Danville approves the hiring of a new police officer
Avon town council approves the removal of stop sign
Plainfield town council passes ordinance for additional appropriation for HCCC Fund
Brownsburg Council approves the Sewer Separation Project for College and Main St.
UNSTOPPABLE character.
ETHAN Medical Laboratory Scientist
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.
LWEB on the
Hendricks County ICON reaches a vast segment of our community. For information about reaching our readers, call Kate Anderson at (317) 451-4088 or email her at kate@icontimes.com.
The Town of Avon Partners With Avon Junior Athletics Association
The Town of Avon and the Avon Junior Athletics Association (AJAA) have happily announced their partnership in the upcoming year to continue promoting physical activity and sports opportunities among the youth in the community. With this new partnership, AJAA will have access to the Town of Avon’s growing selection of properties for practices, games, and tournaments. The Town of Avon will also support the organization’s events, fundraisers, and expanding staffing needs.
“As our community continues to grow, AJAA has had its eyes set on the future and
has been exploring ways to ensure that youth sports remain accessible and successful in our community for decades to come,” said John McDavid, Board President of AJAA. “We are therefore excited to announce that later this summer AJAA will pass the baton to the Town of Avon, and AJAA will formally become a part of the Town’s Parks & Recreation Department. We are thrilled that with the same dedicated staff and volunteers who are the lifeblood of AJAA, working together with the Town and its resources, the future looks bright for Avon Youth Sports.”
Hendricks County Opioid Settlement Grants issues Request for Proposals
On February 14, 2023 the Commissioners tasked the Hendricks County Opioid Settlement Task Force (HCOSTF) to develop a process of seeking proposals for the distribution of the National Opioid Settlement Funds.This grant aims to promote innovative, collaborative, community-driven, crosssector responses to substance use disorder issues that will save lives and reduce harm. This funding comes from the National Opioid Settlement with distributors McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen and manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and its parent company Johnson & Johnson. The total funding amount available for this Request for Proposals as distributed to Hendricks County is $3,990,389.55. Respondents should be embedded in,
and working with, their communities and interested in submitting effective proposals for services that build upon efforts already made, including but not limited to the expansion of and access to treatment for substance use disorder, stronger connections to recovery supports, development and implementation of prevention practices, expansion of harm reduction efforts, and substance-related criminal justice interventions.
Written Proposals should be submitted by email no later than 4:00pm EST on June 7th to courtadministration@co.hendricks. in.us.
For more information visit: co.hendricks. in.us
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.
Have any news tips?
Want to submit a calendar event? Have a photograph to share? Call Todd Travis at (317) 451-4088 or email him at todd@icontimes.com. com. Remember, our news deadlines are several days prior to print.
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Danville Town Council May 3, 2022
Compiled by Peg McRoy
The Danville Town Council met May 3. These meetings can be viewed on the town’s YouTube channel after the meeting. 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 17.
WHAT HAPPENED: An ordinance was introduced that allows for the re-allocation of revenue from the wastewater tap fee to be distributed between the plant replacement fund and the utility operating funds.
WHAT IT MEANS: This amends a current ordinance that directs revenues, fees, rates, and charges collected for water and wastewater services into various funds designated for utility operations. This amendment designates that 100% of these revenues be applied only to the water utility operating fund and water utility replacement fund.
WHAT HAPPENED: An ordinance was introduced that amends the 2023 salary ordinance allowing for the hiring of an additional police officer.
WHAT IT MEANS: The council approved the hiring of another police officer at its last meeting. Danville currently has ten full-time officers. This ordinance will allow the funds from the public safety budget line to be applied to the hiring of this new police officer. Once hired, the number of full-time police officers in Danville will be eleven.
WHAT HAPPENED: The water department was given approval to spend $11,750 to repair an expansion joint in the water tower on Terry/Kirtley Blvd.
WHAT IT MEANS: The 750,000-gallon water tower needs an expansion joint replaced. The installation of a new 12-inch rubber expansion joint and a 12-inch flanged butterfly valve also needs to be installed. Maddox Industrial Group will do the work. It is estimated that the job will take eight hours to complete. However, the water tank will need to be drained before Maddox can begin work. The drainage could take three to four days. It is anticipated that this action will not affect customers because water to the town will be supplied from the North Elementary water tower.
WHAT HAPPENED: The council approved a request from Central Normal Tap to expand the sidewalk in front of the establishment. The finished area will be comparable to the outdoor seating areas currently in place in front of Courthouse Grounds and to the side of Mayberry Café.
WHAT IT MEANS: The outside seating areas that were put into place during the COVID 19 pandemic outside of area restaurants have proven to be very popular. Central Normal Tap, which already has a limited outdoor seating area, has requested that its area be expanded. A cost estimate has determined that $910 will cover the cost of the project. The expenditure will be taken from the host fund for square maintenance and renovations. The additional area will match the area in front of Courthouse Grounds, which is located right next door to Central Normal Tap.
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
ANTRON BROWN
Always Moving Fast and Forward
By Peg McRoy Glover
Internationally known drag racing champion and Pittsboro resident Antron Brown has been into racing since he was just a kid growing up in Trenton, New Jersey.
He is a three-time National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Top Fuel World Champion and just won his 72nd career victory in April at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“I grew up with a love for drag racing,” said Brown. “I distinctly remember my dad taking me to my first national event.”
Brown’s family owned an excavating business where they worked hard to support their families and their drag racing weekends. His dad and uncle, under the watchful and encouraging eye of Grandpa Brown, raced at local tracks.
“My dad and uncle were weekend warriors and raced in Chesterfield, New Jersey,” said Brown. “They would make special trips to Indianapolis to watch the U.S. Nationals, which was the biggest drag race in the world. If you won the U.S. Nationals you won the Mecca of racing. It is our Super Bowl.”
He fondly remembers his dad and uncle
Other Interesting Stuff About Antron Brown*
• Brown was in episode eight of the reality show “Storage Wars,” titled The Fast and Furious, on the Arts and Entertainment Channel.
• He cohosted “Top Gear America,” a motoring television series, with William Fischtner and Tom Ford from 2017 to 2019
• He was Idiris Elba’s drag racing instructor in the third episode of Elba’s reality show “No Limits.”
• In Oct. 2022 the NHRA Coin Antron Brown Edition became available on the Open Sea Market Place.
• He was featured in the Discovery Channel’s show, “Wheeler Dealers,” where he raced Anthony (Ant) Anstead, a motor specialist and car builder.
*Information sourced from Wikipedia
returning from Indy with tan shirts that said ‘Indianapolis’ all the way down the shirt. Indy was known in racing as that ‘unreachable place.’
Brown and his wife, Billie Joe, made that ‘unreachable place’ their home in 2002. They settled on the border between Pittsboro and Brownsburg where they had three kids.
Arianna, 21, graduated from Brownsburg High School three years ago; Anson, 18, graduates this year; and Adler, 15, is a ninth grader.
“It has been a great place to raise our family,” said Brown. “The schools are top notch and the community incredible.”
Brown’s company, AB Motorsports, initiated in 2019 and became fully operational in 2022. His 8,000 square foot facility warehouses trucks, trailers, race cars, cylinder blocks, and the spare parts and pieces it takes to keep the race cars in top condition.
He attributes his road to success to staying persistent as well as continual growth and education.
His road to professional racing began in and around the farm fields of Trenton where he rode his dirt bike.
“Where I grew up is very rural,” said Brown. “It is a lot like Indiana with soybean and corn fields, orchards, and horse and dairy farms.’”
He recalls his dad patting him on the back when he said that he wanted to grow up and race professionally. Knowing how hard it is to break into professional racing, his dad
told him to keep working hard so he could afford to race.
As Brown went through high school, he ate, slept, and dreamt about drag racing. Regardless, he went to college and earned an associate degree in business from Mercer County Community College.
“I originally thought that this education would help my family’s business grow and prosper,” said Brown. “But I always wanted to do something in racing because that is what I love.”
Motorsport race tracks are not the only arena where Brown is fast. While attending Mercer, he ran on the track and field team and excelled.
“I was ranked number one in the country for the 55 meter indoor dash for division one, junior college,” said Brown. “Because of that I won a full scholarship to attend Long Island University (LIU) in New York.”
