Brownsburg Magazine April 2024

PARK

PERSON

AMBER LANE TALKS FIRST YEAR AS BROWNSBURG PARKS DIRECTOR

Spreading Awareness Local Couple Works to Inform Others of an Often Overlooked Danger

APRIL 2024

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PUBLISHER DARREN BOSTON darren@townepost.com (317) 716-8812

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KEY CONTRIBUTORS

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:

JOSH DUKE MELISSA GIBSON CHRISTY HEIGTER-EWING TRISHA PALENCER AMY PAYNE CHARLOTTE STEFANSKI

Acorn Self Storage

8

IN OUR ORBIT

Hendricks County Set for Eclipse Events

10

ROPED IN

24

16

How to Support a Loved One

SERVING PATIENTS AND COUNTRY Will Sexton Is Enjoying His Role at IU Health West Amid an Impressive Military Career

APRIL 2024

10 9

Indiana Junior Rodeo Association Seeing Increased Popularity

NAVIGATING ALCOHOL ABUSE

27

PARK PERSON

Amber Lane Talks First Year as Brownsburg Parks Director

22

Local Couple Works to Inform Others of an Often Overlooked Danger

4 | April 2024 | TownePost.com

FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011 PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011

SPREADING AWARENESS

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

ACORN SELF STORAGE Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography Provided

Brownsburg has been a home away from home for John Perine since 1999, when he started managing his first property in the city. In 2013, Perine bought his first property in the city, and then developed a second property in the city in 2015.

In 2023 Perine opened his third location in Brownsburg, Acorn Self Storage. The property is a joint venture between Perine’s firm, Aspen Property Management, and Holladay Properties. Acorn Self Storage is located at 1641 East U.S. Highway 136.

“We pulled out all the stops on this facility,” Perine said. “It has the latest innovations and amenities for tenants, including wider and taller doors, wider drive aisles, electric outlets, lights, and asphalt-paved outside parking.”

The facility is one of the first in the city of Brownsburg to have drive-up, climatecontrolled units. These units have insulated doors, similar to a garage door, and they are heated and cooled just like other climatecontrolled units. However, you can access them from outside, as opposed to having to access them through a hallway, like typical

climate-controlled storage units.

These drive-up, climate-controlled units are 10 by 20 square feet, and were designed to accommodate businesses, families, and those with sports cars or other items needing storage space.

Another innovation at the site are the contractor units, which make up almost one-half of the property. Most self-storage units are 10 feet wide, making it difficult to fit trailers, boats or trucks. Acorn’s contractor units are 16 feet wide, and the doors are 12 feet wide. This allows tenants to store their trailers, trucks, boats and other items easily. Also, the doors are 10 feet tall, as opposed to the typical self-storage unit at 7 feet tall. This means tall items like boats and RVs can fit in these units easily.

These units are also loaded with amenities like lights and electric outlets, for use by contractors like plumbers and electricians, or individuals.

These large contractor units all sit on a 40-foot-wide drive aisle, so it’s easy to maneuver vehicles in and out of the units.

“We are one of the few storage facilities in Brownsburg that have asphalt-paved outside parking units for your boat, RV, car or trailer,” Perine

said. “Our security is one of the best in the city, with gate keypad entry, keypad entry to the climate-controlled building, fencing, security lights, security cameras, and on-site management six days per week.”

Acorn does have standard self-storage units to accommodate individuals or businesses, with sizes from 5 by 5 square feet, up to 10 by 30 square feet. If you are moving or just need extra space, or have a business and need to store inventory, Acorn can take care of you.

“I would say the only thing that beats our amenities is our pricing, which is among the best rates in the city,” Perine said. “If you need a self-storage unit or a contractor unit, just call Acorn at 317-286-6300.”

CONNECT acornstor.com 317-286-6300 1641 East U.S. Highway 136 Brownsburg, IN 6 | April 2024 | TownePost.com

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IN OUR ORBIT

HENDRICKS COUNTY SET FOR ECLIPSE EVENTS Writer / Josh Duke Photography Provided

When Hendricks County experiences its first total solar eclipse in more than 800 years on April 8, residents should plan to attend one of the many local events countywide to celebrate the astronomical phenomenon.

