Brownsburg Magazine May 2024

Pedaling Forward Local 20-Year-Old Learns to Thrive Again After Traumatic Brain Injury

BUILDING YOUR BEST LIFE OLTHOF HOMES HAS A RANGE OF LIVING OPTIONS FOR BROWNSBURG RESIDENTS

MAY 2024

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BUILDING YOUR BEST LIFE

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

CLAIRE-ANNE AIKMAN TARA DORSETT JOSH DUKE CHRISTY HEITGER-EWING MELISSA GIBSON MICHAELA HOOVER KIRSTEN STRAUSBURG

Olthof Homes Has a Range of Living Options for Brownsburg Residents

10

29

PEDALING FORWARD

Local 20-Year-Old Learns to Thrive Again After Traumatic Brain Injury

15

PATH TO PROGRESS

Unlikely Journeys Offers Support and Guidance to Hendricks County Kids and Parents

19 MAY 2024

SET FOR SUMMER Immerse Yourself in Hendricks County’s Many Summertime Pursuits

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A SENSIBLE APPROACH TO DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Rapha Health

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BUILDING YOUR BEST LIFE

OLTHOF HOMES HAS A RANGE OF LIVING OPTIONS FOR BROWNSBURG RESIDENTS Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Michaela Hoover

O

lthof Homes is a three-generation, family-run business founded in 1961

by Fritz and Karen Olthof. Today their four sons, Scot, Todd, Dennis and Fritz, in addition to their grandson, Matt, help run the company. For 60 years Olthof Homes has been a mainstay in northwest Indiana. In 2017, however, they opened the Indianapolis division of Olthof Homes, where it became evident that they had missed the initial mark with their offerings.

“The homes in northwest Indiana are lovely, but we soon learned that homeowners in Indy were in search of different options,” says Lisa McCleskey, division manager with Olthof Homes.

6 | May 2024 | TownePost.com

The company is now flourishing in the Indy market with neighborhoods in Cumberland, Westfield, Plainfield, Greenfield and Brownsburg. In the last seven years Olthof Homes has helped 654 families realize the dream of home ownership. Brownsburg has two communities: Fairview West and Talon Woods. Fairview West offers both “There I was, sitting in a model with yellow single-family homes and single-family, construction tape all around me as people maintenance-free villas. Fairview West has were coming in,” she says with a chuckle.

10 acres of woodlands, 44-plus acres of “But honestly, it was a great opportunity to green space and 1.5 miles of walking trails. show our authenticity as a company because The Hudson is a ranch style that’s 1,903 we explained to folks that we had missed square feet, and homeowners have the the mark and were now fixing it. People option of adding a sunroom to the back to appreciated our candor.” gain an additional 144 square feet.

Upon that realization, the team tore up the inside of their model home so they could incorporate the needs and wants of the Indy market. McCleskey, who has worked for the company for nearly two decades, recalls greeting potential clients as the model was under reconstruction.

“Right now ranches are hard to find, so people love this plan,” McCleskey says.

yous from the customers who need that larger square footage.”

The Sedona, which is 2,444 square feet, includes a two-story great room with abundant windows.

The Oakmont is 2,897 square feet, the Rowan is 2,820 and the Olympia is 2,397.

Talon Woods is Brownsburg’s other community. It offers low-maintenance The Willow, a 3,142-square-foot plan, comes with a three-car garage and is popular townhomes in a quaint community surrounded by nature. One of the factors for larger families. that sets the Talon Woods townhomes apart is the fact that the garages are in the “Costs and interest rates have gone up, back. They also all have private courtyards which has caused affordability to look and an outdoor kitchen with pergola different for a lot of families, and yet you and community gardens, which fosters can’t change the size of your family for neighborly gathering. affordability,” McCleskey says. “If you have five children, they’re probably not “It has a feel of, ‘Let’s do life together,’” fitting very well in your smallest home.

McCleskey says.

