Hendricks County

The Biz Academy Brings Back a Classic

Part of the cast from The Biz Musical Theater’s production of “Oliver Jr.” - From left is Cameron Stewardson as “Fagin,“ Olivia Swynenburg as “Bet,” Eli Neal as “Oliver,” Justus Palumbo as “Bill Sikes,” AJ Thoma as “Artful Dodger,” and Zainab Syed as “Nancy.”

By Melissa Gibson

Washington Township Park in Avon will welcome back nearly 60 young thespians to their outdoor amphitheater for a performance of “Oliver Jr.” by students from The Biz Acadamy of Musical Theater. The show will take place at 7 p.m. April 30, May 1, May 6 and May 9. Two matinees will be offered at 3 p.m. on May 2 and May 9.

“Oliver Jr.” is the classic musical based on Charles Dickens’ novel, “Oliver Twist.” One of few musicals to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, it’s the story of a malnourished and neglected orphan that escapes to London and joins a group of thieves and pickpockets.

When Oliver is accused of a theft he didn’t commit, the victim, Mr. Brownlow, takes him in. His former group, led by Fagin, attempt to rescue him and threaten his chance of a true and loving family.

“It’s a strong cast,” said Producer Jan Van Paris. “We have seasoned young actors and actresses: Eli Neal from Avon, Cameron Stewardson from Danville and Zainab Syed from Plainfield play the lead characters.”

Hes believes the theater in general can benefit children in more ways than one.

“It’s their niche. Theater helps teach time management, discipline, memorizing lines and songs, not to mention all the physical aspects of dancing and choreography. I’ve seen many kids gain confidence through the process,” Van Paris said.

This year, Director Jeff Van Paris and his wife, Jan, decided to introduce some of the classics to their students.

“My husband has loved “Oliver” for years and there are many new shows out now that aren’t really appropriate for kids. Last summer we did movie nights for the students and showed classic musicals. It’s a genre kids need to learn in the theater,” Van Paris said.

They’d also like to see “Fiddler on the Roof” on a future schedule and have already incorporated “Footloose” in the summer theater camp program. Camp sign up is open now. There are options for one- week or two-week camps throughout the summer and age limit for each camp varies. Children will have the opportunity to learn about singing, dancing, acting and more.

The two-week camps include a public performance of “Footloose,” followed by a performance of “The Jungle Book” later in the summer. Both the camp and the performances will be held at Washington Township Park.

Up next at The Biz Academy, audition sign-ups are available on the website for May 14 and 15 for those ages 12 and up interested in a part in the musical, “Newsies.” The full version of “Newsies” will be performed on the outdoor stage at Hummel Park in Plainfield in late August.

To purchase tickets for “Oliver Jr.,” or for more information about The Biz Academy of Musical Theater, visit https://thebiz-academy.com

Sycamore Employee Honored with Red Cross Lifesaving Award

SARA COOPER

A Sycamore Services employee was honored by the American Red Cross last week for her life-saving efforts involving a participant last year.

Sara Cooper, who works as a direct support professional, was recognized by the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis board of directors during a virtual meeting and received the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders. The award is given to Red Cross trained professional responders and healthcare professionals acting while on duty, according to the organization.

In October, Cooper was providing care to three individuals who have disabilities in a shared group setting in Avon when one individual took food from another person and moved into a different room.

Cooper, 27, said she recognized something was wrong when she heard the individual gasping for air. She activated the Emergency Action Plan by calling 911 and thenbegan the Heimlich Maneuver, she said.

“I just jumped into action and thought I got to get this out and called 911,” Cooper said. “I was scared of what could have happened.”

She successfully dislodged the food in his throat. The EMS arrived on the scene and resumed care.

Cooper’s award is considered to be the highest award given to a recipient, said Rob Gauss, chairman of the American Red Cross of Indianapolis board of directors.

Sarah Saylor, director of residential services for Sycamore Services, nominated Cooper for the American Red Cross award and commended her for responding quickly that helped save the individual’s life. Saylor said Sycamore Services is proud to have Cooper as an employee.

“She truly wants to help our folks grow, learn and be happy,” Saylor said. “She’s very dedicated and everything she does, she’s very driven and she has a heart of gold.”

Cooper, who has been with Sycamore Services for about five years, said she doesn’t think of herself as a hero for her actions.

“I consider myself doing my job,” she said. “I was taking care of him the best I can. It was what I thought I needed to do.”

About Sycamore Services: Sycamore Services’ goal is to make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and others experiencing daily challenges, by providing individualized training and services to increase independence and enhance quality of life. More information can be found by visiting www.sycamoreservices.com. ______________________________________________________________________

Pittsboro Local & Social

The Gleaners Mobile Food Truck will be at Pittsboro Christian Church on Saturday, May 1 from 10 a.m. until noon (across from Pittsboro Elementary School).

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Monday, May 3 is the next Blood Drive at Pittsboro Christian from 3 - 7 p.m.

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Your Venture Church Warehouse Sale continues on April 29 and 30 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Tri-West High School Choir will present their Spring Concert “Good & Evil” on Friday, May 7 at 7 p.m. in the Tri-West Auditorium. There is no admission charge. Masks and social distancing required.