Hendricks County and central Indiana will be a popular spot for visitors, with the area experiencing darkness for more than three minutes. So, county businesses and organizations have already begun plans to host watch parties and even day-long festivals to celebrate and receive the proper eyewear to view the eclipse.

With local schools closed that day and many visitors expected to come here, town, county and state police agencies say they are ready.

“The eclipse has been a discussion for me, emergency management and the chiefs of police here in Hendricks County for some time now,” said Hendricks County Sheriff Jack Sadler. “We have all been in communications with the Hendricks County Communications Center and are prepared for the influx of people.”

All major law enforcement agencies within the county, including the Sheriff ’s Department, are increasing staffing levels 8 | April 2024 | TownePost.com

to accommodate the potential need for the eclipse. In addition, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security will activate and staff the State Emergency Operations Center that day to help coordinate at the state level.

Officials have estimated around 100,000 people will travel to central Indiana to see the eclipse, with up to 500,000 estimated statewide. With central Indiana experiencing 100% totality, and so many towns and counties in addition to Hendricks County holding public events, the number of visitors will be spread out, alleviating any kind of pressure in one specific area.

totality, giving both residents and visitors an opportunity to experience this oncein-a-lifetime event here in Hendricks County,” said Jaime Bohler Smith, Visit Hendricks County’s executive director and chief executive officer. “With so many fun events being planned, we highly encourage everyone to arrive early, enjoy the day and be patient on your return trip home.”

Events and viewing parties both big and small will give residents and visitors plenty of options. Visit Hendricks County even awarded grants earlier this year to help five local businesses host celebrations, including ticketed events at Beasley’s Orchard and Hendricks Live! Two of the bigger free public events include the Race to the IN COMPARISON: Eclipse at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway • The Indianapolis 500 draws about 250,000 Park and a military tribute at The Shops at to 300,000 people to its one-day event at Perry Crossing. the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

• Here in Hendricks County, U.S. Nationals Hendricks County hotel rooms are selling held over Labor Day Weekend handles fast but are still available. Affordable 60,000 people a day and 150,000 over the camping spots also remain at the Hendricks course of the weekend.

County 4-H Fairgrounds, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park and Raceview With preparations already in place, and Family Campground next to the track. given our experience in handling crowds, residents should not hesitate to attend any For more details about the eclipse, all the of the planned festivities. local celebrations and so much more, go to visithendrickscounty.com/eclipse.

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Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography Provided

Indiana Junior Rodeo Association Seeing Increased Popularity April 2024 | TownePost.com

T

he Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds is preparing to welcome more than 150 youths to the Indiana Junior Rodeo Association (IJRA) and National Little Britches Association event this spring.

“The IJRA has been around for 35 years, and in 2018 we moved to the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds as our permanent facility,” said Andreah Caldwell, treasurer for the IJRA. “When we moved there we had about 60 kids participating, and today our rodeos host between 130 and 180 kids.

They’re coming from all over the state and surrounding areas, and we’re really excited to have this centrally located facility.”

As they practice and learn more, their skill levels increase, and the difficulty does too.

Ages 5 to 8 add goat tie and calf riding to their repertoire. There’s a junior division for girls aged 9 through 13, and another for boys. The oldest in the junior rodeo are separate girl and boy divisions, aged 14 to 18, and they move into bull riding, saddle

bronc riding and team roping, to name a few.

“The ratio is about 60% girls at the moment,” Andreah said. “That’s because there are a ton of barrel racers throughout all age groups, but when you get into calf ropers, for instance, there might be only eight of them.”

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TownePost.com | April 2024

For those in the arena, it may be a lot of work but it’s also a lot of fun.

“I think every little boy or girl dreams of being a cowboy,” Andreah said. “We’ve all watched the westerns. It’s something we want to be a part of and it’s kind of fascinating.”

Creek Caldwell, Andreah’s son, has been participating for 12 years.

Breakaway roping has become more popular over the years, just recently added in Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association events, and soon the National Finals Rodeo events.

Primarily a women’s competition, breakaway roping involves riding horseback while roping a calf. The rope breaks away from the saddle once the calf gets far enough away from the horse.

As more events like this are accepted in the professional arena, the more opportunities young people have to compete in the future.

That’s important to women like Kennedy Hayes, who participated in her first rodeo in preschool.

