31 minute read
Hendricks County
Shop Local Farmers Markets
Avon Farmers Market – 4-7 p.m., June 1 through Sept. 14, every Tuesday,8244 E. US Highway 36.
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Brownsburg Farmers Market – 4-7 p.m. June 3 through Sept. 30, every Thursday, 61 N. Green St.
Coatesville Farmers Market, noon-4 p.m, Railroad St. & Milton St., every Sunday through September.
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.
Hendricks County Community Foundation Marks 25 Years
By Melissa Gibson
The Hendricks County Community Foundation (HCCF) has been working hard for the community for 25 years and while schools, businesses, non-profits and others have benefitted greatly from the organization, still, many don’t know the breadth of what they do.
In 1993 a small group of visionaries began going door to door, asking for support for the community. In 1996, the foundation went county wide and changed their name to the White Lick Heritage Foundation.
In 2005, the organization’s name was changed to the Hendricks County Community Foundation.
“You’d be shocked to learn how much we’ve grown,” Communications and Finance Manager Frances Mock said. “In 1996 we had an endowment of $140,000 and we awarded grants of $20,000. In 2020, we had assets of over $20 million and we awarded grants of $1.7 million. It’s been tremendous growth - resulting in tremendous impact in our community.”
How does the foundation work?
In honor of HCCF’s 25th anniversary, Family Promise in Plainfield received $1,500 from the foundation.
“Many people want to give back to their community but don’t know where the needs are,” Mock said. “They invest their charitable dollars at the Community Foundation and are confident that we will wisely manage their funds and use the earnings to support those who have prevalent needs in the community.”
In other words, residents in the county can donate to HCCF and choose from over 200 funds to gift. If you want to give back and don’t have a favorite nonprofit that’s close to your heart, you can donate to the Opportunity Fund. It’s the HCCF’s largest unrestricted fund and allows the flexibility for the HCCF Board and Staff to meet critical needs in the community when it presents itself.
2020 is a perfect example of unexpected critical needs and how HCCF was able to respond as a result of unrestricted funds.
In honor of HCCF’s 25th anniversary, Brownsburg’s B&O Trail Association received $1,500 from the foundation.
“COVID really provided us an opportunity to step up,” Mock said. “The needs throughout the county were significant. We had a plan of what 2020 would look like, but in mid-March, we completely pivoted our grantmaking. People didn’t
have food, personal protective equipment, childcare, and other necessities of life. So, we shifted our grantmaking to support the local service organizations that had boots on the ground. They were ready to do the work, but they needed the funds to do it.”
Since March 2020, HCCF has granted over $580,000 in direct response to pandemic needs in the community.
“HCCF is uniquely positioned to keep our hands on the pulse of needs in every town in the county. I love that we’re county wide and community focused, because we can help people here in Hendricks County when and wherever its needed,” Mock said. With a new year came a new celebration.
In honor of their 25th year in the county, HCCF set aside some grant money for some fun giving and recognition. They looked at the 13 original nonprofits that received grants back in 1996 and awarded each with $1,500 earlier this year. Most of the original nonprofits are still in existence, but if they weren’t, HCCF found a similar organization to give to in their stead.
“We’ve also awarded two grants in honor of our first Board President, Judge Jim Spencer and our first Executive Director, Deedee Daniel. A $2,500 grant was awarded to our Tricentennial Fund to commemorate our anniversary and invest in the future of the county. Finally, we set aside $2,500 to award to our donors’ favorite local nonprofit. We’ll be mailing out a voter’s ticket to our donors and they can choose who they want the additional grant to go to.”
In addition to granting funds to organizations across the county, HCCF will be putting together a video of the history of HCCF to present at each chamber in the county. Chamber members will receive a short presentation, the video and a local celebratory treat.
“We really want to spread awareness of our 25 years of work in this county, and the Chambers are a good way to get the word out as well as engage with members of the community,” Mock said.
HCCF is presenting Get Involved 2021, a nonprofit volunteer job fair, in partnership with the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds during the county fair. Stop by the Hendricks Power Exposition Hall on July 20 and 21 to meet a variety of nonprofit organizations and see where you fit in to volunteer and help your community thrive.
As 2021 progresses, HCCF hasn’t forgotten about their plan for last year. Off the successful results of a county wide community assessment, they plan to refocus on the main initiatives identified to better serve the community in years to come.
