MENTORING SUCCESS
LWEB on the
Presented by:
County leaders recognized for community impact
Leadership Hendricks County (LHC) named Family Promise Executive Director Julie Randall as the 2022 Hendricks County Leader of the Year at the annual Celebration of Leaders at the CRG Event Center in Plainfield.
Randall was the first executive director for Sheltering Wings and the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County and founded the Hendricks County Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Danville Kids Summer Lunch Bunch.
The rural Hendricks County resident and mother of three became the first executive director of Family Promise of Hendricks County, guiding the homelessness prevention nonprofit as its annual budget grew from $120,000 to $2.5 million.
Kim Baver received the Suzanne Whicker Distinguished Service Award in recognition for her community involvement. Baver has taken key board and volunteer roles with a long list of local organizations, among them the Hendricks County Community Foundation, Plainfield Chamber of Commerce,
Plainfield Kiwanis and the PHS Choir Boosters. She also chaired many LHC events. The mother of two daughters is a mortgage loan officer with Citizens Bank.
Two women were named Co-Youth Leader of the year.
Kelsey Babinec serves in many school and community activities, including vice president of Career Development with her school’s DECA club, marketing coordinator with Global Outreach, a member of the Youth Civic Engagement Council and a nominee for Hendricks Regional Health’s Leaders of Tomorrow article.
Marissa Schirmer is active in 4-H and one of 10 delegates to represent Indiana at the 2022 National 4-H Congress. She was also selected as a Central Indiana Changemakers Grant recipient, trains guide dogs and volunteers to serve local military veterans, people experiencing homelessness and Sheltering Wings and Cypress Manor residents.
For information, call (317) 718-6075 or visit LeadershipHendricksCounty.org.
Danville senior directs his own play, “The Clockmaker”
The stage production of “The Clockmaker” premiered at Danville Community High School Feb. 16-17, with a twist. Senior Hunter VanBebber wrote the play.
He started writing during his freshman year intending to do something different and unique. As he continued the story transformed in ways he never expected and developed a deeper meaning beyond characters on a stage.
VanBebber wanted to depict a story about the world around us and change the way people think to make a larger impact
on their community.
Danville senior Hunter VanBebber directed his own play, “The Clockmaker” Feb. 16.-17. (Photo provided)
He plans to become a high school history teacher and hopefully run the theater department on the side.
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Brownsburg Councilman Jessen steps down, council approves annexation
Compiled by Melissa Gibson
The Brownsburg Town Council met Feb. 9 for a regular meeting at Brownsburg Town Hall. The next meeting was scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 23 at 61 N. Green St. The ICON will report on this meeting in a future issue.
WHAT HAPPENED: Council president Travis Tschaenn announced councilman Brian Jessen has resigned from the Brownsburg Town Council, citing personal reasons.
WHAT IT MEANS: Registered Republicans in Ward 3 in the Town of Brownsburg can apply for the available seat by contacting Anne Engelhardt, Hendricks County Republican Party chair at chairman@hendricksgop.com or call (317) 529-1622. Republicans in Ward 3 applied for the position, and a caucus was held Feb. 20 to fill Jessen’s position.
WHAT HAPPENED: Two public hearings were held regarding annexation as well as a fiscal plan ordinance for Phase Two of the Garner property development.
WHAT IT MEANS: The first public hearing was to annex the second phase of the Garner property at 7210 N CR 800 E. The second public hearing was to annex property at 3885 N. Ind. 267, also part of the same project. Both annexations and the fiscal plan were unanimously approved.
WHAT HAPPENED: Jodi Dickey, development services director, presented introductory details for the Carr Property Group rezone.
WHAT IT MEANS: Carr Property Group proposed a development in 2022 and withdrew the proposal after receiving comments from the Advisory Plan Commission (APC) and the town council. They updated the proposal for 16 acres located at the corner of South Green Street and E County Road 300 N. The proposal includes 198 apartment units (decreased from 240 units) and 3.5 acres of commercial property (increased from 1 acre). The plan calls for nine buildings with 22 units per building in a mix of one, two and three bedroom units. It will include a clubhouse with an outdoor pool, green space, walking paths and increased parking or garage space. Tschaenn expressed concern about other developments already established in conjunction with the Carr Property proposal causing an overabundance of apartment housing. The Carr Property Group will present to the APC and will request a rezone from Neighborhood Commercial (NC) to High Density Multiple Family Residential (M3) at their next meeting and must return to the council for final approval.
WHAT HAPPENED: Dickey presented introductory details for a rezone request from the State Bank of Lizton.
WHAT IT MEANS: The bank is proposing a rezone from NC to High Intensity General Commercial (C2) for a planned expansion of the existing State Bank building at 56th Street east of East Northfield Drive. The proposal includes creating a second lot for commercial development. State Bank of Lizton will present to the APC before returning to the council for final approval.
WHAT HAPPENED: Girl Scout Hunter Service Unit requested an event fee waiver for Feb. 25.
WHAT IT MEANS: The nonprofit organization plans to host a drive-thru cookie booth in the Brownsburg Town Hall parking lot and requested the $75 fee waived. The council approved unanimously, with Tschaenn abstaining.
WHAT HAPPENED: During the public input portion of the meeting, Rob Kendall again addressed the Jan. 26 meeting when the council approved a bond for a new development that backs up to 115 E. Vermont St.
WHAT IT MEANS: As Kendall suggested previously, he believes Ben Lacey should have recused himself from voting due to his interest in the property. Lacey addressed the council as a citizen, explaining he sought guidance from the town’s legal team and was advised the situation was not a conflict of interest because the council was not voting on property owned by Lacey. In addition, the bond request was voted in favor by all five council members at the time.
Your Donations Making a Difference
GRANT NAME:
Bringing the Designs of ABBA to the BHS Stage at Brownsburg High School
Sponsored in part by LeBlanc Nettles Law
The BHS Theatre Department is constantly looking for ways for students to learn new skills. This grant allowed students access to advanced moving light equipment as well as challenge and develop their programming skills and artistic creativity by drawing inspiration from previous ABBA lighting designs and adapting them for the musical “Mamma Mia!”. With the production of a jukebox pop-rock musical last fall, there was the opportunity to bring the lighting design to a level that the students currently don’t have the equipment to be creatively challenged. This year more than ever, multiple students are graduating with a strong interest in lighting design, and there is an interest from the underclassmen level as well. While the strongest benefit would obviously be to those students, it also will have an even further reaching benefit to all students involved with the production, as well as all the community members that saw the production.
RYAN KELLER
AMOUNT: $2,800.00
Thanks to this BEF Grant, our student lighting design team not only had access to professional grade lighting fixtures to learn more about those, but were also artistically and creatively challenged on how to incorporate those fixtures into a light plot and integrate them into their programming and design choices.
- Ryan Keller
Just part of the $130,000 that BEF awarded in grants this past year.
Visit our website at www.brownsburgeducationfoundation.org to learn more about the grant projects funded by BEF in the 2022-2023 school year.
Avon Town Council hears youth engagement council presentation
Compiled by Peg McRoy Glover
The Avon Town Council met Feb. 9. The council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of the month at Avon Town Hall, 6570 E. U.S. 36. The next scheduled meeting was Feb. 23. The ICON will report on this meeting in a future issue.
WHAT HAPPENED: The new Avon Youth Civic Engagement Council (AYCEC) presented to the council. It was created by Avon High School students and has 20 members. Student Zainab Syed is president of the AYCEC.
WHAT IT MEANS: The council was created to bridge the gap between Avon’s youth and the community and increase youth involvement and understanding of issues that impact the community. They surveyed Avon High School students, and AYCEC is focusing on the environment by creating a community garden, improving infrastructure with a mural and addressing mental health through a middle school program.
WHAT HAPPENED: The police department was given approval to purchase the first two of seven new Tahoe SUVs that were ordered last May for 2023. Julie Locker, clerk/treasurer, was given permission to seek financing for $83,380.
WHAT IT MEANS: The other five Tahoes will be available later this year. Once the two are picked up they will be sent to Waymire Fleet and Lighting Equipment for emergency equipment installation.
WHAT HAPPENED: Council approved a resolution to appoint Steve Moore as the town American with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator. Town Manager Ryan Cannon was the previous in the role.
WHAT IT MEANS: Federal law requires a coordinator be appointed to insure compliance with ADA provisions. Moore will work with town staff and contracted engineers.
WHAT HAPPENED: An ordinance was introduced that will put a policy in place allowing town employees to work remotely. This ordinance is in response to the need to work remotely during the pandemic and is designed to be the exception not the rule.
WHAT IT MEANS: Department heads will monitor the policy and review on a case-by-case basis. Expectations regarding requests, working hours, documentation, policies, nonexempt employees and using town technology are put into place with this ordinance.