We have successfully provided a path to homeownership through our interest rate The Talon Woods townhomes will range buy-down programs. All customers are loving the program and the flexibility that it from 1,223 (two bed/1.5 baths) to 1,647 square feet (three bed/2.5 bath). provides, but we’re hearing lots of thank-

TownePost.com | May 2024 | 7

These homes are great options for young professionals or anyone who wants the convenience of being able to come and go, and not have to worry about maintenance.

“You don’t have to mow lawn, trim bushes or spread mulch,” McCleskey says. “It’s all taken care of for you.”

These units are for sale now and will be ready for closing and move-in in September.

McCleskey has found that in recent years, many people long to be connected to the community in which they live. For a long time that wasn’t the case for some homeowners, who, for instance, wanted to avoid having their property back up against a walking trail because they favored privacy.

Now, however, people love being close to walking trails so they can more easily connect with their neighbors.

To help people form those connections, the Olthof team often hosts events in their sales centers such Halloween Trick or Treat, Saturday Morning Doughnuts, and even a movie night held on a vacant lot next to the model. This spirit of connectedness has inspired homeowners to do the same.

“Your vibe attracts your tribe,” McCleskey says. “Homeowners put flyers in their neighbors’ mailboxes announcing that they’re having a chili cook-off, an Easter egg hunt or some other fun event.”

8 | May 2024 | TownePost.com

In addition, many homeowners want to reside in an area that has ample offerings.

Brownsburg is ideal because it’s a growing town with a small-town feel. Plus, it’s close to parks, has a school system that’s ranked top-three in the state, and is an easy drive to downtown Indy.

At Olthof team meetings, they always read the names of all the customers who are closing on their homes that month.

“We say, ‘These are the people who trusted us to build their home. Let’s make sure what we turn over is what we promised them,’” McCleskey says. “Our goal is to find ways to

make a difference for our clients.”

They recognize that they get to walk with people through some of the most difficult and most exciting times in their lives.

“Our clients share their stories of why they need this home,” McCleskey says. “Perhaps it’s due to a divorce, a death in the family or some other life change. No matter the reason, it’s a blessing to help people make one of the biggest decisions of their life.”

For more information, visit olthofhomes.com.

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PEDALING

FORWARD

Local 20-Year-Old Learns to Thrive Again After Traumatic Brain Injury Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided May 2024 | TownePost.com

W

e all want to find our passion in life - that thing that revs us up, makes us tick and soothes our soul. Eddie Kelley found his passion on a dirt bike. He first engaged in dirt bike racing when he was 14 years old as a fun activity to do with his dad.

It didn’t take long, however, for racing to take center stage.

“It consumed my life,” says Eddie. “More than that, it drastically changed my life.”

Eddie began participating in various racing competitions, most notably the Grand National Cross Country racing series for amateurs, which involves two-hour races with venues spanning from Florida to Indiana.

In 2019 Eddie attended his first Fuel Ministry camp. The camp includes daily devotions, a nighttime chapel service, and lots of adrenaline-pumping dirt bike riding. Eddie adored Fuel Ministry so much that he began working as a summer intern in 2021. On July 24, 2023, he was riding at a camp in Ohio when he had a seemingly minor accident that turned worse when the bike landed on his head, causing significant damage to his helmet. An emergency medical technician saw that his breathing was shallow, and his pupils were twitching in different directions.

Staff notified his parents that Eddie was being airlifted to the nearest trauma hospital to be treated for a traumatic brain injury.

“In that moment, everything stopped,” recalls his mom, Jamie.

She grabbed her Bible, and she and her husband jumped in the car and started driving. When they saw their 19-year-old son lying unconscious and hooked up to countless tubes, they fell to their knees and prayed. And they weren’t the only ones. Their friends and family, their church community, Fuel Ministry staff and campers, and even a tribe in Africa were all lifting Eddie in prayer.

FIND YOUR STRENGTH

“There were thousands of people praying,” says Jamie.

Eddie was in an intensive care unit for eight days, the first two in a coma. He was intubated, and when nurses initially turned off the machine to see if he could breathe on his own, he could not.

