33 minute read
Hendricks County
Love Your Library? Show Us a Sign!
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The Friends of the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library are excited to share a new fundraiser to help support the library: We Love Our Library yard signs.
The Friends are a notfor-profit organization with a mission to support and supplement library programs, with consideration to meeting the needs of the whole community.
Some past fundraising efforts include silent auctions, book sales, the Plainfield Garden Tour, and the Arts Gala. We Love the Library signs add a new twist to their fundraising efforts.
“What better way to show your love and support of the library than your very own We Love Our Library sign?” says Joanna Sproull, Community Liaison at the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library.
The idea to sell library signs came last spring during National Library Week when PGTPL placed We Love the Library signs around town.
“We had lots of people calling the library to find out how they could buy a sign,” says Sproull. The only issue was that there were only 20 signs ordered for National Library Week, and that is when the Friends came into the picture.
“We decided selling the signs would be a great idea for a new fundraiser to help support the library,” says Jasraj Sandhu, President of the Friends of the Library. “We have sold several already and it’s really fun to be driving down a road and see a We Love the Library sign. It always makes me smile!”
The fundraiser had some help getting off the ground from their local partner, Chicago’s Pizza.
“We are so thankful for Chicago’s Pizza and their generous support in obtaining the signs for this wonderful fundraiser.” says Sproull. “With their help, all of the proceeds from the sign sales are able to go directly towards supporting the library.”
We Love Our Library signs have been popping up all over Plainfield. The Signs are $15 apiece and are great gifts for family and friends to display in their yards year-round.
To purchase a sign visit the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library at 1120 Stafford Road, Plainfield, IN 46168, or call 317-839-6602 for more information.
Workshop for Membership in DAR
Women interested in joining Daughters of the American Revolution are invited to come to the Indiana Room at the Danville Public Library on Saturday, November 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Members of Wa-Pe-Ke- Way Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution will be at the library to answer questions about DAR and assist anyone interested with their genealogy.
This is an informal workshop. If you have questions or wish to make an appointment please contact Janet Falkenberg, DAR Registrar at 317-440-0255 or email at registrarwpkydar@gmail.com
DAR membership is open to women aged 18 and over who can prove lineage to a patriot of the American Revolution. If anyone has questions they may contact the chapter’s registrar, Janet Falkenberg at 317-440- 0255.
Plainfield Merchant Chatter
The Real Food Shoppe
Looking for a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dinner? We are now taking preorders for our POPULAR free range, fresh, never frozen, Thanksgiving turkeys! Call The Real Food Shoppe today at 317-203-4097 to place your order today.
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 isopen 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 memberis 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.
Family Celebrates October Birthdays
A 90th birthday celebration honoring Wilma Winings along with other family members with October birthdays was enjoyed at the MCL cafeteria on October 24. October birthdays included Kaycee Everett, Suzy Lawson, Sally Rawlings and Wilma (front row).
Hendricks County Chorus Ready for Holiday Season
Hendricks County Choral Club, also known as The Treblemakers, are preparing for the Holiday Season! Their group of Extension Homemakers entertain throughout Hendricks and surrounding counties sharing their talent and spirit.
In December they will entertain at the Homemakers’ annual Holiday Fest on Friday, December 3, at the Hendricks Co. Fairgrounds and then host their own concert Saturday, December 4, at 3:00 p.m. at the Hendricks County Senior Center, 1201 Sycamore Lane, Danville. They promise...A Sense-ational Christmas... See delightful holiday sights Hear harmonious songs Taste wonderful refreshments Smell traditional fragrances Feel the blessings of the season
Enrolls in U. of Utah
David Miller, of Pittsboro, is among the 5,361 students who make up the University of Utah’s Class of 2025 - the largest freshmen class in school history. Miller’s major is listed as Pre Communication BS.
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 Group is offered at no cost to anyone 25 years of age or older wishing to participate. No reservations are required to attend.
