Plainfield Magazine January 2021

PLAINFIELD ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT PERSEVERES DURING THE PANDEMIC

ROAD RULES Breaking Down Road Maintenance Duties in the Town of Plainfield A FRESH TAKE ON NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

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ROAD RULES BREAKING DOWN ROAD MAINTENANCE DUTIES IN THE TOWN OF PLAINFIELD Writer / Stephanie Singh Photography Provided

Ensuring properly maintained roads is a core value of the Town of Plainfield’s Department of Public Works (DPW), and a responsibility owed to the residents and visitors in Plainfield. Easy and smooth road travel is essential for school transportation, public safety and area businesses, especially in the winter months. However, several road systems converge in Plainfield and responsibilities vary for each. There are many different entities responsible for plowing roads, filling potholes and repaving roadways.

It is important to understand whose

jurisdiction each road system belongs to, whether it falls to the state, county or town.

Interstates and U.S. Highways

We are lucky to have quick access to downtown Indianapolis and westward via Interstate 70. I-70 is an interconnected piece of the national interstate system, maintained by the state of Indiana. U.S. 40, which extends right through the heart of Plainfield, is a U.S. highway and is also maintained by the state of Indiana.

Because U.S. 40 runs down the center of our town, residents are often surprised when informed that the roadway is not maintained by our DPW. In fact, town

officials can only make recommendations or requests to the state for any improvements, snow removal, street signs or traffic lights along U.S. 40. Although the town enjoys a strong relationship with our state partners, these roads are not under the authority of the Town of Plainfield.

STATE ROADS

There are other roads in Plainfield

PlainfieldMag.com / JANUARY 2021 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 7

maintained by the state. State Road 267 runs from U.S. 40 northbound to Avon, and from U.S. 40 southbound (Quaker Boulevard) to I-70. There are sections of the landscaping and medians maintained

by Plainfield through a special agreement, and the road is otherwise maintained by the state.

However, there are a number of county neighborhoods that have “named” streets in proximity to the Town of Plainfield, but are not actually inside the town limits. The town does not have authority or responsibility for snow removal or maintenance of roads outside the town limits.

COUNTY ROADS

TOWN ROADS

Often the most confused road responsibilities involve county roads.

These include sections (County Road 600 East, for example) that fall within the jurisdiction of the county, and other areas that have been renamed and are under the town’s authority. County roads are identified mostly by a numerical system that corresponds to their location within the county. Roads are numbered, therefore, based on proximity to the meridian and baselines in the county.

For example, County Road 200 North is located two miles north of the baseline.

Most roads in the Town of Plainfield are “named” roads as identified on intersection signs. There are some cases where annexations have occurred and streets still have County Road markers, but eventually those will be renamed once they are officially relinquished to the town. The Plainfield DPW maintains all town roads, and has established a reputation for speedy snow removal.

Further, DPW has a rating system in place that provides staff with a score that is updated regularly for all road conditions. Once a road’s score

identifies a need, the roads are serviced accordingly. Efforts include road patching, crack sealing, resurfacing or reconstructing.

All government agencies try to anticipate road maintenance, snow treatment and construction needs before they are needed. The Town of Plainfield prides itself in planning for the future. Town engineers are currently developing an update to the local Thoroughfare Plan in order to prepare for the growing population and town development.

Needs can dramatically change with Indiana weather.

The Town of Plainfield values partnerships with the county and state in order to protect our residents and visitors.

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Jeff & Danielle Battson

Local Organization Collaborates with Others to Help the Homeless Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by Gronde Photography

D plans.

anielle Battson and her husband Jeff had plans to start a Christian ministry, and they say the Lord called on them to adjust their

“We began to feel God shifting things in a new direction,” Danielle says. “The more we prayed, the more he showed us what steps to take, and it all led to serving the homeless population.”

It can be a challenge to start a new endeavor under the best of circumstances, and launching a new ministry in the midst of a global pandemic is especially tough.

Nevertheless, that is precisely what Danielle and Jeff felt called to do last summer when they started Whitestone Ministries, located in Hendricks County.

“We are a Christian ministry so everything we do, we pray about first,” Danielle says.

JANUARY 2021

“We pray for God to lead us to organizations that will be good for the ministry that he is putting together.”

Instead of starting separate initiatives on their own, the ministry partners with other organizations like Wheeler Mission Shelter for Men, A Tiny Act of Kindness, and Roberts Park United Methodist Church, to help them. Most of the organizations they collaborate with serve the homeless and lowincome households. Whitestone Ministries helps to create and distribute various hygiene and/or dental kits and care packages to homeless camps, and others in need. Now that winter has hit, kits include hats, gloves, socks, scarves, blankets and pillows. They also bring what they call a mobile closet, which includes clothes, shoes and socks.

“We have a group of church women who are making mats for the homeless,” Danielle adds.

