Voices

Exploring Hendricks County

By Jackie Horn

Arbuckle Acres: Oldie But Goodie

Crazy how one day we’re sledding on 8” of snow and less than two weeks later, we’ve chucked our coats and think spring has arrived. This past weekend spring teased us with some sunshine and warm temperatures and the parks were packed! John and I joined the throng and checked out Arbuckle Acres in Brownsburg.

Arbuckle Acres, the oldest park in Brownsburg, was established in 1958. Set on 52 acres, it offers something for everyone.

Two tennis/pickleball courts, a baseball diamond, two softball diamonds, and a youth baseball/softball field occupy the upper level/southeast side of the park. Two lighted basketball courts (also on the southeastern corner) mean the fun doesn’t have to stop at sunset.

Three playgrounds offer plenty of equipment for all ages. Younger patrons can enjoy the Tiny Tots playground area designed especially for children 2-5-years old and a storybook trail co-sponsored by Brownsburg Public Library featuring a different book every quarter.

Over a mile of paved trails circle the lower-level, wooded half of the property. Over 5,000 trees have been tagged and inventoried in the park to allow better maintenance and management of the woods. A brick pedestrian bridge crosses the White Lick Creek which winds through the park.

Being the first sunny, warm (the temperature was close to 60!) day in months, the paths were teeming with multi-generational families strolling, people and their 4-legged companions stretching their legs, skateboarding teenagers, and people of all ages on bicycles.

The presence of so many bikes made me curious. Where were they going? While 1.3 miles of path makes a nice walk, it’s a short bicycle trail. What I found was the trail has a spur connecting Arbuckle Acres to the Northridge neighborhood and from there to the recently completed Phase 1 of the White Lick Greenway. It permits bicycle and pedestrian travel from the park to the trailhead near the intersection of Green Street (SR 267) and I-74. Folks driving into town to use the trails can’t park at the Northridge entrance to Arbuckle Acres but patrons can park behind McAllister’s Deli off of West Northfield Drive.

John and I enjoyed our Sunday stroll. It was wonderful to be outside in the sunshine and to see people shaking off the winter, getting out and about, and taking advantage of the spring-like weather and Arbuckle Acres’ excellent facilities.

ASK MR. TRAFFIC

By Chet Skwarcan, PE, President/ Founder of Traffic Engineering, Inc. Chet@TrafficEngineering.com

You Can Get There From Here

It May Take Longer Before It Gets Faster

As an Indiana traffic engineer, we study traffic problems all throughout...wait for it... Indiana. And we have come to understand that each community has a different definition of what they consider a traffic “problem.” Fortunately, computer models are available to standardize traffic problems by converting intersection geometry and peak hour traffic volumes to a “level of service” rating (LOS).

The LOS represents vehicle delay — typically calculated during peak hour traffic conditions. The rating can be determined for each individual lane of traffic (including turn lanes) or, for the overall intersection. Ratings range from “A” to “F” where a level of service “D” is considered passing (just like school). And keep in mind, a level of service “F” does not always mean something must be done. For example, almost every driveway along almost every highway experiences a LOS of “F” (especially if you are trying to exit left onto the roadway during the peak hour).

The LOS of most intersections can be improved by adding turn lanes (or making turn lanes longer), adding a traffic signal (or adding turn arrows), or converting a traditional intersection to a roundabout. In some cases, the only way to improve the LOS is by adding through lanes. This level of improvement is identified in the community’s thoroughfare plan. Additional options may include new roadway corridors, perimeter roads, or modifying traffic patterns (e.g., 1-way vs 2-way, restricting certain turn movements, prohibiting trucks, etc.).

In general, traffic increases every year. It’s the cumulative result of increased development both near and far. It’s like what Benjamin Franklin said (or was it my uncle?), “Where you have a lot of cars, you have a lot of traffic.”

Remember, transportation planning is not a static task. Traffic growth and traffic patterns change and should be monitored to ensure transportation plans are not only doable but also, make sense. And although the best time to plan for traffic growth may have been ten years ago — the second best time is today.

Uncle Tim

By Noel Gatlin

The World War ll Veterans are all but gone now. What a loss of the stories of days gone by. What was it like during those years? My Dad never talked about war days, but my Uncle Tim did. He had dropped out of High School and joined the Army. He was stationed in Germany and was a Military Policeman as well as a truck driver, driving right up to the fighting lines. He used to say, “Them Germans shot at me but they never hit me.” His son said he did not think Uncle Tim was ever shot at so he might have embellished the story a bit. He was a small man only standing about 5 ft. 2 in. and I would say “Well. Uncle Tim, you were such a small target. LOL.

