45 minute read
Hendricks County
Virtual Silent Auction by Plainfield Friends of Library
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The Plainfield-Guilford Township Friends of the Library are proud to host their first virtual silent auction, Bid It To Win It!
The auction bidding begins Friday, October 22 and runs through midnight on Friday, October 29. Proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library to help support literacy and community events.
Participation in the virtual silent auction is easy! Bidding for the auction can be done from a smartphone or computer. Bidders will receive a notification if they are outbid so they can re-up their bid.
The silent auction includes a variety of themed packages for all ages and interests. Families can enjoy a Deluxe S’more Package experience, Indiana State Museum outing, or an outdoor adventure like meeting the horses at Strides To Success. In addition, families can enjoy other packages like the Pizza Package where the winner receives two large pizzas per month for a year. A few other package examples are:
Farm Package: Beasley’s Orchard gift card; Anderson Orchard gift card; Private tour of Hunter’s Honey Farm; Meet & Greet the Horses at Strides to Success
Pet Package: Katie’s Grooming gift card; Pet supplies and treats from Speck’s Pet Supply; Pet Portrait by local artist Kylin Brown
Garden Package: Great Lakes Ace Hardware gift card; Garden layout by Master Gardener John Chapin; Mum plant from Cox’s Plant Farm; Mosquito Joe’s yard treatments; Damman’s Garden Center gift card
Date Night Package : One night stay at Embassy Suites Hotel; Schakolad 1 lb. “You Pick” Box of Chocolates; Guggman House Brewing Company gift card
To bid on your favorite packages visit https://go.rallyup.com/f58246 beginning Friday, October 22. Bidding ends on Friday, October 29, 2021, so be sure to check on bids throughout the week. For more information visit www.plainfieldlibrary.net.
Senior Services Provides 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.
Brownsburg Parks Seeks Volunteers For Playground Renovation
One of Hendricks County’s most popular playgrounds will be getting a facelift later this month.
Brownsburg’s Blast Off playground at Williams Park is a wooden structure that was built in 2000 by community volunteers and Leathers & Associates, a New York-based company that specializes in custom outdoor play spaces. Brownsburg Parks seeks volunteers who can fill four- to eight-hour shifts Oct. 25-29 helping to replace play features, posts and hardware.
“This is Phase 1 of a renovation that will replace the lumber with a recycled plastic material that looks like wood but requires less maintenance and stands up to weather more effectively,” said Brownsburg Parks Director Travis Tranbarger. “We want to retain the spirit of the original community build that created this great amenity by inviting the public to sign up to help refresh it.”
The playground, which draws visitors from Hendricks, Boone and Marion counties, also will have new play features and mulch added. Williams Park is located at 940 S. Locust Lane.
Businesses are encouraged to sign up teams to help with the build or to sponsor food and drinks for the volunteers.
Volunteers can sign up at www.brownsburgparks.com/volunteer. To serve as a sponsor, email parks@brownsburgparks.com.
Brownsburg Parks is currently raising money to prepare for Phase 2 of this project, which is expected to get underway in 2022. Donations can be made to the Brownsburg Parks Foundation via the Hendricks County Community Foundation website at www. hendrickscountycf.org/donate/donate.html. To make a donation, click on the HCCF General Operating button and select Brownsburg Parks Foundation Fund, then complete the requested information.
Owl Fest at Eagle Creek
Join us for the 6th annual Owl Festival to celebrate Indiana’s mysterious nocturnal hunters on October 16th and 17th at Eagle Creek Park.
You can play nature-themed games, enjoy live music, and learn about the adaptations that make Owls such fantastic hunters!
Go at Eagle Creek’s Ornithology Center where you will find pumpkin painting, owl pellets, Quidditch, and a photo booth available all day long! We will also be selling T-shirts, hot chocolate, cider, s’mores and popcorn.
Check out the silent auction featuring locally handmade art, bird nest boxes, a guided birding tour to Minnesota, and experiences at Indy’s finest restaurants.
All auction proceeds will go towards the long term care of the ornithology’s raptor ambassadors.
Owl Fest is free with park admission. Begins 10 a.m., Saturday, and at noon on Sunday. Info: 317 327- 2473.
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.
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.
Alexander Graham Bell
Celebrating 90 th Birthday
Joan age 5
Joan age 20
Joan age 89
Joan Miller is becoming 90 on October 10, 2021. Happy Birthday wishes to a wonderful Mother, Grandmother & Great-Grandmother.
Pittsboro Local & Social
Tri-West H.S. cheer won 1st place in their Division at the Pendleton Cheer Competition, but better than that they were Overall Grand Champions, beating out some very large schools.
The Tri-West Middle School cheerleaders are getting better with each competition. Congratulations on your hard work.
The Tri-West band members and the cheerleaders put in hours and hours of hard work and practice. We are very proud of their accomplishments.
Glad to see the football team is back to their winning ways.
Members of the Tri- West choir are working at the Fear Farm to help fund their trip to Disney.
How to Prepare Oven Meals
What’s old is new again. You might recognize this in today’s home cooking world as what are called sheet meals in the oven, but years ago it was titled oven meals.
Learn about this onepan cooking method on Thrusday, October 21, at 6 p.m., in person at the Hendricks County fairgrounds at 1900 E. Main St, Danville, In 46122, or on our Live Facebook page at Hendricks County Extension Homemakers.
