Hendricks County

Workplace Electrical Safety

Most office environments are considered low-risk in terms of electrical hazards. But that doesn’t mean you should take safety for granted. Just because you’re not working on a factory floor with high-voltage equipment or are operating large machinery outdoors near power lines, don’t assume electrical hazards can’t be present.

“Just as at home, you need to keep your nose in the wind and eyes open,” said Chris Gearld, Safety Director at Hendricks Power. “A business setting should be up to code. But we all know mistakes happen, or shortcuts, unfortunately, get taken. No matter where you work, take account of your surroundings. Report things that make you go ‘hmmmm.’ Don’t assume maintenance or management must already know about an issue you see and that everything must be OK.”

Hazards and peculiar things office workers should keep watch for include:

▪ Electrical cables that are frayed, loose, or have exposed wires.

▪ Outlets that are worn and won’t hold plugs snugly.

▪ Electrical equipment that gives off a strange odor.

▪ Overheating equipment (those not heated by normal operation). Beware of discolored plastic casings on the equipment or discolored outlet covers.

▪ Overloaded outlets or extension cords.

▪ Equipment that is not working properly.

Any faulty equipment, wiring, plugs, etc., should be removed from use immediately and reported to your supervisor or whoever is in charge. Outlets should not be overloaded, so either plug equipment elsewhere or tell your supervisor, who should minimize the need for overloading them.

The office may need to have a licensed electrician install additional outlets and circuits to reduce overloading or the need to rely heavily on extension cords. To minimize hazards:

▪ Switch off and unplug appliances when they are not in use and before cleaning.

▪ Turn off all appliances at the end of the day.

▪ Do not force a plug into an outlet if it does not fit.

▪ Do not run electrical cords through high-traffic areas, under carpets or across doorways.

▪ Make sure the electrical load is not too much for any circuit, even when using a surge protector. ______________________________________________

Sign Up for Summer Fun Runs

If you love parks, enjoy being outdoors, and are up for an active summer challenge, you’ll want to sign up for the 2021 Summer Fun Run Series, hosted by The Parks Foundation of Indiana and presented by Hendricks Regional Health.

Your race entry of $35 for an individual and $100 for a family of four gives you access to safe and convenient racing at 14 Hendricks County Parks, T-shirt, and a great feeling of knowing you’re supporting parks and trails in our community. Sign up online at pfohc.org.

Participating is easy, thanks to the RaceJoy app and Racemaker Productions. Check out the schedule below and complete your run or walk during the designated dates listed for each park. Runners and walkers alike can enjoy the Summer Fun Run. And unlike most organized races, this virtual event is dog and stroller-friendly.

Funds raised from the Summer Fun Run are used to provide grants to the local park departments to support projects like the following:

Conservation signage on the White Lick Creek Greenway in Brownsburg

Planting new trees and wildflowers in Gary Eakin Park in Danville

A new and improved habitat for Omni the turtle at Washington Township Parks & Rec

Directional signage on Scamahorn walking trail in Pittsboro

May 26-June 1 McCloud Nature Park

June 2- 8 Al and Jan Barker Sports Complex, Miracle Field

June 9-15 Arbuckle Acres

June 16-22 Washington Township Park

June 23-29 Gary Eakin Park

June 30-July 6 Williams Park

July 7-13 Avon Town Hall Park

July 14-20 Vandalia Trail, Amo Trailhead

July 21-27 Hummel Park

July 28-Aug. 3 Helen Pecar Memorial Pecar

Aug. 4-10 Hendrick’s Regional Health YMCA

Aug. 11-17 Scamahorn Park

Aug 18- 24 W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park

Aug 25- 31 Cardinal Park and B&O Trail ______________________________________________

Pittsboro Local & Social

I had the privilege of attending the Tri-West Choir Spring Concert. Such talent there is in the school. Everyone did such a fantastic job. Thank you for making a Friday evening most enjoyable.

This Choir also has received a Gold with Distinction (one of 30 schools in the State of Indiana to reach that level. Congratulations to everyone involved.

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The Linda Ash Farmer’s Market continues on Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30 p.m at Pittsboro United Methodist Church, 227 E. Main Street in Pittsboro.