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The annual Phi Beta Psi Sorority Garage Sale will be Thursday and Friday, May 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. in the Scout Building in Scamahorn Park. Huge selection of household items, furniture, clothing, shoes, and many items you have been looking for but didn’t know you needed. Hope to see you there!

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Farmers are out in full force. Please continue to pray for their safety and give them the space they need if you meet them on the road!

Enjoy the sunshine!

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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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271 South Cross Street, Unit A in Danville. (317) 563-3273 Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. $10 Discount Call or text (317) 563-3273

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 Food Pantry distributions. For more information about the Hendricks County Humane Society, visit the website at hendrickshumane.org.

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 centerswill 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.

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Get Help With Installation of Child Carseats

Did you know Washington Township Avon Fire Department can help you with proper installation of child carseats?

You can schedule a 30- appointment by going to https://calendly.com/was.../ carseat-installation-appointment

A confirmation email will be sent once you sign up for a specific date and time with more information.

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Paricipates In Ag Contest

Illinois Central College agriculture students showcased their knowledgeand skills in the 2021 Professional Agricultural Students (PAS) State Conference held virtually in February.

Izzy Clouse, of Avon, was a member of the 1st Place Sheep Specialty Team and tied for 2nd Place Individual.

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Receives Merit Scholarship

Chase Thompson of Brownsburg High School, is among the recipients of a corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship.

Chase will receive the National Merit Trane Technologies Scholarship. Each year, Ingersoll-Rand Charitable Foundation supports scholarships for children of employees of Ingersoll Rand Company. These awards give direct aid and recognition to Ingersoll Rand employees’ children and represent an important part of the company’s long-standing commitment to education.

Chase’s probable career field is Computer Science. __________

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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It’s News To Us

If you have local news to share, deadline for news items is noon on Monday. Send your news items by e-mail to therepublican@ sbcglobal.net. Call 317- 745-2777 or fax to 317- 647-4341. After hours, news items may be slipped in the mail slot in the front door at 6 E. Main, Danville. __________

NWHSC Cubs Preschool

NWHSC Cubs Preschool is located at North Salem Elementary School. This is an exciting program for our youngest community members and their families.

The parent handbook and registration forms, that explain the program in detail, are located on the North West Hendricks Schools website. https:// www.hendricks.k12.in.us/ cubspreschool/index

Class is limited to 18 students. Virtual Open House videos have been created to discuss important components regarding Cubs Preschool and can be found on the website. Applications are now being accepted.

If you have any questions in regards to the program, you may call the North Salem office at 317- 994-3000.

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North Salem Local & Social

Visited a few minutes Sunday with Dottie and Jim and Bella. Enjoyed coffee and rolls. Dottie hanging in, Jim ready to have surgery Tuesday. A card to Dottie would be enjoyed (Dottie Basham, P.O. Box 98, North Salem, IN 46165). Our best to both of you. And Jim has a big birthday coming up May 1. _____

Birthdays

May 2 - Cody Baker

May 2 - Zoey’s 9th

May 4 - Bob Babcock’s

Big (86) May 4 - Opal Cox’s 97th birthday in heaven

May 5 - Little Leroy’s birthday

May 6 - Missy Raymond

May 7 - Lisa Hardman

May 8 - Bobby Goldsmith’s big 69 - how can it be - he’s so young at heart.

May 11 - Everleigh Hill’s 3rd birthday

May 19 - Denise Burdine’s birthday

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The North Salem Christian Church held heir drivethrough Spud Dinner Saturday evening. They are having a large garage sale May 14 and 15. The proceeds from both are used for the church camp for all the boys and girls in this area. Thanks for your support. This year’s camp will be July 18-22.

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The Jackson Township Ladies’ Luncheon will be Saturday, May 8, at Cochran’s Catering at Jamestown. Doors open at 11:30, lunch at noon. Contact Suzie Rich 765-676-6483; Betty Burris at 765-676- 5453; or Cookie Leeke at 765-676-5379 for tickets. Lunch, entertainment, door prizes, and items for auction. Plan to come for a fun, relaxing, good time visiting and more.

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The North Salem Alumni Banquet will be June 5, at the North Salem Elementary school.

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Sympathy

Sympathy to Eva Pickel and all of the family on the tragic passing of her grandson, Matthew Alexander in the FedEx massacre. The late Jr. Pickel was a native of North Salem, son of the late Hub and Winifred Pickel, well known to older North Salem residents. Hub had fuel delivery and Winifred was well known Avon lady. Jr. was a 191 graduate of North Salem High School. Many of his co-graduates have children and grandchildren who remember him. Called Eva, she is doing okay. Is now 95, so can’t get our much. Our prayers and thoughts to all.

Sympathy to the family of Brenda Phelps on her passing on April 22. Services are Thursday, April 29, at Porter Funeral Home, Jamestown with visitation from 11 a.m. to time of service at 1 p.m., with burial following in Fairview Cemetery, North Salem..

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Still looking forward to the new restaurant that is opening in North Salem.

Enjoying our Dollar General and all our other stores and businesses. Remember to support our home town people. We love our community.

Glad to see Clayton will have a new Apple facility. All of Hendricks County is happy to have new businesses.

Farmers are working night and day to get their crops in before the next rain - just be happy with our rain and warmer weather. No snow!!!

