Brownsburg Magazine August 2023

MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2023

SAFE SURROUNDINGS

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS SUPPORTS LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND BRIDGES KEY GAPS HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

Explore Your Local Library DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE PLAN TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME

TownePost.com

Brownsburg’s Only

All Suite Hotel

Newly remodeled rooms, heated indoor pool & complimentary breakfast.

500 W Northfield Dr. | Brownsburg • 317-852-2000

317.363.7217 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED FULL SERVICE RESTORATION COMPANY WWW.ASSURANCERESTORE.COM

MOLD RESTORATION

WATER RESTORATION

FIRE RESTORATION

VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR LEAD ELECTRICIANS Apply at www.fryeelectricinc.com/about-us/careers or in-person at 141 Casco Dr., Avon, IN 46123

WE CAN FIX IT FAST FOR A LOT LESS MONEY

47

Panel Changes Lightning Strike Repairs Hot Tubs Home Inspection Lists Outdoor Receptacles Security Lighting

Electrical Repairs GFCIs 220 Circuits Landscape Lighting Outlets & Switches Ceiling Lights/Fans

24 HOUR SERVICE FREE QUOTES

/FryeElectric

FryeElectricInc.com • 317.271.1099

A TOWNE POST NETWORK PUBLICATION

IN THIS ISSUE

AUGUST 2023

For advertising information, contact:

PUBLISHER DARREN BOSTON darren@townepost.com 317.716.8812

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 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 TONI EADS VAL AUSTIN COPY EDITORS JON SHOULDERS NATALIE PLATT

6

24

Explore Your Local Library

Causes and Treatment Options

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

10

SENSATIONAL SOUNDS

Louder Than Life and Bourbon & Beyond Fests Are Back

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: 317-810-0011

DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE PLAN TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME

26

SAFE SURROUNDINGS

FILM IS FOREVER

Scan the QR code to see this magazine’s real-time reach and distribution numbers.

SHOULDER ISSUES

25

14 REAL-TIME ANALYTICS

26

Luke Helmer Takes His Filmmaking Talents in a Unique Direction

Board of Police Commissioners Supports Local Law Enforcement and Bridges Key Gaps

18

28

SOURCES AND SOLUTIONS

Child Care Answers Supports Families, Employers and Community Partners

HENDRICKS COUNTY BICENTENNIAL LOGO CHOSEN

21

FOLLOWING THE THREAD

Owners of Love it Sew Are Spreading Their Passion and Serving Others in the Process

#SPOTLIGHTINGLOCAL

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

FOR FRANCHISE INFORMATION, VISIT franchising.townepost.com

AMIE SCOTT / AMY PAYNE / CLAIRE-ANNE AIKMAN JOSH DUKE / JAMIE HERGOTT / DR. RIPLEY WORMAN GAVIN LAPAILLE / MELISSA GIBSON

ABA Therapy Speech Therapy Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Mental Health Therapy Diagnostic Testing

Friendly and responsive administrative team Knowledgeable and compassionate therapists Client-centered and trauma-assumed care Fun, organized, and clean treatment environments Collaborative and complementary treatment approaches across disciplines

contact US!

Brownsburg Crawfordsville Zionsville 317-520-4748 www.kctherapy.com

ALIVE IN THE WORD 1 HOUR SUNDAY SERVICE @ 1PM

(ENJOY A RELAXING SUNDAY MORNING, EAT BREAKFAST OR BRUNCH, AND THEN TAKE AN HOUR BREAK TO COME...)

GROW IN UNDERSTANDING GROW IN FAITH GROW IN PURPOSE THEN GO MAKE A DIFFERENCE...

6090 E US HWY 136, BROWNSBURG, IN 46112 FOR CONTACT EMAIL AITWMINISTRY@GMAIL.COM (WE ARE SEEKING A WORSHIP LEADER PLEASE SEND US A RESUME) TownePost.com / AUGUST 2023 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / 5

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT Explore Your Local Library Writer / Amie Scott Photography Provided

With the sight of children hoisting their backpacks once more to board a bright yellow school bus, it’s apparent that it’s back-to-school season in Indiana, and your homework assignment is to explore the library. The Brownsburg Public Library is a great place to explore, as they offer a variety of helpful tools and activities for students of all ages - even the lifelong learners among us. In fact, the mission of the Brownsburg Public Library is to enrich discovery, imagination and personal growth, and the staff members work toward this in a variety of ways, both online and in person.

Many of us remember the public library of our childhood, with rows of card catalogs and World Book encyclopedias lining the shelves. It was a starting point for many a 6 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2023 / TownePost.com

Miss Emily shares a story for our youngest crowd & their grown-ups out on our hill.

Ranked #1 in Indiana for Spine Surgery Patient Safety

school report. However, those days are in the past. With the advent of the internet, the library, like many other industries, has evolved. In a world of information overload coming from all directions, today’s library offers a variety of online tools to help find credible sources for anything from writing a research paper to how to fix a car. The Brownsburg Public Library has several online resources to help with a variety of needs, and these may be found on their website at bburglibrary.net under the Learning & Research tab. All of these are available at no cost with a Brownsburg Public Library card.

1/2 PAGE (ISLAND)

And their online options don’t end there. With over 250,000 e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, and streaming movies and television, the library has a large selection within the Indiana Digital Consortium (or IDL for short). In addition, the library offers access to other sites like hoopla and Kanopy. Kanopy is a great site to find independent films and documentaries. Also, hoopla offers a selection of read-to-me books, so kiddos learning to read can follow along as the story is read to them. The library’s digital

New Brownsburg hospital coming this summer!

Visit OrthoIndy.com for doctors, hours and locations.