WHAT HAPPENED: An ordinance was introduced that establishes a public safety fund to manage money received from the Hendricks County local income tax levy.
WHAT IT MEANS: The funds received from this levy will be used for public safety purposes and Avon Police Department training and expenditures. If it is not utilized during a fiscal year it will remain available for its intended use the following year. The state will provide funds on a monthly basis.
2023 Indiana Small Farm Conference comes to Hendricks County
Registration is open for the 2023 Indiana Small Farm Conference on March 2-3 at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St., Danville. Since 2013, the conference has featured comprehensive and instructive programming about diversified farming and local food systems for novice and experienced small-scale farmers. Visit purdue.ag/sfc.
Danville Town Council approves vehicle purchase, insurance coverage
The Danville Town Council met Feb. 15. View meetings on the town’s YouTube channel. The council meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Danville Town Hall, 49 N. Wayne St. The next scheduled meeting is March 1.
WHAT HAPPENED: Danville Metropolitan Department Police Chief Jim Hilton introduced an ordinance to create a part time position.
WHAT IT MEANS: This amends the current salary ordinance creating a part-time crime scene (CSI) investigation position who will fill in when the full time officer is not available. Additional funding was not requested. No action was taken on this introduction only presentation.
WHAT HAPPENED: The council gave the water department approval to purchase a new vehicle from Bachman Auto Group for $57,183.
WHAT IT MEANS: The department is purchasing a new 2022 Ram 2500 light duty service truck that will be outfitted with road signage, tools, meter parts and water pumps for meter vault work. It replaces a deteriorated 2005 Ford F-150 truck.
Family Owned Company
WHAT HAPPENED: The council approved the 2023 insurance renewal contract with NFP insurance broker for $211,233 as part of annual renewal.
WHAT IT MEANS: Great American Insurance Company is the carrier. The town carries commercial cyber liability through Chubb. National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh and Indiana Public Employers’ Plan are also carriers for the town. The total cost represents a 13% increase over last year due to claims and an increase in asset coverage.
WHAT HAPPENED: Town attorney Chou-il Lee explained the process for the town to participate in new national opioid settlements involving more companies.
WHAT IT MEANS: New settlements have been reached with Teva, Allergan, CVS, Walgreens and Walmart. The town will receive more information and must opt in by April 18.
Compiled by Nicole Davis
The Plainfield Town Council met Feb. 13 for a regular council meeting. The council meets at 6 p.m. for a work session and 7 p.m. for a council meeting on the second and fourth Mondays each month at 591 Moon Road. Agendas and meeting minutes can be found at townofplainfield.com. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 27.
I have been in the HVAC industry for 29 years now and worked most of my career as a field trainer, Service manager and General manager. After doing the work for others, I decided it was time to start my own business. I had already held my Marion County HVAC contractors license for years and have been NATE certified for over 22 years so Price Point Comfort, LLC began. In June 2022 my son and business partner joined my team and we have continued to grow. As we have expanded we have been able to build a Great Team of co-workers that have a long history needs. We offer Maintenance, Service, Sales and installations on new systems, Indoor air quality products, water heaters, Geothermal, ductless mini splits and light commercial work. CALL TODAY 317-455-1124 or visit PricePointComfort.com
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Locally Family Owned Company With Over 27 Years of
IT MEANS: The annexation area has parcels of .906 and .903 acres. Existing zoning is single-family residents, and proposed zoning is agricultural.
HAPPENED: The council passed ordinances on first reading, amending the
map for Lakhan Rezone-R-2 and Village at Plank Road Rezone.
IT MEANS: Lakhan Rezone is about 5.6 acres along Indiana 267. It would be rezoned from agriculture to low density residential. Village at Plank Road rezone consists of 30.97 acres in between E. 200 South and E. Main Street beside Double Creek Apartments and will be rezoned from the Double Creek Planned Unit Development district to the Village at Plank Road Planned Unit Development district classification.
Compiled by Peg McRoy Glover
Free tax preparation now available
Indy Free Tax Prep provides free tax preparation services and is available in Boone, Hendricks, Marion and Morgan counties through April 18. Coordinated by United Way of Central Indiana this is available to people and families with a household income of $66,000 or less in 2022.
Visit indyfreetaxprep.com to register. Those wishing to file online can use MyFreeTaxes.com. For online, households that make about $58,000 or less can have their taxes professionally prepared for free. Households earning less than $73,000 can file their own taxes for free through the site.
Avon Optimist Club sponsors scholarship
Charles H. Schoen was a charter member of the Avon Optimist Club who had perfect attendance for 27 years. In remembrance of him and his steadfast community support, the club established a scholarship in his honor.
Recently, the scholarship fund received a generous bequest from the late Edward Loughery, a friend of Charles Schoen and a club member.
The scholarship is open to students planning to attend a two-year associate’s degree program or other
vocational-technical training. Applicants must be graduating seniors, residents of Washington Township in Hendricks County, maintain a C or better average in high school. Seniors at private schools and home-schooled students are eligible. Visit avonoptimist.org and mail applications to: Avon Optimist Club, Scholarship Application, 770 N. CR 625 E., Avon, IN 46123 by midnight, April 4. For more information, contact John Haselden at (317) 272-1974.
Plainfield Youth Assistance Program provides help for at-risk youth and families
By Nichole Meloche
Mike Allen and Mark Todisco witnessed students who needed help outside of the traditional school setting and brought a program to Plainfield to do something about it.
Following the success of a similar program in Westfield, under the guidance of their mayor Andy Cook and the support of the Plainfield Town Council and school board, the pair founded the Plainfield Youth Assistance Program (PYAP) in 2017. Todisco now serves as board president.
PYAP serves children ages 3-17. The program provides assistance for children who may be struggling with their academics or their behavior.
“As the director, I am most proud of the hard work our kids, youth and families do,” said Staci Hovermale. “The parents are amazing and allow PYAP in and trust us to walk alongside them in some of their most difficult times.
“It’s truly a blessing to be a part of an organization that takes the county, Town of Plainfield, Plainfield schools, other nonprofits, churches, businesses, volunteers, anyone and everyone to help our students realize their potential.”
PYAP offers counseling and family support, tutoring in every school subject as well as mental health and therapeutic sessions. The athletic programs encourage students to socialize and form new friendships.
“PYAP is a program of staff, volunteers and collaborative agencies that utilize a holistic process to bring together local resources and provide support, enrichment and unique opportunities for youth and their parents and caregivers,” said Hovermale.
In February 2021, PYAP started accepting referrals. By the end that year, they grew to 55 students. In 2022, PYAP assisted 157 students who can participate in The Optimist Club, Strides to Success, Unbreakable Athletics, Art on Main, Plainfield Karate, Hendricks County 4-H and the Imagination Lab and school break camps.
“Since our involvement with PYAP, our boys have had a mentor that they can turn to for help,” one parent said, remaining anonymous for privacy protection. “They have been involved with a reading club over the summer where they were encouraged to read new books and talk about them. They have been involved in fall baseball where they have made new friends, learned new skills and learned to feel better about themselves. We are very thankful to have been referred to PYAP.”
Approximately 7 million children ages 3-17 struggle with anxiety and depression, according to the CDC. This can lead to behavioral and academic struggles. Sometimes those children need support outside of the classroom.
“PYAP has been the biggest blessing to my family life,” one parent said about the program’s success. “My daughter was getting into trouble at school, so the school counselor referred me to PYAP. It has been the best experience for my daughter. She has overcome a lot of mental issues because PYAP put her in programs to help her. Her grades have gone up drastically, and she has become very sociable.”
Hendricks County juvenile court Judge Karen Love
supports PYAP and created a statute that placed the program under supervision of the juvenile court. This statute was pivotal in helping children that had been experiencing behavioral issues.
Sometimes the organization’s mentors become friends who are like family.
“Our advocate has been the best blessing to my family life,” one mom said. “She assisted me in getting Christmas presents for my family. She has been very supportive of asking me how immigration is going for my husband. My daughters and I have been battling a lot with me being a single mother and my husband being overseas, so with PYAP becoming a part of our lives they feel like family. They have been nothing but very supportive.”
PLAINFIELD YOUTH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Website: plainfieldyouthassistance.org
Receive referral: Children and families can be referred by Plainfield Community schools counselors or teachers or through the website.
Contact: Director Staci Hovermale, Staci@plainfieldyouthassistance.org; (765) 577-0987
ON THE COVER: PYAP board members Mindy Slavens, Mimi Decker and Heather Stark share information about the organization at a local event. (Photo provided by Staci Hovermale)
Rose Pletcher assists an upset PYAP student. (Photo provided by Staci Hovermale)
Farrah Fisher tutors a student who participates in the Plainfield Youth Assistance Program.
