49 minute read
Hendricks County
No News November
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Turn it off, don’t click on that headline, and just say “no” to news in November. This includes Twitter and all “chatters.” Impossible? No, it’s not. You don’t want to miss anything? You won’t.
Last September, one month before the election, I had to turn it all off. The level of toxicity at that time both locally and nationally was too much, so off it went. And one month later I was noticeably happier. I want to share the gift with you this year.
Since November seems to be the month for skipping normal activities such as “No shave November,” I will be turning off the news once again, but this time in November, and invite you to do the same.
You will need to let your friends and family know of this in advance and ask them nicely not to spoil this 30 days of bliss for you. They may try to thwart your efforts but once they see how happy you are, they might join you.
So, prepare to have extra time on your hands to spend with your family and friends, to pick up that book you wanted to read, to start a new hobby. Write us at the newspaper and let us know how you are doing.
If you don’t think you can do this or if you need support, call or text me. I will help you. (317) 431-2672. I own a newspaper. If I can do it, you can too.
Enjoy. You’re welcome.
Jerry Vornholt
Harvest Season Calls for Caution On Rural Roads and Highways
Harvest season is here and for some that means visiting pumpkin patches and apple orchards, but we want to remind motorists that harvest season also means farmers will begin harvesting this year’s corn and soybean crops. That means more slow-moving agricultural equipment will be traveling on Indiana’s rural roads and highways.
We want to remind everyone to stay alert and be courteous to ensure we all get home safely.
“Fall is one of my favorite seasons of the year, and I know for many others it’s their favorite, too. While traveling along our rural roads I often come across tractors, grain wagons and combines traveling between fields to harvest their crops,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. “I want to encourage all motorists to slow down, be patient and be on high alert for agricultural equipment on our roads this harvest season.”
In 2019 in Indiana, farm equipment vehicles (other than trucks) were involved in three accidents, with one fatality, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration.
“Harvest season is a busy time for both farmers and motorists, I want to remind everyone to slow down and be courteous on our rural roads and highways,” said Bruce Kettler, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “Slow moving farm equipment typically travels at 25 miles per hour or less, so be sure to exercise caution when approaching.”
Farm equipment during harvest season could include tractors, combines, grain carts, grain wagons and large trucks hauling agricultural products. These vehicles are wide, sometimes taking up most of the road, and often travel at speeds no greater than 25 mph.
The following list includes several safety tips for motorists approaching large farm equipment:
▫ Farmers will pull over when they are able to let motorists pass, but it may take time for them to get to a safe place to do so. ▫ Be patient. Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the road. ▫ Be careful when passing. Do not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone” or within
100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel.
▫ Do not try to pass a slow-moving vehicle on the left without ensuring that the vehicle is not planning a left turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over for you to pass when it is actually preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer.
▫ Avoid tailgating, as some farm equipment might have to make sudden stops along the road.
▫ Allow plenty of time to get to a destination, be aware of alternate routes and avoid distractions.
“Despite encouraging motorists and farmers alike to take extra precaution on roadways during harvest season, crashes still occur every year,” said Doug Carter, Indiana State Police Superintendent. “One death is one too many. I want to remind everyone to remain alert and exercise caution as you travel on Indiana’s rural roads this fall.”
For a list of safety tips, visit isda.in.gov. The following organizations will be working together to share this important safety message during planting season: Hoosier Ag Today, Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Transportation and Indiana State Police.
Safely Dispose of Unwanted or Expired Medicines at 6 Locations
There are six locations in Hendricks County where you can safely dispose of prescription or non-prescription drugs that are outdated or unwanted.
Avon Police Station: 6550 East US Hwy 36; Hours, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.,M-F; 317-272-4485.
Brownsburg Police Station: 31 North Green Street; Open 24 Hours; 317-852-1109.
Danville Police Station: 49 North Wayne Street; 8 a.m. - noon & 1 - 4 p.m., M-F; 317-745- 4180.
Hendricks Co. Sheriff’s Office: 925 East Main Street, Danville; 24 Hours; 317-745- 6269.
IU Health West Hospital: 1111 Ronald Regan Pkwy, Brownsburg; 24 Hours; 317- 217-3000.
Plainfield Police Station: 1075 West Main Street; 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F; 317-838- 3565
No illicit drugs or medical sharps accepted. Medicines should be kept in their original packaging. Personal information may be removed or blacked out.
This program is a partnership between local law enforcement, the Hendricks County Recycling District and Covanta’s Prescription for Safety Program (RX4Safety).
Pittsboro Local & Social
Tri-West Homecoming October 24 Parade: 5 p.m. Bruins will play Lebanon Good Luck Team! Dance: October 25, 7 p.m.
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Blood Drive at Pittsboro Christian Church, Monday, Sept. 27 from 3 - 7 p.m.
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Tour the 1925 North Salem school on Thursday, Sept. 30 between 6 - 7 p.m.
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Remember: Safety First! Please make room for our farmers so everyone can be safe this harvest season.
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National Alpaca Farm Day
On September 25, alpaca owners from across North America will celebrate the 15th annual National Alpaca Farm Day.
Participating alpaca farms and ranches will open their doors to the public to meet their alpacas and learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals, the luxury fiber they produce and why the alpaca business is perfect for environmentally conscious individuals.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Montrose Farms Alpaca Ranch will welcome the public to join them. Meet the alpacas, see fiber displays, shop in the farm store. Admission is just $5 per person.
Montrose Farms Alpaca Ranch is located at 3750 N. 950 E. in Brownsburg, IN.
To find out more about National Alpaca Farm Days
visit www.AlpacaFarm- Days.com. To learn more about Montrose Farms Alpaca Ranch, visit www. montrosefarms.com or call 317.456.4083
Mark Twain
Brownsburg Leaf Pick-Up
The Town of Brownsburg will begin leaf pickup for residents within the Town limits beginning October 4.
