March 11, 2021

Plainfield Lions Conduct Free Vision Screenings for Children

Free vision screenings for children at Little Cadets Preschool at Mill Creek East Elementary in Clayton on Tuesday, March 2nd & Wednesday, March 3rd were provided by members of the Plainfield Lions Club.

Over those two days a total of 28 children were screened. Parents of 2 children will be notified that the screening indicated that their child may have factors indicating a vision disorder and the parents will be strongly advised to make an appointment with an eye care provider.

By correcting vision defects early in life a child is able to more easily learn and achieve more in life as an adult. Operation KidSight is a program carried out through the volunteer efforts of Lions of Indiana.

Only an eye doctor can diagnose and treat a vision problem, but screenings by Lions volunteers can help identify those children that need to see an eye care provider for a full eye exam. The screenings may pick up the presence of eye disorders including farsightedness and nearsightedness, astigmatism, misaligned eyes, etc. No physical contact is made with the children and no eye drops or medications are used. The information obtained from these screenings is preliminary only, and does not constitute a formal eye exam. Not all vision problems will be detected by the vision screening process.

Any preschool or childcare provider who would be interested in having the Plainfield Lions Club conduct a free vision screening at their facility can contact Tom Iles at 317-600-5193 or via email at t.iles@sbcglobal.net. ______________________________________________

Humane Society Services

While the Hendricks County Humane Society’s building is closed to public traffic during COVID-19 restrictions, its other programs are continuing:

Pet Food Pantry – Hendricks County residents needing pet food should call the Humane Society (317-745-3338) and leave a message clearly stating their name, phone #, type and number of pets and any special needs. Pet Food Pantry is available on Wednesday for porch pick up 1-6 pm. Please call 48 hours in advance with your request.

Pet Adoptions – You can view our adoptable pets atwww.petfinder.com/search/pets-for-adoption/?shelter_IN- 102&sort%5B0%5D=recently_added. Currently, only pre-approved adopters may schedule a meet & greet with one of our adoptables. You can visit Facebook pages of Creekside Animal Rescue, other rescues and Hendricks County Animal Shelter for pets needing homes. This may be an ideal time to introduce a pet to your family and infuse what is a very difficult time with some joy and purpose.

Chip & Clip Clinic is held the 2nd Sunday of the month by appointment only. Please call our office at 317- 745-3338 to schedule an appointment or if you have questions.

You may call and leave a voice message at 317-745- 3338 or send an e-mail to info@hendrickshumane.org. Staff will respond to messages and emails on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For more information, or to download adoption or assistance forms, visit HendricksHumane. org.

The Humane Society does not operate the Hendricks County Animal Shelter and Animal Control located at 250 E. Campus Blvd, Danville. Reports of suspected animal abuse or endangerment, or emergency animal surrender needs should always be directed to Hendricks County Animal Shelter & Control 317-745-9250.

Please create an emergency plan for your pet. Make sure pets are wearing identification and have crates, extra supplies and food. Also, identify a caregiver who can help take care of your pet in case you become ill.

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Community Grants For Recycling

Each year the Hendricks County Recycling District offers grants to local tax-exempt and not-for-profit organizations that take on projects that further the District’s mission of waste reduction, reuse and recycling. Places of worship, schools, charities and service organizations are encouraged to apply.

Since 2006, the District has awarded nearly $300,000 in grants to organizations here in Hendricks County. Past projects that have been approved include purchasing new recycling receptacles, recycled plastic picnic tables, dinnerware, water bottle refill stations, reusable shopping totes and more.

The District has earmarked $10,000 for the Spring 2021 round of Community Grants Program and applications are now being accepted.

All applications must be received by March 19, 2021; awards will likely be announced by May 1, 2021. To download a Community Grants Program Guide and application for Spring 2021, visit recyclehendrickscounty.org. For more information about the Community Grants Program, email Lenn Detwiler.

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NicView System Connects Babies & Parents

Occasionally newborns need an extended stay in Hendricks Regional Health’s level two Special Care Nursery (SCN) for specialized care or extra monitoring, but their parents are unable to remain by their sides. This may be due to distance, employment or to care for other children and loved ones. Leaving a baby, even in the hands of caring healthcare professionals, can be an extremely emotional and anxious decision.

In 2019, the Hendricks Regional Health Foundation asked for support through the Associate Campaign to help purchase a web-based camera system that would provide a way for parents to watch their SCN babies around the clock. Associates and physicians rose to the occasion and raised enough money to buy six NicView cameras. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the system’s arrival to August 2020.