“That was a big realization that this machine was keeping my son alive,” Jamie says.

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Doctors didn’t know what kind of longterm issues Eddie could have. It was wait and see, one day at a time.

“At one point my husband said to me, ‘You know, Jamie, God is still a good God even if our prayers aren’t answered the way we’re asking,’” says Jamie. “We didn’t know what would happen, but God gave us this sense of peace.”

Upon arriving at the hospital, a CT scan revealed several brain bleeds. Doctors placed a pressure sensor in Eddie’s head, which they watched for 48 hours. If it reached a certain number, it would necessitate removing some of his skull to relieve the pressure. The next day he had another CT scan, which showed that one spot had disappeared. The following day, a third scan detected no brain bleeds.

“That was the power of prayer,” says his dad.

When Eddie awoke in the hospital room, he had no recollection of what had happened.

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Early in his recovery, Eddie struggled to feel God’s presence. One day he called 7651 E. US Hwy 36 • Avon, 7651 IN 46123 CommunityChiroAvon.com | (317) 272-7988 out, “God, where are you?” Nevertheless, E. US| Hwy 36 • Avon, IN 46123 | CommunityChiroAvon.com | (317) 272-7988 • Fibromyalgia he never lost faith. While in the hospital, • Sciatica Eddie’s parents played Christian music, • Painful periods read scripture to him and prayed. One day • Headaches/Migraines • Tennis Elbow Dr. Danis & Dr. Van they Matreassured him that he was going to be Dr. Vicki Danis

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OK. Eddie replied, “I know. You taught me well. I know Jesus is with me.”

After two weeks in the trauma hospital, Eddie was transported to a rehab hospital in Indianapolis where he spent 10 days.

While there, he learned to walk again. His short-term memory also continued to improve. On August 19 he was discharged and began outpatient occupational, speech and physical therapy. Throughout the fall, Eddie received hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involved him lying in a chamber and being fed pure oxygen to accelerate brain cell healing.

His therapists encouraged him to get back to doing the things he did prior to the accident as soon as possible, to help reconnections form in the brain. In November 2023 Eddie mounted his dirt bike for the first time since July.

“The more time I spend on the bike, the more things click,” he says.

It was never a question of if, but when he would return to his passion.

The Kelley Family TownePost.com | May 2024

“This isn’t a hobby for me,” says Eddie. “It’s my identity, my ministry. I need to live life to the fullest and not be scared. None of us know what the future holds. My accident taught me that it’s important to do things you love while you can.”

In December Eddie celebrated his 20th birthday with his parents and sister, Angelle. He has a fresh perspective on life. For starters, he jumps out of bed now because he can.

“It’ll take a lot to ever say a day is bad again,” says Eddie, who feels confident in God’s master plan. “God pushed my papers back across the table. It seems he still has stuff for me to do here on Earth.”

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Path to PROGRESS UNLIKELY JOURNEYS OFFERS SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE TO HENDRICKS COUNTY KIDS AND PARENTS Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

D

anielle Burkett understands pain, depression and hopelessness. She’s lived it and come out the other side. After suffering sexual abuse as a young girl, she began acting out and making poor decisions at age 12, and using drugs and alcohol by age 13. Her adolescence included delinquent and criminal acts. Even as she was spiraling, she knew when she grew up that she wanted to find a way to help people like her.

When she was 17 she went to an Outward Bound program, where she volunteered at a soup kitchen. During one of her shifts, a youth came in who was younger than she was.

Burkett felt drawn to help. Her passion for helping only deepened from there.

She started working towards earning a degree in social work at 20 years old, but she suffered a setback after giving birth to her first son when doctors sent her home with Vicodin.

Back then the dangers of opioid addiction weren’t as widely understood, and she quickly got hooked on pain pills.

On August 15, 2012, Burkett hit rock bottom when she got arrested for shoplifting. Her plan that day was to shoplift items and sell them for heroin so she could complete suicide.