Hendricks County Extension Homemakers’ past county president Martha Selllers taught this lesson and continues to educate us on how to prepare these delicious recipes today.
One of the recipes she will be demonstrating is Green Beans in the oven, and Martha will have other recipes for us to try out.
If you wish information on how to be come a memberof Hendricks County Extension Homemaker contact us at 317-745-9260 ask for Lisa.
Thomas Secker
North Salem Local & Social
School Memories
Great turnout for the walk through the old North Salem Grade School building. Many, many came for the last remembrances of growing up in grade school - 1st thru 8th grade. It was a wonderful evening for so many. What a good start we all had then. So many different ages that used the facilities, and they were grateful and proud of those past days.
What wonderful people who set examples for all of us. We really appreciated this opportunity. It was great to see all. Wish there was a sign-in book and wouldn’t a large group picture have been nice.
Those there expressed thought of having complete reunion of North Salem students in the coming years. Thanks, everyone who helped organize this event. It will be remembered by all.
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The Come Hang Out Store is now having special discount prices on some new items. They will have weekly items, different every week. There will be a table in the front room, also a table in the middle room. The special discounted items will have a tag - different color each week. Lots of special buys.
Come in and browse around. Lots of winter merchandise and other items. The Come Hang Out Store is a community project, hoping people can be helped by their prices. Do come in, stop for a chat, and sometimes they even have Buddy Johnston to help! You, too, Sonnie!
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Terri at The Garden Gate has so many nice gift items and her fresh flower arrangements are always first class. You can also get your order in for grave blankets. Terri is helped by her pal, Doc.
Still don’t know anything about the restaurant opening. Outside looks nice as the former insurance office building. Sure makes the town look alive. Will be nice to see what changes are made for the Eggers building. Peeked in the window Sunday, they are all set up for lots of business, tables and chairs.
Happy to have the Dollar General store. They have a very good supply of merchandise and the employees are helpful to all.
Karen at the hair salon keeping real busy. Don’t think she has a fur helper, at least in her shop!
Perillo’s is enjoying a boost in business since being open inside and with outside seating and yard seating. Makes it real nice. Keeps Dom and his helpers busy! So good!
Be proud of your home town and support all our businesses.
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Fire Dept. Chief Kevin Basham says they are planning on their famous chili supper soon. We’re ready for it.
Wish we could read “NORTH SALEM” better on the new water tower. They are still working on those projects.
Saturday - such a nice day, sunshine, rain, and warm Squirrels out gathering food for winter.
Not looking forward to the predicted triple increase in gas heating. Just thankful for tour many blessings we have.
Still lots of new residents that we haven’t met. When everybody can get out and mingle, hope to get to know them.
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So many people say they look forward to North Salem news - now and in days past. So if you have any news you want to put in the paper, call me at 765-575- 6008 or send direct to Betty Bartley at The Republican - 317-745-2777 and she will put it in the North Salem items.
Send us your photos - good local news - children, dogs, birthdays, anniversaries, marriages, or whatever. People like to be happy for each other. Sonnie needs to get me picture of her Buddy - she lovers her new fur baby. They are such a comfort to have.
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Watching The Lawrence Welk Show Saturday evening. What a surprise. It was a first TV production in 1955, when he was sponsored by Dodge and was in black & white. Didn’t realize how much of an improvement since 1955. Gene and I always watched the show on Saturday night, with our favorite drink - Pepsi Cola - and fresh popped corn. Some of the old entertainers, Larry Hooper, Myron Flores,- Jimmy Roberts, Lawrence Welk and others. They were really young back then! I still watch his show on Saturday night, but this one really brought back memories of yesteryear. How spoiled we are with all the beautiful colors and great programs they produce now. Thankful for our progress.
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Sunday: Another day first warm, later cold, windy. Still cloudy, rain and thunder then sunshine. Going to sit on porch anyway. Jenny, Buddy and I spend as much time as we can in the fresh air. Won’t be long now.
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Monday, 10/4: Foggy. Got to see Ron Kneeland go by and the school bus twice. A start of another week. Cup or two of coffee, listen to news for the week ahead.
Think our little hummingbirds have caught a ride south. Haven’t seen them last couple of days. Will miss their friendly presence.
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Get well wishes to so many. Remington Beckett Sower, grandson of Marissa and Steve Crouch. Lola Stephens’ eye surgery doing OK. Barbara Oliver, heart condition, waiting for pacemaker surgery. Leroy Smith fighting the Covid, doing pretty good, our love and prayers for Leroy. Stacy Oliver, Jim Oliver’s son, in hospice care. Linda Keeney, health problems. Dan Brown (friend from Lebanon).
So many with various aches and pains and age pains and concerns. Our prayers for all and we are truly praying for the children. Please keep them safe.
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Glad to see all at Walk Thru Old Grade School. Just a few names: Jame Marshmeyer and Joan Hamilton Ott, twin daughters of Bob and Katherine Hamilton, Marvin beck and wife, Lisa Mount Wagner, Miriam Roth and hubby, Libby Crouch Sauer, Missy Call, Donna Stewart Mattingily and other family members, Alta Trump, Darrell & Dorothy Coons, Robert & Sue Davidson, John and Debbie Berry,Mike Friend, Hershell Page’s daughter, Neil Goodnight, Phyllis Goodnight, the Finchums, Woody and Patty Woodrum, the Bondy family, Karen Hardman, Bonnie Hickman, Louise Frazier Jones, Rita Mitchell and Hubby, Robert Stewart, Lisa Hardman and more.
