Hendricks County Icon - 05.05.23

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The Hendricks Symphony names music director

Amy Eggleston was named Hendricks Symphony music director for the upcoming season.

After serving as interim conductor throughout 2022 and assistant conductor for several years, Eggleston has proven her dedication to making the Hendricks Symphony a welcoming and professional environment for music connoisseurs.

Eggleston earned an artist diploma in opera coaching from the College Conservatory of Music from the University of Cincinnati. She holds a master of music in piano performance and musicology from Indiana University and a bachelor of music in piano

performance from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University. Eggleston has been involved in several Indianapolis area institutions, including director of opera workshops, staff accompanist and teacher of diction for singers at the University of Indianapolis and Butler University. She also served as a coach and accompanist for the Indianapolis Opera, Indianapolis Children’s Choir, Indianapolis Symphonic Choir and the director of music for several religious organizations. Tickets for the upcoming season are on sale now. Visit hendrickssymphony.org.

New Lizton recycling center opens

The Hendricks County Recycling District opened its new Lizton Recycling Center April 26 at 8976 N. Ind. 39. It replaces the Recycling Drop-off Center the Recycling District provided near the corner of U.S. 136 and Indiana 39.

The new facility will have set hours to ensure only recyclable items are left and limit

CORRECTION: Jay Thompson’s responses were not included in the Hendricks County Election Guide in the April 23 issue. Thompson is running for Pittsboro Town Council. The ICON regrets the error. Jay Thompson was elected onto the Pittsboro Town Council in 2020. He is campaigning for reelection. He’s looking to see if the town is happy with how he has represented them the past three

misuse experienced at the former location. Hours will be 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-7 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.3 p.m. Saturdays.

An attendant will be onsite when the center is open to help users understand what can and cannot be recycled. Visit RecycleHC. org.

years. Thompson wants to focus on the residents’ concerns about town expansion and utility bill costs. “The biggest complaint I hear is about our high utility bills,” he said. “I’m doing research to find out why the town has apparently given Steel Dynamics a pass on agreements for their waste water use rates but shuts off homeowners and renters who hit the 60 and 90 day past due mark.”

Don’t miss Hendricks County news

Don’t wait until the next issue of the Hendricks County ICON hits your mailbox to catch up on local happenings in your town. Make sure to visit myhcicon.com and follow the ICON Facebook page facebook.com/HendricksCountyICON for stories and photos that feature and affect you and your community.

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Eggleston

Compiled by Peg McRoy Glover

Danville Town Council approves additional officer, annexation plan

The Danville Town Council met April 19. Meetings can be viewed 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 May 3. The ICON will report on that meeting in an upcoming issue.

WHAT HAPPENED: The council gave the police department approval to hire an additional officer to meet the needs of current and future population growth.

WHAT IT MEANS: Police Chief Jim Helton said the department receives monthly funding through the Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) public safety program, one of the degree and certification programs offered at LIT. This officer will be in addition to the approval council gave last year to add another officer in 2023.

WHAT HAPPENED: The council voted to table action to start the process of submitting a grant application with a government community development program to acquire property at 576 N. Ind. 39.

WHAT IT MEANS: The council held a feasibility work-study prior to its April 6 meeting regarding acquiring this land. They voted 3-2 at that meeting to proceed with the application process to access grant money. Chris Gearld and Greg Irby casted the dissenting votes.

Town planner Lesa Ternet said a developer is interested in purchasing the property to build a commercial strip and possibly build a residential structure. The party is aware that the town is interested in purchasing a portion of that land to reserve as an eventual access from the new extension of Mackey Road to Indiana 39.

WHAT HAPPENED: The Danville Community School Corporation (DCSC) was given a waiver for application and filing fees associated with renovations and building additions.

WHAT IT MEANS: DCSC is adding on to South Elementary School this summer. The council waived the $2,497 filing fee. The building permit fee cost is not determined yet.

WHAT HAPPENED: Prior to annexation, council approved the fiscal plan for property owned by

WHAT IT MEANS: This .48 acre property is contiguous to the town and a super-voluntary annexation. The residential property is temporarily vacant. The request is to gain access to town utilities. A public notice was expected to be published April 27, with annexation within 90 days after May 30.

UNSTOPPABLE character.

UNSTOPPABLE character.

Unstoppable isn’t about size, strength or speed. It’s about character. How you show up for the everyday and the extraordinary. West Central Indiana is full of unstoppable people. We know this because, at Hendricks, we’re rooted in the community through partnerships and service. Our patients are also our neighbors and we’re dedicated to providing them with exceptional healthcare.

This focus on quality has led us to earn membership in the prestigious Mayo Clinic Care Network, Leapfrog’s Top Teaching Hospital award and Healthgrades’ recognition as the state’s No. 1 for critical care. Bring your unstoppable spirit to the team, and let’s grow together. Be Unstoppable. Find your role at hendricks.org/CAREERS.

DIANA X-Ray Tech

Randy Ridenour, Randman Enterprises, 1881 10th St.

Brownsburg Town Council hears annual town update, reports

Compiled by Melissa Gibson

The Brownsburg Town Council met April 27 for a regular meeting at the Brownsburg Town Hall. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 11 at 61 N. Green St., Brownsburg.

WHAT HAPPENED: Police Chief Joe Grimes shared the department report

WHAT IT MEANS: Grimes said the final week of April was challenging physically and mentally for his team. The public has been given information regarding several cases through local media. He said their thoughts and prayers were with each of the people involved in these “horrific events.”

WHAT IT MEANS: Cook said Brownsburg was named as the number one suburb to live near a large city. The Brownsburg Police Department was recognized by Safewise as the 10th safest city in Indiana and the fire department maintained a Class 1 ISO rating, the highest rating a fire territory can receive.

Cook reviewed grant funding, volunteering and more to save public funds and said new investments have grown by 44%, a total of $336 million in capital investment. More than 425 jobs were developed in 2022, and the town had more than 20 new and relocated businesses. Staff members are working to increase media coverage and share positive events in Brownsburg.

WHAT HAPPENED: Jodi Dickey, development services director, requested the second, third and final reading of a zoning amendment ordinance for property at 204 E. Main St.

WHAT IT MEANS: The applicant requested rezoning from Institutional (IS) to Urban Commercial (UC) to allow for a counseling office and residential use at the former Trinity Presbyterian Church, a currently vacant building. Council unanimously approved the readings.

WHAT HAPPENED: Jodi Dickey, development services director, requested the second, third and final reading of a zoning amendment ordinance for property at 204 E. Main St.

WHAT IT MEANS: The voluntary annexation by Prestige Citywide/Indy Decorative Concrete is at the northeast corner of Jefferson and Main streets. Phase one was annexed in late February, and the current request is for phase two. Council unanimously passed the second reading.

WHAT HAPPENED: Water Utilities Director Kathy Dillon shared the College Avenue and Main Street Sewer Separation Preliminary Engineering Report. Council held a public hearing.

WHAT IT MEANS: Mary Atkins, Wessler Engineering, said the project design includes stormwater pipe installation, allowing for separation of stormwater from existing sanitary sewer pipes. It will include water main replacements, and phase one should be complete by April 2024.

WHAT HAPPENED: Hendricks County Pride requested a fee waiver for their upcoming Pride Festival on June 25.

WHAT IT MEANS: They will use two shelters at Williams Park, though it was unclear which shelters were requested. Councilman Mark Tieken requested a more thorough process by nonprofits like Hendricks County Pride when requesting fee waivers, and the council agreed. The fee waiver was granted 3-1, with Tieken opposed.

WHAT HAPPENED: Town manager Deb Cook shared the 2022 annual town update.

Plainfield Town Council prepares for potential annexations

Compiled by Nicole Davis

The Plainfield Town Council met April 24 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 May 8.

WHAT HAPPENED: The council passed a resolution setting a date for a public hearing regarding annexation of 3019 Vestal Road.

WHAT IT MEANS: The public hearing is set for 7 p.m. May 22 for the 1.59-acre property.

WHAT HAPPENED: The council passed a resolution adopting a written fiscal plan and establishing a policy for the provision of town services to an annexed area at 10701 Bradford Road. Council then passed an ordinance on first reading that would annex and make this property part of the town.

WHAT IT MEANS: The town established a plan to annex 3.17 acres along Bradford Road.

Avon Town Council makes road maintenance agreement

Compiled by Peg McRoy

The Avon Town Council met April 27. Meetings can be viewed on the town’s social media accounts. The council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of the month at the Avon Town Hall, 6570 E. U.S. 36. The next scheduled meeting is May 11.

WHAT HAPPENED: Council approved a service agreement with All Terrain for County Road 100 S roadside maintenance through December 2025. Cost is $33,855.

WHAT IT MEANS: All Terrain will mow the area, apply fertilizer, cut out landscape beds and tree rings, and conduct a fall clean-up. This action amends an already existing contract with All Terrain on the maintenance and landscaping of roundabouts for the town. It was also noted in the agreement that due to fluctuations of gas prices All Terrain reserves the right to add a fuel surcharge at any time.

WHAT HAPPENED: The council approved a $13,440 quote from Mason Private Locating to insert potholes for utilities in the area of Raceway Road and 10th Street. This location is earmarked for a future roundabout.