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The Sorority Garage Sale is this coming weekend in the Scout Building in Scamahorn Park. The hours are Thursday, May 13 and Friday, May 14 from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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The Shepherd’s Shelves Food Pantry at Pittsboro Christian Church will be open on Saturday, May 15 from 10 a.m. - noon. The church is located at 209 N. Meridian Street across the street from Pittsboro Elementary School.

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Plainfield FOL Book Sale

Support the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library through a purchase from our Friends of the Library book sale or virtual store!

Visit the library between Wednesday, May 12 - Sunday, May 16 to browse a selection of donated, gently used books, movies, board games, and more.

Be sure to stop by the Friends Book Sale early for the best selection, and late for the best deals. Regular pricing Wednesday-Friday, half-price sale on Saturday, and on Sunday you can take home a bag of books for $5!

You can also stay home and shop anytime by visiting the Friends virtual book store at https://friendsof-the-plainfield-library. square.site/s/shop

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Dancing with Hendricks County Stars Kick-off

Pictured left to right: Ryan Morrison, Iveth Reyes (instructor), Chris Tincher, Kate Toth (instructor). Steve Hite, Madison Henderson, John Unison, Melanie Nichols, Arielle Brown, Suzanne Shafer, and Jamis Wadsworth-Carr (instructor).

Toes were tapping and smiles were abundant on Tuesday evening, May 4, as Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars dance participants and others involved in the event learned a few dance steps from Arthur Murray instructor, Jamis Wadsworth-Carr.

This was the grand kick-off of the upcoming event set for August 21, 2021 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds’ Expo Hall.

The sixth annual fundraiser for the Hendricks County Museum was, of course, cancelled in 2020, so the dancers who had prepared for that event were eager to kick off a new beginning.

Hendricks County Museum, located at 170 S. Washington Street in Danville depends on this major fundraiser to fund operations and protect collections of artifacts of our county’s story.

This evening of entertainment includes dinner and a great silent auction filled with tempting gifts. Tickets are $70 and will be available starting June 1 at the museum’s website www.hendrickscountymusuem@co.hendricks.in.us or by mailing a check to the museum. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

The Generational Myths That Stigmatize Mental Health

By Chase Cotten, Executive Director at The Willow Center Brownsburg, Ind., 317-852-3690

According to Mental Health America, 46% of adults in the US will experience symptoms of mental illness at some point in their lifetime. This year alone, nearly 1 in 5 adults in the US will experience a diagnosable mental illness. Surprisingly, over 56% of adults with a diagnosable mental illness did not receive any professional care for it. Why?

I suggest that one of the main reasons why we are not getting the help we need when we need it most is that we are each influenced by generational myths that stigmatize mental health. Here are three examples to consider.

1. Baby Boomer Generation (Born 1946-1964) Myth: “Showing Emotion is Weak.”

Raised by survivors of the great depression and World War 1, it makes sense that many members of the Baby Boomer Generation were taught from an early age to grit their teeth and push through difficulties without showing transparent emotions. Although “grit” is a sign of resilience, it can also lead to the conclusion that acknowledging any emotions shows weakness to one’s peers. Self-stifling one’s full emotional response to life’s difficulties (like World War II and the Civil Rights Movement, for example) leads to negative outcomes later in life.

This generational stigma leaves many middle-age to older adults with a difficulty feeling and expressing their emotions in a healthy way. Instead, emotions are bottled up – or worse yet, are coped with using substances or unhealthy eating.

2. Generation X (Born 1965 – 1980) Myth: “Needing Help is Shameful.”

Generation X lived through one of the most accelerated periods of technological advancement, better connecting them to the world. Raised by Baby Boomers, they were taught from a young age to “pull [themselves] up by their bootstraps,” or to “make [their] own way” in life. Many learned from an early age that signs of strength and value are being able to take care of oneself financially, physically, interpersonally, and emotionally.

Rugged individualism became the societal norm for these adults. Unfortunately, this generational stigma lead to a deep aversion to asking others for help. Needing help, especially help with processing one’s own mental or emotional struggles, is seen as shameful. Shame leads to isolation.