“We developed a threeprong approach to increase community unity through civic engagement, more community collaboration and a greater sense of community branding and pride,” Mock said. “The 2019 Hendricks County Community Needs Assessment really helped us direct and focus where grant dollars should go in order to create a more unified Hendricks County, and we are excited to see our how our community will grow in this process.”
To donate or learn more about HCCF, visit https:// hendrickscountycf.org.
Pittsboro Local & Social
We wish the Tri-West High School Softball good luck in the Softball Regionals on Thursday, June 3rd. The game will be at Tri-West and they will play against Danville.
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Thank you to Eric Bell of Eric MD Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro for his annual “Taps Tour” to cemeteries to honor and remember out fallen heroes on Memorial Day.
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The Linda Ash Farmer’s Market continues each Wednesday evening at Pittsboro United Methodist Church from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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The Shepherd’s Shelves Food Pantry of Pittsboro Christian Church (209 N. Meridian Street in Pittsboro) will be open on Saturday, June 5, from 10 a.m. - noon.
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Plans are underway for the Fish Fry on Saturday, July 3rd. This event is part of the Town of Pittsboro celebration and Pittsboro Christian is sponsoring the Fish Fry. More details will be forthcoming.
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On Dean’s List at Harding U.
Sorome Gerber, of Danville, a Sophomore elementary education major, is among more than 1,150 Harding University students included on the dean’s list for grades achieved during the spring 2021 semester. Harding University is a private Christian university located in Searcy, Arkansas.
Cedarville U. Graduates
Cedarville University in Ohio conferred 892 degrees at its 125th commencement during three separate religious graduation programs April 30 - May 1 in the Doden Field House.
Karin Daun of Brownsburg, Master of Ministry
Aaron Woodruf, Lebanon, Master of Science in Nursing
Jacy Stahlhut, Lebanon, Bachelor of Arts Music (46052)
Jeremiah Vroegop, Indianapolis, Bachelor of Arts Communication
Micah Buckner of Plainfield, Bachelor, Science Finance
Emma Hill of Brownsburg, Bachelor, Science Allied Health
Nathan Lamb, Avon, Bachelor of Science BS-Biology
Rachel Henrichsen, Indianapolis, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Nursing
Taylor Mock, Avon, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Nursing
U. of Alabama Graduates
The University of Alabama awarded some 5,860
degrees during its spring commencement ceremonies April 30-May 2. Among them were the following local students:Adam Brickens of Mooresville received a Bachelor of Arts.
Rachel Colburn of Avon has received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Information Sciences.
Nicole DeSotel of Mooresville has received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.
Allison Freund of Camby has received a Bachelor of Arts.
Jerome K. Jerome
On Dean’s List at Cedarville U.
The following local students were named to the Dean’s List at Cedarville University for spring semester 2021. This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3.5 GPA or higher for the semester and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours. Gabriel Byrd, Danville Marissa Deas, Brownsburg Jadyn Grimes, Brownsburg McKenna Kaneversky, Brownsburg Blake Senseman, Indianapolis.
Honor List at Cedarville U.
The following students were named to the Dean’s Honor List at Cedarville University for spring semester 2021. This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3.75 GPA or higher for the semester and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours.
Hannah Bradley, Pittsboro Micah Buckner, Plainfield Mallory Delamarter, Danville Kyle Gannon, Brownsburg Daine Halsey, Brownsburg Rachel Henrichsen, Indianapolis Rachel Higbee, Brownsburg Emma Hill, Brownsburg Nathan Lamb, Avon Sara Lents, Brownsburg Taylor Mock, Avon Jillian Ogden, Indianapolis Wesley Phillips, Pittsboro Paige Senseman, Indianapolis Jackson Stipe, Danville Jeremiah Vroegop, Indianapolis Emma Wall, Lizton.
Clayton Diner Brings Community Together
By Melissa Gibson
Sam and Dee Hardman have lived in Belleville for nearly 20 years. They watched the building at 1670 U.S. 40, Clayton as different businesses came and went and they talked about the potential of a “cute, little restaurant.”
Dee and Sam Hardman
“I had a long commute and it was time to retire from that and Sam wasn’t completely happy in his position as well,” Dee said. “We had always wanted to start a business and this building had been sitting dormant for a while. We called about it and we said, ‘If it’s meant to be, they’ll call us’, and they did. From there, Sam and I said, ‘Let’s go for it.’”
