36 minute read
Hendricks County
The Biz Announces New Show; New Challenges
Josiah Bohrer and Ava Lee lead a cast of Hendricks County students in a new production of NEWSIES, to be presented at the Hummel Park Amphitheater in Plainfield.
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By Melissa Gibson
Set in summer of 1899, New York City, NEWSIES tells the story of Jack Kelly, a young newspaper boy who leads a massive and historical strike against media giant Joseph Pulitzer when the news company raised their prices.
While the characters of Kelly, hopeful journalist, and romantic interest Katherine Plummer and a crew of newspaper boys is fictional, the story itself is true.
Full of dancing, music and a story audiences have loved for decades, the Biz Musical Academy is up for the challenge.
“It’s fabulous,” said Producer Jan Van Paris. “They end up getting all the kids in the city from the sweat shops and the shoeshine boys to strike. The pressure mounts to fix things and with the help of Governor Teddy Roosevelt, initiate change.”
The story isn’t new. In fact, several of the young men and women performing say they “grew up with the NEWSIES.” Disney’s adaptation was released in 1992 and while it wasn’t hugely successful, slowly, popularity grew, creating a fan following.
In 2017, the Broadway version debuted and recently, a filming of the Broadway adaptation was released on Disney +.
“These are some dream roles,” said Director Jeff Van Paris. “We have a number of talented boys and girls playing a boy-heavy cast. There are only three girl roles in the show and the girls have done a lot of work making this look authentic, singing in a lower register and more.”
Brownsburg High School senior Josiah Bohrer agrees with Van Paris.
“This is my dream role. I’ve done productions at our high school and some at the Hendricks Civic Theater, but this is my first with The Biz and I’m beyond grateful they’ve given me this opportunity,” Bohrer said. “I’ve always loved theater and thought it would be perfect if I could get the role of Jack Kelly my senior year. Jack and I are the same age and he learns lessons in the production that I’m still in the process of learning. I think it gave a lot more emotion to my performance.”
Not only have the young thespians worked hard to create a performance for the community, they learned quite a bit about history as well. “When I heard this was a real story, it made me more excited to a part of this production,” Bohrer said. “There were kids, just like Jack and the rest of them living on the streets. It’s really kind of hard to comprehend.”
The Biz Musical Academy will present NEWSIES for the next two weekends
Avon High School student Ava Lee plays the young journalist that befriends Jack and raises awareness through her love of sharing information.
Lee is a theater veteran with more than 20 shows with The Biz and has appreciated the growth she’s seen in herself and her acting chops.
“I think the dancing Katherine does is a whole different level; the meaning behind every song… it’s like nothing I’ve worked with before,” Lee said. “Everyone doing the singing and dancing – it’s like a step above anything we’ve done in the past.”
The feel-good classic is bound to leave audiences tapping their feet and sharing their experience with others, but if nothing else, the actors and actresses have all grown and brought something home as well.
“I walk away with a family,” Bohrer said. “I live in Brownsburg and everyone [from the cast and crew] lives all over the place but I know I have an awesome group of people that I can call on and talk to.”
NEWSIES is presented through a special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI) and tickets are on sale now.
Performances will be at the amphitheater at Hummel Park in Plainfield, 7 p.m. Aug. 20, 21, 27 and 28 with two matinee performances at 3 p.m. Aug. 22 and 29.
Purchase tickets online at thebiz-academy.com. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
“Ask Rose” Adds Video Tutoring for Students
A new school year has brought new video tutoring services to help middle school and high school students better understand their math and science homework through Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s free AskRose Homework Help program.
Rose-Hulman tutors are available Sunday through Thursday from 7-10 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) for tutoring sessions to help students in grades 6 through 12 by video, telephone call, email, or chat. Tutors can be accessed via the AskRose website, AskRose.org, or calling by 877-ASK-ROSE (877-275-7673).
The new video services provide an exciting new dimension to the AskRose Homework Help tutoring experience, according to Lindsay Hull, the program’s associate director and a former high school math teacher.
“Video creates a more fulfilling personable experience by capturing those special ‘Aha’ moments when the students understand the math or science problem that had previously puzzled them,” Hull said. “The tutors also can readily see the problem and observe precisely where the student is having issues. Then they can better work together on the proper solutions so that the student feels confident in tackling a similar problem the next day in school.”
The AskRose.org website also offers more than 500 resources available through videos and downloadable reference materials.
A total of 120 Rose-Hulman students serve as tutors during each school year after being specially selected after being recommended by faculty for their technical knowledge and ability to communicate with students of all skill and comprehension levels. Approximately 30 tutors are available each night and they have access to textbooks and many other resources to lend valuable assistance. The AskRose Homework Help program is certified by the National Tutoring Association.
