By Nancy Price
Nancy Lewark has many interests. Among them are reading, scrapbooking, crafts, cooking, baking and exercising. Yet, the Center Grove resident is most passionate about her family, friends, volunteering and leading.
Lewark has been a member of the Greenwood Rotary Club for the past 25 years. “I really enjoy the members of our club, their dedication to our community and to serving others both locally and internationally,” she said. “I am proud to know each member and enjoy our weekly club meetings. I feel like giving back to my community by being a part of Rotary, which is very important to me.”
Lewark, who has three grown daughters with her husband, Greg, is also dedicated to the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce. “I have worked in leadership roles in the past and learned and grew in my leadership skills, leadership education and have made many friends over the years through the chamber,” she said.
“I also do volunteering through my employer. Community Health Network encourages all leaders to be involved with volunteering around our community and provides many opportunities for this,” she added. “I love my role as a manager, and I love investing in my knowledge and growth in this area. I want to be the best I can be for my staff.
What is your greatest virtue?
I would have to say my greatest virtues are probably honesty and integrity. My parents were wonderful role models and taught my brother and me the importance of these characteristics in everyday life.
What upsets you?
Bad drivers upset me … speeding, running red lights, taking chances behind the wheel and therefore putting other lives at risk.
What do you like best about Center Grove?
That is easy: I love the people in our community. It has been a wonderful place to raise our children and build wonderful long-lasting friendships. We are very blessed to be part of the Center Grove area.
What’s your favorite Southside eatery?
We really enjoy Stone Creek and Chick-fil-A!
If you had to live anywhere else in the Metro Indianapolis area, where would it be?
If I was not in Greenwood, I believe I would enjoy living in Zionsville.
If you could begin life over, what would you change?
I would have spent more time with my parents … I miss them a lot, they were very special people and both left our world too soon.
I would have our oldest daughter, Andrea, living nearby, instead of in California. It’s hard to be so far away from her.
Finally, my brother and his large family live in Florida. I would travel to see them more frequently.
If money were no issue, how would you spend it?
I would financially support some family members that struggle at times. I would give generously to organizations that are dedicated to serving the homeless, the elderly and the hungry. I would also support research for autism, MS and cancer.
What makes you happiest?
Spending time with my family, always. Secondly, working. I love my job and the people I work with. I know how fortunate I am to love the work I do; not all people are so lucky.
Pick three adjectives that best describe you.
Energetic, happy and caring.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Myrtle Beach … where we have spent a great deal of time vacationing with family and friends.
What do you do with idle time?
Read leadership books.
What would you change about our culture if you could?
To have people in our country discuss different options harmoniously in order to resolve issues without hostility and anger.
How do you escape from reality?
Watch movies.
What do you love most in life?
My family, my faith and my work.
Which living person in Center Grove do you most admire?
Christian Maslowski, president and CEO of the Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce. Christian is a very dedicated leader in our community. He has and continues to build an outstanding chamber network of businesses that only continues to grow and prosper under his leadership.
What quality do you admire most in another person?
Honesty, fairness and loyalty.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Shopping … I have always loved clothes and fashion.
What is your greatest fear?
I have arachnophobia, an unreasonable fear of spiders.
What has been the happiest time of your life?
I have been fortunate to have a very happy life. But I really enjoyed the days when my daughters were involved in their elementary and high school activities. And, lately, celebrating the birth of my two grandchildren. They have brought me such joy!
Is there a special talent you really wish you had?
Yes, I wish I could sing and play the piano.
What do you most value in your friends?
Our effort to spend time together. We all have very busy lives and we work at making time to have dinners and celebrate the holidays. It helps to keep us close and connected.
Which historical figure do you most admire?
Jesus, because of how he changed the world and the promise he gave to us.
What tenet do you live by?
Truthfulness, consideration and respect
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Several years ago, I traveled to the west coast for work where I managed several physical therapy practices, one of which was in Alaska.