After Germany surrendered, he was sent to Seattle, Washington and was told he would go to the Pacific War but it ended too. When he was discharged in Seattle, his cousin Bob Watson, talked him in to going to work for his dad, Uncle Tom Watson, on the ranch. Uncle Tim lasted until that first winter where it got down to 50 below zero. He said, “Man, I’m going back to Indiana before I freeze to death.” He left a broken-hearted little red head one day and started hitch hiking back to Indiana. She wanted to come too, but he slipped out when she wasn’t looking. Our Cousin Chuck who lives in Hobson Montana, said he knew her and she really was broken hearted.

Uncle Tim came back to Indiana and eventually married my Aunt Emma Lou who was a wonderful woman. Now, it was hard to buy a new car back then. The war had left a big shortage of cars. Uncle Tim had signed up on the waiting list in Hodson, Montana before leaving and it was now a year later and he received word that his name had been drawn. He talked his mother-in-law in to fronting him the money, took a train back to Montana, bought the car and drove it home and sold it. He said he had to avoid the red head while he was in Montana. LOL. He sold the car in Indiana and made enough money to buy a truck and start his own business, “The Tim Rader Trucking Company.”

He passed away a couple of years ago and I sure miss him. He was 96 years old and had such a good outlook on life. He was a character and always made us laugh. We salute you, Sargent Tim Rader, for your service to your country.

Women’s History Month

The Republican’s intern, Elshadai Abbera marked Women’s History Month by compiling a quiz and asking students at Avon High School what the observance means to them.

Powerful women in history quiz:

1. Who was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on the bus for a white citizen when she had already been sitting in the “blacks only” section of the bus, subsequently sparking a wave of protests?

2. Who was the female English novelist most known for writing the novels “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma” which surrounded around feminism in the late 1700’s?

3. Who was the first ever actress to win an Oscar?

4. Who was the first female supreme court justice?

5. Who was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean?

6. Who wrote the memoir “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” which made literary history as the first nonfiction best-seller by an African American woman?

7. Who was “The Virgin Queen” known for choosing to marry her country rather than a man?

8. Who was known for giving passionate speeches about women’s rights and universal suffrage during the civil rights movement, one known as “Ain’t I a Woman?”

9. Who spoke publicly on women’s rights to education at the age of 15 and subsequently got shot by a gunman from the Taliban?

10. Who was the last Pharaoh of Egypt and not only known for her love affairs with Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony yet also for her superior intelligence and knack for leadership?

Answers: 1. Rosa Parks; 2. Jane Austen; 3. Janet Gaynor; 4. Sandra Day O’Connor; 5. Amelia Earhart; 6. Maya Angelou; 7. Queen Elizabeth I; 8. Sojourner Truth; 9. Malala Yousafzai; 10. Cleopatra.

What does International Women’s History Month mean to you?

“I think it’s something to be proud of because women have come a long way and it makes me proud to be a woman because women are kind of the best.” - Maya Votapeck

“Woman’s history month means people should remember the strong women of our past and celebrate them.” - Alia Embry

“To me it’s a celebration of women who were firsts in history. The ones who pushed the boundaries and status quo in order to open more doors for women.” - Jaila Wright

“It’s a month to celebrate the accomplishments and positive changes that women have made over the years! Also, a great time to learn about history and to become empowered to work towards more equality in the workforce and in general.” - Marly Palanca

“Celebrating the long way we’ve come, even if not perfect, from struggles and prejudices we have overcome.” - Skylar Jakresky

“When I think of women’s history month, I think of the struggles that women have gone through in order to achieve equality and justice. It’s important to reflect on these moments in history and recognize the people who strived for a better world where women have equal opportunities.” - Dana Peng

“Women’s history month is a time when we recognize the women who stood up for themselves in history. It’s a time that represents how women should be proud for who they are.” - Brittany Crabtree

“Women’s history month is a time to celebrate all the progress and achievements women have made! Women have come so far and I’m glad we have this month to remember the women who came before us and shaped our history!” - Halima Alloosh

“I think it’s wonderful that people have decided to dedicate a month to women but personally I feel like women should be uplifted and celebrated all year.” - Alexa Margolius

First Woman You Think to Celebrate During Women’s History Month?