Essentially, the arrest saved her life. While it took several weeks to recover from drug withdrawal, once she was clean and sober, she had a fresh perspective. She recognized that she was given a new lease on life. Plus, while incarcerated, she felt things she’d not experienced before.

TownePost.com | May 2024

“I laughed in jail, and I couldn’t ever remember laughing before,” she says.

In 2017 Burkett became a peer recovery coach. In this role she helps recoverees with a variety of topics, from learning about empathy to providing financial Behind bars, she felt a sense of belonging because she and budgeting skills, to giving tips on cooking. Some was surrounded by people who understood. recoverees are scared to attend a 12-step program or other recovery meeting for the first time, so she may “I had always been the quiet person who stuffed all my accompany them for moral support. Sometimes peer feelings deep down inside,” says Burkett. “I rarely had coaches provide recoverees with resources. Other conversations of substance with anyone because I kept times they offer advice on topics like how to earn a so many secrets about my trauma.”

GED or suggestions for finding a therapist trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing.

Burkett’s sentence was modified because she entered a substance abuse treatment program while “We’re different than therapy,” incarcerated.

While serving time, she thought about how her oldest son, who was nearly a teenager at the time, had lived most of his life in the shadow of her addiction. She knew that her history with drug use increased the likelihood that he, too, would fall prey to addiction.

That realization served as motivation for her to stay clean and sober. It also fueled her desire to find a way to help youth who felt alone and abandoned.

“I have this belief that if we really want to see lasting change, we need to start with kids aged 5, 6, 7 years old, because they may not be learning the skills they need at home,” Burkett says. “Our society needs to adopt the attitude that it takes a village, because it really does.”

says Burkett. “We don’t deal with trauma. We stay present-day focused with them, setting goals for the problem at hand.”

Once a month, she volunteers at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Division.

In 2022, Burkett’s life was upended when she suffered a debilitating stroke that left her unable to speak, walk or use her right arm. Over time she had to learn to talk, walk and drive again. However, following the stroke, she was miraculously no longer saddled with the many lifelong insecurities that had previously

Danielle Burkett

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plagued her. Prior to the stroke, she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. For years she had asked God to improve her mental illness and trauma, so when she awoke from the stroke feeling positive, she took it as an answered prayer.

“I couldn’t explain the positivity I felt but I was grateful because before, I was always frustrated, annoyed, unhappy and suicidal,” she says. “Now I felt only gratitude.”

After the stroke, she had clarity about what she needed to do; in August 2022, she founded Unlikely Journeys, a nonprofit that provides free spaces where youth can meet in a group setting and/or one-on-one to discuss issues related to drug use, mental health and the justice system. Unlikely Journeys provides support for youths

May 2024 | TownePost.com

aged 12 to 17 in Hendricks County who are experiencing mental health concerns, substance use or justice-related issues. Plus, they visit incarcerated youth on a monthly basis to provide similar support within the facility. They offer free weekly support groups for youth, parents and guardians.

In addition, Burkett has the kids engage in community service work to help teach discipline, build community, and foster empathy and gratitude in youth.

“I think this type of service helps youth see that there is more out there,” she says.

Down the line, Burkett hopes to acquire a building for Unlikely Journeys that can be a sanctuary for kids who are suspended, expelled, or need additional educational supports.

“I’d love to provide tutors because for

these juvenile justice kiddos, education is a struggle,” she says.

She also hopes to someday provide some healing interventions for youth such as yoga, martial arts and horseback riding.

“The vision is very big,” she says.

The youth support group meets on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Your Venture Church, 7865 North County Road 100 East in Pittsboro. The parent support group meets on Sundays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Willow Center, 515 North Green Street in Brownsburg.

For more information about Unlikely Journeys, call 317-760-8624, email danielle@unlikelyjourneys.org, or visit unlikelyjourneys.org.

Set for Summer

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN HENDRICKS COUNTY’S MANY SUMMERTIME PURSUITS Writer / Josh Duke Photography Provided

D

o you realize how fortunate we are to live or work, or both, in Hendricks County? Working for Visit Hendricks County and volunteering to help with our county’s bicentennial celebration this year, I’ve become increasingly aware of what a blessing and privilege it is.

