42 minute read
Hendricks County
Avon HS Students Earn Academic Honors
Front row, L-R: Hiqmah Mustapha, Anthony Lee, Sonia Aleman Villegas, Faith Kipkulei, Lauren Fitch, and Derin Adeleke; Back row, L-R: Jaelyn Truitt, Emmanuel Gichaba, Daniel Alonge, Tyler Body, and Anthony Frazier; Not pictured: Mya Doyle
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Twelve Avon High School Students have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications. This honor meaningfully connects students with universities across the country, helping them stand out during the admissions process. Colleges and scholarship programs identify students awarded National African American, Hispanic, Indigenous and/or Rural/Small Town Recognition through College Board’s Student Search Service.
The 10 Avon High School students who are included in College Board’s African American Recognition Program are Daniel Alonge, Aderinsola Adeleke, Faith Kipkulei, Emmanuel Gichaba, Hiqmah Mustapha, Anthony Frazier, Lauren Fitch, Mya Doyle, Jaelyn Truitt, and Tyler Body. They are joined by two students included in College Board’s Hispanic Recognition Program: Anthony Lee and Sonia Aleman Villegas.
“We’re thrilled that our students have earned this recognition. We are very proud of them for their achievements in their classrooms and on College Board assessments,” said Principal Matt Shockley. “These programs help students from underrepresented backgrounds stand out to colleges during admissions, and any university in the nation would be lucky to have these outstanding students.”
Students who may be eligible have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town.
Eligible students apply during their sophomore or junior year and are awarded at the beginning of the following school year. Students receive their awards in time to include them on their applications.
“By awarding students who excel academically with honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs, our aim is to create pathways to college for underrepresented students,” said Steve Bumbaugh, College Board senior vice president of College & Career Access. “We hope this inspires many more students to work toward this recognition.”
Pittsboro Local & Social
Congratulations to the Tri-West Bruins for their victory over the Danville Warriors in the Class 3A Football Sectional this past Friday. They will now play Owen Valley on Friday, November 12, at Owen Valley. Good luck to you.
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The Tri-West Swim Club finished in 3rd place in the “Pumpkin Paddle” held at Crawfordsville this past weekend. Congratulations to them.
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The Tri-West Cheerleaders placed 2nd in the state tournament and Christy Rose was named the Cheerleader Coach of the year. We offer our congratulations to this group.
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“West Side Story” will be the Spring Play presented at Tri-West. Casting is complete and more information will certainly be forthcoming.
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Weed Wrangle at McCloud
Help take back the woods back fron a non-native invasive plant at Mc- Cloud Nature Park at a Weed Wrangle on Saturday, November 20, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Bush honeysuckle has take over forests, native spring flowers and tree saplings by competing for sunlight, space, nutrients and water. Teen and adult volunteers will be needed to hel cut the plants close to the ground. Some hand tools will be provided; bring your own loppers if you have them.
The Weed Wrangle is free to attend. Advance registration is required by emailing to volunteer@ hcparks.net for the link.
The program lasts two hours.
Senior Services Offers Alaska Cruise in 2022
Hendricks County Senior Services is offering the opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime. In May of 2022, they will be traveling to Alaska for a 3-day land tour and 7-night cruise. The land tour will include an overnight in Fairbanks and two nights at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. The cruise will be seven nights aboard the Grand Princess.
The land tour includes a trip on a sternwheel riverboat, a tour of Denali National Park and a scenic rail journey from Denali to Anchorage. The cruise will visit Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Vancouver. It will also cruise through Hubbard Glacier and Glacier bay National Park.
The Senior Center is working with local travel specialists, Mike and Jenifer Laver, of Cruise Planners, to assure that all questions can be answered by local representatives.
You do not need to be a member of the Senior Center to take this trip. Space is limited. If you would like more details about this trip, stop by the Senior Center at 1201 Sycamore Lane in Danville or call Becky at 317-745-4303.
Local Hotelier Receives Hoosier Hospitality Award
Mike Grabowski (right) receives his Hoosier Hospitality Award from Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crough.
A Plainfield hotel director who has become known for his community work, positive attitude and willingness to do anything for his business and visitors he serves received statewide recognition last week.
Mike Grabowski, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Plainfield Indianapolis Airport, was one of 16 recipients of the 2021 Lieutenant Governor’s Hoosier Hospitality Awards during a ceremony on Nov. 5 in Indianapolis.
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch presented Grabowski with the award.
Thanks in part to Grabowski, the Embassy Suites, which is Hendricks County’s first and only hotel and conference center, has thrived despite the pandemic occurring only a year after the hotel opened. Grabowski even had to let his entire staff go for several months during the pandemic serving as a one-man show handling all the calls for cancellations and date changes until visitors and business returned.
Grabowski also has become a mentor to younger staffers at the hotel and shown his value outside the hotel serving his community by personally delivering welcome bags to new residents, helping stuff food boxes and holding food drives for local food pantries, donating and delivering hundreds of bags of goodies for local healthcare workers during the pandemic and much more at a time when his own business and industry was struggling.