WHAT IT MEANS: Utilities typically do their own potholing for their facilities. An AT&T location on the northwest corner of this intersection serves as a major hub for the westside of Indiana. AT&T told town officials it may be 12 months before they can pothole it, which would put the town behind schedule on the roundabout. Town Manager Ryan Cannon said this action will save money in the long run because it will avoid utility relocation.

WHAT HAPPENED: Council adopted two ordinances establishing line items to accept restricted and unrestricted opioid funds as the result of the state’s participation in a $26 billion national settlement with opioid distributors and retailers.

WHAT IT MEANS: The town should receive these unrestricted funds over 18 years for the general fund. Restricted funds must be used for opioid remediation purposes purchasing Narcan or police training

Foster mom keeps son’s passions for public safety and foster care alive

By Lindsey Acton

When Kathleen Haley Ramsey married her husband Jeff in 2009 after 23 years of dating, she never imagined he would be her husband for a short time. Their courtship resulted in a heartbreakingly short marriage. Seven years after their wedding, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma.

“He lived with brain cancer for 18 months, and he died in my arms,” Ramsey said.

They built a rich life, filled with friends and a close-knit family. In his final months, Ramsey talked about the possibility of becoming a mother after his passing.

“I had told my husband, ‘One of these days, someone is going to drop me off a baby, and I’m keeping it,’” she said. Motherhood did not arrive in the form of a baby but found her in unexpected ways.

Ramsey met Kodie Skelton when he was 17 and a high school student at Harris Academy in Brownsburg. Skelton had been in 23 foster homes and part of the foster system most of his life.

Ramsey’s home was Skelton’s last. She became a mom, just like she told Jeff. In a way Skelton arrived, but he was not a baby.

“Kodie just kind of appeared in front of me,” she said through tears and smiles. “I had told him before that if he ever got sick of that foster home (that he was in), he could come to me.

“The first anniversary without my husband was coming up, and I planned to go to Rick’s (Cafe) Boatyard, to cry on my first anniversary without him. My phone rang, and it was Kodie. He needed to talk to me. He was arguing with his foster parent, and he said ‘I need to talk to you right now.’”

Ramsey made herself and her home a safe place for all the neighborhood children and never went to Rick’s that day. Instead, she turned her car around and found herself at a Mexican restaurant in Speedway with her sister Cynthia and Skelton.

“That night he said, ‘Well, it looks like I’m up for adoption again,’” Ramsey recalled.

That was the first night Skelton saw Ramsey’s home, and she told Skelton she would contact his caseworker and he could pick out a bedroom.

Ramsey did, and Skelton never left. It became their home. His foster placement was official July 4, 2018.

From that moment forward, Ramsey was a mother. Parenting a teenager was anything but idyllic.

“It was not easy,” Ramsey said. “He was in high school. He was a teenager. He was stubborn, and that was not easy.”

Soon after they moved to Plainfield, but he remained a Harris Academy student, where he became involved with public safety training.

“We moved to Plainfield and got him involved in Ben Davis ESEC and EMS, and when he got there, he ended up in the fire program. And it made him amazing. He found out what a brotherhood is in public safety,” Ramsey said.

As Skelton began to discover himself, their bond deepened. With his tax check he asked to go to the store, telling

Kathleen

Ramsey his purchase was personal and she needed to stay in the car.

“He came out with his arms full and a grin from ear-to-ear with three skillets, several different gift cards, my favorite lip balm and a coffee maker because he couldn’t decide what to get me, so he got me all of my favorite things,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey realized that Skelton arrived in her life exactly when he was supposed to. “I needed him and he needed me,” she said.

But Skelton’s and Ramsey’s story together was not meant to be a long one in this lifetime.

On April 26, 2020, Skelton, was dressed in safety gear and went with four friends to visit biological family members when they got in an accident that resulted in Skelton’s death.

He was 19 and died a hero.

“He wanted to show them who he had become,” she said. As Skelton and another woman were thrown from the vehicle, he shielded his friend, sacrificing his life to save hers.

Since 2020 Ramsey has worked tirelessly to make Skelton’s passions in foster care and public safety come to life through a foundation Kodie’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Heroes.

She wants to empower and equip children from the foster care system who want to enter public safety by providing clothing and equipment.

“In the system, there is a lot of red tape, so I am taking away all the red tape,” Ramsey said. “Let’s get you into school. I will help them get whatever they need so it’s not a hurdle.”

This mission hasn’t taken off in the way that she hoped, Ramsey believes Kodie’s Kids is made for more. Skelton’s best friend Austin’s desire to train volunteer fire departments took off.

“We have given away two sets of equipment to both the Monroe Township and to the Coatesville volunteer fire departments,” Ramsey said, noting each received two adult and two infant dummies and two AED trainers.

The ability to help a department like the one that saved her son, Ramsey says, is what keeps her going.

“When we walked out of that building for the first time, we all cried,” said Ramsey, who wants to donate to all 833 volunteer departments in the state.

Kodie’s Kids raises funds through a golf outing July 14, trash bag sales and dine to donate events.

“If we can change other kids’ lives and help them save the lives of others, because that’s what they need, to be needed — if they want that, I am going to make sure that they get it,” Ramsey said.

SUPPORT KODIE’S KIDS, TOMORROW’S HEROES

Kodie’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Heroes, a Hendricks County-based statewide charity, has a dual mission to provide public safety tools and training to Indiana volunteer fire departments and financially support out-of-home youth in the Indiana foster system and the homeless population.

Tools include two adult and two child training mannequins and two AED trainers and cost about $900.

Kodie’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Heroes will raise funds through a golf outing and trash bag sales.

Golf Outing: July 14, WestChase Golf Club, 4 Holloway Blvd., Brownsburg. Register at indypsf.networkforgood. com/events/53263-2nd-annual-public-safety-golf-outing-benefitting-kodie-s-kids.

Email: kodieskids@indypsf.org

TRASH BAG SALES

Cost: $13 roll

Pick up trash bags at Hendricks County ICON, 5252 E. Main St., Avon; My Dad’s Barbershop, 9060 Crawfordsville Road, Suite 2, Clermont; Heritage Lake or call (317) 258-5584.

Ramsey and Kodie Skelton posed with a gift that he made for her. She adopted him as a teen and created a foundation in his memory. (Photo provided by Ramsey)

ON THE COVER: Kathleen Haley Ramsey created Kodie’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Heroes foundation to honor the memory of Kodie Skelton whom she adopted. (Photo provided by Ramsey)

HISTORY finds Canning factory

By Marty Carter

The big news in Brownsburg in the spring of 1893 was the coming of a canning factory. That meant jobs for local citizens and a market for farmers tomatoes, corn, beans and pumpkins.

Financed by stockholders and supervised by Frank VanCamp of the Indianapolis Van Camp canning company, it promised to be a sure thing, and it was. By the end of the first season thousands of cans of corn and 15 carloads of tomatoes were sold. The local newspaper called the factory “a joy forever to our town.” In peak season 200 employees were needed, including local high school girls. School delayed its start date when workers were needed for tomato season. By 1896 the factory produced 18,000 cans of tomatoes a day.

The factory was purchased by Ladoga Canning Company then by the Princeton

Canning Company, using the RSVP label for the Brownsburg Canning Company.

The factory closed when the owner died in 1932. The Waddell family reopened it in 1935. The last owner was Loren Hufford from 1945-1955.

Hendricks County had two other canning factories. VanCamps Plant #14 operated in Plainfield from 1913 into the 1930s. The Danville Canning Company operated from 1912 until it burned in 1921. Some area farmers continued to grow tomatoes for Stokely VanCamps as long as it remained in Indianapolis.

The Hendricks County Museum is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 170 S. Washington St., Danville. Built in 1866, it was the home for Hendricks County sheriffs and their families with the county jail on the lower level until 1974. Groups can schedule tours at hendrickscountymuseum.org or leave a message at (317) 718-6158.

Our ICONic community

We love our Hendricks County communities. If you have something you believe we should know about, please send to editorial@icontimes.com.

Roman Numerals

$ 2,500

The Avon Optimist Club made history April 22 with local students winning two years in a row.

Sukhleen Dhami, an Avon High School senior, won the Indiana South District Oratorical contest based on a theme of Discovering the Optimism within Me. The Avon Club sponsors an Oratorical Contest each year. At the Third Quarter District Conference in Columbus, Ind., Dhami was awarded a $2,500 scholarship.

She is now eligible to compete in a regional competition at Saint Louis University. Winners of the regional contests will compete for scholarships in the World Championship also held at Saint Louis University.

By Nichole Meloche

Hendricks County Relay for Life Event raises money for cancer research

Nearly two decades after the first event in Danville, the annual Hendricks County Relay for Life event is approaching. This year’s event will support those who have battled with cancer May 20 at Brownsburg East Middle School.

Sharon Hammer has volunteered on the event leadership team for 16 years. After attending her first Relay for Life event in 2007, her sister-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, which encouraged her family to get more involved in funding cancer research.

