Hendricks County

Pittsboro Local & Social

What a gorgeous first Monday of Spring!

I had the joy of attending the play “Clue” at Tri- West on Sunday, March 21st. What a performance it was! Everyone was so good in their roles and it was evident that all who were involved in this production worked extremely hard. Thank you all very much. _____

The Pittsboro United Methodist Pre-School is enrolling for the new school year. Please call them at 317-892-4439 or email at pumcpreschool@ indy.rr.com for more information.

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Applications for the Pittsboro Farmers Market can be obtained from the Town of Pittsboro. Please call 317-892-3326 or go to the Town of Pittsboro website: Townofpittsboro.org

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Thank you to the community members who donated to the recent “Dollars for Scholars” telephone campaign conducted by Tri- West Schools.

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And an OOPS! On my part. I recently stated that the next Blood Drive at Pittsboro Christian Church is May 16th. That is incorrect. The correct date is Monday, May 3, from 3-7 p.m..

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Enjoy this wonderful weather and as always, IT IS A GREAT DAY IN IN- DIANA (and Hnedricks County.)

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Pittsboro HS Alumni Banquet Cancelled

So many of us look forward each year to gathering and reacquainting with old classmates and friends at the PHS Alumni Association Banquets. However, even though there are signs of progress in our fight against Covid-19, out of concern for the health and safety of our members, this year’s Pittsboro High School Alumni Banquet is cancelled.

Our current plan is to hold our next banquet on Saturday, May 7, 2022 in the Pittsboro Elementary School gymnasium. As a result of this second rescheduling, we will be honoring three 50-year reunion classes when we meet again! Special recognition will be given to member of the classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972! We appreciate your understanding.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ken Carter (carterkw@sbcglobal.net). Hope to see you all at the banquet next year, on Saturday, May 7, 2022

Please note: If you have not received an email or general mailing about this cancellation, we may not have your current addresses. Please help us by contacting us with up-to-date information. Thank you!

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NWH Breaks Ground on $40 Million Project

Members of North West Hendricks Schools administration and Tecton representatives celebrate groundbreaking.

By Melissa Gibson

Friday evening, administration and representatives from Tecton Construction Management gathered to celebrate the first major renovation plan the corporation has seen in more than a decade and the official groundbreaking of a $40 million dollar project.

As of April 5, phase one of the project will be underway, including new security entrances at Pittsboro Elementary, North Salem Elementary and Tri-West Middle School. The Tri-West High School athletic fields will also receive a major renovation.

“We’re putting in an eight-lane track, a new turf football field, all new lights and a new scoreboard,” said Superintendent Scott Syverson. “And that’s just the beginning.”

In addition to the field renovations, restrooms, concession stands and ticket booths will also see a major overhaul.

The new athletic facilities bring more than just a nice look to the property.

“Extra curriculars are a huge part of high school career and life,” Syverson said. “There’s a lot to be learned from

team sports, athletics often builds those soft skills that employers look for. They’re looking for people who know how to collaborate well with others and more.”

The remaining areas of phase one include a new roof for North Salem Elementary, new classroom construction at both elementary schools and an upgraded transportation center.

While the corporation is excited to see improvements on the physical campus, they’re working hard at improving academically as well.

The new three-year strategic plan will be approved and ready to implement for the 2021-22 school year. Syverson said several curriculum upgrades would be ready for the fall, including an agricultural program through Future Farmers of America (FFA).

North Salem Elementary was awarded as a Blue Ribbon School in 2020. One of six Blue Ribbon Elementary Schools in the state, they were recognized for high performance and improved student achievement.

For more information regarding phase one of the project, visit https://www.hendricks.k12.in.us/ and click on Corp. Construction Plan.

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Avon HS Orchestra Chamber Wins Heart of the Arts Award

– The Avon High School (AHS) Chamber Players are the section 4 recipients of the 2021 Heart of the Arts Award from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). This prestigious award recognizes individuals and ensembles exemplifying “the ideals of the positive heart of the arts and represent the core mission of education-based activities” according to NFHS.