Nominations for Hoosier Hospitality Awards are submitted by community members and destination patrons. Nominations are reviewed, and winners are selected by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation.
The Hendricks County Tourism Commission d/b/a Visit Hendricks County attracts visitors to the county by promoting and developing tourism, which stimulates economic growth and enhances quality of life. Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/VisitHendricksCounty and become a fan for updates and reminders, contest info and much more. You can also follow us on Twitter @HendricksCounty or get updates by following or subscribing to our tourism blog at VisitHendricksCounty.com/blog. For more information, visit our website at VisitHendricksCounty.com or call (317) 718-8750.
Weed Wranglers Wanted By Brownsburg Parks
The Weed Wrangle® is part of a national effort to remove invasive plants from public spaces. State and community experts including Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasive Management and Hendricks County Invasive Management Cooperative will supervise the removal of trees, vines, and flowering plants while volunteers learn ways to address their own green spaces to combat invasive species.
“It’s important for us to preserve our natural resources,” said Brownsburg Parks’ Natural Resources Supervisor Joe Sakhong. “Invasive plants like these threaten native plants and eliminate food and cover for wildlife.”
Interested volunteers must be comfortable using cutting tools such as hedge shears, hand pruners, loppers, and pruning saws. Volunteers ages 13-17 must be accompanied by an adult. All volunteers are encouraged to bring work gloves; Brownsburg Parks will provide all other safety gear. To volunteer, visit brownsburgparks.com/volunteer.
Over 60 people volunteered during the 2020 Weed Wrangle® series. All events are from 1-3 p.m.
December 11 – Williams Park, Alpha Shelter (710 Alpha St., Brownsburg)
January 8 – Arbuckle Acres Park, Shelter 6 (200 N. Green St., Brownsburg) January 22 – B&O Trail, Green St. Trailhead February 5 – Williams Park, Alpha Shelter (710 Alpha
St. Brownsburg) February 19 – B&O Trail, Green St. Trailhead March 5 – Williams Park, Alpha Shelter (710 Alpha St. Brownsburg)
Transportation For Seniors
Hendricks County Senior Services provides transportation services to anyone, 60 or older, needing a ride within Hendricks County. Transportation is provided for daily necessities, like medical appointments, grocery shopping, legal, social service, financial business, nutrition sites, and other life-essential service destinations. This service is provided on a donation basis.
Transportation services are provided by properly licensed staff who receive regular appropriate training. We are committed to the safe operation and maintenance of our vehicles, including the safe boarding and unloading of passengers.
Appointments are made on a first come/first served
basis for door-to-door transportation (including wheelchair transport, portable oxygen, attendants, and service animals) for destinations in Hendricks County.
Transportation is available five days a week during office hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Service is not available on holidays or when weather is inclement.
To make an appointment call 317-718-4474. It is suggested that you call as far in advance as possible.
Thanksgiving Service at Plainfield
The Plainfield Federation of Churches invites the community to a Thanksgiving Worship Service on Sunday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m. The service will be held at First Baptist Church of Plainfield, 1012 Stafford Road (on the corner of Simmons and Stafford Road.) A freewill offering will be taken to benefit the PFC Food Pantry at St. Mark’s in Plainfield.
Holiday Fest
The Hendricks County Extension Homemakekrs and Hendricks Power Cooperative will host Holiday Fest, Friday, December 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Come to the Hendricks County Conference Center, 1900 E. Main, Danville for shopping, entertainment, and homemade cookies for the holidays. Select unique holiday gifts from a variety of vendors, purchase cookies made by the Homemakers, enjoy holiday music by local children and adults. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission is free! Masks are recommended and social distancing will be practiced. For more information, contact the Extension office at 317-745- 9260.
North Salem Local & Social
Ralph and Chris Whitaker hosted their annual Fall Soup Beans, Cornbread, and Fried Potatoes Supper Saturday evening. Many family member, co-workers, and friends were present for the event. A great time was enjoyed by all. Some were unable to be present due to colds, etc.
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Birthdays & Anniversaries
Nov. 7, Roger Hardman’s birthday
Nov. 7 - Brian Edwards’ 57th anniversary.
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Mr. Richard Keck was honored with a surprise birthday party, Sunday, Nov. 6., for his 90th. The celebration was hosted by family members at the Community Building in Roachdale - the old TDS Building. A large attendance. Some were unable to be present due to illness.
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Another Part of History
So sad seeing the famous North Salem Water Tower bing torn down for a new one, now located in the part of the North Salem Park.
You could always say you were back home when the tall tower showed and you could read “North Salem” on it. Back home again. Hope we’ll be able to read North Salem again on the new tower.
So many changes in our small town - but still the small home town to so many.
New school building addition, new water tower, closing of the old Tom Goode filling station - still an empty lot - closing of the Come Hang Out Store in old Wynkoop Meat Market building, possibly new tenant. The former Eggers property on northwest of Main street still empty.
Do have Perillos in former Dr. O.H. Wisehart office, Karen’s Salon in part of old building, also two other offices there now. Steve and Carolyn Miller have antique shop and sundries in longtime Hamilton-Porter building that once was Sundries and other insurance office.