Leaves should be placed in a recyclable brown bag with the top taped shut - not stapled. Leaves in plastic bags will not be picked up, even if you place the plastic bag in a recyclable bag.
Keep leaf bags separate from your trash pickup. Please do not add trash, mud, grass clippings, mulch, animal waste, etc. with your leaves. Have bags outside by 6 a.m. on the date of pickup.
Senior Center Membership
Membership in the Hendricks County Senior not only provides extra benefits, but membership dollars are an important part of the funding that prove the wide variety of activities and workshops offered to all senior citizens in Hendricks County.
The annual membership fee is $55 per person. The cost of membership is only $.22 per day for the 247 days the Senior Center is
open a year.Membership enables you to participate in activities and programs that are exclusively for members and provides discounts to members when a fee is charged for an activity or program.
Becoming a member is easy. Simply visit the Senior Center, complete a Membership Form and pay the membership dues. Members can renew their membership online. Visit hcseniors.org to learn more.
Coatesville Resident Recipient of Golden Hoosier Award
Last week, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, in collaboration with the Indiana Family and Social Service Administration’s Division of Aging, announced 21 senior citizens received the 2021 Golden Hoosier Award.
The award began in 2008 and annually honors Hoosier senior citizens for their years of service and committment to the state.
Among the 2021 recipients was Jerry Decker, of Coatesville.
The video ceremony naration called Decker “the perfect excample of a dedicated and engaged community leader.”
In addition to serving on the Coatesville Town Council, the boards of the sewer and electric plants, he volunteers to oversee the sewer plant and sewer lift stations and resoures.
Jerry Deckard was among the volunteers who worked to restore the facade of a former gas station in Coatesville.
Jerry has also raised thousands of dollars from various indvidiuals and organizations for Coatesville Downtown Revitalization and the Coatesville Historical Society and has dedicated his spare time on two complete exterior building remodels in the downtown corridor.
Jerry’s personal motto is “Do what is right for the Town and the people,” something he fulfills daily as he always stands ready to help a person in need.
“So many of our strong nonprofits rely on the generosity of volunteers, and we are fortunate to have great senior citizens who answer the call to give their time, lend a hand and make considerable contributions to their communities,” Crouch said. “These humble leaders make positive impacts on the lives of others and improve the overall wellbeing of our state. Thank you for your service and answering the call to give back.”
This year, Golden Hoosier Award recipients were honored with a video ceremony, which can be watched by going to IN.gov/lg/2532.htm.
Welcome COSTCO Wholesale.
The Republican wants to thank Costco for choosing to spend some of their advertising dollars with us. They are opening in Avon on Friday, October 29, at 8 am. So, tell your family and friends about COSTCO.
Donate Coats For Veterans
American Veteran Service Corp., of Brownsburg, will host its 6th Annual Coat Drive October 1 - 9.
Items on the wish list include coats, gloves, hats and scarves.
2021 sponsors and donation sites are:
The Republican Newspaper, 6 E.Main St., Danville.
State Farm Insuranee Co., 734 E. Main, Brownsburg.
Cabin Coffee, 5530 E US Hwy 36, #100, Avon.
Metro Diner, 302 Dan
Jones Road, Plainfield.Monetary donations may be made online at www.americanveteranservicescorp.com by clicking on the donation buttion. Check may be mailed to American Veteran Service Corp., P.O. Box 528, Brownsburg, IN 46112.
Earns Honors at The Citadel
Nathan Smith, of Brownsburg, is among nearly 1,100 cadets and students at The Citadel, Charleston, S.C., to be recognized for academic performance during the spring 2021 semester.
Smith was named to the dean’s list, a regonition given to studnets whose grade point average is 3.20 or higher.
On Dean’s List
Isabelle Clouse, of Avon, earned Dean’s List Honors during the Summer 2021 semester at Illinois Central College in East Peoria, Ill.
Dean’s List recognition is earned with a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.99.
Annie’s Project Prepares Urban Farm Women
Farm women are generating a cultural tide in American agriculture that is moving management, assets, and opportunities to a new wave of farmers across the country.
During Annie’s Project courses, urban agriculture women entrepreneurs become empowered to be better business partners or sole operators through networks and by managing and organizing critical information.
Annie’s Project: Farming in Indiana’s Cities and Urban Fringe, a six-week course, is a discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in urban ag production, financial management, human resources, marketing, and the legal field. There’s plenty of time for questions, sharing, reacting, and connecting with presenters and fellow participants. It’s a relaxed, fun, and dynamic way to learn, grow, and meet other women urban farmers. Whether new or experienced, understanding the five areas of agricultural risk, knowing how to analyze agricultural spreadsheets, and other necessary skills are vital. Learning them in a friendly environment where questions and discussion are welcomed, allow the learning process to flourish.
Annie’s Project courses have successfully reached more than 9,000 farm and ranch women in 33 states. Purdue Extension is pleased to be offering classes beginning October 5th – November 9th, 2021 on Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm – 9:00pm EST. The program will be offered around the state at various locations. The local site for this area will be at the Mooresville Public Library. Jeff Pell at jpell@purdue.edu and Michele Jones at jonesm@purdue. edu are the local contacts for this program.
The cost for the in-person course is $67 per person, which includes a workbook and support materials for all sessions. We recommend registering early. Registration ends at 11:59pm EST on September 27th, 2021. Register at < https://cvent.me/WYgrYW >.
An alumna of Annie’s Project: Farming in Indiana’s Cities and Urban Fringe have said, “I signed up for Annie’s Project to network but also to understand the risks these farmers take on. It was a very great experience and I hope to do it again in the future!”
For more information contact Rachel Rawls at 574- 235-9605 or email at <rwigingt@purdue.edu> or Nikky Witkowski at 219-465-3555 or email at < nikky@purdue. edu >. Online registration is available at < http://puext.in/ UrbanAnniesProject >. More information can be found on the Annie’s Project website at <https://www.AnniesProject.org>. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
North Salem Local & Social
OFD Pie Contest
The Old Fashion Days Pie Contest went international this year. The top prize went to Elizabeth Muir of Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England, for her pecan pie.