The Chamber Players—an extension of the AHS Orchestra—formed not long before COVID-19 forced Avon Schools to transition to e-learning for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. Through an unconventional partnership with Life’s Journey, an Avon hospice, the Chamber Players began a “Patio Recital Series” in the courtyard on Fridays.

“I had the opportunity to experience a Friday evening concert,” says Superintendent Dr. Scott Wyndham, “and I was unprepared for both the beauty of the music and for the deep connection between the players and the hospice patients. It was extraordinary. I’m glad I was there to witness it.”

While artists remained socially distant from residents, they did make an extra effort to include patients who were unable to leave their rooms. They walked around the facility to play outside windows and patio doors, bringing a few minutes of peace and comfort to patients who were in the final days of their lives.

“I can’t think of a State Championship or performance honor that would mean as much as seeing our students recognized for doing some good in our community through music,” says AHS Orchestra Director and founder Dean Westman. While he was involved in the patio recital series, he credits the students with leading the initiative. “I’ve never been so proud to be the Founder and Director of the Avon Orchestra.”

The mission of the Orchestra complements AHS’s overarching aims: Inspired Students. Engaged Learners. Empowered Citizens.

Principal Matt Shockley says, “Our students are amazing! The initiative and heart of our orchestra students are shining examples of living our school mission.” Noting the Orchestra’s multiple State Championships, Mr. Shockley continues by stating that the true purpose of the program “is still grounded in respect for others, humility, exceeding expectations, and being good role models.”

The Avon Community Schools Orchestra Program was founded in 2007. The program started with 35 beginning orchestra students and now involves over 600 orchestra students in grades six through 12 with five full-time orchestra directors. The program aims to provide positively lifechanging experiences for its members and aims to use music as a vehicle to empower students.

Students experience sequential string instruction in grades six through 12, with the high school program offering audition-based ensembles. The Avon Community Schools Orchestra Program has frequently been recognized as one of the nation’s top orchestra programs.

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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Receives Award for Excellence

Ke’Tre Dickens, a member of the Colgate University Class of 2024, in Hamilton, N.Y., has earned the fall 2020 Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence.

Dickens is a Physical Science major and a graduate of Avon High School.

Students who receive a term grade point average of 3.3 or higher while completing at least three courses earn the fall 2020 Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence.

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Libraries Assist with Vaccine Registration

Hendricks County libraries are partnering with the Hendricks County Health Department to assist with scheduling and registering eligible people for the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, individuals 65 and older are eligible to sign up and register for the vaccine at any location in the state of Indiana.

In order to sign up for the vaccine, individuals may go online to www.ourshot.in.gov or call 211 for assistance. Both the website and 211 have been experiencing high traffic and wait times can be lengthy, which is where Hendricks County libraries come in to assist.

Anyone who needs assistance with scheduling and registering for their COVID-19 vaccine can contact any of the following Hendricks County libraries for assistance:

▪ Avon: In Person Only

▪ Brownsburg: 317- 852-3167

▪ Clayton: 37-539-2991

▪ Coatesville: 765-386- 2355

▪ Danville: 317-745- 2604

▪ Plainfield: 317-839- 6602

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North Salem Local & Social

Good to have Joyce Wathen stop by. She keeps busy with Wathen Insurance.

Received call from Missy Raymond in Georgia. Missy loved it here at North Salem and misses all the people. She said to tell all of them “hello” from her. _____

Sorry to report the passing of Marshall Johnston on March 12. Marshall and Sonny were such a nice couple. Private services were held. Our sympathy to all - children Brett and daughter Marchel, and grandchildren.

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Learned our Steve Hubbard had a stroke while on vacation in Georgia. He is still hospitalized there, with wife Neena. They are a special couple to so many. Our prayers for all.