My Accountant Insurance in the Roy Kersey building, as The Garden Gate and other businesses are located in the building.
We have the old Carmer Gas Facility and store on the corner, the Liquor Store, the Doug Frazier Furnace Man & Repairs, the North Salem State Bank’s office, loan and many more departments, checking, home office of several locations, Smitty’s Trucking, Hardware & More, and our latest, the Dollar General Store, which is an asset to our community. Do drop in at the businesses and enjoy their friendship.
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The Volunteer Fire Dept. are planning their chili supper for Saturday, Nov. 20th, so mark your calendars now!
Also, The Farmers Market they have once a month at the Community Building is well attended and they have so many good vendors. A great time to buy Christmas items.
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The Come Hang Out Store’s last day is Nov. 13. Thank you for your support over the past 17 years. We have enjoyed being with you and the supporting of various projects. The time was right to do what was necessary for all.
Special thanks to our many volunteers over the years have made this a well-known place to shop, visit and feel welcomed. God’s blessings to one and all.
Joyce Greene, Mgr. & All Volunteers
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Monday - such a nice day to do final touches on your fall work. Lots of yard mowing (for leaves), dead flowers pulled, and plants pulled for the year. Was a real nice day out.
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Eel River Twp. VFD Hosts Chili Supper
The Eel River Township Volunteer Fire/Rescue will be hosting their annual Chili supper, Saturday, Noember 20, 2021. The event will be held in the Township Community Building located at the corner of Main and Vine St. in North Salem.
Serving will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The menu will consist of childi, nachos, hot dogs and coneys, and homemade desserts. Coffee, lemonade, and tea will be available drinks.
There is no charge for the meal and the community is encouraged to attend. Free will offering proceed will be used to help with expenses of the Department.
For more information, contact Kevin or Laronda Basham at 765-676-6425.
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.
- Edward Eggleston
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.
“The group focuses on sharing situations and processing emotions, then devoting time to a specific mood enhancement activity or skill that they can put into practice when away from their group” states Sharon.
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.
Cornerstone Ceremony Set For New Addition to North Salem Elementary
Current west side of building
Planned west side of building.
On Saturday, November 13, the Grand Master of Masons in the State of Indiana will symbolically lay the cornerstone for a new addition to North Salem Elementary School.
A time-honored Masonic tradition dating back centuries, the ceremony serves to ritually commemorate, consecrate and celebrate important buildings and the communities they serve.
In keeping with the small town tradition that makes North Salem’s ‘Old Fashion Days’ Labor Day weekend event, all townspeople are asked to assemble at the Town Park on Main Street/SR-75 (just north of SR-236) to join in a short parade. Students, alumni, faculty, staff and all attending are welcomed to gather at 10:30 a.m. and join the assembled Freemasons and North West Hendricks School Corporation and Town administrators as they are led by the Young Marines Color Guard to the gymnasium for the indoor ceremony.
The event will also include a salute from the Knights Templar, a student/alumni choral performance and remarks from local dignitaries.
The first brick school in North Salem was erected in 1885 and a high school building was added in 1905. Though neither stands today, the current two-story structure has been in continuous use for nearly 100 years. The current project includes: demolishing the 1925 structure (while repurposing some of its historic façade); adding large classrooms, a new media room, a secure entry and new office complex; and upgrading all other spaces with new flooring, ceiling and wall treatments, lighting, windows, doors and technology.
North Salem Elementary has consistently been identified as an Indiana Four Star School with an ‘A’ rating, received recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School, and was just identified by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10 Indiana Elementary School.
Publisher’s Point of View
It’s Time We Start Talking
There is something to be said about being a newspaper in these days of online omnipotence.
In today’s world of internet insanity, opinions are not posted to engage in discussion, they are posted to declare a position without any interest in a discussion.
The Republican newspaper is interested in discussion. While the roots of this newspaper are grounded in conservative leanings, its branches have grown to encourage and celebrate diverse opinions. To facilitate growth. To improve.
To that end, the newspaper identified two individuals with opposing and firmly entrenched political and religious views and asked them out to lunch. With the understanding that this could turn into a story about an epic food fight at the local eatery (which would have been so much fun) the two agreed to a free meal.
During lunch, the newspaper asked if they would be interested in a challenge: To take a divisive issue and explain their position on that issue without knowledge of what the other is writing. The intent of this exercise is to see if we can share views without trying to destroy opposing views. As one participant hoped, “Maybe there will be points of intersection that we agree on.” This month the subject will be Critical Race Theory.
Our participants are Quaker pastor and longtime liberal Philip Gulley on the left and on the right, Danville Town Councilman and longtime conservative, David Winters.
To get a better feeling for each, a visit to their social media pages will quickly shine light on their individual perspectives.
Stay tuned for the November 18, 2021 edition of The Republican to read their opinions about Critical Race Theory. If all goes well and our readers enjoy this exercise, we will
continue this series on a monthly basis. It’s time we start listening to each other instead of talking over each other.
Joseph Joubert
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.
Should all Hoosiers have an opportunity to vote?