The group is facilitated by Sharon Dora Samsell, Coordinator of Bereavement and Community Support Groups for Hendricks Regional Health. 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.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Look Out! Thar She Drops!
WZPL’s Morning Smiley Show had its annual Halloween Pumpkin Drop took place Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the Shops at Perry Crossing in Plainfield.
The 1459 lb. pumpkin was grown by Michael Hodge and named Thor, Gourd of Thunder, by WZPL listeners. It was painted by Gavin Goode, Carmel artist.
The Krill family of Plainfield came out in Spiderman costumes to witness the Pumpkin Drop in person.
North Salem Local & Social
What a dark, rainy and windy Monday morning. Sure thought of boys and girls having to getup and out for school. Of course, I think of Ron Kneeland out checking the route and the school bus drivers and teachers, etc. It was so dark and dreary. Know they have to get out anyway.
So much rain and wind bringing leaves down, making grass and weeks grwo and making it too wet for farmers to finalize their harvest. Better days ahead.
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Fall/Winter Farmers Market The next Eel River Township Fall/Winter Farmers Market will be Tuesday, November 9th from 5-7 PM in the Community Building, 6 5. Main St., North Salem. Come grab a scrumptious dinner from Baire’s Burgers (inside dining area provided) then browse a wonderful selection of vendors! All 13 vendors from October will be there, PLUS 5 new vendors including Hankins Beef, Masterson Massage Therapy, The Methodist Church Ladies Cheeseballs, a new craft vendor, and a maple syrup vendor. Whether shopping for yourself or getting a start on Christmas shopping, there’s a little bit of everything and something for everyone!
The first market in October was a huge success, you won’t want to miss the second, so mark your calendars now! I’ll be spotlighting vendors on Facebook during the week leading up to the market, so request to join the “North Salem, Indiana chatter” page for information on products that will be available.
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Hayden Hauk, of Shelbyville, great-grandson of Glenn and Phyllis Pearcy was honored with a great Birthday Party for his 16th, held at the White River Paint Ball Club in Anderson. A wonderful time was enjoyed by all.
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Sandy Hardin of Plainfield and Nonie Delp of Avon, joined Tinie Kisner for lunch at Perillo’s.
Sorry for misunderstanding - among those attending Marjorie Miller’s funeral were Woody and Alice Pritchett, Karen Hardman and Tinie Kisner. There were many more family and friends in attendance. Unable to attend were Theda Stewart and Betty Hopkins.
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Leroy Smith, born 9-10- 1943 in Kempton, Ind., passed 10-18-21. Son of late Hubert Sr. and Pearl Smith. Survived by wife, Su Eggers; son, Leroy II Amanda Trout and their children, Tyler and Caylor; daughter Suzanne, her husband and children Kenya and Kamren; sister, Mary Streitmier; nieces and nephews, and many, many friends. Leroy was loved by all. Services were conducted by his brother Hubert and Pastor Trevor Farmer of the North Salem United Methodist Church, at the church. Many returned to the church for a get-together to share blessings.
There is always something to be thankful for. We are thankful for the beautifu - sunny at times - weather during the day tha Leroy’s services were held. The church, anteroom, both full, besides the endlissline of callers Friday evening.
Saturday, Leroy’s many semi trucks lined the streets for his final trip on the flatbead of his semi, to Fairview Cementery and he was on his trip to heaven. A remarkable, lovable man that was special to so many. We all will miss Leroy.
A Trucker’s Prayer
Oh Lord be with me today as I head out onto the open road for I know not the dangers that this day may hold, with a map by my side.
Oh Lord, let it be you that is my daily guide as I head out to where the yellow line never ends; it sure is good to know that you will be riding with me once again when I have taken my last load there will be one final tgrip that I must take, one that will be on a road that is paved with gold and there I will rest, for there will be no more trips to take once I have entered Heaven’s Gates.
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HSO Performs Beethoven
The Hendricks Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Benjamin G. Del Vecchio presents “The Romantic Beethoven,” a concert, on Friday, November 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 7 at 3 p.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church (575 W. Northfield Drive, Brownsburg.) This concert will feature music composed by Beethoven.