Student privacy is always protected, and students are never asked for their last name or telephone number.
All AskRose Homework Help services are available at no cost to students and parents through Lilly Endowment Inc. support and financial assistance from Rose-Hulman. Expansion of AskRose’s online technology services is being supported through a $1.46 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. awarded to Rose-Hulman earlier this year.
AskRose Homework Help has conducted more than 750,000 tutoring sessions since starting in 1991.
Meals On Wheels Plans Car Show
Meals on Wheels of Hendricks County is planning their inaugural car show. The event takes places on Sunday, October 3, from 11am – 3pm., in the Rural King/Emmy’s lot in Avon. Event attendees will enjoy a great mix of cars, a kids zone, fun contests, and local vendors. Food will be available throughout the day. No admission fee will be charged.
If you would like to be a vendor, event sponsor or show your car please visit the event website at HCMealson- Wheels.org/events.
Hendricks County Housing Market By the Numbers
JULY 2021 REAL ESTATE NUMBERS (All 12 Townships in Hendricks County)
The Republican newspaper has arranged with the Builder Association of Greater Indianapolis to provide our readers with demographic and housing statistics for both existing and new home sales in Hendricks County. This info will be provided to us monthly.
With the real estate market in unprecedented territory, the paper will work to bring you information on both new home and existing home data for Hendricks County.
McCloud Park Hosts Bee Fest
Learn the big part the tiny bee plays in our food supply at McCloud Nature Park’s 5th Annual Bee Fest, Saturday, August 28, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Meet local beekeepers and learn about the life of a bee. Visit McCloud’s Bee House observation hive for a close-up look at these amazing creatures at work.
There will be bee crafts to make and bee games to play, as well as vendors with honey and other bee products.
Allergy alert: as with any visit to the outdoors, it is possible to come into contact with live bees and/ or other stinging insects.
This free event is appropriate for all ages and no advance registration is required. It is ongoing, so stop by anytime between 1 and 4 p.m.
For more information, visit hendrickscountyparks. org.
Avon Bridge in IHS Exhbit
Avon’s Haunted Bridge is among Hoosier folklore featured in the Indiana Historical Society’s newest exhibit, Indiana Lore (Aug. 7- Nov. 6, 2021.
The exhibit traces the roots of many of the state’s tall tales. Each story highlights a different region in Indiana and covers themes surrounding houses and buildings, bridges and railways, parks and cemeteries, and seemingly impossible creatures!
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit indianahistory.org.
Help With Installation of Child Carseats
Did you know Washington Township Avon Fire Department can help you with proper installation of child carseats?
You can schedule a 30- appointment by going to https://calendly.com/was.../ carseat-installation-appointment
A confirmation email will be sent once you sign up for a specific date and time with more information.
Graduates from Wichita State
Kirsten R. Carter, of Plainfield, was among studented graduating from Wichita State University in spring 2021. Kirsten received a Doctor of Philosophy, Psychology-Human Factors.
On Dean’s List at Lee U.
Courtney Grimes of Brownsburg was named to the Spring 2021 Dean’t List at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. Dean’s List recognition is earned by full-time, on-campus students with a semester grade point average between 3.7 and 4.00.
Pittsboro Local & Social
The Shepherd’s Shelves Food Pantry of Pittsboro Christian Church will be open on Saturday, August 21st from 10:00 AM until Noon (209 N. Meridian Street in Pittsboro).
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Congratulations to the Tri-West Cheerleaders. They finished in 1st place last weekend at the Indiana State Fair. Good job!
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Youth Softball Clinics were held on Saturday, August 14th at Scamahorn Park in Pittsboro. Former Tennessee, Fresno State and International Pitcher, Leslie Poole led the clinic. She is also a college and High School coach. The clinics are based on different age groups and she worked on fielding and pitching. The clinic was sponsored by the Blue Devils Traveling Softball Organization.
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Pittsboro United Methodist Church hosted a Block Party on Sunday, August 15th at the church. There was something for everyone (food, games for the kids (a really cool Bouncy House) and lawn games for those who wished to participate. A good time was had by all!
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Thank you to everyone who has given me the wonderful garden goodies. I have enjoyed every bite.
And as always Make It A Great Day In Indiana And Hendricks County!
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Homemakers Offer Grants To Teachers
Hendricks County Homemakers are aware that many times teachers must sacrifice and use their own resources and funds to supplement their classrooms. They have decided to help by offering a $100 grant to qualified applicants in Hendricks County.