As a candidate, I found the November, 2020 election in Hendricks County a great experience. Special recognition goes out to the Hendricks County Election/Voter Registration Office. The staff helps all candidates running for office and treats them professionally, regardless of party affiliation.
Unfortunately, our election process and election fairness are being used for political advantage by Donald Trump. As recently as September, 2021, the Texas Tribune reported Trump demanding an audit of the Texas 2020 election because of fraud. The Texas Secretary of State has certified: “There has been no evidence of widespread voter fraud.” In addition, this official, appointed by the Republican governor declared the election “smooth and secure.”
Time after time we see attacks on our election officials and on the conduct of our county government responsible for elections. Blaming the system for an election loss helps create anger and resentment. As a result, politicians use this wedge to fund their campaigns and spend money on social media to keep reinforcing these lies.
Many states, including Indiana, are using election fraud as justification to make it difficult for voters. All of the following are not allowed in Indiana: * shift workers voting in the evening, * mothers with no child care using mailed ballots, and * Covid long-haulers and diabetics without medical exemptions who are unable to endure standing in line for hours.
Let’s use bipartisan committees to identify the right and wrong way to keep our elections free and fair. Legislation by listening to the loud voices at the back of the room is not getting us anywhere. Eric Shotwell Brownsburg
Dear Editor:
As of today, it has been one year and three days since the 2020 election and Congressman Jim Baird has not yet stated publicly that the election was not stolen from former President Trump. I have spoken to members of his Danville staff and have been told that the Congressman knowns that it was not stolen.
Congressman Baird is surely away that, on November 12, 2020, Christopher Krebs, Trump’s appointed director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, reported that “the November 3rd election was the most secure in American history. There is no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes or changed votes or was in any way compromised.” Previously, on November 30, 2020, Attorney General Barr noted that “to date, we have not seen any fraud on a scale that could have affected a different outcome in the election.” Since then, there has been no evidence whatsoever to support former President Trump’s claim of a “stolen election.”
Based on the results of many surveys, it is likely that more than 30% of the voters in Congressman Baird’s district believe that the election was “stolen” from former President Trump. Since Representative Baird knows the truth, I think he should have shared the truth many months ago but most certainly now.
Congressman Baird served honorably with courage in Vietnam. Surely he should wait not a day longer to show political courage and tell the public what he knows is the truth about the results of the 2020 Presidential election.
As my sister Dona said yesterday, “In my lifetime, I have never seen such cowardice when it so matters to tell the truth.” Sincerely, Jim Thacker
LINK Public Transit Service
LINK Hendricks County provides public transit service to persons of any age (including wheelchair transport, portable oxygen, attendants, and service animals).
Services are available to anyone needing a ride within Hendricks County. Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. If your child falls under the Indiana Child Seat Law you must provide a state approved car seat.
LINK service is scheduled on a first come, first served basis, so riders are encouraged to call as soon as possible, up to three (3) months in advance.
Curb to curb transportation is available Monday through Friday, during the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Service is not available on holidaysor when inclement weather prohibits safe boarding and/or travel.
This is a fee-based service, $6 round trip within a town; $8 round trip within the county. The service is scheduled by calling LINK at 317-718-4474 and requesting LINK transportation.
HCHS Pet Food Pantry
Hendricks County residents needing pet food should call the Humane Society (317-745-3338) to leave a message clearly stating their name, phone #, type and number of pets and any special needs.
Requests for pet food called in by Monday are filled on Wednesday for porch pick up between 1pm-6 pm. Exceptions can be made as well as deliveries in specific cases. We want to be sure pets have food.
The HCHS Pet Food Pantry is part of the County Food Pantry Coalition, and also participates in threeGleaners Mobile Food Pantry distributions. For more information about the Hendricks County Humane Society, visit the website at hendrickshumane.org.
LINK Public Transit Service
LINK Hendricks County provides public transit service to persons of any age (including wheelchair transport, portable oxygen, attendants, and service animals). Services are available to anyone needing a ride within Hendricks County. Those under age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. If your child falls under the Indiana Child Seat Law you must provide a state approved car seat.
LINK service is scheduled on a first come, first served basis, so riders are encouraged to call as soon as possible, up to three (3) months in advance.
Curb to curb transportation is available Monday through Friday, during the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Service is not available on holidaysor when inclement weather prohibits safe boarding and/or travel.
This is a fee-based service, $6 round trip within a town; $8 round trip within the county. The service is scheduled by calling LINK at 317-718-4474 and requesting LINK transportation.
Jim Syester is October AVON|NOVA Recipient
Avon “Band Dad” Jim Syester was selected as the AVON|NOVA Award recipient for the month of October.
Jim volunteers his time at the Avon High School for the Marching Band and Color Guard. For over 20 years Jim has built every prop and helped organize the “Band Dads” on and off the field. He drives the trailer to every competition and uses his vacation time to travel with the band or color guard out of state to compete.
According to the Avon community, Jim is a generous, kind and loyal man. He would do anything for anyone, even helping friends or friends move when asked. Anyone that has ever met Jim would be so happy to see him recognized for his generosity.
