Hendricks County

Pickleball Courts Aplenty At Brownsburg

The Town of Brownsburg’s pickleball community will celebrate the long-awaited opening of six new courts at Stephens Park (605 Stephen Dr.) during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 8 at 10 a.m.

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. A hybrid of tennis and table tennis, pickleball is played on a netted court. The sport is enjoyed by players of all ages.

“We’ve had requests for additional pickleball courts from our community for years, which is why we’re so pleased to provide this space for players,” said Brownsburg Parks Director Travis Tranbarger. Currently, there are two pickleball courts at Arbuckle Acres Park (200 N. Green St.).

Other new features on the 3.2-acre park include a variety of stationary exercise equipment and a new universal playground.

“One of our goals is ensuring that as we add and upgrade playground equipment to our parks it is accessible to children of all needs,” said Tranbarger. “While Stephens Park was once a quiet neighborhood park, I believe it will see new life thanks to these play features.”

Improvements to the park were funded by a park district bond.

Visitors also will find year-round restrooms and a walking trail along the border of the park. Additional features, including a natural playground made up of logs and rocks, will be added in future.

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Lizton HS Alumni Banquet Cancelled

The executive board of the Lizton High School Alumni Association has made the decision to again cancel the LHS Alumni Banquet. We recognize that progress against Covid-19 is being made and restrictions in Indiana are lifting, however there are still concerns for the health and safety of our members.

We hope our next banquet will take place on Saturday, June 4, 2022 in the Tri-West Middle School.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing each of you at next year’s banquet, on Saturday, June 4, 2022.

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Yard Waste Recycling

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 Yard Waste Recycling and check out the online recycling guide, visit Recycle- HendricksCounty.org.

Gain Music Academy Supporting Classical Musicians in Hendricks County

An annual recital allows musicians at the Gain Music Academy to show off their progress in front of a live audience.

By Melissa Gibson

Natalie (left) and sister Kat performed as the Grimes Girls around the midwest while still in their teens.

You may remember The Grimes Girls playing at various events in Hendricks County several years ago.

Natalie was an accomplished fiddler and her sister Kat was a pianist. At 19, Grimes went on a summer tour and applied at DePauw School of Music for violin performance. She auditioned and was accepted, however, Gain chose to move to Alaska instead.

“I wanted to entertain, perform and share my music,” she said. “I was contacted by a family in Alaska who owns a ranch there and they wanted me to be an inhousemusician. It also created a home base for touring because Alaska has a huge country/blue grass following. I loved Alaska and actually met my husband there.”

Natalie Grimes Gains began teaching in various studios in Alaska and eventually taught in private homes Those experiences led Gains to want to open her own studio and change some things along the way.

“[Studios] were focused on method teaching. Not all method teaching is bad, but if you only stick to one method, you’re not formulating your curriculum to meet the needs of the student. I saw high turn over rates with students and instructors weren’t really working with you,” she said.

When the couple moved back to Indiana six years ago, Gain opened Gain Music Academy, currently operating out of Avon Community Church of God.

“I started out of my parents house and it was a great experience,” Gain said. “I got involved with the local school districts and gave private lessons to orchestra students. All of that helped get our name out to the community and when I went on maternity leave, I brought in Madeline. She’s receiving her Masters in Violin Performance at the end of the month.”

As Gain Music Academy grew, Gain brought in additional talent to teach violin, piano, cello and other classical instruments, but it was important to her that everyone was on the same page.

“Everyone’s learning style is different and music is individual to the student. I didn’t want to turn into the studio like the ones I had worked with, so it was important to me that we were all on the same page with our teaching, our passion and how we cater to the students’ specific needs,” Gain said.

Making up what Gain calls a “dream team” is Madeline Bowling, Violin and Piano, Angela Pulliam, Violin, Len Cheatham, Cello and Elena Nygra, Violin.

Natalie Gain continues to travel around the globe and share her talent with fans.

Instructors are currently teaching classes at Avon Community Church of God.

Gain is also looking into to wind instrument instruction in the future and hoping to develop relationships with other school districts and the homeschool community.

Gain Music Academy works with everyone from sixyear-olds, looking to have fun and learn a new instrument to high school students, preparing for their college auditions, to adults interested in revisiting their love of music.