Yard work keeping all busy. Grass all looks real nice. Did lose some flowers and buds. So good to see people able to be out and walking and enjoying the outdoors. Most trees and plants looking okay after snow and cold weather. We are thankful for all our blessings.

Looking forward to Christian Church’s Garage Sale May 1 and 15. Proceeds for church camp. So many support this great endeavor for all children in the area.

Get well wishes to all. Several are sporting colds.

Looking forward to our Alumni Banquet, June 5.

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Native Plant Landscaping Workshop

Homeowners and anyone else interested in learning native plant landscaping that benefits pollinators and other beneficial insects while improving soil health is invited to a free 5:30 p.m. workshop May 11 at Porter Farms.

The hands-on planting experience is led by county resident Laura Essex of Favor Native LLC.

Porter Farms is located at 4680 W. US 36. Clean Water Indiana funds the workshop. Hendricks County Soil & Water Conservation District is the host.

RSVP to brianna.ollier@in.nacdnet.net, or call (317) 386-6206.

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Parkinson’s Support Group At Senior Center

Hendricks County Senior Services is pleased to announce they will be hosting their monthly support group designed specifically for persons with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers.

The next support group is May 6, at 2 p.m. with Neurologist Chris Wilson, from American Health Network presenting.

The session will be a Q&A session for the support group. Dr. Wilson takes a special interest in Parkinson’s disease, supporting those with the disease and their families.

Facilitators, Juli Krizan and Megan Meyer, leads the Parkinson’s support group.

Juli has been at Physical Therapist for more than 27 years and works at Hendricks Regional Health at the Brownsburg Hospital. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy and a Master of Physical Therapy degree. Juli retired as Director of Coach and volunteer staffing at Rock Steady Boxing of Brownsburg.

Megan is a Inpatient Lead Therapist at Hendricks Regional Health for over five years, with over eight years’ experience. Megan received her BS Zoology from NC State University and PTA degree from University of Indianapolis.

The Parkinson’s Support groups are confidential, free of charge and reservations are not required. New participants are always welcome and membership in the Senior Center is not required. Transportation is available through Senior Services at 317-745-4303.

The Hendricks County Senior Center is located at 1201 Sycamore Lane in Danville. Senior Services is funded in part by United Way of Central Indiana, CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions and the generous donations of individuals and community organizations. Service is provided without regard to sex, race, color, religion, disability, or national origin. ______________________________________________

HCRD Receives Community Recycle Grant from IDEM

The Hendricks County Recycling District is among 21 recipients ofthe Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Community Recycling Grant Program. The HCRD will receive $64,822.

“The Community Recycling Grants are a great way for IDEM to promote and encourage recycling at the local level,” said IDEM Commissioner Bruno Pigott. “IDEM is proud to work with communities to promote recycling throughout the state.”

The grants are available to counties, municipalities, solid waste management districts, schools, and nonprofit organizations located in Indiana.

Grants are funded through IDEM’s Solid Waste Management Fund. Funds come from the solid waste management fee (IC 13-20-22-1). The fee consists of $0.50 per ton charge on solid waste for final disposal at Indiana municipal solid waste landfills and incinerators. None of the funding comes from tax dollars.

Grant funding is intended to create successful, cost-effective programs. Applicants must demonstrate a positive environmental impact within the project service area, an increase in waste diversion as a result of the project, and show the sustainability of the project. For additional information, please contact 800-988-7901 or recycle@idem.IN.gov.

Grants are funded through IDEM’s Solid Waste Management Fund. Funds come from the solid waste management fee (IC 13-20-22-1). The fee consists of $0.50 per ton charge on solid waste for final disposal at Indiana municipal solid waste landfills and incinerators. None of the funding comes from tax dollars. _____________________________________________

Operation Round-Up Supports Local Fire & Rescue Efforts

On behalf of Hendricks Power Cooperative and its members, a donation of $2,500 to the A&A Township Volunteer Fire Department and a donation of $1,500 to the Stilesville Volunteer Fire and Rescue was recently made in an effort to enhance the safety needs of each operation. Each of these organizations provides valuable services to our communities while operating on limited resources.

The A&A Township Volunteer Fire Department donation will go toward replacing Co2 detectors. The new detectors offer upgraded features that allow the first responders to determine if a leak is Lower Explosive Limit, Hydrogen Sulfide, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, or Oxygen. The detector can also measure levels of all these gases simultaneously. The upgraded detectors can also offer faster response time and more accurate testing to improve community safety. The A&A Township Volunteer Fire Dept has two stations that serve 60 square miles between Adams and Ashland Townships in Morgan County..

The Stilesville Volunteer Fire & Rescue received a donation to obtain rechargeable flashlights and chargers for each of their members. These lights will increase visibility in smoke-filled environments and allow them to be found easier in the event of entrapment. The Stilesville Volunteer Fire & Rescue services the areas of Stilesville, Amo, Coatesville, and Clay Township, and provides mutual aid to departments in Morgan and Putnam Counties.

“We are extremely appreciative of the fire and rescue volunteers,” said Dana Cochran, Director of Marketing and Member Engagement at Hendricks Power Cooperative. “Each of these departments have seen a rise in calls and have made more runs than usual in the last year. We are grateful that our membership can support these local heroes and provide them with the extra tools needed to help them do their job; it’s a great way to give back and help make a difference in the community.”