“Relay for Life has been a staple in Hendricks County for about 20 years with the first relay event in Danville, followed a few years later by Avon, Brownsburg and Plainfield,” said Hammer. “Unfortunately, Brownsburg is the only community event that haswithstood the test of time and is still going strong.”

To include the entire county, this year members of the Brownsburg Relay for Life are rebranding the fundraiser as Relay for Life of Hendricks County, Hammer said. This broadens the base for volunteers, event participants, survivors and potential sponsors.

The event will feature a bounce house, Star Wars characters, live bands, international foods and Zumba classes. Cancer survivors and one caregiver are invited to receive a free dinner.

At 10 p.m. a luminaria ceremony will honor the memories of those participants have lost.

An online silent auction before the event will raise funds as participants bid on items such as gift cards, baskets and autographed items. Individuals and companies may donate to the auction until May 6.

“We would love to invite residents and businesses to support us by walking at our event to help fundraise and bring awareness to the need to find a cure,” said Hammer. “We plan to honor cancer survivors and strongly encourage every survivor to register online and to participate in the survivor walk and dinner.”

RELAY FOR LIFE OF HENDRICKS COUNTY

• When:: 2-11 p.m. May 20

• Where: Brownsburg East Middle School track, 1555 S. Odell St., Brownsburg.

• Email: shrnhmmr@sbcglobal.net or janet.wartman@cancer.org

• Dinner: 5 p.m. Cancer survivors and one caregiver may attend a free dinner.

• Luminaria ceremony: 10 p.m. honor those who lost their cancer battles.

• Online silent auction: May 11-20. Contacting Sharon Hammer to donate items, shrnhmmr@sbcglobal.net.

• Cost: Free to attend. Other activities vary.

• Website: Register, make online donations and purchase luminary bag purchases at secure.acsevents.org/site/ STR?pg=entry&fr_id=104837.

• Donations: Checks made to the American Cancer Society can be dropped off at the event.

Avon band to march in Thanksgiving Day parade

Staff report

The Avon High School Marching Black & Gold band has been invited to march in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Wesley Whatley, parade collection committee head and creative director, made the announcement in the school’s band room

April 24. Whatley, band director Kevin Welborn and parade and school staff worked together to make the invitation a surprise for band members. Avon was one of 10 bands that received an invitation among hundreds that applied.

This annual holiday parade will celebrate its 98th anniversary in 2024.

The Avon band is the second Hendricks County band chosen for the parade. The Sound of Brownsburg marched in the parade in 2021.

Volunteers at Relay for Life sell concessions to raise money to fund cancer research. (Photos provided by Sharon Hammer)

Avon High School senior Sukhleen Dhami, 2023 Oratorical IN SO District Winner, poses with her mother. (Photo provided by Avon Optimist Club)

A luminary bag honored the memory of someone who lost a battle to cancer at a previous Relay for Life event.

ICONIC brief

Lazy Sams RV Club prepares for summer outings

The Lazy Sams Club, Chapter 65 of the Indiana State Good Sams organization, has existed for more than 30 years. Members who live in the Hendricks County and Indianapolis area enjoy camping together the second full weekend each month May-October and dine together in April, November and December. May 19-21 is the first camping

weekend 2023 at West Boggs Lake Campground, Loogootee, followed by outings in June and July at Fowler Park in Terre Haute and Rockville Lake Park in Rockville.

Dues per unit are $15 a year. Call chapter president Charles Kester, (317) 6986621 or John Pancini, (317) 272-3796.

• All tryouts for U7-U10 players will be at the Crossroads Complex.

• All tryouts for U11-U19 players will be at the Kingsway Complex.

• Each player is expected to bring cleats, a soccer ball, guards, and water to tryouts.

• Please pre-register at www.wsusoccer.com

• Arrive 30 minutes prior to tryouts to check-in.

• It is Westside United’s goal to make sure that we have a team for each and every player. Players will be notified within 48 hours of the last tryout on which team they have made at Westside United.

• Rain out date to be on June 14th. Same times and location. • 30 State Championships

34 State Runner-ups • 425+ College Soccer players at the Division I, II, III, and NAIA Levels

• 1 Regional Finalist, 4 Regional Semi-Finalist

• 2 US U-17 National Team Player

• 3 ODP National Team Players

• 5 ODP Regional Team Players

• 1 MLS Player

• 2 NCAA Division 1 National Champions

June 6-7, 6:00-7:15 pm

• U7-U8 Boys (2016-2017)

• U9-U10 Boys (2014-2015)

• U7-U8 Girls (2016-2017)

• U9-U10 Girls (2014-2015)

June 12-13, 5:30-7:00 pm

• U11 Boys (2013)

• U12 Boys (2012)

• U13 Boys (2011)

• U14 Boys (2010)

June 12-13, 7:15-8:45 pm

• U11 Girls (2013)

• U12 Girls (2012)

• U13 Girls (20101)

• U14 Girls (2010)

June 12-13, 2:00-3:30 pm

• U15-U19 Boys (2005-2009)

• U15-U19 Girls (2005-2009)

• Coaching staff is made up of former pro players, college players, current/former college coaches, high school coaches, and state cup winners.

• Qualified licenses with USSF, NSCAA, or other International Licenses.

• Specialized Goal keeping coach with high level coaching and playing experience.

• Established relationships with college, ODP, and high school coaches.

• Best coaching staff in Indiana.

Lazy Sams Club members spend weekends camping together. (Photo provided by Lazy Sams)

Notables

Compiled by Mike Beas

The Brownsburg boys golf team finished third at the Artesian Open hosted by Martinsville, led by the 79 of junior Mason Pierle and Zach Forgrave carding an 83.

The Bulldogs softball squad scored seven runs in the top of the seventh inning to win a wild 14-13 contest at McCutcheon. Senior Maddie Starnes led the way with four hits, including a double, while juniors Hailey Thompson and Macy Twomey and freshman AG Pogue all delivered home runs. Thompson, who also doubled, drove in four of her team’s runs.

Plainfield baseball lost a 4-2 decision at Warren Central with Quakers players Zach Bigelow, Gabe Hansen, Maddox Holsclaw and Nathan Holowka had hits. Seniors Noah Hessong and Cooper Martin both stole a base for Plainfield, while junior pitcher Carter Orner went six innings, allowing six hits and striking out seven.

The Plainfield softball team ousted Northeastern, 5-2, at the Noblesville Invite as freshman Ava Broyles had three hits. Junior Baleigh Adams singled twice for the Quakers, as did senior Emily Marks. Sophomore pitcher Kami Arnett struck out 10 batters in seven innings to pick up the win.

A five-run first frame lifted host Cascade to an 11-2 victory over Western Boone in baseball. Freshman Noah Dasgupta doubled, tripled and drove in five runs for the Cadets, while junior Logan Gibbs had two doubles himself, and Carson Bassett drove in a pair of runs. Danville baseball lost both ends of a doubleheader at Bloomington North, 6-5 (in nine innings) and 7-5. Sophomore Kole Miller had three hits for the Warriors in the nightcap, followed by classmate Jack Warner, who had two hits and three RBIs.

Hendricks County ICONIC Athlete WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Plainfield senior Mahala Hess a three-year starter for girls tennis

By Mike Beas

History plays an undeniable role in the first name of the oldest of Mark and Suzanne Hess’s four children.

Each parent, it turns out, has a Mahala in their respective family lineages, the generations-ago common thread making the choice somewhat easy.

These days, Plainfield High School senior Mahala Hess is making a name for herself academically, as well as athletically, the latter as a member of the Quakers girls tennis program.

Hess, an outstanding student with a 4.55 grade point average, held a 6-4 record on the court entering Plainfield’s four-team tournament played April 29. She’s mostly played No. 2 singles this season, but had one competition at the top doubles spot.

She and her classmates didn’t get to experience a freshman tennis season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hess, one of nine seniors on this season’s Plainfield roster, has been both versatile and dependable in her three years in the Quakers’ lineup.

“This is Mahala’s third season of varsity, and she has played all four positions, with the exception of No. 1 singles,” said Quakers coach Keith Bradley, now in his 15th season. “Mahala is a quiet leader. Leading by example is probably her biggest strength.

“She’s a smart tennis player, finding her opponent’s weaknesses and then exploiting them during a match.”

Hess did a Q&A with ICON:

Q. Where do you currently play in the Plainfield lineup, and why do you like that spot?

A: Previously, I was playing No. 2 singles, but in the last match I played No. 1 doubles. I actually like where I’m at because it was kind of lonely playing by myself. I like having a partner (senior Sarah Buckner). Just celebrating points is so much fun when you have someone on the court with you.

Q: How old were you when you first started playing tennis, and what drew you to the sport?

A: I was in eighth grade, and my dad (Mark) taught me the basics. In middle school, coach (Brian) Planker taught me the correct form. I like tennis because there are so many fresh starts where it’s a new set or a new game. I also like how it can also be somewhat an individual sport as well as a team sport. That’s kind

of how I am. Independent, but also like having people support me.

Q. What are your plans after graduating from Plainfield High School?

A: I’ll be attending Cedarville University in Ohio. As of right now, I’m just going to be a student, but I might try to walk onto their tennis team. I’m going to major in nursing. I just like helping people.