3. Millenials (Born 1981-1996) and Generation Z (Born 1997 – 2015) Myth: “Perfection = Success.”

Our two youngest generations, Millenials and Gen Z-ers, have grown up in the internet age, with immediate access to nearly any information on the planet via social media. This hyper-connectedness has benefits, including leading them to be more open to new ideas, more culturally diverse, and more accepting of others different from themselves than previous generations. However, it also has a major drawback: hyper-comparisons.

Much of what is posted on social media is a filtered version of reality, more perfect than what is true, leading young folks to unsatisfactorily compare their lives with what they see. This hyper-comparison plus typically high expectations from parents leads to more generational stigma: “If I’m not perfect in my grades, in my appearance, in my career (etc.), then I am not good enough as I am.” Unfortunately, this has lead to dramatically increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality for young people in the US.

But, there is hope! Despite the scary statistics and generational stigma, we are making fantastic progress as a local community and as a nation on eliminating barriers to getting help. In the year of 2021, more adults and young people than ever before have reached out for professional mental health and substance use care.

Employers are providing more mental health benefits such as Employee Assistance Programs and days off. Local public school systems have prioritized improving students’ mental health for the past few years, including hiring social workers to provide care in each building.

As long as we continue on this path of destigmatizing mental health, we will see more lives saved, more families reconnected, and our community more uplifted. If you or a loved one needs help, there is no shame in reaching out today!

On Dean’s List At DePauw

Rachel Graves, from Plainfield, has been named to DePauw University’s Fall 2020 Dean’s List. The Dean’s List recognizes students who achieve a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. __________

Inducted Into Order of the Engineer

Aubrey Tunberg of Avon, majoring in Mechanical Engineering, was among 34 seniors at Trine Univesity’s Allen School of Engineering & Technology who became members of the Order of the Engineer during a recent ceremony.

During the ceremony, engineering graduates take the Obligation of the Order. Members are given a stainless steel ring called the Engineer’s Ring.

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Recognized at York College

York College of Pennsylvania Criminal Justice student Courtney Duffell of Brownsburg was recognized for the Student Senate Service Award at York College of Pennsylvania during the College’s annual 2021 Recognition Ceremony.

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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.

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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Hendricks County Master Gardeners Say, “Thank you!”

The Master Gardeners of Hendricks County would like to thank everyone who made this year’s Gardening For ALL Ages a big success. From the 1,200 attendees over the course of the day to our gardening vendors to the Hendricks County Fairgrounds Staff, the event in this transition year required the effort and cooperation of everyone as we had to move GFAA to a different fairgrounds location. We look forward to April 23, 2022, to host next year’s GFAA. ________________________________________________________________

North Salem Local & Social

Jocelyn Pearcy, granddaughter of Glenn and Phyllis Pearcy was inducted into the National Honor Society at her Danville school. Congratulations, Jocelyn.

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Get well wishes to so many. Mary Ann Fleece in hospital and now at nursing facility to rehab. Come on Mary Ann, we all need your input.

Also prayers for Glenda Smith with several issues.

Thinking of Delores Shelton, Cindy Barker and all of their family, Alta Trump and all of her family on the passing of her husband, Dallas “Butch” Trump, Friday, May 7 Calling and services Friday, May 14, at Porter Funeral Home, North Salem at 11 a.m., services at 1 p.m Burial at Fairview Cemetery, North Salem.

Thinking of Dottie, Jim Basham, and others.

Sympathy to the family and friends on the passing of Linda Brownlee Szewc, Brownsburg, on May 6. She was North Salem native, N.S.H.S. graduate 1962. Services and burial were Monday, May 10, with burial in Lizton K of P Cemetery. Linda was daughter of the late Hubert and Mary Brownlee, well known to many in the North Salem area.

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Dr. and Mrs. Wm. R. (Laura) Kirtley, from Seymour, visited his aunt, Mrs. Mary Ann Fleece Sunday, at the Village of Avon. Mrs. Fleece is in the assisted living facility recovereing from a recent hospitalization, plus receiving therapy to haid her walking and to regain strength. Also calling on Sunday were Mr. and Mrs. Brayden (Emily) Fleece and childre Jack, Averee, Henry and Calvin of North Salem. Master Cal will observe his third birthday May 3rd. Bob Fleece remains at home, taking care of the farm with help from grandsons Drew and Ryan Fleece. Recent visits this week were Bob, Chuck, Jeff and Brad Fleece and daughter Melanie Sellers and granddaughter Kari Sellers. Last week’s callers were Mary Cummuns, Ms. Sharon Thuma of Danville.