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Solar string lights on the flag pole and dog yard fence went off 3-4 days ago. Checked and was ready to take down and add new ones when Sunday eventing sitting on the porch when lo and behold, lights on the flag pole were on. Went back and checked the dog lot and, yes, they were on. Thankful - was planning on removing and added new ones. Don’t know about the situation, but glad for the timing.
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Missy Raymond calls every day from George. She misses so many in North Salem. Sends her love to all.
Good to see Tom Harris able to walk a few blocks now. See Becky Compton walking, as does Gene Mc- Cullough and Robb Daffenbaugh.
Just received visit from Bill Rawlings. Brought me a bag of sweet corn, said for Gene’s birthday. Will share.
Bill gave me birthdays of sisters Ruth Bondurant (3/12); Wilma Winings, Oct.22; his wife, Sally, 10/21, and his birthday, 2/16. Said his neighbor Robert Higgens had passed. The Rawlings children (back then) attended school at North Salem. Bill is also a brother, as was Warren (deceased) who was in our class. Had a great visit. Asked about Bandit, our squirrel, and Coonsey and his animals.
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God bless you one and all. Do unto others as you want to be done.
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Granddaughters are Great!
Two special granddaughters of John and Dixie Harnishfeger. Dixie formerly worked at Post Office and Hendricks Co. 4-H Dog Obedience. They are Mila Black (left), daughter of Tracey and David Black and Bryley Harnisfeger (right), daughter of John Michael and Brooke Harnisfeger. Pround Grandparents!
Avon Seniors Recognized As NMS Commended Students
Avon High School seniors Maximilian Fultz, Vanessa Janko, Andrew Epperson, Krishna Lathish, Michael Vetter, and 2021 AHS graduate Alexander Brahos have been named Commended Students in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program.
A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to these scholastically talented seniors.
“We are so proud of each of these students for their dedication to their academic work,” says AHS Principal Matt Shockley. “The honor of being recognized as Commended Students is an achievement. It distinguishes them as students who are firmly in the upper echelon of academic achievers in the class of 2022. I am excited to watch them continue to excel in the coming months as well as in the years after they graduate from Avon.”
Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2022 competition by taking the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
Adventures in Gardening Program
The Hendricks County Master Gardeners are hosting an Adventures in Gardening program on Saturday, October 9, 2021. The event takes place at the Conference Center at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds.
Topics include the following: The Basics of Beekeeping, Microgreens, Seed Saving, Seeding Your Future and Native Alternatives to Invasive Landscaping. During lunch time, the Demonstration Gardens on the Fairgrounds can also be toured and enjoyed as well.
Doors open at 8 a.m., with the seminar beginning at 9 a.m. Lunch and a snack are included with the registration fee. The session schedule is:
Silent Auction items will also be available to bid on. Registration is required and may be completed online with a credit card or contact the Purdue Extension Office at 317-745-9260 to register with check/cash.
The mission of the Master Gardener Program is to provide current, research-based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Indiana through Purdue University Extension programs and projects. More information may be found on the Hendricks County Purdue Master Gardener website at https://www.hendricksgardeners.com/.
East Coast Report by Jerry Vorhnolt
Living near the coast, ocean life subconsciously slips its way into your soul without you realizing it. That is, until you move 700 miles away.
Growing up in Delaware, little did I appreciate the “normal” experiences of going on a school field trip to catch Chesapeake Blue Crabs in brackish water or seeing thousands of prehistoric horseshoe crabs on the beach laying millions of eggs every spring, or going to the beach with bushels of crabs and beer after the football game then falling asleep under the boardwalk, or the scars left from the sand ripping your skin apart while body surfing the waves. Good times.
Over the years my Hoosier wife and kids have come to appreciate ocean life on the coast. From time to time, they, too, crave the curative sound of the crashing waves and the savory taste of boardwalk fries soaked in vinegar. So good.
While the daily routines may be different from those in Indiana, the issues facing the community are not too different.
Recently, I was able to get back to Rehoboth for a few days and thought you might enjoy a report from: The East Coast office of The Republican.
The Boardwalk, A Lesson in 3 Acts: Part I, The Play
The first night after arriving in Rehoboth Beach, a friend and I went to see a play at the Clear Space Theatre. Clear Space is a long-standing theatre company in Rehoboth that attracts Broadway talent during the summer months and the shows are always well done. Thornton Wilder’s Our Town was the play. This is a well-known play but I had never seen it performed.
The playbill showed this was a 3-act play. After having recently driven for 12 straight hours, I was starting to regret this decision.
Like most well written plays, the previous acts build to set up the final act and this
play was no different. Not knowing the story, I wasn’t sure where it was going.
Then, there it was, the third act took a baseball bat to your sensitivities, which I will share later if you are not familiar with the play.
(Continued next week)
Legislators Promote Next Level Jobs Program
Hendricks County legislators urge Hoosiers to join the thousands who are already taking advantage of Indiana’s Next Level Jobs certificate program to skill up at no cost and obtain a higher-paying job.
With many high-wage positions requiring specially trained workers, State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) said Hoosiers can skill up for free with a Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant, which covers tuition costs for those earning a high-value certificate from Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University. Since launching in 2017, more than 50,000 Hoosiers have enrolled to complete a high-demand certificate program through Indiana’s Next Level Jobs Workforce Ready Grant.