They went for it and opened a breakfast-only diner on October 13, 2019. Without much knowledge of the building, or running a restaurant for that matter, the couple learned a lot in a short amount of time.
They learned the history of the building they were renovating.
“As we started on the remodel, Sue Halcomb stopped by and educated us on the history of the building. It used to be the Belle Inn in 1958, a drive-in restaurant. Once we opened, other people mentioned it and could remember the drive-in. We had no idea it had such history. People brought us in pictures from the 50’s. It was a third of the size it is today,” Dee said.
Second, the couple learned how to cope during times of stress and uncertainty as small business owners.
“The pandemic was a shock. We took a couple of days and shut it all down and asked ourselves what we were going to do,” Dee said. “We decided to do take out, kept one server on staff and we went to the diner each day and answered the phones and kept busy. The community was amazing,” she added. “Everyone was saying ‘We want you to stay open.’ They were lined out the door every day. It was slimmer than it was when we first opened, but we did what we had to do and now we’re back to full capacity.”
Finally, and perhaps most important, Sam and Dee learned about the importance of home cooked food and what keeps customers coming back.
“We originally said we were going to open a little coffee shop. We’d just do breakfast, have some good coffee, good biscuits and gravy and make some omelets,” Dee said. “We’d be able to see our friends and sit down and have good conversation. It’d be really nice and slow.
Residents brought photos from the 1950’s of the original BelleInn drive-in service.
“That lasted about a hot second, “Dee said with a laugh. “We got so busy so fast, we hired a full staff and everyone started saying they wanted lunch, so we put together a full lunch menu too.”
The experience as owners was new, but Dee’s family had owned restaurants in the past and Sam had worked for a short time as a cook at the bar across the street. They made the choice to make homemade, fresh foods, just like you’d find in your grandmothers’ kitchen.
“The biscuits and gravy are made homemade every day,” Dee said. “My grandfather taught me how to make sausage gravy when I was just a little girl, standing on a stool at the counter. Sam cuts his own tenderloins and feeds them through a crank tenderizer. We hand-make our own cheeseburger patties. Nothing frozen… we didn’t think [frozen] would be very popular.”
Customers come from all over to Sam and Dee’s to visit over a plate of homemade biscuits and gravy and perhaps reminisce about the days when friendly, family-owned restaurants were common. They say the tenderloins are the best in the state and they’ve memorized the daily specials throughout the week.
“Sometimes I think it’s a good thing that we don’t have a lot of restaurant experience. We just want to cook good food for people,” Dee said. “That’s what brings people back every day – it’s all about how good the food is.”
Visit Sam and Dee’s Facebook page for daily specials and updates.
North Salem Local & Social
Special Memorial Day Services, Monday, by the Roachdale American Legion, were well attended and appreciated by many. It is our only way to remember so many who have given their lives and/or served in our many military services over the years. God Bless one and all.
It is a time of remembrance for all our family members who have preceded us. There were a great number of people at the service, also a time of seeing many whom we have not been able to communicate with the past year. It was a time of love and friendship over the years. Was sorry that Cynthia Clark was unable to be present this year. We all missed her. The Cemetery was well kept, beautiful, and an inspiration to all. God Bless America.
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Hear our Debbie Berry has retired from EMT and Fire Dept. Debbie has been a member for many years. Thanks, Debbie - we all love you. Be sure John takes good care of you!
Alta Trump was happy to have her family join her for lunch Sunday. Monday, several family members attended the Memorial Day Services at North Salem.
Phyllis Pearcy hosted a family weiner roast & cook out Sunday in celebration of hubby Glenn’s birthday. A good time was had by all.
Received daily call from Missy Raymond in Alabama. She says be sure and tell everyone “Hi” for her. She loved lots of people in North Salem and truly misses them. The family is doing OK in Alabama. Real hot and rainy, lots of pine cones to pick up. Told her we had a variety of weather here and lots of weeds.
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Receive lots of compliments on our news from North Salem. Glad they are glad to hear from us. If you have news you want to share, just give me a call at 765-676-6008 or call Betty Bartley at The Republican at 317-745-2777 and she will put it in the North Salem news.
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Have had many calls of people with colds, etc. Probably due to our changes in weather. Don’t put your winter clothes away - we still need them.