All applicants must be submitted by the 15th of each month and will be awarded at the discretion of the grant committee.
To download an application, go to https://extension.purdue.edu/hendricks/ article/2332
Applications can be mailed to: HCEH Grant Committee PO Box 7 Danville, IN 46122 Applications can also be submitted electronically to pitts15@purdue.edu.
IU Health West Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for Vertical Expansion
IU Health West sStaff and administration celebrate the final portion of the patient care expansion.
By Melissa Gibson
It’s official: the final patient care area is open at IU Health West Hospital, a portion of the hospital’s $84 million vertical expansion plan. Last week, staff and administration celebrated a ribbon cutting event with the completion of a new Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
In 2018, the hospital announced their plan to increase capacity by more than 50 percent. They’ve added 48 additional inpatient beds, a catheterization lab, two operating rooms, an inpatient dialysis unit, new space for the inpatient pharmacy and additional kitchen and classroom areas. Additional parking was also added.
Instead of expanding outward, they chose to build up, adding three floors to two of its three-story towers.
“If you build out, instead of up, it makes things run a little less efficiently,” explained former president of IU Health West Art Vasquez, at the time. “If a patient comes into the emergency department, you want them to be as close to the cath lab as possible.”
Back in 2004, when IU Health West opened their doors, they planned for growth from the beginning. As Hendricks County continued to grow, the hospital was operating at 88 percent occupancy and they knew it was time.
The hospital also considered several environmentally friendly technologies while seeking verification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) as a LEED-certified building. In order to receive certification, a focus was placed on energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emission reduction, indoor environmental quality and resource management.
“This project is the culmination of a lot of work by a vast number of dedicated individuals including architects, contractors, subcontractors, health professionals and members of the IU Health team,” said Paul Ivkovich, vice president of operations at IU Health West. “As this project approaches the finish line there are feelings of great joy and happiness by the occupants of the new sections of the hospital and their ability to move into the new spaces. There is a feeling of satisfaction on having completed this monumental task.”
“The new space will allow us to meet the needs of the surgical patients in our community by ensuring we have the capacity to provide timely surgical intervention,” said Michelle Strahl, manager of clinical operations at IU Health West. “It’s really an exciting accomplishment for our team and patients.”
The hospital remained open throughout construction with various phases completed throughout 2020 and 2021.
For more information on the IU Health West expansion, visit iuhealth.org.
North Salem Local & Social
Guess it happens to all of us older ladies -
Barb Oliver came over to see if I had any baking soda. Her story was she told her daughter Melanie she needed to clean out the kitchen cabinet and knowing Melanie, she came prepared to do so - and it involved throwing away outdated spices - and other condiments that we don’t use much. I almost think young people have never used them! That is what daughters are good doing - don’t keep it if you aren’t going to use it! We all have the same.
Olden days they really prepared from scratch. We have it so hard now, buy a box mix, ready-made pie crust, biscuits or whatever.
Also no wash water to heat up (carry in), running clothes through the wringer two rinses, hang out to dry - if rainy, hang in the house, if cold - freeze and bring in the clothes from the line. And we have it hard!
Ladies were to do the households, not work outside their homes, as they do today to meet the expenses of having a home, school and college expenses.
And of course, our carry-out food! God bless America. While we’re on the subject - the meals were usually beans and cornbread on Mondays (wash day).
Sunday was reserved for fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and something canned from the summer and home-made bread and pies were enjoyed by all. If anything left over the hound dog or dogs were fed that. No store-bought special dog and cat food for our fur pals (especially if they’re spoiled like most are today, as they are a big part of all families. Wouldn’t change it!
Free movies downtown on empty space where post office and small restaurant were was a real treat on Saturday nights. People in town till late at night, streets were full and it was known that one family got home without one of their kids. People shopped at grocery store and drug store, etc., until 10 -11 o’clock. The Big Night Out. Probably had popcorn for refreshments. Those were the good old days. Don’t remember what the movies were.
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Good to hear from Theda Nell Hawkins Stewart at Brownsburg, North Salem High School Class of 1947. She is doing ok. Was sorry to hear about Lloyd Hopkins’ passing and also checking on Dottie Basham. We were all close in our school days. Thanks for calling, Theda.
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Thanks again to Beverly Martin for calling about her mother’s (Mary Martin’s) birthday. Cards would be appreciated. Her address is Mary Martin c/o Northwest Health Care Center, Room 112, 6550 W. 34th St., Indianapolis IN 46224. Mary will be 95 on her birthday, August 22. Mary, her late husband Laurel, and all the Harry Martin family were North Salem residents. Lindol Martin was well known as was their sister, Lucy West. North Salem, back when!
