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S E R V I N G H E N D R I C K S C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 8 4 7

Volume 140, Number 24 Thursday, June 17, 2021 Published Weekly in Danville, Indiana

107 Years on the Home Front

At “Make a Difference” days, Extension Homemakers get together to sew neck and puppy pillows and lap robes for Riley Hospital and hospice patients. A label is sewn on each item with the words, “Made by an Indiana Extension Homemaker.”

By Karen Hole

The Hendricks County Home Economics program began on March 12, 1914. The Department of Agriculture passed the Smith-Lever Act in May 1914 creating the Cooperative Extension Service to provide instruction in agriculture and home economics. The first Home Demonstration Agent, Pansy Norton, came to Hendricks County in 1918. One of the first lessons presented was how to hang your towels on the clothesline. “Always throw your towels half-way over the line so that you don’t wear out the ends with your clothes pins.” Then the ladies made laundry soap!

One hundred seven years later we are Hendricks County Extension Homemakers. Our focus is on home, family and community. We are a worthwhile organization. We know the importance of learning new and diverse things while enjoying the companionship and camaraderie of sharing with fellow members. We become extended family sharing our sorrows and joyous occasions with each other. We know the success of future generations depends upon the security of family life today. EVERY family should take time to live, to work and pray together.

Some of our community endeavors are: Scholarships for Hendricks County students; First Books for Kids; Reading to Head Start children and giving them book bags with books for summer reading; Hygiene kits for the homeless; Donations to food pantries; Sponsor the Open Class at the Hendricks County Fair; Sewing neck and puppy pillows and lap robes for Riley Hospital and hospice patients.

Some highlights we look forward to throughout the year include: Cultural Arts bus day trips (Red Skelton theater in Vincennes, Cabaret show, etc.); Heritage Skills Day; Achievement Day; Holiday Fest; Fun and Games

Our programs have certainly changed through the years. Today you may attend an educational program or lesson on: Finance, Quick meals, Recycling, Crafts, Gardening, Multi-tasking, Planning for Life’s Unexpected, Household inventory, Chronic Pain, Crockpot Cooking, Decluttering, Financial Fraud, and many others.

Find a club whose location and meeting times suit your schedule.

Start your own Extension Homemaker Club with six or more neighbors or friends with similar interests. There are lessons provided by Purdue Extension and guidance from our local regional agents.

Summer’s Here .... Now, Let Us Spray...

Specators at the Amo Fish Fry Parade got some heat relief thanks to many of the Cascade Youth League teams, who came to the rescue with water cannons of various size and caliber.

After the event was cancelled last year, due the pandemic, everyone was ready for a little bit of “normal” summer fun this year.

Sheltering Wings Receives Grant From CJI

Sheltering Wings Center for Women at Danville is one of 28 domestic violence shelters in Indiana to receive Social Services Block Grants. The grants come from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and are funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Sheltering Wings will receive $18,100, to be used in the shelter’s program providing transition toward self-sufficiency for victims of domestic violence.

Since the SSBG program was established in 1981, broad discretion has been given to states over the funding priorities. This year, the grants will be used to help offset the cost of certain operational expenses to include housing, food and other basic necessities.

In doing so, domestic violence shelters will have more flexibility and can potentially offer services in other areas, such as case management, legal advocacy and referral to other community resources, if needed.

Visit www.cji.in.gov to learn more about the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

Join Summer Soulstice: Yoga for a Cause

Peace Through Yoga will join with five other local yoga studios inHendricks County and surrounding communities for a free event, Summer Solistice: Yoga for a Cause on Sunday, June 20, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Ellis Park. A variety of yoga classes, of different styles and all levels, will be available every 30 minutes starting at 2:15 through 4:45 p.m. Then at 5 p.m., everyone will come together for a 60 minute yoga class, open for everyone in attendance, including all vendors & volunteers. All proceeds from vendor registration and donations will be going to the Hendricks County Friends of the Shelter (H.C.F.S.).

Shop Farmers Markets

Avon Farmers Market – 4-7 p.m., Tuesdays, through Sept. 14, 8244 E.US Highway 36.

Brownsburg Farmers Market – 4-7 p.m., Thursdays through Sept. 30, 61 N. Green St.

Coatesville Farmers Market, noon-4 p.m, Sundays, through September, Railroad St. & Milton St.

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

North Salem Farmers Market – 5-7:30 p.m., Thursdays, through Oct. 7, 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.,Wednesdays, through Sept., every Wed., 105 S. East St.

Rib Fest 2021

By Melissa Gibson

The annual Hendricks County Rib Fest, with title sponsor Andy Mohr Automotive Group, is back after a year of hiatus during the pandemic; this time, at a new location offering more space and more fun. For 17 years the Rib Fest was held in Avon, first at Washington Township Avon Park and then at Kingsway Christian Church. With an estimated 12,000 visitors coming in from within the county and out of town and making the fest an annual tradition, Executive Director Tom Downard of the Avon Chamber of Commerce said they knew a change of venue was necessary.

The Balloon Glow begins at dusk, prior to the annual fireworks.