Karen Hardman has finished planting corn at the graves of our loved farmers. Always happy to see it growing, see whose gets the tallest, etc. Don’t know how Gene’s will do as I have already stepped on it. Last year, Brian Shelton’s was planted last-and won the prize of tallest. Good luck, guys.
Was happy to see Paul Falconbury stop in the store last week. Native of North Salem, now lives in Alabama, but plans on returning to Indiana.
Barbara and Jim Oliver had Sunday dinner guests - Melody, Dane and Ethan, Macy and Lori Ashby. Later in the day Andy Oliver, daughter Jackie and children, Nova and Xavier.
Well, food-wise doing OK. Karen Hardman brought me fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans, cantaloupe on Sunday. Gene McCullough, pork roast, potatoes and carrots, fresh baked pecan pie. Kevin brought me prime beef roast, potatoes and beans. Now you know why I don’t have to cookmuch. Cereal & milk, cheese-broccoli soup, or ham & cheese sandwich. Enough!
Also have a small bunny rabbit coming over to eat corn and goodies!
So thankful for our freedom and peace. Thanks to all our protectors. A special thanks to our many people in our town and elsewhere for all their care and concern.
Adri Hawk, granddaughter of Glenn and Phyllis Pearcy is enjoying a visit till Thursday here and with cousin, Jill.
Hope Sonnie Johnston is enjoying her Buddy. Lots of company.
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Circle of Concern
Glenda Smith; the family of Allen Small; Dottie Basham; Dianne Neff; Barbara Porter, Gerald Whiles, Rita Lieske; Mary Lou Morris and others.
Sympathy to the family of Allen Small on his passing. Allen is a graduate of North Salem High School in 1954, last class to graduate from the old school building. Classmates that I know of were Gerald Whiles, Bob Fleece, Sue Ellen Smith David, Regina Goldman Hawkins, Judy Klein Anderson, Linda Simone. The District is in the process of adding another building. Allen is survived by wife, Nora, and children.
On Dean’s List at York College
Courtney Duffell of Brownsburg, IN (46112) a senior Criminology and Criminal Justice major was named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2021 Semester at York College of Pennsylvania.
On Dean’s List at Jacksonville
Erin Carmichael of Avon was named to the Dean’s List at Jacksonville State University for outstanding academic performance during the Spring 2021 semester.
On Dean’s List at Greenville U
Claire Krober, of avon, a Junior at Greenville University in Illinois, was named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2021 semester.
HSO Online
The Hendricks Symphony Orchestra is offering new and encore performance on their website, www.HendricksSymphony. org. Click on “Media” then on “Recordings.” Donations toward HSO’s 2020- 2021 season may be made by visiting the “Donate” page on the website.
Agriculture Photo Contest
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is now accepting submissions for the 14th annual Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest. The contest is open to all Indiana residents and was created to recognize the hard work and contributions of Hoosier farmers, as well as the beauty of the state’s agricultural landscape. Participants are encouraged to submit photos reflecting the wide array of agriculture. The categories photos can be entered under are:
On the Farm: Showcasing any building, piece of equipment or activity that is a part of life on an Indiana farm. Faces of Agriculture: Featuring those who grow and produce food, fuel and fiber in Indiana.
Agritourism: SpotlightingIndiana’s seasonal and agricultural destinations, such as orchards, wineries and farmers markets.
Conservation: Highlighting Indiana’s natural beauty with landscapes, water and wildlife.
In total, ten winners will be selected: two from each category and two overall.
Contestants can submit up to five photos in digital format accommodated by a submission form for each photo. Photos will be evaluated based on creativity, composition and category representation.
Entries must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. (ET) on June 30, 2021. For entry forms, guidelines and critiera visit in.gov/isda/
22 Brownsburg Athletes Sign National Letters of Intent
Brownsburg Athletics celebrated Spring Signing Day May 20 as 22 Brownsburg seniors signed to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. (Above) Basketball player Eddie Ambrose signed to play for Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Ill.
Marcos Barbosa will head to nearby Marian University after the completion of the 2021 Track and Field season. He is a two-time IHSAA State Finals qualifier in the High Jump and has been awarded a pair of varsity letters in his Brownsburg career. Barbosa, who is coming off a High Jump championship at the 2021 Hoosier Crossroads Conference Boys’ Track and Field Championship, was also an All-HCC selection and Regional Qualifier in the 110 meter hurdles as a sophomore.