“We have a very broad and diverse group of students. If your goal is to major in music, we will prepare you for that. In fact, we have never not had a student get into the school they auditioned for and every one of them has been offered a scholarship of some sort,” Gain said. “But you don’t have to be on a college track. We also teach for fun.”

The academy also works with students with special needs. While they are not certified in music therapy, Gain and the staff believe music to be a universal language and everyone should have the chance to learn music.

Gain is a member of the award-winning Night Owl Country Band and has gone on tour with the group.

“Just because you have unique abilities, doesn’t mean you can’t play. We can work with you. I’ve had students with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, dyslexia, autism and non-verbal among others. It’s amazing because you can see it in their eyes, on their faces, that they love music,” Gain said.

“Not everyone picks it up in two lessons. Our job is to figure out how to help you grow. You don’t have to fit into our box,” Gain added.

The Academy is currently offering virtual lessons and in-person lessons. They typically hold a recital each year (this year it will be on May 15) and they live stream the recital as well for anyone interested in checking out what Gain Music Academy is all about.

Instructors also post performances online for students and the community. In the end, it’s all about heart. “I am huge on musicality,” Gain said. “Anyone can play notes on a page but if you can’t play from the heart, why bother? It’s a communication, it’s being vulnerable. The goal is to touch people’s hearts.”

For more information visit https://gainmusicacademy. com/

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Candidates for Graduation at “Ole Miss”

The University of Mississippi will celebrate more than 5,000 candidates for graduation in the Class of 2021 during the university’s 168th Commencement exercises April 29 - May 2.

The following local students are candidates for graduation:

Elizabeth Marie Goldhammer, of Avon, is a candidate for a Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics. Goldhammer is a Master of Accy. & Data Analytics major in theGraduate School.

Richard Wayne Hughes, of Pittsboro, is a candidate for a Bachelor of Business Administration. Hughes is a Marketing major in the School of Business Administration.

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Particpates In Symposium

Natalie Dayharsh, of Coatesville, recently participated in the University of Findlay’s 2021 Symposium for Scholarship and Creativity.

Dayharsh, a sophomore, was named to The Honor Society of Phi Kappa PhiChapter 310.

Undergraduate and graduate students were given the opportunity to virtually share their research, creativity, and professional learning experiences with the University and community, with many students receiving honors at the same time. The symposium may be viewed at https://www. findlay.edu/offices/academic/scholarship-symposium/.

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Recycling Drop-off Closed At Stilesville

Because of misuse by the public, the Hendricks County Recycling District (HCRC) is closing the Stilesville Recycling Dropoff Center.

The District operates 24-hour Recycling Dropoff Centers located in Lizton,Coatesville, and North Salem. The Centers are located where they are to give households in areas where curbside recycling is not available a recycling option.

If you live in Avon,Brownsburg, Clayton, Danville, Pittsboro, or Plainfield, we would prefer you subscribe to curbside recycling instead of using a Recycling Drop-off Center. Curbside recycling is A Better Way to Recycle. Currently, Ray’s Trash Service and Republic Services offer convenient curbside recycling service for less than $10 per month.

If you do use one of the Recycling Drop-off Centers, please follow the rules posted on the website, recyclehendrickscounty.org, under “programs.”

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Senior Center Food Pantry

Hendricks County Senior Services offers a food pantry for Hendricks County seniors, including perishable, nonperishable, and hygiene products. The food pantry is open by appointment, by calling 317-745- 4303.

Hendricks County Senior Services reserves the right to limit the number of visits. Individuals must be 60 years old or older and a resident of Hendricks County.

LHC Hosts 2021 Celebration of Leaders Event

Leadership Hendricks County’s annual Celebration of Leaders event is Thursday, May 13, 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the CRG Event Center located at 2499 Perry Crossing Way in Plainfield.

Registration is $45 per person and includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, awards, and networking. Space is limited. Register at leadershiphendrickscounty.org or call 317-718-6175.

Leadership Hendricks County alumni and county-wide community members look forward to fun evening of reconnecting, recognizing the 2020 honorees’ outstanding accomplishments, and demonstrating which is the ‘best class ever’ by supporting the LHC’s Board of Director fundraising challenge.