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Circle of Concern for so many: Jane Buckingham, surgery Sept. 16th; Anne McIntyre, surgery Sept. 21st; Billy Tyson doing better; Leroy Smith, everyone concerned; Linda Keeney not up to par. So many others not feeling too great. We just pray for everybody that God can heal our bodies.
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Former longtime North Salem resident Phyllis Booker remains in rehab at Westside Village Health Center after breaking her pelvis in a fall at her condo in Brownsburg.
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Enjoying a family dinner Sunday with John and Dixie Harnishfeger were John and Brooke Harnishfeger and daughter, Bryley, and David and Tracy Black and daughter, Nila. They were celebrating Dixie’s birthday. A good day was enjoyed by all. David and Tracey will be celebrating their 4th Anniversary, Sept. 30th.
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Not many out this evening. Rainy, windy, not too pleasant. Just have to be satisfied with what we have and be thankful for it.
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D.O.G. and Sissy, Lag dogs of Karen and Rick Hardman made their Big 3 Year Old Birthday Trip to the Lizton Dairy Bar Wednesday for great big ice cream cones. Grandma Tinie enjoyed the trip with them. Of course, Mom, Dad and Grandma enjoyed a treat, too. A fun time and Happy Remembrance to keep.
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Birthday Wishes Sept. 23 - Sarah Beth
Wall, 19th Birthday. Sept. 30 - Ryland Hills,
- 26th Birthday. Oct. 2 - Deondre and Alexis Bolller’s 1st Anniversary.
Oct. 2 - Roy Riggs Birthday. Roy never tells me how young he is (!)
Oct. 4 - Dad (Gene’s) 93rd Birthday in Heaven.
Oct. 4 - John Baenziger’s Birthday.
Oct. 4 - Butch Trump’s Birthday in Heaven.
Oct. 10 - Amy Metzger’s Birthday.
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Some combining of beans done before the rain. It will be some time now to be able to work in the fields.
Had anhydrous ammonia leak Friday night nearby. Wind kept it away from us but close by neighbors had to leave home due to babies in the house. Very strong their way. Coonsie and Dorothy had lots, too.
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Waited on the school bus Monday morning - no come. Later learned they had an E-Learning Day at school. Told someone we could have used them back in our days. Do know we would be excused to pick tomatoes and such for people during the war. Lots of experiences from that.
Glen Pearcy enjoyed a fishing trip to southern Indiana with a group of his buddies. With their good catch they had a big fish fry Saturday before returning home on Sunday.
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Still not much news re: events at OFD. Will keep trying.
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Glad to have Joyce Wathen stop by Sunday. Hadn’t seen her for a while. Doing ok. Living at Bainbridge now. Alta stopped by today, Monday. Doing ok in her new home in Danville.
Not much news this week. So many staying in to try and avoid the spread of the virus. Our prayers for so many.
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Cool weather - everybody cutting out old flowers, garden waste, and getting read for our fall weather. Where did oursummer go? Time flies when you’re having a good time. Lots of ball games and back-to-school activities.
Bill and Becky Compton taking a golf car cruise. Alta Trump came over for a snack and catching up on events. Gene McCullough busy doing repair jobs for friends and neighbors. With our rain, it means another mowing jobs, still lots of weeds to be pulled, lots of leaves falling. Saving flower seeds for next year. Chili sounds good!
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Don’t forget last walk through the old North Salem School building that opened in 1925. Anyone from the community, past or present, are invited to come walk through the building once more before the journey of construction and change. The last walk through will be Thursday, Sept. 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. A new memory to go with all those of the past.
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God bless us one and all.
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Prairie Maze At McCloud
It happens only once every 17 years, so McCloud Nature Park in honors the cicada this year with the McCloud Prairie Maze!
Celebrate the 2021 cicadas with a trip through the cicada-themed prairie maze, now through October 31.. Be sure to dress for the weather, wear comfortable closed-toe shoes, and bring some water. Bring the nymphs, too, as this maze is appropriate for all ages!
Admission to McCloud Nature Park and the prairie maze is absolutely FREE, and both are open from dawn to dusk daily. To access the prairie maze, park in the Nature Center parking lot. Maps to the maze are available in the kiosk outside of the Nature Center, as well as in the kiosk at the entrance to the maze.
McCloud Nature Park is located at 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem.
Homemakers Teacher Grants
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.
Old Fashion Days Winners
Participants in the Kiddie Tractor Pull at North Salem’s Old Fashion Days showed Olympic style.
Briston Bucy (center) was the winner of the 5/6 year old division in the Kiddie Tractor Pull, moving 22 lbs.
Easton Menkedick pulled 35 lb. to win the 9/10 year old division
Zader Menkendick was the winner in the 7/8 year old division. He pulled 27 lbs. to claim the prize.
Join a Historic Walking Tour; Learn More About Plainfield
Take a walking tour to learn about the historic buildings in downtown Plainfield. The information shared during the tour is a combination of history provided by the Plainfield-Gulford Township Public Library and local residents.
By Melissa Gibson
Main Street Plainfield Inc. will once again offer the Historic Walking Tour this fall. Registered groups will meet at 10 a.m. at the Friends Meeting Church on Sept. 25, Oct. 23 and Nov. 6 to learn more about the town, its history, and all it has to offer.
“There are 22 featured buildings on the tour and the library provided all the details about the history of those buildings, “said Stephanie Scotten, Executive Director of Main Street Plainfield. “Mike Smith is a long-time resident and will be hosting two of the walking tours, giving details about the buildings and their history.”
For example, did you know the current First National Bank and Plainfield Chamber building used to be a Reagan’s Corner grocery store and post office in the late 1800’s?
Each participant will receive a pamphlet with photos and a quick recap of information shared on the tour. The hope is that the pamphlets will serve as talking points as you discuss with family and friends.