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Hendricks County couple uses cancer to help others
By Peg McRoy Glover
When Jon Acton sat in an infusion chair during treatment, he looked around at the other people receiving chemotherapy and wondered where they were in their cancerfighting journey.
As he took this in, an idea he kicked around in his head about broken shells began to take shape, forming a personal mission.
The Brownsburg resident thought back to the times he combed beaches looking for the perfect iconic shell, the calico scallop. Every one he found was either discolored, broken or chipped.
“You know we are all broken shells,” said Acton. “We all have something we must deal with whether it’s cancer, diabetes, divorce, depression or whatever.”
Broken Shells is the company he created, and the title of his soon to be released book, “Broken Shells, A Perfektly Imperfekt Journey Through Cancer, Leadership, and Love.”
Each year women across Indianapolis are nominated to become an American Heart Association Woman of Impact because of their passion and drive to make a difference in the community and raise awareness of women’s cardiovascular health.
Indianapolis has nine 2023 Woman of Impact Nominees including two Hendricks Regional Health employees, physician Dr. Monet Bowling and Carrie Meyer, director of marketing & community relations.
Roman Numerals Downtown
An educator for 30 years, Acton was superintendent at Salem Community School Corporation when he was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in September 2020. He had been battling Crohn’s disease for many years, making his diagnosis and treatment complicated.
Two of his best friends and fellow educators Aron Bright and Keith Fessler were also diagnosed with colorectal cancer a few months prior to Acton, and all three were diagnosed via colonoscopy. .
This unbelievable and heart wrenching detail in the journey allowed them to support each other. Acton and Fessler survived, and Bright lost his battle with cancer.
“Once Aron passed away it created a huge void for me because he was one of my go-to people,” said Acton.
Acton turned his grief and battle into a book with his wife Lindsey who added her perspective writing about caring for someone going through cancer treatments.
Staff report
Woman of Impact is an extension of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.
On April 6, the woman whose team has the highest number of impact points is named the Indianapolis 2023 Woman of Impact Award Winner. Points are awarded through a combination of fundraising and mission impact activities. The nominee with the most points nationwide will be named the National Woman of Impact Award Winner.
For more information, visit heart.org/ indygoesred.
The Downtown Danville Partnership named Beth Ann Holmes as its new executive director.
Holmes grew up in Brownsburg and lives in a newly restored historic home in downtown Danville with her husband and three children.
She has been involved with many community organizations, including working as a school paraprofessional and sitting on the board of the parent-teacher organization and school boosters.
She has organized, chaired and implemented fundraising campaigns and projects for community and school events. As the project manager, Holmes also led key projects for Indiana Tourism. She managed regional salesmen and oversaw production of travel publications. This position allowed her to gain knowledge of the Indiana Mainstreet program, a key program for Downtown Danville.
She has also been a certified instructor for over 20 years. She manages her own clients and has taught at gyms around Hendricks County. Holmes has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from IUPUI and an associate’s degree in legal studies from Ball State University.
BOOK SIGNING
Brownsburg resident Jon Acton will release his new book “Broken Shells, A Perfektly Imperfekt Journey Through Cancer, Leadership, and Love,” March 9.
• Book signing: 7-9 p.m. March 9 at the Royal Theater, 59 S. Washington St., Danville.
• Buy the book: Visit brokenshells.net or Amazon. Cost: $19.95.
Staff report
Matthew W. Howrey, president and CEO of The North Salem State Bank, has been appointed second vice chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association (IBA) board of directors.
Howrey has served the Indiana Bankers Association in various roles since 2010, including Southwest regional director, member or past member of the financial management, government relations and audit committees and trustee of the IBA Insurance Trust. Howrey has been involved in community leadership including Hendricks County Community Foundation, Putnam County 100 Men Who Care and is past president of the Parks Foundation of Hendricks County and the Greencastle/Putnam County Economic Development Center. Howrey also volunteers with other community organizations, coaches and fundraises for sports and school organizations, including Cascade Youth League’s new sports facilities, and is a member of Soul Harvest Church.
Holmes
Howrey
HENDRICKS REGIONAL HEALTH CELEBRATES THE UNSTOPPABLE SPIRIT OF TOMORROW’S LEADERS
A feature in the Hendricks County ICON highlighting leaders of tomorrow.
LET IT BE: PLAINFIELD SENIOR CREATES BEATLES-INSPIRED ART
By Mike Beas
The adoration Maddie Comer channels toward a certain band from the 1960s British Invasion extends well beyond Tshirts owned and songs downloaded.
Comer, a Plainfield High School senior, finds herself fascinated by all things John, Paul, George and Ringo.
Whether discussing the timeless music made by the Beatles or the seismic – and some would say much-needed – cultural impact the band made in this country shortly after the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Comer, 18, is a reservoir of knowledge.
Not surprisingly, she’s devoted some of her artwork toward the band in tribute.
“I’ve made three or four Beatles-related works in graphite pencil,” said Comer. “When I create, I’m thinking about the way I see things. The way I see the world. I like analyzing things and try to show people how I interpret stuff.
“I was raised with classic rock, and I wanted to see what the world’s greatest band really was. (Beatles) were sort of the way that I learned (drawing and painting) human proportion. I enjoy them, so I drew them. Everything I do in art is connected to an interest.”
In the past five years alone, Comer has created approximately 50 works of art, the majority being over the last two years.
She expresses herself either through the use of graphite (No. 2) pencil, charcoal, oil paint or colored pencils.
The signs of Comer becoming a talented artist were appar ent early.
when she was 3 years old,” said Comer’s mother Kristy McKee. “She was a very introverted and shy child, and because of her art, her confidence has just gone through the roof.”
To better illustrate the originality and complexity of many of Comer’s creations is to focus on her favorite: “In a Spiral of Ants.”
This drawing (see photo), according to Comer, is based on the ant phenomenon in which ants get lost in their pheromones and create an endless death spiral.
Comer’s motivation was to compare this occurrence to a person’s role in our society.
“I’ve had artists who were exceptionally talented, but Maddie has very interesting things to say through art,” said Heather Armstrong, now in her 23rd school year teaching art at Plainfield High School. “Maddie was really focusing last year about the human condition, using the color blue to represent sadness and loneliness.
“Her work is very original and very creative.”
Comer was a student in Armstrong’s AP Drawing class as a junior. This year she’s taking AP Studio and Design.
Among the awards Comer has won are Best in Show the last two years at the Hendricks County Make an Impression Art Show, and two gold keys in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition.
“Maddie was coloring inside the lines in coloring books
Following her graduation from high school, Comer will attend the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, long regarded as one of the premier art colleges in the United States.
In keeping with all things Beatles, Comer’s art, impressive as it already is, has just begun its Long and Winding Road.
Plainfield senior Maddie Comer has created more than 200 pieces of art, many Beatles inspired. This piece called “In a Spiral of Ants” is her favorite from the collection. (Photo provided by Comer)
Women’s clothing store Daily Thread has opened in the Shops at Perry Crossing between Rustic Attic and Torrid. The store is open 10
p.m.
Daily Thread opened in The Shops at Perry Crossing. (Photo provided)
ICONIC briefs
Franklin College announces president’s and dean’s lists
Franklin College has announced the president’s and dean’s list for the fall 2022 semester. Students named to the president’s list have a perfect 4.0 grade point average while completing a minimum of 12 credit hours.
The following Hendricks County students were named to the president’s list: junior Payton Dilk, Brownsburg; junior Kiara McGuyre, Clayton, and sophomore Hannah Phegley, Brownsburg.
Students named to the dean’s list have earned a grade point average of at least
3.5 but less than 4.0. Hendricks County students were named to the dean’s list include sophomore Garrett Elam, Pittsboro; junior Kamryn Elder, Avon; senior Piper Gaul, Plainfield; junior Delaney McCafferty, Brownsburg; senior Magdalene McGuire, Plainfield; sophomore Mitchell O’Mara, Avon; junior Alyssa Schell, Brownsburg; junior Savannah Shadday, Plainfield; junior Zayne Spangler, Brownsburg; junior Noah Sigler, Avon; junior Faith Wheeler, Brownsburg and senior Ryan Wiggins, Brownsburg.
College network to host college and career fair
Hendricks College Network (HCN) will host its annual Hendricks County College & Career Fair and Apprenticeship & Trades Fair 6-8 p.m. March 9 at Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex, 1900 E. Main St., Danville. The College & Career Fair will take place in the Expo Hall, and the Apprenticeship & Trades Fair will be in the auditorium. HCN plans to have 150 vendors. Follow Hendricks College Network on Facebook and Twitter or visit HendricksCollegeNetwork.org.