Awards to be presented are the LHC Leader of the Year, Suzanne Whicker Distinguished Service Award, and LHC Youth Leader of the Year. A special thank you to presenting sponsor Duke Energy.

Due to current health restrictions, reservations are required to manage audience capacity. Masks are required upon entry and social distancing practices observed.

Leadership Hendricks County, Inc. is a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization serving the people and corporate citizens of Hendricks County and west central Indiana by offering top-notch leadership and engagement programs for current and emerging leaders who then apply those skills to strengthen their community. Learn more at www.leadershiphendrickscounty.org. _____________________________________________________________________________________________

North Salem Local & Social

Do you remember when we had as much wind as this year? Wouldn’t be as cold if there was no wind. Just thankful for whatever we have.

Everyone enjoying the convenience of the new Dollar General Store. It has everything, and the employees are so helpful and friendly.

Warm weather is making it nice to be able to eat outside at Perillo’s. Seams to even make it taste better. Still waiting for the new restaurant to open.

You should make a special trip to the Garden Gate, 103 W. Pearl St., North Salem, owned by Terri and “Doc” (her dog). They have things you would dearly love. Mother’s Day flowers and gifts available. Pick up and delivery also available. Call 765-676-5039 for information. Hours are Friday, 9-6; Saturday, 9-6; Sunday 12-4. Doc will be glad to see you!

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Sunday morning, such a beautiful day. Birds singing, squirrels looking for their food, and I started aletter to a former North Salem native, Joan Hamilton Ott, 1966 graduate of N.S. High School. She will be remembered by her classmates and friends. Joan now lives in Pennsylvania, near her daughter. Jaon and Neil such a cute couple. The both loved their Christmas Tree and it was changed for the various holidays. Just had to mention that!

Karen out spring my yard for weeds. I mowed again yesterday after Rick lowered my mower deck - looks real nice. Strawberry plants looking good - might have enough to eat a few.

Looking forward to Jackson Township Historical Society Ladies Luncheon Saturday. Always nice and see so many. Of course, Rodney Cochran’s chicken salad is hard to beat.

Coonsie walking past. Caught up on our neighborhood news (gossip). Gave my regards to his wife, Dorothy.

Special thanks to one and all who responded to the call for help in locating a missing young man Friday evening. Prayers were answered when he was located. Thank you.

So saddened by passing of two student graduates at Indianapolis who were killed on their way to Senior Prom. Our sympathy to all.

Jim Basham was honored on his birthday, May 1, with is son, Aaron, and wife and two little ones. They prepared rib eye steaks, sauted mushrooms. Followed by birthday cake and ice cream. Karen Hardman and Tinie Kisner were able to enjoy the dessert and visit for a short time. Many more, Jim, who is recovering from hip replacement. Jim has adopted a beautiful little kitten, Luna. Bella likes it, too.

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Don’t forget the Jackson Township Historical Society Ladies Luncheon, Saturday, May 8, at Cochran’s Catering, Jamestown. Call Rich at 765-676-6483 for tickets.

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Farmers have been real busy getting their crops in as are the gardeners. Lots of yard work - weed spraying and more. Makes for sore muscles, but good for the body!

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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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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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Be Well Crisis Hotline

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration offers the Be Well Crisis Helpline, a confidential resource available through Indiana 211 that will allow Hoosiers to call and speak with a trained counselor 24/7.

The free Be Well Crisis Helpline was established by FSSA’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction in direct response to the elevated levels of stress and anxiety Hoosiers are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Be Well Crisis Helpline is funded by a Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In Indiana the program becomes part of the state’s new Be Well Indiana initiative. Additional information about the mental health resources available to Hoosiers is available at BeWellIndiana.org.

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Senior Center Adds Events & Programs in May

Hendricks County Senior Center is adding more events and programs to their schedule during the month of May. Some of the events and programs include:

▪ Parkinson’s Support Group on May 6 at 2:00PM.

▪ T.O.P.S. (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) meeting on

May 11 at 5:30PM.

▪ Hearing Aid Information on May 14 at 10:30AM.

▪ Nutrition 101: 10 Foods to Keep You Healthy on May 20 at 11:00AM.

CICOA lunch program will begin on May 10 at noon. Reservations for lunch must be received by 11a.m. the day prior. Lunch reservations can be made by calling 317-910- 5356.