Urgent Care • Clinic • Physical Therapy • Surgery • Imaging

TownePost.com / AUGUST 2023 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / 7

collection can be found at bburglibrary. net/ebooks.

solar workspace and the extension of Wi-Fi to the grounds.

Stepping away from online offerings, Brownsburg also has a variety of in-person services to aid you in your quest for personal growth and learning.

In the words of Walter Savage Landor, “Nothing is pleasanter than exploring a library.” Libraries are places that seek to promote education, learning and curiosity.

Consider your local library as a destination to aid learning, whether it’s for your own growth or that of the student in your life.

Last year the library offered over 440 programs for ages 0 to 99. Children’s programming is especially popular with options like PAWS to Read, LEGO Club, and a smorgasbord of other programs for young children. Teens and tweens are lucky to enjoy the creative efforts of Teen Librarian Kath. Most recently she’s had a series of mindfulness programs focusing on art and nature. For the grown-ups (and kids too), there are several monthly book clubs offered on various days and times, as well as movie showings and the occasional crafty program thrown in too.

More information about the library can be found at bburglibrary.net or by calling the library at 317-852-3167. They’d love to have you visit in person at 450 South Jefferson Street in Brownsburg.

Included in the circulating collection of over 100,000 items, the library has some unique resources as well, in what they dub their Library of Things.

In the library world this is anything that isn’t a traditional item one might check out. At Brownsburg this includes STEM and early-literacy kits in the children’s department, to help aid in learning to read and exploring science and engineering topics. Experience kits are assembled for adults to immerse themselves in another country or culture.

Binge Boxes come ready to go with six movies and a bag of popcorn for a themed movie night. Roku, laptops and hotspots are other options available to check out for home use.

If space to study is sought, the library offers nine study rooms (six small and three large).

These rooms are first come, first served, and available for anyone needing more focused space. Throughout the building, additional areas are built in with tables and pods sprinkled around the 50,000-squarefoot expanse. Outlets are near all seating for quick charging of devices. Wi-Fi and wireless printing are available to finish the job.

Outdoor workspace is available as well, with 8 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2023 / TownePost.com

TUNE IN TO THE RHYTHM OF YOUR HEART

The tempo of your heart matters – which is why having atrial fibrillation (AFib) or an irregular heartbeat might feel like you’re a few steps behind. It could also put you at risk for a stroke.

Find your heart’s rhythm again with Franciscan Health’s nationally recognized heart team.

A personalized care plan, including the latest AFib treatment options, can help reduce your risk for stroke, heart failure and other complications. Schedule an appointment with a cardiologist today.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT FranciscanHealth.org/RestoreTheRhythm

AUGUST 2023

SENSATIONAL SOUNDS

LOUDER THAN LIFE AND BOURBON & BEYOND FESTS ARE BACK Writer / Gavin LaPaille Photography Provided

back to back with this kind of fire power and second day, while the Black Keys, the Black Crowes and the Avett Brothers follow on affordability.” day three. Fifteen-time Grammy Award winner Bruno Mars will help close out Known as a “love letter” to Louisville, Bourbon & Beyond, along with Blondie, Jon Bourbon & Beyond is September 14 through 17 and features more than 65 Batiste and Ryan Bingham. musical acts across rock, pop, folk, blues and “We are excited to end the weekend with country. Each day has different headliners while emphasizing the Kentucky bourbon Bruno Mars,” McCurry says. “He’s one of “We are really excited this year because the best live performers of the last 20 years. and culinary scene throughout the festival. both of our lineups are spectacular,” says This is one of the only places outside Las Chamie McCurry, chief marketing officer Vegas that fans are able to see him in the After receiving high praise for her for Danny Wimmer Presents, the producer performance last year, Brandi Carlile returns United States. We know he will put on an of both fests. “They are the biggest lineups unbelievable show, to put a cap on a magical to Bourbon & Beyond on opening day, we’ve ever had for each festival. It truly is weekend.” the eight biggest days of music in the United joining Billy Strings and Train. The Killers, Duran Duran and Hozier take over for the States. You will not find eight bigger days Eight big days of music are coming to Louisville this summer. Outdoor festivals Louder Than Life and Bourbon & Beyond are back on the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center this September, showcasing some of today’s top artists from a range of genres.

AUGUST 2023

Living up to its name as the world’s biggest bourbon and music festival, Bourbon & Beyond will host daily workshops and demonstrations at the Team Kentucky Bourbon Stage Presented by Kentucky Proud, and the Kentucky Venue Culinary Stage Presented by GE Appliances.

Amanda Freitag, Chris Santos, Ed Lee and Chris Blandford will lead the programming featuring world-renowned master distillers and celebrity chefs, including Blind Bourbon Live with Fred Minnick. The Kroger Big Bourbon Bar returns with bluegrass music, line dancing and a menu of the nation’s top whiskey, while fans can stop by a number of other experiences that feature cocktails curated specifically for the event.

Finding the best care for you starts with a conversation between you and an Ascension St. Vincent doctor.

What sets us apart is our unrelenting commitment to advanced and highquality care in our community.

“Beyond the music, the festival has so many great experiences,” McCurry says.

“There is something for everyone there.

We will have some special programming and great partnership activations throughout the event. It’s an amazing festival experience from beginning to end.”

• The most advanced heart and vascular care • Cancer care specialists and navigators with you from diagnosis through recovery • The Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission for brain tumor and stroke care

1/2 PAGE (ISLAND)

And you’ll find we excel just as much in the things that can’t be measured — listening more closely and caring more compassionately.

Your first choice for leading care

ascension.org AUGUST 2023

© Ascension 2023. All rights reserved.

