AYOU youth and their leaders celebrate their climb to Mt . Washborn in Yellowstone National Park . Back Row : Kendall Hankins , John Rohrig , Reis Bradley , Austin Brison . Front Row : Anna Liming , Maggie Miller and Julie Mathias

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Friendship State Bank Employee Treks West

Julie Mathias , a Friendship State Bank loan officer , embarked on her sixth journey to Yellowstone National Park this summer with the group American Youth Outreach Unlimited .

AYOU is a local , non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the Yellowstone National Park with youth while encouraging commitment to wildlife preservation through education and adventure . Ms . Mathias accompanied five students , ages 16 to 18 , from South Ripley , Milan and Jac-Cen-Del schools on the trip . All of the students were first-time flyers and arrived in Bozeman , Montana on July 8 . They set up camp in Gardiner , Montana and geared up for early mornings .

“ We were up early and in the park ,” Mathias shared . “ The animals are very active early in the morning and evening . The kids love to see and photograph animals that they have only seen in books

but now are face to face .”

Hiking Mount Washburn , was another highlight of the ten-day expedition .

“ We start at an elevation of 8819 feet and end at 10,219 feet . Think of it this way . The elevation in Versailles is 965 feet . These kids hiked up 9254 feet higher ,” Ms . Mathias explained . “ They experience the difference in the air and the change in temperature . This hike is challenging for all . It never fails that each kid is incredibly proud when they conquer this mountain .”

The adventurous crew returned on July 18 filled with awesome memories . “( My ) memories range from the looks on the kids ’ faces the first time they saw the vastness of Yellowstone to the animals ,” Ms . Mathias said . “ They have experienced both bear and buffalo jams -and this year we got caught in some big ones . The laughter is abundant and most times until the bellies hurt .”

“ I came home this year with a nickname ,” she added . “ I ’ m affectionally called Nana . I even received an “ I love Nana ” mug that they all signed and now sits in my office in Dillsboro .”

AYOU funds 100 % of the trip for the youth , made possible by donations from area businesses , organizations and

individuals . Chaperones pay for their own expenses . Ms . Mathias eagerly anticipates future adventures .

“ Yellowstone is a magical place and I get to be partly responsible in sharing that little piece of heaven with others ,” Ms . Mathias said .

Lawrenceburg Main Street Launches Small Business Boot Camp :

If you are considering taking the first step toward starting a small business and you live in or near Lawrenceburg , consider applying for the Small Business Boot Camp offered by Lawrenceburg Main Street .

Lawrenceburg Main Street is working in conjunction with the Indiana Small Business Development Center ( IS- BDC ) to offer an opportunity for small business start-ups to attend this special program . The curriculum for the Small Business Boot Camp includes eight sessions offered over the course of four months , each focusing on topics critical to running a successful business . Participants who complete the course will create a detailed business plan that includes financial projections and knowlege about their eligibility for additional incentives . They will have unique opportunities to network with fellow entrepreneurs and area professionals for further support and counseling . Ideal candidates will have initiative , selfmotivation , and dedication to pursuing their goals .

Ginnie Faller , ISBDC Business Advisor , said , " This program offers a unique approach

to starting a business . There will be a combination of education , coaching , and mentorship . The community is interested in seeing you succeed . If you are someone that would like the benefit of a hands-on approach to getting started , this is it !"

The cost per participant is $ 700 . Scholarship opportunities are available .

The deadline to apply is Friday , December 1 . Prospective participants should apply online at www . thinklawrenceburg . com .

For more information , please contact Lawrenceburg Main Street directly .

Monster Mash Dash For Scholarships

The Ivy Tech Foundation is encouraging community members to lace up their running shoes and put on their best Halloween costumes for the third annual Monster Mash Dash 5K Run / Walk to help Ivy Tech students who face personal emergencies .

The Monster Mash Dash , a family-friendly Halloween fun run , will begin at 8:30 a . m . Oct . 28 in downtown Lawrenceburg at the Clock Tower on Walnut Street . It will provide an enjoyable morning walk or run along the scenic Ohio River .

Proceeds benefit the Emergency Scholarship Fund , which assists Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg students who have experienced personally challenging situations , such as house fires , floods , loss of employment , or discontinuation of utility services .

“ The Emergency Scholarship Fund enables the Ivy

Tech Foundation to give students facing personal challenges the helping hand they need to succeed in their studies ,” said Andrea Mc- Dole , Director of Resource Development for the Ivy Tech Foundation .

Scholarships will be given to help students in need cover their tuition or book fees .

“ The Emergency Scholarship Fund provides students with vital assistance that could determine whether they are able to finish their college degree ,” Ivy Tech Lawrenceburg Chancellor Mark Graver said . “ We greatly appreciate the community ’ s support of the Ivy Tech Foundation and this meaningful scholarship fund .”

Registration for the Monster Mash Dash is online at https :// connect . ivytech . edu / monstermash-dash-5k . Registration before Oct . 6 is $ 20 and includes a dri-fit event T-shirt . After Oct . 6 , registration is $ 25 , and an event shirt is not guaranteed . Ivy Tech students can register at any time for $ 15 .

Medals will be given to first , second , and third place overall winners as well as to the top three finishers in each age group . Door prizes and other fun activities are also planned . Costumes are not required for the Monster Mash Dash but are encouraged .

Beginning at 7:30 a . m . childcare and fun activities for children ages 2 and over , will be offered at the cost of $ 3 per child for children whose parents or caregivers are participating in the 5K run / walk . A free kids ’ fun run will be held at 10 a . m . for children ages 6 and younger with participation medals awarded to all children .