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Sorry to report the friend of Gene McCullough whom he had taken a pineapple upside-down cake to last week passed away this Tuesday. His ame was Dan Stanley of Mooresville. Gene also lost another friend, Rob Wagner. Sorry Gene.

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North Salem is growing with new businesses. The new Dollar General is very nice. They have everything, very nice employees, and is neat and clean. Good to just go up and shop around.

A new restaurant is opening soon in North Salem. Have good reports on their food service. Looking forward to that.

The Come Hang Out Store is so blessed with extraa nice clothes and other merchandise. Do drop in and shop around. They just about anything you need.

The Garden Gate is a #1 store. Teri and her Doc will be happy to see you drop in. Again, it would be hard to not find what you like, and her fresh flower arrangements are beautiful. She also has other arrangments, jewelry, special decor pieces and more.

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Birthdays: Don’t forget a card or call is always welcome. Apr. 1 - Jo Ellen Beeson Apr. 4 - Phyllis Pearcy (won’t tell it’s her Big 78th - I didn’t do it?)

Apr. 4 - Phyllis Campbell in Heaven

Apr. 5 - Tyler Basham, Big 21st.

Apr. 12 - Robb Deaffenbaugh (58?)

Apr. 17 - Wayne Baker, 47th

Apr. 18 Doug Frazier Jr., 10th.

Apr. 27 - Zoey Basham, 20th birthday

Apr. 28 - Nibbles Hardman, 21st birthday. Other notices: Saab at North Salem Food Plaza - 5 years on Apr. 1.

Apr. 23 - Linda & Riley Channey’s 38th Annivesary.

Apr. 24 - Should be good day to find mushrooms.

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Don’t forget the Spud Dinner drive-thru at North Salem Christian Church on April 24th, 5-7 p.m. Always real good.

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LINK Public Transit Service

LINK Hendricks County provides public transit service to persons of any age (including wheelchair transport, portable oxygen, attendants, and service animals).

Services are available to anyone needing a ride within Hendricks County. Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. If your child falls under the Indiana Child Seat Law you must provide a state approved car seat.

LINK service is scheduled on a first come, first served basis, so riders are encouraged to call as soon as possible, up to three (3) months in advance.

Curb to curb transportation is available Monday through Friday, during the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Service is not available on holidaysor when inclement weather prohibits safe boarding and/or travel.

This is a fee-based service, $6 round trip within a town; $8 round trip within the county. The service is scheduled by calling LINK at 317-718-4474 and requesting LINK transportation.

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Transportation For Seniors

Hendricks County Senior Services provides transportation services to anyone, 60 or older, needing a ride within Hendricks County. Transportation is provided for daily necessities, like medical appointments, grocery shopping, legal, social service, financial business, nutrition sites, and other life-essential service destinations. This service is provided on a donation basis.

Transportation services are provided by properly licensed staff who receive regular appropriate training. We are committed to the safe operation and maintenance of our vehicles, including the safe boarding and unloading of passengers.

Appointments are made on a first come/first servedbasis for door-to-door transportation (including wheelchair transport, portable oxygen, attendants, and service animals) for destinations in Hendricks County.

Transportation is available five days a week during office hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Service is not available on holidays or when weather is inclement.

To make an appointment call 317-718-4474. It is suggested that you call as far in advance as possible. __________

Rusted Silo Weathers Theft, Fire, Pandemic

By Melissa Gibson

As owner of Rusted Silo, a southern barbecue and brew house in Lizton, Rob Ecker has had a few years of ups and downs but is now celebrating the grand reopening of the popular BBQ restaurant.

Rob and Tina Ecker are theowners of Rusted Silo.

Ecker originally opened Rusted Silo in April of 2018 to “a lot of anticipation and support” and a year of building their family-owned business.

“It was great – we have a really good, loyal,family-based restaurant – they’re all family to us,” Ecker said.