Plainfield senior Mahala Hess has been a three-year starter for the Quakers tennis team. (Photo provided by Hess)

Hendricks County Farmers Markets 2023

Avon:

8244 US Hwy 36, Avon, IN

(in parking lot of Avon Hendricks Regional Health Building)

June- August, every Tuesday from 4pm-7pm

Special Events:

• June 6th: Strawberry Shortcake fundraiser

• July 11th: Taco Tuesday at The Market

• August 8th: Magic at The Market www.avonindiana.gov/farmersmarket Avon Indiana Farmers Market

Danville:

“On the Square” in Downtown Danville/ Marion & Washington St. May 13th- Sept 2nd, every Saturday from 8am-12pm www.danvillechamber.org

Danville Chamber of Commerce Farmer’s Market

Brownsburg:

61 N. Green St., Brownsburg, IN in front of Brownsburg Town Hall

June 1st-August 31st, every Thursday from 4-7pm

Special Events:

• June 1st: Artisan Night

• June 8th: Strawberry Festival

• June 15th: Chamber Night

• June 22nd: Community Health Night

• June 29th: Summer Soundtracks

• July 13th: Kid Biz Night

• July 20th: For the Dogs Night

• July 27th: Summer Soundtracks

• August 10th: Corn Roast

• August 17th: Non-Profit Night

• August 31st: Summer Soundtracks www.brownsburg.com

Brownsburg Farmers Market

Plainfield:

05 S. East St. at the Plainfield Friends Church

June 7th-September 13th, every Wednesday from 4-7pm

Special Events:

• June 7th: Grand Opening Day

• June 14th: Kids Day

• June 21st: Wellness Day

• June 28th: Non- Profit Day

• July 12th: Performing Arts Day

• July 19th: Kids Day

• July 26th: Community Day

• August 2nd: Back to School Day

• August 9th: Kids Day

• August 23rd: Wellness Day

• August 30th: Plainfield HS Orchestra

• September 13th: Last MarketTicket Draw Day www.plainfield-in.com Plainfield Chamber Farmers Market

Pittsboro:

227 East Main St. Pittsboro, IN 46167

(Pittsboro United Methodist Church)

May 17 through Sept. 13 May through Aug. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. & Sept. 5:30 to 7 p.m. Pittsboro Parks Department Farmers Market

Need to provide a caffeine fix for an onsite event? Contact us today to find out more information about how we can help support your event. We can serve at weddings, concessions for school events, and any event type you can think of. We offer fully customizable concessions and onsite coffee bar services that help take your event to the next level. If you can't make it to the Cabin, let the Cabin come to you!

THE 20TH ANNUAL

FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 2023

West Chase Golf Club, Brownsburg, IN

7:30 a.m. Registration • Practice

Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start Awards and lunch immediately following play.

Enjoy a great day of golf with school administrators and community leaders, and directly impact the education of Brownsburg’s students.

Proceeds from the Chip in for the Kids will be awarded in the form of student scholarships and teacher grants.

Not a golfer? You or your organization can still “Chip in for the Kids.” A Brownsburg Community School Corporation team of teachers or staff will play for you, and you will receive the same recognition as a golfing sponsor. Or be a Gallery sponsor, and your donation will be used to sponsor a student scholarship.

West Chase Golf Club

4 Hollaway Boulevard Brownsburg, IN

For additional information please call (317) 852-1056, e-mail BEF@brownsburg.k12.in.us or register online at www.brownsburgeducationfoundation.org

ICONIC brief

Avon educator earns high honor

Avon Intermediate School West fifth grade teacher Alli Coulter was named an IU Jacobs Educator.

Jacobs Educators are outstanding teachers from across Indiana and the U.S. who are at the cutting edge of integrating technology and teaching computer science to K-12 teachers and students.

“I know how hard all teachers work

and truly believe there should be more opportunities to award teachers for the amazing things they do every day,” said Coulter. “I’m incredibly honored to have the chance to be a Jacobs Educator and look forward to continuing to work with IU faculty, other honoree and pre-service teachers.”

ServSafe offers food handler course

The ServSafe Food Handler for anyone who needs basic food safety and food handling training, includes home-based vendors, food service workers, volunteers or others who work with food. The half-day course focuses on basic food safety, personal hygiene, cross-contamination and allergens, time and temperature and cleaning and sanitation.

After passing the assessment, a Food

Handler Certificate of Achievement will be documented with the National Restaurant Association so participants can access information.

Led by a Purdue Extension educator, the training is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 13 at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St., Danville. Cost: $40. Register by June 1, cvent.me/937nly.

Local road projects receive state funding boost

Local communities will receive over $3.4 million to complete road projects, Hendricks County legislators said. Funding is through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, which can be used for road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements and other items.

Area grant recipients include: Avon,

$992,354; Clayton, $140,724; Danville, $381,321; Hendricks County, $1 million and Plainfield, $976,132. Smaller municipalities provide a 25% match in local funds, and large communities provide a 50% match.

Visit in.gov/indot/communitycrossings.

Avon Intermediate School West teacher Alli Coulter was named an IU Jacobs Educator. (Photo provided by Avon Community School Corporation)

Beef & Boards to enchant audiences with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Beloved musical on stage May 18 through July 9

“Be Our Guest” and step into the enchanted world of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast when Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents the Broadway sensation starting May 18. The beloved musical is the featured Family Show of’ Beef & Boards’ 50th Anniversary Season.

This classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end, and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Beauty and the Beast is on stage for 62 performances through July 9 in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $52.50 to $79.50 and include Chef Larry Stoops’ familyfriendly dinner buffet and select beverages. As the featured Family Show of Beef & Boards’ 2023 Season, this production offers a $10 Family Show discount off tickets for kids ages 3-15 (children under age 3 not admitted).

To purchase tickets online, visit beefandboards.com. Tickets are also available by calling the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664 anytime between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays). Discounts are available to groups of 20 or more; contact the Group Sales Department at 317.876.0503 for more details. For more information, including the complete show schedule, visit beefandboards.com.

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ICONIC brief

Avon hires athletic director

Avon Community School Corporation (ACSC) hired Jason Young as corporation athletic director.

“Avon has been a special place for me since I was hired here in 1996. I have always been proud to be an Oriole,” says Young. “We have a deep and dedicated athletic staff, and I look forward to working with all of them. My goal is to develop positive relationships with student-athletes and coaches and help create a positive experience for everyone involved. I look forward to seeing

our athletes train for the championships that await them.”

Young began his career as the physical education teacher at White Oak Elementary. He moved to Cascade High School for a five-year stint as teacher and varsity boys basketball coach before returning to Avon in 2004.

Young has been a PE teacher, served as physical education department chair, was head boys basketball coach for 14 years and co-interim athletic director since February.

(Photo provided by ACSC)

How to determine healthy vs. unhealthy fats

By Camille Gillespie

Fat is an important nutrient found in food and our bodies. However, not all fat is created equal. Healthy fats are beneficial for heart health. There are also unhealthy fats. Too much unhealthy fat over a prolonged period can increase the risk for heart disease.

For optimal health, focus on eating more healthy fats and fewer unhealthy fats.

Here are some tips on how to tell which is which:

Healthy fats are also called unsaturated fats. They include the following foods:

• Nuts and seeds, including nut butters

• Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines

• Canola, vegetable, olive, peanut, avocado, safflower and sunflower oils

• Avocados

Unhealthy fats are called saturated fats. These fats are found in these foods:

• Meat, especially red meats

• Shellfish

• Poultry skins

• Dairy products such as whole milk, ice cream, cheese (including cream cheese), whole milk yogurts, butter and creams (including sour cream and heavy cream)

• Tropical oils such as coconut, palm and palm kernel oils

• Trans fat is an additional unhealthy fat that comes from adding hydrogen to vegetable oils. It can raise blood cholesterol. Spot trans fats by looking for hydrogenated oils in the ingredient list.

Think about what to do to increase healthy fats and decrease unhealthy fats in your eating habits. Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Grab a handful of nuts as a snack.

• Eat more fish. Cook or order salmon for dinner, make a quick tuna sandwich for lunch or munch on sardines with crackers as a snack.

• Fry or roast your veggies in olive oil instead of butter.

• Put avocados on your grocery list and add them to toast, sandwiches and Mexican food such as tacos, enchiladas and quesadillas, or eat them plain with a little salt and pepper.

• Eat red meat and shellfish once or twice a week. Instead, opt for skinless poultry more often.

• Switch to skim or 1% milk.

Look for low fat cheese, cream cheese, yogurt and sour cream.

Replace heavy cream with half and half in recipes.

For optimal health, focus on eating more healthy fats and fewer unhealthy fats.

Camille Gillespie, RD, LD, CPT, is a registered dietician and personal trainer at Hendricks Regional Health.

In April, the BHS Winter Guard placed sixth in the Scholastic Open Class in its first time competing in that class. The following weekend, the Winter Percussion ensemble earned the highest score in the history of the program and finished third in the Scholastic Open Class. All five music ensembles advanced to the Indiana State School Music Association spring finals. Brownsburg Band, Orchestra and all three concert choirs (Madrigals, Bel Canto/Starlight and The Blend) will perform at state.