Tickets are available at the door for $18 adult, $15 senior and $7 student (with I.D.) Discounted tickets may be purchased online at hendrickssymphony.org/ season-outlook or at the following locations: Brownsburg, Clayton and Danville Public Libraries, Hendricks County Bank, Hendricks County Branches of the State Bank, and Hendricks County Branches of North Salem State Bank. The discounted ticket price is $15 adults, $12 seniors and $5 for students with I.D.
In an effort to ensure the safety of our patrons, all Hendricks Symphony musicians and support staff are fully vaccinated. Audience members are asked to respect the masking policy of the hosting venue.
Turns 102 on Halloween
Alberta (Bertie) Gillespie will be 102 years young on October 31, 2021.
A small gathering of family will share food, drinks and desserts on Sunday the 31st.
Here’s how Bertie looked celebrating her birthday at the Hendricks County Senior Center a few years ago.
The Republican wishes Bertie the best on her birthday!
Genealogy Nuts To Meet
The November Genealogy Nuts meeting is Monday, November 8, at 1 p.m. at the Danville Public Library.
Steven Frank from the Central Indiana DNA Interest Group will be discussing Introduction to Genetic Genealogy.
Currently, the Genealogy Nuts are holding hybrid meetings – both in person and virtual. The meeting will be held in the program room of the Danville Public Library. If you wish to join us in person, registration is required as the program is limited to 12. Sign up on the DPL website at www. dplindiana.org. Go to the DPL events calendar link and click on Genealogy Nuts - In Person. Currently, we are allowing 30 people to join us in person.
Those wishing to attend via Zoom, please visit the DPL events calendar and click on Genealogy Nuts – Zoom. The link to Zoom invitation is on the events calendar.
The Indiana Room sends out programming news and other genealogy and history information through their email list If you would like to be added to our email list, please contact Cindy at crutledge@dplindiana.org or call the Indiana Room at 317.745.2604.
Master Gardeners Elect Officers Hendricks County Master Gardeners officers: left to right, Sara Fenton, President; Teri Mitchum, Treasurer; Carl Osborn, Communicatins Coordinator; Sharon Miller, Secretary; Debbie Off, Vice President.
Hendricks County Master Gardeners recent met in person for the first time since Covid.
Their demo garden at fairgrounds has been put to bed. Their many projects go on, including planning for Gardening For All Ages April 2022, which will feature the children’s area.
Elections were held. New officers for 2022 are President Sara Fenton, Vice President Debbie Off, Secretary Sharon Miller, Treasurer Teri Mitchum and Carl Osborn, Communications Coordinator.
The evening’s program was presented by MG Colletta Kosiba: “Spiders - I am trying to love them.” Spiders are beneficial as they eat insects - they are our friends.
PROGRAM PRESENTER COLLETTA KOSIBA
Indy Gem Show At Fairgrounds
The Indianapolis Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show will take place at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds & Conference Complex, October 29-31.
The show will be in the Hendricks Power Expo. Hours will be Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Publisher’s Point of View
Our Staff
As you know, a couple of weeks ago we had technical difficulties that caused the newspaper to be a couple of days late. No need to trouble you with the details but watching how the staff responded to our “crisis” was inspirational.
So, if you’ll excuse me for a second, I’d like to say a little something to the staff. The rest of you can skip down and continue reading at the 5th paragraph. “Dear staff, Watching you work through the night to try and get the paper out on time and watching you all pull together in rearranging, reassigning, calling, emailing, driving, etc., it made me proud. It hit me that day how fortunate I am. Our readers don’t see what it takes to put this together every week, but I do. Then the next day you sneaked in a party and surprised me for Boss’ Day. You are the best. I don’t deserve you guys.
“But our readers do deserve you. That’s what makes this place special to me. We all know what’s important and we do what we have to do. Thank you for that. Now get back to work.” (Readers can continue reading here) Delays are a rare occurrence in the history of this newspaper. Betty said it happened once during the blizzard of 1978.