In the fall of 2019, the business was broken into and equipment was vandalized. Ecker offered a reward - free BBQ for life if the criminals were caught, but no one has yet been charged with the crime. Then 2020 hit. The pandemic caused the business to shut down last spring and Ecker says they quickly became a general store of sorts.

“We called them ‘virtual cookouts’ and put together meal kits for families to take home and cook themselves. We were able to react quickly and we survived the shutdown very well. We were on track to have our best year yet,” Ecker said.

In Oct. 2020 another blow to the business caused a second shut down. During a severe storm, a lightening strike or power surge caused a large fire. They were out of business again for nearly four months.

“The community was phenomenal; everyone was asking how they could help. We had plumbers, electricians and others offering up their services to get up back up and moving as quickly as possible. Everyone here is family and that’s what you do for your family,” Ecker said.

Finally, after several long months of renovations and repair, Rusted Silo opened for business a second time on Feb. 15.

“We can’t say thank you enough to everyone that’s coming out to support us. It’s not a flash in the pan,” Ecker said. “It’s day in and day out. It’s heartwarming and the reception has been fantastic. Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen people from Irvington, Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville and Greenfield come out to try our food. We’re honored to be able to serve folks and it’s really humbling.”

Ecker is a classically trained chef and has worked in hospitality his entire life. He and his wife had a small BBQ catering business in Kentucky and after taking a job with Amazon as a regional manager, they moved to Indiana.

Though he enjoyed the job, the couple always knew they wanted to one day own a restaurant and Ecker found the perfect place in an old liquor store in Lizton.

“I would drive by here on my way to Whitestown in the morning and the building was sitting empty. I knew I wanted our place to be there and we were able to work out a deal and purchase it,” Ecker said. “We bought an old barn and took it down piece by piece and used the material to decorate the inside of the restaurant. We found interesting artifacts in that old barn and turned it into décor in the silo. Old licenses and farm equipment… we wanted you to feel like you’ve walked into a different time – to get away and not worry about what’s going on in the world.”

The environment and friendly home atmosphere is one of several reasons customers return.

Ecker said their top complaint is the small restaurant only offers 30 seats, but it’s done that way on purpose.

“Nothing says good food has to be in a big place,” Ecker said. “We serve our soft drinks in glass bottles and it’s funny to hear groups of people come in and talk about paying a nickel for a coke. They can sit here and reminisce and talk about when they were kids. We focus on the food, the atmosphere, environment and hospitality. It’s part of the draw.”

There’s passion and love put in the cooking. Ecker and his team start the beef brisket and pork butt in the smoker a day before it’s served. Ribs, chicken and other meats are cooked fresh each day.

There have been instances when a product has sold out by 6 p.m. and given the time and precision it takes to be the best BBQ in Indianapolis according to the Indy Star customer poll and winners of best caterer and takeout categories, if a customer wants it, they need to get there early. Once they’re sold out, it’s out till tomorrow.

Ecker’s favorite story is about a man who walked in on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s carb day in 2019. Wearing a nice pair of pants, polo shirt and deck shoes he told Ecker he just got off of a plane from San Diego and the man sitting next to him on the flight would not shut up about the Rusted Silo. He said, ‘I had to come check it out, so you’d better be good.’

“We’re not fancy,” Ecker said. “We’re just good and we can back it up.”

The Rusted Silo is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday – Saturday at 411 N. State Street, Lizton. For more information, visit https://rustedsilobrewhouse.com.

Find a variety of BBQ specialties and home-cooked meals at Rusted Silo.

Tri-West Scholarship

The Jackie & Larry Sparks Memorial Scholarship opened March 1, 2021.

Tri-West High School Alumni seeking an undergraduate degree who will complete at least one year of post-secondary schooling by June 1, 2021 are eligible to apply. Up to two scholarships will be awarded this summer.

This is a three-year renewable scholarship, increasingin amount each year. Applications are due May 31, 2021.

To apply, go to Tri-West. DollarsforScholars.org.