“I would choose Taylor Swift because I love her, and her music was life changing for me.” - Brooke Pelkey

“Harriet Tubman because she was so brave and saved a lot of lives!” - Salma Chemmaoui

“Maya Angelou! She was so amazing at capturing the experience of being a woman.” - Katherine Langford

“Michelle Obama because she’s cool and extremely influential and smart.” - Drake Kincaid

“Black Widow, or Natasha Romanova, because she is one of the first female avengers and I love her.” - Gracie Breuer

“I don’t necessarily have a first woman that comes to mind. I’d say the prominent female figures in my life.” - Joseph

“Stacy Abrams because she’s helping America get closer to a democracy one step at a time!” - Shai Bardin

“Wanda Maximoff, Leia Organa, and Ellen Ripley have been my go-to answers for years.” - Matthew Barton “Kari Faux because she’s a queen.” - Gavin York “Diana Prince (Wonder Woman).” - Clay Peters “Every woman ever because women are great.” - Megan Williams

Cool Season, Warm Season Seed Starting Tips

By Colletta Kosiba

Hendricks CountyMaster Gardener

Cool weather vegetables grow best when daily temperatures reach only 55 to 75 degrees. They grow and mature when temps are lower, a lite frost doesn’t harm them. When it gets warmer these veggies will bolt and produce seeds. (Now you know why the lettuce you planted in July did not do well). Cool weather veggies are broccoli, cabbage, green onions, scallions, kale, peas, radishes, lettuce, spinach, beets and carrots, you can plant these out in garden at least by end of march (depending on this year’s weather) Some plants are best sow in garden: some are best planted as transplants,

Warm-season veggies require both warm soil and high temperatures to produce crops. Don’t plant them until after the last frost May 10th. Note: soil must be warm Common warm-season vegetables: beans, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, squash, potatoes, tomatoes and melons.

You might want to give starting a few a try.

Read seed package- read when it can be planted outdoors-then start seeds 4-5 weeks before that date

Use good potting soil: any container-but must be at least 2-3” deep and have some drainage holes: yogurt cups, milk cartons or paper cups or purchase biodegradable pots that will break down in the soil. Cardboard toilet paper tubes make little seed starter pots, make a few small cuts at one end and fold the resulting flaps in to make a bottom. Now add soil and plant the seeds. When seedlings are ready; plant in garden- the cardboard tube and all.

Seed-starting happens in two stages: germination and growing.

Germination is the sprouting stage, when the root starts and leaves come up. You won’t need light because it occurs under the soil, but you need warmth, keep away from windows- some folks use plastic wrap over containers until seed sprouts to keep in the warmth and humidity. Remove the cover, when seeds sprout. Once green sprouts about half an inch tall, make sure the seedlings have light. Ten to twelve hours a day- the books say- florescent or grow lights are recommended.

The secret to successful seed-starting: check the seeds/ plants daily, they are babies. Overwatering is the most common cause of seedling failure. Note: read the seed package.

It’s an adventure to start seeds indoors. A laundry room would work if you are messy like me. A green house would be divine. We will talk later how to ”harden the plants off” for their move to the great outdoors.

“My wife’s a water sign. I’m an earth sign. Together we make mud.” Rodney Dangerfield

Women in Hendricks County History

Ora Adams didn’t set out to be president of one of the most popular independent colleges in Indiana.

She moved to Danville in 1878 with her husband, Franklin P. Adams, who was a member of the faculty of Central Normal College. The couple was part of the removal of the college from Ladoga. When the school’s founder, William F. Harper, mysteriously disappeared later

ORA ADAMS JOSEPH

that year, the faculty asked Franklin Adams to take over the running of the institution.

In the following year, Ora and Franklin experienced the lost of their infant daughter, Nona, who was buried in the cemetery adjacent to the college. Still in mourning for her child, Ora became the “first lady” of Central Normal, working with her husband and being a source of encouragement to the students.

Under their charge, enrollment grew, new faculty hired, and curriculum expanded. Then, on November 25, 1882, Franklin Adams died at the age of 30.

At that time, without a will, a wife was only entitled to one-third of her husband’s estate. As part of the estate, Central Normal would be sold, but faculty members petitioned the court to postpone such a sale and allow Ora Adams to take her husband’s position as president.

With John A. Steele, who had been recruited by Prof. Adams, serving as vice president, Ora Adam became the college’s president.