About Operation Round-Up: Operation Round-Up is a voluntary fundraising program that lets members round up their energy bill to the next whole dollar- it is never more than 99 cents per month. The contributions are deposited in a fund at the Hendricks County Community Foundation. Together, Hendricks Power and the Community Foundation determine the most appropriate uses to benefit the community. Anyone interested in receiving funds for the good of the community can contact Hendricks Power at hendrickspower or write to Hendricks Power Cooperative, P.O. Box 309, Danville, IN 46122 for guidelines and an application.

About Hendricks Power Cooperative: Hendricks Power Cooperative provides electricity and energy services to over 30,000 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 services, please visit hendrickspower.com. ______________________________________________________________________

DAR Names American History Essay Contest Winners

Pictured top to bottom: Andrew Gerhart, 6th grade, Plainfield Middle School; Jude Johnson, 7th grade, Cascade Middle School; Audrey Faletic, 8th grade, Homescool/Classical Studies of Indianapolis. Not pictured: Lincoln C. Bradshaw, Plainfield Central Elementary. _______________________________________________________________________________

The Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) has announced the NSDAR 2021 area American History Essay winners. The students were recognized at a Zoom video conference during the chapter’s April meeting.

The American History Essay Contest, sponsored by NSDAR and chapters across the county, is open to students in grades five through eight and is meant to encourage young people to think creatively about our nation’s history and look at history in a new and different light.

The 2020-2021 essay topic was The Boston Massacre in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre. The Boston Massacre, considered to be a pivotal event that paved the way to the American Revolution. Imagine you are living in Boston and, after witnessing the events of March 5, describe your family’s discussion about the Boston Massacre and what role it played in organizing the colonists against the British King and Parliament.

Essays are judged on historical accuracy, adherence to topic, organization of materials, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation and neatness. Winners selected then compete with students in respective grades at the State, Divisional and National levels of NSDAR. Each student was presented with a NSDAR Award Certificate and Medal.

Darlene Lewis, American History Essay Chapter Committee Chair, announced Hendricks County first place winners. In fifth grade, Lincoln C. Bradshaw, Plainfield Central Elementary School, son of Erin and Jeff Bradshaw; sixth grade, Andrew Gerhart, Plainfield Community Middle School, son of Karen and Keith Gerhart; seventh grade, Jude Johnson, Cascade Community, son of Teresa and Travis Johnson; eighth grade, Audrey Faletic, Home School with Co-School at Classical Studies of Indianapolis daughter of Kristin and Jason Faletic.

Both Andrew Gerhart and Audrey Faletic are returning first place winners, having won in 2020

for fifth grade and seventh grade, respectively. Audrey also placed second this year for eighth graders in the state competing against students from chapters across the state of Indiana. She placed third place in the State in 2020. There are 84 chapters in Indiana.

Bradshaw, Gerhart and Faletic read their winning essay to chapter attendees and invited guests which included immediate family, grandparents, teachers, and principals. Jude Johnson unable to attend the meeting.

Other area winners were: fifth grade, second place, Jennifer Diffelsen, third place, April Zabell, both of Plainfield Central Elementary School; sixth grade, second place, Charlotte Woodruff, Brownsburg East Middle School; seventh grade, second place, Molly Goff, third place, Royce Bright, both of Cascade Middle School; eight grade, second place, Caleb Hagquist, Brownsburg East Middle School.

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

DAR Announces 2021 Good Citizen Award Recipient

SRIYA KOGANTI

Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) has announced their DAR Good Citizen recipient. At the chapter’s April Zoom video conference meeting DAR Good Citizen Chapter Chair, Linda Teany, announced the Hendricks County DAR Good Citizen recipient, Avon High School Senior, Sriya Koganti, daughter of Srinivas Koganti and Vasudha Cherukuri. She was presented with a NSDAR Award Certificate, Medal and monetary gift from the chapter.

Sriya is also a State Finalist in the DAR Good Citizen contest and will be honored at the 120th Indiana DAR State Conference Award Luncheon next month in Indianapolis. State recipients in the state then compete against winners across the country.

The DAR Good Citizen Award recognizes graduating seniors from area high schools who exhibit the qualities of good citizenship, dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. They also complete an essay to be eligible to win. This year’s title topic was: “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving It,” and the fo-

cus question was “How do

the combined actions of so many good citizens keep our nation moving forward?”

As an extremely active student during her four years at Avon High School, Sriya was an officer in Indiana DECA, Business Professionals of America, Speech and Debate Team, Girls Who Code, UNICEF and Student Government. She was in National Honor Society as well as National Honor Society for Speech and Debate, and National Honor Society for Computer. She earned state champion in Business Professionals of America in areas of Interview Skills and Entrepreneurship (placing 5th in the nation), DECA state champion in Professional Selling, third place district champion in Rotary Speech, district American Legion Oratorical, and district Optimist Oratorical. She was an Avon Schools

Community Ambassador, Project Angel Volunteer, Freshman mentor, and active in Model United Nations. She was student of the month for Business and Student of the Year for Marketing, Trigonometry, College Alegebra II ACE and Chemistry. Sriya is a National AP Scholar, National Merit Semi-finalist and Academic Letter Recipient. In addition, she played violin in the school Symphony Orchestra

When COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine disrupted education, she learned HTML coding and built and developed the project website, covidtutor. live, connecting 180 students with 150 prestiguous mentors.