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Hendricks County Senior Center Canned Food Drive

Donate three or more items and receive a coupon. Donations needed are canned meals, soups, canned meats, paper goods and wipes. Donations can be dropped off Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Phoenix Pest Control at 271 South Cross Street, Unit A in Danville. Donations accepted through March. 317-563-3273

Rescued & Restored: DAR Hears of Buildings Saved from Wrecking Ball by Indiana Landmarks

The Oasis Diner was manufactured in New Jersey in 1954. The steel and aluminum buildiing arrived on the east side of Plainfield, ready to placed on a foundation and opened for business. The mid-century landmark eventually closed and sat unused for many years. Thanks to efforts by Indiana Landmarks, the building was moved to a new location on the west side of town, where it is once again a favorite dining spot for Plainfield residents and the surrounding area.

Suzanne Stanis, Director of Heritage Education, Indiana Landmarks was the guest speaker at the recent meeting of Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). Stanis gave an overview of several buildings that have been spared from the wrecking ball by Indiana Landmarks.

SUZANNE STANIS

Founded in 1960 by a group of concerned volunteer citizens, Indiana Landmarks is the largest private organization of its type in the country. The organization owns and restores historic and endangered buildings. In addition to their state headquarters in Indianapolis, there are 8 regional offices throughout Indiana; South Bend, Gary, New Albany, Aurora, Evansville, Cambridge City, Wabash and Terre Haute.

Stanis noted that the organization takes a village of philanthropist advocates of a strong grassroots network of passionate donors who support their mission to revitalize areas. Advocacy is a critical tool in saving, preserving and building awareness about historic preservation of neglected, forgotten and problem properties. Every donation helps to save historic properties, revitalize communities, reconnect to heritage and save meaningful places. Preservation also creates jobs, adds to the tax base and saves waste from landfills.

The first project of the organization was the Morris-Butler House in Indianapolis which was restored and opened in 1969 and later became the first headquarters of Indiana Landmarks. Stanis noted this transformation helped strengthen the neighborhood. In 2010, the renovated Central Avenue United Methodist Church became the second headquarters. These two buildings were in close proximity to one another and is now a campus that hosts events of all sizes.

One landmark, many may be familiar with is the L.S. Ayres clock at the corner of Meridian and Washington Streets in Indianapolis. L.S. Ayres closed in 1992 and the city owns the building. In 2016, Indiana Landmarks was asked to restore the clock to working order. Their goal was to raise $20,000 and they raised $70,000 from donations from all across the United States. When work actually began on the repairs it was soon realized the clock needed much more work than originally anticipated. The restoration was successfully completed along with a maintenance endowment fund and the cherub now appears just like clockwork every Thanksgiving Eve.

Another restoration Stanis highlighted was the Beech Settlement in Rush County. Built and formed in 1832, the Beech Settlement was one of the first African Episcopal Churches. Friends and family gathered yearly for a reunion. Major contributions allowed restoration of the building to be restored. She said a growing number of houses of worship become endangered because congregations dwindle. One being the Jewish Synagogue in South Bend. The city donated the building to Indiana Landmarks, which just happened to be 80 feet from left field of the city’s minor league ball team. It is now the Team Store.

Another grand slam was the old Busch Stadium; the former home to the Indianapolis Indians. When Victory Field was built, it left Busch Stadium without a purpose. After learning the stadium was being used as a holding place for the Cash for Clunkers program, Indiana Landmarks partnered with a developer and it is believed to be the only stadium converted to apartments. This project created interest and new buildings in the area.

With the growth of multi-movie screen theaters, the smaller theaters were put out of business. In Fowler, Indiana the theater was saved with a $30,000 loan to the Prairie Preservation Guild. A group of approximately 300 volunteers did a lot of the “dirty work” and continue to

volunteer at the theater, selling tickets and maintaining the building.