“I compete in senior girls breakaway roping, barrel racing, goat tying and pole bending,” Hayes said. “I’d say I practice breakaway the most. Throughout the summer I spend four to five hours a day practicing and exercising my horses. During the school year it’s probably two to three hours a night.”

While sitting in the audience and watching participants ride a wild horse or bull, the April 2024 | TownePost.com

amount of work the young people put in might not be evident, but it’s an entirely different lifestyle from those who are not involved.

“It’s a family-oriented association,” Andreah said. “We call it our rodeo family because we’re sleeping in campers next to each other two weekends out of the month sometimes.

It allows us to be very close and connected.

These kids are often matured beyond their years. They are around adults all the time.

My kids’ best friends are at the rodeo and I think many of them can say that.”

In addition to the practice and the friendships, the lessons learned truly develop the youth in a unique way. They learn independence, commitment, hard work and discipline.

“If you don’t put in the hard work, the outcome won’t be what you want,” Hayes said. “I think there’s a toughness that you learn. When it’s negative 5 degrees this winter, you still have to go out and feed your horses. Every day you’re going to feed, clean the barn and put in your practice time.”

“It’s just what I love to do,” Creek said. “I like saddle bronc riding. You come out on a horse that’s not broke. It’s just like riding a bull. You have to stay on for eight seconds.

There’s also a lot of scholarships available and I’ve been getting calls from colleges with rodeo programs.”

The IJRA is a nonprofit and depends solely on sponsorships to help pay for award packages. In addition, participants solicit a minimum of $100 to be eligible for the awards.

“Last year we were able to provide about $30,000 in prize money, and another $30,000 in awards like saddles, buckles and tack,” Andreah said. “We depend on our

sponsors for all of that.”

Not only does the program move youth to participate in public speaking while sharing their passion with others, but it also fosters leadership skills.

“We have a student board,” Andreah said.

“They help plan activities for the younger kids. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to be successful.”

competitors with more experience - and the younger ones are looking up to you.”

Like many other sports, there is a level of danger and risk of injury, but with practice and experience, the risk decreases.

“There are concerns,” Andreah said. “We have many rodeos where no one gets hurt, but on occasion there’s a broken arm. I feel like it’s similar to football or baseball.”

Also similar to other sports, the love of rodeo is often passed down from generation to generation. Parents who rodeoed professionally have led their young ones to get their start.

It’s an atmosphere and bonding experience many of the youth appreciate.

“My dad was into rodeo and he and I practice together, and my mom is very

Hayes said she too is looking at colleges with rodeo programs.

Both teens have obtained their ProRodeo card, allowing them to compete at other competitions against adults with more experience.

“I think it’s the adrenaline and the excitement, but it’s also seeing the outcome of the hard work I’ve put in,” Hayes said.

“You see all the little kids looking up to you and that makes it worth it. You’re looking up to your own people - your parents, other

TownePost.com | April 2024

involved,” Hayes said. “She’s into the health and nutrition part. She makes sure the horses are healthy. There’s a lot of family time when you’re traveling all summer long; you’re in the truck for hours at a time together.”

The IJRA season begins in August each year, with rodeo competitions nearly every month throughout the school year. Many of those competitions, including the annual awards banquet, are held at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds.

“The partnership we have with the Hendricks County Fairgrounds and the awesome facilities they offer is a part of our growth and success,” Andreah said. “We’re really grateful to [Executive Director] Steve Patterson and the staff. They’ve been awesome to work with.”

For more information on the IJRA, visit indianajuniorrodeoassociation.org.

Check your TREES, ~After Storms ~Heavy Rain

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You could save a life! ~Xander and Ziva Clark, killed by a falling tree 4/23/22~

April 2024 | TownePost.com

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Will, center, while serving overseas

SERVING PATIENTS AND COUNTRY WILL SEXTON IS ENJOYING HIS ROLE AT IU HEALTH WEST AMID AN IMPRESSIVE MILITARY CAREER Writer / Charlotte Stefanski Photography Provided April 2024 | TownePost.com

W

ill Sexton has always been drawn to the human body - how it works and the science behind it.

“Sports and human movement were always interesting to me,” he said. “It just made sense to me.”

When he enrolled at Indiana University he studied kinesiology, the science of movement, and exercise science for his undergraduate degree, then pursued his master’s degree in exercise physiology.

months and 25 days (not that he counted), he was on active duty.