For 122 years the staff, working right here at 6 E. Main Street, has striven through world wars, pandemics, economic collapses, personal tragedies and death to put this newspaper in your mailbox every Thursday. Generation after generation of employees and owners have worked every week to keep you informed and tell you stories, to share stories from our history, to let you know when a treasure from our community has passed, to let you know what’s going on. Every week. You can count on us to be there.
Letters To The Editor
Letters to the Editor must include the writers name, address and contact phone number. Names may be withheld by request. Letters over 300 words are subject to editing.
Letter to the Editor: This is in response to Mr. Shotwell’s letter published in last week’s The Republican.
I am proud my country strives to help those who through no fault of their own cannot help themselves or are otherwise truly in need. The Biden administration’s “Rescue Plan” handouts to which Mr. Shotwell refers go far beyond those parameters. I personally know recipients of those handouts who live on the coast and are members of the country club, who have a second home in Florida complete with car and ocean capable boat, who live on country club grounds on the golf course and who have a net worth with six or more zeros. None of them are needy or helpless. Additionally, examples of fraudulent receipt and/or inappropriate use of these funds abound. Indiscriminate handouts of taxpayer resources to undeserving parties is blatantly irresponsible.
Mr. Shotwell fails to address from where that money comes. “If you receive something for which you do not work, someone else must work for something they do not receive” (author unknown). Payment for handouts of this nature come from either: (1) taking money from current taxpayers; perhaps your neighbor, your friend or your relative or (2) leaving debt for future generations; perhaps your children and grandchildren.
The Biden Administration is now telling us its proposed $2 to $3 trillion spending plan(s) costs nothing. President Biden himself recently said “it cost zero, it’s actually a tax cut”. That shows how dishonest and deceitful this administration is willing to be and how stupid they believe we, the voters, are.
All citizens and voters who care about this country and its future should keep this in mind on Nov. 8 of next year and especially on Nov. 5, 2024.
Regards,
Dave Potter ______________________________________________
Letter to the Editor
Gasoline, propane, and diesel prices are brutally high right now. This is especially hard for farm operations as harvesting and grain drying gets underway for the 2021 harvest.
Help for corn and soy bean farmers may be coming from an unlikely partner, Delta Airlines. Delta has formed a partnership with Aemetis, Inc. (California) to convert 10% of its jet fuel consumption to sustainable jet fuel (SJF) by 2030. Domestic energy production lowers transportation costs and protects us from volatile energy spikes.
Indiana has an great opportunity to invest in renewable energy projects. We have the knowledge. Purdue University has extensively researched biofuel and ethanol production technology. Sustainable energy that reduces carbon emissions keeps our air cleaner and reduces ground water pollution.
Our Indiana legislature has been propping up the coal industry with laws that keep coal plants from closing. As a result, our air, water, and soil is being damaged by high carbon emitting fuels. Indiana residents continue to live in one of the most polluted states in the nation.
We should be investing in technology that produces clean, inexpensive energy. Biofuels is a great start, and Hendricks County farmers can help provide the biomass we need for our future energy needs.
Let’s start investing for the future. Eric Shotwell Brownsburg______________________________________________
Avon Education Foundation Annual Breakfast Celebrates Community Coming Together
Superintendent Scott Wyndham and AEF Executive Director Amanda Babinec accept a donation from the Hendricks County Community Foundation.
By Melissa Gibson
The Avon Education Foundation’s (AEF) annual breakfast was cancelled last year due to COVID, but this year, they are back and better than ever, with the first-ever documentary made featuring Avon Community School Corporation.
From 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, the community is invited to attend the special event at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds in Danville, to learn more about what the AEF is working on and view the powerful documentary, “Turning Point: The Phone Call That Changed a Community.”
A scene from the new documentary about Avon Community School’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Avon was the first school in the state of Indiana to shut down due to COVID,” said Amanda Babinec, Executive Director of AEF. “We were on the forefront of everything and many of us will never forget when we got that phone call.”