“With job opportunities available throughout central Indiana, now could be the right time to consider skilling up and making a career shift,” Thompson said. “Hoosiers have access to programs and resources that make it easier than ever before to obtain additional education or earn a certification, which could lead to a higher-paying job.”
According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, those who earn a Workforce Ready Grant certificate see an annual median wage increase of $6,800.
State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) said the program is designed so that participants can continue to work while earning a certificate in 1 of 5 in-demand job fields, including health and life sciences, IT and business services, building and construction, transportation and logistics, and advanced manufacturing. To learn more about Workforce Ready Grants, visit NextLevelJobs.org.
“Whether preparing for your first job, re-entering the workforce or changing careers, Next Level Jobs can help you take the next step,” Steuerwald said. “The job market is hot right now, and it’s the perfect time to skill up and build your career.”
State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) said to connect to a career in a fast-growing field today, Hoosiers can also visit IndianaCareerReady.com/INDemandJobs. He said this website helps job seekers easily explore industries experiencing significant growth, both in the number of hires and in rising wages.
“Employers are looking for qualified individuals to join their team and work in a number of high-wage, high-demand industries,” Behning said. “There are countless job opportunities in our area that you could qualify for or receive a Workforce Ready Grant to gain the skills needed to be successful. The INDemand Jobs portal features job postings as well as the requirements for landing those positions. With a few clicks, you could be on your way to securing a new job.”
High-demand jobs in Indiana include nurses, accountants, computer systems analysts, construction managers, electricians, plumbers and software developers. The web portal offers a sortable list displaying the educational requirements, average salary, job postings and training opportunities for each occupation.
Free Online Tutoring for SAT, Math & AP Courses
The Indiana Department of Education announced a new partnership with Schoolhouse.world to support students in grades eight through 12 with free tutoring for SAT preparation, math courses and Advanced Placement (AP) courses.
Schoolhouse.world was launched in early 2020 by Sal Khan, also founder of Khan Academy, in response to COVID-19 learning disruptions. The nonprofit connects students with live, small-group tutoring through Zoom at no cost. Tutoring currently focuses on SAT reading, writing and math, with a math focus on pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus and statistics. Support is also available for AP courses including AP Calculus, AP Statistics, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Physics and AP Computer Science.
“We are excited to partner with the Indiana Department of Education to provide free tutoring to students across Indiana,” said Drew Bent, chief operating officer of Schoolhouse.world. “No matter where you are in the state, we want to help you receive the support that you need.”
In addition to resources through Schoolhouse.world, Khan Academy and College Board offer free SAT practice resources. This free resource comes as all Indiana high school juniors prepare to take the SAT this spring. Students can visit Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy – a personalized online program that helps students practice for the SAT with thousands of sample questions, instant feedback, video lessons and full-length practice tests. Nationwide, more than 10 million students have signed up for free SAT practice through Khan Academy.
To learn more about these learning resources, and to sign up for a tutoring session, visit www.schoolhouse. world or www.khanacademy.org.
Yard Waste Recycling Centers Open
Hendricks County Recycling District operates two Yard Waste Recycling Centers accepting 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. Please note: Beginning Oct. 1, will close the Camby Road at SR 267 near the Yard Waste Recyling Cneter. The Center will keep its normal schedule, but users will need to enter using CR 750 S and Willsee Lane (CR 875 E).
COVID Continues to Challenge County School Operations
Brownsbug, Avon, and North West Hendricks are currently requiring masks for all grades.
By Melissa Gibson
Dr. Rocky Singh, Chief Medical Officer for IU Health Indianapolis Suburban Region delivered good and bad news last week.
The impact to local and national hospitals has once again flooded emergency rooms and earlier this month, IU saw 2,700 admitted to the hospital with a COVID diagnosis. As of last week, they were down to 2,400 admitted patients, leading some to believe the Delta variant may finally begin waning.
“This time around, we’ve been able to meet the needs of patients as they come,” Singh said. “We’ve moved to improve equipment access and have the availability of ventilators. The last wave caught us by surprise, so this time, we were much more prepared.”
COVID has created a new ‘normal’ for many students back at school this fall.
That’s good news for those diagnosed with primarilythe Delta variant of the virus, and while Singh says he remains “cautiously optimistic” that numbers are decreasing and thewave of patients seems to be dissipating, changes in the new strain has caused concern among parents and school systems across the county.
“One of the things we’ve noticed is the first wave primarily affected the elderly,” Singh said. “This time around, we’re seeing far more pediatric patients. It’s impacting our younger population far more.”
The younger diagnosis seems to be reflected in decisions made by our surrounding school systems.
One issue is the continuing discussion for mask requirements. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) masks are recommended but not currently mandated.
Brownsburg Community School Corporation, Avon Community School Corporation and Northwest Hendricks School Corporation are requiring masks for all grade levels, while Danville School Corporation, Mill Creek School Corporation and Plainfield School Corporation recommend but do not require masks.
“We started the school year by recommending masks and then in September went to requiring them, mainly because we had a large uptick in two of our buildings in positive cases and quarantines,” Superintendent of Northwest Hendricks Schools Scott Syverson said.