BHS Winter Guard

BHS Winter Percussion Ensemble

A rose of purple prose arose

By Curtis Honeycutt

When you think about the color purple, what comes to mind? Probably the movie “The Color Purple.” That makes sense. Beyond that, you might think of Prince’s “Purple Rain” or maybe even Sheb Wooley’s 1958 hit “The Purple People Eater.” Not to be discounted, Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” probably outranks Wooley’s song on my popular purple song chart.

What do you get when you come to the intersection of “purple things” and grammar? You get “purple prose,” a style of overly ornate, elaborate language most often reserved for descriptions of intimate interactions in paperback romance novels and teenage love poems.

I’m sure you’re just dying for an example at this point, and I won’t disappoint you. In the Victorian era, the purple prose style took off. We see this trend in authors like Charles Dickens. Here’s how Dickens describes Oliver Twist’s breathing condition in the eponymous novel: “The fact is, that there was considerable difficulty in inducing Oliver to take upon himself the office of respiration — a troublesome practice, but one which custom has rendered necessary to our easy existence …”

You’ll notice that I trailed off at the end of that sentence; Dickens continued to describe poor Oliver’s asthma. As a reaction to this type of writing, enter Ernest Hemingway. “The Old Man and the Sea” author was not a fan of purple prose. Hemingway wrote, “A writer’s style should be direct and personal, his imagery rich and earthy, and his words simple and vigorous. The greatest writers have the gift of brilliant brevity, are hard workers, diligent scholars and competent stylists.”

What do you get when you come to the intersection of “purple things” and grammar? You get “purple prose,” a style of overly ornate, elaborate language most often reserved for descriptions of intimate interactions in paperback romance novels and teenage love poems.

was way back then. Surely this style went the way of the dinosaur, right?

Here’s an example of recent purple prose. See if you can guess the book from whence it comes. “His skin, white despite the faint flush from yesterday’s hunting trip, literally sparkled, like thousands of tiny diamonds were embedded in the surface … His glistening, pale lavender lids were shut, though of course he didn’t sleep. A perfect statue, carved in some unknown stone, smooth like marble, glittering like crystal.”

Did you guess the novel-turned-movie series? It seems as though “Twilight” author Stephanie Meyer has brought purple prose into the 21st century. Her description of vampire Edward’s sparkly skin could have been much shorter. When it comes to purple prose, I am definitely on Team Hemingway.

I prefer Hemingway’s no-nonsense prose even though Dickens got paid by the word. I’m guessing Dickensian purple prose came about as a result of his novels being published in installments. But that

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Curtis Honeycutt is a syndicated humor columnist. He is the author of Good Grammar is the Life of the Party: Tips for a Wildly Successful Life . Find more at curtishoneycutt.com

GRAMMAR GUY

Across

1. Flower part

6. “Mamma Mia!” group

10. BHS transcript figs.

14. Actress Greta

15. Twofold

16. Blow off steam

17. Boric and citric

18. Spring bloom

19. “M*A*S*H” actor

20. State-run agency that lists the Problem Gambling Helpline on its website

23. Metro Diner handout

24. Goes up

25. Most kind

28. Zones

31. UIndy business course

32. Bad bacteria

33. Pacers gift shop buy

36. State basketball tournament nickname

40. ___ and outs

41. Lions’ prides

42. Skirt length

43. Chose

44. Wept

46. Well-timed

49. Bingo relative

50. IU hoops event with a trophy presentation

56. Helper, for short

57. Actress Moore

58. Fancy neckwear

60. Wintry coating

61. Musk of Tesla

62. Bloodsucker

63. Yankee superstar, familiarly

64. Nary a soul

65. Avon HS test type Down

1. Pitch and putt org.

2. Apiece

3. Threesome

4. Guts

5. Indiana Crossroads Conference standings column

6. French farewell

7. “Hamilton” role

8. Get-out-of Hendricks

County Jail payment

9. In addition

10. Free

11. Lightens in color

12. US Rep. Carson

13. Remains

21. Colts QB mistake

22. Genetic attribute

25. Fruity soda brand

26. James Dean, e.g.

27. Dove sounds

28. Felt sore

29. Rogers and Clark

30. Overhead trains

Shore bird 33. Baby’s bed

Indiana Senate staffer

First 5 callers with the correct answer are

The name “Indiana” was first used in the 1760’s and applied to a

The

In what country was Haagen-Dazs ice cream developed?

Which

35. Picked up the tab

37. Columbus library designer

38. Have lasagna at Frank’s Place

39. Adorns with raised text

43. Unseated

44. ___ of Tranquility

45. Reduced in price

46. Scarlett of Tara

47. Polite refusal

48. Fashion mag

49. IU grad who has won an Academy Award and three Tony Awards

51. Biblical garden

FORtheRECORD - HC OBITUARIES

AVON

Jeremy Michael Crist

Jeremy Michael Crist was born Nov. 20, 1978, to Gary Crist and Cathy (Cooper) Crist and passed away with his family by his side on April 22, 2023. Jeremy graduated from Avon High School in 1997 and was a member of the football team along with the track team. Jeremy earned a bachelor of science degree in public affairs from Indiana University in 2001. Jeremy’s professional career was spent in sales and supply chain management.

Jeremy was an avid sports fan and loved the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Cubs and Indiana Hoosiers. He also loved anything outdoors whether it was sitting around the fire pit, camping, fishing, hiking at Eagle Creek or walking his two dogs Beau and Buddy. When he wasn’t watching sports or enjoying the outdoors, he spent his time reading and with his family.

Jeremy is survived by his son, Jackson Joseph Crist and his best friend Sarah Crist, his father and mother, Gary and Cathy Crist, his twin sister Dawn Franklin, brother-inlaw Michael Franklin, nieces Chloe Jones and Stella Taylor and nephews Cooper Jones, Mason Taylor and Lane Taylor. He was loved and cherished by the Blankenship, McCowan and Taylor families. Jeremy will be missed by many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by grandparents Joseph and Anne Crist and Jack and Beverly Cooper. The family would like to thank the team of nurses and physicians at IU Health West Hospital for the incredible care they provided to Jeremy.

A celebration of life was held at Traders Point Christian Church, Whitestown, May 1,

service afterward. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations towards his son’s college education account. To make a donation, visit Ugift529.com and enter code 792-98D.

Irma Maxine Arnett

Irma Maxine Arnett, 98, passed away April 4, 2023. She was born May 17, 1924. Services were held April 12. Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville, was entrusted with arrangements.

Karen K. Gardner

Karen K. Gardner, 78, passed away April 17, 2023. She was born Aug. 11, 1944. Services will be held at a later date.

Dorothy E. Levihn

Dorothy E. Levihn, 93, passed away April 20, 2023. She was born July 23, 1929. Services were held April 25. Conkle Funeral Home, Speedway, was entrusted with arrangements.

Judith Ann Waggoner

Judith Ann Waggoner, 83, passed away April 23, 2023. She was born Oct. 8, 1939. Services were held April 29 at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Contributions may be made to Coatesville United Methodist Church.

Norma “Jeanie” Witty

Norma “Jeanie” Witty, 76, passed away April 27, 2023. She was born March 13, 1947. Services were held May 4 at Conkle Funeral Home, Avon. Contributions may be made to the Simon Cancer Center.

BROWNSBURG

Linda Jean Bolyard

Riley Children’s Foundation, Saint Meinrad Archabbey or St. Malachy School.

Barbara Eileen Hott

Barbara Eileen Hott, 87, passed away April 20, 2023. She was born March 11, 1936. Services were held April 24 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.

John R. Kerr

John R. Kerr, 98, passed away April 14, 2023. He was born Dec. 3, 1925. Services were held April 18 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. Contributions may be made to a local Habitat for Humanity, American Legion or St. Malachy School.

Pamela J. King

Pamela J. King, 65, passed away April 17, 2023. She was born July 28, 1957. Services will be held at 2 p.m. May 13 at Eaton Hall, 61 N. Green St., Brownsburg. Contributions may be made to the Midwest Sports Foundation or Hendricks County Meals on Wheels.

Juanita Linn

Juanita Linn, 81, passed away April 20, 2023. She was born Oct. 19, 1941. Services were held April 26. Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, was entrusted with arrangements.

David D. Pitcher, Ph.D

David D. Pitcher, Ph.D, 67, passed away April 1, 2023. He was born Aug. 4, 1955. Services were held April 7 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.

Jim Sanford

Sue Carol Cowan Young

Sue Carol Cowan Young, 82, passed away March 26, 2023. She was born Feb. 13, 1941. Services were held April 29. Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home, Pittsboro, was entrusted with arrangements.

CLAYTON

Nancy Ann Fields

Nancy Ann Fields, passed away April 19, 2023. She was born Jan. 21, 1937. Services will be held at a later date.

COATESVILLE

Joan Smith

Joan Smith, 87, passed away April 24, 2023. She was born Jan. 13, 1936. Services were held April 30 at Bousley Funeral Home, Coatesville.

Steven A. Stoddard

Steven A. Stoddard, 71, passed away April 16, 2023. He was born July 13, 1951. Services will be held at a later date.

