29 minute read
Hendricks County
Master Gardeners Host Gardening for All Ages
10:00 a.m.
Caring for Your Houseplants, presented by Colletta Kosiba, Hendricks County Master Gardener
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11:00a.m.
Worms: How to Get Nature’s Recyclers Working for You, presented by Amy Sieferman, HCRD Outreach Coordinator
1:00 p.m.
Beneficial Insects: Pollinators and Predators, presented by Bob Bruner, Owen County Extension Educator
2:00 p.m.
Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, presented by Nancy Rice, Hendricks County Master Gardener
With pandemic precautions in place, the Hendricks County Master Gardeners will once again host their “Gardening for All Ages” show on April 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the fully enclosed Equine Pavilion/Horse Barn on the north side of the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex in Danville. Directional signage will be in place. The new fairgrounds location accommodates the ongoing vaccine clinic and also allows for greater social distancing during the event.
The Gardening for All Ages show had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, and the group is excited to again welcome local gardeners. They will have over 30 garden-related vendors with plants, garden décor, bird-watching supplies, and advice to make this year’s garden your best ever.
“It seems more and more people are interested in learning to garden, so we’re offering educational sessions intended both new and experienced gardeners,” says event co-chair Kimberly Somermeyer.
Although the event will look a little different this year, the Hendricks County Master Gardeners will continue their tradition of distributing free vegetable and flower seeds, and trees from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. A large number of seed packets will be prebagged, and attendees can select flowers only, vegetables only or a mix of the two. The Master Gardeners encourage sharing seeds with friends and neighbors. Note: Due to current health guidelines, there will be no children’s activities this year and face masks are strongly recommended for all attendees.
A food vendor, Georgia’s Kitchen, will be serving fair favorites such as Philly Cheesesteak, Italian sausages, walking tacos, and taco salad, along with beverages.
The Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex is located at 1900 E. Main St. in Danville, Indiana. For more information on Gardening For All Ages, visit the Hendricks County Master Gardeners Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HendricksCountyinMaster- Gardeners or their website at www.hendricksgardeners. com or call (317) 745-9260.
About the Hendricks County Master Gardeners: The mission of the Master Gardener Program is to provide current, research-based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Indiana through Purdue University Cooperative Extension programs and projects. For more information, contact the extension office at (317) 745-9260 or visit www.hendricksgardeners.com .
Brownsburg’s Sports Complex Plans Halted
Phase One of the proposed Brownsburg Youth Sports Complex project includes six baseball diamonds and six softball diamonds; enough to host multiple tournaments per year.
By Melissa Gibson
Plans for the Brownsburg Youth Sports Complex has stalled as key council members continue to question the decision made in December. In a multi-group effort, representatives from Brownsburg Parks Department, Brownsburg Community School Corporation, Brownsburg Little League Baseball (BLLB) and Brownsburg Girls Softball League (BGSL) came together to purchase 106 acres from the school corporation at County Road 700 N and County Road 900 East.
Travis Smith of BLLB and Robert Baldwin of (BGSL) approached the Brownsburg Town Council to partner in the purchase of the land and development. Of the $15.5 million needed, the two leagues have pledged to pay $10 million for use of the six baseball diamonds and six softball diamonds planned.
The land will include additional park amenities and facilities for additional sports teams, a playground and open space.
The proposed plan was approved by the Brownsburg Town Council at the December 17, 2020 meeting with a 4-1 vote and the various groups set to work, preparing for the next steps in the process.
However, after the holidays, additional discussion led the Town Council to meet with the Brownsburg Parks and Recreation and tensions rose as the various groups presented for a second time.
County Commissioner Dennis Dawes addressed the council in support of the project.
He began by describing the county’s plan to extend Ronald Reagan Parkway and the timing of the extension working with the sports complex project.
“It’s a great site and a great location. There would be access to Ronald Reagan, to Interstate 65 and Interstate 74. I think it would be a jumpstart to other developments in the area with it sitting near St. Malachy Church and School, it could be a whole not-forprofit piece along there. Other businesses would come along simply because there’s already activity,” Dawes said.
Smith and Baldwin then presented their plan to design a facility of superior quality and value for their more than 600 students in the two leagues.
The BLLB has nurtured future MLB and NBA professionals in the past and has a vision to continue to support young athletes in their dreams to play.
Unfortunately, since their last diamond was demolished due to incoming development in the town, the two teams have been searching for a permanent location for several years.