A. Kate Huron, one of the CNC faculty since it started at Ladoga, wrote, “There was misgiving in the minds of some of our friends, lest we would not command public confidence if our catalogue went forth with a woman’s name as the head. When those to whom the name was so dear sent letters of thankfulness that there had been so little change made in the names of the faculty, and when through this loyalty, the school was recommend to others so that there was no decrease in the attendance, then these of our friends who could show appreciation only by predicting failure, became silent and the permanency of the Central Normal College became an acknowledged fact.”

The college continued to grow. In few years, Prof. Steele became ill with tuberculosis and Ora Adams cared for him in the cottage she had built on a lot her husband had purchased across the street from the college. Steele died there in 1885.

Despite what must have seemed like a string of tragedies, Ora Adams continued to run the college, from recruiting students to expanding the level of education, including a preparatory course in medicine.

In 1889, Ora Adams married James A. Joseph, a onetime student and graduate of Central Normal. Wanting to focus on her remaining daughter, Effie, she turned the presidency over to Charles A. Hargrave and appointed her new husband as the secretary-treasurer. In 1890, James A. Joseph took over as president of Central Normal. Ora Joseph continued to provide guidance and was involved in campus and community activities.

In 1900, the Josephs decided to offer the college for sale. A stock company of 80 local citizens was formed an purchased Central Normal, to be under control of a board of trustees.

The Josephs moved to Kansas City, Missouri. James died in 1918 and Ora died in 1926.

While Ora Adams was happy with her role as wife and mother, she didn’t hesitate to take on the duties of a college president.

In 2009, because of Ora Adam’s unique roll in education in Indiana, her cottage, built in 1883, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A Bark From the Past: Henry

[Editor’s Note: The Republican’s first four-footed correspondent was Henry, a mixed breed rescue dog, who made observations about small town life from a dog’s point of view. This column was originally appeared March 29, 2007.

My humans are still growling about saving daylight, like their alpha, Mitch, told them to, but I don’t know why. On dark, cloudy days, it would be nice to have a big jar of daylight to open in the house. Maybe they don’t have enough space to save much, but then, I’m not sure how much room daylight takes up. Don’t tell anybody, but I saved some myself.

On a sunny day last week, my humans let me out in the yard. I didn’t know how much to try to save at first, so I just sat in the sun with my mouth open until my tongue felt warm. When I had a big mouthful of daylight, I shut my jaws faster than Farfel ever could. I had to carry it around for a while, but when it was dark and I opened by mouth to let the light out, nothing happened. I guess I must have swallowed it. So, I thought of a better plan.

The next day, I found a spot of sunlight in the yard and I dug a hole right there. I let the hole fill up with light and covered it over. I can hardly wait till the next gloomy day, so I can dig up that daylight and let it run out all over the yard! It’ll be great! No, I don’t know why some folks don’t want to save a little daylight. I think it’s one of the best ideas humans have ever had!

Thought for the Day

“It’s not what you don’t know that hurts you – it’s what you do know that ain’t right.” – Ambrose Bierce.

Our Readers Write

My first memory of Easter was when I was about 5½. My grandfather made a nest in the back yard for the Easter Bunny to leave eggs. I had to stay in the house until they told me I could go out. The Easter Bunny would not leave any eggs if he saw me. I had a little basket to put the eggs in. I had a baby sister who was a year and half old. My grandparents said I must share with her. So I shared and what did she do but drop the eggs on the floor and of course they cracked. Why should I share with her when she was dropping the eggs? I got highly indignant and made it known I didn’t want to share with her. I had to go in time out until I settled down.

Another memory - I had a home daycare and every year I would help the kids dye Easter Eggs. The dye was a tablet that I put in a little cup and then added vinegar. One of the children was just 2 years old and we put him in a high chair where he could watch. I must have dropped one of the tablets on the floor. One of the children picked it up and while I was busy with the other children gave it to the baby who put it in his mouth. Unfortunately the tablet was red. When I turned around I thought the baby’s mouth was bleeding. I wiped his mouth to see where the bleeding was coming from and there was still a piece of the tablet which fell out. What a relief.

Bee Jones Brownsburg

A Squirrel About Town

By Archy

Spring got Archy thinking of the activities on the court house lawn in the spring.

I pictured young boys in knickers frolicking on the lawn.

“Of course, there were some minor injuries,” Archy recalled. “The more prudent youth would practice down by the creek and land in the sand.” “Sounds like fun,” I thought out loud. “Quite so,” the squirrel said. “Sometimes young squirrels would come down from trees and show them backflips and aeriel ballet moves. A shame someone doesn’t revive the custom today. It could be quite the circus.”

Calliope music started playing iny head. “Maybe so,” I said.