“We want to focus on the activity downtown,” Scotten said. “Everyone enjoys the history of our town and we walk away with the history and perspective of our past but it also draws awareness to the new businesses and encourages visitors to stop by a shop or eat at a local restaurant after the tour.”
Last year, the tours sold out quickly and feedback was positive.
“There was a lot of interaction with participants and the tour guide. Many had questions and it was great to talk to someone that has lived in Plainfield and can remember going to the movies at Prewitt Theater and other memories they could share,” Scotten said.
The walking tour starts at the Friends Meetinghouse, ends at the Barlow, taking participants around a loop on U.S. 40. Tours stay on the sidewalk, making travel as conducive as possible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Cost is $20 per person or $35 per couple and includes a light breakfast and the color pamphlet. The event is sponsored by Oasis Diner, CrestPoint Realty and State Farm’s Anissa Veon. All proceeds from the tour will be used to support revitalization and raising awareness for the Town of Plainfield.
One of the 22 buildings highlighted on the tour, the Prewitt Theater brings back memories for many in the community and will soon take on a new purpose on U.S. 40.
Community Celebrates the Plainfield Youth Assistance Program
By Melissa Gibson
It’s been a long time coming; The Plainfield Youth Assistance Program is an interlocal agreement with the Town of Plainfield, Hendricks County and Plainfield School Corporation, initiated through Hendricks County Judge Karen Love.
The program was discussed a few years ago and the progress slowed by the pandemic, but is now up and running. The program is a non-profit aimed at identifying and focusing on students in Plainfield with challenges.
It can be any challenge. Some students exhibit signs of emotional or behavioral issues, others might just be struggling with their grades or at home.
“This is early intervention and prevention,” said Director Staci Hovermale. “There are two members on staff and a lot of volunteers. We get referrals through the school system, the police department, churches, parents and other agencies in the community and then we meet with them and find out what their needs are.”
Referrals range from a noticed hygiene change, a personality change or peer group change. Students may exhibit change in behavior or begin struggling with grades or attendance.
Love’s goal was to stop the path to the juvenile system and to keep students from falling behind. Volunteers and mentors undergo a background check and training. They dedicate themselves for one hour per week for one full year.
Once referred, an intervention advocate meets with the family and if the family declines, the process stops there. If the family is open to assistance, the Plainfield Youth Assistance Program can create a plan for either individual or family focus, mentoring, tutoring, resources and more.
“The plan is very individualized and we’re able to assist with food, sports, many different programs within the community,” Hovermale said. “Right now, we see a lot of COVID-related issues. The anxiety, depression and instability in families right now has been really tough. We want to work with families to empower them and use the resources in the community.”
The student has to be in the Plainfield Community School Corporation system and not part of the juvenile system or Department of Child Services (DCS) program.
The student or family is in the program for approximately 12 months, and the program hopes to arm families with the resources and connections they need to continue on their own.
“Some of our students just need an extra adult or mentor,” Hovermale said. “Regardless of their environment, students can use five strong adult mentors in their lives. Right now, a lot of parents are stressed and COVID has changed their whole world.”
Plainfield artist Kylin Brown will be on hand Saturday, Sept. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. to assist with adding handprints to the mural.
The Plainfield Youth Assistance Program will celebrate their progress at a community event from 12-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 25 at Perry Crossing.
There will be face painting, food trucks and a DJ. Many of the community partners will be on hand to share their information and a large mural, (near the backside of JC Penny) created by local artist Kylin Brown will display awareness of the program. What’s more, visitors will have a chance to add their handprint to the mural for a $1 donation.
“The mural says, ‘Come Together and Thrive’,” Hovermale said. “We want to get out there and bring awareness to our program. Raise some funds to offer assistance to the kids and their families and hopefully, when we’re done, the mural will remain as a reminder and a photo opportunity for those shopping at Perry Crossing.”
For more information or to access a referral application, visit https://plainfieldyouthassistance.org. To check out more of Kylin Brown’s work, visit http:// www.kylinbrown.com.
Level Two Hosts Free Summit For Local Entrepreneurs
The Level Two coworking space provides premium office needs for small businesses and start- ups.
By Melissa Gibson
All entrepreneurs and small business owners are invited to join the free seminar through Level Two, 2498 Perry Crossing Way, Unit 240, Plainfield, on Friday, Oct. 1.
The full-day event begins at 8 a.m. with a light breakfast and ends at 4:30 p.m. with a happy hour, connecting with other business owners and chatting with some of the professionals they’ve heard from throughout the day.
Every hour throughout the day, participants can choose from a variety of subjects such as how to improve financial projections, investment opportunities, mental health and stress management among other subjects.
Guests can come for one or two sessions, or they can stay the entire day.
“Many small business owners get stuck working on the technical aspects of the business instead of the details of the business,” said Executive Director, John Anderson. “For example, if you are a plumber, you spend a lot of your time going to a customer’s home and doing the job versus looking at marketing or funding for growth.”
COVID wreaked havoc among the community and family households but surprisingly, many took the opportunity to launch a business idea they’ve had in the works for years.
“Data from 2020 says close to 25 percent more businesses were started during the pandemic and that trend is continuing,” Anderson said. “It pushed people to work from home, giving them an opportunity to work on that side business and it also created a lot of displaced people and people working a second job just to make ends meet. It gave a lot more flexibility and allowed some to focus on their passions.”
Anderson said entrepreneurs are often wired a little differently. They see patterns among the economy or think through ways to do something more efficiently. They often try to make the best out of situations that occur.
“We’re having the summit in person because the community aspect of small businesses is incredibly important as a support structure,” Anderson said. “I hope each person finds what they need. If you need help with funding or you have an idea but don’t know how to develop a business structure, we have the professionals to help with that. We also want entrepreneurs to feel the support from the community. There are many resources out there.”