All schools in Indiana shifted to e-learning on March 9 and Babinec started her position on March 16, leaving her to wonder, with no students in the buildings, how to best serve.
She was inspired by the many groups and individuals stepping up to help in a variety of ways.
The women behind the lunch counters were concerned about students on free and reduced lunch and began providing breakfast and lunch in a drive-through fashion – up to 9,000 meals each week.
Teachers began working to reach their children through a computer screen, using creativity to keep students engaged and focused on learning.
As a mother of three, Babinec recognized her own need for school supplies. Her children needed a ruler for a math assignment, scissors for the next grammar assignment and more.
“I thought, if I’m having problems finding all the right supplies for these assignments, what are the kids doing that don’t have access,” Babinec said. “I knew the lunch ladies were already set to distribute meals, so I thought we should get in that line and distribute school supplies to anyone who needed them. We packaged 100 bags and blew through them in an hour. The next week, we packaged 200 bags and blew through those in two hours and we could see this was a need across the board.”
For the past two years, AEF has sponsored a Supply-It-Forward event on the last Saturday before school starts. In an effort to make the event an experience, students don’t just drive through an receive a backpack, they get to walk through and ‘shop’ for the items they need.
Avon Educaton Foundation’s Supply-It-Forward is an annual event the weekend prior to school starting.
Back to school shopping is a big event in our household. We spend the day getting all of our supplies, maybe going to lunch and we might get our nails done or get a new outfit,” Babinec said. “At this event, the students each get a personal shopper (volunteer) to walk through the ‘store’ and pick out their favorite backpack, the color ruler they want, the type of pencil pouch they prefer and more. Everyone gets a free book and a goody bag with personal hygiene items. They get to make the choices along the way.”
After they shop for school, students and families enter the gymnasium and have an opportunity to meet school principals, staff from Washington Township Parks Department, AJAA, Medicaid and a whole host of resources from the community.
They can receive breakfast or lunch, depending on the time they arrive and they also receive gift cards for food in the area and other goodies to make the start of the school year, a little easier on everyone.
Volunteers were offering manicures for the girls and next year, Babinec hopes to offer haircuts as well.
“Our community was awesome,” Babinec said. “We had 30 days to raise $30,000 for the first event and we raised it in 20 days. We’ve been very blessed.”
In planning for the AEF annual breakfast, Babinec wanted to tell the story of an entire community coming together to help and support each other during a difficult time.
She contacted Ian Petro, a videographer in Avon and to her surprise, learned that Petro was a sophomore at Avon High School.
“We had the most passionate, awesome conversation,” Babinec said. “He could totally see my vision and he is super talented. We want to celebrate what AEF has done, but really focus on what the community as a whole has done.”
Monte Carlo Night and other events are fundraisers for AEF each year.
AEF sponsors events throughout the entire year. Mark your calendar for the annual Monte Carlo night on March 12, 2022 and Stars and Pars (glow in the dark golf) on May 13, 2022.
Individual tickets for the breakfast event are $35 and all are invited to attend. For a trailer about the documentary or registration information for the breakfast, visit https:// www.avoneducationfoundation.org/events/2021-annual-breakfast.
Community Mourns ICON Publisher Rick Myers
By Melissa Gibson
Last week, family, friends and community members laid to rest a man that meant so much to so many.
Richard K. “Rick” Myers, 59, was co-owner of Grow Local Media. He was the publisher of the Hendricks County Business Leader and Hendricks County ICON among other publications. He passed away Oct. 14, 2021.
RICK MEYERS
Myers was a friend and volunteer in the community, including board member and former President of the Avon Kiwanis Club and member of Knights of Columbus St. Malachy’s Council 12540.
Co-owner of Grow Local Media Brian Kelly worked with Myers for more than 35 years.