But an internship he completed while at Mercer would change the entire trajectory of his life. To complete the requirements for a total quality management class, he interned for a motorcycle race team.
He stayed many hours with the race team over and above the class requirements- tearing down engines, washing parts, watching, and learning. That internship evolved into a part-time job that paid his way through Frank Hawley’s Drag Racing School.
At that point, attending LIU became a faded image in his rearview mirror as his
This Year’s National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) U.S. Nationals*
Where: Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
10267 E. US Highway 36 Brownsburg, IN 46234
When: Labor Day WeekendAug. 30-Sept. 4
Schedule: NHRA qualifying rounds are tentatively scheduled once Fri., twice Sat., twice Sun, with eliminations on Mon.
Tickets: www.nhra.com/tickets. Every ticket is also a pit pass. Make sure to stop by Antron Brown’s pit pass hospitality area. More Info: www.visithendrickscounty. com/events/racing/nhra/
career switched full throttle to racing motorcycles.
He raced on a two-bike team owned by professional football player Troy Vincent.
“When I got the chance to race, I just put my head down and put full focus on it,” said Brown.
He got a job with Matco Tools and raced with David Powers Motorsports for a year, Mike Ashley for a year, and Don Schumacher for eleven years.
Starting AB Motorsports racing team in 2022 marks another strategic layer of success in his winning career.
His wife Billy Jo helps him run AB and has spearheaded their new hospitality sideline business. In their pit area, a trailer offers chef prepared meals, gift bags, and an opportunity for race goers to watch the pit crew tear a car apart.
“Billie Jo always has my back and looks out for my best interest,” said Brown. “She is my balance beam.”
ON THE COVER: Brown proudly holding his trophy after a victory (Photo provided by AB Motorsports)
Brown leaning on the tires that are so crucial for his success. (Submitted photo )
Avon Town Council Meeting May 11, 2023
Compiled by Peg McRoy
The Avon Town Council met May 11. 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 25.
WHAT HAPPENED: A five-year agreement between Avon and Flock Safety was approved by the council. Flock provides six security cameras and the programming needed to operate these cameras at U.S. Hwy. 36 and Ronald Reagan Pkwy. This agreement locks in the pricing for the service at $15,000 per year with the five-year contract total of $75,000.
WHAT IT MEANS: Flock installed these six cameras in Jan. 2021 at a cost of $2,500 per camera per year. At the beginning of 2023, Flock moved to increase the price to $3,000 per year. Flock has offered to maintain the $2,500 cost per camera per year with this five-year agreement. Chief of Police Sean Stoops reported to the council that the department is very pleased with these cameras and will be seeking grants to help fund them in the future.
WHAT HAPPENED: A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Avon Junior Athletic Association (AJAA) and Avon was approved by the council regarding the transfer of assets, employees, and program responsibilities from AJAA to the town.
WHAT IT MEANS: This agreement is not binding on either party. An MOU simply provides a path for both parties to reach an agreement. The MOU between the AJAA and Avon has an agreement target date of June 1, 2023. If they do reach an agreement, the town will continue all the AJAA programs, retain all their employees, and make any needed improvements to its facilities. The Avon parks department has been working for AJAA for the past several months on this agreement. The park board approved the MOU before it was presented to the council. This is the first of many steps that will be taken before this agreement comes to fruition.
WHAT HAPPENED: The council agreed to grant a continuing tax abatement for the Leo Brown Group regarding businesses located in Reagan Park at CR 100 N. and Kingwood Dr. This area was designated as an economic revitalization area in 2010.
WHAT IT MEANS: Brown was granted the abatement in 2010 but didn’t apply until construction was completed in 2016. John Taylor, economic development director for the town, reported that Brown has substantially complied with the standards set forth for the abatement.
WHAT HAPPENED: An ordinance was approved that will remove a stop sign at the intersection of Beechwood Dr. and Beechwood Centre Rd.
WHAT IT MEANS: Anticipating an increase in traffic at that intersection as the result of an increase in development, the town hired the Etica Group to conduct a stop sign warrant study. This is in response to Etica’s recommendation of the removal of the stop sign for north bound drivers on Beechwood Dr. and the retention of the east and west stop signs on Beechwood Centre Rd. This allows for vehicular free flow on Beechwood Dr. and Beachwood Centre Rd. to remain stop controlled.
Walking for the Health of it annual 5K
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ICONIC briefs
AHS students place at Indiana District Rotary Speech Contest
The two winners of the Avon Rotary local speech contest took home first and third places at the central Indiana District competition at Anderson University. Speaking on the topic of “Imagine a World of Service above Self,” the competitors wrote and delivered their five-to sevenminute memorized speeches competing against five other speakers. Freshman Malak Marzak placed third, winning $250. Sophomore Adelyn Wyndham finished first, winning $1000. Adelyn then presented her speech again on April 15 in front of an audience of 75 Rotarians at the Rotary District Conference at the Murat Theatre where she was met with a standing ovation.
By Nichole Meloche
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and time for the third 5K walk/run in the park. This year, the event will take place May 20 from 9 am to 1 pm at Williams Park.
Lael Hill, Executive Director of Mental Health America of Hendricks County, has been coordinating this event since its start in 2020.
“We wanted to promote mental fitness the same way that physical fitness is,” said Hill. “We want to encourage people to get out, enjoy the sunshine and meet other residents. Hendricks County residents report loneliness as a contributing factor for their poor mental health. Interacting with their neighbors, local businesses and their families helps with their loneliness.”
The health fair will feature informational booths from local organizations, such as Cummins Behavioral Health, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones, Kids Count Therapy, and IU Health.
During the health fair, participants can take mental health screenings on Ipads set up throughout the fair. The screenings will evaluate if the participant could have a mental illness.
“It validates their feelings that they could be feeling a mental illness,” said Hill. “It’s not an official diagnosis, but it encourages them to seek out professional help.”
By Peg McRoy
In addition to the 5K and health fair, the event will feature live music, food trucks, photo booths and giveaways. For children, there will be a bounce house and other small activities.
Runner registration begins at 8:30 am. Registration is $35 prior to the event, $40 the morning of. Volunteers can sign up by emailing info@ mhahc.org or calling 317-272-0027.
• Cost: $35 prior and $40 at the door. Health Fair is free.
• Date: 9 am- 1 pm, May 20
• Where: Back of Williams Park, 940 Locust Lane, Brownsburg.
Volunteers at the 2021 Walk for the Health of It Event. (Photo provided by Deana Carter)
Malak Marzak and Adelyn Wyndham. (Submitted photo)
Honoring our nation’s heroes on Memorial Day
By Todd Travis
With Memorial Day quickly approaching, there’s a different feel in the air. As the weather warms, the birds sing melodic tunes that tickle our ears, lawn mowers hum happily across the newly-awakened grass, and people begin to venture out of their houses to resume normal human contact after the cold winter. It feels good.
As we prepare for our summer barbecues, dips into swimming pools, and our endless lists of summer events, let’s not forget about the sacrifices that were made so that we could enjoy these freedoms. Memorial Day is observed in order to mourn and honor our U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.
Could there be a better moment to observe this holiday than now? At the height of the excitement that this time of year brings, Memorial Day is a reminder to practice gratitude. Lest we get carried away with our own plans, we can pause — and be grateful for the selflessness of our fallen heroes.
As we contemplate these difficult truths, we can allow these lessons to give us a
refreshed perspective over the next several months. When celebrating, we can’t forget to be grateful. When someone is serving us, we must remember to be kind to them. When we are given good fortune, we should share it with those less fortunate than us.
This Memorial Day, take the time to remember the meaning behind the holiday. Pray a small thank you to our fallen heroes and a word of comfort to those who mourn them. Be thankful for what you have and grateful for where you live. Thank you to all the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
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Notables
Compiled by Mike Beas
The Avon softball team won its first three games in May and ran its record to 19-6 by defeating McCutcheon, Clay City, and Zionsville. The 5-3 decision over the Eagles included senior Mandy Lauth hitting two doubles and driving in three of the Orioles runs. Producing two hits apiece were freshman Lilly Heath and juniors Madi Pappas and Emma Stopperich. It was Stopperich pitching the first five innings, permitting three hits and striking out five, while freshman Addie Frost relieved and struck out three.