“This would be a great product, not only for our kids in Brownsburg but for the entire Midwest. We provide recreation leagues, clinics for both kids and coaches and have partnerships with the Indianapolis Indians and Little League International,” Smith said.
With their limited resources, however, Smith says they aren’t able to host tournaments right now; a big draw for in-state and out-of-state leagues.
During the presentation, the council asked many questions regarding finances and sponsorship plans. The groups also discussed the future economic growth and development afforded by a professional sports complex, in an area currently underserved. Some council members and parks department board members reiterated the fact that without a baseball diamond and no set up for concessions the teams have basically been playing with one hand behind their back.
Another addressed the concern of Brownsburg leagues currently renting space at Scamahorn Park in Pittsboro because they do not have the resources in Brownsburg.
Furthermore, the leagues have begun capping their enrollment due to limited space and turn away children wanting to join but can’t, due to space restrictions.
Several were confused or frustrated by the joint meeting in the first place. If the project was approved back in December, why now, are they re-presenting information and discussing as if the project is still undecided?
Councilmen Jeff Gracey was the only member to vote against the approval in December. He continued to have reservations during the latest discussion.
“This can’t be an emotional giveaway. Discussions of alternatives are absolutely appropriate. We have other rec leagues in this town and a whole town of youths that would love the opportunity to play on quality athletic fields,” Gracey said.
Though the town openly discussed offering a different location to the leagues but still purchasing the land from Brownsburg Community Schools, Superintendent Jim Snapp addressed the board.
“There is zero interest from the school board to use that 106 acres for anything other than parks. We appreciate the different perspectives and those things, but the school board is not interested in moving off of what was decided in December,” Snapp said. “It’s for the youth of the town.”
Vice President of the Brownsburg Town Council Brian Jessen also expressed frustration about the process. “The project is all but done. The Town has spent more than $500,000 in engineering and legal fees and then at the last minute a few councilmen have decided they want to change gears,” Jessen said. “They’re trying to force the Little League into a position they don’t want to be in [by changing location for the complex].
In December, a purchase agreement was signed by the Town and Brownsburg School Corporation, however, until April 15, all parties have the ability to back out of the agreement.
“Little League will get the short end of the stick,” Jessen said. “They are the only Little League I’ve been able to find, made to pay for their own fields. Other municipalities pay for the land and then the Little League maintains it. They are offering to purchase the fields and they’re getting sponsorships lined up. The other phase of the project includes space for rugby, lacrosse and soccer teams because they don’t have a set place.”
Even though the council requested appraisals on other Brownsburg property in the area, Jessen says they know they won’t receive the information in time for the April 8 meeting.
“Little League has gone above and beyond and they will become the casualty out of all of this,” Jessen said. “We need to get back to the basics.”
As of April 15, a final decision will be made if the Town Council plans to honor their agreement with the school corporation or back out of it. As of press time, the future property of Boys and Girls Brownsburg Little League teams remain unknown.
For more information, visit https:// brownsburgparks.com/youth-sportscomplex/.
BHS Senior Is Academic All-Star
MARLEE YANCEY
A Brownsburg student is among three local students to be named to the 2021 Indiana Academic All-Stars, a program of the Indiana Association of School Principals.
Marlee Yancey represents Team 2021 at Brownsburg High School. Marlee is also student body president at BHS and plans to attend Case Western Reserve University with a major in History and Philosophy of Science and minor in Bioethics and Medical Humanities on the Pre-Med track.
She is also a Baker-Nord Scholar in the Humanities through Case Western Reserve University.
Pittsboro Local & Social
Farmers are hard at work. Please give them the road space they need so everyone can stay safe!
Shepherd Shelves Food Pantry of Pittsboro Christian Church will be open on Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m. until noon. They are located across the street from Pittsboro Elementary School.
Venture Church, Lizton, will be having a garage sale. Please contact the church for more details.
Don’t forget Heavy Trash Day and Shred Day in Pittsboro on April 17. Please call the Town Hall for information.
Aren’t the trees just breathtaking? I love Spring. God is certainly the Master Artist.
Work has begun at Tri- West! Looks interesting. It will be fun to see the final product.
Please enjoy your week and as always: “IT’S A GREAT DAY IN INDI- ANA.
Yard Waste Recycling Centers Open
Hendricks County Recycling District operates two Yard Waste Recycling Centers that accept woody waste (brush, limbs, firewood, etc.), grass clippings, leaves, and other organic matter from Hendricks County households.