After that stint, his family of five decided it was time to settle down somewhere. First, Sexton took an assistant director of imaging position at Texas Children’s Hospital. Four years later he moved back to Indiana, and joined Terre Haute Regional Hospital as director of imaging services and special diagnostics. His family lived in Avon because his wife was a teacher in Zionsville, and IU Health West Hospital seemed like the perfect fit for him.

“I was like, ‘I’d love to get an opportunity there,’ and then about a year and a half later it opened up, and I was like, ‘I have to,’” “I had always wanted to but my mother was Sexton said. “I felt very fortunate to get that always afraid of it, so she tried to talk me out opportunity.” of it,” Sexton explained. “But I still had that itch.”

Sexton officially joined the IU Health West He officially joined the United States Army team as director of imaging services in August 2022, but within the span of a few in 2003, and for the next 13 years, 10 But those weren’t his only interests. Sexton had always wanted to enlist in the military.

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weeks, active duty would call again, and he was off to Kuwait.

He’s now officially back and working to get reacquainted with the IU Health West team.

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DISCOVERING IMAGING IN THE ARMY Sexton was 29 with a child on the way when he first enlisted in the Army, and while leaping out of planes looked fun, he decided to stay in the medical field to grow and share his expertise.

The Army had a wide array of roles both in and out of health care, and radiology piqued his interest. As someone who had broken bones and had strains, it seemed like the perfect field for Sexton.

His traditional schooling in Indiana was much different from training in the military.

He explained that the military streamlines all its medical training, whereas in college, students have plenty of book work, and get a deep understanding and a lot of knowledge from reading.

April 2024 | TownePost.com

“In the Army everything is very cut and dry,” he said. “It’s a methodology more than anything. You’re thrown into it and expected to perform, and so your development and your knowledge comes from your experiences, versus learning from a book.”

Luckily for Sexton, he already had in-depth knowledge about the body and bones from schooling. While others had trouble with terms and names, he was on top of it.

His first duty station was in Grafenwöhr, Germany, where he was the only X-ray technologist for his first three years.

Eventually the team grew to five and shot about 20 to 25 films per day, which gave him plenty of free time.

Sexton then went on to receive training in nuclear medicine with both the U.S. Navy and Brooke Army Medical Center. He was then stationed at Fort Knox for about 14 months, but then decided to re-enlist, and went back to the Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas to become director of imaging services.

“It finally got to the point where I felt like I’d outgrown my role and there was nowhere to go, unless I was going to do more Army activities - which, at 40 years old, most people retire,” Sexton said.

He shifted gears, going into the Army Reserve. Now he’s a transportation mobility warrant officer, tracking large movements for the Army.

IT’S MY JOB TO MAKE THE TIMELINE FROM THE PORT TO THE FIGHT. THAT’S WHAT I DID IN MY LAST DEPLOYMENT. I TRACKED ALL THE MOVEMENTS IN AND OUT OF KUWAIT, IN AND OUT OF THE MIDDLE EAST.

Sexton Family

BACK ON U.S. SOIL Sexton officially returned to IU Health West this October, resuming his role as director of imaging. Within that role, he serves as the strategic leader for radiology.

“We’re trying to keep a pulse on what’s happening in the imaging world, as well as what’s happening at IU Health West, melding the two together to look ahead down the road so that we can meet the needs of patients and doctors,” he said.

MRI machines and three CT units.

Sexton is also a bit playfully competitive with other departments in the hospital, and he’s always looking for ways to encourage and improve his department. His natural curiosity also plays into his leadership role.

IU Health West’s imaging team is the only 24/7 imaging department in the IU Health Indianapolis Suburban Region, including IU Health North, Saxony, Tipton and West hospitals. This includes all forms of imaging, “Leadership is different every day,” he said. like CT, MRI, radiology and ultrasounds.

“You have your standard goals - you want to It’s one of the region’s busiest departments, mentor people, change and lead the way.

But every day is a new day. When you walk Sexton said, with a large capacity of two

in, you have a new set of challenges. There’s always something that’s boiling in the background. That’s exciting to me.”

Now that he’s back, Sexton is getting reintegrated with his role and team, and working to build a better grasp on it.

“Our team is fantastic,” he said. “They do a great job. Our culture is wonderful and that’s a credit to our leadership.”

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We’re here to promote economic prosperity and to improve your quality of life.