Brownsburg softball accounted for six runs over the fifth and sixth innings to post a 9-4 victory over Lafayette Harrison. Junior leadoff hitter Lexi Gordon singled and doubled for the Bulldogs, as did juniors Hailey Thompson and Macy Twomey. Gordon would account for three of her team’s runs with sophomore Izzy Neal touching home plate twice. Neal and Kenzie Cress both were credited with stealing a base, while pitchers Thompson and sophomore Avery Toole combined for a five-hitter and seven strikeouts.
In baseball, Cascade tallied three runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and seven more in the sixth to blank Speedway, 10-0. Junior leadoff hitter Carson Bassett doubled, drove in three runs and scored one himself to lead the Cadets, who also received doubles from juniors Jonas Johnson and Evan Lanphier. It was Lanphier pitching a one-hit gem in which he issued no walks and struck out five. Also for Cascade, junior Ethan Holloway was credited with stealing a base. The team’s other base hit was a single courtesy of freshman Noah Dasgupta. In all, nine different Cadets scored, led by junior Zakary Kelly’s two runs.
Hendricks County ICONIC Athlete FAST COMPANY
Senior sprinter now a force for top-ranked Bulldogs
By Mike Beas
The transition from afterthought to afterburners in track and field usually takes longer than a year to achieve.
And, yet, Caleb Heldman did so anyway.
A senior for the top-ranked Brownsburg boys squad, Heldman has been producing points this spring in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, as the third leg of the 4x100 relay and, at times, the 4x400 relay.
“There’s probably not a kid who worked harder in the offseason from last season to this than Caleb,” said Bulldogs coach Casey Popenfoose. “We started doing stuff right after the end of football season, so I knew he was on the brink of really running well.”
At this time last season, Popenfoose was preparing to run Heldman in the 200 at the Plainfield Sectional. The junior’s lone sampling of the postseason wrapped up in 23.63 seconds, not swift enough to qualify him for the final.
This season, Heldman’s best times are 10.95 in the 100, 22.58 in the 200 and 41.14 as part of the 4x100 relay.
Day, meet night.
“Every year or every other year, we have a kid who shows up like that,” said Popenfoose. “Caleb has really blossomed into one of our best track athletes.”
Heldman, who carries a 4.0 grade-point average, did a Q&A with ICON:
Q: Have you always been one of the fastest kids in your class, or is that more of a recent development?
A: I remember racing my friends during field days in elementary school, and our relay would usually win. When I was on my middle school track team, Brownsburg East, we won the state 4x100 relay, so I guess I’ve always been fast.
Q: Races are broken down into different parts. What aspect(s) did you feel needed the most improvement in the offseason?
A: Over the first semester of this school year, I really worked on my block starts, and it’s really paid off. I did a lot of plyometric exercises in the weight room, and would combine them with weighted movements to improve my overall strength and explosiveness. My vertical jump went from the low-30s (inches) to over 35.
Q: With this being your final high school track season, what are your goals?
A: Last year, our team got second at state, and this year I really want to see us win. I think we have the team to do it. And I would like to be able to run the 4x100 relay at state.
Q: What are your plans after you graduate from Brownsburg High School?
A: I plan to attend Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and will be running track there. I’m going to major in biomedical engineering. I’ve always been interested in helping people. My father (John) has had cancer twice, the first time being diagnosed when I was in second-grade. It was a rough experience in my family.
IU West Hospital Hendricks County Iconic Athlete Brownsburg’s Caleb Heldman (Submitted photo)
Plainfield town council passes ordinance for additional appropriation for HCCC Fund
Compiled by Nicole Davis
The Plainfield Town Council met May 8 for a regular council meeting. The meeting was live streamed for members of the public who could not attend. 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 22.
WHAT HAPPENED: The council passed Resolution No. 2023-22, approving a clarification to various tax abatements previously approved by the Plainfield Town Council,
WHAT IT MEANS: The council desired to clarify that the real estate improvements which are eligible for real property tax abatements. The resolution outlines various properties included in this.
WHAT HAPPENED: The council passed Ordinance No. 19 – 2023 on first reading, which would approve payments In lieu of tax for Stanley Terrace, an affordable housing project.
WHAT HAPPENED: The council passed Ordinance No. 13 – 2023 on second and final reading, making an additional appropriation for the Hendricks County Communication Center. WHAT IT MEANS: The appropriation is in the amount of $88,000 for the HCCC Fund.
A note to our valued customers: happening rapidly. While we don’t know how everything will work out, we plan to have daily lunch and dinner specials. The normal carry-out and delivery options will be available. You can stay informed by checking our Facebook page or calling the store. Thank you for your support during these unprecedented times!
Council approves the Sewer Separation Project for College and Main St.
Compiled by Melissa Gibson
The Brownsburg Town Council met May 11 for a regular meeting at the Brownsburg Town Hall. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 26 at 61 N. Green St., Brownsburg.
WHAT HAPPENED: Town Manager Deb Cook requested a new resolution adopting a revised 2023 Employee Handbook for all town employees.
WHAT IT MEANS: Cook said the revision has been long awaited and includes a list of updated changes in the document. The Council approved the resolution unanimously.
WHAT HAPPENED: Kathy Dillon, Water Utilities Director, requested a resolution to accept the College and Main St. Sewer Separation Project.
WHAT IT MEANS: The project consists of the installation of a new storm main and disconnection of existing storm line from the sanitary main, resulting in reducing the number and volume of combined sewer overflows for the community, protecting water quality and improving capacity for storm and sanitary flows. In addition, Town Manager Deb Cook was designated as the Authorized State Revolving Loan Representative for the project. The Council approved the resolution unanimously.
WHAT HAPPENED: Jodi Dickey, Development Services Director requested an introductory rezone request at the intersection of 34 N. Grant and 40 N. Grant St., near the CSX railroad corridor.
WHAT IT MEANS: The current zoning is urban commercial (UC), and the petitioner is requesting Motor Sports (MS). Dickey said the space would be used for boat and RV storage. The Council discussed the aesthetic look to the redevelopment of downtown Brownsburg and if this type of rezoning would be appropriate. Overall, they felt they were in the position to be more selective of businesses and their locations. The petition will still go to the Advisory Plan Commission (APC) for approval and no action was required by the Council.
Virgil Park- Bringing more outdoor enjoyment to Brownsburg New park on the southeast side of Brownsburg will open this fall
By Todd Travis
The addition of the B&O Trail to the westside has allowed for a wonderful opportunity for residents to enjoy spending time outside and connecting to nature. The continued expansion has allowed more and more people access to the trail and a longer trek to enjoy. As the trail grows, the city and the parks department planning team recognize that certain amenities are required for the safety and enjoyment of trail users- parking and restrooms are a couple examples.
Virgil Park will be providing those amenities to trail users and so much more.
With about 6.7 acres of land located on the southeast side of Brownsburg, Virgil Park will act as a trailhead for the B&O trail with 25 parking spaces and a year-round restroom facility. In addition to that, because of the size of the land available and the topography of the land, it will also serve as Brownsburg’s next complete park. It will include a playground, pathways throughout the property, outdoor fitness equipment, and a nature play area.
“We had a unique opportunity because of the topography of this property to connect
our residents to nature. Approximately 60% of the property will be developed as a natural prairie land and enhanced wetland. That will provide nature education opportunities to the community in addition to outdoor recreation and wellness opportunities,” Explained Travis Tranbarger, Director of Parks and Recreation.
The construction on this property began in March of this year and will be expected to reach substantial completion by mid-fall this year. The park will be located south of County Road 300 and east of County Road 900, just north of the B&O Trail. Parking access will be from County Road 300. It will take a few years for the natural areas to fully become established, but the recreation facilities will be open for use later this year.
“We’re putting in over 200 trees and shrubs back into the property. They are various types of plantings that thrive in prairie areas and wetlands- so we’re enhancing the large wetland that’s on that property. We are creating pathways around these areas with educational signage that will educate people on the type of plantings that will go in but also the type of habitat that’s being created for wildlife on the property.
The various types of trees and plants will help expand the habitat opportunities in addition to what’s already in the area,” mentioned Tranbarger.