Material collected at the centers will be recycled into mulch.
Brownsburg Yard Waste Recycling Center is at 90 Mardale Dr. Hours are Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 317-858- 8231.
Plainfield Yard Waste Recycling Center is at 7020 S. CR 875 E. Hours: Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 317-838-9332.
To learn more about the Yard Waste Recycling Cneter and check out the online recycling guide, visit RecycleHendricksCounty.org.
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
GOP Chairman’s Breakfast
The Hendricks County Republican Party Chairman’s Breakfast will take place Tuesday, April 20, at 7 a.m., at the Avon American Legion Post.
Guest speaker will be historian Dan Miller. Miller devotes his life to helping people and organizations use history as a tool. As a consulting leadership historian, Dan foundedand operates a company—Historical Solutions LLC—to draw leadership lessons from more than 75 historical stories. Dan shares these stories in seminars, workshops, coaching, and customized research/ writing for executives, entrepreneurs, trustees, board members, team leaders and more.
Dan appears on his own show, “Today In Leadership History”, viewable on Facebook Live. He has been a guest on numerous podcasts and co-developed the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site’s current special exhibit, “That Night Indianapolis Roared.” Dan has also created a popular “Today In 1918-1919” pandemic blog-series as well as a new experiential learning activity called a “Walkshop.” Dan has also published many books.
Plainfield Police To Get New, Upgraded In-car and Body Cameras
The Town of Plainfield Town Council approved a contract to upgrade body worn cameras for the Plainfield Police Department at this evening’s Town Council Meeting. This contract approval continues the department’s initiatives to provide a safer community for its residents and officers. The contract with Motorola will upgrade the body worn and in-car cameras, storage and expand body worn cameras to all sworn staff on the department.
“The Plainfield Police Department was the first law enforcement department in Hendricks County to wear body cameras while on duty,” said Chief of Plainfield Police, Jared McKee. “We continue to be a leader in the community by investing in the most up-to-date technology. The advantage of this new system is that the camera will essentially always be recording, which is advantageous for all of our staff and those we encounter.”
Installing more cameras and storage will allow transparency between law enforcement and the community while decreasing the costs of investigations.
The newest investment comes after the Plainfield Police Department has worked to increase training and public outreach in the wake of the civil unrest in 2020. Last year, the police department introduced a de-escalation simulator program. The simulator allows officers to participate in “real-life” encounters, where they receive instant positive feedback when they successfully utilized de-escalation techniques. De-escalation has also been infused into all use of force trainings implemented by the department.
Additionally, Chief Jared McKee and other officers began participating and hosting more inclusive conversations to help build stronger relationships with the entire community.
“I am thankful that the council sees the benefits of a robust body worn and in-car camera system and is willing to finance such a large endeavor,” said McKee. “As we continually strive towards police professionalism, our transparency to the public should always be imbedded in everything we do. I am honored to serve the community of Plainfield and thankful for the continued support as we progress through these ever-changing times.”
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.
North Salem Local & Social
A special Thank You to the North Salem Regular Baptist Church for donation of several new ladies tops, sizes S to 3X and shoes to the Come Hang Out Store. We have so many extra nice clothes, lots of glassware, nice items, books, toys, lots of nice children’s clothes and friendly place to visit and look around. They now have a round table and chairs for your convenience to visit and shop and catch up on all the news and views of North Salem. We alls have donations from people in neighboring towns. Yes, we are thankful.
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Know you are probably tired of my reporting on goings on - but we feel so much more secure with our Town Patrolman, Ron Kneeland driving by and all the Firemen and Ladies, by all our young people checking on may, by our many Town employees who are here for us, Mark Basham, Kevin Basham, Beth Russell, Tammy Lasley, and others. Also our merchants who keep us in their thoughts at all times, our Churches, our School personnel and more. We love you all.
Ole natives of North Salem never forget their home town. Received a phone clal from our Joan Hamilton Ott, 1966 graduate of NSHS along with her twin sister, Jane, others here- Dorthy Bolton Coons, Jo Gossett Reynolds, Gary Michael, Lind Hicks, Willard Snyder, Wayne Reynolds, Milke Ross, Sharon Stewart and others. It was alarge class and they were close classmates. Joan now lives in Hershey, Pa., and still has Neil. It was a great class. Hope they can see each other at the Alumni dinner this year.
Much work is still being done on repairs from our storm last week.