For the first time, Rib Fest will take place at the Hendreicks County Fairgrounds. “This year, in the kid’s area, we’ll have a petting zoo with farm animals,” said Tom Downard, Executive Director of the Avon Chamber of Commerce. “We also have the ability to sell beer [at a specified beer tent for 21+]. What’s more American that BBQ and beer?”

“We’ve continued to grow and knew the next logical place was the Hendricks County Fairgrounds in Danville,” Downard said. “The event is put on

by the Avon Chamber, but this year, we’ve made a concerted effort to include the other Chambers and their businesses so it’s been a good start and a good partnership.”

All events will be on Saturday, June 26, with Rib Run kicking off the fun at 8:15 a.m. and then the fairgrounds open to festival guests at 4 p.m.

As in years past, the day will begin with the IU West sponsored Rib Run. Beginning at 8:15 a.m. at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds, adults will participate in the seventh annual 5K run/walk and children have the opportunity to race in the ¼ Slab Run.

There will be a live race option at the fairgrounds, however, participants can choose the virtual option as well. Sign up on the Race- Joy app and complete the 5K anytime between June 26 and July 11 to receive the same swag runners and walkers earn; a Rib Run t-shirt and completion medal.

Then, at 4 p.m., join the community for the traditional BBQ, kid’s games, balloon glow and fireworks to conclude the night.

There will be three celebrity judges, voting on the best ribs and best sauce among some of Hendricks County’s favorite restaurants and beyond.

Perhaps the best part of the event, is with the exception of food and a $5 parking fee, the event is free for families.

The Colts In Motion truck will be on site for guests to check out all things Colts when they visit Rib Fest 2021.

“When we started this, we wanted to have something that was cost effective for families,” Downard said. “There is no ticket to get in and all the games and kid’s activities are free. We want this to be a family event. In today’s world, dollars matter. We’ve always been excited to provide this.”

Downard called the event a “big undertaking” but for all of the sponsors, vendors and volunteers, it’s worth it.

“The special thing to me, is seeing the families come together, blankets and lawn chairs spread out, eating great food, have a great time,” Downard said. “You look around see the crowds

with lots of friendly faces and you take a deep breath when those fireworks go off. It’s a neat experience.”

Visit www.avonchamber.org or download the Rib Fest app for a complete list of participating vendors, event schedule, map and more. Registration for the Rib Run is available at the chamber website as well.

Vendors will not accept payment at the food booths, you must have a food ticket to purchase. Tickets are $1 per ticket and will be sold at the event’s food ticket booth or pre-sold at the Avon and Plainfield Farmer’s Market on June 23.

Additional food for sale includes hot dogs, burgers, smoothies, desserts and more.

$5 Parking fee, Enter Gate 5 at the fairgrounds

Leave coolers and pets at home but bring the picnic blanket and lawn chairs.

Air Force Recruiter At Avon

Staff Sergeant Mikah Stewart has been assigned to the Air Force recruiting office, located at 7623 US Hwy 36, Avon, IN 46135. As an Air Force recruiter, SSgt Stewart is responsible for inspiring, engaging, and recruiting the next generation of Airmen and Guardians to deliver air power for America in the Hendricks and Putnam County area. Prior to becoming a recruiter, SSgt Stewart was assigned to Minot Air Force Base in Minot, North Dakota and Hurlburt Field Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he was an heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration HVAC Craftsman. Also, he was a member of the 1st Special Operations Hurlburt Field Honor Guard.

SSgt Stewart is originally from Auburn, Alabama. He has served for six years in the United States Air Force. He is happily married to his wife, Karli Stewart, and they love their new home in small town Greencastle, Indiana.

SSgt Stewart is excited to be recruiting for the area and to help make a difference in the community and to inspire the next recruits into the Air and Space Force, just like he chose to do six years ago.

For more information about Air and Space Force opportunities such as free college money, please contact Staff Sergeant Mikah Stewart at (317)-590-8639.

Amo Jam Is Suspended

Due to unforseen circumstances, the weekly Amo Jam music session will be suspended until further notice.

Help With Child Carseats

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

You can schedule a 30- appointment by going to https://calendly.com/was.../ carseat-installation-appointment. A confirmation email will be sent once you sign up for a specific date and time with more information.

North Salem Strawberry Fest

Are you ready for some shortcake? The North Salem Revitalization’s Strawberry Festival takes place Saturday, June 19, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Fun Run at 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 20, from noon to 4 p.m.

During both days, enjoy sloppy joes and strawberry shortcakes, visit a variety of vendors, plus 50/50 raffles, face painting, kiddie train rides, mini-golf, music, and town-wide garage sales.

Next Plainfield Plainfield Forum

The Plainfield FriendsChurch, in cooperation with Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, is offering a Community Forum series to keep residents informed about many different aspects of the community – as well as some good entertainment!

The next session will be Tuesday, June 22, at 6 p.m. Guest speaker will be Plainfield Deputy Police Chief Joe Aldrich.

All events take place at the Plainfield Friends Church, 105 S. East St., Plainfield. Everyone is welcome to attend! Masks are encouraged, but not required at this event.