Mary hopes to return to her home when she gets stronger and can be up and about on her own.

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Special thanks to Ron Kneeland for being here for us. He always checks school bus route and people throught. We love ya, Ron. ______

So many enjoyed the Jackson Twp. Ladies Luncheon held at Cochran’s Catering, Jamestown. Suzie Rich and associates thank all for donations, help and your big support of this endeavor. A very large attendance and of course the food and fellowship was great. Already looking forward to next year.

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Looking forward to North Salem Alumni, Saturday, June 5.

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Belated birthday wishes to Dale Chalfant, April 2 and Lois Duncan, April 4. Sorry - hope you had good ones.

Thinking of Mary Lou Morris, RIta Lieske, Gerald Whiles, and all others in nursing homes - we mill all of you.

No, I haven’t forgotten all my food gifts. Will be bringing you up to date next week.

A wonderful neighborhood. No vacancies. Do have lots or weeds to be pulled, grass to mow, tomato plants wilted, strawberries and rose bush seem to be OK.

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Senior Services Offers Alaska Cruise in 2022

Hendricks County Senior Services is offering the opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime. In May of 2022, they will be traveling to Alaska for a 3-day land tour and 7-night cruise. The land tour will include an overnight in Fairbanks and two nights at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. The cruise will be seven nights aboard the Grand Princess.

The land tour includes a trip on a sternwheel riverboat, a tour of Denali National Park and a scenic rail journey from Denali to Anchorage. The cruise will visit Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Vancouver. It will also cruise through Hubbard Glacier and Glacier bay National Park.

The Senior Center is working with local travel specialists, Mike and Jenifer Laver, of Cruise Planners, to assure that all questions can be answered by local representatives.

You do not need to be a member of the Senior Center to take this trip. Space is limited. If you would like more details about this trip, stop by the Senior Center at 1201 Sycamore Lane in Danville or call Becky at 317-745-4303.

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Hear About Hearing Aids At Sr. Center

Each May, Better Hearing & Speech Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders.

On Friday May 14 at 10:30 a.m., you have the opportunity to get more information on hearing aids and new products from Signia Hearing Instruments from Duane Wass the owner and founder of the Affordable Hearing Store in Danville. Duane has personal experience with hearing aids and he has worn aids since he was 4 years of age. He is Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences.

This presentation will be available at the Senior Center, at 1201 Sycamore Lane in Danville and on the Hendricks County Senior Services Facebook Live page. Reservations are not required.

For more information contact Hendricks County Senior Services at 317-745- 4303.

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

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Brownsburg Parks Offers Fitness Classes

Brownsburg Parks offers a variety of fitness classes designed to keep you active and moving!

Dance Fit with Erin, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m., Arbuckle Acres Park, Shelter 7

Walk and Talk Series: Care for the Caretaker, Wednesdays in May, 7-8 p.m.,| Arbuckle Acres Park, Shelter 8

Qigong Classes, Tuesdays, May 18-Nov. 30, | 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Bundy Lodge, Arbuckle Acres Park

Tai Chi Classes, Tuesdays, May 18-Nov. 30, 11 a.m. to noon, Bundy Lodge, Arbuckle Acres Park

Beginner Yoga, Thursdays, May 20-Nov. 18, 9-10 a.m., Bundy Lodge, Arbuckle Acres Park

Chair Yoga, Thursdays, May 20-Nov. 18, 10:15- 11:15 a.m., Bundy Lodge, Arbuckle Acres Park

Slow-Flow Yoga, Thursdays, May 20-Nov. 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Bundy Lodge, Arbuckle AcresPark

Restorative Yoga, Thursdays, May 20-Nov. 18, 6:45-7:45 p.m., Bundy Lodge, Arbuckle Acres Park

Nature Therapy (Shinrin-Yoku Session), Monthly, first and third Friday and Sunday | 9:30 – 11 a.m., Outdoor Classroom, Williams Park

Outdoor Group Meditation, Monthly, first and third Friday and Sunday, 8-9 a.m., Outdoor Classroom, Williams Park

Learn more and register at brownsburgparks.com

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Hendricks Power Cooperative Announces 2021 Scholarship Winners

Scholarship winners from left to right: Grace Timm, Emily Burns, Grace Elmore, Ally Schimpf, Abby Lynch, and Chase Searcy

Hendricks Power Cooperative recently announced the winners of the 2021 Commitment to Community Scholarship program. Over 75 member applicants were received from graduating students.