• Some evening and weekend hours
• Monitor the recycling center and answer questions
ICONIC arts
By Peg McRoy Glover
The Children’s Ballet made a huge leap forward by opening the doors of a second studio in Plainfield Feb. 13.
Located across from Plainfield’s new performing, exhibition and event center, Hendricks Live!, the new studio is double the space of the ballet’s current home in Danville. The school anticipates its first performance at Hendricks Live! will be in spring 2024.
“The opening of the Children’s Ballet’s second studio reinforces the idea that downtown Plainfield is an artistic destination,” said Chris Petrelli, Hendricks Live! executive director. “We have a shared mission and camaraderie. I love that it is so close. People will be coming to the downtown area to express their creativity, learn new things and connect to the arts in a way that they don’t have an opportunity to do now.”
Located at 211 West Main St., the new studio has windows that overlook Main Street, waiting room, office, storage room and reception area. The entrance in the rear of the studio eliminates foot traffic across the new studio and rehearsal space.
“This new location is a blessing because we were looking to expand. We are very thankful for this beautiful space,” said Emily Miser, The Children’s Ballet artistic director. “The space was in really
good shape. We simply added some mirrors and bars. It has a lot of amenities we are happy to have.”
Historically the ballet school has had a waiting list for students to attend. The new studio opening brought in 30 students, and leaders say at least 75-80 new students will attend in the coming year, increasing the school’s enrollment by approximately 50%.
“The new studio definitely makes us more accessible to kids in the county who want to study ballet,” said Miser. “Our biggest student pool is from Danville where our first studio is located. Our second largest student pool is from in and around Plainfield, so we are excited to be able to expand our reach into that part of Hendricks County.”
Ballet assistant director Vanessa Schuldt was amazed when she first saw the new space.
“We can have larger classes and larger rehearsal space,” said Schuldt. “Being across from Hendricks Live! is a giant blessing. I never dreamed we would be able to perform in such a place. We are very lucky.”
The Children’s Ballet is a nonprofit classical ballet school and is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Visit thechildrensballet.com.
The new Children’s Ballet studio in Plainfield offers a large learning and rehearsal space and provides an opportunity to accommodate more students such as these dancers Valentina Juarez (left), Bode Brandt, Rylee Stevenson and Remi Brandt. (Photo provided by Emily Miser)
Compiled by Mike Beas
Cascade senior makes it to wrestling finals in final try Notables
As has long been custom, the annual State Wrestling Finals included its share of outstanding performances from those representing Hendricks County High Schools. Brownsburg senior Leighton Jones capped his career by winning the 285-pound weight class, while sophomore teammate Jake Hockaday (132) and freshman Devin Rickman (106) took home first-place medals of their own. Brady Ison was runner-up at 132 pounds, and Preston Haines and Gunner Henry secured the third spot at 113 and 195 pounds, respectively, as the Bulldogs finished third in the final team standings with 129.5 points. Avon senior Cheaney Schoeff capped a 43-1 season in the 138 division with his third-place performance.
Two county girls basketball programs extended their seasons to regional play before bowing out in semifinal action. Cascade lost to Chatard, 52-48, in Class 3A play at Greencastle despite the 23 points and five rebounds of senior Abby Parsons. Senior Sydney Warran added 13 points and four boards, while Liviar Campbell added four points, three rebounds and three steals as the Cadets finished with a 22-3 record. In 4A, Brownsburg was eliminated by Lawrence North, 65-58, at the Decatur Central Regional in which senior Megan Eaker led the way with 15 points. Sophomore center Avery Gordon would add 14 points and seven rebounds for the Bulldogs (16-10), followed by senior Kailyn Terrell’s 12 points and three assists.
Brownsburg boys basketball won at Noblesville, 60-54, led by senior Elhadj Diallo with 21 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Junior Kanon Catchings had 15 points and four boards with juniors Spencer Porath and Grant Porath adding seven and six, respectively.
Hendricks County ICONIC Athlete STATE-MENT MADE
By Mike Beas
Earlier this month, the Cascade wrestling program qualified two individuals for the State Finals for the first time ever.
Senior Logan Bickel was nothing short of ecstatic to be half of this slice of history.
The 120-pounder, ranked 23rd in his weight class entering the postseason, pinned sixth-ranked Lane Gilbert of Sullivan in the opening round of the Evansville Semistate before scoring a 6-2 decision against Gage Rutan of Columbus East.
Qualifying for the semifinals assured Bickel a berth in the finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. It ended a February ritual of frustration in which he had lost in either the first or second round of semistate the previous three years.
Bickel (33-9 on the season) advanced along with Cascade teammate Michael Hutchison (41-5), the third-place finisher at 160 at semistate. Previous Cascade wrestlers made it downtown in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and last winter with Dominic McFeeley.
Bickel entered the finals with a career record of 132-29, as well as the respect of his coach.
“It’s just Logan’s want to continue to compete,” said Cadets coach Quinn Harris. “He probably wrestled 100 matches in the off-season after not making it to state last season.
“On top of that, you could see the last three or four weeks he realized his high school career was about to be over. Logan has been putting in the work, and just gone to a different level.”
Unfortunately, Bickel’s season came to an end in the first round of the finals when he was pinned by New Palestine sophomore Bryce Doss at the 5:51 mark. He finished his season with a 33-10 record.
Michael Gabbard, MD
Bickel did a Q&A with ICON:
Q: With all the sports options out there, why do you think wrestling is the one that made the most sense to you?
A: I’ve done about every single sport growing up, and wrestling was one of the last things I tried. I started in seventh grade. I think I stuck with it because of how much I enjoyed it, and the atmosphere it gives off. It’s like a family.
Q: What does it mean to you to be the sixth (or seventh) Cascade wrestler to advance all the way to the State Finals?
A: Actually, it means a lot. It’s an accomplishment that hasn’t happened here a lot because we’re a small school. There are a bunch of different feelings. Obviously, excitement and joy. But this is also the last time wrestling for Cascade. It’s been great.
Q: The State Finals are the best of the best, so what are your expectations?
A: I’m definitely happy to be there, but I’m not quite done yet. At the start of the season, it was a little rough. But I feel I’ve grown over the last few weeks. It’s a sport that pretty much teaches you about life.
Q: What are your plans after graduating from Cascade High School?
A: I’m looking into trade school, but I would like to wrestle in college. I would be happy being part of a Division-II, Division-III or NAIA program.
FORtheRECORD - HC OBITUARIES
AVON
Hazel Imogene Davis
Hazel Imogene Davis, 97, passed away Feb. 1, 2023. She was born Nov. 5, 1925. No services are planned. Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, was entrusted with arrangements. Contributions may be made to Baptist International Evangelistic Ministries, Danville.
Shirley Anne Heaton
Shirley Anne Heaton, 91 of Avon, passed away Feb. 7, 2023. Shirley was born on Sept. 20, 1931, in Indianapolis, Ind., to the late George and Frances (Seidel) Figg. Shirley was loved by every animal she met but had a special soft spot for dogs. She loved her customers from her bank job in Park Fletcher. She worked for about 20 years, through all the name changes — Indiana National up to Chase Bank. After her retirement, she briefly worked for a lawyer, then went on to producing fantastic stained-glass art. She took a glass class and was so good that she went to work as the manager/artist at the location in Speedway. After that business closed, she continued to do stained glass work from a shop in her home. Shirley loved her family first, always giving and doing whatever was
needed for them all. She enjoyed spending her time with her family; especially her grandson, Jeremy Reno and great grandson, Camron Reno, they were her pride and joy. Shirley is survived by her daughters, Gigi Heaton, Leeanne Heaton and Susan Bogden; grandson, Jeremy Reno and great-grandson, Camron Reno. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, George and Frances Figg; step-mother, Melba Hail Figg; and son, Eddie Heaton. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made in Shirley’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Rodney E. Schultz
Rodney E. Schultz, 55, passed away Feb. 1, 2023. Services were held Feb. 4. Conkle Funeral Home, Avon, was entrusted with arrangements.
BROWNSBURG
Henry Pope Barfield
Henry Pope Barfield, 86, passed away Feb. 8, 2023. He was born Dec. 30, 1936. Services were held Feb. 11 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.
George L. Hutsell
George L. Hutsell, 79, passed away Feb. 9, 2023. He was born July 7, 1943. Services were held Feb. 13 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.
Robert J. “Bob” Palma
Robert J. “Bob” Palma, 77, passed away Feb. 16, 2023. He was born Feb. 11, 1946.
Corey Alan Polen
Corey Alan Polen, 47, passed away Feb. 11, 2023. He was born Nov. 2, 1975. Services were held Feb 24 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. Contributions may be made to an ALS organization.