This project received a land and water conservation grant fund from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Some of the critical criteria with this grant is expanding outdoor recreation opportunities but also conservation opportunities. The Parks will be working closely with DNR to establish the plans for the park and the conservation efforts that are being made.
this part of the community with these amenities and be able to add to the uniqueness of the B&O Trail which has been a tremendous asset for the Brownsburg community,” Tranbarger emphasized.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to expand the park system. It will be Brownsburg’s fifth developed park and it’s in an underserved area which is growing rapidly with Ronald Reagan Parkway just to the east of that. So we’re excited to be able to serve
For info check out https://www.brownsburg.org/571/Virgil-Park
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Congratulations
Brownsburg High School Class of 2023 BEF Scholarship Recipients
The Brownsburg Education Foundation (BEF) began 36 years ago with the sole purpose of awarding scholarships to graduating seniors. In 1988, the Brownsburg Education Foundation awarded its first scholarships - seven $500 scholarships for a total of $3,500.
This year, the Brownsburg Education Foundation is proud to be awarding 53 seniors in the class of 2023 with $59,000 in scholarships to continue their post-secondary educational journeys. This impact of BEF would not be possible without the generous support of area businesses and individual donors. Thank you to everyone who supports BEF and congratulations to these scholarship recipients!
Visit our website at www.brownsburgeducationfoundation.org to learn more about the grant projects funded by BEF in the 2022-2023 school year.
ICONIC briefs
Avon Board of School Trustees earns Exemplary status
The Hendricks County Community Foundation (HCCF) is opening grant applications for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds on June 1 as a part of its plan to distribute up to $6.6 million in ARPA funds to nonprofits serving Hendricks county. In April 2022, HCCF finalized a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commissioners to provide expertise and create a grant program for up to 20% of the County’s total ARPA funds. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 is a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill to speed up the country’s recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing recession. The funding Hendricks County received is
part of the $350 billion to help state, local, and tribal governments bridge budget shortfalls and mitigate the fiscal shock of the pandemic. Noncompetitive grants of $5,030,355 were made in 2022 to community organizations that, along with their clients, were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Competitive grants will be offered through an annual application for three years, with the first grant cycle awarding grants of $548,395 to 25 local nonprofits in late 2022. Applications for the second grant cycle will open at hendrickscountycf.org on June 1.
“HCCF is an organization committed to supporting charitable people and organizations in pursuit of their dreams. these are the same people I live and work beside. I’m proud to be part of a dream-building organization and I am excited for the future of Hendricks County.”
-
Denise Robinson
Scholarship recipients graduating from Harris Academy will be awarded and announced on May 24, 2023. Names are not in order of photos.
EVENTScalendar
MAY
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 radiocontrolled (RC) vehicles. facebook.com/ HCPandR
20 Saturday
Dancing with the Hendricks County Stars Sold Out
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
21 Sunday Color Fun Run
2 p.m., Scamahorn Park, 130 E. Main St., Pittsboro. The 7-1 Foundation is hosting a Color Me Free 5k fun run/walk. All ages and abilities are welcome. Tickets: $20+. All proceeds go to help support the Freedom Celebration! runsignup.com/race/in/ Pittsboro/colormefree
23 Sunday
Third Annual Forum for You
6:30 p.m., Plainfield Friends Church, 105 S. East St., Plainfield. Plainfield Friends Church has announced the next schedule of eight
forums for the community. Brent Bangel, Director of Plainfield Parks and Recreation, will speak about new developments with the Plainfield Parks Departments. All forums are free to the public and will provide an opportunity to interact with the speakers. plainfieldfriends.org
26 Friday Carb Night Classic
12 p.m., Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, 10267 E. U.S. Highway 136, Indianapolis. Featuring multiple classes of open-wheel racing on the Friday before the Indianapolis 500. Members $30, Nonmembers $35. raceirp.com/carbnightclassic/
26 Friday
70th Anniversary Hoosier Hundred
2 p.m., Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, 10267 E. U.S. Highway 136, Indianapolis. Featuring a 100-mile race for USAC Silver Crown and one of the richest payouts in Silver Crown racing today.raceirp.com
26 Friday
Pints and Paddles Pickleball Social
5 - 8 p.m., Stephens Park, 605 S. Stephen Drive, Brownsburg. This event is for new and experienced pickleball players. Enjoy time on the courts with others interested in pickleball. Beer and wine will be available from Books & Brews. facebook.com/ brownsburgparks
27 Saturday
Opening Weekend Celebration
10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Splash Island, 651 Vestal Rd, Plainfield. Come celebrate with Plainfield Parks & Recreation at the opening of Splash Island and enjoy music, swimming, games, popcorn, and more. Tickets: splashislandplainfield.com
31 Wednesday
Splash Island Wet Wednesday – Magic Night
7 - 10 p.m., Splash Island, 651 Vestal Rd, Plainfield. Join us for the first Splash Island Wet Wednesday! Come out and enjoy fun, themed evenings full of music, popcorn, crafts, and much more this summer! splashislandplainfield.com
JUNE
1Thursday
Brownsburg Farmers Market
4 - 7 p.m., Town Hall Green, 61 N. Green St., Brownsburg. Brownsburg Farmers Market features 40+ weekly vendors that offer locally-grown fresh produce, meat and dairy items, artisan baked goods, handcrafted items and more! Food trucks and acoustic music are weekly features and POP Club kids’ activities are planned most weeks. SNAP/WIC
accepted. The market kicks off June 1 and runs through Aug. 31. brownsburgparks.com/516/ Brownsburg-Farmers-Market
3 Saturday
Destination Danville Night Market
4 - 10 p.m., Courthouse Square, Danville. Destination Danville is an outdoor festival featuring local small businesses and creatives. The hope is to bring an event to Hendricks County that the community can enjoy while showcasing talented makers and artists. Destinationdanvillefestival.com
3 Saturday
Family Fishing Derby
9 - 11 a.m., W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park, 4521 Gibbs Road, Avon. Calling all junior anglers and their families! Bring a pole, bait, and a bucket or use our fishing gear, and join the naturalists at W.S. Gibbs Memorial Park’s pond for the annual free Family Fishing Derby. Earn a fish plaque for your wall and 2023 bragging rights in one of the three categories: most fish, largest fish, or smallest fish caught. facebook.com/HCPandR
3 Saturday Fitness in the Park
8:30 - 9:30 a.m., 4521 Gibbs Road, Danville. Try a different fitness class on the first Saturday of each month! Fitness instructors from a wide variety of programs will offer a free one-hour introduction to their area of fitness expertise. facebook.com/HCPandR
3 Saturday
Outdoor Summer Concert Series
6 - 8 p.m., Arbuckle Acres, 200 N. Green St., Brownsburg. The concert series starts with Indiana native Jon McLaughlin. Jon released his debut album, “Indiana,” in 2007. He’s released six full-length albums in the years since. Families are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. Yard games will be available for kids. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Brownsburg.org
5 Monday
Danville Ladies Night Out
5 - 9 p.m., Courthouse Square, Danville. Come circle the square and shop your favorite local retailers during special late hours. Sales and specials at each location during event hours. facebook.com/pages/ Danville-Courthouse-Square-HistoricDistrict/661831190624175
AVON
Virginia J. Baxter
Virginia J. Baxter, 79, passed away May 3, 2023. She was born June 6, 1943. Services will be announced at a later date.
Judy A. Berry
Judy A. Berry, 76, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Life’s Journey of Avon. She was born in Boone County, Indiana, on January 25, 1947, a daughter of the late Herbert and Ruth (Laflin) Helms. On August 4, 1992, she was united in marriage to Kenneth W. Berry in Indianapolis; he survives. Survivors include her husband, Kenneth W. Berry of Avon; son, Greg (Michele) Orr of Lebanon; two grandsons, Austin Orr and Reed Orr; and sister, Carla (Jack) Clemens of Frankfort. In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by a son, Gene Orr. Services were held on May 12, 2023, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon. Myers Mortuary and Boone County Crematory of Lebanon were entrusted with her cremation arrangements. Online condolences: www.myersmortuary. com
Basil M. Callahan
Basil M. Callahan, 96, passed away May 8, 2023. He was born Dec. 4, 1926. Services were held May 11 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.