When the luxurious Hotel LaFontaine in Huntington County, Indiana where the likes of Amelia Earhart, Henry Ford, Carol Lombard and John Dillinger stayed, fell into disrepair, a $2.5 million HUD loan was obtained by the Huntington Alert group and approved for senior housing. When the building reopened, many of the former employees that worked at Hotel LaFontaine became residents.

When Evansville’s Greyhound Bus Terminal, which opened in 1939 and closed in 2007, was donated to Indiana Landmarks in 2013 with $250,000, the entire area was revitalized by the organization. The building now houses Bru Burgers with the surrounding area redeveloped into multi-billion-dollar mixed use sites.

The Eagle Cotton Mill in Madison, built in 1884 was one of the largest factories west of the Alleghenies. When the factory ceased operation in 1930, followed by a variety of other ventures, the building had been vacant for nearly 45 years when Indiana Landmarks granted a $100,000 loan to partner with developers to convert the structure to affordable housing.

Stanis said it is very rare Indiana Landmarks makes any money selling property. They do, however, buy vacant homes. Between 1965 and 1980, 43 houses in Lockerbie Square were purchased to restore the neighborhood.

Closer to Hendricks County, residents will recall the moving and restoration of the Oasis Diner to Plainfield. Indiana Landmarks purchased the dilapidated diner, sold it for $1.00 and obtained a grant to move it to Plainfield where new owners Doug Huff and Don Rector restored the diner.

Stanis said there is a saying they use; the larger the building, the longer the vacancy, the smaller the town, the greater the revitalization challenge is.” Nothing was truer with what she called the save of the century; saving and the restoration of the West Baden Hotel in French Lick. With a population of 676 in West Baden and 2,000 in French Lick, the Hotel had been left neglected and in disrepair for several years. After an exterior wall collapsed in 1991, without owning the property, Indiana Landmark invested in supports to stabilize the structure, then bought the structure with an agreement with the Cook Family to develop it. The Hotel has been restored to the 8th Wonder of the World and it combined with the Casino, the Golf Club and French Lick Hotel employs 1800 people.

To celebrate Indiana Landmarks’ 60th anniversary, they have compiled a new book. Rescued & Restored features over 50 historic places across Indiana snatched from the wrecking ball or lifted from decades of neglect and restored with help from Indiana Landmarks. Dramatic before-and-after photographs and inspirational comeback stories show the remarkable turnaround of endangered places as diverse as Plainfield’s Oasis Diner to the West Baden Springs Hotel which rose from a ruinous collapse to fairy-tale castle, lifting an entire regional economy.

Suzanne Stanis is the Director of Heritage Education for Indiana Landmarks. She has a bachelor’s degree from Hanover College and a Master of Library Science from Indiana University. Suzanne is the creator of continuing education courses, workshops, and children’s camps. She also supervises Indiana Landmarks’ heritage tourism divisions in Indianapolis, French Lick and West Baden Springs, and Samara, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house in West Lafayette. During her 30-plus years with Indiana Landmarks, she has researched and nominated over fifteen buildings and neighborhoods to the National Register of Historic Places. As librarian for the organization, Suzanne regularly assists people researching and restoring historic houses.

To learn more about Indiana Landmarks visit indianalandmarks.org

To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org or visit Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter website at http://wapekeway.wixsite.com/wapekeway

Grants Awarded for Summer Remedial Programs

Two local school corporations will receive funds for summer remedial learning programs through a grant initiative by Duke Energy.

The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded $311,246 in grants to 22 different K-12 education programs in 15 Indiana counties for 2021. The grants support summer reading programs, energy, engineering and environmental education programs, and programs that support under-represented, low-income or diverse audiences.

“We all know many students missed out on several learning opportunities last year,” said Stan Pinegar, Duke Energy state president for Indiana. “I am proud that we are able to offer these grants to students in communities throughout our service territory with the hope of helping those students catch up, restore their passion for learning and encourage them to meet and exceed their educational goals.”

The Foundation makes these grants available through the company’s “Powerful Communities” program, which helps power the lives of customers and the vitality of communities through charitable giving.