“Rick was an incredible guy on several levels. He was a great father and husband and loved his family above all else. Second to that, was his community. He loved Hendricks County, the readers and customers. He had a real passion for his community, reflected not only in the pages of the ICON but service to clubs and non-profits as well. He walked the talk, as they say,” Kelly said.
A long-time contributor to the ICON and co-host of the ICON’s podcasts, Gus Pearcy said, “Rick was a believer in community. He felt a local newspaper reflected the community it served. The community has lost a cheerleader for sure.”
The newspaper industry has seen many changes in recent years, as digital begins to take over. However, Myers felt in spite of the changes, people needed local newspapers now, more than ever.
“He was building a newspaper, when others were shutting down presses,” Pearcy said.
In a recent podcast, Myers shared, “I learned early on that the newspaper was a mirror of the community.”
He’d come back from a trip with a stack of newspapers to comb over, watching what others were doing that worked and dismissing the things that didn’t.
“He believed in it,” Kelly said. “He’d get us all charged up and would say, ‘nothing is better than the newspaper. It cuts through all the noise, and print is permanent’. He was proud of what he did and did all he could for the community.”
Anyone who knew him has heard him say, ‘Content is king’ and Myers, along with his staff worked hard to produce compelling content.
“He built a solid staff of great writers’ and great relationships with customers and readers. His wife Cathy has been involved in the business from the start and the ICON will continue because of those efforts,” Kelly said.
Myers received the Avon Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Professional Award in 2009, the Suzanne Whicker Distinguished Service Award from Leadership Hendricks County and was named in Editor and Publisher magazine’s 15 over 50: Honoring the Leaders Driving the News Industry Forward.
A champion in the industry, he will be greatly missed.
ALLEN’S CORNER ON THE MUSIC SCENE
By Allen Kiger
Left to right Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban
Elvira 40
The Oak Ridge Boys performed Saturday evening at the beautiful Paramount Theater in Anderson, Indiana in front of a sold out crowd. The Oaks took the stage singing “American Made” followed by “Y’all Come Back Saloon.” Joe Bonsall stopped to welcome the audience and give his love for the beautiful theater.
Other songs in the lineup during the evening included “You’re The One,” and “Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight.” In addition, fan favorite sung by William Lee Golden called “Thank God For Kids,” which was followed by a very heart warming song “I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes.”
Joe again addressed the audience and told them of recently performing in front of a huge crowd of about 20,000 people and how the young audience reacted to “There Will Be Light,” a song from their 17th Avenue Revival CD. This was such a touching and moving song about how things will get better. This sentiment is something everyone in the crowd could relate to during our current hard times in this world which we live.
The Oak Ridge Boys introduced a few songs from their brand new CD Front Porch Singin’. The two songs that really seamed to grab the audience most was a beautiful song “Swing Down Chariot” and their new single “Love, Light, and Healing.” These were such powerful songs that inspired the crowd.
Joe paused to recount some big hits songs in 1981 like “Betty Davis Eyes,” Rick Spingfield’s “Jesse’s Girl,” and Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration.” But, 40 years ago in 1981 the big song was “Elvira.” As The Oaks started to sing their trademark song the crowd exploded, stood to their feet and sang every word. It’s hard to believe “Elvira” has turned 40 and appeals to an audience of people from their early 20’s to people in their 90’s. It was nice to see everyone coming together and having so much fun! While the crowd was still on their feet The Oak Ridge Boys ended their show with another popular song “Bobbie Sue.” William Lee Golden, who is his 80’s, could be seen running laps around the stage during this final song.
I wish all of my readers could have attended the show. It was a night of great music and singing by one of America’s finest groups to ever set foot on a stage. I have seen The Oak Ridge Boys many times. I always leave in a great mood and inspired that God is in control and that “There Will Be Light.”
Brownsburg Man Stars in Netflix’s Metal Shop Masters
The seven-foot tall No. 88 was delivered to North Carolina in time for racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement celebration.
Patsis display’s his Netflix trophy in his Brownsburg shop.
By Melissa Gibson
Tom Patsis worked for Don Schumacher’s Racing for 11 years and honed his craft in welding and fabrication.