With that said, I’m excited to share all the wonderful activities and events you can enjoy this summer.

What’s New in 2024 If you haven’t heard, we have an exciting new entertainment and event venue in downtown Plainfield. Hendricks Live! provides an experience we were lacking in our county. Events, activities and acts continue to be announced regularly as they fill the 2024 lineup.

I was fortunate enough to get a hard-hat tour before it opened, and what an amazing, state-of-the-art facility! They thought of everything, and I can’t wait to experience a performance there soon.

Another fun entertainment venue that just opened in The Shops at Perry Crossing, LumberjAXE provides an innovative axe-throwing experience as targets are projected onto the wood in front of you.

Choose what’s projected, such as an old school bullseye or games like Tic Tac Toe or Zombie Assassin. The software makes it challenging and allows visitors a great selection of games.

While this is an old favorite, Splash Island Family Waterpark will look different when it opens later this month. The outdoor water park is currently undergoing an $8-millionplus renovation that will add more slides

and bring many other improvements to its visitors when it opens Memorial Day weekend.

Would you like to be more in the know about all the latest happenings in our county? You can subscribe to our Hendricks County Weekly Insider at visithendrickscounty.com.

Finally, the bicentennial will become a running theme throughout 2024.

Organizations, businesses and even individuals are developing projects that leave a legacy, hosting both new and existing events with some kind of historic or celebratory theme related to our county’s 200 years. So, get out there and help us celebrate. You can learn so much more about the bicentennial online at hendricks200.com.

TownePost.com | May 2024

Top Summer Events It truly is an exciting year for events in Hendricks County, especially over the next four months! I’m not going to cover all our summer events here. Consider this a sampling of our most notable events For simplicity, I have put them in chronological order.

Hendricks County Rib-Fest & BBQ

Hendricks County 4-H Fair

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series TSport 200

When: June 29

When: July 14-20

When: July 19

Where: Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex in Danville

Where: Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds and Conference Complex in Danville

Where: Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Brownsburg

Details: This long-running festival will have a revival of sorts, as the Hendricks County Bicentennial Steering Committee has partnered with organizers to bring live entertainment back to this popular event. Participants can expect the same fun that has made this festival a local favorite including great food, children’s activities, fireworks and so much more.

Details: You can expect usual fair

May 2024 | TownePost.com

favorites including exhibits, animals, carnival rides, fair food and demonstrations. There will be a distinct history-meets birthday feel, as this year’s theme will center around our county’s 200 years.

Details: Get ready for a heart-pounding return as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series comes back to IRP for a third consecutive year. The excitement kicks off with the TSport 200 under the dazzling lights on Friday, accompanied by the ARCA Menards Series Reese’s 200, setting the stage for a premier week of auto racing action in Indianapolis.

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Top Summer Events cont.

NHRA U.S. Nationals

North Salem Old Fashion Days

When: August 28-September 2

When: August 31-September 2

Where: Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Brownsburg

Where: Downtown North Salem

Details: Rev your engines for the 70th annual NHRA U.S. Nationals, a long-standing tradition at IRP over Labor Day weekend. If you’ve never been because you don’t consider yourself a race fan, don’t let that deter you from taking in this bucket-list event.

This will easily be the most powerful and sensory-filled attraction you will ever experience if you give it a shot.

May 2024 | TownePost.com

Details: Labor Day weekend also brings us this annual event, steeped in tradition and renowned for its fun-loving contests. It features the county’s longest parade on Saturday morning and the exhilarating annual bed races through the heart of town - a true spectacle - on Monday.

For more information or to learn more about all the events, things to do, places to eat and more, go to visithendrickscounty.com.

If you are an event organizer, you can easily add your event to our Events Calendar if it meets certain parameters outlined on the site.

For 2024 Rental of $150 or more With coupon only. Must present coupon at time of order. Expires 12-31-24.