“We were anxious for it to come,” said Clevette Price, Director of the Childbirth Center (CBC). “It is really hard on parents when their newborn is admitted into the SCN right after birth and they can’t bond with their baby right away.”

Parents previously were given iPads so they could check on their babies in the SCN. However, the iPads could only be used by the baby’s parents and could not be taken outside the CBC.

The NicView camera system eliminated those limitations.

“One couple’s baby was here for a few weeks,” said Clevette. “They were so happy to have the NicView cameras. They hooked up a connection to their TV at home. They loved having this option while they couldn’t physically be with their baby.”

To date, the new camera system has been accessed well over 2,000 times from logins across the nation.

“The NicView system is one example of how the Foundation’s Associate Campaign has advanced the compassionate care we are able to give to patients,” said HRH President & CEO Kevin Speer. “Giving to the Foundation in this way enables HRH to enhance patient programs and services we wouldn’t otherwise be able to do. I’m very proud to see our associates working together to benefit our community in such an important way.”

Over the years, associate donations to the HRH Foundation have funded more than $550,000 in projects that improve patient care, comfort, and safety at HRH.

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Indiana Lyons' Weekend Was A Win-Win

The Indiana Lyons had back-to-back victories ove r the weekend. They beat the Ohio Bruins 108-107 on Saturday, March 6, then flew past the Midwest Falcons on Sunday, 108-78.

The next home game for the Lyons will be Saturday March 13, against the Chicago Rebels. The game will be at Bosstick Gym, 49 N. Wayne St., Danville. Doors open at 4, tip off at 5 p.m. Keep up with the Lyons at www.IndianaLyons.com

Senior Services Provides Information & Referral

Hendricks County Senior Services can help seniors and their caregivers navigate the resources in our community. Learn about Social Security, Medicare and medication assistance programs, community resources, affordable housing and other concerns. Staff are trained to direct you to community agencies/programs for assistance.

SHIP (State Health Assistance Insurance Program) - Whether you are new to Medicare or want to review options for supplemental coverage, SHIP counselors offer official insurance assistance through Hendricks County Senior Services. Call to set a one-on-one, 90 minute appointment.

Legal - Legal aid is available by appointment, through a partnership with the Senior Law Project. Pre-retirement, financial and estate planning seminars are also offered.

Housing and Home Healthcare Options - Options for assisted living, subsidized and affordable senior housing, long term care, and rehabilitation facilities are available. The senior center is filled with information on healthcare and other businesses who partner with us to provide services to seniors. Staff is available for further questions and information.

Tax Preparation - Tax preparation is available in cooperation with AARP. Trained tax preparers are available during tax season to help with basic, non business tax returns. Appointments are scheduled at the end of January and are offered at sites in within Hendricks County and at Hendricks County Senior Services.

Call 317-745-4303 for more information.

Animal Rehab: Saving One Critter at a Time

Photo courtesy of Paws, Wings and Other Things

By Melissa Gibson

Kat Craft of Martinsville has always loved animals. From a young age she read every book and watched every movie or documentary on animals she could.

“Birds were my first passion and I always donated to rehabbers because they don’t get paid. I had retired and was really bored and received a newsletter from a rehab organization and the first thing it said was, ‘We need more of us’,” Craft said. S

he set to work; training for a year, taking a test and having her house inspected for animal care and more.

“I always assumed that everybody knew about animals like I did, but that’s not the case,” Craft said. “I’m an empath and I feel their emotions as much as they feel mine. They know I’m not a threat and want to help.”

For most of us, when we find a wounded bird or abandoned baby animal in our yard, we too, want to help but the animals don’t sense that. It frightens them.

Crafts says it’s very simple: place the animal in a box with an old towel or blanket. Keep them in a dark, warm area and keep the area quiet. Then call a rehabber.

She’s careful to warn that Googling the animal for suggestions can lead to death of the wildlife and an expert is always your best bet. “

You’re stressing them,” Craft said. “Their hearts are racing and adrenaline is pumping. For birds and bunnies, it can literally cause them to drop dead. Don’t try to feed them or give them water, don’t carry them around or pet them, don’t love on them.”

She often has animals dropped off to her, but if the family has been carrying them around for an hour, it could be too late to save them.

“The touching and talking is the worse things people can do to wildlife. They don’t communicate that way. Imagine if a gorilla came and picked you up and was cooing and growling. Their mom told them people are really bad, so though you are being loving, they’re just wondering when you’re going to eat them. To them, we’re the predators,” Craft said.