William L. Jones
William L. Jones, 93, passed away Feb. 12, 2023. He was born Nov. 12, 1929. Services will be planned for a later date. Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.
Julie A. Scharlau
Julie A. Scharlau, 52, passed away Feb. 5, 2023. She was born Sept. 7, 1970. Services were held Feb. 11 at Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield. Contributions may be made to Central Indiana Community Foundation, Indianapolis.
CLAYTON
Larry E. Bruner
Larry E. Bruner, 75, passed away Feb. 6, 2023. He was born Oct. 13, 1947. Services were held Feb.11. Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield, was entrusted with arrangements.
COATESVILLE
Jerry Lee Devine
Jerry Lee Devine, 88, passed away Feb. 15, 2023. He was born June 10, 1934. Services will be planned for a later date. HamptonGentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, was entrusted with arrangements.
Everett Hanley Smith
Everett Hanley Smith, 78, passed away Feb. 2, 2023. He was born March 21, 1944. Private services are planned. Bousley Funeral Home, Coatesville, was entrusted with
Robert B. Hapner, II
Robert B. Hapner, II, 51, passed away Jan. 20, 2023. He was born July 24, 1971. Services were held at Bousley Funeral Home,
DANVILLE
Bernard Vincent Harney
Bernard Vincent Harney, 92, passed away Feb. 5, 2023. He was born Nov. 28, 1930. Services with military honors were held Feb. 10. Baker Funeral Home, Danville, was entrusted with arrangements.
Patricia Jean (Foreman) Lehr
Patricia Jean (Foreman) Lehr, 92, passed away Feb. 13, 2023. She was born April 16, 1930. Services were held Feb. 18 at Baker Funeral Home, Danville. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
LIZTON
Levi Ryan Baber
Levi Ryan Baber, 26, passed away Feb. 9, 2023. He was born Nov. 15, 1996. Services were held Feb. 18. Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg was entrusted with arrangements. Donations may be made to those in need.
Michael R. Bartley
Michael R. Bartley, 62, passed away Feb. 14, 2023. He was born May 31, 1960. Services were held Feb. 20. Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.
Norma Lee “Mimi” Sickles
Norma Lee “Mimi” Sickles, 81, passed away Feb. 9, 2023. She was born March 31, 1941. Services were held Feb. 14 at Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home, Pittsboro. Contributions may be made to Bear Hugs Giving Foundation.
PITTSBORO
Marilyn Bailey Mitchell
Marilyn Bailey Mitchell, 84, passed away Feb. 10, 2023. She was born Dec. 7, 1938. Services were held Feb. 17 at Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home, Pittsboro. Contributions may be made to Phi Beta Psi Sorority.
Daniel A. Ratcliff
Daniel A. Ratcliff, 29, passed away Feb. 12, 2023. He was born May 23, 1993. Services were held Feb. 17 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.
PLAINFIELD
Pamela S. Bryant
Pamela S. Bryant, 65, passed away Feb. 14, 2023. She was born Feb. 7, 1958. Services were held Feb. 18. Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, was entrusted with arrangements. Contributions may be made to the Charity House, Indianapolis.
COMMUNITY
Dr. Richard “Rich” Aaron Bonness
Dr. Richard “Rich” Aaron Bonness, 49, Plainfield, Ind. (formerly of Clinton), passed away Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Terre Haute Jan. 6, 1974, to Richard “Dick” Bonness and Elaine Joyce (Woodruff) York. Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents Eleanor Bonness, Mary Aline Woodruff and William Burton Woodruff. He is survived by his wife Dr. Ann (Carty) Bonness of Plainfield, son Andrew Bonness and fiancé Samantha Rodgers of Lafayette, daughter Grace Bonness of Plainfield, father Dick Bonness of Clinton, mother Joyce York of Terre Haute, brother Jonathan Benetti (Amy) of Cincinnati, Ohio, father-in-law and motherin-law Mike and Martha Carty, sister-inlaw Jacki O’Bradovich (Don) of Plainfield, nephew Carson Rogers, niece Lia Benetti and close friends since childhood John Roberts and Will Sanquenetti. Rich was the valedictorian of his 1992 graduating class at South Vermillion High School. He achieved his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Indiana University in 1996. He went on to achieve his doctorate of dental surgery from IU School of Dentistry in 2000. He owned two dental practices with his wife, Bonness Family Dentistry in Camby and Bonness Dentistry in Terre Haute. He enjoyed getting to know his patients while providing excellent dental care. He considered his team family and will be greatly missed in both practices. He enjoyed fishing, boating and relaxing in his hammock on the porch with his pets. There was a celebration of life ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Eagles Lodge in Clinton, 100 S. Waters St., Clinton, IN 47842. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online at the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in memory of Rich. Online condolences may be shared at fristfuneralhome.com.
Shirley Elizabeth Terrell Casady
Shirley Elizabeth Terrell Casady, 94, passed away Feb. 5, 2023. She was born March 15, 1928. Services were held Feb. 14. Conkle Funeral Home, Speedway, was entrusted with arrangements.
William Shane Eggers
William Shane Eggers, 48, passed away Feb. 14, 2023. He was born Aug. 8, 1948. Private services are planned. Carlisle-Branson Funeral Services & Crematory, Mooresville, was entrusted with arrangements.
Leo H. Rost
Leo H. Rost, 96, passed away Feb. 11, 2023. He was born Nov. 11, 1926. Services were held Feb. 15 at Carlisle-Branson Funeral Services & Crematory, Mooresville.
HISTORY finds French phone
By Marty Carter
It is hard to imagine any other everyday item that has gone through as many transitions as the telephone, from the earliest, working on the two-cans-anda-string idea, to our ever-evolving cellular phones.
This French phone developed by Bell Company in 1904 is new to the Hendricks County Museum. What made it special was the handset, which included both the transmitter and receiver. Now users could talk on the phone with one hand free to make notes and sip their coffee. To make a call they lifted the handset from the cradle, activating an electronic signal to the operator who
connected to the person they wished to call.
This phone sat on the front desk of the Abner Hotel in Loogootee, Ind., until the late 1920s when it was replaced by a dial phone. Passed down through generations of the Abner-Shugert family, it came to the museum from William Shugert of Brownsburg.
The specially made box allows a connection to a modern phone network. The box also contains a ringer that replaced a buzzer that signaled incoming calls. Users who know the timing can still dial current phones by pressing the switch hook. Pressing the switch hook three times dials the number 3 and so on.
The Hendricks County Museum is closed for deep cleaning and setting up new displays for its March reopening at 170 S. Washington St., Danville. The building is furnished as it would have been when sheriffs and their families lived there from 1866-1974. Visit hendrickscountymuseum.org.
PUZZLES
Across
1. Shaving mishaps
6. Birthday figure
9. “I ___ your pardon?”
12. Whodunit discoveries
14. “Damn Yankees” vamp
16. Presidential nickname
17. Hairstyling device
18. Deemed true
20. Sporty car roof
22. Care for
23. LaGrange County religious sect
26. “Yuck!”
28. 2006 Winter Olympics
host
32. PC linkup
33. Tarot card
36. Green prefix
37. Isn’t well
39. Hoosier Motor Club letters
40. “For sure!”
42. Ho-hum
43. Mortise mate
45. Dennis the Menace’s dog
46. Costello’s costar
48. Hoosier Fall Festival mo.
49. Old Italian bread?
50. Chinese chairman
51. Opposite of sick
54. Luau souvenir
55. Concur
57. Scot’s refusal
58. Downy duck
60. IMPD crisis unit
62. Gordon Pipers’ caps
64. Indiana governor and US vice president who was born in the Wabash County town in the puzzle’s circles
68. Fab Four member
72. Tissue layer
73. “America’s Favorite Cookie”
74. Trapper
75. “___ Haw”
76. Be nosy
77. More aloof
Down
1. WTHR net.
2. Outstanding vowels?
3. USN rank
4. Gordon Pipers’ skirts
5. Quietly fume
6. Priest’s robe
7. “Faust” author
8. Fashion mag
9. Roy G. ___
10. Squeeze (out)
11. HS equivalency test
13. Sellout letters
15. “Yer lyin’!”
19. 41-Down ending at IUPUI
21. Insect stages
23. The Crimson Tide
24. Letter carrier
25. Giving birth
27. Type of bar
The
“Indiana”
What year was the Big Ten Conference founded and who were the charter teams?
29. Reconstruct
30. Neat, or easy to navigate, in a way
31. “You cheated!”