Speakers include representatives from Gutwein Law, Kinnamon Financial, Business Ownership Initiative, Sarah MacInnis from BOI, Mark Gramelspacher from Elevate Ventures, Kevin Hall from State Bank, Ben Pidgeon from VisionTech Partners, Chelsea DuKate Found with Red Envelope Consulting and April Bordeau from Care to Change.
Sponsors of the event include Rozzi and Associates, Bankable, State Bank, Town of Plainfield and the Hendricks County Economic Development Partnership.
Level Two is a nonprofit coworking space offering shared office space with Wi-Fi, printers and private meeting rooms. They offer small business support, workshops and networking opportunities to provide resources to the entrepreneurs in the community.
Up next, is a county-wide student pitch competition. Think, televisions Shark Tank for high school students. It gives them the opportunity to come up with a business idea, develop it at a local level and pitch the idea to a panel of judges. The initial video is due by November, reviewing the concept, target market and more and then the top ten applicants will be invited to participate in a live pitch competition in Dec.
Visit https://leveltwocoworking.com/ to register for the Entrepreneur Summit or find out more about upcoming events.
Pet Wants Delivers Food & More To Your Door
Michelle Maclin offers to-your-door delivery of private-lable pet food in Hendricks County.
Michelle Maclin has spent most of her life with animals. She grew up on a farm, showed horses in 4-H, volunteered with local animal rescues and even co-owned a local doggy daycare and training facility.
Now she’s looking to serving even more pets and families through her new business: Pet Wants Indy West.
Pet Wants Indy West is a mobile business that offers free, personal delivery in Hendricks County, including Avon, Danville, Brownsburg, Plainfield and the surrounding areas. Pet Wants’ specially-crafted, private-label pet food formulas are made in small batches with fresh, natural ingredients, enhanced with vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet in every bowl, all made in the USA. Pet Wants Indy West has multiple blends of dog and cat food formulas as well as healing salve, calming balm, anti-itch spray, paw wax and more.
“Animals have always played an important role in my life and I’m looking forward to helping them live longer, healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives as the owner of Pet Wants Indy West,” Maclin said. “Between our fresh food, our natural treats and our homemade products, we have something to suit every pet’s needs.”
Pet Wants has a money-back guarantee on the freshness and quality of the food, the company only sources the best salmon, chicken, lamb, brown rice and other ingredients available. There’s no sugar added, no fillers and no animal by-products and Pet Wants never uses corn, wheat, soy or dyes, which makes the food great for animals with allergies.
In addition to her work with animals, Maclin has a background in non-profit and business development and is training to be a certified pet nutritionist. She has three rescue dogs – Kino, Claude and Earl — and an adult daughter who is a registered dietician. She was the co-owner of Ruff House Adventures before deciding to step back from that business and launch Pet Wants.
“My daughter — who has a high-needs 9-year-old dog — is a customer at the Pet Wants in Noblesville and has had a great experience. As I was looking for a way to combine my passion for pets with my interest in animal nutrition, I realized Pet Wants was a perfect fit for me and for my community. I’m looking forward to making a difference both with our products and as a small business owner,” Maclin said.
Pet Wants was founded in Cincinnati in 2010 to bring fresh, natural and conveniently-delivered pet food to pet families. Their mission is to enhance the health, vitality and life of pets with high-quality food and honest advice from a Pet Nutrition Specialist on staff at each location. Pet Wants pet food is personally delivered to homes within weeks of being made, at the height of freshness
To learn more about Pet Wants Indy West, call 317- 674-6153, email MMaclin@PetWants.com or visit https:// www.petwants.com/IndyWest/.
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.
Podium Player: Addy Stevens
Cascade junior, Addy Stevens shows of her ICC golf medal
Photo credit: Jessica Stevens
By Chayner Wilkinson
Given her recent success, many people would be shocked that one of the top Cadet golfers is only in her third season.
Junior Addy Stevens is one of the reasons the girls golf team just garnered runner-up bragging rights at the Indiana Crossroads Conference championship.
It was Stevens who was the frontrunner for her team with a low score of 89, which put her on the podium in a tie for third place overall.
Stevens is proud to be part of such a strong unit this year.
“I think our team has done extraordinarily well so far this season. There are always things that could be improved within a team. For ours specifically, we need to focus more on our short game; chipping and putting,” she said.
Winning on the course is great, but it is the wins off that might be more important.
Stevens said, “My favorite aspect of golf is by far the close bond I have with my teammates. They have grown to mean a lot to me and I love to see them do well.”
Stevens is confident not only in her abilities, but also the ones of her teammates. She and the rest of her team are currently undefeated in dual matches with plans to continue that streak.
“I believe that my team will wrap up our season confidently and with a few more wins as well,” she added.
With just a few seasons under her belt, Stevens has already fallen in love with the sport. “I would love to play golf in college if I have the opportunity, but otherwise, I will definitely keep it as one of my main hobbies,” she said.
One Last Walk Through Old North Salem School
North Salem will be saying goodby to the old two-story building that opened in 1925. It is bittersweet to experience change that involves losing part of our past while looking forward to improving our future.
We want to invite anyone from the community, both past and present, to come and walk through the building once more before we continue on our journey of construction and change.
The date for the last walk through is Thursday, September 30 2021, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Town of Avon’s NOVA Award Inspires Community Involvement and Recognition
By Melissa Gibson
Gary and Beverly Akmin are the second NOVA award winners in September.
In August, the Town of Avon began a new program, awarding and recognizing members of the community for the good they are doing.
The NOVA Award is meant to inspire positivity and thankfulness to those that go the extra mile.
“The goal for the Avon NOVA award is very simple at it’s core; celebrating the simple and good in the world,” said Jared Wade, Communications Coordinator for the Town of Avon. “Personally, I really enjoy focusing on the smaller things that people do that normally go un-noticed. This is a way to celebrate them but also have the community be the ones that nominate and tell their stories.”