Four-year letter winner Roshan Gurung will continue his soccer career for the Cougars at the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Maria Gutzweiler signed to swim for Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. She was a part of Brownsburg’s 2021 IHSAA Sectional championship winning and State Finals qualifying 200 Medley and 200 Free Relay teams.
Three-time letter winner Max Harris will continue his soccer career for Trine University in Angola, IN. As a senior, Harris was third on the team in goals scored and appeared in every match for the Brownsburg boys’ soccer program. Harris, a two-time Academic All-State selection, also competed for the Brownsburg Boys’ Track and Field team. He was an HCC champion in the 4x100 meter relay and an All-HCC selection in the 100 and 200 meter dash.
Swimmer Ella Hart penned her letter of intent to compete for Rose Hulman. Hart was honored with three letters during her career and helped the program extend its IHSAA Sectional championship streak to eight consecutive years.
Soccer player Nathaniel Heyen will continue his career for Illinois Wesleyan after appearing in ten matches for Head Coach Josh Brown as a senior.
Brianna Howard will play softball for Manchester following the end of the 2021 Brownsburg Softball season. She was a two-time letter winner and received Academic honors during her career.
Football OLB Cameron Keys signed to play for Marian University. Keys was a fouryear member of the Brownsburg football team, where he received All-HCC honors for the Brownsburg defense. He recorded 79 total tackles over three years.
Jacob Kodrick will run for Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. Kodrick was an integral part of the 2019 Brownsburg Boys’ Cross Country team that clinched an IHSAA State Finals podium finish for the first time in school history. As a senior in 2020, Kodrick qualified for the IHSAA State Finals.
Lacrosse All-Sectional selection Delaney McCafferty chose to continue her career for Franklin College. She was also an Academic All-State selection in her Brownsburg career.
Mikayla Mills signed to play softball for Saint Mary’s of the Woods College in Terre Haute, Ind. She also spent time as the captain of the Brownsburg Girls’ Rugby club, where Mills helped the team to a 2019 Indiana Girls Rugby Division 2 State Challenge Cup Championship.
2021 IHSAA Wrestling State champion Kysen Montgomery signed to continue his career for Bellarmine University in Louisville, Ky. Montgomery, who was a four-time IHSAA State Finals placer, posted a 114-25 record during his career under Indiana Wrestling Hall of Famer Darrick Snyder. He was also a three-time Hoosier Crossroads Conference champion and Academic All-State selection as a Bulldog.
Cate Murphy signed to play for Indiana University Southeast after she helped Brownsburg Volleyball snap a 30-year drought of IHSAA Sectional championships in the fall of 2020. Murphy surpassed 1,000 career assists during her senior year under head coach Katie Maples.
Three-sport athlete Trevor Nolan signed to run for Xavier University. Nolan earned varsity letters for the Brownsburg Boys’ cross-country, Boys’ basketball and Boys’ Track and Field teams during his four-year career. He was an IHSAA Cross Country State Finals qualifier in the fall of 2020, finishing in the top-ten and earning an Indiana All Star selection. Nolan received a pair of All-HCC honors in cross country and one in track and field during his career.
Marisa Petrunich signed to play tennis for Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. She has been a consistent piece in the Brownsburg Girls’ tennis lineup this spring.
Allison Shaffer will continue her basketball career for Anderson University after helping lead the Brownsburg Girls’ basketball team to history in 2021. The Bulldogs advanced to the IHSAA State Finals for the first time since 1991 and finished as the IHSAA State runner-up.
Two-time letter honoree Dominic Skinner chose to play baseball for Trine University. Skinner has played in 18 games this year for Brownsburg baseball, appearing in the mound and on the field for Head Coach Dan Roman.
Morgan Syoen will continue her volleyball career for Grace College in Winona Lake, IN. She earned four varsity letters and was a cog in the 2020 IHSAA Sectional championship for Brownsburg volleyball.
Two-sport athlete Destiny Thomas signed to play basketball for Saint Mary’s of the Woods College. She earned three letters over her career and was a 2021 All-HCC Honorable Mention selection in basketball.
Chris Williamson chose to continue his track and field career for Grace College. Williamson spent time on the Brownsburg Football and Track and Field teams during his career. He holds the Freshman School records in the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relay.