Special get well wishes to my daughter, Karen Hardman and to a very long-time friend and cohort, Dottie Duncan Basham. Also to Doris Stewart, who had surgery.
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The Eel River Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept. and EMT’s would like to thank one and all for their support of their Jonah Fish Fry Saturday evening with a very large turn-out. Everyone was so happy to see many they hadn’t seen since the coronavirus episode. So many I would like to mention but don’t want to hurt someone by not mentioning their names. I will say it was wonderful to see Barbara Schlagel there after a lengthy illness; to see Jennfier Williams able to be out - so many. The food was delicious. Thanks again to all those who donate so much time to our Community. You are the best. Had some out-of-towners who just wanted to feel how nice it was here. We are all very proud of our townand the people who look our for one another. We are truly blessed.
So good to see young boys, Carter and Blake, still helping out.
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Belated Birthday wishes April 11 to Terry Bob Lee, a special nephew of mine. Hope you had a great day with your family get-together.
Was able to visit Norma Bishop for a short time, Wednesday. She is such a beautiful lady. Our concern for her.
Sympathy to the family of Sally Doub on her passing.
Met a lady who is a relative of the late Bob and Maxine Miller, and others, Very nice lady. Also relative of Wanda Gordon, North Salem Alumni.
Get well wishes to so many - our prayers for your health.
Robb Daffenbaugh was honored for his birthday, Monday, April 12, with lunch with Phyllis Pearcy, Tinie Kisner and Gene Mc- Cullough.
Deepest sympthy to all the family of Chase Lynch on his accidental death Saturday evening. Our prayers for all.
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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.
Julian D. Hogate
Drive-Through Spud Dinner
The North Salem Christian Church will be hosting a drive-through Spud Dinner on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the church located on 6 North California Street in North Salem.
The drive-through will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Large-size potatoes with a variety of toppings will be offered along with your choice of cookies or brownies.
There is no charge for this event; only a free will offering will be accepted. The proceeds will go toward this year’s ChurchCamp for the children of the area to attend. This year’s Church Camp will be July 18-22, 2021.
The public is invited to attend.
Monitoring Services For Senior Citizens
The mission of HCSS is to help seniors remain as independent as possible, and in their own home. If you or someone you know needs additional resources and support to stay independent, HCSS has a programthat may be of help: Guardian Medical Monitoring.
Guardian Medical Monitoring offers many different types of personal emergency solutions to provide 24-hour personal monitoring. HCSS is proud to be a Guardian Monitoring Services representative. Services include life safety features designed to address the specialized needs of seniors. Features include Personal Emergency Response Systems, Auto Fall Protection Sensor, Personal Emergency Response with Caregiver Connect, Medication Reminders and Management, Pressure Sensitive Floor Mat and Door Connects that supports those with the Guardian Wander Security Program.
For more information about Guardian Home Alert Program or any other programs, contact Hendricks County Senior Services at 317-745-4303 or email us at inhome@hcseniors.org. We are happy to answer questions directly on this program at HCSS and have product samples in the office.
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.
New Landmark Make Debut in Old North Salem
Move over, North Salem Water Tower - there’s a new landmark in town. This primitive privy was spotted on a local street.
The sign reads: “Deisgned by Gene McCullough. Dogs, squirrels, cats welcome. People tolerated. - Use with care: one-seater.
Brownsburg’s Oinking Acres
Saving One Potbellied Pig at a Time
By Melissa Gibson
Olivia Head said her first memories as a child included pigs.
“My mom was heavily involved in cat and dog rescue. We always took in the animals that no one wanted: a hairless dog, a threelegged hamster. This is what make them special to us. We had two pigs, Pixie and Penelope and after they passed away, I began looking to buy my own pig,” Head said.
She was shopping for a ‘teacup’ pig, imaging the adorable little pet that fit in her purse and afternoons of painting the pigs’ toenails.
After Head’s mom insisted that buying from a breeder wasn’t the way to go, she stumbled upon the rescue organization A Critters Chance and everything changed. Head says she fell in love with the porcine species.
“First of all, there’s no such thing as a teacup pig,” Head said. “Breeders market teacup pigs, pocket pigs and other terms just to get your attention. None of them will stay small, no matter what a breeder says. They may even starve their pigs to make them smaller, but a healthy, full-grown pig is going to be at least 80-120 pounds.”