34. Photo finish
35. Computerized music maker, for short
38. HBO alternative
41. Web address, initially
44. Four pairs
47. “Tommy” rockers
52. Half a rack, to a hunter
53. Saudi neighbor
56. Double curve
59. Indiana governor: ___ Pusey Gray
61. Seniors’ org.
Tummy muscles
IMS
Wrangler rival
24, 2023
County
EVENTScalendar
FEBRUARY
24 Friday
Critter Feeding Time
12-1 p.m., Pecar Park, 5203 E. CR 150 N, Avon. $3. Join a naturalist and learn about animals that live at the nature center and help feed the critters. washingtontwpparks.org
24, 25 Friday and Saturday
Daddy Daughter Dance
6-8 p.m. Friday; 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Richard A Carlucci Recreation Center, 651 Vestal Road, Plainfield. Cost: $30. Dancing, fun and treats. facebook.com/PlainfieldParksandRec
24, 25 Friday and Saturday
Indianapolis Rubber Stamp & Scrapbook Getaway
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m Saturday, Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St., Danville. Cost: $8, 12 and under, free. toomuchfunpromotions.com/ indianapolis%2C-in
24-26 Friday-Sunday
Anime Crossroads 2023
11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m Saturday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Embassy Suites by Hilton Plainfield Indianapolis Airport, 6089 Clarks Creek Road, Plainfield. Cosplay masquerade, Crossroads Idol Fete, photoshoots and ACR Electronic Dance Party. animecrossroads.com
24, 26
Friday, Sunday
Hendricks Symphony Concerts: Scenic America
7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 and 3 p.m. Feb. 26, Calvary United Methodist Church, 575 W. Northfield Drive, Brownsburg. Musical tour of America. Cost: $20 adults, $15 seniors and $5 students. hendrickssymphony.org
25 Saturday
Pig Yoga: Good Cause, Good Time
11 a.m.-12 p.m., Barbell Fitness, 602 W. Main St., Pittsboro. Barbell Fitness Club supports Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary to rescue, rehabilitate, rehome and advocate for abandoned, neglected, abused and
unwanted pot bellied pigs and other farm animals. eventbrite.com
25 Saturday
Tapping Maple Trees for Syrup
10 a.m.-2 p.m., McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem. Join naturalists tapping trees for maple syrup. Learn tree identification and hang buckets on the trees to collect sap. hendrickscountyparks.org
28 Tuesday
Coffee & Canvas
6-8:30 p.m., Pecar Park, 5203 E. CR 150 N, Avon. Cost: $25. Register: washingtontwpparks.org
MARCH
1 Wednesday
Digital Parenting
6:30 p.m., Lincoln Elementary, 4807 Bulldog Way, Brownsburg. Brownsburg Community School Police Department will lead a discussion about parenting and social media. Police officers and school counselors will share tips for parents on keeping kids safe.
2-4 Thursday-Saturday
Training for Mental Health Crisis Response
8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Messiah Lutheran Church, 801 S. Green St., Brownsburg. National Organization of Victim Assistance (NOVA) will host training for mental health crisis response. Cost: $100 for Hendricks County residents. Visit the sponsored training tab at hendrickscountymrc.org.
3 Friday
Euchre at Avon American Legion Post 145 Auxiliary Fundraiser Dinner at 6 and Euchre at 7 $20 for Euchre and $25 for Euchre and Dinner. For questions please email Ljenks1947@yahoo.com
4 Saturday
McCloud Maple Syrup Sap Run
8:30-10:30 a.m., McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem. Competitive race or a fun run/walk. Stay for Maple Syrup Days. Cost: $20 5K, $30 10K. runsignup.com/ Race/IN/NorthSalem/McCloudMapleSapRun
4 and 11 Saturdays
McCloud Maple Syrup Days 9 a.m.-3 p.m., McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Road, North Salem. Staff and volunteers collect maple tree sap daily that is reduced into maple syrup. hendrickscountyparks.org/programs/
maple-syrup-days
4 Saturday
Project Angel’s Father Daughter Dance 5-9 p.m., Washington Township Park Pavilion, 435 Whipple Lane, Avon. Cost: $40 child and adult, $10 per additional child by Feb. 25. Dinner, dessert and dance music with a live DJ. projectangelofhendrickscounty.com
5 Sunday
Geek Meet Indy
10-4 p.m., Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St., Danville. Toys, comics, collectibles and art. facebook.com/ geekmeetindy
5 Sunday
Phi Beta Psi Annual Purse Auction
2 p.m., Tri-West Middle School, 555 U.S. 136, Lizton. Doors open at 1 p.m. Food, door prizes, raffle and auction. Proceeds benefit cancer research, Tri-West High School scholarships and Northwest Hendricks families in need.
9 Thursday
College & Career, Apprenticeship & Trades Fairs
6-8 p.m., Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St., Danville. The College & Career Fair will take place in the Expo Hall while the Apprenticeship & Trades Fair will be in the Auditorium. HendricksCollegeNetwork.org.
10-11 Friday-Saturday
Friends of the Danville Library book sale. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Danville Public Library, 101 S. Indiana St., Danville. Books, vinyl records, CDs, audio books, movies and magazines. Specials include buy-one-get-one-free items. (317) 509-4750
10 FRIDAY
Rally for our Kids Gala
6 p.m., Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, 10267 E U.S. 136, Indianapolis. Brownsburg Education Foundation fundraiser. 21 and older. Tickets: $100. Visit brownsburgeducationfoundation.org.
11 Saturday
Daughters of the American Revolution Q&A 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library, 1120 Stafford Road, Plainfield. Wa-Pe-Ke-Way Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution members will answer questions about joining DAR or learning about genealogy. Contact Tracie Curtis, (317) 839-0722.
Something’s smelly: Fishy survey promises grocery gift card
By Dick Wolfsie
At first glance, it seemed like a pretty good deal. Enjoy a complimentary $25 gift card from a local supermarket. All it required was answering a few questions online. I figured it was a marketing scam. I wasn’t born yesterday. In fact, as you’ll see, I was born 100 years ago.
I had to agree to certain contractual terms, including giving my permission for the research firm to forward my responses to businesses that could contact me to pitch their products or services. What was I thinking?
The first line asked me the date I was born. I was honest about the exact day in March, but I scrolled all the way to the bottom of the drop-down menu and found the earliest birth year listed. I clicked on 1923. I thought that might dissuade the life insurance sales people from pestering me with calls.
Next, I was confronted with several odd questions.
• 92% of females who fill out this survey want to receive free samples. Do you? (Was this a trick? I’m a guy. How do I answer that? I think the first question on tests should be the easiest.)
• 40% of those who fill out this survey meditate. Do you? (Yes, and right now I’m deep in thought, wondering why I am doing this for a lousy 25 bucks.)
• Then things started getting really serious:
• 8% of those who fill out this survey are unemployed. Are you?
I wasn’t born yesterday. In fact, as you’ll see, I was born 100 years ago.
• 6% of those who fill out this survey are clinically depressed. Are you?
• 11% of those who fill out this survey are in debt. Are you?
• 13% of men who fill out this survey need ED medicine. Do you?
Next, they asked about my level of education. One of the choices was: “I’d rather not answer this.” No such option was available for my mental state, my sex life or my financial status. But did I complete high school? Apparently, that’s getting way too personal. Here was another inquiry: Have you considered replacing the aluminum siding on your home?
I clicked yes, because I was afraid that too many no answers would have suggested I was just in this for the free frozen pizzas I was going to get with my gift card. While I was still typing, the phone rang.
“Mr. Wolfsie, this is A. A. Monroe Home Improvement. Based on your response 45 seconds ago, we have determined that you are exactly the kind of person who can
Holding hands and friendly waves bring joy in Plainfield
We moved to Plainfield a year and a half ago and like it very much. In the summer we enjoy riding our motor scooters up and down Moon Road while holding hands. People honk and wave. We have enjoyed riding on the walking paths through several parks and people’s friendly smiles and hellos. We rode to the Oasis restaurant while crossing over on the large silver bridge over White Lick Creek. People have been a lot of help while inside and out the stores as they offer
to help load the car for us. That means a lot. One day we were talking to a friend in the driveway, and a lady drove up and handed us a bouquet of flowers saying she loved watching us ride hand-in-hand down the street. That meant a lot to us. Thank you everyone in Plainfield!
Mr. & Mrs. Jarvis Plainfield
benefit from our aluminum siding, which comes with a lifetime warranty for as long as you own your home.”
“Look at the survey. I’m 100 years old. Could I rent your siding?”
In a final notation, the research company reserved the option of substituting a prize worth the equivalent of the $25 in free groceries, which probably meant a knock-off Rolex. I called the hotline number and told the woman that I felt I had been conned and that the entire questionnaire was a waste of my time.
She said 82% of the people who took the survey felt exactly the same way.