When the Battsons started Whitestone Ministries, they didn’t know how quickly their message would spread, but they’ve been pleased with the reception they have received.

“The way it’s growing so fast makes it clear that many people are desperate to spread love,” Danielle says. “People are hungry for this type of thing. They just need direction.”

The organization’s “Prayers for the City” journal began when a member of their prayer committee set up a table in a parking lot where they were distributing clothes and food. Danielle recalls a grandmother who approached the table.

“She told me about her grandkids she’s raising because their mother was murdered and their father overdosed,” Danielle says.

“She also mentioned that she was concerned about Christmas and how she was going to be able to make that special.”

The committee member jotted down everything the grandmother said in a journal. After others saw what was happening, they came over and did the same. Danielle was blown away by the number of people who were eager to share their stories.

“THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF OUR MINISTRY IS TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE KNOW THAT THEY ARE KNOWN, THEY ARE SEEN AND THEY ARE LOVE.” - DANIELLE BATTSON

“We had no idea so many people would open up,” Danielle says. “It was so touching.”

Many shared how they feel invisible when passersby avoid eye contact with them and keep walking.

During the week, members of the Whitestone Ministries committee meet to share what has worked and what they could do better, and also attend to prayers from the journal.

“The most important part of our ministry is to make sure people know that they are known, they are seen and they are loved,” Danielle says.

When Danielle and Jeff started the ministry last June, all of their energy was focused on showing the homeless population that they are people too. As Jeff and Danielle watched racial protests and demonstrations unfold JANUARY 2021

in Indianapolis and around the world last summer, they felt driven to dive in and do their part. Folks were interested in hearing what they had to say as an interracial couple.

Danielle and Jeff were open to sharing how racial tensions affect them.

“Being that voice that they were not hearing a lot of, diffused much of the anger,” Danielle says.

What she found even more healing, however, was sitting back and letting people talk.

“People needed us to listen, learn and love,” Danielle says. “It was both impactful and heartbreaking.”

Prior to starting Whitestone Ministries, Danielle worked for 10 years in Christianbased day care. She’s always had a passion for giving back to her community. In fact, she calls it her heartbeat.

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“To be able to do that every day is a dream for us,” she says. “We’re humbled to regularly work with all these selfless people.”

Though they are still a relatively new ministry, Danielle is already feeling inspired to help veterans.

“We’re so excited about that and are currently lining up organizations to help us with that,” says Danielle, who has a background in mentoring women at the So Big Mountain House in Whitestown, which is a small, Christian-based shelter for pregnant women. She first went there to pray over their land and house, and the women there began talking to Danielle and were drawn to her loving spirit.

“Now I pray over them and God gives me the words to speak to them,” Danielle says.

“The women say it gives them hope and joy, and empowers them to envision life outside of that environment.”

Danielle is happy to shower anyone with love, whether they receive it or not.

“You meet with different personalities, but it’s so satisfying to be that face of Christ for the city,” she says.

Some days can be difficult, especially when seeing firsthand how pervasive homelessness is.

“We want to cure homelessness but we can’t,” Danielle says. “We can, however, put a dent in it.”

She’s also proud to be involved in a ministry that endured when the going got tough.

“We heard from several different people that said when the pandemic hit, all of the ministries left,” Danielle says. “That’s crushing, but we’re trying our best to earn their trust and let them know that we are

JANUARY 2021

here for the long haul.”

For more information about Whitestone Ministries, call 317-410-1929, email whitestoneministriesin@gmail.com, and visit whitestoneministriesin.org.

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The new year is a popular time to set resolutions for self-improvement. It can be daunting committing to big changes.

Understanding the “why” behind your goals can make them easier to stick to. Setting goals to look after your health is a great way to start 2021.

CO OK AT HOM E Home-cooked meals are usually healthier than takeout. Aim to have at least one home-cooked meal per day. If you find yourself low on time, a good option is to prepare in an organized way. Set one day aside for grocery shopping, prepping meals, and storing them in containers for the rest of the week.

D RINK E NOU GH WATE R Our bodies need water to function properly.

Help your body out by drinking enough water. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends 3.7 liters of water for men, and 2.7 liters of water for women, per day. Make it a goal to cut out sugary drinks and replace them with water.

a better mood and increased productivity.

Other benefits of sleep include improved memory, blood pressure and weight control.

Adults should usually get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Have a set bedtime to ensure you are getting the amount of rest you need.

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Instead of riding elevators, take stairs when you can. This is a quick fix for adding more movement throughout your day and burning some extra calories as well. It can also be an energy booster. According to a study outlined in Physiology & Behavior, a scientific journal, tired women who climbed stairs for 10 minutes received a bigger energy boost than those who drank a can of soda or half a cup of coffee.