Sriya plans to study Finance at either the University of Notre Dame or Indiana University-Bloomington then pursue a Juris Doctorate.

Other Hendricks County seniors representing their schools were: Samantha Szanti, Brownsburg; Preston Fox, Cascade; Abigail Yarnell, Danville; Grace Ament, Plainfield; and Paige Benner, Tri-West.

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

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Brownsburg Native Creates Art Through Custom Clay Earrings

After a couple summers working in the food industry, Cedarville University junior Rachel Higbee knew she wanted a career that could incorporate her love of art. This led her to found Arae Designs, where she has already sold over 1,000 custom-made clay earrings in a little over a year.

Higbee, a professional writing and information design major from Brownsburg, experimented with custom paintings and drawings in high school. However, even though she received a lot of orders, the time involved in fulfilling each request kept this from becoming a sustainable business while she was also a full-time student.

Years later, while scrolling through the social media platform Pinterest, she found an artist making jewelry out of polymer clay, a type of material that hardens in an oven instead of in a kiln. She remembered how much she enjoyed working with clay as a kid so she decided to try her hand at it once again.

After months of prepariation, Higbee launched her first earring set on Instagram on Christmas Eve 2019.

“At that time, clay jewelry wasn’t much of a trend, so I was super nervous that no one would like my artwork,” said Higbee. “But the Lord was so faithful. He gave me people who wanted to buy my work. After I posted my work on Instagram, all the earrings were purchased within 15 minutes.”

Higbee has since expanded her business from operating solely on Instagram to establishing her own website. Currently she rotates between custom designs during the school months and then during breaks, creating collections that include hundreds of earrings.

Her most popular design is her wedding bouquet earrings where she replicates a bride’s bouquet based on submitted photos. “The best part of this business is seeing the joy that comes from me repackaging a memory in physical form so that they can keep forever,” said Higbee.

Higbee can’t ever imagine not making art and plans to transition her business into a multiple media art business selling custom paintings, prints, and many other types of art.

“That’s what I love about it; it is so adaptable that I can do this no matter where I’m at or what I’m doing in life,” explained Higbee.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,550 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation, and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about Cedarville University, visit www.cedarville.edu.

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Property Tax Due Date, May 10, 2021

From the Hendricks County Treasurer’s Office:

The pay 2021 property taxes began mailing Monday April 5. To save tax dollars, both the Spring and Fall coupons are mailed in the same envelope. You will not receive a second statement for the Fall coupon in the mail.

This is a reminder the tax statements have a new format. The new form no longer has the “Tax ID” number. Instead, please use the “Duplicate” number found at the top of your statement when referencing your parcel for payment.

If you own property in more than one county, please make sure you pay the correct county by checking the top left portion of your coupon when submitting payment, to avoid delaying payment to the correct county.

This year you will find a “Total Due” has been added to the “Taxpayer’s Copy” for those wanting to pay for both installments.

If your mortgage company pays your tax you will see a watermark across the statement stating “INFORMATIONAL”. If you do not see this and your property tax is paid by your mortgage company, you will want to forward the tax statement to them immediately.

There is often a lot of confusion when a property is sold about who is responsible for the property taxes. This is an agreement made between the buyer and seller, and the Treasurer is not a party to nor has knowledge of your agreement. If you have questions or concerns regarding the responsibility of your taxes we suggest contacting the title company where you had your closing or realtor.

Operating hours for conducting business in the Treasurer’s office are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 pm. We will have extended hours on the due date, Monday May 10th from 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Payment may also be made at the following Hendricks County banks: First Merchants Bank, First National, Hendricks County Bank and Trust, North Salem State Bank and State Bank (formerly known as State Bank of Lizton). Payments are not posted until they are received by the Hendricks County Treasurer. You must present your current tax statement coupon at the bank along with your payment. The bank is unable to accept any prior years’ tax payments. Please come in or call the office to obtain the correct amount of a past due payment.

If mailing your tax payment remember that it is considered on time if postmarked by the US Postal Service on or before May 10, 2021. If there is any question about whether a payment will have a timely postmark, we encourage you to obtain a certificate of mailing from the post office.

WE NO LONGER HAVE A P.O. BOX NUMBER. Payments should be mailed directly to the Hendricks County Treasurer, 355 South Washington Street, #240, Danville, IN 46122.

For electronic payment options, please go to www.co.hendricks.in.us. The county is prohibited by law to pay the credit card fees. Therefore, they will be added to your purchase if you choose to use that option.

Our night deposit box is located on the south side of the Government Center in Danville by the south entrance doors. Payments may be deposited in this box at any time prior to midnight on May 10, 2021 and will be considered on time. Please enclose your payment and bill coupon in an envelope when using the night deposit box.

For questions about payment of your taxes, please call the Treasurer’s Office at 317-745- 9220 or email to treasurerdept@co.hendricks.in.us. _________________________________________________________________________

Avon Fire Dept. Offers Education, Opportunities for Senior Citizens

By Melissa Gibson

The Washington Township Avon Fire Department has recently launched a new program for ages 55 and older, aimed at seniors and safety.