The Avon Nova Awarad was established to focus on the good and positive things in the community. The Avon|NOVA committee is composed of members from Avon Town Hall and Avon Police, and meets once a month to go through submissions. To make a submission, go to avongov.org. Names submitted should have a connection with Avon.
Special Education Services Now Available To Schools
SPEDACTS, a nonprofit special education organization, held its first Lunch and Learn last Tuesday at the Believe School in Indianapolis. The event drew special education leaders from numerous school districts in the Indianapolis area. Dr. Sheri Anderson, Founder and Director of SPE- DACTS discussed the persistent challenges school districts face in servicing students with disabilities. Among the challenges discussed were the critical shortage of special education teachers in the state of Indiana, the lack of streamlined services available to students, parent/guardian dissatisfaction with available resources to their children, and special education budget constraints.
The organization’s mission is to provide schools with affordable access to special education services. Through its membership, SPEDACTS connects schools with highly qualified special education service providers from a variety of disciplines under one organization. Services such as behavior interventionists, speech and/or language therapists, special education professional development, access to clinical and school psychologists – we deliver on services that present challenges to schools. For a complete list of our services visit their website - spedacts.org.
For further information about SPEDACTS, contact Dr. Anderson at spedacts@gmail.com or 317-372-2774. Look for the next Lunch and Learn date on the website.
New Memorial Scupture Honors Military Dogs
Artist Susan Bahary is behind the sculpture planned for Central Indiana K9 Association’s training facility. Fundraising is currently ongoing to obtain land to build a facility for the many K9’s and their handlers in Hendricks County, across Indiana and surrounding areas.
In the meantime, Bahary is celebrating a new unveiling today, in Washington D.C. The U.S. Navy Memorial will unveil a new sculpture honoring all the men and women of the sea services, past, present, and future, and all military working dog teams. It is also the first monument honoring working military dogs in the nation’s capital.
Bahary’s “Service and Sacrifice” sculpture features John Douangdara, the brave lead dog handler for the Navy SEAL Team Six and his war dog Bart, who were killed on Aug. 2011 along with 29 U.S. soldiers, 17 of whom were Navy Seals, when their CH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.
An internationally acclaimed artist, Bahary has long been known for her inspiring sculptures honoring the bond between animals and humans as well as service animals. Her work can be found in national museums, military installations and public institutions worldwide, including the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the Military Women’s Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. S he is the sculptor for the upcoming National Service Animals Monument and has brought the international symbol for service animals, the Purple Poppy®, to the U.S. as celebrated internationally on Feb. 24, National Service Animals Day.
“I am humbled and honored that “Service and Sacrifice” will reside in the hallowed halls of the United States Navy Memorial, in Washington D.C., honoring the service and sacrifice of all the great men and women of the Sea Services, past, present and future. I hope it will inspire generations to come and raise awareness for our great service animal teams, as I’m also doing through the National Service Animals Monument and the Purple Poppy movement,” said Bahary.
The sculpture was commissioned by the U.S. War Dogs Association National Headquarters, a nonprofit organization led by president Chris Willingham, and will become a permanent part of the Navy Memorial Visitor’s Center alongside such features as the Jack London Plaque Wall, the stories of service exhibit, and American Sailor exhibit. The Navy Memorial provides a number of experiences and exhibits that are available for all to enjoy, both in-person at the Visitor’s Center and online at NavyMemorial. org.
The U.S. War Dogs Association, Inc. is a nonprofit military support organization of former and current U.S. military dog handlers and supporting members committed to promoting the long history of the military service dogs, establishing permanent War Dog Memorials, and educating the public about the invaluable service of these canines to the United States.
“Service and Sacrifice” will be unveiled at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington D.C. today.
The organization also provides support to military working dogs with state-of-the-art equipment while on active duty and in retirement with free health care programs and assists in returning military dogs to be reunited with their former handlers.
“We are proud to honor military working dog (MWD) teams who have faithfully served in the Sea Services through the “Service and Sacrifice” monument. Additionally, this monument will help bring awareness to the invaluable service and capabilities our MWD teams bring to the battlefield,” Willingham said.
“The Navy Memorial is proud that we will host the statue honoring Petty Officer Douangdara and military working dog Bart, both of whom gave their lives for the United States,” said Rear Admiral Frank Thorp, USN (ret), President and CEO of the United States Navy Memorial. “In so doing, we honor all of the Navy Special Forces Personnel and military working dogs who serve in defense of our great nation.”
Local Dogs “Enlisted” During World War II
“Uncle Sam Wants Your Dog” - Posters urged citizens to enlist their pets as “War Dogs.”
Their names don’t appear on the memorial in the court house rotunda along with all those from Hendricks County that served in World War II, but Joey, Pal, and Pepsi played a part in the war effort.
Shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, prominent dog breeders and trainers created Dogs for Defense, a program appealing to Americans to donate their dogs to the war effort.
In 1942, The U.S. Army received 200 trained sentry dogs from Dogs for Defense. Eventually, an estimated 40,000 dogs were volunteered for service.