S ET A S LE E P S C H ED ULE Getting enough sleep gets you ready for the next day. A good night’s rest can lead to JANUARY 2021

Prevention is a key component for staying in optimal health. Adults should see their primary care provider, optometrist, gynecologist (for females) and dermatologist once per year, and their dentist once every six months. Put your health first and book your health appointments for the year to ensure they are on your calendar.

Many resources are available to help you live your healthiest lifestyle. The best place to start is by talking with your primary care provider.

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With each new year, people often sit down and try to figure out resolutions.

Last year was a tough one in many ways, and hopefully 2021 will hold many happy moments. Resolutions can sometimes feel overwhelming, and oftentimes disappointing. This year, let’s try a fresh approach.

For 2021, create your own bucket list of things you can feel good accomplishing.

Complete them any time during the year, at your own pace, and enjoy the moments when you are doing them. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

READ SOMETHING Every year many people decide they are going to read more, but this year let’s take it easy. Just pick something to read. Maybe you’ll start a book that you’ve been wanting to read for a while. Maybe try reading the newspaper every day. Whatever it is, don’t overcomplicate it. Read something, an entire something, and be done with it.

COOK SOMETHING 2020 could possibly be called the year of cooking for many. Still, take time in 2021 to try a new recipe or cook as a family. Try family pizza night, or if you’ve done that, go for something harder. Your kids will love trying to make macarons or some sort of festive cake. If you really want to have fun with it, create a little competition.

VISIT SOMEWHERE Many people were stuck at home more than usual last year, exploring what’s available to them in their own backyard. Maybe it’s time to visit that state park you haven’t been to, or that new campsite. You can still travel and be safe, and it’s good for the soul - even if it’s just exploring a newly built park down the street. Get outside and visit somewhere new to you. Remember, it doesn’t have to be far.

TRY SOMETHING May I suggest yoga? Try something new that you haven’t done before, and maybe something that will help to alleviate stress and clear your head. It doesn’t have to be yoga - maybe try a new workout or starting a new routine. Think outside the box here, too. It could be a new game, a new sport or a new type of art. Whatever you choose, make it something you can continue to do throughout the new year and maybe longer.

WATCH SOMETHING Many of us have been binging on plenty of old and new TV shows lately. There’s so much out there to watch that sometimes it can be overwhelming. Take a minute to research documentaries online, and choose one that CLEAN SOMETHING covers a topic you know nothing about.

All year long things can often get shoved into closets, and now is a great time to tackle Post on Facebook asking for suggestions them one by one. You can check this one off from friends for new shows to watch. Pick something and watch it from beginning to after you’ve cleaned up a room or a closet, end, even if it’s a seven-season sitcom. or maybe reorganized a pantry. Whatever it is, pick something you’ll feel good about when you are done.

CREATE SOMETHING Many homes were filled to the brim with artwork in 2020. Every year should be like that. Don’t always leave this to the kids, and remember, creating isn’t limited to painting or drawing a picture. It could be those mudroom lockers you’ve been meaning to build, or maybe it’s that backyard oasis that’s been on your list too.

MAKE A DONATION Choose a favorite cause, and donate or volunteer this year. There are many people and foundations in need of help after such a rough 2020, and this is the perfect time to get out there and help others. It’s never a bad idea to offer help to those in need, and you can do so in many ways. If you are very busy and can afford it, monetary donations can be helpful. If volunteering in person is more your speed, reach out to your local food bank, homeless shelter or other organization, and find out how you can serve as a volunteer. *** Hopefully these ideas have given you a start on how to rock your 2021. Wishing you the best in the new year - you’ve got this!

ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE PLAINFIELD ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT PERSEVERES DURING THE PANDEMIC Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photographer / Amy Payne

PlainfieldMag.com / JANUARY 2021 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / 19

G

rowing up, Torrey Rodkey always had a passion for athletics.

Though he claims he was never a stellar athlete, he always enjoyed sports. He played and has coached multiple sports, beginning his teaching and coaching career in 1993 at Frankfort High School before moving on to become a varsity basketball coach at Western Boone.

Rodkey’s wife Kellie is also in education.

The pair both earned their administrative licenses. In 2009 Kellie was offered a job at Avon High School while Rodkey got an assistant principal job at Plainfield High School (PHS), so they moved their family to Hendricks County. In 2014 Rodkey was asked to become the PHS athletic director. It meant extra work, but he was happy to do it.

“Long hours don’t bother me,” Rodkey says.

He never fathomed the hours he’d put in this past year, however, once COVID-19 entered our lives. Still, the lessons he has always instilled in his athletes were applicable to the pandemic, and perhaps even resonated a bit more than usual.

“We emphasize that it’s about the journey, not the wins and losses,” Rodkey says.

“It’s also about the relationships you build and experiences you have, both positive and negative.”