“I think it would be helpful if we had more direction on masks or no masks,” Syverson continued. “There are as many people that don’t want their student in a mask as there are those that say we should be masking up. I feel like the schools are kind of in the middle, as we’re making decisions, but we’re not the health experts.”
In fact, almost all schools experienced a large surge of cases as school come into session by August, forcing administrations to re-visit mask requirements as well as contact tracing numbers.
Brownsburg is reporting their lowest case and quarantine numbers today, since the first week of school. Five weeks ago, they reported 791 students quarantined compared to 49 in the last week.
Contact tracing has been a huge detriment to the school systems, sending children home that have come into contact with a student diagnosed with COVID is causing teachers to work overtime, issuing in-person learning as well as e-learning.
In addition, the chances of those sent home in a contact tracing, diagnosed with COVID is very low.
It also has caused major staff shortages with teachers, bus drivers, lunch personnel and others forced to stay home. All schools report a need for substitute teachers. “Our classroom ratios have not been an issue so far,” said Sabrina Kapp, Director of Communications for Plainfield School Corporation. “We watch the numbers and require masks for those schools that are experiencing higher numbers. For example, our middle school is currently requiring masks due to a spike we saw a couple of weeks ago.”
“Currently, our greatest staff need is bus drivers,” Kapp added. “We’ve just increased the pay rate and are doing everything possible to recruit new drivers.”
Vaccinations are also a hot topic among Americans in general but could play a part in school attendance as well.
According to the CDC, students can remain in attendance if they have been vaccinated, allowing more options for those 12 and up.
All schools are recommending the vaccination for those eligible and self-screening is key to stopping the spread.
“Symptomatic students, COVID-19 or any other illness needs to stay home until symptom free and consult with their medical provider,” said Jim Diagostino, Superintendent of Mill Creek School Corporation. “We’re hand washing, sanitizing and social distancing – all highly effective measures to controlling the spread and everyone age 12 and up are strongly recommended to get the vaccine.”
Most importantly, schools are just trying to keep their students in school.
The CDC has said “students benefit from in-person learning and safely returning to in-person instruction is a priority.”
“This is really unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” Syverson said. “We’re all trying to do the right things and we want to keep the schools open. We want to keep the adults healthy and we want to keep everyone in school safely.”
Singh said while they’re beginning to see a flattening of the curve, we don’t know what the winter will bring. He asks that everyone follow CDC guidelines, recommends vaccination and said, “We know that masks work, social distancing works and vaccinations work. We look forward to that time that these things will make the pandemic go away for good.”
Each school system has a special COVID link on their website, giving parents and community members information regarding recent numbers, quarantines and current protocols.
Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ community/schools-childcare/k-12-guidance.html for the latest from the CDC.
You can help, by monitoring symptoms of your children before sending them to school.
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.
“I Hate Hamlet” at HCT
Hendricks Civic Theatre is excited to present their first performance in 18 months, “I Hate Hamlet.”
The plot involves Andrew Rally, a successful television actor who is struggling with the idea of playing his dream role of Hamlet. His virtuous girlfriend, who is always on the verge of a swoon, a psychic real estate agent who finds him the perfect New York apartment, his agent who has her own secret, his Hollywood director with the next big deal, and the ghost of John Barrymore!
The zany cast of characters who try to “assist” Andrew in this endeavor include: David Johnson (Andrew Rally); Karen Temple (Lillian Troy); Jeff Fuller (Gary Peter Lefkowitz); Amy Carroll (Felicia Dantine); Alaine Sims (Dierdre McDavey); Tony Record (John Barrymore).
Don’t miss “I Hate Hamlet” at Hendricks Civic Theatre’s Longstreet Playhouse. A comedy that is much more fun than Shakespeare ever dared to be!!
Performance dates are October 14, 15, 16, 17 & October 21, 22, 23, 24. Tickets will only be sold online for this show and Covid policies will apply. Please visit www.hendrickscivic.com to reserve your seat as soon as possible!
For the Hendricks County Community Foundation, our goal is simple: We want to make Hendricks County a better place. A better place to live, work and play. To raise a family. To feel welcome and comfortable. To attend school. To be with friends. To grow.
Our Board, staff and volunteers work hard all year to realize those goals. We do this by funding the important work that many other nonprofits in our community are doing. That funding is accomplished through our grantmaking – and this year to date those grants total over $1.7 million! The grants are made possible by the generous people who’ve partnered with us to realize the charitable goal of making our community better. It’s a win-win-win!
The work we do comes at a cost. Did you know HCCF needs to raise approximately 40% of our annual operating budget from the community every year to make that work possible? We must ask individuals and businesses in our county to invest in our daily work – partnering with donors, making important grants and scholarship awards to address immediate needs, and leading in our community.
We’ve shared how proud we are to be celebrating 25 years of service to Hendricks County in 2021. Won’t you support us? To put it simply: HCCF cannot continue to address the greatest needs and continue our success as a leader in our community without your financial support.
We see our home as a vibrant, giving community, and we’re on a quest to make our great community even better – today and tomorrow. We need your help to realize that goal and expand our work in Hendricks County.
Please give today!
Indiana Lyons Are Back on the Hardwood
Danville’s Dillon Ware (#4) was back for his second season with the Lyons, sporting a new, shorter haircut.
Hendricks County’s ABA Indiana Lyons were back on the court at “The Lyons Den” last Saturday in an exhibition game agains local First Responders. The game tied several times before the final score, Lyons 122, Responders, 117.