She took in over 1,000 animals last year and has several safe release sites for the animals across the state. Though she loves the animals, Craft takes special care not to handle them unless absolutely necessary. If they can feed themselves, it’s better for them in the long run.

“When I release them, they don’t want anything to do with me. That is how it should be. I’m teaching them to run away from humans, I keep them with their own species and I teach them to forage for their food and how to survive in the wild,” Craft said.

She teaches them about natural diets in the wild, and as they get older, stops feeding them out of food bowls.

Raccoons for example, fish for their meal. Once they can fish for their own meal, Craft knows she has taught them right and they’ll be able to feed themselves.

“If you give them marshmallows and Cheerios, they won’t be able to find those in the woods. They’ll most likely starve or walk right up to a predator,” Craft said.

The rehabber moved from Marion County, which doesn’t allow for rehabs due to zoning restrictions, to Morgan County so she could better serve the wildlife.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a list of rehabbers in Indiana, including Julie McLaughlin with Indiana Skunk Rescue in Hendricks County but if you don’t find one in your area, you can always contact McLaughlin, Craft or another person on the list and they can help.

Rehab licenses extend across the state, so its not uncommon for them to travel hours away, rescuing animals or at the very least, getting families in touch with someone who can help.

“I’ve met many nice people doing this, it gives me hope in humanity. People with large acres of property offer it to me for release sites. So many are well intentioned, but just don’t realize that you can’t keep wild animals as pets. When you get in over your head and can no longer take care of the animal, it has a 20-minute life span once released in the wild,” Craft said.

Common in Indiana at this time of year are squirrels, raccoons, opossums and rabbits. In the winter, Craft gets a lot of calls about owls. S

he’s not allowed to trap but can pick up an animal that the home resident has trapped and she picks up any injured or orphaned animal. She can also give advice on how to move along animals that have taken up residence in your attic.

While there is not a rehabber in the Marion County area, McLaughlin operates in Hendricks County at 317-273-9288 and Craft is in Morgan County at 317-263-1131 or under Paws, Wings and Other Things on Facebook.

2021 Tox-Away Days

Hendricks Recycling District will host five Tox-Away Days in 2021.

All Household Hazardous Waste (chemicals, auto fluids, fluorescent bulbs, rechargeable batteries, pesticides, herbicides, etc.) is accepted from households free of charge. Fees are charged for the recycling of televisions, appliances and tires (over a certain number).

Only residents of Hendricks County are allowed to utilize the District’s Tox-Away Day events.

Tox-Away Days are open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The 2021 Tox-Away dates and locations are:

• Saturday, April 17, Brownsburg East Elementary School, 1250 Airport Rd., Brownsburg • Saturday, May 22, Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main, Danville. • Saturday, July 17, Hickory Elementary School, 907 Avon Ave., Avon. • Saturday, August 28, Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main, Danville. • Saturday, October 9, Plainfield Middle School, 985 Longfellow Ln., Plainfield. W

hen you arrive at a Tox-Away event, stay in your vehicle. Volunteers will unload everything for you.

Please remember that latex paint should not be brought to Tox-Away Day for disposal. Since it is water-based, it is safe to dispose of with normal household trash once it’s been solidified.

More information about the Tox-Away Day program, as well as an online recycling guide, is available by calling the District’s office at 317-858-6070 or by visiting recyclehendrickscounty.org.

HCHS Pet Food Pantry

Hendricks County Humane Society’s Pet Food Pantry is still operating. You don’t have to be an existing Pet Food Pantry recipient - just call 317-745-3338, answer some simple informational questions, and you can receive dog or cat food (& litter) as available. Arrangements will be made for pickup.

The HCHS Pet Food Pantry is part of the County Food Pantry Coalition, and also participates in three Gleaners Mobile FoodPantry distributions. For more information about the Hendricks County Humane Society, visit the website at hendrickshumane.org.

Women in Hendricks County History

Mary A. Soper, of Danville, and an old [Central Normal College] student, graduate from the Indianapolis Eclectic Medical College, February 8th, ’82, and is now practicing with Dr. Kendrick, 73 N.E. St. Indianapolis. She is the first lady, ever in attendance here, to take a medical course. The Normal, as a whole, says, may her success be great. The Republican, March 30, 1882

The first woman in Hendricks County to earn a medical degree was a practitioner of eclectic medicine, which made use of botanical remedies and physical therapy practices.