Louder Than Life, a hard rock and metal festival, follows with more than 100 acts on five stages, and Louisville’s finest spirits and cuisine, from September 21 through 24. Foo Fighters, Weezer and Rancid open the festival, with Tool, Godsmack and Limp Bizkit headlining the following day. The weekend lineup sees Avenged Sevenfold, Pantera and Falling in Reverse on Saturday, with the final day featuring Green Day, Queens of the Stone Age and Turnstile.

and then some. It’s such a great festival experience with so many things to do. It’s a wonderful weekend.”

Tickets for both festivals can be purchased online, including a specially priced Exacta

Last year, Louder Than Life set the record as the biggest rock festival in the U.S. with more than 170,000 in attendance over the four-day event. McCurry says this year should be even bigger.

“We’re going to beat that record,” McCurry says. “Everything points to this remaining the biggest rock festival in the United States

Pass package that includes all eight days.

While the layout is similar, McCurry says Louder Than Life and Bourbon & Beyond

AUGUST 2023

offer unique experiences.

“They’re very different, genre-wise,” McCurry says. “Both festivals are uniquely curated to that festival’s brand. Bourbon & Beyond is rooted in the bourbon and local Kentucky scene. Louder Than Life has several more stages and is very musically driven with multiple performers playing at the same time. The layout is the same but we customize each within the grounds to be unique for each festival.”

They are two of eight music festivals produced by Los Angeles-based Danny Wimmer Presents (DWP) this year. With a history in Louisville dating back to 2014, both festivals have seen rapid growth and continue to attract some of the biggest acts in music.

The festivals moved to the Exposition Center in 2019 after initially taking place

in Champions Park.

“We have a great partnership with Kentucky venues,” McCurry says. “They have allowed us to find a long-term home that isn’t quite as vulnerable to weather. That has also given us the ability to grow the festival’s footprint. As these festivals have brought in fans from all over the country, the grounds have allowed us to scale the experience. They have amazing infrastructure that lets us have camping right there. There are a lot of hotels and the site is airport adjacent. Without the great support we have gotten, this would be a much different festival.”

Fans have come to expect Louder Than Life and Bourbon & Beyond on back-to-back weekends. The condensed schedule reduces the costs of putting on the events, resulting in lower ticket prices. Many attendees stay for both, generating an estimated $43 million in economic impact for the city in 2022.

“Ever since Bourbon joined Louder they

have been on consecutive weekends,” McCurry says. “What that allows us to do is reduce the very real costs of producing live events. We’re able to keep our tickets affordable for fans. Producing eight days of music in 11 isn’t easy, but with the infrastructure already being there, it makes it much more accommodating.”

Already, DWP is working on finding the right mix of talent for 2024. McCurry says while pausing the festivals during the COVID pandemic was difficult, the group was able to better understand their fans and what they value.

“Our talent team prides itself on putting out the best lineup every year and being better than the year before,” McCurry says. “They have a lot of pride in curating that lineup specifically for the fans. We want to provide something new and something they love so people want to come back and experience it again.”

AUGUST 2023

Fans shouldn’t expect these festivals to leave the local community any time soon.

McCurry says DWP sees Louisville as a second home and hopes to continue putting on great events that highlight the city.

“People are discovering Louisville for the first time and falling in love with it, like we did back in 2012 when we first started scouting,” McCurry says. “Louisville has been an amazing host city, which makes it easier for people to come back when they have a good experience. People feel at home there. That’s a true testament to what we love about Louisville, which is the people and the community. That’s what makes us the proudest, when people come from all over the country and see Louisville the way we see it. Our long-term goal is to continue that and showcase the people, and put Louisville on the national spotlight for having great entertainment and festivals.”

For more info, go to dannywimmerpresents.com.

Film Is Forever LUKE HELMER TAKES HIS FILMMAKING TALENTS IN A UNIQUE DIRECTION Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography Provided

Luke Helmer has always loved the art of storytelling.

Before YouTube and TikTok were even a thing, Helmer was making videos with his LEGOs in his youth, joining friends in World War II films in the garage, and eventually creating counseling instructional videos for his father’s work at a counseling center.

“I was the one asking the teacher if I could make a movie instead of doing the book report,” Helmer says. “After watching ‘Star Wars’ for the first time, my mind was blown.

This is something I can do?”

After graduating from the University of North

Carolina School of the Arts in the early 2000s, Helmer began making movies and working to find his niche in the film industry.

Fairly early on, he experienced some success and interest.

“In 2014 I made a movie, ‘Terrible Love,’ ” he says. “It won some significant film festivals and it was one of three finalists for a San Francisco Film Society grant. The other two were selected for the grant and one was picked up by Spike Lee, and the other was directed by Ryan Coogler. We were so close.”

Helmer says failure is a necessary part of the

AUGUST 2023

life of any artist. We all hear a lot of “no’s” and have to get knocked down in order to learn how to pick ourselves up again.

He was able to find the silver lining in his disappointment, and his story wasn’t over.

“I look at that moment as a person of faith,” he says. “I’ve done this for so many years and I thought God wanted me to do this, and I just came to the conclusion that God says he is good and this must be happening for a good reason.”

Not only did Helmer choose a life in Hendricks County with his wife and four children instead of the Hollywood lifestyle,

but he’s also touching others in a new venture Film Is Forever.

The legacy film company interviews the elderly to capture their life stories - a gift to their families and the community.

“Both my grandfather and grandmother are in their mid-80s,” Helmer says. “I decided to sit down and interview them with my nice cameras and make a documentary of their life.

I was amazed by the experience. It was so neat to hear their stories and know what they have been through.”

He can’t find anyone else in the state who makes legacy videos, but knew others would be impacted by a documentary of their own loved one.