DANVILLE

Ray F. Auen

Ray F. Auen, 68, passed away April 25, 2023. He was born Feb. 13, 1955. Services will be held at a later date.

Paul Barnett

Paul Barnett, 82, passed away April 16, 2023. He was born March 18, 1941. Services were held April 21 at Helton and Harris Funeral Home, Danville.

Lori Lynn Curry

Linda Jean Bolyard, 72, passed away April 25, 2023. She was born Sept. 7, 1950. Services were held May 5 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Vincent Paul Hardebeck

Vincent Paul Hardebeck, 7, passed away April 19, 2023. He was born Jan. 11, 2016. Services were held April 25 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg. Contributions may be made to

Jim Sanford, 79, passed away April 24, 2023. He was born Jan. 19, 1944. Services were held April 29 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.

Deborah L. Woods

Dalton Shaw

Deborah L. Woods Dalton Shaw, 71, passed away April 11, 2023. She was born Sept. 8, 1951. Services were held April 19 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.

Irene S. White

Irene S. White, 79, passed away April 19, 2023. She was born May 30, 1943. Private services were held.

Larry Gene Young

Larry Gene Young, 84, passed away March 12, 2023. He was born June 17, 1938. Services were held April 29. Eric M.D. Bell Funeral Home, Pittsboro, was entrusted with arrangements.

Lori Lynn Curry, 53, passed away April 10, 2023. She was born March 16, 1970. Services will be held at a later date. Baker Funeral Home, Danville, was entrusted with arrangements.

Donna J. Dilley

Donna J. Dilley, 86, passed away April 21, 2023. She was born Dec. 12, 1936. Services were held April 25 at Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville.

Barbara F. Kiser

Barbara F. Kiser, 59, passed away April 12, 2023. She was born June 24, 1963. Private services were held. Helton and Harris Funeral Home, Danville, was entrusted with arrangements.

Elgie Leon Sanders

Elgie Leon Sanders, 94, passed away April 15, 2023. He was born March 26, 1929. Services were held April 20. Bousley

FORtheRECORD -

HC OBITUARIES

Funeral Home, Coatesville, was entrusted with arrangements. Contributions may be made to Hendricks County Senior Services, Danville.

JAMESTOWN

Teresa McIntire

Teresa McIntire, 73, passed away April 13, 2023. She was born Nov. 4, 1949. Services were held April 19 at Porter and Hunt Funeral Home, Jamestown.

PITTSBORO

Linda Lula Gieseking

Linda Lula Gieseking, 83, passed away April 25, 2023. She was born Oct. 7, 1939. Services were held May 1 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.

PLAINFIELD

Louise Kalb

Louise Kalb, 93, passed away April 20, 2023. She was born Dec. 23, 1929. Services were held April 22 at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.

Edward Alan Kortepeter

Edward Alan Kortepeter, 73, passed away April 21, 2023. He was born Sept. 27, 1949. Services were held April 29 at Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield. Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Sarah E. Lawson

Sarah E. Lawson, 87, passed away April 14, 2023. She was born Aug. 9, 1935. Services were held April 19 at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.

Keith Edward Taylor

Keith Edward Taylor, 69, passed away April 12, 2023. He was born Feb. 24, 1954. Services were held April 18 at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Contributions may be made to the Indianapolis Zoo or Thera-Tails.

EVENTScalendar

MAY

6-7 Saturday-Sunday

Cleetus & Cars and the Indy 800

8 a.m.-5 p.m., Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, 10267 U.S. 136, Indianapolis. Event combines drag racing and burnouts with oval action. facebook.com/RaceIRP

7 Sunday

Perry Crossing 500 Tricycle Races

10 a.m.-12 p.m., 2499 Perry Crossing Way Plainfield. The Shops at Perry Crossing will celebrate the Indianapolis 500 with 500-inspired tricycle races. Tricycle race categories include ages 4-7, 8-12, 13-17 and adults. The mini tricycle course loops around the Town Square oval, with the youngest age group circling around the Center fountain. Free. Register on Eventbrite. perry-crossing. com

7 Sunday

Raise the Woof

4 p.m., Avon Wedding Barn, 7424 E. CR 100 N., Avon. Misty Eyes Animal Center’s 12th annual Raise the Woof fundraiser. Cost: $60, includes dinner. mistyeyes.org/event

12-13 Friday-Saturday

19th Annual Native Plant Sale

4-7 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Avon Outdoor Learning Center, 7237 E. U.S. 36, Avon. Hendricks County Master Gardeners will help customers choose plants. Proceeds benefit Avon Outdoor Learning Center. (317) 544-6700

13 Saturday

Danville Farmers Market

8 a.m.-12 p.m., Danville Town Square, Washington Street, Danville. Saturdays through Sept. 2. Fruits, vegetables, meat, and eggs, local honey, handmade soaps and more. danvillechamber.org/farmers-market

13 Saturday

Concert in the Park

6 p.m., Hummel Park Amphitheater, Plainfield. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, sponsored by Plainfield High School Band. Food for purchase, 50/50 raffle. Free concert at 7 p.m.

13 Saturday

Pittsboro Parks Department Movie Nights 8-11 p.m., Scamahorn Park, 130 E. Main St., Pittsboro. Family movie. facebook.com/ pittsboroindianaparksandrecreation

16 Tuesday

Movie Night at the Library: “CODA”

6 p.m., Danville Center Township Public Library, 101 S. Indiana St., Danville. Rated R. 18 or older only. Registration required. dplindiana.org

17 Wednesday

Pittsboro Parks Department Farmers Market

5:30-7:30 p.m., Pittsboro United Methodist Church, 227 E. Main St., Pittsboro. Weekly on Wednesday nights May 17-Sept. 13. townofpittsboro.org/pittsboro-parks

18 Thursday

North Salem Farmers Market

5-7:30 p.m., 5 W. Pearl St., North Salem. Thursdays starting May 18-August. facebook. com/farmersmarketnorthsalem

20 Saturday

Tox Away Days

8 a.m.-1 p.m., Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St., Danville. Hendricks County households can dispose of chemicals, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, medicines, medical sharps, tires, electronics, appliances and more. hendrickssolidwaste. com/tox-away-day-faq

20-21 Saturday-Sunday

Central Indiana Enchanted Fairy Festival

10 a.m.-5 p.m., Murphy Aquatic Park, 735 S. CR 625 E., Avon. This two-day festival includes immersion into the fairy world, four stages of entertainment, games, tea party, music, live unicorns, fairy art and craft vendors. centralinfairyfest.org

20 Saturday

Touch a Truck

10 a.m.-3 p.m., W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Avon. Get up close and personal with machines big and small. Featuring classic and new machines, hands-on activities and learn about radio-controlled (RC) vehicles. facebook.com/HCPandR

20 Saturday

Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars 6-9 p.m., Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St., Danville. Annual Hendricks County Museum fundraiser. Price: $75. facebook.com/ dancingwiththehendrickscountystars

21 Sunday

Avon Gardens Peony Festival

11 a.m.-5 p.m., Avon Gardens, 6259 E. CR 91 N., Avon. Walk the gardens and see the unique display of peonies. avongardens.net

Hendricks County obituaries are printed free of charge up to 50 words. Funeral directors are encouraged to send obituaries and photos to lyla@icontimes.com.

GR AND OPENING

Word perfect — spelling out a computer game addiction

By Dick Wolfsie

I have been lecturing my adult son recently on how much time he spends playing video games. I don’t think he was listening, so next time I’ll wait until he takes his headset off.

I was going to really lay down the law. Tell him what a waste of time video games are and how little you benefit intellectually. Plus, the activity provides absolutely no exercise. I was going to tell him all that, but I played golf all that day when I discovered the carts were 50% off.

I have an addiction, myself.

Not to golf

Not to nicotine

Not to prescription drugs

Not to Uncle Ralph’s Hard Lemonade

Not even to pickleball (but I am getting close on this one)

I am addicted to Scrabble.

Every time I play, I realize I’m in over my head. Just before writing this column, I was trounced by the computer. Here were some of the words that beat me:

PROMIAL

ZOOTIER

HEWABLE

ZLOTE

SCHALENE

I had never heard of these words. As I typed them, my spell check had a hissy fit. “No such words” it tells me by underlining them all in red. But apparently the 200 people I mentioned probably use words like these as part of their everyday speech. These wordophiles must all live together in a commune, the perfect place for people who know the names of all 4,000 varieties of tree fungus, use them in conversation…and can spell them.

Not Words with Friends — I don’t like that game. It involves friends, which is exactly what I am trying to avoid when I seclude myself in the basement every night for an hour. I also don’t mean the board game that is up in your hall closet wedged between your winter galoshes and the Monopoly game. And I’m not referring to the Scrabble game that you flung in your basement crawl space because you’re missing a J and a V. I’m addicted to the Scrabble that I downloaded on my computer. Oh, it’s the same concept, only instead of playing your etymologically challenged uncle or your linguistically deficient neighbor, you are playing Noah Webster and someone I assume is his obsessive-compulsive sister, Merriam. Good luck.