The scholarship recipients are as follows: Abigail Lynch, Brownsburg High School, Allison Schimpf, Greencastle High School, Chase Searcy, Cascade High School, Emily Burns, Plainfield High School, Grace Elmore, North Putnam High School, and Grace Timm, North Putnam High School.

Each student will be awarded a $1500 scholarship to be used towards continuing education at the college or vocational school of their choice. These six students have excelled academically and were selected based on their personal achievements, application essays, and other criteria.

Hendricks Power hosted a dinner on May 3 to recognize these students and present them with certificates celebrating their achievements. “We really look forward to the awards dinner,” said Emily Hammell, Marketing Communications Manager at Hendricks Power. “It gives us an opportunity to become better acquainted with the students and their families. We enjoy hearing about their future plans and seeing their enthusiasm towards this next step in life.”

Hendricks Power Cooperative provides electricity and energy services to over 35,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in west-central Indiana. Formed in 1936, the cooperative is owned and controlled by members they serve. For more information regarding Hendricks Power Cooperative and other related services, please visit hendrickspower.com. ______________________________________________________________________

Hendricks Power Seeks Candiates for Board

Hendricks Power Cooperative Board Elections are conducted every year.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! 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. Deadline for submitting completed petitions to Hendricks Power is May 21, 2021.

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.

Indiana Main Street Organizations in County Working For Preservation, Promotion and Community

Three Hendricks County Towns are looking to the future by highlighting their past and promoting local businesses. They are a part of the Indiana Main Street Program. Since 1985, the Indiana Main Street Program (IMS) has been helping communities revitalize the economy, appearance, and image of their downtown commercial districts using the National Main Street Center’s successful Main Street Approach. Main Street is a comprehensive, incremental approach to revitalization built around a community’s unique heritage and attributes. Using local resources and initiative, the state program helps communities develop and provides support for the implementation of their own strategies to stimulate long-term economic growth and pride in the heart of the communities’ downtown or commercial core. ______________________________________________________________________

Main Street Plainfield

Downtown Plainfield has a unique history and Main Street Plainfield is working to promote local businesses in the area. _______________________________________________________________________________

By Melissa Gibson

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) recently named Main Street Plainfield, Inc. (MSP) an accredited Indiana Main Street organization.

The not-for-profit was formed in 2018 with the goal of promoting downtown Plainfield’s history, small businesses and more.

“Once you’re designated through the state of Indiana, you can apply for more funding and grants,” said Executive Director Stephanie Scotten. “We’re able to receive funding for beautification of Main Street and upgrades on some of the older buildings with historical significance. We can receive funding for murals or signage and other things.”

Plainfield residents have likely seen the work of MSP in the past several years. The organization is behind the Plainfield historical

tours offered in 2020, Shop Small promotions throughout the holidays, a holiday window decorating contest and more. Their Facebook page receives engagement from the community with flashback Fridays, historical fun facts and current, featured businesses on Main Street.

As the town continues to move forward with their revitalization plan, including the newly opened Barlow apartments, a parking garage and a planned Performing Arts Center, the hope is to keep Main Street a walkable destination with easy access to restaurants and local shops.

“Downtown is experiencing a transformational development right now and I am excited about the value that Main Street Plainfield can add. With this designation, Main Street Plainfield will have access to more resources to do good things for the downtown community,” Plainfield Town Manager Andrew Klinger said.

Coatesville Downtown Revitalization

Coatesville recently restore the old International Harvester building on their Main Street.

The Coatesville car show will return on July 17 this year.

By Melissa Gibson

“We received our designation in 2013 and at the time, we were the smallest Main Street in the state of Indiana,” said Steven Schultz, President of Coatesville Downtown Revitalization. “We’re working to bring in new businesses and we’ve transformed the outside of several buildings.”