The 33,000 sq. ft. Hendricks County 4-H Conference Center offers great flexibility and versitility for your next meeting, seminar, banquet, or wedding reception SPECIAL FEATURES • • • • • • • • •

Nine conference classrooms and boardrooms Complete commercial kitchen Demonstation kitchen 12,000 sq. ft. multi-purpose auditorium 24’ x 36’ stage Easy load-in areas with overhead door High ceilings Epoxy covered flooring ADA accessibility

DANVILLE | 1900 East Main St. 317-718-6153 | www.4HComplex.org TownePost.com | May 2024

NATIONAL STROKE AWARENESS MONTH:

KNOW THE SIGNS

Writer / Kirsten Strausburg, Stroke Clinical Program Coordinator at IU Health West Hospital Photography Provided

Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to brain cell damage. It is crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of a stroke promptly, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS One effective way to remember the signs of stroke is through the acronym BEFAST, which stands for balance, eyes, face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, and time to call emergency services: 1. Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination can be a warning sign of stroke. If you or someone you know experiences sudden dizziness, trouble walking or difficulty standing up straight, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.

2. Eyes: Vision problems such as sudden blurred or double vision, or difficulty seeing out of one or both eyes, can indicate a stroke.

3. Face Drooping: One of the most recognizable signs of a stroke is drooping or numbness on one side of the face. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, ask them to smile. If their smile appears uneven or lopsided, it could be a sign of facial weakness, indicating a stroke.

May 2024 | TownePost.com

4. Arm Weakness: Weakness or numbness in one arm, particularly when it occurs suddenly or is accompanied by other stroke symptoms, should not be ignored. If you notice one arm drifting downward when both arms are raised, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

5. Speech Difficulties: Difficulty speaking or understanding speech can be a sign of a stroke. Encourage the person to repeat a simple sentence. If their speech is slurred or incomprehensible, it’s time to call for help.

6. Time to Call Emergency Services: Time is of the essence when it comes to stroke.

Quick action can make a significant difference in minimizing the long-term effects of a stroke and improving the chances of recovery.

THERE ARE SEVERAL RISK FACTORS In addition to recognizing the signs of stroke, it’s essential to understand the risk factors associated with stroke and the steps to take for stroke prevention. High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol are all significant risk factors. Making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco and managing chronic conditions can help reduce your risk.

Stroke awareness is crucial for everyone. Understanding the BEFAST signs and symptoms can save lives by enabling prompt recognition and treatment of stroke.

Remember, if you or someone you know experiences any of the BEFAST signs, don’t wait - act fast and call emergency services immediately.

A SENSIBLE APPROACH TO DECLUTTERING YOUR HOME Writer / Claire-Anne Aikman Photography Provided

O

ne of the little joys of spring cleaning is finding loose change between the couch cushions, or in that coat that hasn’t been worn in years. As I moved about my home cleaning, I started to wonder about better ways to get rid of clutter that might give me more than just couch cushion money. My list of items to assess was long: toys the kiddo has outgrown, collectables, clothes that don’t fit, jewelry that isn’t ever worn, books, kitchen gadgets, garden tools, furniture that never quite fit a room, inherited items from the passing of a loved one…you get the idea. No matter the length of the list, I had to come to terms with letting an item go (and I am super sentimental).

It’s easy to get caught up in hanging on to stuff. When my mom passed I felt like some items had to remain in the family, but when my siblings did not want them I felt like I had to keep them, even though I did not like them. The thought of getting rid of these things weighed on me. I had to remind myself that although my mom may

have loved them, it is OK that I do not and it would be better if someone else did.

That is when I started thinking about ways to process my treasures. I utilized a simple three-category sorting method that has helped me (and others) declutter, and get some extra cash for the effort. Are the items valuable, sentimental, or even needed?

Do you have highly sought-after collectables? There are high-end estate sale companies that can help you sell your highvalue items. They charge a fee, list the items, sell, and ship them, and give you money afterward. If you just have a lot of stuff, you can call an average-joe estate company, and estate sales do not have to be for people who have passed. You can also host a garage sale for those things that you would be happy letting go of for a few dollars. Local or online consignment spots like Poshmark and eBay are great places to sell items, as is Facebook Marketplace.