The dogs were family pets, not working dogs. Training facilities and an official Army manual were soon created and the K-9 Corps was established. Dogs for Defense continued to supply dogs until March 1945, when the Quartermaster Corps set up is own procurement program.
There were six main duties canine recruits were trained to fulfill: sentry dogs to guard posts and detect intruders; scout dogs to go ahead of their handlers and give silent warning of the enemy; sledge dogs pulled heavy lads of supplies, and sometimes wounded solders, across rough terrain of ice and snow; messenger dogs to deliver messages from a handler on patrol to another handler at headquarters, often across enemy territory; pack dogs to transport supplies where vehicles couldn’t go, carried in dog backpacks; and casualty dogs, trained and used by the medical corps to located injured soldiers.
Searching back issues of The Republican, we found mention of four Hendricks County pets that were volunteered for Dogs for Defense.
Pal, a Doberman Pincher owned by Mr. and Mrs. Mark Scott, living east of Danville, may have been the first, enlisting on August 8, 1942 at Indianapolis.
The Hollett family of Brownsburg, enlisted their dog in February of 1943.
Mr. and Mrs. George Newell, living on State Road 136, sent their German Shepherd, Joey, in February 1943. Two years later, in February 1945, the Newells received a letter from Morris Hurst of the U.S. Coast Guard, who was Joey’s trainer. The dog was first trained at Ft. Robinson, Nebr., and subsequently was sent to Alaska, then to Fort Royal, Va., and to Curtis Bay, Md. At the time the Newells received the letter, Joey was at San Francisco with his handler, awaiting overseas orders.
After two years of service, according to Coastguardsman Hurst, Joey had definitely become a one-man dog. The two have been such close friends during this months of training, that Mr. Hurst asked if he might keep the dog for his very own, after the war is over. The two daughters
“It is very real, isn’t it,son - the tug of parting between a boy and his dog?” Sparton, an electrical manufacturer that had switched to war production only, used an ad depicting a boy donating his dog as as an example of sacrifice made to the war effort.
of Mr. and Mrs. Newell gave their consent for Joey to remain with his pal.
In February 1946, Pepsi, a four-year-old German shepherd arrived in Danville and was claimed by his little mistress, Nancy Bever, after three years of military service. Pepsi received his honorable discharge on February 7. His record read in part, “Sentry dog at Long Beach, Calif. from May 13, 1943 until April 5, 1941. Also served as a mine and sentry dog in European theater as a member of the 42nd Quartermaster War Dog platoon. Performance in military service has been excellent at all times.” Pepsi had entered the service in March 1943.
Dogs for Defense made an effort to “deprogram” the dogs on their return to civilian life.
According to his owner, Pepsi was as gentle as ever, but showed a marked improvement in his manners after his military training.
Dog donors were given an official certificate by the U.S. government as a way of thanking them for doing their patriotic duty.
Hoosier Homestead Book Deadline Is Nov. 30.
If you own one of the nearly 6,000 Hoosier Homestead farms across Indiana, just about three weeks remain to submit your free farm history for the upcoming Hoosier Homestead Farms - Honoring Farm Legacy coffee table book.
“We’ve received a very good amount of farm histories for the book, but there’s many more out there who need to submit theirs,” said Linda Forler, director of the Hoosier Homestead Program. “It’s free, it’s a great way to write down the story and history of your farm, and it’ll help you and your family learn about your farming heritage.”
If you own a farm that’s been recognized as one of the nearly 6,000 Hoosier Homestead Farms, we need you to submit a free 300 word history of your farm and a photo for the book. Your farm history and photo are included in the book regardless of whether you purchase a copy or not.
Information you should include - year the farm started, how many generations have worked/owned it, crops grown, places you sell your crops, year your farm was inducted as a Hoosier Homestead Farm, etc. You can also visit the publisher’s website, www.acclaimpress.com, and find the Hoosier Homestead book cover on the front page and fill out your farm history from there.
Reserve your copy of this book for only $59.95 now at www.acclaimpress.com or by calling Acclaim Press at 573-472-9800.
Thank you to all those who have submitted and reserved your copy; help this book grow by telling your farming and agriculture friends and neighbors that own a Hoosier Homestead Awards farm to submit their farm history and to reserve their copy before the deadline of November 30, 2021.
Making the Vet’s Job a Win-Win for All
Leah Miller opened Integrative Veterinary Care nearly one year ago and serves Hendricks, Boone, Putnam, Marion, Morgan and Montgomery counties.
By Melissa Gibson
She’s been a veterinarian for over a decade and after moving to Danville a year ago, Dr. Leah Miller decided to start her own unique business, Integrative Veterinary Care.
“As a mother of three, I love Kroger’s Clicklist (mobile pickup service) because I don’t have to go into the grocery store anymore. It’s been so helpful, I thought, why can’t we have that in my industry as well? With a brick-andmortar facility, you have to be there a certain number of hours per week and this way, I can work around my kid’s schedule, it allows me to own my own business and be a mom and do both well,” Miller said.