Dave Beck had the opportunity to hire Helmer to interview his father, Floyd Beck, when he was in his early 90s.

Once Helmer began working with him to

Imagine your home, totally organized!

Custom Closets, Garage Cabinets, Home Offices, Laundries, Pantries, Wall Beds, and more!

40% Off

Free Installation 15% Off Plus

PLUS TAKE AN EXTRA

2023© All Rights Reserved. Closets by Design, Inc.

Terms and Conditions: 40% off any order of $1000 or more or 30% off a ny o rder o f $ 700-$1000 o n a ny complete c ustom closet, garage, or home office unit. Take an additional 15% off on any complete system order. Not valid with any other offer.

Free installation with any complete unit order of $850 or more.

With incoming order, at time of purchase only. Offer not valid in all regions. Exp. 8/31/23.

12 MONTH

SPECIAL FINANCING!

With approved credit. Call or ask your Designer for details.

Not available in all areas.

Call for a free in home design consultation and estimate

317-779-3212

TP

www.closetsbydesign.com

Locally Owned and Operated

AUGUST 2023

create the film, it turned out to be so much more than Beck imagined.

experience is the norm, the films that Helmer creates are set apart.

“Dad was a WWII veteran and flew 50 missions over Europe,” Beck says. “What started out as my plan to create a 15-minute video turned out to be an hour-long film.”

He uses cutting-edge equipment with the same cameras used to film “Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning,” Hollywoodquality microphones, and other top-notch equipment.

Helmer put Beck in touch with a gentleman who specialized in World War II history, providing him with specific questions to ask his father, and as it turns out, it was worth it.

“Dad never brought up the war but didn’t mind telling you what he knew either,” Beck says. “If I hadn’t reached out to the man Luke suggested, it would not have been near the quality it is. It was like telling a story.

Customers receive a digital download in 4K when the project is completed.

“This won’t look like your VHS tapes in 20 years,” Helmer says. “It will look good forever, and the difference between recording on your iPhone and this is that it’s not a movie yet. Recordings are great to

Luke asked me to get pictures over to him and the film starts with where my father’s parents were born, his siblings and growing up, through getting married, the war and having his own children.”

could watch it and enjoy it,” Helmer says.

In fact, Helmer’s wife serves as his quality control.

If she can watch a film featuring a complete stranger and be touched, he knows he’s on the right track.

He’s sat down with those who have a love for poetry and can recite it by memory, play an instrument, bake and so much more, with the goal of capturing the tiny details of the individual.

“It’s really humbling - a great honor,” he says. “I think family is the foundation of civilization and we’re losing track of that.

It helps put every day into perspective and you’re connected to this huge thing. It makes you feel small in a good way.

We can make it through because these people made it through.”

Helmer does two different types of videos, including one for an individual and another for a couple. The couples are interviewed separately and then together.

Beck’s father passed away three years ago at 98 years old, and now, children and grandchildren have a special way to remember him.

The individual films are approximately 45 minutes long, while the films featuring couples are much longer.

“It’s a way to honor my dad and pass his story on to the younger generations,” Beck says. “I’ve seen it encourage others with similar stories too. When strangers see it, it drums up memories for their family. For the grandkids to see and listen to his stories, it’s priceless.”

have and when it comes to loved ones, it’s better than nothing, but I’m looking at what it feels like to be with your grandparents again. Who are they as people?”

For the Film Is Forever founder, he’s found a special way to create the portrait of a person.

“What happens is a lot bigger than a video,” Helmer says. “It’s how they fidget in their chair, their laugh, their cry. People are blown away when they see it and it’s really an emotional experience.”

He’s able to cut out any distracting or unnecessary portions of the film, music fills the background, and photos pull the stories and information together.

When the credits start rolling, it’s a genealogy list of all those who appear on the loved one’s family tree.

“The work I’m doing now is so good in terms of the world,” Helmer says. “Making movies about people’s parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, it feels genuinely profound. When we lose a loved one, having something like this is important. In a way, you get to be with that person again and I take that very seriously.”

In a world where video capturing on iPhones and filming every mundane

“My goal is to make your loved one’s story so interesting and engaging that a stranger

For pricing and more information, visit film-is-forever.com.

The magic, Helmer says, is in the editing room.

AUGUST 2023

It’s been a long road with many successes and failures, but Helmer has found the niche that works for him and touches others in the process.

(463) 243-3623 • www.basic-fence.com

Local Company • Local Employees • Support Local

LOWER

MONTHLY PAYMENTS

1000 STARTED

$

GETS YOU

SilverthorneHomes.com/Towne AUGUST 2023

Sources & Solutions

CHILD CARE ANSWERS SUPPORTS FAMILIES, EMPLOYERS AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS Writer / Melissa Gibson Photography Provided

C

hild care can be a tricky subject.

We all have different opinions and needs for our family, but safety, location and finances usually top the list.

When you’re on the search for child care in your area and aren’t sure where to turn, Child Care Answers exists to help families locate resources that fit the need.

There’s a similar program in every Indiana county, but Child Care Answers specifically serves Marion, Hendricks and Hamilton counties.

“Back in the 1980s, a group of people who realized that families needed child care formed a long list via paper of all the child care resources in the area,” says Executive Director Mollie Smith. “Families could call in and ask for information and they’d help locate what the family was looking for.”

Today Child Care Answers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and they hold a state contract through the Family and Social Services Administration to support families with child care, education and best practices in the industry.

The process has become increasingly difficult over the years, as Smith says there are not enough high-quality seats available and so many day cares are experiencing staffing shortages.

Many programs have closed. Many are not operating at full capacity due to staffing issues and it’s a cycle.”