Senior Health And Risk Reduction Program, or S.H.A.R.P, is offered to anyone in the county who would benefit from topics ranging from exercise to severe weather to kitchen safety.

“Over the past few years, we’ve noticed we didn’t have a program for this demographic,” said Karen Utley, Director of Public Education. “We have programs for preschool, elementary, middle and high school but 61 percent of patients we respond to are 55 and over.”

When COVID halted the fire department’s typical programming, Utley set to work, creating virtual programming for teachers and began refocusing efforts in reaching the community.

“I spoke to Hendricks County Senior Services and they were livestreaming events and posting information on their Facebook page, so we thought we could create a group to open opportunities and reach this demographic as well,” Utley said.

KAREN UTLEY

During a time of shelter in place orders and a high risk of contracting a dangerous virus, seniors have been forced to learn new ways to stay connected and have increased their use of online services such as Zoom and Facebook to visit with family and gain information – a perfect opportunity to create an online group for education and assistance.

“We have the S.H.A.R.P. Facebook group, and I send out consistent posts and information to that. We also have two e-newsletters that can come directly to your inbox; every other Friday I post our department newsletter called Tailboard Talk and the opposite Friday, I post the Safety Scoop,” Utley said.

It’s not all education. Utley has incorporated links for exercise and fitness opportunities, an online wordsearch related to the topic of the month and more, hoping to engage the group and have fun while learning.

Future monthly topics will include what happens when a patient calls 911, smoke detector safety, heat exhaustion and others.

“This is a great place to start,” said Utley. “As things open back up, the goal is to begin hosting in-person events as well but for now, this is a safe way to start reaching this demographic.”

The fire department offers several programs to benefit the public: CPR training, safe car seat installation and the Project Lifesaver program.

Project Lifesaver is for anyone to tends to wander due to a cognitive disorder. Caregivers of children and adults with autism, down syndrome, Alzheimer’s or other similar diagnosis can sign up through the fire department and receive a wrist or ankle band. In the event the person walks away from their caregiver, the fire department is able to find them quickly and efficiently through the GPS chip in the band. The free program has saved many lives across the country and gives caregivers a sense of extra protection should an emergency arise.

To sign up for the weekly newsletter or for more information about the S.H.A.R.P. program or Project Lifesaver, visit the Washington Township Avon Fire Department at https://www.avonfd.org/

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Local Leglislators Praise Education Increases in Budget

The new two-year state budget plan passed the Indiana General Assembly last Thursday, which includes historic increases to K-12 public education. The new budget will provide $600 million in additional funding to public schools annually – fulfilling and exceeding the Next Level Teacher Compensation Commission’s recommendations for increasing teacher salaries. The budget also recommends schools set starting teacher salaries at $40,000 and requires schools to dedicate at least 45% of tuition support dollars to teacher pay. In total, the budget increases K-12 spending by $1.9 billion over the biennium. Hendricks County legislators had the following comments:

State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), chair of the House Ways and Means K-12 Subcommittee: “Relying on fiscal responsibility, our state weathered the past year better than expected. While other states are looking at tough budget cuts, Indiana has the opportunity to make strong investments in Hoosier priorities. With half our budget already dedicated to K-12 education, we are increasing education funding by an additional $1.9 billion over the next two years. With this investment, Indiana is meeting and exceeding the recommendations for increasing teacher salaries that were proposed by the Next Level Teacher Compensation Commission. Local school boards must prioritize this funding to make sure it supports raising teacher pay.”

State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis), chair of the House Education Committee: “Indiana consistently puts education at the top of the priority list when it comes to funding, and this year is no exception. Before the most recent revenue forecast, schools across the state were expected to see an increase in funding. Thanks to our strong conservative leadership and our economy rebounding, our state is able to further our commitment to Hoosier students and educators, and increase our investment substantially. Locals should use this additional funding to increase educator salaries to help retain and attract top talent in our classrooms.”

State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon): “This state budget makes an unprecedented investment in our K-12 schools, including providing an additional $600 million to public schools annually to increase teacher pay. This funding exceeds the Next Level Teacher Compensation Commission’s recommendations and will help draw more Hoosiers into the teaching profession. Schools will be asked to set their minimum starting salary to $40,000 a year, and required to direct at least 45% of tuition support dollars to teacher pay. If these benchmarks aren’t met, schools will have to report to the state as to why not. This historic education funding is in addition to key investments for infrastructure, mental health and law enforcement, all while reducing taxpayer-funded debt, and providing opportunities for future tax cuts and reforms.”

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Brownsburg Honors Employees

Left to right: Megan Attwood, Assistant Manager Brownsburg Parks Dept.; Scott Doehrman, Brownsburg Deputy Clerk-Treasurer; Shelby Abner, Public Relations & Social Media.

This spring, the Town of Brownsburg revamped its process for choosing an Employee of the Year. Rather than selecting one winner, the Human Resources Department created three award categories: Giving Excellence Meaning (GEM), Ignitor of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. A team of staffers reviewed nominations and other criteria to select the inaugural winners below.