In 1948, Coatesville suffered serious tornado damage, nearly leveling every building in the town. With the loss in mind, Schultz and other volunteers have began recreating a 1950’s theme, restoring the outside of the 1948 gas station to its former glory.

They’ve also renovated a previous International Harvester Dealership building and find unique and historical pieces along the way.

“When we worked on the International Harvester Dealership, we found the original

entrance going into the hardware store was still there from 1948. With everything repainted, it really brightens up the area,” Schultz said.

The organization has also been able to purchase electronic signs to advertise businesses in town with grant funding through OCRA.

Coatesville might be best known for their popular car show coming back for the ninth year July 17. Over 250 cars are expected to return for the annual event and the 1950’s gas station they’ve recreated is the “central point to everything”. Schultz handcrafts nearly 80 awards for the car show, making each year and each award unique to the recipient.

For more information on the revitalization and upcoming events, visit https:// www.facebook.com/mainstreetplainfieldindiana and https://www.coatesvilleindiana.org/cdr.html.

North Salem Revitalization

In 2018,North Salem, with a smaller population than Coatesville, became the 133rd Main Street organization in the state.

“I didn’t think we could do it in a year,” Bill Compton remarked when the North Salem Revitalization Committee received their Main Street recognition. The small group had started in 2017 with a get-acquainted Ice Cream Sociial, followed by a Fall Festival and a series of Game Days at the Community Building to help spur community interested.

On October 18, Mary Shaw, representing OCRA, congratulated the group on the groundwork they had accomplished to earn the designation. She explained they had achieved the Indiana Main Street Four Point Approach: Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality.

“You have the proven track record to be a Main Street community,” Ms. Shaw told the group, adding, “Your work is just starting!”

You can keep up with North Salem Revitalization, Inc. on their Facebook page.

Ice cream and strawberries were on the menu at one of North Salem Revitalization’s early community gatherings.

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HP’s Round Up Helps Brownsburg HS Band

Pictured from left to right: Tracy Runyon, Brownsburg High School Band Director; Dana Cochran, Director of Marketing and Member Engagement, Hendricks Power Cooperative; and William Rhodehamel, President & CEO, Hendricks County Community Foundation.

The Sound of Brownsburg was one of the nine bands selected to perform out of hundreds of entries from across the country. A group of more than 200 students along with faculty members, Chris Kaflik, performing arts and band teacher, and Tracy Runyon, band director, will travel to the Big Apple this fall to participate in the 95th annual parade.

The band was originally invited to perform in the 2020 parade and has been anticipating this opportunity for over two years after the event was canceled last year due to the pandemic.

“We are excited for the students to have this once-ina-lifetime experience,” says Dana Cochran, Director of Marketing and Member Engagement at Hendricks Power, “After the challenges they faced in 2020, we are proud to support them and see them represent our area on a national stage.”

The Sound of Brownsburg’s performance at the parade will air on Thursday, November 25th, 2021 at 9 am on NBC.

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 us for our 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. ______________________________________________

Local Farmers Markets Opening Near You

Coatesville’s Neier Farms can be found at local farmers markets around the county.

By Melissa Gibson

The local farmers market has always been a popular stop among residents looking for fresh produce, meat and dairy or simply those that enjoy walking around, socializing and seeing what the vendors have to offer.

Each farmers market is slightly different and it’s not uncommon to see live music, a culinary class or learn something new along the way.

This year, in particular, the community is excited to resume their traditions after many markets were closed or abbreviated due to the pandemic in 2020. Be sure to like the Facebook page of your favorite market to stay connected to schedule changes and upcoming events from week to week. Why do we love the farmers market? “There’s something to be said for knowing where your product is coming from,” said Kelly DiBenedetto of the Danville Chamber of Commerce. “There’s a sense of security knowing, this meat was raised down the street.”

DiBenedetto said she believes Danville has been very intentional about supporting their local shops and entrepreneurs and this year, the farmers market will feature 28 vendors – the largest number of vendors to their farmers market to date.

To accommodate the additional vendors, they’ll be moving to the opposite side of the square, setting up at the back of the square, Marion Street and Washington Street. Not only can visitors come out on a Saturday morning for this farmers market, the shops and local storefronts benefit from residents stopping by for coffee, breakfast or brunch.