It’s a win-win for both Miller and her clients. If you haven’t heard of the fear free movement, Shari Lyons opened the Zionsville Country Veterinarian Clinic (ZCVC), the first fear-free clinic of its kind in the country.
Research shows there are systematic ways to reduce the stress your pet feels when walking into a vet’s office, such as rubber flooring so dogs don’t slip on a tile floor, natural lighting for cats and private rooms for the animal to make themselves at home.
Miller operates on Mondays and Wednesdays at ZCVC, but she does a step better for your pet. She comes to you in her mobile vet clinic, treating pets in their home instead of making the trip in a car to an office they may or may not respond to well.
“It’s helpful for them because the animals are less stressed in their home environment. It’s also helpful for the client because I can visit nursing homes, or those that have just had a surgery and can’t get out ofthe house. It makes it simple for everyone and it’s just nice to have this as an option,” Miller said.
The animals respond to fear -free care, as the vet works with them versus forcing them.
In the mobile vet van, Miller has an x-ray machine, and ultrasound machine and any minor exam tool needed. If the animal needs an evasive procedure, those are performed at ZCVC.
Miller has the capability of doing most treatments from the comfort of your home.
For many, the idea of caring for a variety of dogs, cats and other animals would be a dream. Their cute little noses and beautiful fur and an overall love and passion for our four-legged members of the family is the reason many veterinarians chose their field of work.
In recent years, however, the health and wellbeing of these professionals have become a concern. Many vets experience depression, anxiety and compassion fatigue.
Miller knows many who have struggled and feels blessed to have escaped the downside to veterinarian work and counts her faith as the main source of peace.
“My heart goes out to people that struggle with compassion fatigue,” Miller said. I think so many vets are empathetic and take on the feelings of others. I had a classmate that took their own life, so I encourage people to not be afraid to tell someone you’re struggling.”
Veterinarians are often on the front lines of sharing difficult news about a pet that is a member of the family. Clients can get frustrated, angry and upset about their beloved pet suffering and in addition to other stresses in their life, it’s difficult to handle.
“For me, I think my faith sets things in priority for me. I believe that Jesus is in charge of it all, so it helps me deal with those things. I’ve been able to put things into perspective and not sweat the small stuff,” Miller said. “I think people are really stressed out these days and I don’t like it when someone gets mad at me, but I try to fix what I can and if I can’t, I know that I’ve done my best.”
One way, clients can help make the trip to the vet easier (or even if she comes to you) is to maintain open, honest, communication. Miller said the more she knows about how you feel and what your goal is from the appointment, the less guesswork there is on her part.
Miller is currently accepting new patients and as her business grows, hopefully, the peace of knowing there are fear free options and even mobile options available, will create a better environment for all.
For more information on Integrative Veterinary Care, visit https://theintegrativeveterinarian.com. Information on ZCVC and fear free clinics can be found at https:// www.zionsvillecountryvet.com/#FearFreeVisits and information regarding help for those in the veterinary field is through https://www.invma.org
Veterans Day: Honoring Those That Served
Chuck Miller served as a United State Marine from 1961 to 1964.
By Melissa Gibson
He’s humble and lucky – or blessed as Chuck Miller puts it.
“I’m probably the least worthy veteran that you would want to talk to. By the grace of God, I never saw combat and never shed blood. If you want real, true veterans, over at Post 118 in Danville, you can get better stories than I could tell,” Miller said.
However, the veteran’s story isn’t just one of time spent on the battlefield, violence and close calls. It’s also about sacrifice – a calling to serve and a desire to learn and Miller tells the story with pride.
Born in 1939 in Gary, Ind. during World War II, Miller can remember the air raids and watching planes fly overhead toward the Chicago airfields. World War II was over by the time he was entering grade school but hearing the stories of those coming back to the states from Europe and the Pacific concreted Miller’s thoughts of the future.
“I knew I wanted to be a Marine,” Miller said. “That was my calling and I couldn’t get it out of my head.”
His parents tried to steer Miller toward college. He enrolled at Purdue University in the late 50’s, but his heart wasn’t in it. When it became apparent to Miller and his family that his grades were poor and Purdue would not let him continue, Miller enlisted in the Marines at age 22 and served from 1961 to 1964.
“This was pre-Vietnam and I was deployed with the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. I served there for 18 months and then went to Camp Pendleton as a rifle range coach,” Miller said. “I had a pleasant tour of duty compared to what some folks went through. I was part of paying the price, but I didn’t pay the same price a lot of other folks did and I was blessed by God.”
For 18 months aboard Kitty Hawk, Miller and his fellow Marine’s were responsible for internal security, repelling borders and to perform security for the bombs located on the ship.
“When they would take a flight, a Marine accompanied every bomb to the plane until it was secure and back to the security hold once they landed again,” Miller said.
Miller (right) was fortunate to receive several promotions during his three years of service.
He traveled to the Philippines, Hong Kong, China and Japan. He was honored to be chosen to deliver information from the ship to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and again, honored to be selected to lead the honor guard when President Kennedy came aboard the ship in 1963.
Miller participated in six burials at sea. The men were in full dress uniform and a 21-gun salute was fired to ceremonially lay the men that lost their lives to rest.