Remembering a Lost Angel in Babyland
They call it Babyland.
The name summons up a cheery world of first smiles and endless giggles, the sound of soft little hands clapping with joy. In reality, Babyland is that section of a cemetery where infants and children are buried, a nursery of lost hopes and empty dreams.
Recently, a young mother went to the Babyland section at Maple Hill Cemetery in Plainfield to see for the first time the headstone that had been placed for her 5-monthold son, who died last October.
As Emily looked around at all the lost babies, the flowers and the little toys and statues decorating the graves she noticed one that didn’t have a headstone. The only marker was the temporary one placed by the funeral home, for a baby named Mary Ann, who died in 1949.
It bothered Emily, still in mourning for her son, that this little angel had been forgotten and knew she had to do something. On a limited income herself, she insisted that she would save up the money to get Mary Ann a proper headstone.
Last week, while relatives began coming to Maple Hill Cemetery to place flowers on the graves of their loved ones, Mary Ann’s grave was decorated with a vase of flowers, a tiny porcelain angel, a stuffed Minnie Mouse doll with a bright pink polka dot bow, and a small granite headstone with her name.
These tributes were from a young mother who knew the pain of Mary Ann’s mother’s loss because she had suffered her own, and still had room in her heart to care for another lost angel.
Bainbridge High School Alumni to Host 106th Banquet
The 106th annual Bainbridge High School (BHS) Alumni Association banquet is set for Saturday, June 26, in the Bainbridge Community Building. The welcome hour will begin at 4:30 p.m. with the buffet dinner following at 5:30 p.m.
The program will be highlighted by recognition of the sixth and seventh annual Bainbridge High School Alumni scholarship winners. Josie Lyons, a 2020 North Putnam High School graduate, was the scholarship winner last year and is the daughter of Greg and Brenda Lyons. This year’s scholarship is being awarded to Reghan Christy, a memberof the 2021 North Putnam High School graduating class and the daughter of Tad and Dawn Christy. Bainbridge High School opened in 1907 and was consolidated into North Putnam High School in the fall of 1969.
Carl Ferrand of rural Greencastle from the BHS class of 1964 will recognize the outstanding vocational agriculture program that existed from 1952 to 1969 when the school closed. Several state and a couple national champion 4-H/ FFA judging teams came out of the program.
Classes to be honored this year at the Banquet include: 1945-46 (75 years since graduation), 1950-51 (70 years since graduation) and 1960-61 (60 years since graduation.) Thursa Etcheson Evens of rural Bainbridge from the class of 1945 will make a few comments and introductions for some of the earlier classes. Responding for the class of 1960 will be Dorothy Bettis Lukenbill of Brownsburg. Keith Lukenbill of Brownsburg will be speaking for his class of 1961.
The public may purchase tickets for the banquet until June 12th by contacting treasurer Joe Martin, of Greencastle at (765) 301-9092. All alumni are welcome to bring guests, and anyone who attended BHS or has an interest in the school is welcome to attend. Information is also available on the Bainbridge Alumni website at: www.bainbridgealumni.webs.com which is maintained by Doyne Priest of Greencastle.
Other officers of the Bainbridge High School Alumni Association this year include: Carolyn Roth Hiser of Avon, president; Patty Minnick of Lebanon, vice-president; Pat O’Hair Martin of Pittsboro, recording secretary and Alan Ader of Rockville, corresponding secretary.
AHS Student Earns Journalism Honors at BSU
[Editor’s Note: Avon High School junior Krishna Lathish was a participant int Journalism Day at Ball State University in April. A writer for the AHS newspaper, Krishna has contributed articles to The Republican. The following article was published both in the AHS newspaper and The Republican. The opinion story about class rankings received an Excellent Award at Ball State.
Krishna hopes to attend college on the west coast with a major in journalism/media studies and become a literary editor or journalist. We think she is well on her way to that goal.]
By Krishna Lathish
Try not to be any of these things at Avon High School: the kid who stops in the hallway during passing period, the kid who runs to lunch, or the kid who’s 26th.
At Avon, the top 25 students in a graduating class are awarded a celebratory dinner with teacher guests of their choice. In a vacuum, the concept should inspire academic excellence and healthy competition. But add in the human element, and when we do, you find that teenagers will be teenagers - and teenagers are mean.