Megan Attwood of the Parks Department is the GEM of the Year. Attwood has been with the Parks Department for five years, where she currently serves as the Youth Services Manager. In her role, she oversees the Before- and After-School Enrichment (B.A.S.E.) program, which in a typical year serves approximately 500 children. Due to COVID-19 and concerns among parents for their children’s safety, Attwood created numerous safety measures and guided staff through implementing them. Because of her efforts, no children contracted COVID due to being in the program.

Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Scott Doehrman is the Ignitor of the Year. Doehrman has recently implemented two important initiatives that have made employees’ lives easier. At the beginning of this year, Doehrman was responsible for the launch of a new paystub portal. Last year, Doehrman led the process for the adoption of a new time clock system, which allows employees to clock in and out remotely using their mobile phones.

An amazing photographer and designer, Shelby Abner is the Rookie of the Year. Abner designs the Town’s staff e-newsletter, creates a quarterly newsletter mailed to residents in zip code 46112, and manages the Town’s social media accounts. In 2020, Abner led the effort to replace the Town’s website. The task required her to work with multiple departments and members of the public to ensure the website met all users’ needs. Her efforts have greatly improved the Town’s ability to meet the communications needs of employees and residents.

“I’m proud of all of our staff members who navigated the challenges of their daily jobs while facing new challenges brought on by the pandemic,” said Town Manager Jeffery A. Eder. “Megan, Scott and Shelby are great examples of the quality employees who serve the residents of Brownsburg.” ______________________________________________________________________

Concerts for a Cause Support Non-profits With A Night of Entertainment

Indianapolis artist Cliff Ritchey was the opening act for a concert benefiting Agape.

By Melissa Gibson

Bruce Kidd and Steve Neely have served on many non-profit boards and know all-too-well the struggles they face when it comes to financing their passion.

In 2015, Kidd and Neely hosted an event for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in Indianapolis, including an evening of live music, food and entertainment.

“Steve and I are both huge live music fans and we wanted to do something for the JDRF board and supports. I didn’t want to just do another fundraiser, but more of a ‘thank you’ party of some kind. We thought, let’s do a live music concert for 200 or so people, make it fun and a celebration.”

As the evening concluded, Kidd and Neely said to each other, “I think there’s an idea here,” and Concerts for a Cause was born.

“We thought maybe we could do something like this for other non-profits in the area. I’ve been on several of those boards and these are really good people, working hard for other people that need help in our community and they struggle every year,” Kidd said.

Though the two were not concert promoters and weren’t sure how many might show for the event, in January of 2016, they hosted their first concert featuring Vance Gilbert from Boston, benefitting a National Beep Baseball league for blind or seriously site impaired baseball players.

“It worked,” said Kidd. “We raised $7,500 for them to compete in a national tournament. We have sponsors for the food, the artists’ fee, wine and beer and then all ticket sales go to the non-profit.”

Concerts for a Cause hosts four concerts per year, each with a different artist and different non-profit. Supporters from all over the state come to the event for a night of unique entertainment – just how Kidd and Neely planned it.

“I want these concerts to feel like a private, intimate concert in your living room. We keep it to 200-300 people in a small venue. If you’re in the very last row, you’re still only 25 feet from the stage,” Kidd said.

A local singer/songwriter from Indiana always opens the show, followed by a short informative introduction about the non-profit and then the main entertainment.

“That first concert, we donated $7,500 and now, we’re giving $20,000 - $25,000 each evening. To date, we’ve donated $250,000 to these organizations,” Kidd said. “The whole idea is, ‘how many lives can we touch through these donations?’. It’s been an evolution of growth, success and lots of people coming to the concerts now.”

In 2021, Concerts for a Cause are making an effort to host at unique, outdoor venues.

Venues vary and this year, Kidd has taken special care to find outdoor locations across the state to keep within covid guidelines and hopefully, make people feel comfortable to attend.

Today, Concerts for a Cause has a Board of Directors and a lot of “fun, talented and passionate” people helping make the event happen quarterly. The sponsors, supporters and volunteers keep the concerts going, and the attendees coming back.

A local singer/songwriter from Indiana always opens the show, followed by a short informative introduction about the non-profit and then the main entertainment.

“I’ve been here my whole life and this is a very compassionate community,” Kidd said. “I think people keep coming back because some of them know the artists, some want to support their favorite non-profit, some are just looking for a fun evening of entertainment, and most believe in what we’re doing.”

“Our mission statement is by John Wesley and how I try to live my life, ‘Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can’. We all have time and treasure and it doesn’t matter if you make $4,000 or $40 million. We all give a little bit and everyone benefits,” Kidd added.

The first concert of 2021 will be at 6 p.m. June 25 with Griffin House and Keller and Cole. Proceeds will benefit The Shoe Closet. Food and drinks are sponsored by Nameless Catering and the venue is The Ambassador House at Heritage Park in Fishers.

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Fly the Friendly Skies....at Danville!

One little known par of Danville’s history is the fact that at one time, it was home to multiple airports.

While it wasn’t a permanent location, the Horace Miles farm, west of Danville, was the site of airplane carnival in 1919. On November 1, the Clayton Airplane Corporation (yes, that Clayton) hosted the event, which featured an airplane piloted by E.A. Johnson, of Dayton, Ohio, and late of the Royal Air Force in England. Rides were $15 (with a photographer present for pictures).