Dick Wolfsie lives in Indianapolis with his wife of 43 years. Dick is usually in the basement trying to think up something funny to write. He can be reached at: wolfsie@aol.com.
“Silence, I discover, is something you can actually hear.”
— Haruki Murakami, “Kafka on the Shore”
THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN
Brownskin Coffee will relocate across Green Street from its original location and reopen in March. Everbowl will locate between Bru Burger and Noble Romans.
Plainfield junior Addison Neuen qualified to take the American Invitational Mathematics Examination. He’s the fifth student in school history to qualify for the exam and the first since 2013.
Plainfield teacher Karisa Schwankamp was named as an Indiana University Jacobs Educator. She takes technology and applies it, along with STEM. She’s quick to use technology to create lessons.
Eight Danville Community High School seniors received Academic All-State Honors: Caleb Harvey, James Beck, Ethan Walls, Carte Bilyeu, Brayden Spurlock, Parker McIntyre-Craig, Dalen Miller and Marshall Clark. This award recognizes junior and senior varsity student-athletes with a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Three Brownsburg High School musicians who were chosen for All-State ensembles by the Indiana Bandmasters Association including All-State Band: Austin Kijovsky, clarinet; All-State Honor Band: Seth Koons, tuba; Colin Mendenhall, trombone. The 2023 Indiana Bandmasters Association All-State Band Festival will be March 10-12 at Purdue University.
Plainfield residents and business owners can apply for the next Plainfield Police Department Citizen Academy. The academy will meet 6:30-9 p.m. for eight Thursdays beginning April 13.
Our nation has all sorts of arcane, nonsensical laws on the books. Each issue, we’ll share one with you … In Quitman, Ga., chickens are not permitted to cross the road.
To the Editor:
REAL ESTATE AUCTION
THURSDAY, MARCH 9th
www.lawsonandco.com
By Rashad Cunningham
There is a beautiful story in John 8:1-11 known as the story of the adulterous woman. For context, it’s early morning, and Jesus is at the temple teaching people who came and sat down with him. Scribes and Pharisees had come to test Jesus and bring a charge against him by asking him what to do in regards to a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery.
Leviticus 20:10 says, “If a man commits adultery with the wife of his neighbor, both the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.” So, the scribes and the Pharisees wanted to see how Jesus would respond to breaking this law of Moses.
At this moment, the religious leaders were using this woman as a “stone” or weapon against Jesus. Especially when you consider the fact that her partner was never mentioned. If Jesus would have let her go, he would break the Law of Moses, and if he said “stone her,” perhaps he would have been in trouble by Roman law.
After removing her accusers by asking who among them was without sin, Jesus then looked at the woman, never condoning what she had done and asked, “Woman,
PUBLIC AUCTION
where are they? Has no one condemned you?” And the woman replied “No one, Lord.” Jesus then said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
As I read this passage, tears began to fall from my eyes. Jesus had removed all condemnation, but the only way she would be able to go is if one more “stone” was removed — the invisible stone she may have been holding to condemn herself.
I want to encourage anyone reading this devotion to first and foremost bring your brokenness, your “can’t get rightness” and their sinfulness to Jesus. Repent and believe in him as Lord and Savior allowing his payment on the cross to remove condemnation because there is “no condemnation in Christ.” (Romans 8:1)
After that, be sure you remind yourself to put your stone down, too!
Rashad Cunningham is a pastor at Church@ Main in Brownsburg. Visit churchatmain.org.
Alcohol Awareness Month: Where to seek treatment
By Trisha Palencer
WELLNESS
Alcohol use disorder affects an estimated 16 million people in the United States. If you have difficulty stopping or cutting back on the amount of alcohol you drink, or if you spend significant time thinking about, consuming or recovering from drinking alcohol, you may have an alcohol use disorder. An important step in recovery is to recognize the symptoms and learn about the treatment options.
What is alcohol use disorder?
Alcohol use disorder often leads to difficulty moderating drinking, preoccupation with alcohol, need to drink more alcohol to get a similar effect, continued drinking despite having negative consequences or physical withdrawal symptoms (such as tremors) when trying to stop drinking. Alcohol disorders fall into three categories: binge drinking, alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse.
Chronic, long-term abuse of alcohol can lead to alcoholic cardiomyopathy, which can result in heart failure. Seizures can also be caused by binge drinking and alcohol withdrawals. The greatest risk of seizures occurs between 12 and 48 hours following your last drink.
Medically assisted detoxification from alcohol use is vital to lower major risks, including death.
What are treatment options?
Treatment for alcohol use disorder often starts with detoxification (or detox). There may be risks to reducing or stopping drinking alcohol that require medical intervention.
If you have difficulty stopping or cutting back on the amount of alcohol you drink, or if you spend significant time thinking about, consuming or recovering from drinking alcohol, you may have an alcohol use disorder.
What are symptoms of alcohol use disorder?
Drinking can suppress immunity to diseases and infections and can increase the risk of some cancers and liver problems. In addition, it can cause problems with blood clotting, skin rash, memory, balance and falls, stomach, pancreas and the heart. In these ways and more, alcohol use disorder can interfere with living a healthy life.
ANSWERS FROM PAGE 17
Side effects of detoxification are known as withdrawal symptoms and there are medical, emotional and social supports that can aid successful detoxification. Once you complete the detox process, you’ll need ongoing treatment to reduce the risk for relapsing. Depending on your needs, your treatment can include medications, group therapy, individual therapy and supportive housing or social environments.
Trisha Palencer is a clinical social worker at IU Health West Hospital. To receive medical and therapeutic recovery support, contact the IU Health West Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center at (317) 217-2711.
TsT Construction, LLC Tip of the Month
By Tom S. Truesdale
Spring is right around the corner!
Winter has arrived but Spring will be here soon, I hope! This month I wanted to offer some dialog about planning ahead for spring projects. The months of March to May are typically very busy months for contractors that specialize in exterior work, many times the week after the first sunny day in the Spring contractors experience a large number of calls for new business. The problem becomes responding to the new business calls and developing proposals, planning projects and then completing the work in a timely manner with the drastic increase in work load. This month I am simply offering a list of potential exterior projects that can easily be developed and planned during the winter months.
Planning any of these projects earlier rather than later will help you to be ahead of the rush and be first on the list as soon as the spring weather allows exterior construction projects to resume.
• Exterior siding repairs and replacement
• Vinyl, Cement board or Wood
• Deck Construction
• Repairs or Replacement
• Exterior Painting
• Roofing
• Concrete driveway and patio repair and replacement
• Chimney repairs
• Masonry repairs
• Window and door replacement
Planning ahead and being proactive regarding upcoming exterior improvement projects is a smart strategy. If you know you have a project that needs to be completed this Spring reach out to a local, qualified Contractor during the winter season so that planning and proposal can be developed before the rush of the spring season is upon us. Hope this months tips are helpful, stay warm, spring will be here soon! I HOPE!
PUZZLES
NOBLESVILLE; Items: BOOT, SANDAL, SHOE, SLIPPER; Words: LAUGH, LOUD, OUT; Goodbyes: ADIEU, AU REVOIR; Commissioner: ROGER
The kiss of lipstick plants will brighten homes
By John Chapin
GARDENING
Last month, I wrote about goldfish plants, great flowering
Legal Notice Cause No. 45843
VERIFIED PETITION OF INDIANAPOLIS POWER & LIGHT COMPANY D/B/A AES INDIANA FOR COMMISSION APPROVAL OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE PORTFOLIO, INCLUDING: (1) A PUBLIC USE ELECTRIC VEHICLE PILOT PROGRAM PURSUANT TO IND. CODE CH. 8-1-43; AND (2) TIME-VARYING AND OTHER ALTERNATIVE PRICING STRUCTURES AND TARIFFS PURSUANT TO IND. CODE § 8-1-2.56(3); AND FOR APPROVAL OF ASSOCIATED ACCOUNTING AND RATEMAKING.
Notice is hereby given that on January 27, 2023, Indianapolis Power & Light Company d/b/a AES Indiana (“AES Indiana”) filed a Petition with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (“Commission”) approval of an electric vehicle portfolio, including: (1) a public use electric vehicle pilot program pursuant to Ind. Code ch. 8-1-43; and (2) time-varying and other alternative pricing structures and tariffs pursuant to Ind. Code § 8-1-2.5-6(3); and for approval of associated accounting and ratemaking. This notice is provided to the public under Ind. Code § 8-1-2.5-6(d). A copy of the Joint Petition and other submissions in this proceeding is on file with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, PNC Center, 101 West Washington Street, Suite 1500 East, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204. The telephone number of the Commission is (317) 232-2701. Anyone wishing to protest, challenge, or intervene in this action may do so by contacting the Commission.
houseplants that cheer up dark, cold winter days with their unusual colorful flowers. Another similar flowering houseplant is the lipstick plant, Aeschynanthus radicans.