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Hope this finds Nancy Hume A-OK - a lovely lady, dear friend of Dottie Basham and all.
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Riley and Linda Chaney and Sonny, with their guests, their daughter Nikki and hubby, and their dog, walked by and stopped for a visit. Riley’s birthday was being celebrated August 13.
The 1970 graduating class from North Salem High School enjoyed a reunion at the home of John and Linda Waggoner Washburn in Carmel, Ind. Among those attending were Tony and Lola Bowden Stevens. A good time was had by all.
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Classmates Woodie and Alice Pritchett and Tinie Kisner and daughter Karen Hardman attended funeral service for Lloyd Hopkins last Tuesday at Connection Pointe Christian Church in Brownsburg. Thinking of his brother, Marion, was told he is not blind and was unable to attend. A very nice service. Lloyd’s parents were the late Raymond and Lottie Hopkins, well known older residents near Barnard.
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Glad to hear from former Martha Osborn, classmate and friend of Alta back when. She now resides in Danville, also close to our special people, Steve and Carolyn Clark. Love to hear from all - good to be able to share a call or card remembering out good old days!
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Saturday, got all floors in the house mopped (with Lysol) - like the smell - and decided to eat lunch out. Just outside on the porch. Jenny, Buddy and I had boiled ham, cheese and crackers, small piece of pineapple upside down cake and plain water. Fun and tasted real good. Took a small nap and now listening to Jim Oliver mowing. That will keep us awake. Nice breeze today and not too warm. Have a book here - Playing for Knight, by Steve Alford so think I’ll try and read some of it. Brings back memories of those Good Ole I.U. Basketball Games. Loved them. You could hear me cheering up town!
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Saturday, Kiley Graham and her grandmother came down. Brought tomatoes and corn, also to Barb and Jim. Riley had a great time with Buddy or should I say Buddy really enjoyed her.
Doris Stewart has brought breakfast casserole and pizza. I never go hungry - real good.
Froze four ears of corn for later use.
Corn and tomatoes from Donna Alexander and Dixie Harnishfeger. Thanks everyone!
Phyllis Pearcy attended the Meyers Dinner & Theater at Hillsboro last week.
Husband Glenn is having more surgery Monday, August 16th.
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Deepest sympathy to the Kell Miles family on the tragic passing of their son, Robert “Tyler” Miles, 33. Tyler leaves a family - our sympathy to all. Calling was Sunday at Connection Pointe Church in Brownsburg.
Circle of Concern for so many.
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Many birthday and Anniversary celebrations in August. Should keep Teri and Doc busy at the Garden Gate!
Heard Perillos had standing room only - outside patio and more. Glad to hear business is back.
Always happy to see so many walking, golf carting, whatever, by. Dogs bark but just greeting them. Love people - Coco Dolder, Becky Compton and daughter.
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Old Fasion Days at North Salem UMC The North Salem United Methodist Church, 104 W Pearl St will be serving breakfast on Saturday and Monday of Old Fashion Days, Labor Day weekend from 7-10 am. Come and enjoy a great breakfast of homemade biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, sausage links, pancakes and various drinks. Carry out will be available and also outside seating. We also hope to have socially distanced seating in the basement.
We will also be having a movie night on Saturday evening, Sept. 4 at dark, about 8:30 p.m. Please bring lawn chairs and enjoy a relaxing evening watching Toy Story. The movie will be free but concessions of popcorn, hotdogs, candy, and drinks will be sold. All proceeds will go to children’s holiday treats.
We will also be hosting a quilt show on Saturday Sept. 4 and Sunday Sept. 5 from 1-4 pm in the church sanctuary. A donation of a $1/ person is suggested and all proceeds will go to the church sewing group that makes neck pillows for cancer patients during their treatments. Come and see new and old quilts and the stories behind them. If anyone would like to display a quilt feel free to call Nancy Snyder at 317-994- 6168 or Sherry Mitchem at 317-850-5768.
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North Salem all getting ready to provide a good week-end Labor Day weekend with their famous Old Fashion Days Celebration. We appreciated all those supporting us in our endeavor to provide a good sate time for all.
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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 help offset the cost of maintaining the equipment. We offer walkers, wheelchairs, rollators, and canes. Call the Senior Center for more information at 317-745- 4303.
Meet the 2021 Hendricks Co. Dancing Stars!
“Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars” 2021 will be Saturday, August 21 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds Expo Hall. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Hendricks County Museum. For tickets, go to www. hendrickscountymuseum.org. Then scroll down and click on “Click here to buy tickets”.