The cycle Smith refers to is most clearly seen in infant care. It costs more to provide care for infants, and families are already paying extremely high prices for infant care.

Furthermore, if a facility is struggling, the infant program would often be the first to close.

The issue affects everyone including businesses, communities and the overall economy when people can’t come to work or they are late to work, and everyone ultimately suffers.

It’s not easy to get a child care business off the ground either.

“We probably have 100 people ready to open a child care business but there is no real estate or space,” Smith says. “It’s a challenge to find a facility that’s appropriate for child care and the

“COVID exposed the gaping hole we have,” she says. “We’re not where we were during the pandemic, but we’re not fully recovered either.

AUGUST 2023

overhead costs can be challenging. Even those who want to open an in-home child care find challenges with HOA rules in their neighborhood and upgrades needed in the home.”

Given the current and ongoing circumstances, there are a few steps families can take to ease

the stress of searching and selecting the right location.

First, plan ahead.

“There won’t be a spot open tomorrow,” Smith says. “This causes a lot of panic when someone starts looking late into their pregnancy or after the baby is born. They are afraid of losing their job if they don’t find care.”

Second, get educated.

Child Care Answers can provide checklists to ask a potential child care provider, based on each family’s priorities.

The checklist includes questions such as: What is the policy if you are sick, or if my child is sick? How do you handle discipline?

How often do you check the playground equipment?

“We want to empower families,” Smith says.

“Sometimes you’re in such a frazzled state, you can forget to ask the important questions.

Depending on the age of the child, those questions may change. People are so desperate for care that they are just looking for anyone, but if the provider is licensed, then you know there are certain requirements they have to meet.”

Smith says when someone calls them, they are often in a crisis situation - not just with child care, but with transportation, immunizations and other family issues that need to be addressed.

“We try to focus on two-generational support,” Smith says. “If a family has other needs, we can find those organizations that will support them. We might not be the resource that handles all of those situations, but we can find out who does.”

The organization even works with businesses to help find solutions for these challenges.

“We do surveys of employees for employers to identify a need,” Smith says. “We can often find out what’s needed in an anonymous survey, rather than a person going directly to AUGUST 2023

their boss to discuss. If you have more than 5,000 employees, would you consider opening a child care at the workplace? We want to help both the family and the business find a solution.”

Child Care Answers sends out regular newsletters with updated information, and they host a resource fair for child care providers that includes CPR instructors and state partners.

“If you’re looking to further your education as a child care provider, or if you’re not licensed and interested in learning more about that, I’d encourage anyone to call us and look at the options that may be available to you,” Smith says. “These children are our future. Our little ones should have the best start possible and we want to work with you.”

Child Care Answers is located at 1776 North Scan to learn Meridian Street, Suite 101 in Indianapolis. For more about Child more information, call 317-636-5727 or visit Care Answers childcareanswers.org.

YourArborHome.com AUGUST 2023

317.707.4553

FOLLOWING THE THREAD

OWNERS OF LOVE IT SEW ARE SPREADING THEIR PASSION AND SERVING OTHERS IN THE PROCESS Writer / Jamie Hergott Photography Provided

courses to special-project classes on how to use a serger sewing machine.

Last fall, a passionate mother-daughter duo opened Love it Sew, a unique quilt shop, right in the center of Hendricks County on U.S. Highway 36 in Avon. The shop serves many capacities, including teaching the community to sew, bringing quilters together, and using the gift of quilting to serve others.

Darlene Phillips and her daughter, Katie Dynes, have been sewing quilts for years. Phillips’ interest started when her thirdgrade teacher taught her how to sew. She made her very first baby blanket by hand at the tender age of 8 for her new cousin.

Through the years she continued to learn, and eventually passed on that passion to her daughter. One of their first joint ventures was attending a quilt show together when Dynes was in college.

Love it Sew is a space designed to help people learn to create quilts by offering classes, tools, fabrics, threads and services to support the creative process. Classes range from beginner

“We really are passionate about helping other people learn AUGUST 2023

how to sew because it is very relaxing once you understand it,” Phillips says.

One aspect Phillips loves about sewing is how it guides people into the creative process.

“Quilts are very artistic,” she says. “You can get a pattern and follow it. You don’t have to do all the creativity yourself.”

Dynes also loves the uniqueness of a handmade quilt.

“It’s not something you can just go grab at a store,” she says.

“Every quilt is unique and one of a kind. Everybody can express themselves however they want with each quilt they make.”

One significant way these ladies use Love it Sew to bless the community is by working with local nonprofits that offer blankets to comfort those in need.

Presenting quilts to Avon High School Assistant Principal, Emily Garrett

One of these nonprofits is Project Linus, a national organization with a two-fold mission. They want to provide love and a sense of security and comfort to ill, traumatized or needy children through handmade quilts lovingly made by volunteer “blanketeers.” The Project Linus team also wants to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for individuals who want to make those blankets. Phillips and Dynes asked their friend, Lisa Ramey, if she’d be interested in heading up the Hendricks County chapter, and it turned out to be the perfect fit.

Love it Sew scheduled their first Project Linus sew day in February of 2023. Many people came to help complete or donate quilts. Since then, Love it Sew has donated 52 quilts to Project Linus.

Phillips will never forget one little boy who received a blanket recently. When his blanket was handed to him, his eyes got very big and he said, “Did somebody make this for me?” The presenter was able to tell him, “Yes, honey, they did.” It was a handmade gift for him that he could keep for his very own, and it made an obvious impact on him.

Love it Sew also donated 10 quilts through Project Linus to Avon High School this past May. The school has a stocked cabinet for students who may be in need. Several of the blankets were quickly given to students in need of a comforting quilt, so that they know people care about them and their future.