“In racing you need to be versatile and fix things on the road,” Patsis said. “When these cars are going 330 miles per hour, you can’t just have anyone doing the welding. It’s very serious.”
Patsis would practice welding and began creating car replicas and other pieces. Once he posted a piece online and things snowballed from there.
Patsis has slowly been making a name for himself and his business, Cold Hard Art in Brownsburg.
“In the beginning, it was a side business. I was working 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Schumacher and then working on my side business from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Working at Schumacher was a dream job, I loved the place and I still interact with everyone, but I began falling asleep while trying to get the side business projects done, so I ended up giving Schumacher a six month notice and as of Oct. of 2015, went into business for myself full-time,” Patsis said.
That decision has paid off, as Patsis has a current wait list of 18 months or so, but he does make exceptions for time sensitive requests. He regularly creates trophies and award pieces for Indy Car, NASCAR and many drag racing and sprint car events.
“My whole thing is racing. I love using race car parts to put together a piece, many people like the ‘junk art’ look but I also work with clean metal too. I use tig welding, so think of it like a fine tipped sharpie, welding very thin metal, like the thickness of a credit card.” That’s where the art comes in. Patsis explains there’s a difference between the welding needed for construction; something that will be extended over your head, like in the ceiling of a large building or done for the cage made inside a race car versus the tig welding Patsis does on a regular basis.
His work requires a fine-tuned, creativity – more artwork versus construction work.
“Anyone can learn to weld. Men and women can take classes and become welders and I don’t think there’s ever been an abundance of too many welders compared to jobs available. Nobody wants a $10 welder. If I’m responsible for this building, I want the best. You want someone who knows what they’re doing,” Patsis said.
It takes 30-40 hours to build most of the replicas and pieces Patsis creates and over time, he’s had opportunities to make something truly special.
He was commissioned by NBC to create a seven-foot tall, No. 88 for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement celebration.
In honor of sprint car racer Bryan Clauson, Patsis makes the trophy for the annual BC39 race in memory of him.
Tom Patsis with Cold Hard Art delivers a custom piece to former professional race car driver Danica Patrick.
He also created the piece for NFL’s Washington Football former quarterback, Alex Smith.
Smith’s wife contacted Patsis to see if he could make something out of Smith’s halo apparatus used to repair his extensive leg injury. Patsis made a piece, modeled after the Vince Lombardi trophy and it went viral. Then Netflix called. Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t seen the new Netflix series Metal Shop Masters, released in early September-, Hendricks County is the proud home to the shows winner.
“They found me through Instagram. This was the first season for the show, so I didn’t know it was even an option at the time,” Patsis said.
After many conversations, the Netflix team asked Patsis if he was interested in participating and before he knew it, he was off to Los Angeles for three and a half weeks to battle for the title of best metal shop master.
“It was definitely a highlight of my life; you get married, have a baby, get on Netflix…,” Patsis joked. “It was almost surreal. All the other people there have their own skills and talents and the different ways they take these challenges on. I think my advantage was being in the motor sports world. It’s competitive, it’s time sensitive, you have to figure out priorities and know what the rules are.” The television series brought seven people from across the country with a variety of styles and each had a special story that brought them to where they are today.
Patsis makes trophies like these for special events and awards ceremonies.
Comedian Jo Coy hosted the show, along with judges David Madero and Stephanie Hoffman and brought an element of humor to the seriousness of the show along with a bit of education.
“You need the person [Coy] that doesn’t weld to be able to ask those questions and explain what’s going on,” Patsis said.
He said participating in the show was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but he didn’t anticipate winning.
“I never got stressed out about it. If you go home, you’ve already been a part of something cool. To think of winning would be a bonus but it was more about getting to the next challenge,” Patsis said. “I just focused on myself and what I could do.”
As it turned out, Patsis did win, taking home a trophy that sits in his shop today and $50,000 that he says will be used to pay bills and save.