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April 2024 | TownePost.com

Seth Cromer Financial Advisor scromer@hcwealthadvisors.com

One East Main Street Brownsburg, IN 317-852-2268 hendrickscountybank.com

HENDRICKS COUNTY BANK & TRUST COMPANY Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Today most major nationwide banks offer wealth advisory services to help their clients grow their money. Even local banks have gotten into this game more recently. For years, Hendricks County Bank and Trust Company has considered starting a wealth advisory division. They were just waiting for the right time and the right people to have in place. Everything came together in November 2023 when they hired Seth Cromer to head up the Wealth Advisors division.

“This is a strategic initiative that fits in well with our mission statement, which says, in part, that we’re here to promote economic prosperity and to improve the quality of life in the Hendricks County community,” says Jerry Orem, president. “Financial services are a natural offshoot to the banking products and services we offer our customers.”

Hendricks County Bank and Trust Company has clients who have been with them their entire life - perhaps 50, 60 or 70 years. As a result, strong relationships have been built over time. Hendricks County Bank has five branches. At each branch, any time a customer walks through the door,

they’re greeted, and more often than not by name. You don’t get that personal touch at many bigger banks.

“People would rather not go outside of the community they like and know for advice on what to do with their retirement savings,” says Cromer, a lifelong resident of Hendricks County.

While many larger entities might only be interested in working with individuals with a high net worth, at Hendricks County Bank, they offer the same products and services to customers with a high net worth and those with modest means.

“We work with people who maybe have a job change and a 401(k) to rollover, or perhaps they’re self-employed and need to start an IRA,” Orem says. “That’s the niche we fill that the larger brokerage houses probably overlook.”

Cromer, who over the next few years will be building out and growing Hendricks County Wealth Advisors, loves the diverse tapestry of his days. For instance, he

recently started out his day talking to a small-business owner who wanted to set up simple IRAs for his handful of employees.

Cromer shared details on the new tax benefits and tax breaks for small-business owners who start such a plan. From there, he met a college student who was looking to set up an IRA for the internship he just completed, as well as his upcoming summer internship. Finally, he made a house call to an 80-year-old customer who didn’t want to go out in the bitter cold. “It benefits me as well; I always get good tea and coffee when I go to her house,” Cromer says with a smile.

The day demonstrates the full spectrum of the clientele Cromer works with, which exemplifies the purpose of a community bank.

“All of these clients are in completely different stages of life and different stages in their financial situations,” says Cromer, who enjoys learning about his clients’ interests and hobbies. “Relationship building is the best part of this process, as we focus on these differences and work together to develop a plan that best serves each situation.”

TownePost.com | April 2024

Spreading AWARENESS LOCAL COUPLE WORKS TO INFORM OTHERS OF AN OFTEN OVERLOOKED DANGER Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography Provided

April 2024 | TownePost.com

On April 23, 2022, Brian and Crystal Clark suffered a parent’s worst fear.

Their two children, Xander, 9, and Ziva, 8, were killed instantly in a freak accident no one could have seen coming.

“We were at our campground on a beautiful spring day,” Crystal said.

“It was extremely windy but 70 degrees and the sun was shining.

We went for a golf cart ride and found friends at our favorite fishing spot. They were taking turns taking fish off the hooks. Ziva would kiss the fish and throw it back in, and Xander was twirling a worm around his finger just before we left.”

After a short visit, the family of four got back into the golf cart with promises to return soon, but once they were traveling down the path, they heard a loud sound and couldn’t tell which direction it was coming from.

“It sounded like a plane was crashing into the woods,” Crystal said. “A tree came down, hit the F150 to the right of us, and then on top of our golf cart. We were in the front seat, and Xander and Ziva were in the back. The tree missed us by inches but struck the children directly and they were gone.”

Paramedics came, but shortly after, they confirmed what the Clarks already knew.

“This was a 30-foot-tall tree and it split from the trunk about two feet off the ground,” Brian said.

“It’s something, as a parent, you wouldn’t ever think of. You can think of a thousand things you need to do to protect your children, but this doesn’t even pop into your mind.”

“You can’t just look at the tree and know if it’s dead or alive,” Brian said. “It’s not something you can see, but we can pay attention. Have your trees checked regularly by a professional. Most tree companies give free quotes.”