In Hendricks County, the following grants were awarded:

▪ Danville Community School Corporation - “Warrior Whiz” summer educational remediation program, $11,506

▪ Plainfield Community Schools - Summer reading camp to improve reading and math skills, $10,000

▪ The Imagination Lab (Plainfield Community Schools) - One-day intensive summer Odyssey for Plainfield elementary students, $10,000. ______________________________________________

Rock Steady Boxing Raises Awareness of Parkinson’s With “Month to Move”

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates there are more than 1 million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and more than 60,000 people are diagnosed each year. Rock Steady Boxing is the first gym in the country dedicated to the fight against Parkinson’s.

In our gym, exercises are largely adapted from boxing drills. Boxers condition for optimal agility, speed, muscular endurance, accuracy, hand-eye coordination, footwork and overall strength to defend against and overcome opponents. At RSB, Parkinson’s disease is the opponent. Exercises vary in purpose and form but share one common trait: they are rigorous and intended to extend the perceived capabilities of the participant.

Rock Steady Boxing of Brownsburg’s Month to Move is an inagural event designed to engage the community in movement in honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April. Whether you are a runner, walker, boxer, golfer, or complete regular workouts, you can join us! Our goal is to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease and educate our communities on the power of movement to improve your health.

Board member and event co-chair Diane Brown has a personal connection to Parkinson’s Disease and knows several who have or are battling. “As a volunteer class assistant and board member of Rock Steady, I’ve seen the direct impact movement and exercise programming can have for the boxers and their families. It is inspiring! If we can raise awareness and support of this program through the Month to Move, we can make a much greater impact for the families in the communities we serve,” Brown says.

The Month to Move consists of a virtual 1 Mile run/ walk, 5K run/walk, 10K run/walk or a month long exercise challenge of 500 minutes. Or you can donate in honor of someone you know who is fighting or has been touched by Parkinson’s Disease. Rock Steady Boxing of Brownsburg believes that friends do not let friends fight Parkinson’s alone.

Find us on Facebook @rocksteadyboxingin for more information or visit https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/ Brownsburg/MonthtoMove to sign up! Proceeds from the Month to Move benefit Rock Steady Boxing of Brownsburg. ______________________________________________

WYRZ’s “Million Dollar Weekend” sponsors:

&

Million Dollar Weekends are heard on 98.9FM and www.wyrz.org!

Dance Gala at Avon HS

Photos by Kennedy Bolin

Photos by Kennedy Bolin

By Elshadi Aberra

Avon High School hosted a “Dance Gala” on March 18 from 7 pm to 8 pm. The performances were all student choreographed by Avon’s Advanced Technique dance students.

“Gala is made up of all of the students’ own dances and ideas. They decide their own dance themes, costumes, lighting, and music,” said senior and performer Isabella Wall. “We have been preparing for this dance since the beginning of the year.”

High School Newspapers Change with Times

[The Republican’s Avon High School intern gives us a look at the world of high school newspapers today.]

By Elshadai Abbera

Budding journalists of the 1950’s produced their high school newspaper on mimeograph machines, a form of copying using stencils. ___________________________________________________

Journalism has changed drastically over the years, but how much have high school newspapers changed? Is the atmosphere the same? Do students work harder now? Find out from members of Avon High School’s newspaper staff, the Echo.

“[High school newspaper] is probably the same amount of work now as it has been a decade or two ago,” said Bill Caulton, Avon’s newspaper advisor. “Student journalists still need to get in contact with sources, and we still encourage face-to-face interviews. Background research is probably easier now with how much information is accessible online.”

One major shift, however, is the topics teen reporters are choosing to report.

“In the past few years, there’s been an increase in students wanting to write about national politics. A lot of students are passionate about social justice and other issues relating to politics,” said Caulton.

Senior reporter Nuhamin Demeku, who has been on staff for just one year, agrees with Caulton.