In addition to the new programs, the Senior Center continues to offer Chair Yoga classes on Monday and Wednesdays at 11 a.m.; Line Dance class on Tuesdays at 10 a.m.; Music with Dave is at 10 a.m. on Thursdays. Bingocize is offered on Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. One Mile Walk Aerobics (Video) indoor walking class is on Monday and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.

To get more information please visit the Hendricks County Senior Services website at www.hcseniors.org.

There is no cost to attend the events at the Senior Center. You will be required to wear a mask and maintain physical distances. Call the Senior Center at 317-745- 4303 for more information. ______________________________________________

Alzheimer’s Suppport Group

Are you taking care of a loved one, spouse or parent that has Alzheimer’s? Do know someone who is? Hendricks County Senior Services (1201 Sycamore Lane, Danville) is hosting a monthly Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group.

This group meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. The group is open to anyone affected by this disease. All meetings are confidential and free of charge. No reservations are required.

The next support group meeting is Thursday, May 13, at 2 p.m..

Facilitator, Deanne Sanders Below, Coordinator of In- Home Services and Information at Hendricks County Senior Services offers the support group to help those who provide care to loved ones with Alzheimer’s. The mission of the support group is to give caregivers an opportunity to share experiences and gain strength and knowledge from others.

“We want caregivers to realize they are not alone when caring for their loved one with Dementia” states Below.

To receive additional information on this support group, please contact the Deanne Sanders-Below at 317- 910-5367.

If you are wanting information about Dementia, contact the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800-272-3900 or www.alz.org/Indiana

The Hendricks County Senior Services 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.

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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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Brownsburg Parks Hosts Series on Mental Health

Brownsburg Parks is excited to partner with local mental health organizations to host our first Walk and Talk Series. This free series provides participants with a chance to connect with others struggling with stress or depression brought on by the pandemic while hiking through nature. After the hike, the group will meet for a private conversation facilitated by a trained professional.

The Walk and Talk series will be held on Wednesday nights during May from 7-8 PM at Arbuckle Acres Park, Shelter 8 (200 N. Green St.). Each night will feature a different topic and speaker.

While the program is free, registration is required at brownsburgparks.com/fitness-classes. Sessions are: May 12 - Addiction and Recovery with The Willow

Center May 19 – Parents and Family of Depressed and Suicidal Children with Refueling Hope May 26 - Parents of Kids with Special Needs with K1ds

Count Therapy

For more information, contact Shelby Abner, Community Engagement Coordinator (317) 852-1120 x1184 or sabner@brownsburg.org.

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Hendricks Power Cooperative Seeks Candiates for Board

Hendricks Power Cooperative Board Elections are conducted every year, where three areas of our service area are eligible for elections. This year, 2021, areas 7, 8, 9, and 10 are eligible. If you reside in these areas and are a Hendricks Power member, you’re eligible to run!

Deadline for submitting completed petitions to Hendricks Power is May 21, 2021.

Please include: Petition with 30 signatures, Information Sheet (signed), Notice Regarding Background Investigation (signed), Hendricks Power Cooperative Policy B-12: Director Duties, Conflict of Interest, Code of Ethics, & Standard Conduct (signed), Hendricks Power Cooperative Policy B-14: Director Election Procedures (signed), Professional Photo (Head Shot), Personal Biography - no more than 150 words.

If you’re interested in serving on our Board of Directors, contact Dana Cochran at dcochran@hendrickspower. com or by phone at (317) 718-7641. _____________________________________________

Clayton High School Classmates Gather at Former “Hang Out” in Belleville

Nine classmates and seven spouses of the 1959 graduating class of Clayton High School recently joined for lunch at an historical location in the Belleville Community.

Sam and Dee’s Diner had originally been built in the 1950’s as the “Bell-Inn” drive-in and quickly became a hang-out as well as a source of employment (remember car hops?) for many high school students in the area. Many would make the trip to experience fountain drinks, various sandwiches, onion rings, fries, and ice cream, as well as to see or be seen by fellow students.