The next pre-season game will be Saturday, October 9, against the Gary Sun-Rays. Doors open at 4, game starts at 5 p.m., in Bosstick Gym, 49 N. Wayne, Danville. Refreshments available for purchase, as are this season’s selection of Lyons apparel and accessories.
Lyons players made use of the bench during breaks but new head coach Jamarr Kegler kept his view upstanding.
The half-time fan scrimmage featured some new, fearless players in all sizes.
2020 DCHS graduate Dillon Ware (#4) put some time in with his fans during the half-time break. Dillon is a real role model for the fans to look up to.
Walking the Halls of School Days Memories
By Kathy Pingel Brelage
North Salem open house for the two-story building set to be demolished in the coming weeks.
This is where I spent my elementary school years. It’s amazing the things you can remember when you really think about it.
My 1st grade year, they remodeled the building, so we were shoved in a trailer outside of the building. I got in trouble that year. Blame my mom. She missed me being at home, so she pulled me out of school to spend the day with her in the Eagles Nest at the Hyatt Regency. The next day I blabbed and told my teacher all about it. As punishment, I had to stand in the corner. Thanks, mom.
In 2nd grade I got glasses. I also, memorably, puked in my brand new math workbook...not to mention, all over the new school carpet. I guess Miss Teacher should have believed me when I said I was sick.
In 3rd grade I purposely stayed inside from recess to start my own cootie business out of paper dots. (You know, the remnants left over from a hole punch) I made pouches out of Kleenex and filled them with the dots. Thousands of them...my hand hurt so bad, but it was a booming, lowcost, business. Pouches cost anywhere from .05 cents to a whopping .20 cents. Three straight days of punching holes, until the dreaded day when my business was prematurely shut down. I guess the teachers didn’t appreciate everyone putting “cooties” in each other’s hair and all over the floor. No fun.
An American flag resting on a blackboard.
A hand-drawn map on the wall behind bookshelves stored in the basekent.
4th grade year was again in temporary classrooms, this time in the basement. Our teacher painted a map of the US on the wall to try and make it feel more like a classroom. It was great and was probably my favorite year there. This was also the year I made my acting debut in the school play. I was the front end of Mildred the Dancing Mule (hey, at least it was the front end). It was the year my Brother shocked me by picking me for his team at field day. He then proceeded to put me in all of the awful events no one else wanted to do. Thanks, Rick.
5th grade I remember a certain someone kept farting in class, and it smelled so gross.
6th grade I was runner up in the school science fair. I compared the differences between various insulation. The best insulator being Asbestos. If I become ill, we all know why.
6th grade year we performed on stage to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. I continued my acting career as a Zombie. You would have thought we really were Michael himself. The students were screaming like little girls (probably, because they were) Alas, we didn’t win. They said we caused too much screaming amongst the student body. How exactly was that our fault? Again, No fun.
I fought a bully on the playground. I guess my Wonder Woman wrist bands, made from wet, restroom, brown paper towels made me feel extra powerful that day.
Occasionally, my dad would make a Spam sandwich for me to take in my metal lunchbox. It was a welcome thing in lieu of the school lunch.
Mom started the school tradition of decorating pumpkins at Halloween...where, surprise, we won it a lot, my favorite being Cinderella’s Carriage.
We dressed like Pilgrims and Indians at Thanksgiving, sang songs at Christmas time, and stood, as a student body, on the steps of the school to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
It was a simpler time, and I’m sure I learned all kinds educational things, but these, these are the memories I take with me of my younger days as a North Salem Blue Devil.
Do you have any memories/photos of the old North Salem school? Send them to The Republican at P.O. Box 149, Danville, IN 46122, or send by email to betty@ TheRepublicanNewspaper.com.
Take Time To Enjoy Hendricks County’s Fall Traditions
Celebrate fall with pumpkin picking, hayrides and family fun.
By Melissa Gibson
‘Tis the season to get your favorite pumpkin spice or apple cider beverage. Many have their own fall traditions ranging from apple picking, hayrides, bonfires and of course, pumpkin picking.
: Enjoy a variety of goodies from the market at Beasley’s, from apple cider slushies to this year’s new treat, apple cider donuts
Beasley’s Orchard
Beasley’s Orchard is the cornerstone of fall festivities in Hendricks County, founded in 1946 and they’ve continued to grow, inviting generations of families out to the property at 2304 E. Main Street in Danville.
Fall activities include an eight-acre corn maze, this year, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Pokémon, four apple cannons and the kids play area, Barnyard Bonanza. Guests can enjoy a hayride, pick their own pumpkins and visit the marketplace, offering homegrown produce, apple cider slushies, caramel apples and new this year – apple cider donuts.
Each fall weekend features a themed festival. You may have missed the Hometown Heroes Festival, featuring local first responders and military personnel, but can still catch the 35th annual Heartland Apple Festival, Oct. 9-10, Dog Daze at the Maze, Oct. 16-17 and Halloweekend, Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31.
“We are open weekdays from 1-6 p.m. and are offering one general admission price for all activities this year,” said Jim Finley, Agritourism Manager. “Throughout the week, visitors can take a hayride, pick pumpkins and apples and enjoy the Barnyard Bonanza activities and then on the weekend, we add a little more entertainment.”
The Heartland Apple Festival will include live music, balloon magic, local craft vendors and a puppet show, in addition to the mainstay activities. There is a $5 parking fee during the Heartland Apple Festival.