Rodkey calls the past few months “a roller coaster of unknowns.” Through April and May, teachers and administrators all learned the art of the Zoom call. In July, Rodkey communicated with other athletic departments and health departments, trying to figure out a game plan to keep kids safe heading into the season.

“We were getting guidance and direction from our state and county health departments, and the IHSAA that governs our athletics, just trying to see where we were going to be,” Rodkey says.

In the summer Rodkey got his athletes back into the gym, onto the fields and in the weight rooms, with fresh protocols in place.

“Our participation numbers were really high, actually,” Rodkey says. “After being cooped up for months, our kids were excited to be back.”

Over the summer and even now, students are expected to complete a daily check for symptoms before coming to school, and masks are mandatory.

The PHS staff ventured into the fall season with their fingers crossed, hoping that once everyone was back on campus they could have a complete season. The season got off to a rocky start with the first football game.

“On Tuesday we got a call from GreenfieldCentral saying they couldn’t play because they had a number of kids in quarantine,”

20 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021 / PlainfieldMag.com

“WE’RE THANKFUL FOR THE OUTSTANDING COOPERATION FROM OUR ATHLETES, PARENTS, COACHES AND ADMINISTRATORS. THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE ATHLETES, COACHES, OFFICIALS AND SPECTATORS IS ALWAYS OUR NUMBER-ONE PRIORITY.” - KATHY MATHEWS recalls Rodkey, who scrambled to find a replacement team.

Thankfully the fall season in general went relatively smoothly, though some rescheduling took place due to quarantines and outbreaks at other schools. Rodkey celebrated the fact that PHS got through girls golf, boys tennis, soccer, volleyball, and football relatively unscathed.

“In the winter we’ll have to be even more careful than we have been in the fall,” Rodkey says. “It’s one thing when you’re outside at a soccer match and socially distanced, but swim meets inside a natatorium are not an ideal condition for social distancing or ventilation.”

Basketball and wrestling are also indoors.

Kathy Mathews, the head athletic trainer at PHS, is pleased with the safety measures the school has implemented to decrease the risk of exposure for their athletes, including extra cleaning protocols, limiting group sizes for practices, meetings and training sessions, and requiring all athletes to provide their own water bottle. In addition, students wear masks in locker rooms and distance when they can on the sidelines.

Though it’s impossible to eliminate the risk, PHS is doing their best to reduce it.

“We’re thankful for the outstanding cooperation from our athletes, parents, coaches and administrators,” Mathews says. “The health and safety of the athletes,

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coaches, officials and spectators is always our number-one priority.”

When the athletes compete they are not required to wear masks, but coaches and kids on the bench are. Though masks may not be comfortable in some situations, the practice has become routine.

“If football coaches can be out in July in 95-degree heat with their face covered, anyone can do it,” Rodkey says. “For now, if we are going to play this is how it’s got to be.”

The administrators’ inability to control what students do outside of school has been a challenge.

“We encourage them to make smart choices and good decisions,” Rodkey says. “We’ve got to be in this together.”

Rodkey says the pandemic situation is a reminder not to take anything for granted.

“I hope people stay vigilant,” he says. “This isn’t going to last forever so over these next few months or whatever it is, we need to continue to stay vigilant or we won’t be able to compete. If we have an outbreak or surge in the numbers in the state, we know the county health department or the state could shut us down at any second.”

In an effort to help reduce the risk of transmission, last fall PHS leaders chose to cancel their annual carnival and parade, and reduce attendance at the homecoming game from 3,000 fans to 500. The sights and sounds may have been different, but one thing remained the same, and that’s how hard the athletes competed.

“Coaching during the pandemic has been challenging, but in some ways it’s been even more gratifying,” says Drew Sheppard, varsity boys soccer coach. “We’ve had to cancel many traditions that make our season special, which I think was hard for everyone at first. That being said, we are more grateful than ever to be out there playing. I definitely see an increased appreciation and excitement from players this season.”

22 / PLAINFIELD MAGAZINE / JANUARY 2021 / PlainfieldMag.com

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Trusted by more moms than anyone else in Indiana.

When you’re having a baby, highly skilled care you can trust changes everything. In Indiana, more moms trust Indiana University Health to deliver their babies than anyone else in the state. We give moms-to-be our unwavering commitment to compassionate, safe and quality care — plus access to in-person or virtual visits, based on their needs. Moms give our highly skilled OB/GYNs 4.8 out of 5 stars. Moms know best.

Find your highly skilled OB/GYN at iuhealth.org/moms

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Our Safe Care Pledge Rest assured your safety is our utmost priority. At IU Health, we want to assure you that we are taking thoughtful steps to make sure our spaces remain safe for everyone.

How we’re keeping you safe at each IU Health care facility: ■

A universal mask policy

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Social distancing

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Limited waiting room time

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Continually disinfecting