Community Heroes. They are everywhere…some more obvious than others. Recently, I found myself dwelling on the contributions of the late Judy Brown. Judy exemplified community spirit, an attribute celebrated by the Hancock County Community Foundation (HCCF) through our work on a number of projects and funding support.
In the early 90s, Judy played a pivotal role in the revitalization of downtown Greenfield. She served on a committee that drove the building of the Courthouse Plaza, a lovely gathering place for picnic lunches, festivals, and public performances. Banners that adorn Main Street are reminders of the group’s efforts. The Greenfield Revitalization Inc. Banner Fund, a component fund of HCCF, continues to support nonprofits and the City of Greenfield for the purchase and maintenance of banners located in the downtown area.
Before retiring from Greenfield Banking Company, Judy leveraged the company’s financial support to bring Concerts on the Plaza to the community, a weekly music event that draws hundreds to the Courthouse Plaza every Friday evening all summer long. The Bank continues to honor her memory through their continued role as planner and funder of the popular concert series. This effort complemented the time she devoted to the Hancock County Arts Council.
For seven years leading up to Judy’s passing, she and her registered therapy dog, Reggie, made countless visits to nursing homes and the hospital to bring smiles to the faces of those struggling with health concerns. The Giant Schnoodle, known for his regal beauty and massive size, rested his large head on the high beds of patients for interaction that many found therapeutic. Judy and Reggie even gave children’s sermons together at Greenfield Christian Church. Judy captured stories of the pair’s adventures when she published “Six Legs and a Leash,” a book still available on Amazon.
The Gibble Family had the great privilege of caring for Reggie upon his retirement from therapy work when he lost his dear partner in 2012. Recently, the four-legged community servant’s age caught up with him and, much to our broken hearts, he passed in February.
The contributions of Judy and her husband Herb, who together donated Thornwood Preserve to Greenfield Parks, a beautiful preserve located on Morristown Pike, are moving examples of community spirit. “Give Where You Live, Grow Where You Live” is an HCCF motto that guides our work across all communities in Hancock County.
The community is invited to join the efforts of caring people like the Browns and celebrate this county we call home through your time, talents, and treasures….and yes, even four-legged friends!
Mary Gibble is the president of the Hancock County Community Foundation. She can be reached at 317 462-8870 ext. 239 or [email protected]. Send comments to [email protected]