The corn maze at Beasley’s will feature Pokemon this year.
Each fall weekend features a themed festival. You may have missed the Hometown Heroes Festival, featuring local first responders and military personnel, but can still catch the 35th annual Heartland Apple Festival, Oct. 9-10, Dog Daze at the Maze, Oct. 16-17 and Halloweekend, Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31.
“We are open weekdays from 1-6 p.m. and are offering one general admission price for all activities this year,” said Jim Finley, Agritourism Manager. “Throughout the week, visitors can take a hayride, pick pumpkins and apples and enjoy the Barnyard Bonanza activities and then on the weekend, we add a little more entertainment.”
The Heartland Apple Festival will include live music, balloon magic, local craft vendors and a puppet show, in addition to the mainstay activities. There is a $5 parking fee during the Heartland Apple Festival.
“Dog Daze at the Maze is a fan favorite. We bring in 15 local animal shelters and rescue groups with adoptable dogs. A portion of the proceeds go back to those animal groups and every year we look forward to finding out how many dogs have found a home,” Finley said. “Visitors can bring their four-legged family members out for a hayride, walk through the maze and participate in a dog costume contest and pet talent show.”
Halloweekends include children costume contests and pumpkin carving contests for the entire family.
“It means the world to us that our local community has been supporting us for so long,” Finley said. “Calvin is the third-generation owner of Beasley’s and we can’t thank the members of the community enough for allowing us to continue the long-standing Hendricks County tradition for generations of families.” For more information, visit https://www.beasleys-orchard.com.
A visit to the pumpkin patch at Nehemiah Ranch can be an adventure.
Nehemiah Ranch
On Oct. 9 and 16, from 6-9 p.m., families are invited to join Jeff and Joy Leath’s fall harvest celebration, complete with a bonfire, smore’s, hotdogs and hayrides. The Christian, non-profit organization hopes to encourage family experiences and relationship building. U-pick pumpkins are free, though donations are accepted.
Nehemiah Ranch is located at 1420 N. County Road 600 E., Avon. Visit https://www.nehemiahranch.org for more information.
Hayrides will be offered every weekend and throughout Fall Break at Hogans.
Hogan’s Farms
If you haven’t visited Hogan’s Farms, you’re missing out on another fall celebration. In 2011, owner, Zach Frazee began growing pumpkins for wholesale and offered a U pick option to visitors. By 2014, popularity grew to the point of offering hayrides and a corn maze.
“It wasn’t a part of my big plan,” Frazee said. “I grew up on the same road the pumpkin farm is on and graduated from Brownsburg High School in 2006. Throughout college, I operated at several farm market stands and began growing my own produce. We still have a small farm feel and want to continue to grow.”
Hogans Farms offers a petting zoo each weekend and invites families to bring their pets to join them.
Hogan’s Farms is a go-to for field trips, corporate outings and other large events throughout the week, but on weekends, guests flock to walk through their corn maze (this year, featuring the Colts), as well as the petting zoo by Masters Petting Zoo.
They are a ‘pet-friendly’ farm and invite families to bring their pets on a leash at any time.
Weekend hours begin the first weekend of Oct. from 10 am. to 6 p.m. Friday, Sat. and Sunday. They do offer hayrides throughout the Brownsburg Fall Break for students.
“I love how it’s a tradition for people. We have a lot of repeat customers and that’s a good feeling. Two years ago, we invited local vendors out for the farmers market on the weekends and it started small, but now we see 30 to 50 vendors each weekend,” Frazee said. The Frazee’s hope to expand in the future. They currently operate 20 acres, but with additional land, plan to incorporate apple trees and even Christmas trees.
Hogan’s is located at 8900 E. County Road 1000 N., Brownsburg. For more information, visit https://brownsburgcornmaze.com.
There are several other locations surrounding Hendricks County that currently offer fall festivals and events. Visit Hendricks County (www.visithendrickscounty.com) maintains a year-round listing of events for residents ans well as visitors.
Make your fall family fun special by getting outdoors, enjoying the smells and tastes of fall as well as time together.
Raising Pumpkins For Profit
The following account was written by the late Wayne Kivett of Coatesville in 2003. It recalls an old farming practice of growing corn and pumpkins together. Not just for pies and jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins were were also raised for livestock feed. And with numerous canning factories operating during the 1940’s, it was also a cash crop for many farmers.
“In the fall of 1942, Christina and I moved to Frank and Beatrice Rhoades farm north and west of Amo. As Frank and I discussed the crop program, I casually mentioned that it might be fun to plant pumpkin seed along with the corn. 0I had done this before and it had been successful in providing some extra food for the cattle. Frank thought if I wanted to try it maybe there would be pumpkin for pies at the Coffee Cup he owned in Danville.
Obtaining the seed was another item. Ladoga cannery did not have the seed but would buy the pumpkins if I raised a crop. Martinsville cannery had the seed but they didn't buy pumpkins because of shortage of help. My brother-in-law worked at a hardware in Martinsville and he picked up the two bushel of seed when it arrived at the cannery office.
Near the last of September I called Mr. Aebby, the Ladoga Cannery superintendent and told him we had two fields with lots of pumpkins and I wanted to know if we were going to be able to send them to the cannery as planned. He informed me that they would begin receiving pumpkins the first week of October.