While enjoying good food and great service now, memories of special times and budding relationship were shared at this mini-reunion. This group meets bi-monthly and is open to anyone interested in sharing stories of the more gentle and innocent times of our lives. For future gatherings, call Jerry Bayse at 317-539-6878 for information. _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Girl in the Green Dress

It was 1944 and America was deep in the throws of World War II. A young man named Jack wanted to join the war effort and become a fighter pilot. He enlisted and, after Basic Training, went to school in New York for flight training. After graduation, he had some time before going to England. He liked to read so he went to the library and found a book that looked interesting and checked it out. While reading it one day a card fell out. It was a library card and had a woman’s name and address on it. He put it in his wallet but soon forgot about it.

In a couple of weeks, he left for England and found himself flying dangerous missions over Germany. He came close to death many times. One day he was going through his wallet and found the card. On a whim, he wrote her a letter telling her how he got her address and how much he liked the book. In a couple of weeks, he received an answer. Her letter was so uplifting, and he wrote back immediately. He taped her letter on the instrument panel of his plane for luck. After some months of fighting, he earned an R and R (rest and relaxation). He would be sent back to New York for a couple of weeks. He immediately wrote to the girl and told her he wanted to meet her. She wrote back and said she would be waiting for him in Grand Central Train Station at 2:00 on Sunday and would be holding a copy of the book they liked so well. He asked for a picture but she never responded.

He came home to New York and on Sunday went to meet her. He was so nervous. As he walked through the station a very beautiful young lady came toward him. She had strawberry blond hair and was wearing a beautiful, pale green dress. She smiled and said, “Hi, Soldier.” He looked and, darn, no book. He tipped his hat and walked on. In the back of the train station, he found a lady holding a book, their book. She was middle aged, kind of pudgy, and graying hair. He introduced himself and told her how much he had longed to meet her. He also asked her to join him for lunch. She had a puzzled look and replied,” This is really strange, but a young lady asked me to stand here and if a soldier asked me to lunch, I was to tell him that she is in the diner across the street and she had strawberry blond hair and a pale green dress.

Noel Gatlin

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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 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 served basis 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.

Vision Support Group To Meet At Senior Center

Hendricks County Senior Services is hosting a monthly Vision Support Group at the Senior Center in Danville. The support group is for anyone that is affected with vision loss.

The next meeting is Wednesday, May 12, at 2 p.m. Dr. Keely Allen, from Danville Family Eye Care, will be facilitating the group. There will be an open forum for questions with Dr. Allen.

Dr. Keely Allen graduated with honors from Indiana University School of Optometry in 2006 and practices with a full scope of Optometry. She is trained in the diagnosis and management of nonsurgical, medical ocular conditions including diabetic eye exams, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Anyone is welcome to attend. No reservations are required to participate in the support groups and membership at the Senior Center is not required. All meetings are confidential, free of charge and open to all. To receive additional information on this support group, please contact Hendricks County Senior Services at 745-4303.

Transportation is available through Senior Services at 317-745-4303. If you would like to join us for lunch, please call the Senior Center at least 24 hours in advance. Suggested donation is $3 for seniors 60 years old or older and their spouses.

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.

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Ghost Highways In Hendricks

By Betty Bartley

Most people are familiar with ghost towns, places that once flourished but later faded, but few know about the ghost highways that once connected them. An example of ghost town meets ghost highways is among the items in this item from The Republican in 1918.

“Rainstown: Between thirty-five and forty wagon loads of household goods passed on the Dixie highway, Friday and Saturday.”

Rainstown was located between Pittsboro and Lizton, on what is now State Road 136. In 1915, that road became a part of the Dixie Highway.

Plans for the Dixie Highway began in 1914 as a way to connect the southern states with the Midwestern states, for commerce as well as social reasons.

Hoosier native and automobile promoter Carl G. Fisher was one of the supporters of the new route, as he had been with the Lincoln Highway, one of the earliest transcontinental automobile routes, running from Times Square in New York to Lincoln Park in San Francisco.

The Dixie Highway Association promoted the route, funded by individuals, businesses, and local governments. The highway was constructed and expanded from 1917 to 1927. The route was marked by painted markers on utility poles, consisting of a red stripe with the white letters, “DH” written on it, with a white stripe above and below it.

The Dixie Highway branch that passed by Rainstown connected Indianapolis to Danville, Illinois, then north to Chicago.