Miller participated in six burials at sea aboard U.S.S. Kitty Hawk.
The comradery he felt with the men on board extends to all those who served back home at Post 118.
“We all have similar experiences. That’s why I enjoy going to the Legion. We can talk about things you probably wouldn’t share with anyone else,” Miller said.
He had the opportunity to host one of the 96 living recipients of the Medal of Honor when they traveled to Indiana to participate as Grand Marshalls in the 1999 Indy 500 Parade.
“My wife Karen and I hosted a former Marine Corporal who was in Okinawa when he had been wounded and they put him in a makeshift hospital there. A Japanese hand grenade was thrown into the hospital with him with nine other U.S. Marines in there. He threw himself on the grenade and it exploded. He saved all those other marines and he survived,” Miller said. “That was the second greatest – or maybe the first greatest honor I’ve ever had – to be able host him.”
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Miller wrote a letter to the admissions office at Purdue.
“I wish I had kept a copy of the letter. I said something like ‘I’m sitting in the sweaty hold of a U.S. fighting ship,
sharpening my bayonet, not knowing if I’ll see combat or not and I just keep thinking about my days at Purdue, which I cherish…’,” Miller said. “Of course, a few weeks later I got a letter of acceptance.”
Purdue gave him another chance and it was all Miller needed.
“I was flunking out at Purdue. I really just wanted to be in the Marine Corps. They weren’t going to let me come back but I did better than I ever thought I would and it’s all due to the things I learned in the Marine Corps.,” Miller said. “It’s where I learned most of the good lessons of life: honor, integrity, discipline, stamina, never giving up… we did things that we had no idea that we could do. I learned that no matter what it is in life, you never quit, you do what you have to do.”
They’re the lessons that all veterans have learned and though some went on to graduate, get married and have a career, and others paid the ultimate price, those that sacrificed on a variety of levels can take with them a pride only felt by others of a similar experience.
“We took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. I did that to the best of my ability. I would have done whatever it took,” he said. “If I had gone into combat, I would have done my job. I think that’s the attitude of all veterans. Do your job. You’re trained to do it and that’s what you do.”
For more information about Veterans Services, contact the Hendricks County Veterans Service at 317-745-9239.
Lyons Score Win in Game 1 of 2021-2022 Season
Danville Town Manager Mark Morgan had the honor of tossing the ball at the opening of the first game.
The ABA Indiana Lyons roared into the new season by defeating the Ohio Bruins, 111-101 as record crowd watched.
Celebrity Guest player Capt. Jack Sadler of the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department (left) took part in the pre-grame practice with #7 Alex Brown.
Danville Dips sponsored a half-time ice cream eating contest. Brad Dubois (at left), President of the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce, was the winner.
The high scorer for the game was #1 Mike Pugh (above) with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 1 assist.
#4 Dillon Ware scored 19 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists.
#7 Alex Brown accumulated 18 points, 8 rebounds and 0 assists.
The Lyons will take on the Missouri Capitals on Saturday, November 13, at the Lyons Den (49 N. Wayne, in Danville). Doors open at 4 p.m., game starts at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.indianlyons.com
Tri-West Takes Sectional Title
The Tri-West Bruins took the Sectional Championship, defeating the Danville Warriors on their home field, 18-13. The Bruins will take on Owen Valley on Friday night for the Retionals.
At right: TW’s Alex Covey (#35) catches a TD pass in the third quarter, making the score 10-7 for Tri-West.
Safely Dispose of Unwanted or Expired Medicines at 6 Locations
There are six locations in Hendricks County where you can safely dispose of prescription or non-prescription drugs that are outdated or unwanted.
Avon Police Station: 6550 East US Hwy 36; Hours, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.,M-F; 317-272-4485.
Brownsburg Police Station: 31 North Green Street; Open 24 Hours; 317-852-1109.
Danville Police Station: 49 North Wayne Street; 8 a.m. - noon & 1 - 4 p.m., M-F; 317-745-4180.
Hendricks Co. Sheriff’s Office: 925 East Main Street, Danville; 24 Hours; 317-745-6269.
IU Health West Hospital: 1111 Ronald Regan Pkwy, Brownsburg; 24 Hours; 317- 217-3000.
Plainfield Police Station: 1075 West Main Street; 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F; 317-838- 3565
No illicit drugs or medical sharps accepted. Medicines should be kept in their original packaging. Personal information may be removed or blacked out.
This program is a partnership between local law enforcement, the Hendricks County Recycling District and Covanta’s Prescription for Safety Program (RX4Safety).
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.
“The group focuses on sharing situations and processing emotions, then devoting time to a specific mood enhancement activity or skill that they can put into practice when away from their group” states Sharon.
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.
Danville Cheerleaders Earn Trophy
Photo: Danville Cheer
Congratulations to the Danville Varsity Cheerleaders won 5th place in the State Finals in New Castle, Ind. on Saturday, November 6. This was the first time they had placed in the top five and brought home a trophy.
The Indiana Cheer Championship is a program of the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP).