Avon’s farmers market will offer events for the entire family with themed days, including Strawberry Shortcake Day, Dessert Day and others. There will be live music, children’s activities and other special events.

Parks Programmer and Event Coordinator Delbert Harmon said Avon will welcome a larger set of vendors than last year, and two new vegan option vendors.

Volunteer Ashley Delcorno is ready to get the event going and is confident this season will be a success.

“For me, personally, I look forward to every week of the summer at the farmers market. It’s a great atmosphere. We want to get back to normal and we’re looking forward to providing the same level of vendors and participation as we have in the past. Come out and support our farmers,” Delcorno said.

Some farmers markets, like North Salem, include local musicians to add to the atmosphere.

Market Master Philip Cornelius from Brownsburg is also looking forward to a great season.

Brownsburg is partnering with the public library to bring an educational program for children to the market. Young attendees will have the chance to learn more about the farmers market produce. The event is free with the exception of those days the children make and take a project home.

On June 10, the Kiwanis Club will host their annual Strawberry Fest, offering shortcakes to visitors and proceeds will go to the club for service projects in and around Brownsburg. On Aug. 5, the farmers market will hold their annual corn roast. Weber Farms donates the more than 40 dozen ears of corn and visitors can pickup a free corn on the cob as they walk through the market.

“I think what may be unique to us is that we offer a preordering online site,” Cornelius said. “Vendors that want to participate are added to our online ordering, you pay for your items and you can stop in and pickup the items that have been set aside for you.”

The online ordering site it now live and visitors can set up an account, however, be sure to check back often for updates as more options will be posted as they become available. Visit https://brownsburgfarmersmarket.localfoodmarketplace.com/ for more information.

Compared to last year, Cornelius said several vendors from the past will be returning and the market will offer meat products, dairy and eggs for sale, in addition to the fresh produce.

All of the farmers markets are in large spaces with easy walkability to local shops and restaurants, and all are hoping to promote and support their local farmers and entrepreneurs on their journey.

Check out the list of local farmers markets in the county with dates, time and location. Be sure to like their Facebook page for updated changes and events for the following week.

Avon Farmers Market – 4-7 p.m., June 1 through Sept. 14, every Tuesday, 8244 E. US Highway 36.

Belleville Farmers Market – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. April through Sept. 7, Daily, 1882 E. US 40, Clayton.

Brownsburg Farmers Market – 4-7 p.m. June 3 through Sept. 30, every Thursday, 61 N. Green St.

Danville Farmers Market – 8 a.m. -noon, May 8 through Sept. 4, every Saturday, Town Square

North Salem Farmers Market – 5-7:30 p.m., May 6 through Oct. 7, every Thursday, 5 W. Pearl St.

Pittsboro Farmers Market – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., May 5 through Sept. 29, every Wed., 227 E. Main St.

Plainfield Farmers Market – 4-7 p.m., June 2 through Sept., every Wed., 105 S. East St.

Frozen, locally produced meat is available at many farmers markets.

Senior Center Membership

Membership in the Hendricks County Senior not only provides extra benefits, but membership dollars are an important part of the funding that prove the wide variety of activities and workshops offered to all senior citizens in Hendricks County.

The annual membership fee is $55 per person. If you use the services of the Hendricks County Senior Center. The cost of membership is only $.22 per day for the 247 days the Senior Centeris open a year.

Membership enables you to participate in activities and programs that are exclusively for members and provides discounts to members when a fee is charged for an activity or program.

Becoming a member is easy. Simply visit the Senior Center, complete a Membership Form and pay the membership dues. Members can renew their membership online. Visit hcseniors.org to learn more.

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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. Please call 317-745- 4303 to make an appointment to come to the food pantry.

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, to use the food pantry. Donations are always needed, accepted and appreciated.

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Loan Medical Equipment

Hendricks County Senior Services maintains a limited supply of medical equipment available for loan for residents of Hendricks County as part of the Danville Rotary Club Foundations, Inc’s Durable Medical Equipment Loan program.

Equipment is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no charge for borrowing the equipment. Donations are graciously accepted to helpoffset the cost of maintaining the equipment. Call the Senior Center for more information at 317-745- 4303.

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 NWHSC CUBS Preschool program, you may call the North Salem office at 317- 994-3000.

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