Clark Family

The couple have spoken with other parents who have experienced a similar loss, and though it’s a rare occurrence, they have others thinking.

It’s not uncommon for those who have heard their story to reach out, letting them know they’ve had their trees examined or removed.

Ziva

The Clarks simply hope people are proactive.

Last spring, billboards in Indianapolis and surrounding areas featured Xander and Ziva, warning the public about the dangers of unmonitored trees.

Brian and Crystal also hang the same banner from their trailer while traveling around the state to various barbecue competitions. The banner is always noticed and always discussed.

“It’s a tragedy we live every day,” Crystal said. “We couldn’t save our own children, but maybe their legacy will save someone else. If we can do something that plants a little seed in someone’s mind, it’s more than what they thought about it before. We don’t want anyone else to feel this unimaginable pain.”

Xander

Despite their shock and pain, the couple set out to warn others about the dangers of damaged, dead and hollow trees.

They hope to save a life by making others aware of what could happen.

TownePost.com | April 2024

NAVIGATING ALCOHOL ABUSE HOW TO SUPPORT A LOVED ONE Writer / Trisha Palencer, Director of Chronic Pain and Chemical Dependency at the IU Health West Addiction Treatment and Recovery Center Photography Provided

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness for alcohol abuse. Many families face difficulties when a loved one struggles with alcohol abuse. Supporting someone through this journey requires empathy, patience, and a multifaceted approach aimed at both the individual and their support system.

Understanding alcohol abuse

Encourage treatment

Alcohol abuse is a complex issue with multifaceted roots. It impacts not only the individual, but also their relationships, work and overall well-being. Recognizing the signs, which may include increased tolerance, mood swings and neglect of responsibilities, is the first step in addressing the problem.

Gently encourage your loved one to seek professional help. Offer to assist in finding resources, whether it’s counseling, therapy, support groups or an addiction treatment program. Highlighting the benefits of seeking help can alleviate the fear and stigma often associated with treatment.

Open communication

Setting clear boundaries is crucial for both your well-being and that of your loved one.

Enabling behaviors, such as covering up their actions or making excuses for them, can perpetuate the cycle of abuse. Express your support while maintaining boundaries that safeguard your own mental and emotional health.

Initiating open, nonjudgmental conversations can pave the way for support. Express your concerns calmly, emphasizing care and understanding. Listening actively and without interruption fosters trust and encourages your loved one to share their struggles.

Educate yourself Learning about alcohol abuse, its effects, and available treatments equips you to offer informed support. Understand that addiction is a complex disease, often requiring professional intervention.

April 2024 | TownePost.com

Establish boundaries

Practice self-care

own well-being. Seek support from friends, family or professional counselors to navigate your own emotions and challenges.

Stay committed Recovery from alcohol abuse is a journey with ups and downs. Stay committed to supporting your loved one through this process. Celebrate their milestones and remain a pillar of encouragement during setbacks.

Encouraging hope Remind your loved one that recovery is possible. Share stories of individuals who have successfully overcome similar challenges. Instill hope and emphasize that seeking help is a courageous step towards a healthier, fulfilling life.

Supporting someone with alcohol abuse can Remember, while you can offer support, the decision to seek help ultimately rests with be emotionally taxing. Engage in self-care your loved one. Encouragement and support activities to recharge and maintain your are vital, but respecting their autonomy and readiness to change is equally important.

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PERSON AMBER LANE TALKS FIRST YEAR AS BROWNSBURG PARKS DIRECTOR Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Amy Payne & Provided

Amber Lane has been working with the Brownsburg Parks and Recreation department for eight years. She was hired as an administrative services manager, received several promotions, and eventually spent two years as assistant director.

Last summer amid some changes in the parks department, Lane was named director, and she’s excited to see the future of Brownsburg Parks as it continues to develop.

Lane is no stranger to working within communities.

Before joining the department she majored in anthropology, and in a study of an Indianapolis neighborhood, got the chance to see how a community center benefitted the local residents.

THIS YEAR WE’LL BE “ DOING A LOT OF AESTHETIC AND FUNCTIONALITY UPDATES AT WILLIAMS PARK

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As the director of an early childhood education program, Lane was able to work with families and create events that provided education and a ton of fun.

Those experiences have prompted her desire to make park amenities and programs the best they can be for the Brownsburg community.