Joe and Suzy Walton were the first recipients of the award. The couple was nominated by Brittney Gulley, a nurse who brings her children to Suzy for daycare.
“We found out that Brittney was getting pulled into the COVID unit at the hospital and with a young daughter with asthma, we were concerned about how this might affect her,” Suzy said. “We had a camper in storage and brought it over to them so she could go in, take a shower and sterilize before walking into her house. They worked really hard not to cross contaminate.”
With five families attending Suzy’s daycare, the needs vary, and the couple have time and again filled those needs if possible.
Through the years, the Walton’s have also bought clothes for the children in their care, worked alongside the parents through stay-at-home orders and schooling from home and even kept children overnight if the family was dealing with work-related hours and issues.
Though Suzy said she wasn’t wild about being in front of the public, she knew her father, a longtime resident of Avon was bursting with pride.
Suzy and Joe Walton are the first recipients of the Avon NOVA award.
“My dad has lived here since 1968 and we grew up here and went to Avon schools. It’s cool to have been a part of Avon when it was small and we’ve watched it grow. My dad was so proud, and this is what’s he’s always taught us. We’ve all been in situations that you needed a hand up,” Suzy said. “It’s just what you are supposed to do. There are good people in Avon and we’re all in this together.”
The second NOVA Award recipients were Gary and Beverly Akmin, staunch supporters of the Avon Police Department.
The Akmin’s regularly donate time, food and funds toward acts of kindness, working the grill at National Night Out and showing their love for the town they call home.
The nomination came from the Avon Police Department which said, “Gary and Beverly are down to earth, good people and love the town they live in. We appreciate all they’ve done for us. We couldn’t do what we do without them.”
As the nominations continue to roll in, the town council is excited to see who is recognized next.
“It’s exciting to see the council get excited,” Wade said. “They have been encouraging since the origination of the award and always asking who has been nominated and the good things they’re doing in the community.”
Suzy encouraged the community to think of those that make day-to-day life easier.
“Think about how many people use grocery pick up these days, all the delivery people that have helped us get through the pandemic. It’s nice to thank people that don’t always get thanked.”
To nominate someone specia for the NOVA Awardvisit the Town of Avon Facebook page for a link to the application.
Treblemakers Win Parade Prize at Quaker Days
The Hendricks County Choral Club, also known as The Treblemakers, participated in the Quaker Days parade on Saturday September 18th and earned a Best Performance plaque for their efforts!
The members are in the process of learning new music for Melody Makers of Indiana which they will perform this year. They are also working on Christmas music for their own December concert and seasonal appearances.
The group meets at 6:30 on Tuesday evenings at the Senior Center in Danville. New members are always welcome!! Their mission is to share music with the community!
Riggs Rounds Out 2021 Summer Sounds
Danville’s own Levi Riggs closed out the 2021 season of Summer Sounds on the Square in his usual energetic style.
The DCHS graduate first joined the Summer Sounds line up in 2015 and since 2017, he and his band have been the closing act.
The live music series was started by the Downtown Danville Partnership in 2008 as a way to bring people to the court house square for entertainment and to promote local businesses.
To learn more about the Downtown Danville Partnership and how you can be a part of Danville’s thriving downtown, go to visitdowntowndanville.com
People’s Choice for Paint the Town Event Announced.
Downtown Danville Partnership’s Anne Johannson (right) and Gallery on the Square’s Joan Kisner announced the winner of the People’s Choice from the 2021 Paint the Town Event.
Garnering the most votes was artist Josh Lewellen, who captured the spirit of Danville on a full-size wooden door. The unusal painting had also won a special prize for Best Depiction of Danville by the contest judges.
Artist Josh Lewellen painted Danville landmarks on a full size door for the Paint the Town event. His work won the People’s Choice award.
Senior Services Offers Alaska Cruise in 2022
Hendricks County Senior Services is offering the opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime. In May of 2022, they will be traveling to Alaska for a 3-day land tour and 7-night cruise. The land tour will include an overnight in Fairbanks and two nights at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. The cruise will be seven nights aboard the Grand Princess.
The land tour includes a trip on a riverboat, a tour of Denali National Park and a scenic rail journey from Denali to Anchorage. The cruise will visit Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Vancouver. It will also cruise through Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park.
The Senior Center is working with local travel specialists, Mike and Jenifer Laver, of Cruise Planners, to assure that all questions can be answered by local representatives.
You do not need to be a member of the Senior Center to take this trip. Space is limited. If you would like more details about this trip, stop by the Senior Center at 1201 Sycamore Lane in Danville or call Becky at 317-745-4303.
Dale Carnegie
Volunteer for SHIP
A rewarding volunteer program at Hendricks County Senior Services is looking for volunteers for SHIP, the State Health Insurance Program. This free health insurance counseling service for people with Medicareis provided by the Indiana Sate Department of insurance and funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
SHIP is driven by volunteers who are committed to helping people with Medicare determine the best healthcare choices and to be good consumers of Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D Drug Coverage, Long
Term Care Financing and Low-Income Assistance Programs.To become a SHIP counselor, you must complete a 30-hour training, either virtually or in-person; complete volunteer shadowing, additional training in the spring and fall and have a desire to help Medicare Beneficiaries in your community.
If you are interested in an important and rewarding volunteer opportunity, please contact Deanne Sanders-Below at 317-910- 5367 or the State’s SHIP office at 1-800-452-4800. You can also visit www. medicare.in.gov and click the “Become a SHIP Volunteer” link for more information.
Volunteer for Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels delivers a nutritious, hot meal to homebound residents of Hendricks County.
Meals are delivered by a team of more than 120 volunteers. In addition to providing nutritious meals the organization provides a wellness check, complimentary pet food and human connection.
If you are interested in volunteering you can visit their website, HCMealson- Wheels.org, the site lists all volunteer needs and will give you the steps to get started. For as little as two hours a month Meals on Wheels volunteers can make a huge difference.