Melanie Nichols
Melanie has been married to her husband Henry for 26 years. They have four sons, Brady, Hudson, Harris, and Hogan.
She teaches fitness classes and personal trains at the Plainfield Rec Center. She loves spending time outdoors with her family and dogs, Murphy and Mischa. She is an endurance athlete, but her passion is yoga. Food is her love language. The Nichols Family have been members of Plainfield Christian Church for almost 26 years.
Melanie wants to participate in Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars because she enjoys pushing her limits of self-discovery, and while she loves to dance, her friends say she, “dances like an aerobics instructor.”
Living in many places while growing up, Melanie is passionate about putting down roots. The Hendricks County Historical Museum helps foster the sense of community and roots that she feels are both valuable and important. Being a part of DWHCS is allowing Melanie the chance to participate in that sense of rootedness.
Chris Tincher
Chris is the Chick-fil-A of Avon Franchisee Operator. He and his wife Amber have been married for 26 years and have three children, Chloe, Jasmine, and Reece.
Chris enjoys road bike cycling, disc golf, hiking and spending time with his family. He is on the board of directors for Avon Education Foundation, Leadership Hendricks County, and HRH YMCA Emeritus Advisory. Chris is a mentor for the Youth Leadership of Hendricks County and Wayne Township HOSTS. He coaches for AJAA Youth Sports and is a member of Greater Avon Chamber of Commerce.
Through this experience Chris hopes to meet new friends, bring greater awareness to the Hendricks County Historical Museum, and overcome his fear of dancing in front of a sold-out crowd. He also hopes to learn how to ballroom dance so that he can take his wife, Amber out dancing.
When asked why he agreed to participate in DWHCS, Chris stated, “What an honor to be asked to participate! I love an opportunity to give back to our community and to help make Hendricks County the best place to live, work, and play. We have such a gem in our community with the HCHM and Old County Jail. It’s a privilege to help raise funds and bring more awareness to this landmark. Also, my son thinks it’s pretty cool for his dad to be in Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars.”
John Unison
John is an Internal Medicine and Pediatrics physician for Hendricks Regional Health. John and his wife Dana have been married for 28 years and have 3 children - Emily, Reid, and Anna.
John does have some dance experience with the Cha Cha, Waltz, Swing, and Foxtrot while attending Cotillion in Junior High. John’s most recent dance experience is dancing to his favorite 80’s music when out with friends at local concerts and events.
He is active in several committees at his church, Avon United Methodist. He has been named Hendricks County “Top Doctor” and has also been featured in the Indianapolis Monthly “Top Physicians” the last several years. John is currently part of the Hendricks Regional Health Medical Executive Board.
Saying yes to Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars was easy for John.
“I am honored to represent my amazing colleagues at Hendricks Regional Health. I am a long-time resident in the county and want to see its history preserved for future generations, given such tremendous change I have seen over the last 22 years.”
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.
Hendricks County Senior Services reserves the right to limit the number of visits. Individuals must be 60 years old or older and a resident of Hendricks County, to use the food pantry. Donations are always needed, accepted and appreciated.
Oscar Widle
Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department Embraces New Drone Technology
By Jerry Vornholt
“Hey Jerry, want to see something cool? Meet me at the fairgrounds in about an hour. You’ll like this.”
Hendricks County Sheriff and inspiration for the Eveready Bunny, Brett Clark, wanted to show off the latest addition to the Sheriff’s department.
An hour later, we were standing in front of the Sheriff’s mobile command station watching a handful of Sheriff’s deputies training with David Glisson of Vector Aerial on how to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems (better known as drones).
The Hendricks County Sheriff’s department has made an investment in what it believes will be an indispensable piece of equipment. The uses are only limited by the imagination.
According to Sheriff Clark, “Having drones available for vehicle accidents was the main reason for looking at this. And the fact that Purdue University, through a federal grant, is offering training and licensing to our deputies at no charge, made it a no brainer.”
The Sheriff added, “Purdue is also making available at no charge the use of special accident reconstruction software that will give the department a 3D model of an accident scene within 48 hours. This will also reduce our time on a traffic scene by up to 60 percent. This gets traffic flowing again quicker and it significantly reduces the number of secondary crashes.”
According to a study by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation, secondary crashes increase by a factor of almost 24 during the time that highway safety officials are assessing and documenting the crash site.
Sheriff Brett Clark and Chief Deputy Roger Call get the drone’s eye view on the computer as David Glisson of Vector Aerial stands by to answer any questions.