TownePost.com | April 2024 | 27

The parks department is a fairly small crew, but they get a lot done every day.

“Virgil Park has just come online and we’ll be celebrating the grand opening on May 1,” Lane said. “Stevens Park came on in 2021, so we have five developed properties right now and two undeveloped properties. I hope to focus on Lincolnwood Park to be our next developed property.”

Perhaps one of the more fun parts of the job is developing something from the ground up, and Lane said it’s important to be good stewards of the existing parks as well.

“This year we’ll be doing a lot of aesthetic and functionality updates at Williams Park,” Lane said. “We’ll be working with a firm to redesign and re-engineer some of the mechanical components of the splash pad. One of our big projects at Arbuckle Park includes taking down split-rail fencing to align better with the White Lick Creek Greenway Trail. For me, it’s all about staying

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consistent across all parks.”

In addition, Lane hopes to advance their work in ADA accessibility and improvements as they upgrade at each existing park.

“I do park walk-throughs every week and I’m still astounded by the amount of work our team puts in,” Lane said. “They are so passionate about it, and it’s great to spend funds on the new, shiny things, but also important to dedicate efforts toward our existing infrastructure.”

She hasn’t forgotten about trails and greenways.

“If you look at the past 23 years of surveys, trails are really important to this community and always score highly,” she said. “It’s the most accessible amenity we can have for everyone and a lot of our park developments have a trail component to them.”

Your One Stop Shop Future expansions are planned for a stretch on the B&O Trail from Green Street to Ronald Reagan Parkway, and another at the White Lick Creek Trail, north of Interstate 74.

Lane is coming in at a great time, just as the team is working on their five-year master plan, and she said it’s not something they put on a shelf to collect dust. It keeps the staff on task by setting goals and making sure everything is up to par at each park.

That’s important when you consider the massive community events the department puts on each year.

“Our events have really exploded,” Lane said. “I think after the pandemic, people really wanted to get back together. People don’t think about things like the farmers market, but we’re planning that now. Not only is it accessible to our vendors and the community but we’re doing themed nights like kids day, an artisan market night, musical talents and other events. It’s a weekly place for Brownsburg to be.”

During the summer months, the Movies in the Park program on Friday evenings is popular, and the summer concert series also brings out crowds.

Each year, some events are what Lane calls “all hands on deck” for the team.

The Fourth of July Extravaganza, in partnership with the Brownsburg Lion’s Club, Blues in the ‘Burg, and Christmas Under the Stars not only give the community a great place to celebrate, but also bring economic benefits to the town.

“Last year was one of our most successful years with Blues in the ‘Burg,” Lane said. “The community really responded to that, and it doesn’t just bring in the Brownsburg community, but really all over central Indiana.”

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Another special day to add to the list this year is the solar eclipse event on April 8.

“Not only are we partnering with Lucas Oil and Visit Hendricks County for this popular event, but in all of our parks we’re expecting people to come out to watch the eclipse.”

Every step of the way, it’s truly a team effort.

Lane said volunteers are crucial to the department’s success. For example, the

Father-Daughter Dance event welcomes 400 people each night and is run primarily with help from the Lions Club, Key Club, National Honor Society and others.

playground safety, arborists, and aquatic facility operators.”

“A lot of this couldn’t be done without our dedicated volunteers, and it takes every member of our team working together to have success,” Lane said. “We have so many highly educated professionals with different backgrounds - people who are certified in

Every event requires a partnership with the Brownsburg Police and Fire departments to keep the community safe, and there’s seasonal help in the form of camp counselors to internships.

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“It’s so great that the community is involved in this way,” Lane said.

Brownsburg Parks Team

Last summer, the Brownsburg Parks board was dissolved and management was placed under the Brownsburg Town Council.

Lane reports to Town Manager Deb Cook, and shares an update on park development and programs with the council each month a partnership she values.

When Lane took over as director, she said many of the tasks didn’t surprise her. She was trained well and was handed a program in good shape, but she’s been able to lean on a stellar administration team, from the Town Council to the other department leaders.

“It was really about picking up the torch and carrying it forward,” Lane said. “I’m so appreciative of the support I get from the town administration and department heads.

We have some great leaders in the Town of Brownsburg, and they’re knowledgeable and helpful. I’m so proud of our parks department and the work the team does every day.”

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