At that point the work really began. We walked ahead of the teams and rolled the pumpkins out of the bulks of the down rows to the adjacent bulks next to them. We then schucked the corn of the down row and placed it on the wagon. It was a slow, time-consuming effort, but it had to be done to save the corn and pumpkins in the down rows.
When we finished this task we were ready to begin the harvest of the pumpkins. None of us realized how large the stock pile was growing into, but it was huge, probably sixty feet long and six feet high in the center. We finally the got field done and contacted Mr. Aebby. He said bring them in as you can.
It was wartime and finding trucks with gas allowances was a problem. I called Walter Ramsey and he brought two trucks and Harold Mason sent his truck. Frank got Pleas Lilly to send two trucks and Charles Burch brought his tandem truck. We loaded the pumpkins and took them to Ladoga. When we got them unloaded the cannery said, "No More." Mr. Aebby told Frank he was not expecting a mountain of pumpkins. He called the Morgan Food cannery and they agreed to take five or six tandem loads at their cannery at Bargersville. After five loads the cannery people didn't want any more so that ended the pumpkin harvest. Frank hauled some splits for his cattle and Fred and Roy hauled two or three loads each for theirs. There was no way such a circus as this could ever have even been imagined and except by many acts of kindness it could never have been done.
Amo Honors First Responders at Annual 9-11 Dinner
Rene Gay, Town Council Member, recognizing Town of Amo Police Officer in attendance.Town of Coatesville Fire Department personnel in attendance.
Town of Coatesville Police Department.
Town of Amo Fire Department personnel in attendance.
Donna Watson, Town Council member, acknowledging Military & Veterans.
The Town of Amo honored area first responders at the annual 9-11 Dinner. Firefighters and police officers received certificates from the Town for their service to the community.
Cruise In at First Baptist Church of Clayton
Got an old/classic/special car or truck you like to show? Join the First Baptist Church of Clayton's Cruise-In on Friday, October 15, 2021, weather permitting at 6:00 PM! No registration or reservation needed. Cars are parked around the Baptist church building in Clayton at 4797 Iowa Street, 46118. This will be the church's last Cruise-in for this year.
Don't have a car to show? Join us for the fellowship and to admire the cool vehicles! Chef Fisher and his crew will be serving burgers and dogs.
Lady Bruins Win Sagamore Conference
Tri-West Lady Bruins Soccer Team captured the 2021 Sagamore Conference. Coach Malicoat led the team to 7-0 in the Sagamore League. Congratulations Lady Bruins for a great season. Good luck to all Hendricks County Teams at sectionals next week. Sagamore Conference is an eight-member IHSAA sanctioned athletic conference comprising 2A, 3A and 4A sized schools in Clinton, Boone, Hendricks, and Montgomery Counties.
Garden Club Youth Poetry Contest
The Hendricks County Garden Club is pleased to participate in the National Garden Clubs’ 2021 Youth Poetry Contest! We encourage youth in grades K-9 to submit an original poem relating to this year’s theme: Sing with the Songbirds — Exploring the Glory of Nature. Poems may be traditional verse, acrostics, blank verse, cinquains, diamond poems, limerick, or haiku.
The submission deadline is November 12, 2021. One winner per grade will be selected and poems and poets (identified by first name and last name initial only) will have their poems printed in the HCGC’s youth poetry electronic booklet, available online free and downloadable.
Winners will be featured on the Facebook page of the HCGC (Facebook.com/ HendricksCountyGarden- Club). HCGC winners will be submitted to the state contest. State winners will be entered into the national contest.
For more informationand all contest rules, visit: https://bit.ly/HCGC_ Youth_Poetry
Help Stock Blessings Box at Fairgrounds
We have hungry people in Hendricks County and the Purdue Extension Service – Hendricks County has secured a Blessing Box to help others!
If you or your organization would like to help with stocking the Blessing Box at the Hendricks County Fairgrouds, please go to the following link and sign up for some non-perishable food items or personal care items. These items do not seem to stay very long in the Blessing Box and we would like to help aid the people of Hendricks County. The link to help the Blessing Box at the Hendricks County Fair Grounds: https://bit.ly/ BlessingBox2021.
Improve Your Mood Support Group
Improve Your Mood Support Group meetings every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Hendricks County Senior Center.
Members have been gathering to learn about mindfulness and other coping techniques for symptoms of depression and anxiety. The Improve Your Mood Support Groupis offered at no cost to anyone 25 years of age or older wishing to participate. No reservations are required to attend.
The group is facilitated by Sharon Dora Samsell, Coordinator of Bereavement and Community Support Groups for Hendricks Regional Health.
Transportation is available through Senior Services at 317-718-4474. If you would like to join us for lunch before the meeting, please call the Senior Center at least 24 hours in advance. Suggested donation is $3 for seniors 60 years old or older and their spouses.
Hendricks County Senior Services is funded in part by United Way of Central Indiana, CICOA Aging and In- Home Services and the generous donations of individuals, businesses and community organizations. Service is provided without regard to sex, race, color, religion, disability, or national origin.
Coloring Club at GOTS
Gallery on the Square, 51 S. Washington St, Danville, hosts Coloring Club the first Wednesday of the month, 10 a.m. - noon. All supplies are included, only $5. Relax. Color. Listen to good music. Enjoy conversation. COVID-19 safety rules are followed. Proceeds benefit the Gallery.