Joyce I. Evans
Joyce Evans, 72, passed away May 5, 2023. She was born Dec. 2, 1950. Services were held May 10 at Baker Funeral Home, Danville. Contributions may be made to the Hendricks County Animal Shelter
Galen A. Fox
Galen A. Fox, 84, passed away April 29, 2023. He was born Dec. 9, 1938. Services were held May 4 at Conkle Funeral Home, Avon. Contributions may be made to the United States Auto Club Raceaid Benevolent Fund.
Mary S. Nichols
Mary S. Nichols, 89, passed away April 30, 2023. She was born Feb. 1, 1934. Services were held May 13 at Conkle Funeral Home, Avon.
Patricia M. Pennington
Patricia M. Pennington, 79, passed away May 5, 2023. She was born Dec. 27, 1943. Services will be held at a later date. Baker Funeral Home, Danville, is entrusted with the arrangements.
FORtheRECORD - HC OBITUARIES
Doris Skibbe
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Doris Skibbe, a cherished wife, sister, aunt, Godmother, and friend, on May 3, 2023. She was born on October 27, 1932, to William and Sophia (Granneman) Teike. Doris brightened the lives of all who knew her with her beautiful smile and sweet, pleasant nature.
Doris was predeceased by her loving husband, Arthur “Skip” Skibbe, whom she married in 1958. She dedicated her life to caring for her soulmate, Skip, and the bond they shared was truly special. Doris was also predeceased by her father, William, her mother, Sophia, her sister, Johanna Ping, and her brothers, Carl, Robert, and Walter Teike.
In 1954, Doris began working at Eli Lilly, where she spent over three decades advancing her career. She retired from the company in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and determination. Doris passionately believed that women are just as capable as men, and she embodied this lesson throughout her career and personal life.
After retirement, Doris spent her time doing what she loved most, playing golf and traveling with Skipper.
Skip and Doris were devoted attendees of St. Malachy Church in Brownsburg, Indiana. Doris found solace and community in her faith. She enjoyed watching her favorite TV show, Golden Girls, and kept her mind sharp with puzzles.
Doris loved traveling and vacationing with Skip and spoke frequently of these memories after the passing of Skip in 2018. Their favorite vacation spot was Bonita Springs, Florida. Even in her leisure, she continued to make lasting impressions on those around her with her unwavering kindness and love. As we remember Doris, let us hold onto the cherished memories and invaluable lessons she shared with those fortunate enough to have known her. She will be dearly missed, but her enduring spirit will forever live on in our hearts. Rest in peace sweet lady! Visitation was held on May 12, 2023, at Conkle Funeral Home, Speedway, with burial at Crown Hill Cemetery following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Franciscan Hospice House at 8414 Franciscan Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46237 (please indicate on check “Hospice House”) or at https://franciscanallianceorg11745. thankyou4caring.org/central-indianagiving?amount=undefined&program =Hospice-House and under designation,
select Hospice House. Donations will also be accepted during the viewing.
BROWNSBURG
Janet A. Rice
Janet A. Rice, 76, passed away May 7, 2023. She was born Nov. 25, 1946. Private services were held. Contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital, Brownsburg Public Library or Indiana Genealogical Library.
Jeanett Yates
Jeanett Yates, 78, passed away May 7, 2023. She was born June 28, 1944. Services were held May 13 at Conkle Funeral Home, Speedway.
Gloria D. Zink
Gloria D. Zink, 91, passed away April 26, 2023. She was born Sept. 26, 1931. Services were held May 2 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.
CLAYTON
Jack D. Birge
Jack D. Birge, 63, passed away May 5, 2023. He was born Oct. 8, 1959. Services were held May 10 at Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Bruce Gibbs
Bruce Gibbs, 68, passed away May 2, 2023. He was born March 2, 1955. Services were held May 11. Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, was entrusted with the arrangements.
Keith W. Woods
Keith W. Woods, 81, passed away May 7, 2023. He was born Dec. 31, 1941. Services were held May 12. Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, was entrusted with the arrangements.
COATESVILLE
Brenda K. Davidson
Brenda K. Davidson, 69, passed away April 30, 2023. She was born Nov. 4, 1953. Services were held May 13. Bousley Funeral Home, Coatesville, was entrusted with the arrangements
DANVILLE
Ricky G. Dalton
Ricky G. Dalton, 70, passed away May 7, 2023. He was born July 12, 1952. Services were held May 11 at Conkle Funeral Home, Avon. Contributions may be made to the Hendricks County Humane Society.
Gregg A. Ollier
Gregg A. Ollier, 69, passed away May 3, 2023. He was born March 10, 1954. Services were held May 10 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg.
David A. Thomas
David A. Thomas, 57, passed away April 26, 2023. He was born Nov. 9, 1965. Services will be held at a later date. Baker Funeral Home, Danville, is entrusted with the arrangements. Contributions may be made to the National Wildlife Federation.
PLAINFIELD
Janice M. Alger
Janice M. Alger, 85, passed away May 2, 2023. She was born May 26, 1937. Private services were held. Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, was entrusted with the arrangements.
John J. Phelan
John J. Phelan, 87, passed away May 5, 2023. He was born Nov. 23, 1935. Services were held May 13. Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, was entrusted with the arrangements.
Donna L. Reed
Donna L. Reed, 71, passed away May 3, 2023. She was born Sept. 3, 1951. Services were held May 15. Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield, was entrusted with the arrangements. Contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Robert A. Russell
Robert A. Russell, 90, passed away April 27, 2023. He was born July 18, 1931. Services were held May 8 at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Judy R. Russell
Judy R. Russell, 80, passed away May 3, 2023. She was born Oct. 15, 1942. Private services were held. Carlisle Branson Funeral Home, Mooresville, was entrusted with the arrangements. Contributions may be made to Life’s Journey Hospice of Avon.
Sylvia Shake
Sylvia Shake, 97, passed away May 6, 2023. She was born Dec. 11, 1925. Services were held May 10 at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.
Joseph L. Steffy
Joseph L. Steffy, 80, passed away May 7, 2023. He was born March 19, 1943. Services were held May 13 at Carlisle Branson Funeral Home, Mooresville. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer
ICONIC briefs
Hendricks County Community Foundation Receives
$500,000
from Lincoln Legacy Foundation
The Hendricks County Community Foundation (HCCF) recently announced it has received a $500,000 gift from the Lincoln Legacy Foundation, Inc. The gift will be used to open the new Lincoln Bank Legacy Donor Advised Fund at the Community Foundation to benefit both Plainfield and Hen dricks County as a whole. The new fund will continue the legacy of charitable grantmaking of the Lincoln Federal Charitable Foundation, Inc., which was founded in 1998 by Lincoln Federal Savings Bank. The foundation was later named the Lincoln Charitable Foundation, Inc. (2005-2009), and then, when Lincoln Bank was acquired by First
Merchants Bank, the First Merchants Charitable Foundation, Inc. (20092022). The foundation made charitable grants to nonprofits in the counties where Lincoln Bank had branches and customers prior to the acquisition by First Merchants. The Board of the Lin
Locally Family Owned Company With Over
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
Locally Family Owned Company With Over 27 Years of
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CELEBRATES THE UNSTOPPABLE SPIRIT OF TOMORROW’S LEADERS
A feature in the Hendricks County ICON
BROWNSBURG STUDENT WILL TAKE PART IN LEADERSHIP FORUM
Mike Beas
Sydney Robertson can’t remember a time when she didn’t love or wasn’t fascinated by animals.
The Brownsburg High School sophomore owns six cats, ranging in age from Chloe, her 12-year-old Calico, down to Binx, who is approximately six months.
Oh, and don’t forget about Robertson’s two snakes, Mocha and Domino.
An interesting assemblage of furry –and, yes, scaly – friends, to be sure. But one the aspiring veterinarian wholeheartedly embraces for obvious reasons.
“I’ve always had animals in my life, and I think I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian by watching animal shows and documentaries on TV,” said Robertson, 16, who is most intrigued by the snow leopard, which is known to primarily roam the mountains of Central and South Asia.
“I think it’s more of a challenge to help animals than it is people because animals can’t specifically tell you what’s wrong.”
What’s right is the opportunity awaiting Robertson.
From June 25 to July 1, she will take part in Envision’s National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) summer program in Houston, Texas. The event is designed to dig into veterinary medicine in ways aspiring veterinarians like Robertson have likely yet to experience.