Is it of sentimental value but sitting in a storage unit or tote (and therefore not

needed)? If it has no cash value but lots of heart value, and nobody in the family wants it, donate it. I have been having a blast going to thrift stores and seeing glassware and decor similar to what I had growing up. The memory of that is great. Not having the clutter, because it is not my style, is even better.

Donations are also great for belongings that are simply not needed. Lately I have changed how I cook meals, and I noticed that there were several large gadgets that I simply did not use, so I gave them to a recent college grad who needed help furnishing their kitchen. I can’t say I gained tons of cabinet space, but what I did gain was the ability to open a cabinet without things tumbling out - and I consider that a win.

Claire-Anne is a west side realtor helping people make Hendricks County their home. You can reach her at 317-345-6640 or thepointinrealestate@gmail.com TownePost.com | May 2024 | 33

RAPHA HEALTH Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography Provided

Have you ever felt the wait time in a doctor’s office was extreme, followed by a rush through the appointment itself ?

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Many are worried about the cost, and what insurance will or won’t cover, prompting a delay in seeking a health care professional. Still others end up feeling defeated, told to lose weight or take a pill and all of their problems will be solved.

Things should and can be done differently, according to the staff at Rapha Health, a new health care office in Avon that opened April 2023.

Dr. Caleb Huber could see the issues with the current health care system and the difficulties patients were dealing with, prompting him to make a change.

“What’s unique about my practice is first, it’s direct primary care,” Huber says. “We cut out the insurance middleman and provide family medical services to the patient. It’s higher quality with a lower cost. Secondly, it’s a faith-based clinic.

We integrate our faith in everything we’re doing.”

With one monthly fee, children, adults and seniors can receive unlimited

26 | May 2024 | TownePost.com

appointments and highly personalized care, including chronic disease management and prevention.

The Christian medical practice operates with the belief that health is first spiritual, then mental, and then physical - a holistic approach to modern medicine that takes everything about the person into account before making a medical diagnosis.

“So many other things affect our health,” Huber says. “We take into account the amount of stress you are under, your environment, is there a mental or physiological situation, how much sleep you are getting and even a spiritual reason. Evidence shows patients experiencing spiritual distress often turn up in the hospital.”

In fact, the word “rapha” in Hebrew means “to heal,” and the name Jehovah Rapha means “the Lord who heals.”

Huber believes science is a gift from God and while doctors prescribe treatments, health ultimately comes from God. “I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but there are beliefs that we feel amplify our mission and we don’t retract from it,” he says. “We do this with integrity and respect for everyone, and restore the

dignity of the person.”

He feels the current health care system often reduces the patient to their illness.

“The current system has laid aside the idea that 80% of the time, a diagnosis comes from the patient’s history,” Huber says. “It’s what the patient is telling us that helps us optimize overall wellness.”

That means extra time built into the appointment as the doctor learns more about the patient, their history, their beliefs and their current circumstances.

Huber loved his time at the Indiana University School of Medicine and then his residency at University of Louisville, studying medicine and pediatrics.

However, some of his religious beliefs and values were considered inappropriate in his first full-time position at an Indianapolis hospital.

With extended time set aside for each patient, Huber has the extra time to shop around for which pharmacy and medication will be most cost-effective for his patient.

He’s also partnered with a local self-pay surgical suite that does quality work on procedures like hernia repair, knee replacements and other routine surgeries.

“We can help you with resources for catastrophic coverage in the event you are hospitalized, or other cost-sharing measures,” Huber says. “As a member of Rapha Health, there is other discounted coverage you can have for those large procedures.”

Another benefit at Rapha includes having Huber’s cell phone number and a 24/7 connection to a health care professional.

Almost like having a doctor in the family.