If you would like more information about becoming a client or volunteer, you can visit their website or call Renee Harlor at 317- 745-3469.
Coloring Club at GOTS
Gallery on the Square, 51 S. Washington St, Danville, hosts Coloring Club the first Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. - noon. All supplies are included, only $5. Relax. Color. Listen to good music. Enjoy conversation.
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 centers
will 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 Center visit RecycleHendricks- County.org.
Listen to 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 thes HSO’s 2020-2021 season may be made by visiting the “Donate” page on the website.
Topping Ceremony Marks Finishing Phase of New Jail
Hendricks County officials and construction management posed with the topping beam after signatures were added and before it was hoisted into place for the new Hendricks County Jail.
A tradition dating back hundreds of years was something new for most of the people attending the topping off ceremony for the new Hendricks County Jail earlier this month. Tony Anderson, Construction Manager from Garmong Construction Services explained it this way:
“This topping out transitions us from the structural elements to the finishes. It’s also a day we can recognize the skilled trades and laborers that have been working to this point to get us here. The blue spruce signifies the safety of the project and to give good will to everyone that walks into the building from this day forward.”
SHERIFF BRETT CLARK
“It is a monumental day in Hendricks County,” said County Commissioner Phyllis Palmer. “We have beenworking on a new jail for over 20 years. In a perfect world we wouldn’t need a jail but we all know its not a perfect world. It is our mission to bring these people in and send them out better than they were when they came in. Brett is doing a good job of that.”
Sheriff Brett Clark was indeed a force behind the push for a new jail and was aware of the symbolic importance of the topping ceremony.
“I know some of the traditions involved ,,,but I also love the idea that we have the American flag, folks. With all the stuff going on in the world today what is more appropriate than having that, right here, as the centerpiece of everything we have here. I could not be more proud that I got to be a small part of this.”
Humane Society Services
Hendricks Humane helps pet owners with pet food, unexpected pet medical expenses, dog or cat spay/neuter surgery expense and provides other pet resources. These and other programs are described below. Limiting staff to one part-time person, we are open by appointment only. This allows us to spend more on our programs and be more flexible to those needing services. Contact us via e-mail info@hendrickshumane.org or call 317-745-3338 to leave a message.
PET FOOD PANTRY - Hendricks County residents needing pet food should call the Humane Society (317- 745-3338) to leave a message clearly stating their name, phone #, type and number of pets and any special needs. Requests for pet food called in by Monday are filled on Wednesday for porch pick up between 1pm-6 pm. Exceptions can be made as well as deliveries in specific cases. We want to be sure pets have food.
PET OWNER ASSISTANCE – Assistance is available for residents in need of financial help when medical expenses or other care needs that may arise for their pets.
ADOPTIONS – Adoptable cats and kittens can be viewed on the website and adoption applications can be completed on the website. Only pre-approved adopters may schedule a meet & greet with one of our kittens or cats. All kittens and adult cats are in foster care only. Foster care benefits the health and well-being of the felines. We do not have dogs available for adoption and encourage those looking to adopt a dog to visit Facebook pages of Creekside Animal Rescue, Hendricks County Animal Shelter, and other Rescues for dogs needing homes.
HUMANE EDUCATION - Free programs are available for groups from pre-school through adult about humane care of animals.
SPAY/NEUTER - Financial assistance is available to Hendricks County residents whose pets need to be spayed or neutered. Periodically we offer discount vouchers, visit the website. We pay 100% for Pet Food Pantry participants to have their pets spayed or neutered. We pay 100% for all community (owned) cats to be spayed or neutered.
COMMUNITY CATS - TNR (Trap, Neuter/Spay, Return) of community (free roaming) cats is the humane way to end the cycle of unwanted, at-risk litters. Help requests can be submitted on the website to ask for assistance with trapping, to borrow humane traps, or for rescuing kittens. Since this program began in 2017, over 1,000 cats have been trapped, neutered, returned. And safe, loving homes have been found for over 450 kittens rescued from a difficult life.
CHIP & CLIP CLINIC (nail trims and microchip implant) – Generally held the second Sunday of the month is by appointment only. Please call 317-745-3338 well in advance to schedule an appointment for nail trims, nail caps for cats, microchips or if you have questions.
Visit the website www.hendrickshumane.org or contact us via email (info@hendrickshumane.org) or phone (317-745-3338). Someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
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.
Monitoring Services For Senior Citizens
The mission of HCSS is to help seniors remain as independent as possible, and in their own home. If you or someone you know needs additional resources and support to stay independent, HCSS has a program that may be of help: Guardian Medical Monitoring.
Guardian Medical Monitoring offers many different types of personal emergency solutions to provide 24-hour personal monitoring. HCSS is proud to be a Guardian Monitoring Services representative. Services include life safety features designed to address the specialized needs of seniors. Features include Personal Emergency Response Systems, Auto Fall Protection Sensor, Personal Emergency Response with Caregiver Connect, Medication Reminders and Management, Pressure Sensitive Floor Mat and Door Connects that supports those with the Guardian Wander Security Program.
For more information about Guardian Home Alert Program or any other programs, contact Hendricks County Senior Services at 317-745-4303 or email us at inhome@hcseniors.org.
Hadley Friends Host Homecoming
Hadley Friends Meeting invites the public to attend our Annual Homecoming on Sunday, October 3, 2021. Please invite your family, friends, and anyone who needs a “church home.”
Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Worship Service at 10:30 a.m.
Stan Banker will be our guest speaker. Stan is a graduate of Taylor University (1973) and Earlham School of Religion (1976). He has served as a Friends Minister for45 years, including 21 years at Indianapolis First Friends Meeting and 10 years at New Castle First Friends. He has served as associate superintendent of Iowa Yearly Meeting and editor of Quaker Life magazine. In 2010 Stan helped create a fair-trade organic coffee cooperative and coffee busines in the Dominican Republic. He and his wife, Jennie, are the parents of Jennifer, a medical doctor for St. Francis Hospital and Nathaniel, lead design architect for Synthesis.