In this computer game, you can control the level of difficulty, but with a masters degree in English, I’ll be darned if I’ll compete as a novice or beginner. Instead, I check off expert, at which point the computer runs a program that has beaten all but 200 Scrabble players in America. I wonder who these people are and if their wives and children would like them to come up from the basement occasionally and take a shower.

The reason this computer Scrabble is so addictive is that every time I make a word that’s worth more than 30 points, a nerdy little figure pops up on the screen and seduces me with adulation: GREAT JOB! EXCELLENT MOVE! I’m a sucker for this because my 43rd wedding anniversary is coming up, and I’ve only heard GREAT JOB maybe six times during our marriage. I can’t remember ever hearing EXCELLENT MOVE! And I’m even counting our honeymoon. My son is growing more and more concerned about my obsession. So much so that he promised me the other day that if I gave up SCRABBLE, he’d cut down on his video game playing.

“Just say the word, Dad,” he told me. “Just say the word and video games are history.”

The question is: What is the word? And how many points will I get

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.

“Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”

— Oscar Wilde

Dick

THUMBS UP

On Earth Day, a couple walking their German shepherd dog on Northfield Drive in Brownsburg picked up trash along the walking path.

Danville eighth grade teacher Jon Jeffries was named the March Hensley Legal Group Teacher of the Month award. His students got to be in on the surprise. Nominator and colleague Nick Kallas said, “Jon has impacted me as an educator to become better. He has taught me that you are going to have amazing days but also hard days. And that it is important to take lessons away from both kinds of days. He’s the reason I am the educator I am today.”

Break-ins, violence and property damage have occurred frequently in

THUMBS DOWN

the Brownsburg neighborhoods. Homeowners have reported broken beer bottles, damage to property and stolen weapons that were left in vehicles and police responded to domestic violence.

Plainfield celebrated Arbor Day with the inaugural Arbor Day Tree Drive-Thru at Talon Stream Park.

Pittsboro parks hosted groups in April that helped clean up parks and town property. They offer ongoing opportunities for service.

Avon High School visual art teacher

Margo Wallace will get to show her work in Europe May 13 in Antwerp, Belgium, for the debut of a group art show called Wish You Were Here.

Our nation has all sorts of arcane, nonsensical laws on the books. Each issue, we’ll share one with you …

In Louisiana, stealing crawfish can result in prison time. You might find yourself behind bars for less than 6 months if you steal less than $500 of crawfish or up to 10 years if you steal over $1,500 worth. STRANGE LAW

Don’t let devotion divert faith

DEVOTIONAL

By Rashad Cunningham

Recently, my mother

Regina Cunningham (for those who will ask so they can pray) was placed on hospice. She might have six months or less to live. This news was a bit overwhelming at first, but immediately God began using the circumstances to draw my family and me closer to him.

In this season, Matthew 15:1-9 stood out. Jesus, challenged by Pharisees and scribes regarding his disciples not keeping “the tradition of the elders,” responds by exposing the accusers breaking the commandments of God for the sake of their traditions.

It was the example Jesus gave that spoke so loud to my heart. He mentioned the command from God that says, ‘“Honor your father and your mother,” and ‘“Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.”

Jesus then called out the Pharisees and scribes for their tradition that states if someone devotes their things to God, there is no need to use their possessions to honor (or rather take care of) their fathers and mothers.

God immediately, through the Holy Spirit, exposed my heart and my life in regards to something I have devoted to him, my time.

In front of me were my parents who needed their son to be more available, yet it would be easy to say to my parent, “The time

needed for me to love and serve you has been devoted to pastoring, preaching, writing devotionals for the ICON (LOL) and (insert other traditionally good things) and therefore I cannot be available for you.”

The Pharisees, scribes and unfortunately far too often many of us use our devotion to God to disguise our disobedience to God. What have you devoted to God that is actually causing you to disobey him? We most often see this when our traditions that aren’t necessarily bad become more important to us than his commandments.

I am happy to report that I confessed, repented and now walk in obedience to what God showed me about my time and my parents.

Will you join me in letting Jesus’ commands to love God and love others as we would love ourselves override any traditions or devotions that are helping us disguise our disobedience to him?

More people trust us with their hearts

When you choose Ascension St. Vincent for your heart care, you get an entire team of nation-leading cardiovascular specialists dedicated to your care. We care for more hearts than any other health system in Indiana and are home to the state’s largest heart transplant program and most comprehensive valve and structural heart program. And we’re the only hospital to be named a Top 50 Heart Hospital* in Indiana. AFib to heart failure to heart attack, find the only heart care you need close to home. We start by listening to get to know you so we can understand you and your symptoms. Appointments available.

Schedule now with one of our other cardiologists near you at ascension.org/StVincentHeart

Rashad Cunningham is a pastor at Church@ Main in Brownsburg. Visit churchatmain.org.

Awareness – a small step in right direction for mental health

By Chase Cotten

COUNSELOR’S CORNER

Mental health is the common umbrella term to describe the spectrum of lived internal experiences from wellness to illness that all human beings find themselves on throughout their lives.

It has a lot to do with feelings and emotions, decision making skills and judgements and with interpersonal relationships. The mental health umbrella includes well known struggles such as depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorder. Living with and managing the symptoms of struggles like these is difficult and often lonely.

According to Mental Health America, National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 21%, or 1 in 5 adults, and approximately 17%, or 1 in 6 young people, experience mental health struggles each year in the United States. Over 46% percent of people experience symptoms that would meet diagnosable criteria each day.

More than 55% of people experiencing symptoms never get the help they need, often due to stigma, cost and limited provider access. Community members of any minority identity (BIPOC or LGBTQ+) statistically experience higher rates of incidence and lower rates of accessing help than their non-minoritized peers.

Congratulations, now you’re aware. However, becoming aware of mental health and how many people are experiencing a variety of internal struggles is only a small step in the right direction. What happens now?

We need empathy. We need bravery. We need allies.

Empathy does not require anyone to fully understand the minutia of another person’s lived experiences. In fact, that’s impossible. Instead, empathy requires people to simply

“feel-with” someone. In other words, people have the choice of whether or not they come alongside someone during a time of struggle and attempt to imagine what it feels like to be them right now. This simple, meaningful empathy has the power not only to change people’s hearts but also to change the world.

Bravery does not require people to openly share every difficult detail of their lived experiences with the spinning world of personalities around. That could cause more harm than good. Instead, bravery requires people to simply be seen as imperfect, as human beings working together through the ups and downs of life on life’s terms.

Everyone has the choice of whether they act honestly with themselves and with each other when we are not “okay” or “fine” or “good.” This simple, meaningful bravery has the power to open doors to connection and doors to healing.

Allyship does not require anyone to single-handedly save the world and everyone living in it from experiencing hardship. That’s an unrealistic and unreasonable burden to bear. Instead, allyship requires people to simply take action with our awareness.

People have the choice of whether to listen, hug, encourage, share, post, refer, call, advocate and vote for the sake of improved mental health treatment and prevention resources in their communities. This simple, meaningful allyship has the power to better families and neighborhoods and literally save lives.

Chase Cotten is the community director at The Willow Center, 515 N. Green St., Brownsburg. If you or someone you know needs additional support, call The Willow Center at (317) 852-3690 or visit thewillowcenter.com.

Everyone has the choice of whether they act honestly with themselves and with each other when we

or “fine” or “good.” This simple, meaningful bravery has the power to open doors to connection and doors to healing.

Substance Use Treatment & Mental Health Counseling

The Willow Center Team is here to listen, to welcome, and to encourage you. We are passionate about what we do. We are committed to providing high-quality treatment using the most up-to-date, evidencebased, effective practices. We believe in the power of change, and we believe in you!

CREATE AN ELECTRICAL SAFETY PLAN BEFORE YOU PLANT A TREE

TREES AND POWER LINES OFTEN COEXIST WITHOUT PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, THERE ARE PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHEN PLANTING A TREE.

QUICK TIPS FOR SAFELY PLANTING A TREE:

Call 811 to have underground utilities marked at least a few working days, but no less than two full working days, before digging (IC 8-1-26). Knowing their locations helps you dig safely, and planting a safe distance away will help prevent damage from roots.

Create a basic plan, or a sketched diagram, before you begin planting to avoid future troubles. Using the information from the underground utility locator service will be a big help in setting some guidelines.

Consider a tree’s potential growth when choosing its location. If it’s expected to grow higher than 15 feet, choose a spot 25 to 50 feet away from utility lines and your home.

Plant with energy savings in mind. Not only can you upgrade your landscape, you can decrease your energy use, too. Trees can keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Just be sure you’re aware of power line location and avoid structural damage.

Use community to protect mental health

COUNSELOR’S CORNER

By Jacqueline McBride and Christa Lake

Many people have mental health concerns and issues from time to time, but some people have frequent ongoing stress that can affect their ability to function. Mental health can be impacted at any age, and it is more socially acceptable today than ever before to seek out help for mental health issues.

Mental health issues can exist for children, such as those on the spectrum who Sycamore Services will serve at a new applied behavior analysis clinic. It is estimated that approximately seven out of 10 people on the autism spectrum have a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

These children can struggle to try to fit in with peers, make sense of the world and are more likely to face stigma and discrimination which can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. A child’s mental health can have a direct effect on behavior, so observe any changes that might indicate mental health issues.