The drone equipment cost the department about $16,000. There are two larger drones and two smaller ones. The cameras come equipped with both infrared and high-resolution cameras. Infrared cameras will allow the operator to see heat signatures during nighttime operations. They also have high wattage LED lights and speakers that can be attached to the drones.
Each drone is equipped with infrared camera for nighttime operations.
The Sheriff was quick to give credit where due.
“Credit is to these men here. I was not going to do this. This is not the Brett Clark program. I might be slow to drink the water, but I was up at the ponds edge, and they sold me.”
Compact and lightweight, the drones will be used in accident reconstruction and other situations.
The Hendricks County Sheriff’s department hopes to have a trained drone operator on each of its shifts sometime after September 1st of this year.
Thanks for the invite, Sheriff. Don’t hesitate to call me any time you have something “cool” to share with our community.
RC Airshow Benefits Hoosier Veterans Assistance Group
By Rege Hall President, Blacksheep R/C Modelers
Our 2021 NMAD (National Model Aviation Day) R/C airshow to benefit HVAF (Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation) was held 14-Aug-21. What a Chamber of Commerce day we had this year. We raised over $5,500 for HVAF. A very special thanks goes to Indy Bipes who honored our opening ceremony with a fly over consisting of 4 biplanes; a Christen Eagle, 2 Acro Sports and a Stearman. They made a second pass performing the missing man formation with smoke on. As three of the biplanes shut off their smoke, the Stearman remained smoke on as he pulled up and away from the formation honoring our fallen members of the past couple years and all our member’s who have served our country.
The event started with the National Anthem and raising of the American flag by four of our members who served our country, followed by a special surprise. The surprise was a fly over including a missing man formation by the Indy Bipe group in honor of our fallen members and all our veterans. Then the r/c flying commenced, with such nice weather flying was from around 9 in the morning to 6 in the evening with a plane, or planes, in the air at all times. We had lots of raffle prizes which included kits donated donated by club members and all throughout the day we had raffles for gift certificates donated by Danville, Avon, Plainfield and Brownsburg merchants.
One of the many highlights of the day were all the younger kids (maybe future r/c pilots) really enjoying the candy drops, parachute drops and balsa wood gliders. Every youth that wanted to chase a parachute down got to take it home with them. We had over 300 visitors and spectators and we served over 165 BBQ lunches.
We had 118 fixed wing planes, 4 helicopters and 10 quad copters on display with many flying during the day. Spectators experienced flights of everything from small foam airplanes to helicopters, jets with electric ducted fans, jets with real gas turbine jet engines, various warbird models, various sport planes to a 10 1/2 foot wing span aerobatic plane powered by a 170cc twin cylinder engine.
Photos of the event and a You Tube video can be found on our club website: http://www.blacksheepclub.org
1 st MVR’s Seek Volunteers
Navy Veteran Charles Dodson founded 1st MVR’s (aka First Military, Veterans & First Responders) to honor the Amerianmilitary, its vets, and first responders including police/sheriff and fire departments, ambulance crews, and nurses.
1st MVR’s also bring awareness to post traumatic stress disorder and its treatment. Through our Bridgebuilder Division, we supports community relations with our police and sheriff departments. Our base is Brownsburg & Plainfield, all of Hendricks County.
We NEED VOLUNTEERS please! If you can help, please contact Charles Dodson at 317- 625-1158. Thank you.
Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter, NSDAR Earns Top Honors
Sharon Cole (Right), Chapter Treasurer, accepting awards from Indiana State Regent Cherie Baxter.
Members of the Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) attended the Indiana DAR Central West District meeting last week in Indianapolis. Several awards were presented to the chapter in recognition of their community work. Chapters advance after being recognized at the state and division level onto national level.
Awards recognizing work for the year 2020 were forwarded by the National Society following the organizations national conference. For the second year, NSDAR’s Continental Congress was held virtually due to gathering restrictions still in force in Washington, DC. Typically, approximately 4,000 DAR members from across the nation and overseas attend the national conference.
In 2020 and 2021, Daughters tuned in online to watch pre-recorded video programming of National Chairs announcing winners in nearly 50 committees with various categories. Numerous private citizens are also recognized annually by the NSDAR. 2020 recipients were singer and songwriter Lee Greenwood who received the Founders Medal for Patriotism in recognition of his work on behalf of active-duty military and his patriotic standard, “God Bless the USA,” Dr. Lindsay M. Chervinsky, author of The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution who received the NSDAR Excellence in American History Book Award, and The DAR Americanism Medal was presented to naturalized citizen Daniel Lubetzky, founder of KIND snacks. The President General’s Medallion was presented to The National Trust for Historic Preservation. The White House Historical Association received the DAR Historic Preservation Medal and the PBS series American Experience was recognized with the DAR Media and Entertainment Award.