“I think this is a dream job. I get to do the fun stuff,” Patsis said. “I’m using my talent to create art for people. I started out in a two-bay garage, one table and one bucket of junk. It’s difficult to make things with just one bucket, but now, I have my own shop, several tables, six welders and pallets of scrap from race teams in the area. It’s great to have the space and get to use my creativity.”
For more information on Cold Hard Art, visit https:// coldhardart.com.
Dr. Anne Mattingly Speaks to Hendricks County DAR Chapter for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
DR. ANN MATTINGLY
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Dr. Anne Mattingly, breast surgical oncologist at the Hendricks Regional Health Breast Center, was the guest speaker at the October meeting of Wa-Pe- Ke-Way Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NS- DAR).
Noting that breast cancer is the most common cancer to women with one in eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer and in 2021 approximately 280,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women will be diagnosed and approximately 50,000 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed. Dr. Mattingly said this makes it a very significant disease to women. Breast cancer is only second to lung cancer in terms of women dieing from cancer. So, although it is a very common cancer, it is a very deadly cancer.
She said the goal in screening is to find cancer at an earlier stage, at a non-invasive stage where it has not had the chance to spread outside the breast. This may avoid chemo therapy and may allow more limited surgery.
Breast cancer also can affect men; with 1 in 800 being diagnosed with breast cancer. It is not as common but definitely worth mentioning. For a long time, men were left out of trials and had limited treatment options because there wasn’t sufficient data to treat breast cancer in men. There have been better strides made in the last 10-20 years to include all people for breast cancer testing.
The risk of breast cancer increases if you have first degree relative such as mother or sister who had breast cancer but noted that the majority of those diagnosed don’t have any family history.
Dr. Mattingly said although you cannot control your genes or family history, there are things people can control to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Alcohol has been associated with an increase in breast cancer. One drink per day can increase risk by 10% over non-drinkers with 2 drinks per day increasing to 20% increased risk over non-drinkers. Other factors are maintaining a healthy weight, eating healthy such as a plant-based diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and limiting red meat and dairy, exercising in 30-45 minute sessions for a total of 150 minutes per weekand not smoking. Breast feeding can also reduce risk of breast cancer.
When asked about estrogen and hormone replacement therapy, Dr. Mattingly said another risk factor for cancer can be hormones. If you look at cancer like a fire, estrogen is like pouring gasoline on a fire because it allows it to grow more quickly and spread. You want to limit the fuel to the cancer cells. Dr. Mattingly said there has been a lot of discussion about hormone treatment; one being improving the quality of life for women during menopause and also improves bone health. You have to look at it on an individual reason for the end gain. It is not a good idea to stay on hormone treatment for several years.
If an individual has a family history of breast cancer, there is now expanded knowledge and more red flags for what to look for. Such as beginning diagnosis and taking preventative measures at a young age, looking at rare cancers in close relative such as pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer, reviewing at multiple cancers of same type in a family. Any one of these would be make one a candidate for genetic testing, and getting a 3D mammogram which is more accurate and can detect cancer earlier. Early detection is key.
Dr. Anne Mattingly is a board-certified surgeon and breast surgical oncologist in the Hendricks Regional Health Medical Group. Dr. Mattingly grew up in Lafayette with six brothers and sisters. She completed her medical training and surgery residency at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. She also completed a Breast Surgical Oncology fellowship at the renowned H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. In August 2016, Dr. Mattingly joined Dr. Monet Bowling alongside plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Rachel Scott, Nurse Practitioner and High Risk Specialist Jennifer Pierle, and the rest of the incredible team at the Hendricks Regional Health Breast Center to lead the charge for breast health in our community.
Dr. Mattingly enjoys educating on advancements in breast cancer research such as the significance of the availability of 3D mammography which can detect breast cancer months earlier than 2D mammography. She also stresses the importance of knowing family history, and how that plays into personal risk.
To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org or visit Wa- Pe-Ke-Way Chapter website at http://wapekeway. wixsite.com/wapekeway