Blankets provided by Project Linus are also delivered to local emergency rooms, homeless shelters or any other place where a need exists.

Love it Sew also works with Quilts of Valor, a national nonprofit organization that strives to provide comfort and healing to deserving service members and veterans touched by the war.

Phillips says the woman who started Quilts of Valor had a son AUGUST 2023

in the service, and had a dream about a soldier coming back from the war distraught. In the dream, someone wrapped a quilt around the soldier to give him comfort. Phillips herself works with many former veterans at her day job at Rolls-Royce.

“They’ve experienced so much, and knowing the product we put out helps men and women in the armed services is our way to somehow give back,” Phillips says. “I am very proud of the quality products provided to military men and women to help them protect our country and the freedoms we enjoy. Many of my coworkers have served in the military. They personally know and understand the pride as well as the struggles that come along with service life. It is in their honor, as well as the members of my family that served our country, that I feel so strongly about providing comfort to active as well as retired service members through the Quilts of Valor Foundation.”

Phillips loves that sewing is a stress reliever that also benefits the community. It’s another reason she loves teaching her passion to others.

“When I’ve had a stressful day, running the fabric under that needle helps me not think about anything,” Phillips says. “When you have someone there to guide you and give you tips, it’s so much easier to get the hang of it. We love teaching people how to make their own quilts.”

One of their most popular classes is a homeschool sewing class for students. Many home-economics subjects have been taken out of public school curriculums, so the need is great.

“Quilts are a special thing,” Phillips says. “They are pretty and works of art, but they also provide comfort. It’s a way to tell someone, ‘I made this for you.’ I want to help people learn how to sew, and create and develop their passion for it.”

Love it Sew is a drop-off point for both Project Linus and Quilts of Valor. Fabrics donated should be high-quality, 100% quiltweight cotton fabric that is new or like new. It should be free of odors and stains, and unused.

There are several free patterns available for individuals to complete quilts. Patterns are available for single blocks that can be made, collected at the shop and then assembled to make a complete quilt.

Love it Sew schedules workdays for Project Linus and Quilts of Valor throughout the year. To participate in the sew days, sewing skills are not required. Activities include cutting, sewing and ironing. Check loveitsewshop.com for upcoming sew days. The shop is located at 7270 East U.S. Highway 36, Suite 104 in Avon.

Also call 463-202-6750 for additional info.

AUGUST 2023

AND SHOULDER ISSUES | CAUSES TREATMENT OPTIONS Writer / Dr. Ripley Worman, Orthopedic Surgeon at IU Health West Hospital Photography Provided

People tend to be more active during the summer months. If you enjoy outdoor activities or play sports, have fallen, or tend to overuse your shoulder, you may suffer from shoulder pain or even a new shoulder injury. Shoulder pain can affect people of all ages. It’s important to know what to expect when you see your orthopedic care team.

SHOULDER INSTABILITY You can have shoulder instability from an injury or due to weak structures around the shoulder. A resulting dislocation may tear or weaken ligaments, tendons or muscles, and make the shoulder vulnerable to repeated instability events.

Nonsurgical treatments for shoulder instability (such as activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy) can take several months to show results. In cases where physical

therapy doesn’t show sufficient results, or in more severe cases of shoulder instability, minimally invasive surgery can repair torn or stretched structures. Following surgery, physical therapy can help you return to normal activity as quickly as possible.

ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES The rotator cuff consists of a group of four tendons that work together to stabilize the shoulder. These tendons attach muscles to the bones of the shoulder. When you injure or overuse the tendons or muscles of the rotator cuff, the cuff can be strained, inflamed or torn, causing pain and dysfunction in the shoulder.

Treatment of rotator cuff pain may simply require modifying your activities to reduce strain on it. In addition, physical therapy or steroid injections may be recommended. If severe, your physician may suggest surgery.

As with other surgical interventions, your physicians will order physical therapy after surgery to speed your healing so you can return to normal activity.

AUGUST 2023

ARTHRITIS Shoulder arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage in the shoulder that can lead to significant pain and loss of motion of the shoulder. Physical therapy and steroid injections along with anti-inflammatory medication may provide pain relief and improved shoulder function. With intolerable pain, your expert surgeons may offer joint replacement surgery. Shoulder joint replacement alleviates pain and improves the function of your shoulder.

TREATMENT On your visit, you can expect a full evaluation and explanation of your diagnosis. You will also receive your physician’s treatment recommendations.

Your team will work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your individual needs. Treatments may include nonoperative management including antiinflammatory medication, injections and physical therapy as well as possible surgical intervention.

DEVELOPING AN EFFECTIVE PLAN TO BUY YOUR FIRST HOME Writer / Claire-Anne Aikman Photography Provided

Purchasing your first home in today’s economy might seem daunting, but with careful budgeting and smart financial strategies, it can be done. Skeptical? I understand. That’s why I sat down with a couple of friends who purchased their first home when they were 23, and recently upgraded to a larger home at the age of 28. I asked them for insight on what they did that helped them get to where they are now. Here are their top takeaways: When they first merged finances, they found themselves arguing over how their paychecks were spent. Because of that, they decided they needed to agree on some realistic financial goals, including paying off loans, allowances (so they both felt like they had fun money) and determining the type of home they wanted to buy. From there, they established a savings plan with nine money buckets. NINE. Every pay period, their checks were automatically divided and distributed to each bucket (rent, utilities, groceries, vacations and the house purchase, to name a few).

unused or barely used subscription services. They joke that they have the best thrifted furniture. The big adjustment was cooking at home instead of grabbing dinner out. Each month they checked out four to six cookbooks from the library and planned a menu around things they felt they could cook. When a good friend needed a place to stay, they checked with their landlord and then offered up their second bedroom at a reasonable rate. That money went straight to savings. As a fun bonus, soon all three were committed to cooking at home and packing lunches. They then challenged each other to find free or inexpensive things to do on their days off. They took this time to explore the city more and get focused on where they wanted to buy a home.