General signs for all people of possible mental health issues can include reduced concentration and difficulties focusing, feeling shaky or panicky, irritability, feeling sad or down, withdrawing from hobbies and support systems, low energy, problems sleeping, extreme mood changes and difficulty coping with daily stress or problems.

Ways to manage personal mental health and watch for the mental wellbeing of others include being physically and socially active, seeing a medical provider regularly, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a sleep schedule and getting sufficient sleep, learning symptom triggers, having a support network with whom to be

Mental health can be impacted at any age, and it is more socially acceptable today than ever before to seek out help for mental health issues.

transparent, learning new skills, setting goals and working toward achieving them and taking time to relax.

Suicidal thoughts and behavior are common with some mental health issues. If you feel you may hurt yourself, someone else or attempt suicide, please get help immediately by calling 911 or go to a local emergency room. Other options for mental health assistance include contacting a mental health counselor, medical provider, 24-hour suicide hotline at 988, close friend or relative or a minister or another trusted person.

Help is available. Choosing to take control of mental health is paramount.

in Danville. Visit sycamoreservices.com or call (317) 745-4715.

Jacqueline McBride is a mental health counselor, and Christa Lake is the clinical director at Sycamore Services

Jacqueline McBride Christa Lake

Listen to the wisest voice inside you

By Karl Zimmer

We all have a voice inside of us, urging us to do or to not do something. Have you heard yours? Sometimes it may be saying something about you that may or may not be true. How often have you listened to the wrong voice, the one that was telling you to do something that was not in your best interest? Were you paying attention, did you ignore it or did you follow through only to be sorry you had listened, later?

We may not be aware of that voice inside, but I can assure you it is always there. Your unconscious mind is also listening to what that voice tells you about yourself. There is power in that. That power can be helpful, yet it can be hurtful if you do not pay attention to the wise voice.

Yes, you have a wise voice, and you also have a voice that sometimes urges you to do things that are not in your best interest. If you aren’t paying attention, it is easy to confuse the two.

Because your unconscious mind listens to the voice inside, if it hears the same story over and over, your unconscious will tend

to believe that whatever it hears to be true. What if you are telling yourself something false or disempowering? If you tell yourself, “Life is hard,” you will quite likely live a life full of difficulty and hardship. You can tell a lot by looking at the outcomes you and others create. If an outcome doesn’t match what you want, the reason lies within. Wouldn’t you like to know why that happens? The first step is to listen, to be aware of the internal voice, and then to learn to distinguish between the wise voice and any other. Once you know the difference, you can follow the guidance of that wise voice. It will always lead you to the right answer. Who is it who will always know what is best? You already have the answer. How cool is that?

Karl is the author of, “The Boy Who Grew Up to RULE® the World…,” a speaker, and Board Certified Hypnotist. Karl can be contacted at Karl@iRULEtheWorld.com. RULE® is a Registered Mark of Karl R. Zimmer III. Information provided is for

PUBLIC AUCTION

MONDAY - MAY 8TH - 10:00 A.M.

2014 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN

ANTIQUE & HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE

GLASSWARE - COLLECTIBLES - PRIMITIVES TOOLS - LAWN & GARDEN

OWNER:

Jack A. Lawson AU01000629 • Brandon K. Lawson AU19300138 Tance A. Lawson AU12200035 • Ellen L. Henry AU12200016

Answers to HOOSIER HODGEPODGE:

Fruits: APPLE, FIG, LEMON, LIME, MANGO, PEAR

Animals: CHEETAH, LION, SEAL, TIGER, ZEBRA;

Jewelry: BANGLE, NECKLACE, RING, TIARA

Wines: CHARDONNAY, RIESLING, ROSE

Cities: MINNEAPOLIS, SAINT PAUL; Home: MUNCIE

RAAYS RECYCLING

Find the first triple crown of horticulture for landscaping

By John Chapin

GARDENING

‘American Gold Rush’ has been selected as the Perennial Plant Association’s (PPA) Perennial Plant of the Year for 2023. This Black-eyed Susan, a hybrid of native species bred and introduced by Intrinsic Perennials, produces loads of long-lasting 3-inch golden yellow flowers with black centers atop its compact foliage, reaching just 2 feet when in full bloom.

Most importantly, with its thin, hairy leaves and stems, it is highly resistant to Septoria leaf spot, the bane of other popular cultivars, including the old standard ‘Goldsturm,’ even in wet, humid conditions.

The flowers are produced heavily from mid-summer into fall, hitting it in stride when other perennials are fading, with some color even till frost. Being cold hardy all the way to Zone 4, this native is a great pollinator magnet for Central Indiana gardens (Zones 5B and 6A). It’s even droughtresistant once established and will grow well in poor soil with good drainage in full sun to partial shade.

Adding to its credibility as a top-notch perennial, ‘American Goldrush’ was the first winner of the All-America Selections’ threeyear trials held in various locations across the country in 2020. With these two prestigious awards, and with rudbeckia being the National Garden Bureau’s 2023 Perennial of the Year, ‘American Goldrush’ is receiving tons of promotion and as a result, has the honor of being the first Triple Crown of Horticulture.

If you enjoy Black-eyed Susans as much as butterflies and bees do, you’ll strike gold with this variety in your garden.

Happy gardening!

American Gold Rush, a variety of Black-eye Susan, have been named as the triple crown of horticulture for their heartiness, blooms and frost resistance. (Photo provided by John Chapin)

Visiting Nazareth marks historic sites in Jesus’ ministry

By Don Knebel

Continue touring through Israel and the Palestinian Territories in Nazareth where Jesus lived before he established his ministry around Capernaum.

Nazareth is about 25 miles southwest of Capernaum. At the time of Jesus, it was so small that it did not appear on maps. The road from Nazareth to Capernaum wound through the Arbel Pass and ended at the village of Magdala, home of Mary Magdalene, an early follower of Jesus.

The caves above the Arbel Pass, where people had lived for thousands of years, were the site of a failed Jewish revolt against Roman rule in 40 B.C.

Today, with a population of more than 75,000, Nazareth is the largest city in northern Israel. Each year on March 25, nine months before Christmas, thousands of pilgrims come to Nazareth to remember the Annunciation, the time some Christians believe the angel Gabriel revealed to Mary she would conceive the Son of God.

Roman Catholics head for the Franciscan Basilica of the Annunciation, the largest

church in the Middle East, built over a cave claimed to have been Mary’s home, with stairs leading to a room claimed to be Mary’s kitchen. A column is said to mark the spot where Gabriel stood while making his announcement.

Greek Orthodox visitors go to the smaller Church of St. Gabriel, which lies over an ancient spring, also claimed to be where Gabriel appeared to Mary.

Travelers to Nazareth can stop at the Arbel Pass and see the caves where Jewish rebels held out before being thrown to their deaths by Roman soldiers.

An ancient well still stands beside the road that Jesus probably took to Capernaum when residents of his hometown rejected him.

Many sites in Israel claim to allow people to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. The Arbel

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.

The 33,000 sq. ft. Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex is designed to meet any of your social meeting needs: banquets, meetings, seminars or wedding events - we can do it all! Our friendly and knowledgable staff are ready to make your event worry-free and memorable!

$50 OFF

Rental of $150 or more

Must present coupon at time of order. Expires 12-31-23.

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Nine conference classrooms and boardrooms

• Complete commercial kitchen

• Demonstration kitchen

• 12,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose auditorium

• 24’ x 36’ stage

• Easy load-in areas with overhead door

• High ceilings

• Epoxy covered flooring

• ADA accessibility

Sites in and around Nazareth include two churches where people believe the angel Gabriel announced to Mary she was pregnant with Jesus.. (Photo by Don Knebel)

SHEDDING LIGHT ON SOLAR

Before signing any too-good-to-be-true contracts with a solar installer, make sure you do your research!

> Make sure the installer is a certified electrician. Look for installers with a NABCEP® (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners®) Certification.

> Check with your electric provider to see exactly how much savings you can expect. Most members will still have a balance at the end of each month.

> Consider a battery backup. Without a battery, you have no way to store the energy you’re generating! www.hendrickspower.com

CREATE AN ELECTRICAL SAFETY PLAN BEFORE YOU PLANT A TREE

TREES AND POWER LINES OFTEN COEXIST WITHOUT PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, THERE ARE PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHEN PLANTING A TREE.

QUICK TIPS FOR SAFELY PLANTING A TREE:

Call 811 to have underground utilities marked at least a few working days, but no less than two full working days, before digging (IC 8-1-26). Knowing their locations helps you dig safely, and planting a safe distance away will help prevent damage from roots.

Create a basic plan, or a sketched diagram, before you begin planting to avoid future troubles. Using the information from the underground utility locator service will be a big help in setting some guidelines.

Consider a tree’s potential growth when choosing its location. If it’s expected to grow higher than 15 feet, choose a spot 25 to 50 feet away from utility lines and your home.

Plant with energy savings in mind. Not only can you upgrade your landscape, you can decrease your energy use, too. Trees can keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Just be sure you’re aware of power line location and avoid structural damage.