The NYLF presents a wide-ranging scroll of such forums in other career pursuits, as
well.
In Robertson’s case, her mother, Crystal, will drop her off at the Houston Zoo, home to more than 6,000 animals (and over 900 species of animals), the first day.
Exactly what Robertson and the other attendees will experience depends, in large part, on the status of the animals at the zoo during their week there.
She can expect to see basic procedures such as feedings and checkups, and depending on timing, she may have the chance to observe animal birthings, surgeries and, sadly, even autopsies.
Robertson, who carries a 3.19 gradepoint average, hopes to one day study veterinary medicine at Purdue University. She is also going to also apply to IUPUI and
Indiana State.
In the meantime, she is excited to take her lifelong love of caring for animals to the next level this summer.
“I’m looking forward to the experience of just being able to work with the zoo animals,” said Robertson.
As a parent, Crystal Robertson appreciates the opportunity her daughter has been presented – albeit from an anonymous source.
According to Crystal, a teacher at Brownsburg High School is the one who nominated Sydney Robertson for this opportunity, though that individual has yet to be identified.
“When Sydney was 3 was the first time she said she wanted to be a veterinarian, and she’s stuck with it,” said Crystal. “I got her a cat (Chloe) when she was 4, and then the cat got out and got pregnant, so she’s witnessed kittens being born.
“The main thing I want her to gain from this is to see if this is really what she wants to do. Sydney also gets credit toward her actual vet program once she gets her Bachelor’s Degree. She’ll already have 40 credit hours.”
Not to mention a most unforgettable week to fondly look back on.
Sitcom starring Robin Williams and Pam Dawber 23 Brickyard 400 stat 26 “That feels wonderful!”
M, on some forms
Inhumane
31 Mussed up, as clothes
Pile on
“___ Get Your Gun” 36 Two youngest “Brady Bunch” daughters 40 Nigeria’s most populous city 41 Hangs onto
Made laugh
Contempt
Frozen treat
Break a commandment
___ Speedwagon
Chris Wright winter forecast, maybe
Egyptian boy king
Oscar winner Sorvino 60 Like some R-rated movies
“Rope-a-dope” boxer
Hendricks County appraiser’s map
Ultimate purpose
Fed. health org.
Tennis match segments
Not impossible
$, for short
Covert email letters
Throat-clearing sound
It means “billionth”
“This Is ___ Tap”
Sell one’s wares
Began to unravel
Plainfield jeweler
Stood in the way
IU’s Kelley School deg.
___ XING (street sign)
GOP grp.
Half of bi-
Fancy furs
ICON revenue source
Candle count
Agreement from
Show your favorite grad your love and appreciation of their milestone accomplishment with an ICONic 2023 Grad-gram and photo.
Go to myhcicon.com/gradgram to place your order with your grad’s photo and a message of up to 50 words or call (317) 451-4088
Deadline is May 24. Cost is $25 and will run in the June 2nd editions of the ICON.
ICONIC arts Bailey McChesney—Preserving Memories with Ink
By Peg McRoy
Ink artist Bailey McChesney loves everything cowgirl, horses, and art. She didn’t pull all three of those interests together until after her first job out of college.
Growing up in Danville her main extracurricular activity was marching band. A self-described marching band nerd, she played the trumpet and clarinet.
She loved marching band so much that during her senior year at Danville High School, she applied for and was accepted into a professional marching band called The Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps based in Casper, Wyoming, and marched with them the summer after graduation.
At the close of that summer, McChesney hung up her DINKLES and slid on her riding boots to pursue a degree in equine management at Murray State University in Kentucky.
“I grew up riding and caught the bug,” said McChesney. “But my home environment didn’t necessarily allow me to dive into the horses as much as I would have liked. Going to college I could really get into the industry and start networking. My dream was to be a range manager or horse trainer.”
When McChesney was a senior in college she decided that she would be
strongly proactive in getting her cowgirl boot through the proverbial industry door.
“I told my mom in my senior year that it was a good idea for the both of us to go to Oklahoma City during the biggest horse show of the year and pass out my resume,” said McChesney. “Mom said that sounded like a terrible idea! But okay, let’s do it.”
They made a road trip out to Oklahoma City during the horse show and passed out over 50 resumes. McChesney discovered that many of her resumes ended up in trash cans, but one hit the mark.
“When I returned home an assistant trainer gave me a call and said that he knew someone looking for someone to work for him,” said McChesney. “I gave him a call and he invited me to fly down to Dallas to interview. I flew down to Dallas. He hired me. I started working for him right after I graduated. It was a whirlwind.”
McChesney worked six and half days a week cleaning stalls, grooming and tacking the horses, training colts, doctoring wounds and injuries on horses, driving the truck and trailer to the veterinarian’s office, and traveling the country to horse shows. It was gritty work, but she loved it.
Congrats, Mary! We are so proud of you. Just seems like yesterday you began your freshman year. We know you’re going to make great memories at Indiana University in pursuit of your degree in Exercise Science! Love, mom and dad!
AVON HIGH SCHOOL Mary Graduate
McChesney uses squiggles in her western artwork to create shading. (Photo by Peg McRoy )
Continued fromn Page 20
When her job ended two and half years later, McChesney wanted to preserve her memories through art, so she reached back into her Danville days recalling what she had learned from her grandfather and great uncle.
“They were huge creative minds,” said McChesney. “My grandfather, David Cupp, was a freelance photographer for National Geographic. My great uncle, Bob Cupp, was a PGA golf course designer. My grandfather taught me a lot about photography. My uncle was also an artist, aside from being an architect, and gave me a lot of insight into drawing.”
McChesney took some basic art classes
HISTORY finds
in high school and college but has not been formally trained in her craft. Her ink images are created through instinct and her exposure to the Cupp brothers. She considers herself a beginner and unconventional artist.
“I want to give people a unique feel when they look at my western art,” said McChesney. “If you look closely at my work you will see ‘squiggles’ to shade my artwork.”
Her work can be seen at Gallery on the Square in Danville, BMAC Studios Facebook page, and on Etsy at BMACbyMcChesney.
Nicholson’s Sorghum Mill
By Deanna Hindsley
While corn and soybeans are the major crops seen in Hendricks County farmland today, there was once more variety. One of those crops not seen today is sorghum. Sorghum is a grass, like corn. Growing in a field, it looks much like corn, but with seed clusters at the top of the stalks. The seeds can be used as grain or animal feed, but it was the stalks, called canes, that were most important to early farm families.
The leaves were stripped from the canes in the field and the canes taken to a mill to produce syrup, called sorghum molasses. From 1885 to the mid twentieth century, sorghum growers from
Hendricks County and beyond could be seen lined up on the roads leading to Nicholson’s Sorghum Mill in Liberty Township, waiting to unload their cane. The juice was pressed from the cane by heavy rollers, then boiled down to make the syrup. It took twenty gallons of juice to make one gallon of syrup.
Three generations of the Nicholson family operated the mill, which during the second world war produced 15,000 gallons of syrup in a season. As the postwar world brought change, the demand for sorghum decreased, and the mill closed in 1955.
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.
REAL ESTATE AUCTION
448.58 TOTAL ACRES!
PARCELS RANGE FROM 1.50 ACRES UP TO 57.74 ACRES
(Auction to be held at the LAWSON & CO. Auction Gallery, 1280 E Main Street, Danville, IN 46122)
OWNER: The Estate of Truesdell A. Meece
EXECUTRIX: Charlene Harris, Russell Springs, KY
ATTORNEY: Gary Wood, Danville, IN
Inspection Days:
Monday, May 22nd, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 30th, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
(Begin at Parcel 17: 5841 W Co Rd 200 N, Danville, IN 46122)
For more info & photos visit our website: www.lawsonandco.com
Tance A. Lawson AU12200035 • Ellen L. Henry AU12200016 1280 East Main Street, Danville, Indiana 46122 (317) 745-6404 • FAX (317) 745-7810 • AC31300014
Room For Improvement
By Dick Wolfsie
We just got back from Washington DC. I was there for a reunion with old college friends who I worked with on The Hatchet, our award-winning newspaper back in the 60’s at The George Washington University. I was a humor columnist and that’s where I got my start in journalism.