She adopted her first potbellied pig from A Critters Chance at 14-years-old and began volunteering and fostering animals. She was the youngest person sitting on the board at A Critters Chance in the non-profit’s history and by 16, she filed for a 501c3 and started Oinking Acres, a farm animal rescue sanctuary.
Though the majority of her animals are pigs, she also rescues goats, chickens, ducks and other farm animals. Last year, Oinking Acres rescued 222 animals, 100 of them, pigs.
She receives 10-20 phone calls a day from people wanting to surrender their animals – mostly unwanted pigs.
“Of those 100, we found great forever homes for 96 pigs,” Head said. “We’ve taken in at least 20-30 so far this year.”
Many surrendered pigs are a result of families finding they legally aren’t allowed to own one or care becomes too much .
“In an adoption, our first step is to check the zoning in the family’s area. We need to make sure they are allowed to have a pig. A lot of the pigs we receive come from animal control, because they’ll be confiscated if found in a county
they aren’t allowed to be in. For example, in Marion County, you cannot own a potbellied pig,” Head said.
Animal control ends up with them and they call her to find a more appropriate home.
“Animal control is trained to care for cats and dogs and they do a fantastic job. But 98 percent of pigs are surrendered or rehomed before their first birthday. They’ve already been through so much,” Head said.
She takes in all of the animals knowing they may never get adopted – and that’s okay.
Head receives daily messages about needing behavioral training tips or what to do about a health issues, though she is careful to warn that she is not a veterinarian and cannot diagnose or advise on behavioral issues with pets.
“I take the pig to a vet if I’m concerned and I’m happy to help you find a vet that understands pot bellied pigs. I have been running a rescue for five years, but I can only go off of my own experience and the things I’ve seen,” Head said.
Oinking Acres hosts educational tours every weekend. They do not currently have public hours but hope to change that soon. They also want to development a youth mentor program and so far, will be offering a summer camp for various ages that offers hands-on education.
“The youth of this generation will ultimately grow up and hopefully, be more responsible pet owners,” Head said. “My plan is to continue to grow the rescue and save pigs and be their voice and advocate.”
To schedule a tour of the facility, sign up for summer camp or for more information, visit https://oinkingacres.org.
Misty Eyes Animal Rescue Hosts 10 th Annual ‘Raise the Woof’ Fundraiser
Misty Eyes plans to add three additional buildings to the property on Dan Jones Rd.
By Melissa Gibson
It’s been an exciting year for the non-profit animal rescue, Misty Eyes.
Their annual spring fundraising event, Raise the Woof was cancelled last year due to COVID but the organization was able to recoop all lost funds due to overwhelming support and kindness.
“We were two weeks away from the event when COVID hit, so we had to cancel,” Co-founder Renee Harlor said. “But 100 percent of the ticket costs were donated by those that had purchased one and every sponsor donated their funds as well. It really showed community support and their love for the animals.”
This year, Raise the Woof will once again be an in-person event, from 3 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 4 p.m. for the public on May 16 at the Avon Wedding Barn.
“We chose to delay the event a bit. Typically, we have it in March but thought in order to have it indoor/outdoor and more space, we chose a later date in May and the Avon Wedding Barn to have better airflow,” Harlor said.
Raise the Woof’s theme this year is “Their Amazing Journey” and will include a video of cats available for adoption and 8 dogs at the event for visiting.
“During the VIP hour, guests will be able to visit with four of the dogs we’ve rescued that have had a pretty rough go of it and then we’ll hear from four dog owners and their journey to adopting their pet,” Harlor said.
Beginning at 4 p.m., guests will enjoy live music by former Colts linebacker Tony Walker and the 2nd Half Band, food donated by BJ’s Brewhouse and dessert provided by All About Time. There will also be a cash bar and silent auction.
“It’s just a celebration for our animals and what we’re accomplishing. Proceeds go into our building fund. We’re really excited about breaking ground this year. For every one animal we save, we have to turn two away so this is an important part of being able to save more animals,” Harlor said.
Those in Avon have probably noticed the Misty Eyes building at 616 Dan Jones Road, but there is a big plan for the property beyond the current building.
“We ran into some extensive drainage issues that held us up a bit, but that’s all been taken care of and we will be going before the Town in the next 90 days or so to request approval on the final building plans,” Harlor said. “We hope to break ground this year and see Kitty City built within the next 12 months.”
Kitty City is the first building on the list of the plan, allowing for an additional 400 cats per year to be rescued. Misty Eyes has taken a unique approach to their facilities, taking care to avoid cages and unhealthy environments for the animals.