Class ranking is being scrapped for coming generations of high schoolers, much to the relief of everyone who’s ever ran the gauntlet of “What’s your rank?’ that comes after every semester. Future lawyers, engineers, and astronauts hit the books and take every class with GPA weighting to present their parents with that elusive silver plate. And in private, some bare their teeth and gossip in caustic whispers about the poor kid who finds themself just short of success’s reach – number 26.
But 26th is far from failure. In a class of 800, at least 20 less than Avon’s class of 2022, being 26th places you in the top 3.25% of students in your grade; nothing to turn your nose up at. It’s clear that 26th’s sleepless nights, test corrections, blood, sweat, and tears are worth far more than a metal plate and a nice dinner, so why not top 26, or top 100?
The difference between 100th and 99th or 26th and 25th can be as little as a bad day, not to mention mental illness, financial struggles, or unstable homes. Who says that rank 8, the upper middle class student with doting doctors for parents, is more impressive than rank 120, the first generation college goer who juggled younger siblings, work, and a rigorous course load? Moreover, if you reward children spreading themselves paper thin for an night they won’t remember in 6 years, expect to see them turn into the 23% of adults reported in a study by Gallup to have burnout. Medals and plaques feel good and look better on top of Grandma’s fireplace, but the damage in defining success as being faster than the other guy will follow students beyond graduation. Class rank doesn’t reward effort; it punishes imperfection. And as Cracked magazine first enlightened us in the 70’s: pobody’s nerfect.
Teenagers make enough in and out groups by themselves; you need only visit a high school after midterms to see how one approved by school administration turns competition into bloodsport. The real world is, of course, rife with competition, but as far as I’m aware, performance reviews don’t come with a ranking of where you stand next to your coworkers and a night out with your boss. I’m sure that the loss of class rank will not mean a loss of achievement; suffice it to say that my friend getting an A doesn’t turn my B into a C. Applaud your valedictorians, salutatorians, and your 26th, 100th, and 800th too; making it through 1,460 days of rumors, finals weeks, and hormones deserves an unconditional standing ovation in my book.
Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars Kick-off for 2021
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.
A Feature for Budding Artists
Want to explore your talents offline? A local art teacher will be providing tips on how to draw what you see or what’s in your imagination. Pick up a pencil and start a sketchbook as you discover your hidden talents!
Sharing the Secrets of Drawing
Dear Art Teacher, I’d like to copy some of my own designs rather than draw them from scratch each time. I wish I had a Light Table
Oh, but you do have a Light Table! Tape your new paper over the design on your window (or sliding glass door) and copy to your heart’s content. I do have a real light table, and still use this method rather than get out the real one occasionally. Great for mandalas, Zentangle, etc.
For a mandala you might trace around several lids to make your circles. Then divide it into 6 or eight equal sessions, from one side of the circle to the other side. You may just “eyeball it, but use a straight edge. Then starting in the middle, draw a design and repeat it in the other sections of the same size. Here’s where your “light table” can come in handy, if you are using some special shapes as a heart, fish, or bird. Using several thicknesses of lines will add interest to your mandala.
Learning Mindfulness to Combat Depression/Anxiety
Improve Your Mood Support Group meetings take place every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Hendricks County Senior Center.
Members have been gathering to learn about mindfulness and other coping techniques for symptoms of depression and anxiety. The Improve Your Mood Support Group is offered at no cost to anyone 25 years of age or older wishing to participate. No reservations are required to attend.
The group is facilitated by Sharon Dora Samsell, Coordinator of Bereavement and Community Support Groups for Hendricks Regional Health.
“The group focuses on sharing situations and processing emotions, then devoting time to a specific mood enhancement activity or skill that they can put into practice when away from their group” states Sharon.
Transportation is available through Senior Services at 317-718-4474. If you would like to join us for lunch before the meeting, 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.
Humane Society Services
While the Hendricks County Humane Society’s building is closed to public traffic during COVID-19 restrictions, its other programs are continuing:
Pet Food Pantry – Hendricks County residents needing pet food should call the Humane Society (317-745-3338) and leave a message clearly stating their name, phone #, type and number of pets and any special needs. Pet Food Pantry is available on Wednesday for porch pick up 1-6 pm. Please call 48 hours in advance with your request.