In presenting the awards, State Vice-Regent Elaine Sholty noted that over 400 awards were received from national headquarters to be presented to Indiana DAR Chapters.
At the state level, awards were received by Wa-Pe-Ke- Way Chapter at the Indiana State Conference held earlier in the categories of National Defense, DAR Service for Veterans, Constitution Week, America 250!, Conservation, Historic Preservation, Children of the American Revolution, Community Classroom, Service to America – Mask Project, Americanism, Chapter Development and Revitalization, Commemorative Events, Public Relations and Media, DAR Project Patriot, Volunteer Information Specialist, and Membership.
At the division level, awards were received in Commemorative Events: First Place Overall for all events, First place Best Single Chapter Event for the 50th Anniversary of Vietnam War for Veterans Light the Path for Freedom Event, Best Chapter Vietnam War Display for Military Banners, Third Place in Memorial Day Commemoration for Military Banners; Public Relations and Media: First Place Broadcast Coverage, Second Place in Commemorative or Community Event, Third Place Print Coverage; National Defense: First Place for Countywide Military Banner Program, Excellent Event for Veterans Light the Path for Freedom; Constitution Week: Outstanding Participation
Advancing to national which considers activities of 3,000 chapters, the chapter earned top honors in Commemorative Events Vietnam War Display: First Place for Honoring Vietnam for Veterans Luminaries Event, Veterans Light the Path for Freedom on Veterans Day and Third Place for Military Banner Program.
Several members were recognized individually by the state. Darlene Lewis and Deborah Clark were recognized as two trained members completing the Members Course. Rhonda Beck ad Cheryl Piper were recognized for assisting new members. Recognized for outstanding use of Computer for DAR were Carey Wilson, Rhonda Beck, Linda Teany, Tracie Curtis, Caroline Scott, Brenda Hunt, Janet Falkenberg, Gina Whitaker and Sharon Cole.
Chapter Registrar, Janet Falkenberg was recognized as Volunteer Genealogist for completing three Genealogical Education Programs; Intro to Genealogical Research for DAR Apps, Applying Genealogy Research Techniques and Advanced Techniques for Resolving Problems.
DAR chapters involve themselves within their communities in support of the society’s missions, Education, Patriotism and Historic Preservation. Members volunteer thousands of hours annually hosting events collectively as a chapter or working individually in committees sponsored by DAR.
To learn more about membership, visit Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter website at wapekeway.wixsite.com/wapekeway or contact the Regent at wpkwregent@yahoo.com
Endeavor Hosts 2021 Monster Dash 5K Fun Run
Endeavor Communications invites everyone to join them at their annual Monster Dash 5k event! It will take place on Saturday, October 2nd at Cloverdale High School. This event starts at 10 a.m. with on-site registration beginning at 9 a.m. Endeavor will be offering a “virtual” race option with an in-person live event to accommodate all participants.
Everyone, including pets, is free to run, jog, or stroll, and costume fashion is encouraged! Prizes will be awarded to category leaders. Different categories include the fastest male, female, and child. The in-person event will have live music, a medal ceremony, and many raffle prizes for those who complete the race! Join in on the fun AND support a great cause!
Endeavor donates all proceeds to two local cancer treatment hospitals that support our communities, Hendricks Regional Health and Putnam County Hospital. These funds are used to provide new chemo treatment chairs, free public screenings, education programs for health personnel, and more. Last year they raised more than $8,000 for both of our local hospitals.
Want to be part of the Monster Dash fun and maybe win a prize? Head to Weendeavor.com to register!
Still have questions? Call 1.800.922.6677 or email customer.service@weendeavor.com.
Create A Family Legacy Fund
Do you want to leave a legacy?
Have you thought about what legacy you will leave behind? Beyond family and friends, how do you want to be remembered in your community? Do you want to leave a permanent legacy for good?
A Family Legacy Fund is a special fund at the Hendricks County Community Foundation. It allows a family to create a legacy that permanently supports the community while honoring their family name forever. These funds are powerful grantmaking tools for HCCF to use in meeting current and emerging needs in our community – needs that often would not be met otherwise.
HCCF has over 50 Family Legacy Funds funding projects and programs that create a positive impact in our county. The families and individuals who started these funds have partnered with HCCF because we have the knowledge of current community needs and will be able to adjust our grantmaking as needs change. They knew a Family Legacy Fund would be unrestricted, which means HCCF could use the dollars to meet any need facing the community now and into the future.