Tom Roberts will delight us with his piano accompaniment and special music. It is always a joy to have h im with us. A Pitch-In Dinner will follow the worship service at 11:45 a.m. Please bring your filled picnic baskets and “Come Home to Hadley” for plenty of good food, fellowship, and fun.
Hadly Friends Meeting is located slightly over two miles south of US 36 on CR 450 W, just south of the railroad underpass.
Senior Services Information & Referral
Hendricks County Senior Services can help seniors and caregivers navigate the resources in our community. Learn about Social Security, all aspects of Medicare and medication assistance programs, community resources, affordable housing and other concerns. Staff are trained to direct you to community agencies/programs for assistance.
SHIP (State Health Assistance Insurance Program) - Whether you are new to Medicare or want to review options for supplemental coverage, our SHIP counselors offer official insurance assistance through Hendricks County Senior Services. Call to set a one-on-one 90 minute appointment.
Legal - Legal aid is available by appointment. We offer access to free legal services through a partnership with the Senior Law Project. Pre-retirement, financial and estate planning seminars are also offered.
Housing and Home Healthcare Options - Options for assisted living, subsidized and affordable senior housing, long term care, and rehabilitation facilities are available. The senior center is filled with information on healthcare and other businesses who partner with us to provide services to seniors. Staff is available for further questions and information.
Tax Preparation - Tax preparation is available in cooperation with AARP. Trained tax preparers are available during tax season to help with basic, non business tax returns. Appointments are scheduled at the end of January and are offered at sites in within Hendricks County and at Hendricks County Senior Services.
Call 317-745-4303 for more information.
Senior Services Looking For SHIP Volunteers
A rewarding volunteer program at Hendricks County Senior Services is looking for volunteers for SHIP, the State Health Insurance Program.
This program is a free health insurance counseling service for people with Medicare. This is provided by the Indiana Sate Department of insurance and funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“Our SHIP counselors provide free impartial information to assist consumers in making decisions regarding their Medicare choices and questions” states Deanne Sanders-Below, coordinator of In-Home Services at Hendricks County Senior Services. “Ship is not affiliated with any insurance company or agency and does not sell insurance. They are staffed by a crew of volunteer counselors who have completed intensive training to offer objective assistance in complete confidence,” states Below.
SHIP is driven by volunteers who are committed to helping people with Medicare determine the best healthcare choices for their individual situations and to be good consumers of Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D Drug Coverage, Long Term Care Financing and Low-Income Assistance Programs.
To become a SHIP counselor, you must complete a 30- hour training, either virtually or in-person; complete volunteer shadowing, additional training in the spring and fall and have a desire to help Medicare Beneficiaries in your community.
If you are interested in an important and rewarding volunteer opportunity, please contact Deanne Sanders-Below at 317-910-5367 or the State’s SHIP office at 1-800-452- 4800. You can also visit www.medicare.in.gov and click the “Become a SHIP Volunteer” link for more information .
PUBLIC NOTICES ONLINE
Indiana newspapers and the Hoosier State Press Association provide an online clearninghouse of thousands of public notices. If you missed it in print or want to find a notice statewide, look online at IndianaPublicNotices.com
Bayer Fund Grants Help Farmers Grow Their Communities
The Bayer Fund announced the kickoff of the 2022 America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, which has been revamped to make it even easier for farmers across the country to find and fund the organizations and institutions that keep their communities thriving.
From now 2 to November 1, eligible farmers can enroll for the chance to direct a donation to a local eligible nonprofit organization, school STEM or youth agriculture program. For 2022, Bayer Fund will double the individual donations to $5,000, up from $2,500 in previous years.
America’s Farmers initiatives have awarded more than $60 million to thousands of schools and nonprofit organizations. Since the creation of Grow Communities in 2010, farmers have played a key role in directing funds to programs and organizations that contribute to their communities’ health and vibrancy, such as food banks, schools and agriculture programs.
In 2020 a Hendricks County farmer directed a Grow Communities donation to the Cascade High School FFA to help build a greenhouse at the school. In 2021, another local farmer directed his donation to the Tri-West Dollars for Scholars program to proved scholarships for graduating seniors.
Farmers are eligible to enroll in Grow Communities if they are 21 years of age or older and are actively engaged in farming at least 250 acres of any crop.
“In addition to increasing the individual donation amounts in 2022, we’re excited to evolve Grow Communities to make it easier for farmers to take part,” said Al Mitchell, Bayer Fund President. “Over the years we’ve heard from countless farmers and Grow Communities recipients about the ways the donations have made a positive impact across rural America. For this reason, Bayer Fund is excited to continue the Grow Communities tradition.”
To enroll or learn more about Grow Communities, including program eligibility and rules, farmers can visit www.AmericasFarmers.com or call 1-877-267- 3332 toll-free. Winners will be announced January 2022.
Listen to HSO Online
The Hendricks Symphony Orchestra is offering new and encore performance on their website, www.HendricksSymphony.org. Click on “Media” then on “Recordings.”
New listening options will be added from time to time, so check back often!
Donations toward thes HSO’s 2020-2021 season may be made by visiting the “Donate” page on the website.
LINK Public Transit Service
LINK Hendricks County provides public transit service to persons of any age (including wheelchair transport, portable oxygen, attendants, and service animals).
Services are available to anyone needing a ride within Hendricks County. Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. If your child falls under the Indiana Child Seat Law you must provide a state approved car seat.
LINK service is scheduled on a first come, first served basis, so riders are encouraged to call as soon as possible, up to three (3) months in advance.
Curb to curb transportation is available Monday through Friday, during the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Service is not available on holidaysor when inclement weather prohibits safe boarding and/or travel.
This is a fee-based service, $6 round trip within a town; $8 round trip within the county. The service is scheduled by calling LINK at 317-718-4474 and requesting LINK transportation.