“I think [high school] newspaper has definitely gotten more inclusive over the years. I’ve noticed that

we’ve been writing more articles about things like the BLM movement, racism, LGBTQ+ community, immigration, etc.,” said Demeku.

While Demeku agrees with Caulton, she said she wouldn’t have joined decades ago. “As an African American immigrant woman, I know my voice wouldn’t be taken as seriously,” said Demeku.

Both Caulton and Demeku reference changes

to high school newspapers content and inclusivity-wise, but what about technologically?

“More content is going online. There’s more of a push to get stories in front of people on their phones and laptops,” said Caulton. “A lot of newspaper staffs are supplementing their written articles with videos.”

Though Caulton never joined his high school newspaper staff in the past due to scheduling conflicts, he said he is mostly glad to have been a high school newspaper advisor these past eight years.

“It’s a fun class. There’s a team atmosphere in the newspaper room. We get to be creative and have interesting discussions on a daily basis,” said Caulton. “It’s fun to see our final products be published each issue.”

If you’re curious about The Echo’s content, check out our website– avonecho. com

Mill Creek West Students Plan “Beautify Amo Day”

The 5th grade students at Mill Creek West Elementary are taking Spring Cleaning to a new level.

On April 14, during school hours, the students will celebrate the 1st Annual Beautify Amo Day. This event will bring education to life through project-based learning. The students will chose, plan, and execute a project to better their community.

The Class of ‘28 hopes to make this a huge success in order to make it bigger and better in coming years, and to help all communities that feed into Mill CreekWest.

The projects for the 1st Annual Beautify Amo Day include, planting flowers around town, clean up & edging the road/path to the cemetery, gravestone clean-up; new flower garden and clean up on trail; chalk decorations near school building; motivational painted rocks; cleaning dugouts; new news for basketball hoops; new picnic tables for shelter house; tree trimming around town.

Some of the materials needed include: flower pots, seeds and plants, soil, gloves, small gardening tools, shovels, buckets, brooms, edgers, trash bags, oil-based chalk/spray chalk, ladder, new basketball nets (4), wheelbarrow, treated wood (14 8’ 2x8s, 28 8’ 4x4s, nails, hardware, drill.

Go to the Mill Creek West Elementary Facebook page for a complete list of projects and materials. Donations should be brought to Mill Creek West by Wednesday, April 7. Any equipment borrowed will be returned to owner after April 14.

For more information, all Celina Clements at (317) 539-9255. ______________________________________________________________________

Hendricks County Community Foundation Annouces Names of Lilly Endowment Scholars

AMELIA COLLER CAROLINE JACKSON JULIA MUSKAT

The Hendricks County Community Foundation is excited to announce the recipients of the 2021 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship: Amelia Collier, Avon High School. Caroline Jackson, Avon High School Julia Muskat, Plainfield High School These seniors will receive full tuition to an accredited public or private nonprofit college or university in Indiana and a $900 yearly stipend for required books and equipment. They were awarded this prestigious scholarship based on significant community service, outstanding academic achievement and leadership skills.

The Hendricks County Community Foundation received more than 200 scholarship applications from Hendricks County students. After the applications were reviewed, ten students were chosen to be interviewed. Finalists included:

▪ Anna Chesterson, Plainfield HS

▪ Samuel Crook, Avon HS

▪ Preston Fox, Cascade HS

▪ Sriya Koganti, Avon HS

▪ Elaina Perry, Brownsburg HS

▪ Olivia Ruble, Cardinal Ritter HS

▪ Chase Searcy, Cascade HS

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business, governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

The Hendricks County Community Foundation partners with generous people to realize their charitable goals while addressing community needs in meaningful and lasting ways. The Community Foundation manages assets of over $19 million in a collection of funds created by individuals, families, businesses and organizations for charitable purposes. In 2020, the Community Foundation gave over $1.6M in grants to charitable organizations and scholarships to local students. For more information, call 317-268-6240 or visit www.hendrickscountycf.org.