“There’s a lot more relationship involved here,” Huber says. “You can call or text me any time. It’s not uncommon for people to question whether they should go to the ER or if this is OK. You’re at home and going to bed and things started going south, or you’re having a reaction to a medication and you’re questioning what you should do. So many people just need to reach out to someone and get a quick answer, so they know where to go from here.”

“I just kept thinking maybe there was another way,” he says. “I don’t want to provide medication like a vending machine. I think we can do better.”

The physician decided to open his own practice, following his Christian beliefs and a holistic approach to the entire person - no apologies necessary.

The concierge practice at Rapha Health includes a monthly fee for services, and an additional but discounted fee for required procedures such as labs, imaging and MRIs. They also offer health care programs for small businesses.

Through current insurance programs, it’s often cost-prohibitive to offer employees insurance if staff numbers don’t meet a certain standard. However, Rapha Health can work with businesses to ensure everyone has a plan that is affordable.

“We don’t work for the insurance company or any larger organization,” Huber says. “Our only customer is you, and that means you can use our primary-care option as a service to your employees.”

TownePost.com | May 2024 | 27

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PET PROJECTS

BREAKING DOWN THE DIFFERENCES AMONG SERVICE ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT PETS Writer / Tara Dorsett Photography Provided

O

ne of the most controversial topics in the world of pets today swirls around service animals, therapy pets and emotional support pets. As a trainer, I’m frequently asked how to train pets to fill the needs of their owners. Each category has its own requirements. The time it takes to train your pet depends on which job your furry friend has applied for. State and federal regulations are also different for each category.

Service animals, including psychiatric animals, are trained to perform a certain job. These jobs are as varied as the dogs themselves. Service dogs can be trained to bring things to you, open doors, watch

for traffic, alert you if a phone is ringing, or tell you if someone is at the door. Other dogs help with less noticeable illnesses like diabetes, autoimmune disorders and seizures. Psychiatric dogs help people cope with trauma. They alert someone to situations that could result in harm to that person.

Service animals require more training because their jobs are more specialized. It is also extremely important that the service animal has a strong bond with the person they will be helping. The bond between a human and an animal affects the way the animal responds to the human. It also changes the way the human responds to

the animal. The more you do with them, the more they are going to want to be with you, and the easier it will be for them to determine when something is not right. If they don’t spend as much time with you, they may sense something is off, but not alert you as quickly or as effectively as they could. State and federal regulations allow service animals to accompany their human everywhere.

Therapy pets are not service dogs or emotional support pets. They help people mentally and physically. I break this group into two categories: mental health and physical health. The mental health therapy pet is there to brighten someone’s day. The TownePost.com | May 2024 | 29

physical health pet helps people improve their fine motor skills through petting, grooming and playing.

Therapy pets migrate toward places where people are “house bound,” like hospitals and nursing homes. There are very few restrictions regarding the type of animal, but the requirements remain the same.

A therapy pet must respond to basic commands: sit, down, come and wait. They must not jump on people or pull on their leash when walking. They are required to pass a temperament test. Your pet must enjoy being around people and crowds.

The pet should not get upset if they get bumped, their tail accidentally gets stepped on or their fur gets tugged. State and federal regulations limit where these pets are allowed to go.

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Emotional support pets are not service animals or therapy pets. This group of pets offers support to their owners during difficult situations. They do not require any special training, and there are no restrictions on breeds or species. Emotional support pets should have some basic manners commands like come, sit, lay down and wait, as well as walking on a leash without pulling - and be comfortable in new environments.

The number of places where you can take your pet is slowly increasing. Several restaurants now have areas designated for pets. Bookstores, craft stores, hardware stores, home improvement stores and bigbox stores are changing their views on pets.

State and federal regulations don’t offer guidelines for emotional support animals.

Individual business and managers usually decide if these pets are welcome in their establishments.

There are some big differences between these three categories, but the bottom line is our pets make a big difference in our lives and the lives of the people they come in contact with.

Have questions about training your pet?

Send me an email at taramarie611@gmail. com and I’ll be happy to help.

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500 W Northfield Dr. | Brownsburg • 317-852-2000 TownePost.com | May 2024 | 31

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