An earlier promoted road was the Pike’s Peak Ocean-to-Ocean Highway. The route through Hendricks County followed the existing Rockville Road, and was similarly marked on the utility poles with a red stripe over a white stripe with the letters “PPOO” in black.

A booster of the PPOO visiting Danville in 1915 predicted, “the thousands of automobile tourists who will travel over the route will leave a stream of gold in their wake, and Danville is bound to get her share - and it will be new money for this locality.”

Of course, the National Road (now US 40) was the first major road constructed in Hendricks County, but it was a federal project. It was the first major improved highway, built between 1811 and 1837 along what was known as the Cumberland Pike or Old Trails Road. Among the many ghost towns along the old National Road is the town of Jacksonville, called Jacktown by those who knew it well, and supposedly the spot where the funding for the original National road ran out.

Old roads often received new names for a variety of reasons. In 1919, the Pike’s Peak Ocean-to-Ocean Highway was named as part of the new Pershing Transport Route, a memorial to General John Joseph “Black Jack” Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force in World War I.

The same road, from Danville west to the Illinois border, also serves as a memorial to Hoosier journalist Ernie Pyle, killed while on assignment during World War II.

Those crossing the street on the north side of Danville’s Historic Court House Square, are not only walking across Main Street, but across history on the Rockville Road, Pike’s Peak Ocean-to-Ocean Highway, Pershing Transport Route and Ernie Pyle Memorial Highway. ______________________________________________

LHC Hosts Golf Outing

Registration is open for Leadership Hendricks County’s 25th Annual Golf Outing on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Deer Creek Golf Club located at 7143 St. Road 39 in Clayton.

Enjoy a day of scramble-format golf, and county-wide camaraderie at lunch, dinner and on the links.

▪ Registration and lunch begin at 11 a.m.

▪ Florida Scramble shotgun start at noon.

▪ Dinner and awards at 5 p.m.

Entry fees are $400 for a team of four golfers, $100 per individual golfer, and includes cart and green fees, driving range, beverages, lunch, and dinner. Non-golfers may register at $25 per person for the dinner and awards program only.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Nolan Security & Investigations, LLC: Front Nine Sponsor;Mike Price Reality Team, RE/MAX Centerstone: Practice Green Sponsor; Colliers International: Dinner Sponsor

There is no rain date. If the golf outing is cancelled, registrants are encouraged to come for lunch, networking, and raffle at 11:45 a.m.

Space is limited. To register and to learn how you or your organization can become a 2021 LHC golf outing sponsor, visit leadershiphendrickscounty.org or call 317-718-6175.

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Walk-in Hours At Fairgrounds Vaccine Clinic

Beginning Monday, April 26, the Hendricks Regional Health COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds will begin accepting walk-ins at the following times:

● Monday-Thursday: 1 – 5 p.m.

● Friday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

●Saturday: 8 a.m. – noon

Please call 211 with any questions.

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Hendricks Behavioral Hospital Grand Opening This Friday

– Hendricks Behavioral Hospital invites the public to attend the grand opening and ribbon cutting of their new Plainfield location at 1051 Southfield Drive. The event will take place on Friday, May 14 with the ceremony from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and facility tours from 12 to 3 p.m. The ceremony will include opening remarks by Jerry Sheward, M.D., with guest speaker Jay Chaudhary, Director of Division of Mental Health and Addiction with Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, and special comments by Richard Kresch, President and CEO, US HealthVest; Kevin Speer, CEO, Hendricks Regional Health; and Brian Tabor, President, Indiana Hospital Association Hendricks Behavioral Hospital, a 112-bed state-of-the-art hospital, offers behavioral healthcare and substance use disorder services to residents of Plainfield, Hendricks County, and surrounding counties. For more information, call 1-844-991-9900 on Hendricks Behavioral Hospital visit www. hendricksbehavioralhospital.com. To RSVP for the event email Kristy Prosser at kprosser@hendricksbehavioralhospital.com. ______________________________________________________________________

Registration Now Open For Leadership Development Series

The Leadership Development Series (LDS) is a series of half-day workshops designed to provide ongoing, interactive, and research-based professional development for Hendricks County citizens and surrounding areas. Brought to you by Leadership Hendricks County, workshops are held at the Hendricks County 4H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex (1900 E. Main St, Danville, Ind.) from 8 to 11:30 a.m

Thursday, June 10: Leadership Roles Led by Matt Nettleton of Sandler Training, you will learn about the four leadership roles, assess your skills, and how to be prepared to full these roles as you lead your team to success.