When they purchased their first home five years ago, they had minimal requirements for space and location, and focused on price. When the interest rates decreased, they refinanced. During a few heavy tourist weekends downtown, they rented their home out. They also developed a network with neighbors to share tools so there was little need to buy minimally used tools and lawn-care items.

All this is to say that times have changed, and buying a home involves a lot more planning AND saving than it used to.

However, with some creative strategies, discipline and a solid plan, I’m confident that you can do it. If you would like to start on a plan, reach out - I’m always happy to help.

They then looked for ways to cut back. They decided they could easily pack their lunch four days a week. Then they cancelled

TownePost.com / AUGUST 2023 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / 25

SAFE SURROUNDINGS

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS SUPPORTS LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND BRIDGES KEY GAPS Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Amy Payne

he role of police commissioner can mean something different based on location across the country. For the five men serving in Brownsburg, it’s a duty to their community and the hard-working men and women of the Brownsburg Police Department (BPD).

The police commissioners are appointed by the Brownsburg Town Council, one of which also serves on the Town Council as a liaison between the two boards. Currently, that council member is Vice President Matt Simpson.

The other four are Brownsburg residents with full-time jobs across the town, from school principal to local business manager President Allan Bolante, Vice President Tim Cooper, Ray Kotarski and Don Spencer. The commissioner role is established by state statute, and under Section 32 of the Town of Brownsburg ordinance.

Each person loves their community, supports local law enforcement and enjoys giving back.

They applied for the commissioner positions through the Town Council, interviewed for the jobs and were appointed by the local governing body.

“In my opinion we have one of the best police departments in the state,” says Town Council President Travis Tschaenn. “That takes a lot of people doing things the right way to maintain consistency. That comes from past councils, commissioners, town staff and, most importantly, our police officers and police leadership. When looking for 26 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2023 / TownePost.com

new commissioners, we try to find people who fit the mold of wanting to help lead our community and, most importantly, have a heart for service and always to do the right thing.”

RETHINK RETIREMENT

The gentlemen are not members of the police department. They don’t carry a gun, they don’t have arresting powers and they aren’t going to pull you over for speeding.

However, they do play an important role when it comes to ensuring local law enforcement has what they need to get their job done, and making sure Brownsburg’s taxes are spent appropriately.

Bolante has served on the Board of Police Commissioners for the past 12 years. He comes from a family of law enforcement. His brother, sister-in-law and niece have all served and he has always supported first responders.

Bolante says when a position became available for the three-year term, it sparked his interest and he applied.

Senior Living Designed with You in Mind

1/2 PAGE (ISLAND) Harmony Senior Services offers luxury senior living options with a Continuum of Care so we can meet your needs every step of the way.

Sc a n

t

o

Bolante offers an example of the commissioners’ work. Ten years ago it became apparent that the emergency response team (ERT) was in need of an armored vehicle.

rn Lea Mo

Info re

“Our main role is the fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers,” Bolante says. “We hire and fire officers, modify and approve policy for the police department, and serve as the liaison between the residents of Brownsburg and the police department.”

317.451.6038 | HarmonyAtAvon.com

TownePost.com / AUGUST 2023 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / 27

“In the past we were using an old cargo van, but if someone was shooting with a high-powered weapon, we’d have a dozen officers in that van with little protection,” Bolante says. “Having an armored personnel carrier, or APC, is a bullet-proof vehicle protecting our ERT division. We were able to work with the Town Council and save the taxpayers a lot of money while still getting an important tool for our police department.”

The APC vehicle is not often displayed to the public, but residents of Brownsburg can check it out at the annual National Night Out event in October.

Cooper describes the role as a checks-and-balances approach to the system. He applied for the position three years ago with an interest in serving the community.

“We partner with the chief and his executive staff to provide the level of safety and service the town expects,” Cooper says. “We meet once per month and Chief [Joe] Grimes goes through the budget, expenditures and statistics for the month. We update and revise policy and the chief updates us with events or cases involving the BPD.” Another example of how the commissioners, Town Council and law enforcement staff work together is the current staffing shortage at the police department. Several officers have retired in the past year, necessitating additional officers to fill the void.

in the community,” Cooper says. “We need to continue to adjust our practices and make sure we are staffed at a level to meet the needs of a growing population.

There have been several retirements and resignations lately, and one of the roles of a commissioner is to serve on executive interview teams for new and lateral hiring processes.”

In fact, Grimes was hired by the Board of Police Commissioners in 1999 and appointed to his position as chief in 2016. Though other agencies across the country have tried other means of checks and balances, Grimes says this system seems to work well for Brownsburg.

“I’ve seen the trends in society - other agencies implementing other checks and balances - but I think this has worked well for us,” Grimes says. “Every meeting is live-streamed and then archived so residents can go back and look at them at a later date. We want to have an open door and transparency to our public. We established this model in the late ’80s and it’s working.”

Grimes can see the value of having citizens appointed to the commissioner board. Not only do they support the police department, but they also bring the viewpoint of a citizen.

“These are different personalities and whether they are retirees or “One of the biggest challenges we’re facing right now is the pace of growth businessmen and women, they are bringing a different viewpoint to the table,” Grimes says. “They have five different skill sets, five different experiences, and they each take their job seriously and want to optimize and continue what we’ve established.”

