focus on environmental education for grades preschool through 8 in Hancock County – with a community garden, interactive exhibits and experiments in solar and wind energy. The building will also be powered by alternative energy sources.
T-shirt and poster design and essay contest winners were recognized: First place: Emily Kleiman, second place Katie Gunn and third place Kara Teipen. Essay Contest winners are Anna Caster and Sam Spears. The 2011 scholarship winner, Stephanie Prince also attended the event.
The men’s race winner for the fourth year is NPHS junior Michael Morris; women’s winner is Lindsay Grant.

Dani's Dreams Memorial Walk/Run, Donations and Fundraising

You Did It!!!

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Cousins Ava, Gannon, Grady and Gage Grant, Noah Finchum and Emily Adam celebrate crossing the finish line at Dani's Dreams Walk/Run Aug. 6.
Thanks to everyone who participated in Dani’s Dreams Fourth Annual Walk/Run Aug. 6 at New Palestine High School and the Fitness Festival at Zion Lutheran Church and School. Your support and participation in all the Dani’s Dreams events throughout the last four years means so much to all of Dani’s family and has truly made a difference in realizing the dream of an Outdoor Education Center to bring innovation to education and give kids a place they can enjoy and celebrate God’s wonderful creation.
Watch for more great things to come as we work toward our Go Green Discovery Center that will grow Dani’s Dreams Outdoor Education Center and expand its reach throughout Hancock County.
Check out more pics to come soon!