Thursday, August 12: Community Conversations Facilitated by Eric Hessel, Hendricks County Community Foundation, and Susan Rozzi, Rozzi & Associates, LLC, this interactive session centers on how the county, as it continues to grow and change, remain a welcoming and inclusive community.

Friday, October 15: Conflict Management In this workshop, instructor Carolyn Goerner of Practical Paradigms, will help professionals manage change and resolve differences with win-win solutions.

Single workshop registration fees are: $75 (LHC and Chamber members); $99 (non-members). Space is limited. Register at leadershiphendrickscounty.org or call 317- 718-6175.

Hendricks Power Project to Provide More Reliable Power

Hendricks Power, along with Wabash Valley Power Alliance, is currently working on enhancements that will improve system reliability, increase capacity, and improve switching capability throughout the northwest portion of our service territory.

This project, known as the Jackson Township - Heritage Lake - Montclair (JHM) Project, involves building a new substation known as Jackson Township Substation in Putnam County and connecting it to the electrical grid by constructing two new 69 kV transmission lines, known as the North Line and South Line. The North Line will extend 6.8 miles from the existing Monclair 69 kV Substation in Hendricks County to the new Jackson Township Substation. The South Line will extend 8.4 miles from the existing Heritage Lake 69 kV Substation in Putnam County to include the new Jackson Substation.

This expansion will have automatic switching capability in the event of a transmission outage. The project will also enable Hendricks Power to perform feeder switching without having to “blink” members.

Project planning began in 2017 and progressed to route selection design in 2018. Transmission and substation construction began in the fall of 2020 and is scheduled for completion in fall of 2021. Currently, the transmission line between Jackson and Montclair Substations is under construction, and the line between Jackson Township and Heritage Lake will begin later this spring.

If you have any questions about this project or construction, please call 888-997-0766, visit www.wvpa.com/jhm, or email jhm@wvpa.com. ______________________________________________________________________

What legacy will you leave?

Through a gift to the Hendricks County Community Foundation, you can make our community better, forever.

Would you like to make sure your yearly gifts to your church are continued, forever? We can help you do that.

Want to give back forever to a charity you’ve volunteered for? We can help you do that.

Want to have a permanent impact in our community on a cause you care about? We can help you do that.

HCCF has the strength and flexibility to help you create the legacy you want.

Have you ever considered how your favorite charity would continue without your support?

In 2007, Tom and Nancy Newlin asked themselves that very question. The Newlins are longtime members of the Plainfield Friends Church and recognized an opportunity to partner with the Hendricks County Community Foundation to realize one of their charitable goals. They created a lasting legacy when they opened an endowed fund to continue their tithing to their church forever.

Jackie Egger mopped the floors of Mill Creek West Elementary School for 14 years, showing in his quiet and humble way how much he loved children. He left a gift in his will to make things better for those children. His love lives on through his memorial fund which provides over $2,000 in classroom grants to the Mill Creek School Corporation, year after year.

The Community Foundation’s focus on permanent impact inspired Jackie, and Tom and Nancy. HCCF offered them an opportunity to continue supporting organizations that mean so much to them long after their time passes. The Community Foundation will continue their legacy – along with those of many other Hendricks County donors – forever. So, what legacy will you leave? Contact us today to start a conversation on creating your legacy. 317-268-6240 www.hendrickscountycf.org. ______________________________________________

HCHS Pet Food Pantry

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

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

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Property Tax Are Due May 10

From the Hendricks County Treasurer’s Office:

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 “INFORMATION- AL”. 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 the Treasurer’s office are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4 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 State Bank of Lizton). Payments are not posted until they are received by the 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 Treasurer’s 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.

Hendricks County Housing Market By the Numbers

The Republican newspaper has arranged with the Builder Association of Greater Indianapolis to provide our readers with demographic and housing statistics for both existing and new home sales in Hendricks County. This info will be provided to us monthly.

With the real estate market in unprecedented territory, the paper will work to bring you information on both new home and existing home data for Hendricks County.