Mary Ellen and I had a super time. I just hope the event wasn’t a super-spreader. I came home with Covid. Who did I get it from? I don’t know, but even if I did, I am a good reporter. I would never reveal my source.
When we left for DC, I was excited about the get-together, but meeting up with Covid again was not the reunion I was looking forward to. This was my second bout with the illness. I have been lax lately guarding against a new infection. The only reason I was going to wear a mask to the reunion was that the last few columns I wrote in 1969 were not very funny. I wanted to be sure I wasn’t immediately recognized. Journalists have really good memories.
When we arrived home and I complained of a sore throat, Mary Ellen initially blamed it on my incessant talking for three days, but after taking my temperature she made me take a Covid test. When it was positive, my wife went into panic mode. Not because she thought I would get gravely ill, but because she has her own reunion coming up and doesn’t want to miss it. She went into action.
The first thing she did was isolate me in my home office and forbid me to leave it. All our communication was through the closed door. I was never to open it. For a guy who is hard of hearing, this was tough.
“WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR DINNER?” questioned my wife.
“Does it have to slip under the door?” I asked.
“YES, HOW ABOUT A DOZEN WHITE CASTLE SLIDERS?” suggested Mary Ellen.
She ended up leaving me all my meals on a table in the hallway. I had to exit my office, wearing my mask, and then return to my room, quickly shutting the door.
“HOW’S THAT SLOPPY JOE?” she asked.
“I dripped a lot all over the carpet.”
‘DICK, YOU ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE OFF YOUR MASK WHEN YOU ARE EATING.”
Mary Ellen would often ask what I was doing to keep busy. I told her I was watching the National Geographic channel documentary about elephants.
“I THOUGHT WE WOULD WATCH THAT TOGETHER.” She said.
“OKAY, I’LL WATCH BASEBALL.” I told her. “YOU HATE BASEBALL.”
“DICK, WHY ARE YOU YELLING AT ME?”
“I forgot who was hard of hearing.” By the third day, I missed seeing Mary Ellen. I heard the shower running, so I figured it would be safe to talk to her outside the glass sliding door. When she saw me, she used her finger to scroll a message on the fogged-up glass. I hoped it would be a note about how much she also missed seeing me. It said: GO AWAY! Okay, this was not a Love, Actually moment, but at least we were communicating.
I am better now and Mary Ellen is headed for her reunion. Before she left, I wish I had asked if I could come out of my room.
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.
The great domestic pet debate, solved
By Curtis Honeycutt
Are you a dog person or a cat person? This is the age-old debate. Dogs tend to be extroverted and needy, while cats are generally independent-yet-murderous. Pick your poison.
My wife and I made the ill-informed decision to get a dog last year. After our third child was born, we thought it would be a great idea to add a puppy to the mix. Enter Socks the Cockapoo. Socks is cute — bless his heart — but he’s not that smart.
At this point, I’m not going to stay neutral on the dog-cat divide, nor am I going to pick one or the other. Rather, I choose the third option: neither. I don’t think I’m a pet person, although I am the primary person to feed the dog, clean up after the dog and take the dog to vet and grooming appointments. Go figure.
Right now, you’re wondering: hey, Grammar Guy, what’s the word? Today we’re tackling the dog-eat-dog world of snarl words and purr words. You see, when it comes to arguments (like cats vs. dogs), snarl words and purr words can change the trajectory of the conversation, for good or for better.
A snarl word is like a growling dog — baring its teeth to try to intimidate and demean its opponent. You’ll see snarl words in online debates and political … ahem … discourse. When people throw around terms such as “bigot,” “fascist,” “terrorist” and “pineapple-on-pizza lover,” they’re lobbing snarl words like they’re verbal grenades.
Whether snarl words hit their targets or not, they never win the war. In fact, these growling dogs only further the divide between the opposing parties. Remember that when you’re debating politics with your Uncle Rik at Thanksgiving dinner.
Purr words, on the other hand, are used to establish a positive and calming tone in a conversation. Think of Mr. Rogers or Bob Ross entering into an argument. The purring nature of soothing words changes the timbre of the discussion. When someone comes in with a tranquil attitude, the heightened discourse dissipates. Using words like “trust,” “security,” “freedom” and “home” connote positive vibes that can win over harsh critics.
Whether you prefer dogs or cats, I’d like to suggest we start to employ more purr words into our rhetoric. In fact, you and your political polar opposite acquaintance may both share an affinity for Cockapoos. Purr more and snarl less.
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.
DEVOTION
Be Reconciled
Remember when Chuck E. Cheese was Showbiz Pizza? I remember growing up as a kid in the 80’s and early 90’s begging my mother to let me go to all the birthday parties and even “play dates” with any of my friends whose parents would let me tag along. Stepping through those doors was like stepping into “kid heaven” and it was the only place I wanted to be! To play any of the games, specifically the infamous Skee-Ball, you had to have the Showbiz token! Without the token, you could not operate in the Showbiz “kingdom”! My mother would send me off with my friends and give me U.S. Dollars which had value in the regular world, but no value in the Showbiz Kingdom. The only solution would be to go to the token machine and RECONCILE the money my mother gave me to make it the correct currency for Showbiz!
In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Paul explains that all of humanity had an incorrect “spiritual currency” that would not allow us to live eternally in the Kingdom of God. Our sin currency needed to be made right, or reconciled, so that we could live with Him forever! But the issue is that there is nothing we can do to make ourselves right. Also, by our very nature, we don’t even seek to be
right with God!
Here is where we see the Gospel! In any human situation, reconciliation would be INITIATED by the person who is in the wrong. It would never make sense for the person or the kingdom that is right to initiate reconciliation with those who were in the wrong.
But this is exactly what God did! Paul says that God “reconciled us to Himself through Christ… not counting our trespasses against us”. He initiated reconciliation with us, even though we were the ones who were in a wrong relationship with Him! Finally, Paul also says that those of us who have received this priceless gift of reconciliation through Christ have now been entrusted with the “ministry of reconciliation”! We are called to be ambassadors of Christ who literally “beg” the world to be reconciled!
God, because of His great love and mercy, sent His Son, Jesus the Christ, to die for us and initiate reconciliation. If you are reading this… I beg of you, be reconciled today! LOVING YOU and FULLY DEPENDENT on HIM,
Pastor Rashad Cunningham
Want to link up? Connect with me by scheduling at https://calendly.com/
GRAMMAR GUY
Socks is Curtis’ dog. He’s an 11-month old Cockapoo. (Submitted photo)
TsT Construction, LLC Tip of the Month
By Tom S. Truesdale
Summer Projects
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!
Is your teen depressed or just being a teen?
WELLNESS
By April Bordeau
Carter has always been a good kid. He is the oldest kid and a strong, self-motivated student who makes friends easily and is eager to go places and do things. Suddenly, he is unrecognizable and seems to have been replaced by this moody man-child who doesn’t want to do anything with the family and spends most of his time in his room with the door closed. You can’t remember the last time you’ve had an enjoyable conversation with him, and his grades are slipping.
You’ve always heard the teenage years were challenging, but is this what people mean? Is this how all boys his age act, or is it something else? Is he just sad or unmotivated, or is it something to do with brain chemistry?
It’s hard to say. The teenage years are rough on nearly everyone (including parents) as the body and brain adjust to changing hormones and interpersonal roles. Changes in mood, behavior, eating, and other aspects of daily life are normal parts of adolescent behavior, so it’s important not to overreact. But at the same time, if a teen’s behavior has changed dramatically or appears to be intensifying, it’s a good idea to find out whether it’s something more serious, like depression.
Before you shut us out, please know, if you think your teen may be suffering from depression or another issue, it’s not because you’re a bad parent. In fact, if you’re concerned, it’s a sign of how much you care. Most often, depression and other mental health issues are tied to chemical changes happening in the brain. You’ve seen the physical changes of adolescence – like growth spurts, body hair, acne, and sweat. Changes are happening inside the brain too, and sometimes they can turn a happy-golucky kid into someone entirely different. Teenage depression is common, and it can cause adolescents to struggle with feelings of sadness, despair, and anger.