“Would you know your own town from two thousand feet in the air?” was the question in the June 24, 1920 issue of The Republican. To resolve the question, readers were invited to “Come to Huff’s Field, two miles northeast of Danville on the Sigurson Pike at 1 p.m., Sunday, June 27” to take a ride in the company’s plane. “Come out and see some real sport and enjoy the afternoon.”

In 1946, sketches of the proposed “Mecca” airport were submitted to the Civil Aeronautics Administration by Orrion Shutts, manager. The site was 38 acres on the west side of town, owned by Peter Shutts. It was “south of Branson’s filling station” and 500 feet off of U.S. 36.

In the plans, the field was to have three runways: one north-south (1363 ft.); one east-west (1302 ft.) and a diagonal runway running NE - SW (1425 ft.) A rental hanger (60’ x 90’) that contained a 20’ x 60’ shop would be built. A chicken dinner restaurant was also part of the plans.

In addition to hanger rentals and sales and service of private planes, Mecca field was to be on one of the five “feeder lines” to be used by Roscoe Turner, who operated a charter service between Detroit, Mich. and Memphis, Tenn.

In 1946, Mecca offered a special Decoration Day round-trip sightseeing tour. For $7.50, passengers could see the 500-mile Race and the crowd at the speedway before winging their way back to Danville.

Also opening in 1946 was Stewart Air Field, located 1½ miles east of Danville on U.S. 36. S.O. Stewart was the owner, and Wendell Loy was the manager.

Stewart Field offered plane rides and lessons on a 1946 Piper Club. Stewart was also a dealership for new Cub Planes. The field was open Saturdays and Sundays, and by appointment other days.

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Letters To The Editor

[This letter received by The Republican was also sent to the Danville Town Council.]

This letter sets forth why, I believe, the D. R. Horton proposed Development is inconsistent with the town’s stated priority of preserving Danville’s “Hometown” character and, accordingly, should be denied.

Town of Danville Strategic Plan /March 2018: This Strategic Plan prioritizes the importance of maintaining and enhancing the hometown character of Danville. I refer to page 4 of that document where the following is found:

Mission – “ . . plan for future growth to enhance our authentic hometown . .“

Vision – “ . . committed to sustaining its hometown heritage . . ”

Values – “ . . “Authentic – Hometown Atmosphere, Commitment”

The remainder of the document repeatedly reinforces the above Mission, Vision and Values priorities.

Danville Comprehensive Plan / September 1998: The following was extracted from the Community Vision section of this Comprehensive Plan:

TRAFFIC CONGESTION - Traffic congestion, especially on U.S. 36, was mentioned both by participants in the charrette process and by participants in the comprehensive plan public input meeting as the number one issue faced by the Town of Danville. A disorganized traffic system was also listed as a threat to the town. Specific goals of the comprehensive plan regarding the issue of traffic congestion are as follows:

GROWTH MANAGEMENT - Residents expressed that uncontrolled growth was a threat to the small town character of Danville, and therefore listed growth management as one of the top issues to be addressed in the writing of the comprehensive plan. Although residents are in support of growth, they find it imperative that the growth be directed and controlled. Specific goals of the comprehensive plan addressing growth management are as follows:

PRESERVATION OF SMALL TOWN AND RURAL CHARACTER - Among the strengths of Danville that were proclaimed by the town’s residents were its small town charm, its quality of life, and its people. It is extremely important to the residents that these qualities be maintained despite the continued growth of the town. Related to this issue is the importance of the town’s physical appearance and its ability to provide a high quality of life through the provision of services and amenities. The remainder of this Comprehensive Plan expands on and reinforces the above 1998 priorities.

The Current Situation: Several residential developments are currently underway on the east side of Danville and others have been approved but not yet started. Any one of these developments, if viewed in isolation of all others, would be compatible with the goals, objectives and values set forth in the above two mentioned plans. Appropriate due diligence, however, requires viewing any new development proposal not only on its own merits but in combination with all other developments that are in the pipeline. When viewed in the aggregate, the developments on the east side of Danville are, in my opinion, materially at conflict with the goals and values set forth in both the 1998 Comprehensive Plan and the 2018 Strategic Plan.

Now comes the proposed Miles/Horton development. Again, if viewed in isolation, were it not on the west side of Danville, this project would probably be compatible with the above plans. Full and proper evaluation, however, requires it to be evaluated in combination with all other developments underway in Danville. That, and the fact it is west of Danville which compounds the already existing traffic congestion confirms that this proposed development is materially inconsistent with the town’s Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan in multiple ways.

Conclusion: Substantially all the approximately 1,000 recently approved residential units and the approximately 1,000 units in the proposed Miles/Horton development are in PUDs. These 2,000 new PUD housing units on a current base of just over 3,000 mailboxes in Danville will, I believe, damage and transform Danville’s hometown heritage rather than “enhance” and “sustain” as the Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan prioritize to preserve. Given all the above, the proposed Miles/Horton development is non-compliant with substantially all the priorities set forth in the above two mentioned plans. It is simply the wrong plan at the wrong time. Accordingly, I ask the Planning Commission and Town Council to deny the D. R. Horton rezoning request.

Thank you Dave Potter