As one of our donors said, “We started an unrestricted Family Legacy Fund at HCCF because we know that the Community Foundation has its fingers on the pulse of the need in our community. We can’t know where all the needs are, but they do. And they have proven over the past 25 years that they wisely manage donors’ gifts and use those gifts to make a lasting difference in our county.”
Are you looking to leave a legacy for good in Hendricks County? Contact HCCF today!
Coffee For Champions Benefits Special Olympics
Plainfield Police officers will participate in the annual Coffee for Champions tomorrow morning.
By Melissa Gibson
Formally known as Cops on a Rooftop, the Plainfield Police Department will be partnering with Special Olympics Indiana and Dunkin Donuts to raise funds for the Special Olympics.
From 5 a.m. to noon on Aug. 20, don’t be surprised to find Plainfield’s finest hanging out on the roof of the Plainfield Dunkin Donuts at 2120 Stafford Road, in the store and working the drive through.
It’s all in support of a group of special athletes who have been participating throughout the year in a variety of sports from flag football to bowling to snowboarding.
“This event is through a partnership with our law enforcement called the Torch Run, a worldwide program we’ve had for 40 years. Athletes do not pay to compete, so programs like this is part of how we raise the funds to support the Special Olympics,” said Director of Special Events Stephanie Manner.
Officers across the state and the nation will work together, including those in Plainfield, Whitestown, Indianapolils and Butler University.
“The worldwide Special Olympics movement had their 50th anniversary in 2019 and Indiana was one of the first states to start the program, just one year behind the worldwide launch,” Manner said. “It’s important for our athletes not only for the obvious benefits of team sports; staying fit, learning responsibility and working with a team, for our athletes, it’s their social climate. Maybe for the first time, they are able to be a part of a team and have those meaningful relationships where everyone is equal in their own way and respected for their ability levels.”
Summer Games at Special Olympics Indiana in Terre Haute is a highlight for athletes and volunteers alike.
Plainfield resident Kyle Tate has certainly benefited from the program. An athlete since 2007, Tate has participated in swimming, basketball and softball.
A veteran of the Special Olympics program, Tate has seen the joy that comes from participating but also helping others.
“I have made a lot of friends,” Tate said. “It’s great because I can help others feel welcome.”
Tate’s mother, Lynn has seen a change in Kyle as well.
“It’s the highlight of his day when he has Special Olympics. There’s an extra pep to his step and he’s so enthusiastic to be with his friends and have fun. He really enjoys the competition and sportsmanship is number one. They cheer each other on because they know everyone is doing their best,” Lynn said.
The acceptance and encouragement received by everyone in the program is something staff and volunteers can appreciate too.
“I hear time and time again, our volunteers say they feel like they get more out of it than the athletes,” Manner explained. “The energy is just unmatched. Many of us look forward to a birthday or Christmas but [at the Special Olympics], we all look forward to Summer Games. (Summer Games is the annual Olympic competition held in Terre Haute each June).
“We have the most incredible atmosphere in the world,” Manner said.
It’s that atmosphere that encourage law enforcement to join in; raising funds, presenting medals at the Summer Games and volunteering as referees.
After stopping by for coffee and breakfast on Aug. 20, the community is invited to the 2021 Plane Pull Challenge. Held at 9 a.m. on Sept. 11 at the Indianapolis International Airport Postal Hub (2475 Hoffman Road). Groups of 12 try their hand at pulling a FedEx Boeing 757 airplane, 12 feet in the fastest time.
Each participating group raises $1,200 to participate, for Special Olympics Indiana’s largest single-day fundraiser of the year. The all-day event includes the competition, a classic car show, live music, food trucks games and events for the entire family.
Special Olympics not only helps encourage athletic health, the memories will last a lifetime.
The Special Olympics is always looking for volunteers and according to Manner there is a wide array of ways one can do so. Visit soindiana.org and click on ‘Get Involved’ to find out more.
Yard Waste Recycling Centers Open
Hendricks County Recycling District operates two Yard Waste Recycling Centers that accept woody waste (brush, limbs, firewood, etc.), grass clippings, leaves, and other organic matter from Hendricks County households. Material collected at the centerswill be recycled into mulch.
Brownsburg Yard Waste Recycling Center is at 90 Mardale Dr. Hours are Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 317-858- 8231.
Plainfield Yard Waste Recycling Center is at 7020 S. CR 875 E. Hours: Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 317-838-9332.
To learn more about the Yard Waste Recycling Cneter and check out the online recycling guide, visit RecycleHendricksCounty.org.