When determining whether a teen is dealing with depression, mental health professionals look beyond mood and attitude to see whether there are unusual patterns in their behavior. Among the most common signs of depression are:
• excessive sadness, including unexplained crying spells,
• sudden changes in eating and sleeping habits,
• extreme frustration or anger over small problems,
• withdrawing from friends and family
or suddenly spending significant amount of time with new friends,
• unhealthy actions, such as use of alcohol or other drugs, or becoming promiscuous,
• sudden defiance or rebellion and out-of-character acts, like failing assignments, missing curfews, or talking about running away,
• a sense of shame, self-hatred, or feeling worthless,
• recent trouble thinking or concentrating, or
• forgoing favorite activities.
If you’ve seen one or more of these symptoms (especially if they represent a major change from your teen’s normal behavior), your teen may be experiencing depression or another mental health issue, and it’s probably time to reach out for help from a trained professional. You’re welcome at Care to Change, and we can walk with you through this difficult chapter of your child’s journey. Care to Change is here to provide you with practical solutions for positive change that we all long for. Call us at 317-431-9979, or email help @ caretochange.org.
Please note: If your son or daughter mentions suicide, makes references to not being around or is exhibiting self-harm such as cutting, take it seriously. Contact your family doctor or a mental health provider.
National Stroke Awareness Month: How to spot the signs
By Kirsten Strausburg, MSN, FNP-C, Clinical Program Manager- Stroke at IU Health West Hospital
May is National Stroke Awareness Month. A stroke is when a blood clot or broken blood vessel interrupts the blood flow to your brain. Strokes can be fatal, but immediate treatment can greatly improve your chance of survival. It’s important to know what symptoms look like.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke can save lives. Stroke signs and symptoms include numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, severe headache, trouble walking or loss of coordination, difficulty seeing, confusion and dizziness. After a stroke begins, there is a narrow window of time to obtain the most effective treatments. Call 911 immediately if you believe you or a loved one may be having a stroke.
There are two main types of strokes. The two main types of strokes are ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel to the brain. A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or “ministroke,” often resembles a stroke, but typically lasts less than an hour and does not cause permanent damage. However, this type of stroke should still be treated as
an emergency and may be a warning sign that an ischemic stroke could present later. A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a burst blood vessel in the brain, which can also occur in the space surrounding the brain.
Certain factors can put you at risk.
Some health conditions and lifestyle choices, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and smoking, can put a person at a higher risk for ischemic stroke. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for stroke prevention.
Tests can help diagnose a stroke.
At the emergency department, you will receive diagnostic and imaging tests to help your care team determine the presence of a stroke, along with its type. This will ensure that treatment begins immediately. Diagnostic tests include computer tomography (CT), computed tomography angiography (CTA), computed tomography perfusion (CTP), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebral angiography (CA).
If you or a loved one is experiencing stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. Do not try to drive yourself or a loved one to the hospital. Stroke treatment can be started in the ambulance on the way.
A Lesson from a Sitcom
By Karl R. Zimmer III
We learn lessons from our experiences in life, and we can learn valuable lessons by watching documentaries on the History Channel, reading historical accounts and biographies, and the like. But have you ever learned something of value from a Sitcom?
I was searching my mind for a memory I could write about when I got an image of an old Bob Newhart episode in which he portrayed a psychiatrist. That episode and the specific scene that came to mind were funny at the time, but I didn’t get the significance of the scene until many years later after having studied NLP, psychology, behavior and had spent a few years in practice. It was then that I realized how funny, and how insightful, that episode was. I always liked Bob Newhart’s characters and thought of him as one of the best comedic actors of that- or any time. The episode was of a woman who complained about a specific issue, one that she described to “Dr. Newhart.” The doctor had her explain her issue in as much detail as she could, because as we all know, you can’t change a problem you don’t acknowledge. After she was finished, the doctor said, “I can show you how to eliminate your problem with two words, three at the most.” The patient was shocked and couldn’t believe the doctor’s
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confidence that her issue was that simple to fix.
The significance of what follows in the episode is that change is often nothing more than a decision, a decision to change, simply to do something different than what was being done before. What the “Dr.” told the patient in the episode was, “Stop it. Just stop it!” The patient looked shocked and may have even felt the doctor was not taking her seriously, but in reality, he was merely stating the simple truth.
A question some might ask is, “If my behavior is something I want to change, how do I change it?” The answer is, “Change the belief that drives that behavior.” It sounds simple, and it is. It may not always be easy, but it is simple, and you can do it! How cool is that?
Karl is the author of, “The Boy Who Grew Up to RULE® the World…,” a speaker, and BoardCertified Hypnotist. Karl can be contacted at Karl@iRULEtheWorld.com. RULE® is a Registered Mark of Karl R. Zimmer III. Information provided is for informational purposes only and is
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PUZZLES ANSWERS FROM PAGE 19
SUDOKU ANSWERS MAY 5, 2023
Drought Damage Woes
By John Chapin
GARDENING
Just as Purdue horticulturists predicted, Central Indiana is now witnessing the sad effects of the sevenmonth drought last year that started in June, resulting in an almost 10” precipitation deficit by the end of 2022. Warnings to generously water gardens and landscapes to help even larger shrubs and trees cope with the drought were repeated well into late fall, heeded by many, but most likely ignored by most.
Plants, already stressed from the drought, were dealt a second punch by the sudden and dramatic freeze in early December, before they had time to condition themselves for winter. This resulted in the strange sight of trees holding on to their browned leaves well into the new year. But, the real damage was happening unseen, underground. Roots were dying, if not already dead, instead of growing and strengthening in the cool months of early winter when top growth was dormant.
With the arrival of spring, the results of the cumulative damage to stressed plants became shockingly apparent. Trees are showing different degrees of damage or even death. (See the photo of a dogwood in 2022 compared to this spring.) Some trees that have survived have only partially leafed out and others have dead branches.
Many shrubs and perennials have died, even though it was a mild winter with normal precipitation, mostly rainfall. Like trees, other shrubs have just partially leafed out or have dead sections.
Then came the two late frosts in April that to varying degrees damaged shrubs and trees, some severely if in open areas. However, trees and shrubs have a second set of leaves in reserve. It might take a few weeks, but they will push out a fresh set of leaves, with little to worry about, since it’s very unlikely we will have another freeze. (See the photo of a redbud’s new growth.)
With the repeated annual dry spells we’ve been having for more than a decade, culminating with last year’s drought, not watering when needed can result in dead or damaged landscapes, with costly replacements. Fertilize your landscaping this spring, and be especially mindful of when to water in the months ahead.
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
(Submitted photos)
Scenes in Beth She’an National Park
By Don Knebel
In our continuing trip through Israel and the Palestinian Territories, we come to Beth She’an National Park, featuring ruins from thousands of years of successive occupiers of the site.
The park site, about 20 miles southeast of Nazareth, was first settled in about 7000 B.C.. As the site was repeatedly occupied and abandoned, accumulating debris created a large mound or “tell.” Archaeologists cutting through the tell determined that Canaanites established a city around 2000 B.C. After Egyptians captured the area in about 1500 B.C., they made the city an administrative center. The Egyptians lost control of the area to the Philistines, who used the city as their base. According to the Bible, Philistines defeated King Saul at nearby Mt. Gilboa and hung his headless body and those of his three sons on the wall of the city then called “Beth She’an.” King David drove the Philistines from the area, adding Beth She’an to his United Monarchy. When the Assyrians conquered the divided Northern Kingdom in 732 B.C., they burned Beth She’an. The Greeks later took over the area and created a city named “Scythopolis”
atop the ruins. The Romans conquered the area in 63 B.C. and expanded Scythopolis beyond the tell, adding a colonnaded main street (“cardo”), a hippodrome and a 7000seat theatre. Scythopolis became the leading city of the Decapolis, a loose confederation of ten Greco-Roman cities Jesus visited. By the fourth century, Scythopolis was a Christian city, captured by the Muslims in 634. A massive earthquake destroyed the city in 749.
Visitors to Beth She’an National Park can explore one of the largest Roman theatres in the Middle East. They can also climb to the top of the tell, where a replica of an Egyptian stele (monument), chronicles the successful efforts of Egyptian Pharaoh Seti I to recapture the area from rebellious Canaanites.
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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Visiting Beth She’an National Park (Photo by Don Knebel)
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