Pet Adoptions – You can view our adoptable petshere: www.petfinder.com/search/pets-for-adoption/?shelter_IN102&sort%5B0%5D=recently_added Currently, only pre-approved adopters may schedule a meet & greet with one of our adoptables. Sunday adoption events are suspended but we encourage you to visit Facebook pages of Creekside Animal Rescue, other rescues and Hendricks County Animal Shelter for pets needing homes. This may be an ideal time to introduce a pet to your family and infuse what is a very difficult time with some joy and purpose.
Chip & Clip Clinic is held the 2nd Sunday of the month by appointment only. Please call our office at 317- 745-3338 to schedule an appointment or if you have questions.
You may call and leave a voice message at 317-745- 3338 or send an e-mail to info@hendrickshumane.org. Staff will respond to messages and emails on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
For more information, or to download adoption or assistance forms, visit HendricksHumane.org.
As a reminder, the Humane Society does not operate the Hendricks County Animal Shelter and Animal Control located at 250 E. Campus Blvd, Danville. Reports of suspected animal abuse or endangerment should always be directed to Hendricks County Animal Shelter & Control 317-745-9250. Emergency animal surrender needs should be directed to Hendricks County Animal Shelter & Control.
And lastly, if you don’t already have one, please create an emergency plan for your pet. Make sure pets are wearing identification and have crates, extra supplies and food. Also, identify a caregiver who can help take care of your pet in case you become ill.
Red Curb Theatre Reopens After Hiatus
There something for every age at Red Curb and audiences are ready to have a night out and laugh again.
By Melissa Gibson
In March of 2020, many smaller venues found themselves in the absence of options with social distancing, less than 100 percent capacity requirements and many leery of going out in public.
Red Curb Theatre was one venue that closed for 15 months due to the pandemic and owner, Will Pfaffenberger is excited to announce their reopening on June 5th.
Two shows will kick off the opening night. At 7 p.m. June 5, a family friendly performance by Comedy Sportz (CSZ Indy), new to the Red Curb stage, will begin the evening of fun and creativity at its finest. Suggested age is 4 or 5 years to adult.
“Comedy Sportz is a long-running, national chain,” said Pfaffenberger. “It’s where I got my start and met a lot of people I work with today at Red Curb. They are known for their all-ages comedy and there’s a lot of crossover in performers [from CSZ and Red Curb]. To come under one roof and work together is going to be exciting.”
Then at 9:30 p.m. the adults only show, performed by the Red Curb Main Company will treat audiences to another round of fun and laughter.
Both shows present improv comedy. The first takes after televisions “Who’s Line is it Anyway?” and pits two teams against each other for fast-paced, high-energy games, songs and scenes off the top of the comedian’s head. With help from a referee and audience voting, one team will walk away the winner.
The second show will perform longer improv sets and an improvised musical, all taken from audience suggestions and various prompts. “The audience isn’t asked to do the work of the comedian,” Pfaffenberger said. “It’s very interactive but fun and safe. If you want to participate, we make it easy to contribute. It’s like we’re all making a show together from prompts and suggestions. What’s cool about it, is every show is unique and different and that’s really forms the improv.”
A few changes are on the horizon has Red Curb opens its doors once again. The shows have been pushed to slightly earlier time slots at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. in an effort to make the late show a bit earlier.
Comedy Sportz primary location is now in partnership with Red Curb Theatre.
They also have acquired a three-way alcohol license. According to Pfaffenberger, this is a significant upgrade. In the past, they were only selling beer and soft drinks but now, cocktail options and wine will also be offered.
Pfaffenberger said the main comedy evenings will be held on Friday and Saturday nights, but watch for additional specials coming up.
“We’d like to utilize the space a little more. There might be some cool alternative shows coming, some for the entire family and others more night-life oriented,” Pfaffenberger said. “We’ll have selected Friday evenings for standup comedy throughout the summer too.”
In addition to special events, the Red Curb is available for rental. They often host parties, meetings and other events. Just this past May, the theatre hosted an alternative prom.
“It’s a versatile venue,” Pfaffenberger said. “We’d love for people to take advantage of this good meeting space.”
The Red Curb Main Company performers are excited to take the stage after a long hiatus.
Red Curb is located at 8403 East U.S. Highway 36, Avon. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.redcurbcomedy. com. Pre-sale tickets are $15, at the door, tickets are $20.