There are several varieties, although it’ll take some hunting to find any for sale. The effort is well worth it because they are relatively easy to care for.
Like goldfish plants, lipstick plants are epiphytes in their native tropical habitat, rooting on trees or rock crevices and getting their moisture and nutrients primarily from the air. They make excellent hanging basket houseplants. A healthy lipstick plant will bloom year round with vivid red blossoms emerging from dark maroon tubes of fused sepals reminiscent of a tube of lipstick.
The blooms stand out against a cascade of glossy, shield-like leaves. There are varieties of lipstick plants with orange, yellow or pink blooms and others with curly or variegated leaves, but red is the most common. As with all houseplants, success depends on providing the proper soil, water, light, temperature and fertilizer. Plant in any well-draining potting mix since lipstick plants are very sensitive to overwatering that leads to root rot. Keep the soil moist, but water only when the top couple inches of the soil are dry.
Lipstick plants rarely need repotting since they bloom even better when root bound. Place in bright light but not prolonged
direct sunlight that will burn the leaves. An east window is fine, or place a few feet away from a south or west facing window. I find that normal household temperatures and humidity are fine.
Since tropical lipstick plants grow yearround, I fertilize weekly, even during the winter, with a blooming plant fertilizer (high in phosphorus) diluted to 1/4 strength applied as a mist to the leaves. I keep a small spray bottle full of this diluted fertilizer on hand just for my lipstick and goldfish plants. These growing requirements are not
NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROGRESSIVE DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACT
all that difficult, and the effort will reward you with a beautiful display of long-lasting flamboyant blooms to brighten your winter days.
Happy Gardening!
John Chapin is a retired school teacher and sole proprietor of Chapin Landscaping in Danville. He has over 30 years’ experience in the landscaping business. Contact him at jchapinlandscaping@gmail.com
Notice is hereby given that Avon Community School Corporation, Hendricks County, Indiana (the “School Corporation”), requests any design-builder (as defined in Indiana Code Section 5-30-1-4, as amended) which is interested in being considered by the School Corporation as a potential design-builder with respect to the design, construction and equipping of the 2023 Lease Bond – Grade Realignment Project (the “Project”), located at:
Cedar Elementary School
685 South Avon Avenue, Avon IN 46123
River Birch Elementary School
5456 E CR 75 N, Avon IN 46123
Maple Elementary School
7237 E US Highway 36, Avon IN 46123
Sycamore Elementary School
7878 E CR 100 N, Avon IN 46123
Avon Intermediate School East
174 South Avon Avenue, Avon IN 46123
Avon Intermediate School West
176 South Avon Avenue, Avon IN 46123
Avon Middle School North
1251 North Dan Jones Road, Avon IN 46123
Avon Middle School South
7199 East U.S. Highway 36, Avon IN 46123
New Avon Middle School #3
SW Corner of E CR 100 S and S CR 450 E, Avon IN 46123
all as described in more detail in the Request for Qualifications, dated February 23, 2023 (the “RFQ”) to submit Verified Statements of Qualification and Proposals as set forth in Indiana Code Section 5-305-1(c), as amended.
All responses to the RFQ, in the form of a Verified Statement of Qualifications (a “VSQ”) shall be received until 2:00 PM, Eastern Daylight Saving Time on Friday, March 10, 2023 at the Administrative Office of Avon Community School Corporation, Attention: Dr. Michael Sullivan, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations, 7203 E. U.S. Highway 36, Avon, Indiana 46123.
Design-Builders should submit responses electronically via e-mail to MDSullivan@avon-schools. org with a copy to dan@therawlinsgroup.com
Each response to the RFQ must be in accordance with the RFQ, all of which is incorporated herein by reference, and all of the provisions of Indiana Code 5-30, as amended and as applicable to the RFQ and the RFQ process, and must be submitted by a person or entity satisfying the definition of a design-builder or team, each as defined in Indiana Code 5-30-1, as amended (each a “Design-Builder”)
For a copy of the RFQ, contact the School Corporation’s Design Criteria Developer (the “DCD”): Daniel D. Rawlins, RA, DBIA
The Rawlins Group, LLC 6706 Marmont Circle Indianapolis, Indiana 46220 e-mail: dan@therawlinsgroup.com telephone: (317) 441-7905.
As of the date of publication of this notice, all communications between the School Corporation and any prospective Design-Builder is to be through the School Corporation’s Design Criteria Developer.
A Pre-Submittal Conference will not be conducted for this project. Any Design-Builder with questions
about the project and the RFQ process should contact the School Corporation’s Design Criteria Developer. The RFQ contains, but is not limited to, the following: (a) A description of the Project, including the size and function of the facilities that are the subject of the Project, the approximate budget and the anticipated schedule, (b) A description of the selection process, including the process for communications between the potential Design-Builders and the School Corporation, including, but not limited to the Avon Community School Corporation Technical Review Committee (the “TRC”) and any agent of either the School Corporation or the TRC, the schedule for the selection process, the TRC procedure and a description of submission requirements; (c) The general qualifications for prospective Design-Builders, including appropriate experience with similar projects, team experience with design-build, organizational resources and depth of the Design-Builder, the prospective Design-Builder’s history of contracting with or hiring minority business enterprises and women’s business enterprises, the prospective Design-Builder’s litigation and disputes history and the prospective Design-Builder’s experience in dealing with bonding authorities; (d) The Project specification qualifications for prospective DesignBuilder, including: The prospective Design-Builder’s experience with the facilities or building types that are the subject of the Project, the prospective DesignBuilder’s performance record, including quality, schedule and cost of each project, the prospective Design-Builder’s proposed team composition, including the team’s past experience in working
together, the prospective Design-Builder’s proposed key project personnel and the prospective DesignBuilder’s client references; and (e) A description of the qualifications statement evaluation process, which includes: An established rating system that complies with Indiana Code Section 5-30-5-4, as amended and Indiana Code Section 5-30-5-5, as amended.
All of the information set forth in the RFQ as described in the paragraph above are incorporated into this notice by reference. In addition to the foregoing information, the response submitted by prospective Design-Builders must include all of the information required by Indiana Code Section 5-30-53, as amended.
After reviewing and evaluating all of the responses to the RFQ received by the date and time set forth above, the TRC shall identify and recommend to the Board the Design-Builder that is Highly Qualified and provides the Best Value proposal to the taxpayers of the School Corporation. The TRC or the School Corporation reserves the right to reject for any reason and for no reason at all any and all responses received to the RFQ and to be the sole judge of the value and merit of the responses offered. The School Corporation reserves the right to terminate for any reason and for no reason at all this Project prior to awarding the design-build contract,
Dated: February 23, 2023
AVON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
HENDRICKS COUNTY, INDIANA
By: Dr. Michael Sullivan
Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations
Tropical lipstick plants offer year round color indoors. (Photo by John Chapin)
Visit Israel and the Palestinian territories
By Don Knebel
This column begins a road trip through Israel and the Palestinian territories, making a short visit to western Jordan. This column will explore this trip for the next few issues. Before starting, it is important to understand something about the geography of the land.
The land occupied by Israel and the Palestinian territories (Israel/Palestine) along the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea is surprisingly small in light of its enormous significance to hundreds of millions of Jews, Christians and Muslims around the world.
The entire area is about 25% the size of Indiana, with the distance from north to south about 290 miles and from east to west about 85 miles at the widest spot.
The geography and climate are diverse, ranging from verdant forests in the north to hostile deserts in the south, with the fertile hill country in between. The shore of the Dead Sea at almost 1,500 feet below sea level is the lowest land elevation on earth.
Because Indiana and Israel/Palestine are about the same distance from north to south, you can think of Israel/Palestine locations in terms of the eastern quarter of Indiana. The Sea of Galilee would be near Ft. Wayne, Jerusalem would be near New Castle, the Dead Sea would be near Richmond and everything south of Shelbyville would be largely uninhabitable desert.
The Palestinian territories in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip occupy about the same area as Delaware, Henry, Jay,
Randolph and Wayne counties.
The total population of Israel/Palestine is about 14.8 million, about twice Indiana.
As the column explores traveling the area, topics will go from north to south, stopping along the way at important locations. For each place visited, the column will explore its history and religious and spiritual significance.
Don Knebel is a local resident who works for Barnes & Thornburg LLP. For the full column visit donknebel.com. You may contact him at editorial@youarecurrent.com.
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From the Negev desert to the Dead Sea, Israel and the Palestinian territories offer diverse geography in a small but religiously significant area on the globe.
(Photo by Don Knebel)