Mary Alice Soper was born on a farm near New Winchester and grew up on a farm two miles west of Danville, with her parents and her brothers, Fred and Clay.

She was educated in the Danville schools and enrolled in the Preparatory Class at Central Normal College in 1878. She graduated from the Indiana Eclectic Medical College in Indianapolis in 1882. She practiced with Dr. Kendrick for two years, but then gave up her chosen profession to assist her parents and brother, Fred, in the management of the family farm.

That she was the first woman doctor in the county should have been at least a footnote in its written history, but the biography of her brother, found in the 1914 history of Hendricks County, had only the following mention of his sister’s accomplishments:

“Miss Soper deals in White Leghorn chickens and the finest poultry farm and equipment in the Middle West. She is also a club woman, belonging to the Modern Priscilla and New Era clubs at Indianapolis, and to the Lawrence School Girls’ Club.”

While her accomplishment wasn’t recognized in that history, the Journal of the Indiana State Medical Association for Jan.-Dec. 1915, remembered her as a colleague:

“Mary A. Soper, M.D., of Danville, graduate of the Indiana Eclectic Medical College in 1882, died May 7, of diabetes.” She is buried in the New Winchester cemetery.

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Dr. Mary Smith, formerly a student here, and a recent graduate of Ann Arbor Medical College, paid her respects to her “Old Alma Mater’ last week. Dr. Mary expects to locate in Iowa and practice her profession. The Republican, November 27, 1884

“The world needs the woman doctor.” Dr. William Heath Byford’s belief that women would make successful physicians led him to establish what would become the Northwestern University Woman’s Medical School in 1879. The school lasted 10 years, graduating several hundred doctors, including two women from Hendricks County.

Mary Hadley Smith was born in Iowa in 1856. Her parents were William Brazelton Smith and Susannah Hadley Smith. The family moved to Indiana, where William died in 1861. Mary had five siblings and four half-siblings from her mother’s first marriage. In 1860, Susannah and Mary were living in Hadley, where Mary was teaching school.

To further her education, Mary enrolled in Central Normal College in 1878, graduating from the Special Science Class in 1879. She enrolled in Northwestern University Woman’s Medical school, graduating in 1882.

Mary was hired in the Department for Women at Indiana Central State Hospital for the Insane in 1889.

She was appointed Medical Intern at Willard Asylum for the Insane in New York in 1909, retiring from that facility in 1918.

She later moved to Long Beach California, where she died in 1941. She is buried in Hadley Friends cemetery.

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Maria Allen was born in 1846 on a farm near Fairfield. She received her early education at Fairfield Friends School and the Friends Academy in Spiceland.

For 20 years, she taught in the district schools of the area. Her brother and a cousin were doctors and at the age of 38, Maria enrolled in Northwestern University’s Woman’s Medical School, graduating in 1887. Two months after graduation, she married Joel Jessup, a widower and dairy farmer.

“Dr. Ria,” as she was called, had her office in their home in Friendswood. Her black buggy and horse was a familiar sight in the Fairfield and Friendswood area, day and night, as she visited the sick and delivered babies.

She was active in the Fairfield Friends Meeting, the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society, and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. In 1912, on the Prohibitionist ticket, she became the first woman in the county to run for the office of Coroner.

She practiced medicine in Hendricks, Morgan, and Marion counties for 30 years, retiring for health reasons in 1914.

She died in 1922 and buried in Fairfield Friends cemetery. In her obituary, she was described as “an exponent of the gospel of good cheer, a sympathetic and conscientious physician.”

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Senior Center Food Pantry

Hendricks County Senior Services offers a food pantry for Hendricks County seniors, including perishable, nonperishable, and hygiene products.

The food pantry is open by appointment. Please call 317-745-4303 to make an appointment to come to the food pantry.

Hendricks County Senior Services reserves the right to limit the number of visits.

Individuals must be 60 years old or older and a resident of Hendricks County, to use the food pantry.

Donations of non-perishble food items and are always needed, accepted, and appreciated. Call 317-745-4303 for more information.

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Loan Medical Equipment

Hendricks County Senior Services maintains a limited supply of medical equipment available for loan for residents of Hendricks County as part of the Danville Rotary Club Foundations, Inc’s Durable Medical Equipment Loan program.

Equipment is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no charge for borrowing the equipment.

Donations are graciously accepted to help offset the cost of maintaining the equipment.

We offer walkers, wheelchairs, rollators, and canes. Call the Senior Center for more information at 317-745-4303.

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