• Tree Removal, Topping & Trimming

• Garage/Basement/ Attic Cleanout

• Shrub Trimming & Removal

• Gutter Cleaning

• Light Hauling • Construction Clean-up • Junk Removal

That citizen relationship also comes in handy when residents find the police department intimidating - something they work hard to dispel.

• Mini Barn / Shed / Fence / Deck Demolition & Removal • Appliance / E-Waste Removal

DA EGAP• Stump4Grinding /1

• Brush Pile Cleaning

“I have been contacted many times by citizens who are just leery of calling the police department when they witness an incident,” says Kotarski, serving his 16th year as a police commissioner. “I often refer them back to the police department, but I can give them a name of someone to talk to.”

Kotarski was on the board at the time Grimes was appointed chief.

“Chief Grimes is a husband and father,” Kotarski says. “He’s approachable. I often see him talking with citizens at the Town Council meeting.”

Grimes appreciates the partnership between the commissioners and the department as well.

Call today for prompt service!

317-626-5973 FredAndSons.com

“There are citizens who are apprehensive about approaching law enforcement and they like to reach out to a resident like themselves,” Grimes says. “The commissioners have facilitated the ability to close that gap and I think we now have a community open to having direct communication with us. We have so many community members who have come to understand that we are people behind the badge.”

Becoming one of the safest towns in the state doesn’t come without

28 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2023 / TownePost.com Fred+SonsAd_Geist_3.5x4.75.indd 1

2/5/18 11:46 AM

Allan Bolante

Matt Simpson

hard work and a lot of collaboration.

“The reason we can say we’re one of the safest in the state is because of the dedication of the police officers,” Kotarski says. “They are constantly training and taking advantage of every opportunity.

I’m very fortunate to be a part of this

Tim Cooper

Don Spencer

professional police organization. These men and women are on the front line and supporting them has always been my motivation.”

For more information, visit brownsburg.org.

Chiropractic

for all ages

DA EGAP 3/1

DID YOU KNOW CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM? WHAT A GREAT REASON TO START CARE AT ANY AGE!

CHIROPRACTIC CAN HELP WITH

NEWBORN: COLIC, REFLUX, NURSING/LATCHING ISSUES, CONSTIPATION, SLEEPING CONCERNS

DR. VICKI CRUM

TODDLERS EAR INFECTIONS, BED WETTING, ASTHMA, TO TEENS: GROWING PAINS, SCOLIOSIS, HELP WITH INJURIES FROM SPORTS, AND MORE.

THE ONLY FEMALE CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE IN HENDRICKS CO. 7651 E. US HWY 36 • AVON, IN 46123 |COMMUNITYCHIROAVON.COM | (317) 272-7988 Ray Kotarski TownePost.com / AUGUST 2023 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / 29

HENDRICKS COUNTY BICENTENNIAL LOGO CHOSEN

Johansson says he wanted to come up with a bright, aspirational design that would represent the whole county and its history, without focusing on a specific town or landmark. Here’s how he described the logo on his submission form: “The rolling green bands represent Hendricks County’s forests and parks; the blue, our streams; the yellow, our fields; the black, our county’s contributions to transportation and racing; the red outer circle, the tribes who first hunted and fished this land. The torch embodies our community spirit, and our role in Indiana’s history. The gold ribbon celebrates our county’s most valuable asset: its people determined, compassionate, united.”

Writer / Josh Duke Photography Provided

Filled with plenty of color, a prominent “200” with a torch and three hills representing the waterways, fields and roadways of Hendricks County, John Johansson’s clean design was selected as the symbol of next year’s bicentennial celebration.

The logo will be used on all documentation, events and projects representing the bicentennial. Johansson will receive a $500 cash prize and recognition as the creator of the milestone emblem.

Johansson, who lives in Danville with his wife, Anne, and two daughters, is no stranger to logo designs, having previously created graphics for The Children’s Ballet, Downtown Danville Partnership and Main Street Plainfield. His logo was among 38 designs submitted to the 12-member Hendricks County Bicentennial Steering Committee.

The logo is the first of many announcements coming as the committee plans the county’s 200th anniversary celebration in 2024. The committee is currently collecting public suggestions on events and projects to help celebrate the occasion and leave a mark for future generations, as well as gathering names and contact information for those who want to volunteer.

“We were both stunned and thrilled by the number and quality of the entries,” says Pat Baldwin, co-chair of the steering committee. “This was not an easy decision. There were several submissions that could have served as our bicentennial logo.”

To learn more, submit ideas or volunteer to help, visit the Hendricks County Bicentennial website at hendricks200.com. Residents can also register to receive email updates about all bicentennial efforts on the website.

30 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2023 / TownePost.com

Need a New Roof?

Rick’s

ROOFING Local Company Serving The Community Since 1986 Roofing • Siding • Gutters Licensed, Insured and Bonded

FREE ESTIMATES (317) 223-3972 • (765) 993-0377 RICKSROOFINGAVON.COM rick@ricksroofingavon.com TownePost.com / AUGUST 2023 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / 31

TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT with INDIANA UNIVERSITY HEALTH

BEHIND EVERY STRONG HIP IS

a highly skilled orthopedics team of pre-surgery coordinators orthopedic surgeons nurses post-surgery coordinators physical therapists and rehab specialists WORKING TOGETHER TO GET YOU BACK TO FEELING YOUR BEST.

Join Michael Gabbard, MD for a free knee and hip pain seminar on Thursday, August 31 at 6 pm.

IU Health West Hospital | Marketplace Meetup Room 1115 N. Ronald Reagan Parkway in Avon

Free to attend. Reservations required.

Scan the code or visit iuhealth.org/joints to register.

32 / BROWNSBURG MAGAZINE / AUGUST 2023 / TownePost.com ©2023 IUHealth