“We’re proud that our animals are not in cages,” Harlor explained. “We’re going to have 4 x 8 foot suites with a window for each cat. We want a cheerful approach and a happy environment for the animals. The cats will have an indoor and outdoor play area and we’re really focused on their overall mental health and quality of life.”
Once Kitty City is open and operational, Misty Eyes plans build Canine
Country, a similar environment for their dogs and an Educational Building. Harlor estimates the entire project will take about five years to complete.
Not only will the new buildings will allow Misty Eyes to save many more rescues, they plan to continue their foster program and are working to educate the community.
“We want to be put out of business,” Harlor said. “We want to educate about spay and neuter, abuse and neglect. We have a newsletter and hold junior volunteer programming.”
The volunteer programs offer classes for grades K-10, to help educate young people about caring for animals, fundraising for non-profits, future careers in animal care and more.
The current building is open on weekends to the public and classes only during the week, though they regularly host events for the community to come out and visit with the animals and support the cause. From 5-7 p.m. April 20, Misty Eyes will host April Showers at the Avon facility. Donate kitten supplies and enjoy a tour of the facility and time to meet and greet with adoptable kittens. Light snacks and beverages will be provided. Register online for the event.
To foster a dog or cat, email foster@mistyeyes. org and a representative will walk you through the steps. Visit https://www. mistyeyes.org to purchase tickets to Raise the Woof or for more information. Raise the Woof has sold out in recent years, and are on sale now until capacity has been met.
Weed Wrangle at McCloud
In celebration of Earth Day, give back by helping eradicate garlic mustard – a non-native invasive plant – from McCloud Nature Park!
The event takes place Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to noon. Bring a water bottle and work gloves, dress for the weather, and wear long pants. Masks/face coverings are required when you can’t maintain safe distances from others.
Recommended age: 10 through adult. Children younger than 16 must attend with a parent/guardian who is able to hike the trails. Children must be under the supervision at all times.
Free to attend. Registration is recommended so that we can adequately prepare for the number of volunteers participating. Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/ go/5080a44a4a72fa1f94-weed1
This is in cooperation with the Hendricks County Invasive Management Cooperative. Contact Sarah Wolf at 765-676-5437 or volunteer@hcparks.net if you have questions.
Avoid Downed Power Lines!
Power lines crisscross our countryside, bringing the benefits of electricity. But storms or accidents can knock them from their perch and put them on the ground or within reach. Just because they’re down doesn’t mean they’re dead.
“Keeping your distance from downed power lines and knowing what to do if you see one are the first steps to safety,” said Chris Gearld, Safety Director of Hendricks Power Cooperative. ”There is no way of knowing whether a power line is still live, and if you happen to touch one that is, consequences could be deadly.”
If you see a downed power line, the first step is to move away from it and anything touching it. Keep a distance of 35 feet because the ground around downed power lines may be energized. But if you are in a car, the first step is to stay put.
If power lines fall on the car, the car can become energized. People who are safe inside will remain safe — as long as they stay put. Opening a door and stepping out can kill the person leaving the car. Even if power lines are not on the vehicle, they could be hanging low. Fallen power lines are hard to see against trees and foliage, especially at night. Anyone stepping from a car might walk into an energized line and also be electrocuted. Here are some other basic tips for safety:=
• If you see someone in direct or indirect contact with a downed line, DO NOT touch him or her. Call 911 for assistance.
• NEVER attempt to move a downed power line or anything else in contact with it using an object such as a broom or stick.
• If your vehicle comes in contact with a downed power line while you’re in the vehicle, stay inside the car. Call 911 or honk your horn to get help. Tell bystanders to stay away from the vehicle.
• If you must exit the vehicle for life-threatening reasons, such as if the car has caught on fire — jump out and clear from it, making sure to land with your feet together. Make sure you do not touch the car and the ground at the same time. Then, shuffle away with your feet touching until you reach a safe distance.
(Source: Electrical Safety Foundation International)
Hendricks Power Cooperative provides electricity and energy services to over 35,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in west central Indiana. Formed in 1936, the cooperative is owned and controlled by members they serve. For more information regarding Hendricks Power Cooperative and other related service, please visit www.hendrickspower.com.
Senior Services Provides Information & Referral
Hendricks County Senior Services can help seniors and caregivers navigate the resources in our community. Learn about Social Security, all aspects of 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, our 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. We offer access to free legal services 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.
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